Friday, January 31, 2003

I was just thinking of the lawsuit filed here in O

I was just thinking of the lawsuit filed here in OKC about the telemarketers.
If you have a phone and are not unlisted then you are fair game. I'm sure you would want someone to call and say, "Hey, we found your wallet with the three thousand dollars in it. But no, you want to be selective in who uses the phone system. (In a whiney voice) Please big government, please protect me, I can't do it myself, you'll have to do it for me. I'm not going to take any responsibility on myself. I may even sue McDonalds for making me fat, or for making coffee HOT, or for a resturant for having a step(clearly marked) outside that I may stumble over. That made me realize it's only 90f the lawyers that make it bad for all the others.

posted for you by steer 6:02 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

It's Friday once again. The plans for the weekend are pretty lax. I have none really :) Probably sit down at the PC and chat and blog, and LISTEN TO MUSIC. Something I haven't got to do in a while.

Something weird is happening. My cell phone is set to silent mode. If you called it or text me it should vibrate. Normally, it does what it's told. The battery was about dead so I placed it on a charger here. Now if you call it, or text it, it makes noise. ???? What???? Unplug it from the charger. Vibrate. Plug it in. Rings.

*kicks phone*


posted for you by jhawk 4:06 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

I was going to go purchase my new stereo today so I could have some music. I decided that I will put that off for another 2 weeks again. Rationalization took over and pointed out that I could use that money to pay off a couple of other things first, rather than stretching them out. Which I'll do. I did purchase a new set of headphones though, so I can still listen to music.


posted for you by jhawk 3:56 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

I'm railing against the free enterprise capitalism system! Give me free stuff! Uh, maybe I better not rail against the system. That will only leave me poor and then a democrat. If I'm poor and a democrat then I'll get them to take your money and give it to me, and I don't have to do a thing. Wonderful. But, I politically digress...


posted for you by jhawk 1:29 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

It appears my RSS feed doesn't update as often as I post. Hmmm. Frustrating.

Remember I said I'd try other news aggregators and tell you which one I liked? So far its still AmphetaDesk. Although even in the RSS feed is updated it won't show the updates in my browser window. Even after I refresh. Then all of a sudden sometimes it works. Then it stops working for hours upon hours. So actually it works maybe, twice a day. The other programs I tried. They all failed for some reason or another. One would just generate a access module error, and some of the others didn't offer proxy support. No help to me. It was all just an experiment anyway. I'd much rather visit all my fav sites and look for updates that way. Just a cool idea is all.


posted for you by jhawk 1:21 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

One more from "The Gazette" Nathan Banks from Purchase College in New York, painted randomly chosen words on 60 meandering cows in the hope they would inadvertently line up to form poetry. Sounds like something I would be involved in. Now that you have the news go back to your rat killing.

posted for you by steer 10:14 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Here's the latest news from "The Oklahoma Gazette".
Lai Ping , from Hong Kong was told not to brestfeed her child in the Library any more. The staff cited the signs on the walls that said "No food or Drink". A Honolulu artifacts dealer was arrested for having possesion of rare and/or extinct birds. He pointed out that all the birds were stuffed, and were killed and stuffed in the 1800's before the law was passed and before Hawaii was even a state. Charges dropped.
The police chief of Portland Ore. defied a judge when he continued to go thru people's trash at the curb. (said it was public) Got very irate at the reporters that then went thru his trash and published a list of what they found. Nothing bad.

posted for you by steer 10:08 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

I am this...

Which OS are You?

Take the test people

posted for you by jhawk 9:35 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

They did a photoshop over at FARK on my man Paul Pierce. He recently had his jersey retired back at KU. The link is NSFDU (not safe for dial up)


posted for you by jhawk 9:14 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

So I can go stomping in my Air Force Ones...

What the heck kind of song is this? It's all about shoes! An entire rap song about shoes. And it's been stuck in my head all morning. Argh!

I was looking at that link above, for designer Nike Air Force Ones. Louis Vuittonn ones?


posted for you by jhawk 8:56 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

I've got a link here for Armygirl. You others may like it as well, it is interesting. It's a blog by people in the military. It's call G.I. Party.
.

posted for you by jhawk 8:48 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

I've been losing pens off my desk at an alarming rate. At least one or two a week. I've not been losing them either. I'm sure most of you thought it was probably my fault. Sorry to break free of your 'jhawk loses stuff' mold, but that's the kicks. Someone is stealing them. Or borrowing without ever returning them, which now that I think of it, is the same thing.

It always happens overnight too. I come to work, and I can't find my pen. Now, a while back this wasn't a problem as I had many pens in my drawer. Now I'm out. Down to the last surviving pen. It's scared to death it's going to be abducted along with it's compatriots. I have vowed not to let this happen.

The first thought was to construct a leash type device to physically restrain the pen to the desk. First off, this is cruel to the pen (which is true. I'm always trying to liberate the pens at banks and such), secondly what if I needed my pen's services somewhere else? i.e. at another desk? Well I couldn't use it if it was teathered down at my desk.

I've come up with a two prong approach to solving this issue. First I do the obvious. I don't leave it out on my desk anymore. I put in the drawer. This is the most utilitarian approach I was faced with. Secondly, I taped a little note to the pen. DO NOT STEAL ME

After 2 days of test runs, the pen is still here. This implementation of project "Don't steal my pen," is going good so far. Now someone has been taking paper off my desk too....


posted for you by jhawk 4:52 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Have some fun people, and if you're down, then have a drink.

Weeee!!


posted for you by jhawk 4:09 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Just when we had enough to worry about. The FBI is at it.
Thanks to Armygirl for the link.

posted for you by steer 3:50 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Was going to take a break from the blog for a bit, but had to come back real quick to post this.

What are you people in OKC doing? Get out and protest this!

We need to get these telemarketers off our back.


posted for you by jhawk 2:23 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

A neat project is taking place online. There's tons of them out there. You just have to look around. Explore. There's tons of exciting and interesting weblogs out there. I'm sure you all know this already :)

Here's one in which I'll participate. Picture Yourself You take a picture of you as the subject, taken by you. Similar to the Mirror Project but you can skip the shiny surfaces. ;-P


posted for you by jhawk 2:10 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Those MPs from Norway sure are a warlike people.


posted for you by jhawk 11:24 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Via CubeOwner.com check out this modified Apple Cube.


posted for you by jhawk 10:59 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Oh god, if only. Mac has unveiled their new plans for some faster PowerMacs. They're increasing the speed up to "a single 1 GHz, dual 1.25 GHz or dual 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 processors with prices ranging from $1,499 (US) to $2,699 (US)."

That's still out of my price range for now, because they're not free. I can still drool over one though.


posted for you by jhawk 10:44 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

I just found out that a co-worker of mine's Dad lives next door to the guy that invented ALF!

I wrangled for many minutes on which ALF link to use. For something so trivial, I don't think it's taken so long to decide.


posted for you by jhawk 10:04 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

See, I knew this was a good idea. British Telecom is going ahead with it. Pretty large rollout of their Wi-Fi network. They're going to try and compete against the 3G networks. Which is where my job is....

I already said we should start doing this. BT does have a bit more capital to start rolling out such a large Wi-Fi network. I just want a small one, that my friends and I can manage and pay for. Oh well.


posted for you by jhawk 8:57 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Here are the "Actual Facts" that you have waited with baited breath for. Does baited breath mean it smells like worms?
1) Though they can be taught to type, monkeys are generally inept when it comes to changing the ribbon.
2) The original polka dot has been carefully preserved in a textile museum near Brussels.
3) The U.S. Patent Office refused to patent the common BB because they require two views.

posted for you by steer 9:24 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Those crafty Sooners. Seem they'll do anything to get ahead.

posted for you by steer 9:13 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

I've been messing around with a new news aggregator. Trying to get all my RSS feeds sorted. I'd rather not type out a lengthy post about what RSS and XML are. Just know that my site is available in XML (witness the little logo to the left).

I'm using AmphetaDesk. Pretty sweet program. I wish it wasn't opening in a browser window, but it's pretty smooth anyway.

Now all my fav blogs are being added to my AmphetaDesk. I will try out a few other proggies soon. Will let you know which I like better.

I have to admit, I added XML to my site, because it was a simple tag added to my template, but I had no idea of why I should add it.

Scripting News had a post on RSS today. It should help explain it. If not, email me and I'll write up a 'easier' explaination. Less technical.


posted for you by jhawk 1:57 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

I was just reminded of something. It happened over the weekend, but until a recent email I was reading sparked the memory.

