Friday, November 09, 2007
Live and Learn - Never Stop
I learned recently that if you put your clothes in the dryer in a jumbled mess, they will likely come out in a jumbled mess. But if you take just a couple of seconds to unravel them and lay them nicely in the dryer - they come out looking fresh and nearly wrinkle free. Joy!
Throw Away Society
That title above is not a request – but a description. It seems we don’t “fix” anything anymore. If something breaks we just throw it out and buy a new one. Meanwhile, our landfills are heaping with this junk, our resources are being depleted, our water poisoned with old batteries and poisonous parts, and more energy is needless used to re-create what we already have.
I think the problem isn’t just with consumers – in fact I think a lot of the blame rests on those that manufacture these electronics. They are not built to be fixed in the first place. In the name of getting it on the market fast and cheap they integrate all the parts into one unit that can’t really be modified, upgraded, or repaired. It is way more expensive to fix something like that than just to buy a new one. I think “fast and cheap” is a terrible way to run a society. I wonder if we will ever get past this. Once again, it comes down to money – so it will not likely change.
I think the problem isn’t just with consumers – in fact I think a lot of the blame rests on those that manufacture these electronics. They are not built to be fixed in the first place. In the name of getting it on the market fast and cheap they integrate all the parts into one unit that can’t really be modified, upgraded, or repaired. It is way more expensive to fix something like that than just to buy a new one. I think “fast and cheap” is a terrible way to run a society. I wonder if we will ever get past this. Once again, it comes down to money – so it will not likely change.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
OutSourced In
I try not to write articles about my workplace because even in the land of free speech, you can be fired rather quickly for something you write in your personal Blog that your bosses don’t like. But there is one issue I’d like to vent about that hopefully won’t get me into too much trouble. I’ll try to be vague.
I’ve worked at the same job for 11 years now – we will call them Company A. Recently we “merged” with another company about the same size as ours – we will call them Company S. Merged is in quotes there because it felt more like a hostel takeover to me. I’ve had a few issues with this merger but I’ve kept mostly quiet about them until now (see above). Let me try to explain my frustration.
Our e-mail addresses at Company A are composed of a combination of 6 letters from our first and last names and sometimes they form nice little words (often even funny). Since several people in my office had my same first name when I started, and my combination of letters formed a nice little nickname – I became known throughout the company as denbec. It’s been that way for all 11 years. Now we merge with Company S and it was decided that the IT department where I work (and only the IT department) will work directly for Corporate, and as such we will assume their e-mail address standard. We were told we were no longer to use the old address and we even needed to change our signature files, business cards etc. Suddenly denbec is dead. Now even people inside our original Company A get messages from me with Company S’s address. It feels like a shotgun marriage where I was forced to take a new name and the old one is gone forever. I wonder how many of my messages are being deleted because people don’t know it was from me.
While I am still mourning the death of denbec, I have another issue with this change. The building I walk into each day says Company A, the security badge I wear says Company A, and most of the people I support work for Company A – yet it appears to all concerned that I work for Company S. It’s like I have been outsourced to my own job while I sit at the same desk. When new employees call do they realize I really work directly with them and not at the new corporate office? Does it matter? Well I think it really does. For example, since the merger we also take support calls for Company S after hours and when they call and realize they are talking to someone who is mostly unfamiliar with their business it can be unsettling. But that’s one of those topics I decided not to comment on before so we will leave it at that.
Since this merger, Company S has “merged” with several other companies and I’ve been assured that eventually we will all assume the new email standard. I would have been happy to wait and make the change with everyone else.
The good news is that denbec is not totally dead. In the years I have worked this job that nickname has become such a part of my life that I use it on my personal accounts as well. You might even notice it happily residing in the URL of this blog. Maybe Company S won’t be able to recognize denbec and I won’t get fired after all.
I’ve worked at the same job for 11 years now – we will call them Company A. Recently we “merged” with another company about the same size as ours – we will call them Company S. Merged is in quotes there because it felt more like a hostel takeover to me. I’ve had a few issues with this merger but I’ve kept mostly quiet about them until now (see above). Let me try to explain my frustration.
Our e-mail addresses at Company A are composed of a combination of 6 letters from our first and last names and sometimes they form nice little words (often even funny). Since several people in my office had my same first name when I started, and my combination of letters formed a nice little nickname – I became known throughout the company as denbec. It’s been that way for all 11 years. Now we merge with Company S and it was decided that the IT department where I work (and only the IT department) will work directly for Corporate, and as such we will assume their e-mail address standard. We were told we were no longer to use the old address and we even needed to change our signature files, business cards etc. Suddenly denbec is dead. Now even people inside our original Company A get messages from me with Company S’s address. It feels like a shotgun marriage where I was forced to take a new name and the old one is gone forever. I wonder how many of my messages are being deleted because people don’t know it was from me.
