Slick!

It's time for Sara Palin and John McCain to go skinny dipping of the shore of Louisiana. And I suppose they should take President Obama with them.

They should also read one of my recent posts and the associated comments.

Epic Dreams

One year ago this weekend I began my adventure of a lifetime. I truly believed that completing this journey I had dreamed of for so long would "cure" me of this silly bicycle stuff. It didn't. Ever since I returned, I've been longing to get back on the open road, camping in the majesty of nature with my destiny in the hands of only myself and God. I guess I haven't fully adjusted back into "normal" life. I feel uncomfortable back in the corporate world and perhaps I never was. I can't shake this nagging feeling that I am meant for something else. But what?!

The good news is that I discovered a wonderful side effect of making time to fulfill your dreams - you get to dream up new ones!

And so as I sit in this cold windowless box ensuring someone else makes lots of money, I dream of my next adventure. It might not be as grand as the last one - or perhaps it will be even more epic! Either way its nice to dream and I can't wait.

As Whitney sings in the final video of my trip - "My finest day is yet unknown"

Please Don't Shoot But...................

Is there a bill being proposed somewhere to annul the 2nd amendment? I don't recall reading anything about it. Still there are protesters outside the capital - with guns - protesting their right to carry them. Did I miss something?

The real scary part of this is that some of the protesters say they are there in response to the health care bill. I guess Sarah Palin's message has been received.

I believe in the constitutional right to bear arms - in fact I have many family members who are hunters (for food). However, I do not believe that crazy people should be allowed to carry a weapon (concealed or not)! Anybody that makes a connection between health care reform and the right to bear arms who then shows up at a protest with a weapon should be arrested on the spot and confined to a mental institution. This is not a demonstration - it is a threat of brutal violence. These people are clearly saying that they intend to use their weapons against people who disagree with them.

We call this terrorism.

Prostitution Is Illegal

If Corporations are to be considered and treated as persons in this country, with the same rights and responsibilities as an individual, then it follows that these Individuals shall not buy and sell other Individuals. This Corporate person has the right to exist but is owned by no one. In this country it is against the law to own a person. The end to mega-monopolies has finally arrived. Put the Corporate Pimps in jail.

Andre Gets Five Minutes

If you have read any of the comments in my recent posts, you will see my reader Andre and I have gotten into some spirited debates on some of these political topics. Well, at least they were spirited for a while and then they got rather lengthy and cynical. Still, I enjoy a good debate.

The other day I went back and started reading my blog from the beginning - back to 2005. An interesting theme appeared almost immediately that I wanted to share. My arguments against the "W" administration at the time are amazingly similar the arguments currently being voiced by Andre and other political commentators today. Wasted tax payer money, huge deficits, not listening to the American people and violation or erosion of our basic American rights were central themes then and now. At the time people were even referring to George W. as Hitler - just as they are doing to President Obama.

Are both parties right? Are both parties wrong? I find it all very interesting.

Democrats Love Palin!

Republicans have chosen as their party's primary spokesperson a high ranking elected official who quit her elected job to be a spokesperson. They elected her - she quit - and they love her for it! It really is quite comical. But in my opinion, Sarah Palin is the best thing that ever happened to the Democratic party. She is indeed a portrait of the extreme right movement and I don't think the moderate Republicans enjoy her or her message. I'm also hopeful that her high visibility and extreme opinions against a popular Democratic President will bring out more Democratic voters who might otherwise choose not to vote. Go Palin!

Air Sick

CEO's of major airlines keep telling us that the reason they are charging extra fees for things that should be included in the ticket price is for the customers benefit. It gives us more "choices" and makes their pricing "fair".

I've never heard a bigger piece of crap.

I'm just trying to get to South Dakota from Florida to visit my ailing Mother and the base fare is still over $550.00 - not including food, checked and/or carry-on bags, and fuel surcharge. By the time I board that plane it will cost me well over $600.00 for a domestic coach ticket! I don't have a "choice" and it certainly isn't "fair".

A note to CEO's everywhere: Stop coming up with this stupid "word play". We are smarter than you think and you are making your companies look very foolish to the consumer. When we really do get a choice at something fair, we will remember who tried to screw us.

UPDATE 4/20/10 - Spirit Airlines announces "pre-reclined" seats on it's new plane. Pre-reclined!! LOL You got it - those are seats that don't move at all. Nice. This is totally going to ruin Ellen DeGeneres's stand up routine.

