In summary...
Obama's Hundred Days on Facebook
Monday, May 04, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
So, it wasn't IBM, but...
... Sun got chewed up by someone. Not sure what that does to my world. More news as events warrant...
Bill -you and I work for the same company now?! (update3: oh, duh! you work at Cisco...)
Update:
Mercury News: My first thought was "IBM tried to offer below the $9.50/share bare minimum and the deal broke up. Oracle is then able to offer *just* the bare minimum and get the deal." Still, the $/share price for the deal was well above where Sun was trading...
Guardian: call's it a goof for IBM to have passed on it
Reuters: it surprised Microsoft, so I guess I shouldn't feel *too* far out of the loop.
Update 2:
Overall, I think it's probably good for the company, good for the customers, good for the stock price and bad for me. WLG sends this tidbit:
"But its (Sun's) gross margins on hardware remain high, so maybe if
you blow out the company’s operating infrastructure quickly you can
make the numbers work."
Yup, I'm kinda in the "operating infrastructure" world.
Update 3: Oh, dear. I'm afraid this is what I'm thinking, too.
... Sun got chewed up by someone. Not sure what that does to my world. More news as events warrant...
Bill -
Update:
Mercury News: My first thought was "IBM tried to offer below the $9.50/share bare minimum and the deal broke up. Oracle is then able to offer *just* the bare minimum and get the deal." Still, the $/share price for the deal was well above where Sun was trading...
Guardian: call's it a goof for IBM to have passed on it
Reuters: it surprised Microsoft, so I guess I shouldn't feel *too* far out of the loop.
Update 2:
Overall, I think it's probably good for the company, good for the customers, good for the stock price and bad for me. WLG sends this tidbit:
"But its (Sun's) gross margins on hardware remain high, so maybe if
you blow out the company’s operating infrastructure quickly you can
make the numbers work."
Yup, I'm kinda in the "operating infrastructure" world.
Update 3: Oh, dear. I'm afraid this is what I'm thinking, too.
Astronomy Camping - Jan 2009
Trying to do at least an overnight camping trip each month this year. To kick it off, me 'n' Sarge 'n' Neighbor Ed went to the Chabot Space and Science Center for the day/evening and car-camped at Chabot Park.
Highly recommend the Chabot observatory/astronomy center. Also, the park experience was much better than the last time I was there (2003). I think our campground was #21, away from the crowds and overlooking the lake. Very nice.
For stargazing, tho', a complete bust. Fogged in from Sat. noon to Sun. dawn, so: no observatory time at the science center and no stargazing at our campsite. Ah, well. I'll be looking for a full moon hike in the Bay Area this summer...
Trying to do at least an overnight camping trip each month this year. To kick it off, me 'n' Sarge 'n' Neighbor Ed went to the Chabot Space and Science Center for the day/evening and car-camped at Chabot Park. Highly recommend the Chabot observatory/astronomy center. Also, the park experience was much better than the last time I was there (2003). I think our campground was #21, away from the crowds and overlooking the lake. Very nice.
For stargazing, tho', a complete bust. Fogged in from Sat. noon to Sun. dawn, so: no observatory time at the science center and no stargazing at our campsite. Ah, well. I'll be looking for a full moon hike in the Bay Area this summer...
Porch Camping - Feb 2009
I'd intended to get dropped off a few miles up the road from Bear Valley, sleep in one of the campgrounds and then snow shoe back in the morning. (oooooh, brand new snow shoes....) It'll have to wait 'til next year. I needed to be at the cabin that first night to help set up 'n' stuff, so... next time!
But, I brought my tent along and did a "gear check" for winter snow camping. Yup. Stayed plenty warm overnight on the porch of the cabin. My S-in-L thought I was crazy for doing it, but with 4 boys under the age of 7 *inside* the cabin, I probably got more sleep than anyone else.... :-)
I'd intended to get dropped off a few miles up the road from Bear Valley, sleep in one of the campgrounds and then snow shoe back in the morning. (oooooh, brand new snow shoes....) It'll have to wait 'til next year. I needed to be at the cabin that first night to help set up 'n' stuff, so... next time!
But, I brought my tent along and did a "gear check" for winter snow camping. Yup. Stayed plenty warm overnight on the porch of the cabin. My S-in-L thought I was crazy for doing it, but with 4 boys under the age of 7 *inside* the cabin, I probably got more sleep than anyone else.... :-)
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Bike camping - April 2009
Dawdled around in the AM, since I was trekking on my own. Started at 9:30am. The plan was to go from San Mateo, up to Skyway, then down to Butano State Park. (Roughly like this.) Originally, I'd talked about going "around the Northern horn" (up to Daly City and then down the coast), but after Rebecca suggested this alternate, I decided harsh uphill+some downhill would be better than constant in-your-face headwinds along the coast. I may have been wrong. I'm a slow rider to start with, but this took awhile...
Carried all the gear I would need for overnight camping: tent, stove, hiking clothes, dinner food for 2, etc. Rebecca would meet me up at the campground with her gear and breakfast.
9:30 - 6 miles - backtracked to change route to head more south (Laurelwood to 92 instead of Hillsdale); some steep, short uphills in San Mateo to get the day started.
10:30 - 10 miles - onto Canada, great riding, lots of Team in Training folks out, great views along Crystal Spring reservoirs (San Andreas fault).
11:30 - 4 miles - stopped in Woodside awhile, headed up Old La Honda. Very steep, to *me*, anyway.