While I am still mourning the death of denbec, I have another issue with this change. The building I walk into each day says Company A, the security badge I wear says Company A, and most of the people I support work for Company A – yet it appears to all concerned that I work for Company S. It’s like I have been outsourced to my own job while I sit at the same desk. When new employees call do they realize I really work directly with them and not at the new corporate office? Does it matter? Well I think it really does. For example, since the merger we also take support calls for Company S after hours and when they call and realize they are talking to someone who is mostly unfamiliar with their business it can be unsettling. But that’s one of those topics I decided not to comment on before so we will leave it at that.
Since this merger, Company S has “merged” with several other companies and I’ve been assured that eventually we will all assume the new email standard. I would have been happy to wait and make the change with everyone else.
The good news is that denbec is not totally dead. In the years I have worked this job that nickname has become such a part of my life that I use it on my personal accounts as well. You might even notice it happily residing in the URL of this blog. Maybe Company S won’t be able to recognize denbec and I won’t get fired after all.
Ro and Me
I've enjoyed Rosie for many years now so I went to her book signing to check if perhaps I was "star struck" or maybe she wans't really "all that". While my visit with her was necessarily short, I was able to watch her interact with the other people as I waited in line. Let me just say that Rosie is the real deal. My admiration for her only grew deeper watching the warmth, the "yellow" she shares with everyone as though we were all her personal friends. And I honestly believe we are - even the "stranger friends" that haven't actually met her in person but share her very personal life on her Blog. We all love you Rosie!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
We Are Everywhere!
On my recent road trip, I ended up in some much smaller communities that surprisingly had a gay populations, but not as visible as the larger cities. In these smaller towns people live quieter lives and go mostly unnoticed in their day to day lives. Those that oppose us - let's call them Haters - like to believe that we are a tiny, insignificant but undesirable part of their perfect world. This trip made me realize that there are far more homosexual people in this world than they would imagine. Actually, I think there far more than even I imagined. This is proof positive, if you ask me, that we are born and not learned. I think once conservative America is finally forced to understand that FACT, then the issue of rights etc. should be a moot point. Once we understand the FACT that God created us the way we are, then to question that creation is to question God's design. That can't be good for one's salvation.
My Hero - Google Maps
I just returned from a wonderful little road trip to the Deep South which oddly, I drove quite a bit North to get to. Anyway, I took this trip alone and visited several cities I had never been to before. I'm usually not the type to get lost easily but none of these places had nice grid type streets and I actually did lose my way several times. Thank goodness for Google Maps on my Treo phone! It's not like other map sites on the Internet - it's a separate little program that zooms, slides, guides, and points exactly to that place you want to go - with some handy other suggestions in true Google style. And it even shows it in Satellite view if you want which can be very helpful in unfamiliar surroundings. Neat!
I'm not one to give product endorsements but Google Maps on my PDA is the schizzle!
I'm not one to give product endorsements but Google Maps on my PDA is the schizzle!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Outsourcing War
I wish I had never heard of "BlackWater". It only makes me realize that my post on The Profits of War , which I wrote before I knew what Blackwater is, was probably right on target - and that is so very sad.
Stuck in '04
Time is slipping by – faster every day. The weeks are like days, years like months and as I get older time just seems to slip by ever more swiftly. I know I am not alone with this feeling. I honestly believe there is some phenomena that is actually happening and it is not just a perception that we have. As a child I remember summer vacation seeming like years, now the kids are out of school and right back in before I even realize it.
One theory I had was that our perception of time changes as we experience the passing days. For instance, the first day we were born, our whole life was that one day. The next day of life we lived what would be two lifetimes as seen from the first day. Each day that passes shows us that our days are actually going by faster than we originally thought because our perception of that day is reduced by a percentage of the amount of time we have been alive. But the theory falls sort because the percentage shrinks as we age, so our perception of time should be slowing down. For example, the second day of life it was 1/2, the third day 1/3 etc. As the years go by, that percentage gets really small so it should seem like the days are in fact mostly the same length. But the reverse seems to be true – they seem much shorter every day.