As a regular reader here, you'll know that I have provided a instant feedback method to me, besides the comments sections and email. The mobile message. You can simply click that link on the left and send me a quick message at anytime you want. That being said, here's what I've just remembered.

All weekend long, it seems my companies SMS (text messaging service) was down. It continued to spool up all the messages being sent to me. I was unaware of any issues, as I'm not into work on the weekends. All of a sudden about 3:45pm on Sunday afternoon, my phone went nuts. All thos spooled messages started being delivered. My phone wouldn't stop for the next 7 minutes. I couldn't turn it off, like I'm sure most of you were thinking I should do. Why? Because, if I did that, then they'd just start back up after I turned the phone back on. So, I just turned off the sound after about the 10 message, and let it run for another 6 minutes. Then I had to clear out all the messages. Grr.


posted for you by jhawk 12:57 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Been trying to read FARK.com this morning. I've noticed a common thread among all the comments sections as I was reading through them today. Anyone else notice that people at Fark hate everything? It's much cooler to say something sucks then to say you liked it. They're discussing that new NIKE commercial. The one with the streaker. People have to explain in many ways how the commercial sucks. I think the commercial is brilliant. That's not the point though. Reading through several threads it appears the 'cool' thing to do, is deride anything that manages to make it the level of pop culture.

If it becomes popular enough, hate it. That way you can be cool enough to sit there and be different. Even if secretly you like it. Never let anyone know that. What are you, crazy?

Is there something that scares people about being part of group of people who enjoy this Nike ad, or anything else? Are they thinking that they're losing their individuality? Who cares? Everyone likes watching Friends, and you do too. Admit it.

We all know people like this. That new catchy pop song on the radio, that everyone seems to be humming lately. They're going to say they hate it. Even though this person has never set a precedent for having any distinct musical taste that would obviously conflict with the musical style of this new pop song. That would be understandable. A jazz aficionado wouldn't care much for the newest Britney Spears song.

We're all guilty of doing this at some point though. I know that I have done it, so I'm not saying I'm perfect (I let everyone else say it) I just notice a large number of those who decide to leave comments on FARK seem to be very consistent at it.

I love FARK though, Photoshop contests are the reason I still have the internet ;-)


posted for you by jhawk 9:16 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

I just heard on MSN that 7-UP/Dr Pepper will soon market flavored milk in all the usual flavors. yuk.

posted for you by steer 12:26 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

A man trying to beat his dog to death with a rifle, had the gun discharge and kill him. Serves him right.

One funny side note on this. (I know the overall article is not funny, bear with me) The man was from Winchester, VA. Winchester... and he had a gun accident?


posted for you by jhawk 11:57 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Over at Jenn X blog she's coined a new word. This word struck a chord with me, and I think it should find it's way into normal usage, so I'm putting it here via her site.

I've coined a new term: Eeksquee. It is the feeling you get when you're feeling simultaneously joyously excited and apprehensive. As two separate, yet related, events edge closer I find myself getting the feeling of eeksquee more frequently.

Sounds like a winner to me.

posted for you by jhawk 11:39 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

I have started myself a photoblog. Nothing really fancy or anything special even. Just some photos that I've taken with my digital, and some that have been sent to me by friends. I'm taking contributions as well. So if you've got one that you think is nice, send it on. I'll probably post it. Email to jhawk

!!!!

posted for you by jhawk 10:11 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

An item that got very little press. I thought some of you might like to read it though. Arizona's basketball team has a couple of thugs on it.


posted for you by jhawk 8:35 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

The back is so much better now. Thanks to sound medical advice. (shhhh)

I really felt a bit out of it today for a while. Something just felt off this morning. I was in quite a bit of pain when I woke up. That's why I decided to call in sick. After that I just couldn't get feeling like I was awake or something. I had to make a hot tub trip, a shower, and a nap, then I felt better. Unfortunately it appears all I can do to help my situation, is just rest. I can't call in sick tomorrow too, so I'll be back at work. Trying to stay off the computer as much as possible.

As Armygirl suggested, I tried to check out Hans Blix on TV today. Er, actually watch not check out. I was too out of it to really get too much out of it. It appears, that Iraq didn't do enough to "cooperate," and there is evidence of a chemical weapons program. We'll see how the US takes this report. Too early for me to be a pundit.



posted for you by jhawk 8:52 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

I got a pinched nerve in my back. On sound medical advice from someone I trust. I'm just resting today. Sitting at a computer all day just wasn't going to be good for me. So I'm home from work. It's feeling better (after several trips to the hot tub).

Maybe I'll be back later tonight after some rest.


posted for you by jhawk 4:19 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

I usually don't get political in my blogs but this guy says it. Kinda long, but those &*^*(&^liberals need to read it.

posted for you by steer 11:51 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Anyone else watching Hans Blix give his address to the UN? Its going on and on, I think I'll just let Ted Turner's propaganda machine (aka CNN) tell me the bottom line later on. Ive got no patience for excessively long speeches, I think this is a result of my generation spending way too much time in front of the tv. We have no attention span.

posted for you by armygirl 10:56 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Monday's installment of "Actual Facts"
1) Tradition holds that soccer was born when a distraught peasent woman deliberately kicked a sphere of rancid goat cheese into a yard full of monks.
2) History tells us that Joan of Arc, known as "La Poucelle" was only two hours away from a degree in Forestry Management.
3) The inability of snakes to count is nothing more than an unwillingness on their part to appreciate the cardinal number system.

More later. You people NEED these.

posted for you by steer 10:15 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

I've mentioned before that I switched myself over to using Opera as my web browswer. I was praising it in the beginning and said I'd be back with a better idea of it's benefits or shortcomings.

I started with their 6.0 versions, and held off on using the new 7 beta. I decided to try it this week. WOW! It's wonderul. Great looking browser, and they brag its the fastest browser on earth. I'd agree so far. Much better than my Netscape 7 ever was, and don't even get me started on IE.

For those of you that like to have several pages open at once and don't like to have multiple browsers open. Opera is your baby. Try it out sometime. WWW.OPERA.COM


posted for you by jhawk 2:34 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

While Clanger, TJ and I sat at the 17th Annual Chili Run in downtown OKC, I wondered how many years they had been doing that particular run. I mean, since you couldn't call the first one the 1st Annual Run, was this actually the 18th one or what. I guess it would be 17 cause the second one could be called the 2nd annual and so on. Another thought; I assumed that if you were a runner, kept your body in shape, pumping those endorphins, breathing more O2, that your mental accuity would be better. As I sat at the information table I quickly decided, Alas, no.

posted for you by steer 12:50 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

From the files of "Actual Facts"
1) Many snakes are actually quite short if you don't count the tail.
2) The meaning of the word "mutant" has changed over the years.
3) Strangely, the act of forgetting is the only thing we do that requires the entire brain.

posted for you by steer 12:37 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

45 minutes left of work on a Friday afternoon....

What is it that you do? Do you start counting down the minutes till your weekend starts? I used to do that, but not any longer. Sometimes I'm sitting here 5-10 minutes past the end of the day reading emails.

Some people are always trying to find ways to get that weekend started just a little bit earlier. You know these people. You see them sneaking out like 5-10 minutes before 5 or whatever. Why? What exactly do they get accomplished in those extra 5 minutes? If those 5 extra minutes are what makes your weekend more enjoyable. Enjoy yourself.

Me, I'm always planning on what I'm going to do after I get out of work. Go here, do that, buy this... Never do it though. Always end up driving straight home, and plopping myself down for a rest. Which is exactly what I did all day anyway. Oh well.

Go about your lives...


posted for you by jhawk 4:27 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Something to pass your time. Just go here and enter your date of birth. Then find out some facts.


posted for you by jhawk 10:12 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

.
I always thought it would a good business idea to set up wireless internet services. I still do, but the capital it would take to get it off the ground, even in an extremely limited capacity is more than I can handle.
The work involved in getting started is a load also. It's all very interesting as far as possibilities.


posted for you by jhawk 9:48 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Ever wonder what it's like to be a custodian at one of the most visited theme parks in the world? I know how I can help you out.

I wouldn't think anyone really enjoyed this type of work, but I was wrong. This guy does.

Very interesting read.

The site is on Geocities, and often goes over it's alocated bandwith. Just try it again a little later, and you'll get it.


posted for you by jhawk 9:27 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Alright, after the post about weather I'll relay my story of the only tornado I've ever seen. It wasn't even a fully formed one though.

I was working at a liquor store during my time in college. One Thursday night, there was a big thunderstorm rumbling through the area. We no longer had a television in the place, as it was removed because of one employee's tendency to watch TV rather than work. Anyway, we had a radio, but it sucked so it was off. It was pouring rain down so hard, that we had no customers for like two hours straight.