Thrilled With 30 Cents

My local grocery store always puts the amount I saved on the bottom of my receipt. I don't even need a stupid saving card to enjoy the discount. I take pride in my careful shopping and usually only buy what's on sale due to my very limited budget. Sometimes I save 30 - 50 percent with a good "buy one get one free" sale. I find it interesting that when I have such a great shopping trip - saving $30 on $100 worth of groceries, I'm handed my receipt without any notice of my accomplishment. However, if I go in to buy something under $10, the cashier uses a marker to hi-light the amount I saved and then announces cheerfully as she hands me the receipt " you saved 30 cents today!".

Machines Are Not Magic

It amazes me that people don't take the time to learn how things work. Machines do some amazing things but there isn't a whole lot of magic in the world. Here are a few examples:

I = Issue
W = why it's wrong

I = A person arrives home and turns the A/C down to 50 thinking it will get cool faster (or the heat up to 90)
W = A/C and heating units always run at the same speed and the fan that distributes the air also typically runs at the same speed. The thermostat is only designed to stop the device when the proper temperature is reached. It cannot make the device work faster. Just set the temperature where you want it to stop and it will get there.

I = a person mowing the lawn is walking very fast to get the job done faster (or the vacuum cleaner)
W = The blade on the mower only turns so fast. If you push it faster you won't cut all the grass. Same for the vacuum cleaner - give the machine time to work

I = More soap means cleaner laundry
W = Too much soap means the machine won't be able to rinse all the soap out.

I = You just started the car and someone yells to turn up the heat (I didn't say "she" did I??)
W = Most cars get their heat from the engine. When you first start the car there isn't any heat. If you turn up the fan to hi you will only be blowing a lot of cold air around. Wait a little while then turn up the fan.

I= If you cook it on Hi it will get done faster.
W= Some things need lower heat to allow time for the heat to get through the food. If you cook it on Hi you will have a done or burnt outside and an undercooked inside. It works good for a rare steak though.

I have actually seen people do all of these things - and I'll admit I was guilty of the last one before I stopped to think about it. I'm a much better cook now.

Oiled Hurricane Magnet

I had a very entertaining evening reading comments on USA Today regarding the President's off-shore drilling announcement. It was just so difficult for those Republican PAC members to try to be negative about the President's agenda when it was a topic they actually agreed with. I found it quite comical. So to be fair, let me do it.

This announcement was not a surprise to me as it was referenced even during the election. But I still can't agree with it. True, we are a nation dependent on a resource of which we have a very limited supply. This causes us to be in business with rouge nations and the complications of this dependency are a matter of our national security. But drilling for oil anywhere is a short term bandaid on a gaping wound. The worlds oil supply is finite. We must find another resource. This article, however, is not about the other options we should explore - and there are many. Let's just deal with oil for the moment.

My biggest issue with off shore drilling is the inevitable environmental impact. If my only choice were to drill off shore or drill in a protected wildlife sanctuary, I would choose the later. Accidents happen and there will be spills. At least on land, a spill can be somewhat controlled and the impact is minimal compared to the potential widespread distribution of spilled oil in water. Off shore oil rigs are hurricane magnets. A severe storm not only adds to the potential for environmental disaster, but also stopped production during the storm. This will affect prices as we have seen too often in the past. Those rigs floating out in the open ocean tethered to the ground with a fragile pipe perhaps miles deep are a recipe for environmental and financial disaster. It is irresponsible on many levels.

So if we must drill let's drill on land. But of course these are not our only options. Innovation will heal this wound. Innovation can be expensive, but so are wars. Let's spend the money in the right place - a topic for another article.

UPDATE: Well it didn't even take a hurricane to bring down an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico last week, and while they denied there was an oil spill at the time, we now learn that it may turn out to be one of the biggest spills in oil history. Wonderful. I'm usually a little thrilled when history proves my articles are on target but in this case I had hoped it wouldn't be proven. The vast environmental damage is already occurring - soon to be followed by more financial damage in lost tourism due to oil slicked beaches and increased fuel prices. I believe there are no coincidences - let's not push the snooze button on this wake up call.

Late Adopter

Until recently, I've always been on the bleeding edge of technology. I love tech gadgets especially those that will do several things at once, like smart phones. I was on a waiting list for the Treo 600 when it came out and was thrilled with the device even with a few bugs that needed to be worked out. I've upgraded several times and currently own a Treo 755p. You might ask why someone like me still owns a Treo? While there are several answers, (It still works, contracts, prices etc.) the biggest reason is that I still refuse to do business with AT&T if at all possible.

You can't imagine how disappointed I was when the I-phone came out firmly attached to AT&T. In all honesty, my Treo did (and still does) almost everything the I-phone does. But the I-phone is the type of thing geeks like me dream about - fresh, new and exciting. But I decided my objection to AT&T was more important. Today I read that the exclusive deal between Apple and AT&T may be up and the I-phone may be available on other networks soon. And even though there was a hint that it might also include the newest version of the I-phone, I'm not sure I even want one any more. The poison Apple left a bad taste and I'm also rethinking my decision to possibly buy a MAC as my next computer.