My current theory is that time is directly related to the way the universe is growing at an ever increasing rate. This is probably not even my theory, I likely picked it up in an article or movie, but it does make sense. I think sometime soon we may actually be able to measure this change in our perception of time. I’m not sure what the rate is now, but I can tell you how it feels. In my work I have to type a lot of dates – mostly the current date. I keep finding myself typing in ‘04 instead of ‘07. Apparently, my perception of time is about 3 years behind where I actually am. It will be interesting to see if I stay stuck in ’04 of if I eventually move ahead.
One theory I had was that our perception of time changes as we experience the passing days. For instance, the first day we were born, our whole life was that one day. The next day of life we lived what would be two lifetimes as seen from the first day. Each day that passes shows us that our days are actually going by faster than we originally thought because our perception of that day is reduced by a percentage of the amount of time we have been alive. But the theory falls sort because the percentage shrinks as we age, so our perception of time should be slowing down. For example, the second day of life it was 1/2, the third day 1/3 etc. As the years go by, that percentage gets really small so it should seem like the days are in fact mostly the same length. But the reverse seems to be true – they seem much shorter every day.
My current theory is that time is directly related to the way the universe is growing at an ever increasing rate. This is probably not even my theory, I likely picked it up in an article or movie, but it does make sense. I think sometime soon we may actually be able to measure this change in our perception of time. I’m not sure what the rate is now, but I can tell you how it feels. In my work I have to type a lot of dates – mostly the current date. I keep finding myself typing in ‘04 instead of ‘07. Apparently, my perception of time is about 3 years behind where I actually am. It will be interesting to see if I stay stuck in ’04 of if I eventually move ahead.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Magic Science
There are some things we use in our daily lives that, while I understand how they work, I just don't understand HOW they work. Maybe a couple of examples will clear that sentence up a bit.
Microwave ovens are one of these great mysteries. I know the concept of the thing, but it still amazes me. You put the food in, push some buttons, a fan runs and the food gets hot -even though the oven doesn't get hot and neither does the plate! But I think the bigger mystery here is that it never works right for bread. Everything else - fine, but bread - it practically changes form. But I digress.
Another thing that seems a mystery to me is even more simple - Sunscreen. The suns rays come all this way - billions of miles and if I put a tiny layer of cream on my skin it blocks the harmful rays that would burn me horribly otherwise. You can't even see it!
Those huge airliners getting off the ground - incredible. But somehow that concept makes sense to me. Sunscreen and Microwaves though, that has to be some form of magic.
Microwave ovens are one of these great mysteries. I know the concept of the thing, but it still amazes me. You put the food in, push some buttons, a fan runs and the food gets hot -even though the oven doesn't get hot and neither does the plate! But I think the bigger mystery here is that it never works right for bread. Everything else - fine, but bread - it practically changes form. But I digress.
Another thing that seems a mystery to me is even more simple - Sunscreen. The suns rays come all this way - billions of miles and if I put a tiny layer of cream on my skin it blocks the harmful rays that would burn me horribly otherwise. You can't even see it!
Those huge airliners getting off the ground - incredible. But somehow that concept makes sense to me. Sunscreen and Microwaves though, that has to be some form of magic.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
The Average American Has a Blog
You may have noticed in my blog thesis that I call myself “Your Basic Average Dude”. Why you ask? Well let me explain.
I read a lot of periodicals and news stories – especially on the Internet. Most of these stories prove their points by saying things like:
“The average American shops at….”
Or
“The average American drives a……”
Or
“The average American’s daily commute is …….”
Well, you get the picture. I’m just amazed at how often I fit right into the neat little statistic they came up with. And I guess it suits me. I don’t consider myself above average and I certainly don’t want to be below average. So I am “Your Basic Average Dude”.
And just for the record, while it happens with amazing frequency, I’m not always exactly average. ;)
I read a lot of periodicals and news stories – especially on the Internet. Most of these stories prove their points by saying things like:
“The average American shops at….”
Or
“The average American drives a……”
Or
“The average American’s daily commute is …….”
Well, you get the picture. I’m just amazed at how often I fit right into the neat little statistic they came up with. And I guess it suits me. I don’t consider myself above average and I certainly don’t want to be below average. So I am “Your Basic Average Dude”.
And just for the record, while it happens with amazing frequency, I’m not always exactly average. ;)
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
The "N" Word Is't Nice
The big debate in the music business right now is weather Hip Hop artists should be allowed to use the “N” word in their songs. It is a very interesting debate because it makes us seriously examine our American right to free speech.