There I was, with my co-worker for the evening. Just sitting around on cases of beer chatting and watching the rain and lightning. Then the rain stops. It was so eerie. Then the warning sirens start. We run to turn on the radio. Tornado Warning. Then poof, the power goes out. It's all dark now. (it was about 10 pm at the time) We decide the best place for us was in the beer cooler in the back. Thick walls and no windows. So we're back there, chilling our toes off. And then we get that idea, that all people seem to get when the tornado sirens go off. "Hey, lets go outside and look!" Brilliant idea.

We go outside. Don't see anything but a bunch of clouds low and moving. THen I notice something about the ones right above me. They're hanging down a bit more than the rest of the others. Better yet, they're moving in a slow circular motion. Right above me! I pointed it to the others standing out there (the store was next to a gas station, so the clerks from over there had the same brilliant idea as we did), we debated the meaning of spinning clouds hanging down. This debate was short and sweet, about 15 seconds, when I just plain asked, "How many other weather patterns have spinning clouds." The answer of course is there are only 2 types I know of, hurricanes and tornados. Closest ocean is 1000 miles, so..... We all took off for our shelters.

No tornado touched down in the city that night. Outside of town a little north of where we were, the storm did drop that tornado. Damage was minimal, and no injuries.

That's my story.


posted for you by jhawk 3:41 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

I'm so embarassed. I actually watched part of a Donahue Show on tv. What a self promoting piece of crap he is. Why would anyone even entertain the thought that he had something relevent to say. That even one person would take what he says to be anything that comes near to ---------- Well, I can't even continue. I'm still embarassed.

posted for you by steer 2:22 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Went to the commissary (AKA grocery store, supermarket etc) today. Doesnt sound too exciting now does it? We'll you're right, except when you consider what I actually bought while I was there. I bought vegetables. I know this doesnt sound like it is exceptional or anything, unless you know me. Then it is completely outrageous. Let me clue all you in.....I hate vegetables. No particular reason why, I just do. Never have liked them, but they're growing on me....a little late in life but whatever. And you probably wonder what came over me. Im not really too sure, I just know I was hungry and the first thing you come to in the commissary is the produce section. Finally I got to use that section of the refrigerator specifically designed to keep your vegetables crisper, hence the name crisper. I cant really figure out why the manufacturers think it does something special, but its got a little lable on it and everything. Maybe there are some out there that have some special contraption that keeps the moisture either in or out, but as far as I can tell mine is just a drawer.

So back to the vegetables. You might think that I am just about to sit down to a great meal with some vegetables after all the ranting about them, but you must consider how lazy I am once I get home from work. I am extremely lazy, the only thing I want to do is have food set in front of me with a remote control. So here I am having some ramen noodles.....fast and easy.

Ahh, one more thing about my trip to the commissary. I had to pick up some soy sauce since I was out. I got drawn in when I went to that aisle too. You see, the vegetables were bought with the assumption that I would actually make stir fry.....and possibly eat it too. So that's how I got drawn in, I had that idea in my mind already so when I came to the tofu I just had to buy some. Dont ask me, I dont know why I just "had" to buy it either. No flavor, no anything. Im not too keen on buying things that are good for me either so I have no real reason why I bought it. If I figure it out I'll let you know.

posted for you by armygirl 1:01 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

I know around here it's damn freezing cold, about 1F out (-18C for the metric), but this was on my mind today.

I was thinking about something earlier while looking at that picture of lightning I posted on the left. If you've lived in the great plains area of the U.S. for any period of time, you've experienced a severe thunderstorm, tornado, or the storm phenomenon....the supercell. Most people probably have not seen a tornado, for as much as their common in the 'Tornado Alley' area, they're not 'that' common. I've never seen a fully developed one, and they're not always associated with every storm that we have. I do have a story about one I saw forming, right above my head even, but you don't get that one today. Thunderstorms are extremely common though. The months of April and May seem to have about every single day having the threat of one.

Thunderstorms are somewhat nice. A little thunder, cool lightning, and some moderate rainfall. But, they have a nasty sibling that is the one that you do not really want to see coming your way, the Supercell. The supercell is a massive storm with extreme weather. Strong straight winds (very strong winds capable of damage), large amounts of rain possible, and they almost always produce tornados, sometimes several.

Watch a supercell develop and move across Oklahoma and Kansas. See how fast it crops up? Those parts that look like they're mushrooming up from it, are caused by the extreme updrafts characterstic of a severe thunderstorm.

The reason I bring this all up, is living in the plains area, if you have lived here long enough, you become a pretty good amateur weather forcaster. Those of you who have lived in the areas frequented by these storms will attest, you can predict a storm headin toward you by something as little as the way the air smells. Oncoming storms have their own smell, one you learn quick. Also, that extreme calm all of a sudden. In my area, it's windy ALL of the time. Except....right before a storm, and I mean like minutes before one. Then a sudden rush of wind, and it's on! We also become adept at identifying those incoming cloud patterns. You'll be saying things like, "oh those clouds may bring some rain, but that's it." or "I think I'll put the car in the garage. Right now..." If you've ever seen one of these, you know what's coming.
Weatherpix

Want to know more? There are several great resources. Here is a good one to start with.

Any of you who have other descriptions of the way you feel about thunderstorms can share them in the comments.


posted for you by jhawk 11:14 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Very interesting site. I love the concept. I was thinking of doing something like this here, but I obviously never have ;-P


posted for you by jhawk 10:21 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

This looks like my type of film. A film about the emergence of 'Britpop' in the 90's. Oasis and Blur... oh yeah baby! Love those Brits!


posted for you by jhawk 3:07 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Gotta love Homestar Runner.

The System is Down!!



Update:
Just noticed it's on FARK too. Darn they're quick.



posted for you by jhawk 2:59 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

We have a table by my desk that has some various equipment we use for our 1X team. Several laptops, (which are usually on my desk, as they have admin rights and Photoshop, Dreamweaver and stuff on them :-P ), several cellular phones (for test calls to clients, or whoever you want :-) ), and various other things. We have some of the people from other departments who like to wander over and 'borrow' this equipment. Which can't be found when we actually need to do some testing with it. So I devised the following sign to be placed on the table. Management in their heavy handed ways, shot this idea down. Rather quickly I might add. Here is the sign.

1X DATA SUPPORT EQUIPMENT DEPOSITORY


This equipment is for the 1X Data Technical Support team. If you are reading this sign most likely you are not authorized to ?fiddle? with this equipment. Only those authorized are allowed. No you are not authorized. Not you either. Especially not you. Those of you who thought you were authorized before, guess what? You are not. If the equipment comes up missing, broken, or all greasy from your grubby paws, there is a darn good chance we know who did it. No, still not you.

What the heck is wrong with that?


posted for you by jhawk 12:02 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

I'm being taken out to a lunch by the management team, because I didn't call in sick for the 4th quarter. OOOH! While I am not looking this gift horse in the mouth. (horses have nasty mouths and bad breath if you've ever looked one in the mouth) It's just that this coming year, the company policy has changed. Although this seems to be totally against the corporate philosophy around here, this policy is changing for the better. Now, if you are on the job everyday for an entire quarter you get $75. Wow! I'll trade that for a free meal any day. Here's the bad part. I'll be sick at least once, every quarter in the coming year. It's inevitable. So I better enjoy this meal.


posted for you by jhawk 11:57 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

I've tried to make the font size a bit smaller. I apologize to those who think it's too small. (you can change the text size in your own browser you know) I made the change to a smaller font because looking at my site's stats I see there are quite a few of you that have your screen resolution set to something like 800x600 and even quite a few 640x480. I was trying to help you folks. Trying to get as many of the words to fit on your screen without you having to scroll over to the right.

Interesting side note. At least 3 of the people with 640x480 resolution, have the color set to 32bit true. I find that odd. :-)

Yeah, maybe some of you need the larger size to read it better. I know.


posted for you by jhawk 11:29 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Sometimes living in a city the size of the one I live in now can be a bit mundane. It's like living in a perpetual state of deja vu. You see the same people day after day. The only thing that seems to change is what you eat for your meals, and what clothes you are wearing. (god I hope you're changing your clothes) Oh, and the weather. In my area the weather changes by the day. Warm, then cold, hot, then freezing. It sure is fun!

Its all not that bad. Lately its been different, something more fun to do has come along. I think it's just the cold weather that has me feeling this way today. I hate cold, nothing tops that but cold and windy. Guess what it is today? Cold and windy. Darn you're all smart.