Besides - everyone has an I-phone now, not so cool anymore for us geek types. I've held out this long and there are a lot of new technologies just around the corner. My Treo is still working great and I'm still satisfied with my Sprint service. I don't have a contract right now and I'm ready for the next big thing. Unless that thing is attached to AT&T.

Tune the 90's

If you listen to any modern urban type music, you have likely heard the Auto Tune microphone. It is a clever device and it does seem to have a particular application in that Genre, but it also is starting to get on my nerves a bit. Every track seems to use it now- some better than others. I think it takes the art out of music. If you can't carry a tune - you probably shouldn't be singing.

That reminds me of the 90's I wish I had a time machine that would allow me to go back and apply the Auto Tune microphone to those awful "Freestyle" songs that were popular back then. Such a device was badly needed. We have a dance station here that plays a lot of those old freestyle songs and I still cringe at the "almost in tune" droning of that genre. I have a friend who loves those tracks and I joke with him about it all the time. He also has experience in mixing music. Maybe I should challenge him to apply the auto tune and see if we can fix the 90's. It might be a fun project for him.

Hopey Changey

I'm very proud of our Democratic leaders for fighting hard for the common good of America. It is a historic period for our Country.

Out of Control Party

Attention SENSIBLE Republicans - take back your party!

We know there are far more reasonable people in the Republican party than the few that are making a spectacle of the conservative right. Please do yourselves a favor and stand up to these extremists! The Republican party is not bad - but there are bad people who think they own it. They are not only making a joke out of our great country and our political system, they are also making a joke of all the good Americans who identify as Republicans.

Stand up to them and let them know that violence against politicians is NOT accepted.

Let them know that being obnoxious does not reflect well on the party.

Tell them you are tired of the childish name calling.

Make them understand that they do not represent most Republicans.

There are ways to make your point without making a scene. Politics are for ADULTS.

Write to them, call them, talk to them. Let them know that you are a proud Republican and you want them to straighten up. Make your point by not watching their shows or supporting their newspapers. Attend your Tea Party meetings and make yourself heard. You have a voice too!

Counted (and Notated)

I completed my census form today and mailed it off. It was very easy and didn't take much time. I was glad to see the category of "unmarried domestic partner" as an option for the other person who might be living with you. Last census I was very honored to be able to indicate that my male partner and I of several years were indeed unmarried domestic partners. I often hear about statistics from the census that mention gay households and this is how they gather that information.

Our relationship ended after 10 years and this year I live alone. If you were to look at my form now you might not be able to tell that mine is still a gay household because it only just shows a single male living there. The same could be true of 2 (or more) gay roommates who do not consider themselves in a relationship. Their form would just show several males living as roommates. This little glitch in the system will widely skew the statistics that show how many gay people or households there are in the USA. And those numbers will be used to justify (or deny) causes related to gay issues. I think that is very significant.

I made a note on my form right next to where I had to choose Male or Female (not a difficult choice for me but I know some people who would have a hard time choosing just one). Right next to where I selected Male, I clearly wrote Homosexual. If a human being reads my form they will see it and hopefully note it. If a machine reads my form then I'm not gay anymore.

Balance

In the movie Avatar the planet natives have an unusual physical connection to the creatures they use for transportation. This allows a mental connection to the creature who in turn responds to their very thoughts. I know it sounds odd, but sometimes I feel like I have this same type of connection to my bicycle – as if it becomes a part of me as I ride. This was especially true on my recent bicycle trip across the USA. That feeling of connection is amplified when your entire life at the moment is loaded on the bicycle as well. At first it seems very foreign and difficult to control. But when you get used to the way the bicycle handles with all the extra weight, it becomes a natural extension of yourself. When camp is set up and all the weight is removed from the bike, it again feels foreign for a few moments while you adjust. I’m sure people had a good chuckle watching me go out for dinner wobbling on my bike like a child riding for the first time. But soon I found the balance again.


Because of my bicycle trip, the movie Avatar had a very profound and lasting effect on me. I grew up in rural America but I only knew my little part. I’ve had jobs where I traveled throughout the USA, but I rarely strayed from the Interstate Highway system. This trip was much different as I traveled on back roads and converted railroad lines that were turned into bicycle paths. Many times I found myself captivated by the diversity and beauty of this amazing country. I found myself riding in places not too disturbed by human activity. It was as magical and “other worldly” as the scenery in Avatar and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised that the local natives were also friendly, if not a bit cautious.