I have been a huge fan of Hip Hop music for years now. I own and play (sometimes loudly) the uncensored versions of music with profanity and even the “N” word so it is a relevant topic for me. I can agree (or disagree) with both sides of this topic. I understand the concept of using a word that has been used in hate in such a way that it loses its power. We in the gay community have done so with the “F” word (the other one). But I also understand that many people have fought long and hard to rise above the hatred that originally gave the word its power. I believe they are correct in saying we should stop using it all together. There are also those that say it is wrong to subject small children to these hurtful words - and that is also a good point.
I believe censorship is rarely a good idea – especially for artists. But there may be way to somewhat censor without curbing creativity. Here is my suggestion. The entertainment industry is all about awards and award shows. What if we say your song will not be eligible for a public award if it uses “that” word in any version. I think a lot of artists would think twice if they knew their efforts would not be recognized if they choose to use offensive language. Again, it is censorship (which I am against) but it might work at least a little.
I say “in any version” of the song because I have to admit – I am tired of listening to radio edits of songs with half the lyrics either beeped or worse, just cut out. To me – that is more offensive than the words themselves.
I have been a huge fan of Hip Hop music for years now. I own and play (sometimes loudly) the uncensored versions of music with profanity and even the “N” word so it is a relevant topic for me. I can agree (or disagree) with both sides of this topic. I understand the concept of using a word that has been used in hate in such a way that it loses its power. We in the gay community have done so with the “F” word (the other one). But I also understand that many people have fought long and hard to rise above the hatred that originally gave the word its power. I believe they are correct in saying we should stop using it all together. There are also those that say it is wrong to subject small children to these hurtful words - and that is also a good point.
I believe censorship is rarely a good idea – especially for artists. But there may be way to somewhat censor without curbing creativity. Here is my suggestion. The entertainment industry is all about awards and award shows. What if we say your song will not be eligible for a public award if it uses “that” word in any version. I think a lot of artists would think twice if they knew their efforts would not be recognized if they choose to use offensive language. Again, it is censorship (which I am against) but it might work at least a little.
I say “in any version” of the song because I have to admit – I am tired of listening to radio edits of songs with half the lyrics either beeped or worse, just cut out. To me – that is more offensive than the words themselves.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Pack Your Bags!
A while back I discovered a way to make my life just a bit easier. I have a bag already packed for those activities I do regularly. I have a bag for the gym – all ready to go including a fresh towel I can replace after my workout. Going to the beach? Got a bag packed for that already too! Off to work I go as I grab my backpack with everything I need to take to the office with me (remember the laptop!). My office backpack has just about anything I would need as far as personal health items like aspirin, Tums, travel size mouth wash and deodorant – just in case.
It’s really a great way to be somewhat organized.
It’s really a great way to be somewhat organized.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Space Sickness
We should privatize space exploration and use the money our government spends on that for a public health care system.
Personally, I have a huge interest in the mystery of Space and I believe Space travel and exploration is indeed very important for the human race. But it is very difficult to get everyone to agree on what is the best course to follow. The question of whether we should go back to the moon or head directly for Mars is a perfect example. I think private corporations could go in many directions at the same time and competition could spur more innovation and success. The government could still oversee the operations but in a much smaller role.
Meanwhile, health care for all Americans is a clear, obtainable goal and a perfect use of the public’s tax money. This way we would be using the people’s money to benefit all the people and not just the ones who agree on a particular goal. In this case, the government should have a larger role in policing the drug companies and keeping costs under control.
I think people that know me will be surprised by this post because of my interest in everything Space - but it makes good sense to me.
Personally, I have a huge interest in the mystery of Space and I believe Space travel and exploration is indeed very important for the human race. But it is very difficult to get everyone to agree on what is the best course to follow. The question of whether we should go back to the moon or head directly for Mars is a perfect example. I think private corporations could go in many directions at the same time and competition could spur more innovation and success. The government could still oversee the operations but in a much smaller role.
Meanwhile, health care for all Americans is a clear, obtainable goal and a perfect use of the public’s tax money. This way we would be using the people’s money to benefit all the people and not just the ones who agree on a particular goal. In this case, the government should have a larger role in policing the drug companies and keeping costs under control.
I think people that know me will be surprised by this post because of my interest in everything Space - but it makes good sense to me.
The World Is Best Viewed at 10 - 15 mph
Walking is too slow - you can't see much at a time
Driving is too fast - you miss too much.
Biking is perfect.
Driving is too fast - you miss too much.
Biking is perfect.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Profits of War
When one person spends - another person profits.
What is a cost to me - is a sale to someone else.
Whenever you hear the phrase "the cost of the war" - substitute the word "Cost" with the word "Profit" because what we as taxpayers are spending on equipment, food, bombs, planes, etc. eventually ends up on the balance sheet of some corporation that manufactures equipment, food, bombs, planes etc.