I was wondering if Armygirl will get a scar from her Smallpox vacination. Does it still do that? They haven't moved science along enough to make it a pill or anything? ;-P I just hate needles.

If it doesn't warm up soon, I'm going to forget what color my car is. I think it's bronze-like, but I'm beginning to wonder if its not some sort of white powdery color. I have road salt all over my car from recent snow and rainy days making the remaining salt to cover my car. I don't trust automatic car washes, so I always do it myself. Something about standing in a brisk breeze in freezing temperatures, spraying a bunch of water into the air does not appeal to me right now. Seems like a good way to make a cold day colder.

I just heard it's snowing outside now. I'm not sure if this is true yet (no window close). It came from the one person here that I really do not care for, because she has a tendency to expound stupid information. Therefore I refuse to believe it if it eminates from her mouth. If I walk outside and it's snowing, I'll still refuse to believe she was right. I'll just describe the phenomenon as some sort of frozen water falling from the sky. Not snow.



posted for you by jhawk 11:00 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Did you know that: 1) If all the tongues that were scalded by chicken soup in a single week were laid end to end, they would stretch from Montpelier, Vermont to the outskirts of Hibbing Minnesota.
2) It is sobering to realize that almost everything is one direction or another from Kansas City.
3)Most States fit so closely together that almost no space is wasted.
---Abrell and Thompson
Tune in tomorrow for more "Actual Facts"

posted for you by steer 9:44 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Ahh Anthrax, my very favorite thing every two weeks. Good news is that the next one is five months away and those little antibodies are zipping around through my system, hopefully doing what those wacky doctors think their doing. Next up, SMALLPOX!! That one is not so easy to take, you know, live virus and all......I'll keep you posted on that one.

Ive become addicted to the television show 24. It's old news for you in the States but its completely new to me. So here I am renting the DVDs to satisfy my craving for a little good old American television, Im not even really sure the show is all that great, but I really like the premise behind it.....24 shows in a season, each show an hour, all adding up to be one day in the life of the characters. Pretty original....at least to me. So, Im halfway through the season, now another trip to the video store is in order.....

Well, off to bed now. Another bright and early day tomorrow.....ok, so forget the bright part. I am in Germany where all you see for 9 months out of the year are cloudy days......not the best for depressed people.

posted for you by armygirl 5:33 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

I shared this quote today and it sparked a little debate. First the quote:

And how is education supposed to make me feel smarter? Besides, every time I learn something new, it pushes some old stuff out of my brain. Remember when I took that home winemaking course, and I forgot how to drive?
--Homer Simpson

Think this really happens? Not on the hilarity level of Homer. I've never forgotten how to drive. I have though forgot which side of the road to be on. Sometimes I wish I was in England. That would make it OK. Anyway. Have you ever learned something only to find you've forgot something else? Would we even know we forgot it? Maybe it's something trivial we lose, like what type of bubble gum we had on July 8th, 1981.


posted for you by jhawk 1:30 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

People around the world are breathing a collective sigh of relief. They thought all those times they said, "when pigs fly" was going to jump up and bite them in the ass. Turns out, it wasn't a pig, it was a cow. They're all safe
AP Photo/Keystone, Martial Trezzini


posted for you by jhawk 10:34 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

If my meager writing talents could help me produce something more meaningful, than a hackneyed attempt at some cartoon characters. I would write something like this.

I always try to avoid the political arguments. This is why. I have the ideas, but lack the ability to so coherenntly expound them as others have.



posted for you by jhawk 10:05 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Just what you all were waiting for, more "Actual Facts" from Abrell and Thompson.
1) A major naval battle was occasioned when allied commanders misinterpreted the remains of a rolled up centipede in a relief map of the Pacific theater.
2) There has never been a major world leader named "Floyd".
3) While many streets are named for presidents or trees, relatively few are named for diseases.
Thats all for now, you'll have to wait for future installments.

posted for you by steer 8:43 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Still nothing added to my earlier post. Read it and help me out.


posted for you by jhawk 3:49 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Just in case you have misplaced your copy of "Abrell and Thompson's" book of "Actual Facts". I thought I would add to your knowledge base, a few at a time. 1) Children are born with a keen talent for professional landscaping, but lose it within the first few hours.
2) The ordinary sock did not catch on until the second one was invented some 800 years later.
3) The food spilled from tacos in a single afternoon could fill the shoes of everyone in Norway.

I will relay more of these later, ready or not.

posted for you by steer 1:00 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Via FARK yet again. I'm lazy today

Thinking of being Canadian? Gotta take this test first.

To pass you have to get a 75. I got 69. Mostly because I don't have a job lined up already there, and Canada doesn't think I'm that adaptable.



posted for you by jhawk 12:37 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Everytime I read "Icon War" down below, the song for that TV show, Junkyard Wars, pops in my head. Very disconcerting.



posted for you by jhawk 11:17 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Again, at the risk of looking like a FARK repeater. This is SO cool though

ICON WAR

Fun fun!

posted for you by jhawk 8:37 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Ever watch the Simpsons? There is one character on there that is becoming my new favorite. Groundskeeper Willie. Why? He's Scottish of course. He's a soccer hooligan. But, thank god it's not because I have a secret desire to wear a kilt.

He's got some slang prases that I'm adopting for my own use. What are some American phrases that you thing people in England wouldn't understand? They have ones we don't use, I know we have them too. Add your ones to the comments.

Keep it clean too folks. We have kids visiting here.

posted for you by jhawk 8:20 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

It will be a lazy Sunday. Probably not much in the way of stuff getting posted. Will be back with a vengence on Monday though.



posted for you by jhawk 1:08 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

I don't take my tray back when I eat at McDonald's or any other fast food place. Cause I don't work there. People tell me the reason they have me do it is because then they can have lower prices since they don't have to pay soneone to pick up after all. Well, I've been doing this for years and they're right the prices have gone up. However I don't think I'm the cause. And another thing, where do these people get off telling me by sign that if I break something accidentally I bought it. Don't think so, try and collect. That's what you get for letting me in the store. Just a thought, I could be wrong.

posted for you by steer 5:48 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

I thought to myself: "Hey, I'll go post something on the site."

My brain gave up after that brilliant idea, and left me with nothing left to write about.

Here's another brilliant idea.

Someone send me a Ferrari.

That is all


posted for you by jhawk 4:23 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Just read an article in the Daily Oklahoman that said Muslims are protesting having to remove their headwear (towels) when getting their driver's licenses. The state says they have to. The way I see it, it's pretty simple. You want a driver's license? Yes, then get that off your head. No, then don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out. Of course I could be wrong.

posted for you by steer 6:28 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

For any of you that care, you can go here to track the space station or the shuttle. Lets you know where in the world it is by the minute.

posted for you by steer 6:09 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Tried to come up with something with which to post. I got nothing. Nothing at all. And it doesn't matter! HA!


posted for you by jhawk 4:16 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

I have quite a few people coming here via searchs for Cheryl Crow. Now you can see what I wrote about her. :-P


posted for you by jhawk 1:01 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

It's picture day! (apoligies to you modem users)
(AP Photo/Martin Meissner)


Did that turn my tounge blue?

posted for you by jhawk 12:59 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

For those who know my fear of needles.

This really kind of freaks me out. Why on earth would you do that to yourself?


posted for you by jhawk 9:57 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Great photo

(AP Photo/ Alan Marler)

posted for you by jhawk 9:49 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

A boat gets attacked by a giant squid. All this while taking part in a Jules Verne sailing competition. Hmmmm.... didn't see it coming?


posted for you by jhawk 8:40 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Interesting to note that Michelob regular beer has 46 calories and Michelob Light has 41. Boy that will make a difference. If you want to see how your beer faired look here!

posted for you by steer 10:28 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Something I have always wanted to ask when there is a disaster around a trailer park, such as a tornado, fire, flood, etc., and they interview someone from there.
1) Why can't they speak intelligibly?
2) Why they have no teeth?
3) Why their clothes are not clean?
4) Why they haven't shaved?
5) Why they are fat?