We live in a very special place and sadly few people get a chance to see it the way I did. There is great beauty in our National Parks but don’t expect it to be undisturbed. I found the National Parks jammed to the limit with giant RV buses and too many people trying to see the same thing at once. The deafening noise from Harley Davidson motorcycles often drowned out the sound of the birds and the gentle waterfalls. It wasn’t until I was off the beaten path that I could enjoy nature in all her glory. The sights, sounds, and smells were something I will never forget. I hope more people get a chance to view the world without a motor. Those that do will soon realize our coexistence with Nature is fragile and we must do whatever we can to keep the balance.


Balancing a planet loaded with people is much like balancing a loaded bicycle. It takes a little practice but you get used to it. We must find the balance or we will fall. If we fall the planet will wobble, adjust and find balance again – unloaded.

Liberal

"They" make it sound like a bad word. Do an Internet search on the definition. I'm proud to be a Liberal.

Money Doesn't Disappear

I read an article in USA Today yesterday that made me very sad. When so many people struggle for life's basic necessities (food, clothing, shelter), it is very disappointing to learn where their hard earned money went. Here is part of the article on the worlds richest people:

Buffett's fortune jumped $10 billion to $47 billion on rising shares of Berkshire Hathaway (BRKB). He ranks third.

The Oracle of Omaha shrewdly invested $5 billion in Goldman Sachs (GS) and $3 billion in General Electric (GE) amid the 2008 market collapse. He also recently acquired railroad giant Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNI) for $26 billion.

In his annual shareholder letter Buffett wrote, "We've put a lot of money to work during the chaos of the last two years. When it's raining gold, reach for a bucket, not a thimble."

Many plutocrats did just that. Indeed, last year's wealth wasteland has become a billionaire bonanza. Most of the richest people on the planet have seen their fortunes soar in the past year.

This year the World's Billionaires have an average net worth of $3.5 billion, up $500 million in 12 months. The world has 1,011 10-figure titans, up from 793 a year ago but still shy of the record 1,125 in 2008. Of those billionaires on last year's list, only 12% saw their fortunes decline.


It's almost as if they knew.

Build a Strong America

Whether you love him or hate him, Michael Moore makes some very profound points. He made another one last week on "Real Time With Bill Maher" with a comparison to the recent devastating earthquakes in Haiti and Chili. The quake in Chili was said to be 500 times more powerful than the one that hit Haiti, yet they suffered far fewer deaths and much less damage. That's because Chile has strict building codes and regulations enforced by the government. Michael said Haiti is a Republican's dream - a place where people do what they want, how they want, with little government interference. The results couldn't be clearer.

Back here in the USA, we have been shaken too. The results of unregulated business have caused failed banks, out of control health care costs, a real estate bubble and a host of other massive problems. We need government regulation to keep this country strong and stable. Without it we too will crumble.

In the same way thieves don't like police - crooks don't like government regulation.

2D Plus Glasses

I was thrilled when I learned that 3D TVs were arriving soon. Now I can watch those fantastic 3D movies in my own home without the chit chat, cell phones and babies crying. But then I found out that we will still need to wear 3D glasses to view these new expensive TV sets. What?? Where is the technology in that?!

There is, of course, technology involved in filming or broadcasting a 3D program as you need to get 2 pictures of the same thing - just like our eyes see 2 pictures. But when they play a 3D movie in the theater they don't replace the screen with a new 3D enabled screen - they show a flat picture, just like always, and the 3D glasses bring the 2 images together.

It stands to reason then that if you have a program recorded in 3D, it should be able to be viewed on any normal TV as well. All you should really need is the 3D glasses to bring the 2 images together. If we could view the 3D effect without the glasses then I might be willing to pay $1500 for such a device. In reality, all that should be needed is a $10 pair of glasses. I think they are pulling the wool over our eyes PLUS making us wear 3D glasses and I'm not buying it (yet).

It is the same fake technology they have been selling with respect to digital recorded media for years. There really hasn't been any new innovation in digital media since the basic CD player came out to the public. When DVD's arrived they were selling for hundreds more than a CD - but it was still the same technology (lasers reading optical disks). Ditto for Blue Ray. True they found a way to put more information on the disk with multiple layers etc., but it is still the same concept and not worth the extravagant price. And by the way, all of these optical disks have a glaring flaw that still hasn't been addressed - the fact that a tiny smudge or scratch can make them completely useless. Why do we still make digital media that spins? Clearly, flash memory should be the standard by now - it is much better technology. I'm sure it will be next - at an expensive price - even though it already exists for computers.

Hopefully the REAL 3D TV that I eventually purchase will have a built in USB port and I'll be able to watch Avatar in 3D - without glasses - by simply plugging in the flash drive. And I'll be able to carry a pocket full of flash drives as I travel with my 3D computer as well.