Now think about who we are buying these things from - often in "no-bid" contracts. The message is clear. A speedy end to the war means huge profit losses. They can't end it soon - it would cost them too much.
To me, this is the biggest money laundering operation imaginable. It funnels the money from American tax payers directly into the pockets of the corporations providing these services. And all it takes to keep it going smoothly is a video from Osama every once in a while to keep the fear alive. Is it any wonder he was never caught? It would be brilliant if it wasn't so fraudulent.
What is a cost to me - is a sale to someone else.
Whenever you hear the phrase "the cost of the war" - substitute the word "Cost" with the word "Profit" because what we as taxpayers are spending on equipment, food, bombs, planes, etc. eventually ends up on the balance sheet of some corporation that manufactures equipment, food, bombs, planes etc.
Now think about who we are buying these things from - often in "no-bid" contracts. The message is clear. A speedy end to the war means huge profit losses. They can't end it soon - it would cost them too much.
To me, this is the biggest money laundering operation imaginable. It funnels the money from American tax payers directly into the pockets of the corporations providing these services. And all it takes to keep it going smoothly is a video from Osama every once in a while to keep the fear alive. Is it any wonder he was never caught? It would be brilliant if it wasn't so fraudulent.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Pimpin the Parents
No offense to any of my co-workers to whom this might apply, but I just think it is wrong for parents to sell stuff for their children who are not even with them. This has become a huge racket from Girl Scout cookies to $1 candy bars to magazines.
I don't mind supporting school kids on their fund raising projects. In fact, when I was in school we did many fund raisers to support our band trips. But we did it all ourselves and it was hard work. In the process we learned that making money is often not easy but could be fun. We also learned social skills. Plus, the reward for reaching our goals was so much more realistic. Granted, the parents should be there in most cases to chaperon the kids for their safety - but the kids should be the ones conducting the business.
I don't mind supporting school kids on their fund raising projects. In fact, when I was in school we did many fund raisers to support our band trips. But we did it all ourselves and it was hard work. In the process we learned that making money is often not easy but could be fun. We also learned social skills. Plus, the reward for reaching our goals was so much more realistic. Granted, the parents should be there in most cases to chaperon the kids for their safety - but the kids should be the ones conducting the business.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Farts On the Dance Floor Still Stink
Oh they might not know it was you - but you really only get one chance - use it wisely.
PS It wasn't me.
PS It wasn't me.
Immaculate Conceptions Are On The Rise.
I still watch The View even though Rosie isn't on it - and I really like Woopie too so its all good. Today the two conservative co-hosts (Elizabeth and Sherrie - welcome Sherrie!) were flabbergasted at the suggestion that children in Jr. High School should be shown the correct way to use condoms. I don't know what world they live in but in my world that is exactly when kids start talking and thinking about sex. I've said before the time to think about birth control is before the conception. Kids WILL have sex and if you don't talk to them about it or allow schools to teach sex education, they will also get pregnant or catch a life threatening disease. It happened in my school and I guarantee it happens in every school - even the church schools. Conservatives like to believe that abstinence training works best. I'm here to tell you it doesn't work at all. It is a myth. Peer pressure is much stronger than Parent pressure. Do some research on teen pregnancy. I'm sure nearly all those kids were told not to have sex.
Educating children about protected sex does not encourage them to do it. It protects them from it. If you deny this reality then I hope you enjoy your early grandchildren.
Educating children about protected sex does not encourage them to do it. It protects them from it. If you deny this reality then I hope you enjoy your early grandchildren.
Media Mahem
I love Rosie O'Donnell. I'm not the type that gets star struck and I don't know if I consider my admiration for Rosie as such but I bring it up for a very important reason. I was delighted when I heard she would be the moderator on The View and I watched every episode of the show last year. At the same time I discovered Rosie's Blog and read it daily as well. But the media depiction of events that happened on the show - and even things in her blog are totally inaccurate to the events that really happened if you watched the show or read the blog. This became a big eye opener for me. It seems most things you watch on TV or see in the tabloids and even reputable newspapers and magazines are twisted and edited for dramatic effect. Apparently truth doesn't sell as well as drama. Please always keep that in mind whenever you read or view something that you didn't see for yourself.
By the way, the truth about Rosie, in my opinion, is that she is one of the most brilliant, generous and incredibly real celebrities I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy.
By the way, the truth about Rosie, in my opinion, is that she is one of the most brilliant, generous and incredibly real celebrities I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy.
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