Boy, will I catch the heat for this. I just wanted to know.

posted for you by steer 6:50 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Did you or your friends ever wonder? Remember the guy who played Uncle Festus, is he still alive. Well, here you go. Now you won't have to wonder anymore.

posted for you by steer 6:36 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

I could'nt have said this better myself!!!!!

posted for you by steer 5:00 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Who is royally upset tonight? Oh, that would be me. Why you might ask? It couldnt be that I have a four day weekend because of the holiday. Nope, that couldnt be it. Could it be that Thursdays are "family time" days so we get off work at 3 pm.....except for me because I work until 9 pm. Nope, thats not it because that's me every day since I started this job. Oh I know!!! It's the fact that I might actually might have gotten to enjoy a little of Europe this weekend except for the fact that my boss put "me on a string" this weekend just in case they need me for some information or something. A bunch of crap really. The Army teases you with these 3 and 4 day weekends, but rarely do you ever see a whole one. Its like the carrot dangling in front of you.....work hard and get this stuff done so you can enjoy the weekend. Oh wait.......no, you finished that? Here's more to do!!!! Oh and let me change your priorities 50 times today and then ask why nothing was completed.
The people I work with in my section told me today that Ive set too high of standards for whomever follows me in this job. I guess I work too hard and accomplish too much. In the Army you are punished for doing a good job, you just get more work to do. I dont want to hear that it's the same in the "real world" either, so Mom, you can save it. I want to have this blissful dream that when I get out of the Army all the things I complain about are miraculously better in a civilian job. Let me dream!

So, goodbye Scotland, goodbye Ireland and London. Maybe I'll get to see you in another lifetime because it doesnt seem to be working out.

Just another reason to add to my list of reasons to get out of the military.

posted for you by armygirl 3:37 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

HA!
I knew it! Oh, that crazy George Bush. He had no idea what he was talking about. Oh, really? He didn't?

Updated:

NEWS FLASH!

....


posted for you by jhawk 1:21 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

This proves my point from earlier. Look at what kind of vehicle is in the ditch...


posted for you by jhawk 1:02 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Did you ever have one of those days?


posted for you by steer 12:16 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."--John Stuart Mill.

posted for you by jhawk 10:53 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Just a few thoughts this morning: Is it time to get rid of Marion Washington? What do you call OU basketball fans in the basement? A wine cellar. How about Roy Williams winning his 400th BB game. I wish I had some green MM's. What would you call someone that bought a car that had to be driven 200 miles to get the oil changed? Is there anything better than sitting in a hot tub with it sprinkling rain on your head? I mean within reason. I guess jumping out of an airplane at 12,000 feet would rivial it.


posted for you by steer 9:49 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Hat's off to the inventor of traction control!

It snowed. Finally it snowed. First off, it started at 4pm dropping a nice mist that quickly formed about a 1/2" layer of ice on everything. Perfect start. Then there was the actual snow. Only about maybe 2 inches of snow. Enough to cover up everything, but not deep.

I was scraping ice off my windows for about 15 minutes. Now it's time for driving to work. Snow it appears, in some peoples mind, is actually considred safer driving conditions. They're going faster than they normally would. 2 people in the ditch on my way to work, and people spinning their cars around, and sliding past stop signs. Let's see, I wasn't that great in physics...but...speed slick surface = date with autobody technician.

My car has traction control. It is great to help you get started on slick surfaces, but I am aware that it won't be saving me when I fly into a corner at 35 mph on a sheet of ice. Simple physics, it's my tires that would save me in that situation, and even a set of snow tires are not going to overcome the inertia of the car with a tough coeficient of friction. This is what really irks me about people who drive SUVs. These people on a slick road are going to kill you. Watch out for them. When I see someone in a Jeep Cherokee come barrelling down the road in the snow, I get the heck away from them. Of the 2 people in the ditch this morning: one Jeep Cherokee, and a Dodge Durango.

People! 4 wheel drive will not allow you to drive faster in icy conditions! Four wheel drive will sure help you from getting stuck in deeper snow. That's what it's designed to do. If you hit a patch of ice in a SUV or a car, you're both in the same boat. You hit the brakes in a four wheel drive Jeep you got 4 tires trying to stop your car, I do the same in my car, I have 4 wheels trying to stop my car. My car has quite a bit smaller mass than your Jeep. Good luck to you.


posted for you by jhawk 8:40 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

It has been a while since I posted so I thought it was time even though I should be going to bed. Its been almost two weeks now after my vacation to the states and it already feels as though I never had one....let me rephrase. It felt like I didnt have a vacation the very day I went back to work. Not thinking about the Army or my job for almost 3 weeks didnt make my job any better when I returned, in fact, it made it almost worse.

So there really isnt any fun and excitement going on here except the same old stuff. Everyone is working hard towards getting ready for a possible deployment, at least that is how I explain working 15 hour days everyday. This weekend is a four day weekend for us....woohoo!! Oh wait, some of us might not get it because there is a training exercise going on right now that they (the headshed) think is so important as to take away possibly one of the last extended weekends we may see. And for everyone who is worried that this means something is definitely in the air, dont take it that way. It just means that they are trying to screw up just like they always do, nothing new. My friend and I thought we might try to take a flight to Scotland, Ireland or London this weekend. I'll let you know how it works out.....if it does.

Gee, she sounds a little bitter today......no, this is how I am every day I am at work.

posted for you by armygirl 4:40 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Here is the characters mention in the post below. Enjoy!


posted for you by jhawk 4:20 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Remember my idea of creating a new cartoon series? I've come up with the two main characters today. I have some sketches of them as well, but no access to get them posted right now (no scanner). I will post them later this evening though. Now here's the characters: Goochi (good guy) and Grumbles (bad guy)

Here's the file on Goochi

He's a scamp. Always getting himself into trouble. But he's still lovable. Nobody is exactly sure what in the hell he is, but nobody seems to care either. He has various super powers, although the label of "super" may be debatable. When under stress he turns fuscia and starts to slur his speech. (Which isn't that great to begin with) When he flies into attack mode his battle cry is "KATOOONA!" Which, nobody is exactly sure what that means. Remember his speech gets slurred under stress, and attack mode can be pretty stressful.

His main powers include an innate sense of Alchemy. He can make almost anything transmute to gold. Therefore tricking his adversaries with greed.

His eyes glow bright red in the dark, kind of like flashlights, so he can illuminate the dark.

He is extremely adept at circular logic. You can argue endlessly with him, but always arrive back at the same point you started. It's very disorienting to enemies.

The closest thing he really has that is a "super" power, is this: When confronted with a dangerous situation, Goochi becomes extremely frightened. He starts to shake violently, from fear. His shaking reaches seismic levels. This causes buildings to shake, ground to crack, and a nearby arch-nemesis to surrender.

Speaking of an arch-nemesis.
Goochi's main enemy is Grumbles.

The file on Grumbles is pretty sketchy. He's what you would classify as an arch-villain. Here is what is known. He's got no ears, but exceptional hearing. (I don't know either.)

Once a world class downhill skier, he became extremely famous, and just like all world class skiers turned his talents toward the movies. Several blockbuster movies, and Oscars followed. Inevitably just like most Hollywood stars, he became interested in villainy. That's where it gets sketchy. He quit movies, moved to France (most villains do) and started an evil organization hell bent on destroying the world!

Grumbles can ski fast, change shapes, has laser beam eyes, is telepathic, can teleport to anywhere in the world, and makes his own wine. A fair opponent for Goochi.

That's about all I got so far. I still need to create the back story for the world they live in, various vehicles each would drive (very important for the toy line), and any assorted sidekicks and henchmen. Help appreciated.



posted for you by jhawk 3:29 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

The dirty side of basketball. We don't have baskeball hooligans. At some universities we have coaches.

Nice


posted for you by jhawk 2:13 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

OH, Saturday Night Live.

I haven't watched this how in a real long time. I do though, remember some of the classic sketches and favorites of mine from the ones I did watch. One of my all time favorites was Happy Fun Ball.

That still cracks me up to this day. "Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball"
Pure genius.

posted for you by jhawk 1:38 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

We've been doing our new extended trial of our 1X technologies for about..oh...2 days now. Today is the 3rd. Our employee trial went off without a hitch. Connections were great, speeds were great, no complaints. In fact the opposite, everyone was suprised at how well it worked. The equipment worked spectacular.

So we expand the trial. Corporate offices decide to send out different equipment. Functions in theory exactly the same, just different manufacturer. Now remember this no longer an employee trial, this is with our business class customers. THe heavyweights. Not the little end users. Guess what.....the new equipment, having not been tested though our employee trial, is whacked. It won't connect, drivers for equipment are not on install CDs, and other hackneyed crap. Hmmm.... we're looking good.


posted for you by jhawk 11:27 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

I didn't really have any ideas on what to write today. Been a bit distracted all morning. I was told to just brainstorm up something like I always do :-) So I did.

When you're cooking food at your house, do you worry about your frying pan exploding? Maybe you should. Here's a quote from this article

"The pans can explode or separate when preheated, used on high heat or used for frying,"

That might as well say, when used for it's intended purpose, it may become dangerous.


posted for you by jhawk 9:47 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

I think we should come up with some crappy type of kids cartoon. Spin off some crappy toy line and BOOM we're all rich. Anyone who helps brainstorm up some ideas and helps define the shows themes will be entitled to a stake in the franchise. A few of us should be able to come up with something as intelligent as Pokemon or something.

Let's all brainstorm some ideas, and let's get this thing off the ground.

Money is good, all praise money. :=)

posted for you by jhawk 4:52 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

I can't follow up my last post of political rambling with anything less than crazy words.

Is it all that bad to wear white socks with black shoes? I mean come on. Now, I'm wearing black socks with black shoes today, mostly only because I have gray slacks on right now. Which really kind of has to be. But, in other situations? With blue jeans? I don't really know. I've worn white before, and was not ostracized by large groups of fashion minded individuals. (can you have a large group of individuals? Wouldn't a group therefore negate the idea of individual. I guess it falls under the old "frame of reference" argument. NO! I don't have time to explain that to you. hehe) Back to socks. We do have a sock zealot here who, if she sees you with white socks with black shoes she'll let you know she saw it. OK. Fine. My life goes on. White socks and all.

Wait now. I will go into the idea of a "group of individuals."
If you have a bunch of individuals and get them all together you can have a group. When you talk about one person from that group, you now shift your "frame of reference" from the large number to the singular. Therefore no longer is it a group, but an individual. :-) Hard to follow? Tough :-)


posted for you by jhawk 1:33 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Here
Cheryl Crow has just cemented her place in the halls of idiocy. I'd think by now we'd know that "Hollywood" is not the bastian of moral advice, yet we give them fame, therefore we gave them the platform to voice their stupid opinions. Thank God Hollywood doesn't run the country.

At the recent American Music Awards Cheryl Crow had this to say:

War is based on greed, and there are huge karmic retributions that will follow," Crow explained backstage. "And I think war is never the answer to solving our problems. I think the best way to solving problems is to not have enemies."
--Taken from this Reuters article

War is about greed? Sure she's right. The Nazi's were pretty greedy wanting that whole 3rd Reich thing. Iraq was pretty greedy wanting Kuwait as it's front porch, and Saddam is pretty greedy, wanting to maintain his grip on power and wealth at the expense of starving out his own people. So she's probably right on that account. Isn't there another side to this though? How about the Allied forces who beat back that Nazi threat? Pretty greedy huh? The forces that stand up to oppose those who are threats to the world's security may not always be the most altruistic people in the world. I would not stand here and say our push to get Iraq to remove its weapons program, and most likely to remove Saddam is of high moral ideals. Yes, oil is involved. It's the reality of the situation. The world runs on oil, plain and simple. If we can help ease the plight of the Iraqi people, and protect oil supplies, is that bad? Some of you would say yes, so go here and whine your little liberal head off over there.

I never wanted to get all political here on this blog. It was supposed to be just lighthearted fun for me to post journal type things, observations, and little rants. Wanted to stay away from political, because there are people doing a better job writing about it than me. But, when Cheryl Crow said something that stupid, I had to write. I've broken off my little rant above, before I wrote all I wanted to write. I wanted to respond to all of her statement. I mean look...I only got to the first 5 words. I don't have the stamina to respond to the full idiocy of that remark. For all who didn't agree with my little rant, click here, and look on the right. See that poster? That's for you.

Coldfury rocks!


posted for you by jhawk 9:27 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Ever wonder why you can't find a space to park in Glasgow? She is the reason.

How can you run up that much in parking offenses?


posted for you by jhawk 4:17 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

OOH!! I just got a new saying I just made up.

"Management decisions don't have to make sense. They just have to be made."
--jhawk at 3:05pm CST, after co-worker asked why the heck we're having to do something we've already done



posted for you by jhawk 4:10 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Well, I knew something was going to go wrong. A small hiccup in our user trial that started today. Several people having issues. A couple of people in the group are getting themselves into a frantic frenzy. (? kinda redundant) Usually when this happens I let them fool around with stuff for a while, then head on over and flip a power switch or something. Not this time. I'm letting them work this one out themselves. I'm too tired.




posted for you by jhawk 4:09 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

I now know what's wrong with my stereo receiver. I opened it up yesterday. Found a burned out little diode in there. Now, I could do the replacement of it myself. Between my roommate and I think we're capable. Here's the crux of the situation though. We have neither a small enough soldering iron, nor can I tell even what type of diode is burned. It's fried itself to look like a little tiny piece of metal, and burned the board around it so I can't read the markings of what model it was. Grrr.

Probably going to take it to a electronics repair store to see what they'd charge to fix it. If it's over $50 then it's not worth it, and I should just buy a new one.

This no stereo thing is really starting to get me a bit ticked off. Music is a big part of my life, my daily life. EVERY thing goes through that receiver in my room. The CD player, DVD, VCR, and most important my computer. The vast MP3 collection just sits there on my hard drive with no use at all. We have a stereo downstairs though. Just isn't the same.

RANT TIME
There is this one woman at work that annoys me to no end. First of all I'll start with this. You know those people who aren't quite sure if it's 2003 or 1992, so they dress like it's 1992 just in case. She's one of these people.

Got something to do? She'll tell you the way to do it. Even if you had no intention of ever soliciting advice from her, because frankly, you'd like to get the job done. Correctly and today. Bombarded by her 'ingenious' advice on the subject at hand, you struggle against a tremendous urge to just expain to her "A v.90 modem will NOT go faster than a v.92 modem!" Thank god this lady doesn't work in my department. For the department she does work in, I feel deep sympathy for those stuck in a project with her.

Lastly, there is always something horrible that happened over the weekend. Her dog got picked up by Animal Control for running loose, IHOP raised prices, they were out of Kentucky Deluxe Whiskey, the parole board is unfair. Horrible, horrible atrocities! Now we all get to hear about them now too. This is the thing I hate the worst about where my desk is now. It's within earshot. I need headphones...

Grrr....

posted for you by jhawk 1:53 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

In honor of those who play Rugby, and those from Rugby :-P
Here are some Rugby drinking songs.

Good for when you're having a Beamish, or glass of Chardonnay.

Learn them all. Test this Friday, I'm expecting you all to be prepared.


posted for you by jhawk 10:28 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

So far, no problems today. Going rather smooth. It's nice.

I did all this laundry last night. So I'd have something to wear for work today. I washed all these dark socks so I'd have plenty for today. This morning, I go to look for a pair to wear. They were still downstairs in the dryer as they were the last load I washed. I start pulling out socks, and none matched! I pulled out like 10 socks and none made a pair. Finally I found one that completed a pair. (or maybe was close enough I gave up) I'm pretty sure I put matching pair into the washing machine. What happened between the washing machine and the dryer I do not know. But it appears some of my socks decided they wanted to celebrate their individuality. Purely American socks. Of course, they're all celebrating individuality in the same manner, so....



posted for you by jhawk 9:54 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

We are still putting away Christmas ornaments. You'd think we would have that done. No one wants to start. Today we got them all back in the boxes. Of course there are missing boxes, and boxes with missing ornaments. The missing boxes, I don't know, but the missing ornaments were stolen. Well, thats a good story anyway. Lets us off the hook for not remembering where we put them. Will find them in July. Anyone want to help?

posted for you by steer 3:44 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Tomorrow at work is going to be one heck of a day. They employee trial of our new system has been completed. Tomorrow starts a larger more comprehensive trial. Somebody, somewhere, is going to mess this up. And there will be just 2 of us there at 7am to straighten it out. Gonna be fun!



posted for you by jhawk 2:07 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Saturday night. Everytime I say that I start singing that Elton John song, which I find frightening about myself.

Do not have any big plans for tonight. Just gonna see what develops. If it's nothing, then great. I'll just chill.

On another note: I have no idea what is wrong with my cd burner. I tried to burn a few cds today and it only burns the first track, then leaves the CD open. Can't play it, can't add more to it. It just ruins the CD. Oh well. Life is cruel :-) hehe


posted for you by jhawk 7:38 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Foogle my Google!

Top listing in Google search engine for the keywords, Cow and Fury. Anyone who types these two things in a Google search will get me!

GOOGLE IT! Try it yourself.


posted for you by jhawk 3:46 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

We got this new mapping software at work today. It allows me to map exact locations of problems with cellular towers or fiber, and then dispatch that map location to a field tech. That's not the interesting part, follow along people.

It has a voice command function. As if you were using it on a laptop you could command it to search for a hotel or whatever, and then it'd give you voice directions to wherever you want to go, turn left, go straight, etc.

The funny part is this. It has a preview function, where you can listen to the various voices it has. You can type in whatever you want it to say. I put "My hands are cheese." in mine. It's the funniest thing to hear your computer say that in a electronic voice real loud. Everyone keeps staring over here, and we're all cracking up laughing.

Fun times...


posted for you by jhawk 1:14 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Christopher White, President of Gardner-Webb University, admitted he raised the grade of a basketball player so he could play in the National Christian College Championship, which they won. The class the player failed because he cheated. You guessed it, Religion. Those Baptists!

posted for you by steer 10:50 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

You have to be at least 10 years old to understand sarcasm. A study shows that kids under that age may not uderstand the sarcastic tone some parents use to tease their kids.

I know of a few exceptions to this rule. Some people made it past the 10 year old barrier and to this day still do not get sarcasm.


posted for you by jhawk 9:08 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Finally, a judge worth knowing. Judge Delores Frank, in November, ruled in the case of Engleson Vs Little Falls Mn., that the law does not provide for a warning that a warning is coming. The lady sued when she tripped over an orange traffic cone. In other news, two hours after a news crew interviewed a candle shop owner about holiday safety with candles, (Wait, you're getting ahead of me) the shop burned down. Fire was blamed on candles. - Colo Springs.

posted for you by steer 8:41 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME!

I emplore the gods of technology to hear my pleas! Use your powers from the spirit world to imbibe the life force back into my deceased stereo. It was so tragically taken from me in the prime of it's life. I offer this used cell phone in it's place. Oh hear me!


posted for you by jhawk 6:59 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

It's only about 4:30 but it sure feels like it's about 9 or something. This day has just dragged itself out. I feel ready to go to bed. This day should be over. Bring on the next one.


posted for you by jhawk 5:35 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

our little city has on ongoing debate about banning smoking. There is a comment section on our local newspaper. People are posting some ignorant responses about the ban. Mostly in opposition to the ban. You can read the ignorance here. Our classes on government and the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights in high school miserably failed to educate a large number of smokers.

This topic really charges me up, mostly because of the inane, poorly thought out arguments that smoking ban opponents tend to offer. Your right to smoke does not extend to your right to smoke and cause me to be exposed to potential health hazzards.

I better quit before I start to offend my smoking friends. I would hate to start generalizing all smokers as ignorant or something. If you just read the comments posted in the above link, you will see to which group to which I'm directing this post.

Grrrrr......


posted for you by jhawk 1:04 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Speaking of fast motorcycles. Looks like something out of Japanese Anime.

It's starting to cool off around here again. After being around 70 yesterday, it's only going to be about 45 today. (22C and 9C respectively) I was enjoying the nice weather. Guess, it's back to winter.



posted for you by jhawk 10:06 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Boy, Were they wrong.

Airplanes are interesting toys, but of no military value. -- MARSHAL FOCH, ARMY OF FRANCE, 1911

There is no reason for anyone to have a computer in their home. -- KENNETH OLSON, Founder of Digital Equipment Corp, 1977.

Television won't be able to hold any market it captures after the first six months. -- DARRYL ZANUCK, PRESIDENT, 20TH CENTURY FOX, 1945

Nobody fears that the Japanese could deal an unexpected blow yo our Pacific possesions, because radio makes surprise impossible. -- JOE DANIELS, SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, 1922.

posted for you by steer 8:09 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

I'm making my mom proud tonight. I'm cooking my own dinner. No McDonalds. Although I did cook my dinner every other night this week, I just didn't tell you all about those.

I'm making some beef and noodles, and mashed potatos. MMMMMM!!!


posted for you by jhawk 7:57 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

No, I'm not trying to turn this page into a FARK repeater site. But, since some of you don't visit FARK I thought I'd post this.

This is pretty darn funny. Bring some lighthearted fun into your life!


posted for you by jhawk 3:12 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

I bought a package of Jolly Ranchers Candy after my lunch today. Why do they still put Lemon as a flavor? I don't know of anyone, when asked to pick their favorite fruit, says "lemon." Lemon is a scent, not a flavor. It works great in detergent, and stuff like that. Right?

and take that Lime with you!

I still have to attend meetings for a department for which I no longer work. You all know why that is. . . that way I can still know how to do their jobs. Which means, I'm still going to be called on to help clean up their jobs when they botch them. Grrr...

I think I've been around computers too much in the past 2 days. I took my tower apart yesterday trying to figure out why my printer port doesn't work. The printers I have work with other PCs but not mine. Well, I didn't get that fixed, as the port looks fine physically inside. Anyway, the reason I think I've been around them too much is this: I was going to cut my hair last night. Which just consists of trimming it short (for now, not for good. Settle down a few of you. YOu know who you are). I said this to myself while compiling a list of things to do last night: "You better leave time to delete your hair."

DELETE MY HAIR? Yeah, I said it. I can't believe I'm admitting it, 'cause no one heard me say it. But it did crack me up. I started laughing at myself. (Which I hear is healthy. RIGHT? RIGHT? TELL ME THAT'S RIGHT!!) I then decided to watch TV, rather than work on the computer.



posted for you by jhawk 2:54 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Oh, sure I'm not writing thisto make money, but please buy.


posted for you by steer 11:59 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

I don't know about anyone else, but this makes me sick. Can there be a more pathetic TV show?


posted for you by jhawk 11:34 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Ah! I'm swamped at work. hehe. No, I'm not.

Our house is becoming the Chess Mecca of our little city. I was never much of a chess player myself. I had very little knowledge about how to play the game. My roommate James bought a nice little set, and we've been playing regulary for the past 2 weeks. He's played quite a bit more than me, so he usually wins. I've made some great strides in the past week though. I'm able to beat him, its just rare so far. He better look out though, I'm gunning for Household Champion 2003!

We even pressure all our friends who visit to play. I taught Janene, and Jeff to play Sunday, and James taught Mike last night. Wait....... NO!! We're becoming chess geeks! We've formed a chess club! NO!!!


posted for you by jhawk 9:07 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

OOOhhh!! I can't wait to go to work tomorrow. (ack! The sarcasm burns! My eyes, my eyes!)

Once again, I'm a basketball junkie. I've watched probably 8 hours of basketball in the past 2 days, out of a total of 8.5 hours of TV. Usually, my amount of TV watching in 2 days wouldn't come close to 8 hours. It jumps up considerably when basketball season starts. No, not that wimpy pro basketball, the college stuff. Where the players care, and their playing for pride. The pride of their school, and their team's tradition. That's basketball for me.

I must now sleep. As is the custom with my people, I will now go fall unconcious for several hours. I may, or may not, have visions in my head ( you may call them dreams, or whatever). Either way, I will write again for you to read tomorrow. Night.


posted for you by jhawk 11:45 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Ever the corporate environment.

The training I had all day today, could have been accomplished in as little as 1 hour. But, since they powers that be thought it should last all day, they made it last all day. I think they managed to suck more knowledge out of my head than they tried to place in it. Now I can't tie my shoes. Thank God for velcro.

I need to do something to seem like I was at least pseudo-active today. Be back after a while...


posted for you by jhawk 5:09 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

I really didn't need aHummer, but.

posted for you by steer 1:01 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Got a training class today. Well, it's not so much a training as a product evaluation. It rearranges my wholse schedule for the day. I still work the same hours, but I won't go to lunch till like 2 hours later than usual. I'm going to starve.

I can't believe the weather in this area. It was only 34F/1C outside yesterday and is going to be 65F/18C today and then 72F/22F tomorrow and then back to cold again. Weird.


posted for you by jhawk 9:47 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

The American Psychiatric Foundation says that 1 out of 4 Americans has a mental illness. Check with three of your friends, if they're normal; Well, keep going to work anyway.

posted for you by steer 1:38 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Some of you may know that at my job currently I don't do a whole lot of work. There is the occasional task that gets thrown my way. Which is one of those unfortunate ramifications from doing your job well. It's usually things from my previous department too. The projects that someone over there could not finish. So, I get to finish it for them. Yay.

I've had to find ways to amuse myself lately. They range from:

Buffing up on my Simpson's Trivia.
Finding out that there ARE over 100,000 different weblogs.
Being able to easily spot FARK cliches.
Finding weird news on the 'net and therefore killing my desire to read "real" news.

One of my favorite things to do each day is going to seem like a pretty stupid way to spend time. It actually doesn't take up all that much time, it just gives me a little chuckle each day.

At the next desk over from mine sits a co-worker. He's a sort of supervisor for my old department. He's a pretty cool guy. In the middle of any conversation he's having with someone on the phone, I'll shout out a Simpson's quote and he'll just bust out laughing, no matter how obscure the quote. (he's a bigger Simpson's fan than me) I arrive at work at 7 am and he doesn't come in till around 9 most days. I always have a pocket full of change, and I loathe pennies. So, I take them all and place little stacks of them around his desk, in the drawers of his desk. He doesn't know where they come from, and I hear him curse the new "deposits" of them on his desk each morning. Funniest thing is he doesn't throw them away, take them home, or pass them on to someone else. They're all piled in neat stacks on the edge of his desk. It just cracks me up.

YES, I'M BORED!! Don't judge me!



posted for you by jhawk 2:52 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

KID: Hey ma! I just saw a Wallaby in the street!
MOM: No, you didn't.

Yes he did.




posted for you by jhawk 2:25 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

I'm gonna go crazy! I can't find my Oasis "Heathen Chemistry" CD. If I don't find it soon... wait, I think it's in my car.



posted for you by jhawk 10:44 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

I never thought about this till now.


posted for you by steer 10:36 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

I don't care what anyone says, I've got rhythm.


posted for you by jhawk 10:32 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Oh, those crazy Danes.


posted for you by jhawk 8:47 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

An earthquake shook the Cricket world...

You don't get Cricket? Let me help. Hope it becomes clear now :-P


posted for you by jhawk 8:29 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Not sure what Mr. Ronald McDonald has been putting in the food, but it seems he's got me addicted again. I just had a craving for a cheeseburger from McD's. So I went.

After the debacle I had with them last night, it's a wonder I went back. In the very next day even. They royally screwed my order up last night, but luckily for them they got it right today. 'Cause I would have.....

Maybe it's a sign I should have cooked instead. But, I would have missed part of the basketball game. OH, life's full of hard choices.


posted for you by jhawk 5:28 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

What in the heck was this kid thinking? He really must have thought he was a pretty darn good liar.

I've got such a pile of dishes to wash. I think I can put those off for at least another hour. They'll still be there. :-)

Yes, please! Someone buy me this.



posted for you by jhawk 4:38 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Well, another quiet day, and I'm glad for it. Kick back relax.

This past week has seemed a bit off. The New Years celebrations really made the week feel like I had 2 weekends. Which was nice, but kinda screwed with my head. Friday felt like Tuesday and stuff.

Anyway, I went and made a new photo gallery. Added, just a few, but tried my hand at a different format. You can all check it out HERE. Yes, I know a few of them don't load right. I'm working on it.


posted for you by jhawk 4:07 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Don't know if I can follow up a post about Swedish food. Guess, I'll try.

A quiet Saturday it's been. Just a trip to the hot tub, and some basketball. I'd say, one heck of a day. Be back after a bit to "post your socks off."

I don't know it means either...


posted for you by jhawk 5:27 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Is there anything better than potatis Korv, pickled herring and ostakaka. I don't think so. Thats my opinion, but I could be wrong.

posted for you by steer 8:10 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Need to get motion sickness while at home? Now you can. It's all such a simple plan actually, why didn't we think of this. We could do this. Right?


posted for you by jhawk 4:18 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

I was trying to remember back to the old days of my old webpage I used to maintain. It wasn't much different than this, other than I just would relate some story of something stupid me, or my roommates did. Trying to think of anything lately that would have been worthy of that site. (like the time I cooked Salmon and gave myself food poisoning. Well, I thought of..... nothing.

Either we're getting boring or smarter. I think Janene would vote for boring. I'd have to agree, I must say.

Only thing that comes to mind today is our on-going saga with what we call the "stairs of misery." I actually liked the name "teflon stairs," but that name didn't stick.

We have some stairs which lead down to our basement, where the pool table is located. The stairs are carpeted, recently I might add. This carpet must have been made by DuPont, because it's as slick as if these were not stairs, but a ramp covered in Crisco.

Almost everyone who's visited the W/D Estates (our house) has slipped and either fallen down them, or narrowly averted a collar bone breaking incident. I've done the former. Thus the name "stairs of misery."

Funniest time I've ever seen someone fall victim to these evil stairs,was the time we were all donwnstairs playing pool. Next thing we see is Janene go flying by the bottom of the stairs into the other room, because she slipped, didn't go down, but managed to skip down the stairs and through the hallway as if on skates. Damn funny....



posted for you by jhawk 3:57 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Working on a new feature for the site. It's called "Maggie the Pez Dispenser Dispenses Advice." Basically, any email I get sent will be
answered by Maggie the Pez Dispenser. Want one answered? Send it to me, and she'll get right on it.

Now go about your lives...



posted for you by jhawk 10:57 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

I'm so, out of ideas.

So read this and this. It will give you something to read anyway. I'll be back later...

Oh and armygirl wanted this posted. And, now it is...





posted for you by jhawk 9:00 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

RESOLVED: (1)Not to get mad at the lady in front of me at the checkout line at the grocery store that decides to show the checker a picture of her ugly ass grandkids even though there is a line a mile long behind.
(2)Not to get mad at the parents that let their kids handle the food at a buffet and put it back, Hey! I'm eating here!
(3)Relax when people do dumb things, cause I've done them along time ago.
(4)Not to say anything at the parents that let their kids run around the store/resturant/etc. and exert no control.
More later.


posted for you by steer 2:01 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

New Year's Resolutions

Anyone make one of these? A secondary question would then be, has anyone kept one?

I made only one resolution this year. I was going to try and be more pessimistic this year. I then decided that it won't work for me, and it's doomed to fail anyway. Maybe someday I'll try that one again. I won't have time for it this year, this year is gonna suck.

Since being lazy is the cornerstone of being American ( or at least that's what all the Europeans, especially the Canadian ones say )I'm going to choose a resolution that I should have no problems keeping. Something like, "I resolve to breathe more air in the coming year!" How can that fail? And nobody likes failing. Except those Cubans. They're really hanging onto that Communist thing aren't they?

Some Cuban: Well, there goes the U.S.S.R.

Castro: Hmmm...let's just ride this thing out.

I hope I don't offend any of you who are European, Canadian, or Cuban. As you can see, I'm an idiot.


posted for you by jhawk 1:15 PM - [Link] - Comments ()

Into Villainy? Finding it hard to find a Solar Orbital Laser Weapon or that elusive KRYOZAP 6000 SUPER FREEZE RAY, that you just can't seem to find on eBay? Look no further. Ok, yes, you have to look further by looking here.

Haven't found much that fits my budget yet. Then again, I'm not really the supervillain type.

posted for you by jhawk 11:02 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

It rained and rained.

It appears that England has had a bit more rain in their area than they would like. Having never been there myself, I'm guessing it's cold rain too. Check out this photo. PHOTO Check out the sign on the top of the van. I think they took it a bit too literal.



posted for you by jhawk 10:37 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Well what do you think?

There's a big issue brewing in my hometown. A woman is suing Wal-Mart for invading her privacy after some pictures she had developed in the photo lab were deemed suspicious. I've inlcuded a link here, that has all the articles in the town paper. (be sure to start at the bottom as articles are in reverse chronological order). I'm also including a link of an editorial by a co-worker of mine that was printed this week. It's here. It's at the bottom.

What do you think?


posted for you by jhawk 9:10 AM - [Link] - Comments ()

Well, its time once again to post. So Happy Freakin New Year to you all!! Im on the downward slide of my vacation (I like to call it a vacation rather than leave, it makes me feel more like a civilian). Im not too excited about the prospect of going back to work. I know there is a pile of things for me to do with a suspense of RIGHT NOW. Gotta love the Army, its what allowed me to spend waaaay too much money shopping while here in the States. A friend of mine told me to get the shopping out of my system because of the possibility of going to the big sandbox. Another great thought.

It was an uneventful New Years Eve, but Im not at all disappointed in that. It was my choice to not do anything. Most anything probably wouldnt have been worth the time and effort. Someone I work with calls me an old lady because Im not all into going out and partying any more and I guess this was a prime example. We (myself and the parental units) got a few messages and a phone call from our very own blogmaster. It wasnt even 11 pm yet and he already seemed to be having a very good time, bravo for him and his buddies. Steer spent the night accidentally phoning someone named Daniel until we figured out he had the wrong phone number programmed into the phone. We're pretty quick here.

So I hope everyone had a great New Years and didnt get themselves into too much trouble. We're still waiting on a call from jhawk to give us the thumbs up that he didnt end up incarcerated. I suppose we would have been his one phone call if he did.....maybe.

posted for you by armygirl 11:41 AM - [Link] - Comments ()