12:30 - 2 miles - More time off the bike than on it. Would've been faster to walk the bike up some of this. Lots of encouragement from other bikers. OLH Road is a popular training climb. "Average climbers will take 30-40 minutes to complete the climb..." Bwhahahah! I have a long, long way before I'm average. Or even a total novice. I'll try this route a few more times this summer, get a better feel for climbing.
1:30 - 7 miles - Up and over! Glorious 20min downhill run. A real roller coaster ride (if roller coasters had oncoming traffic and limb-threatening gravel patches), worth the price of admission. Lunch and rest outside little market in La Honda.
2:30 - 3 miles - More grind and stop. Getting close.
3:30 - 10 miles - Best hour: from a creek-accompanied mountain town to the windswept coastal farmland flats.
4:30 - 5 miles - Took my time on the last 3 road miles, enjoying the day. Last challenge: better part of a mile uphill into the camp. Ouch. Nearly walked my bike up the last bit. Set up camp, walked around a bit, stretched a lot. Butano seems like a great place to car camp, all redwoods and creeks.
Rebecca showed up and we had dinner, listened to Cub Scouts do skits across the road, spent a chilly night in the woods.
Sunday morning: we had breakfast, hiked for a couple hours, stopped into lovely and super-cool Pescadero for lunch.
47 slow miles, but a great weekend.
Dawdled around in the AM, since I was trekking on my own. Started at 9:30am. The plan was to go from San Mateo, up to Skyway, then down to Butano State Park. (Roughly like this.) Originally, I'd talked about going "around the Northern horn" (up to Daly City and then down the coast), but after Rebecca suggested this alternate, I decided harsh uphill+some downhill would be better than constant in-your-face headwinds along the coast. I may have been wrong. I'm a slow rider to start with, but this took awhile...
Carried all the gear I would need for overnight camping: tent, stove, hiking clothes, dinner food for 2, etc. Rebecca would meet me up at the campground with her gear and breakfast.
9:30 - 6 miles - backtracked to change route to head more south (Laurelwood to 92 instead of Hillsdale); some steep, short uphills in San Mateo to get the day started.
10:30 - 10 miles - onto Canada, great riding, lots of Team in Training folks out, great views along Crystal Spring reservoirs (San Andreas fault).
11:30 - 4 miles - stopped in Woodside awhile, headed up Old La Honda. Very steep, to *me*, anyway.
12:30 - 2 miles - More time off the bike than on it. Would've been faster to walk the bike up some of this. Lots of encouragement from other bikers. OLH Road is a popular training climb. "Average climbers will take 30-40 minutes to complete the climb..." Bwhahahah! I have a long, long way before I'm average. Or even a total novice. I'll try this route a few more times this summer, get a better feel for climbing.
1:30 - 7 miles - Up and over! Glorious 20min downhill run. A real roller coaster ride (if roller coasters had oncoming traffic and limb-threatening gravel patches), worth the price of admission. Lunch and rest outside little market in La Honda.
2:30 - 3 miles - More grind and stop. Getting close.
3:30 - 10 miles - Best hour: from a creek-accompanied mountain town to the windswept coastal farmland flats.
4:30 - 5 miles - Took my time on the last 3 road miles, enjoying the day. Last challenge: better part of a mile uphill into the camp. Ouch. Nearly walked my bike up the last bit. Set up camp, walked around a bit, stretched a lot. Butano seems like a great place to car camp, all redwoods and creeks.
Rebecca showed up and we had dinner, listened to Cub Scouts do skits across the road, spent a chilly night in the woods.
Sunday morning: we had breakfast, hiked for a couple hours, stopped into lovely and super-cool Pescadero for lunch.
47 slow miles, but a great weekend.
Today's hysterical video
"We didn't start the flame war" - language def. not safe for work. Or for many humans that don't talk like a truck driving sailor.
Seriously, the language is a couple steps past "salty".
H/T to Dish
"We didn't start the flame war" - language def. not safe for work. Or for many humans that don't talk like a truck driving sailor.
Seriously, the language is a couple steps past "salty".
H/T to Dish
Monday, April 06, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
IT BURNS!
Painfully hypnotic. Watch it so you can suffer along with me....
Earworm warning
*humming* doo doo doo doo-dee doo....
H/T The Dish
Painfully hypnotic. Watch it so you can suffer along with me....
Earworm warning
*humming* doo doo doo doo-dee doo....
H/T The Dish
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Jaw droppingly cool
Oh, you'll watch it, alright. You'll watch it twice:
Extreme Sheperding
H/T to the Daily Dish
Update: if you don't watch it all the way thru, it may not be clear that it's a Samsung ad. They send you to a broken link: samsung.com/LED. A more correct URL would be:
http://pages.samsung.com/us/ledtv/
Oh, you'll watch it, alright. You'll watch it twice:
Extreme Sheperding
H/T to the Daily Dish
Update: if you don't watch it all the way thru, it may not be clear that it's a Samsung ad. They send you to a broken link: samsung.com/LED. A more correct URL would be:
http://pages.samsung.com/us/ledtv/
Friday, February 20, 2009
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Monday, February 02, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
SOOOOOO cool!
I've always loved music videos. Visual short stories. Love the format.
Here's a super one.
H/T to Daily Dish
I've always loved music videos. Visual short stories. Love the format.
Here's a super one.
H/T to Daily Dish
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Almost there...
President Bush:
"I disagree with this assessment that, you know, that people view America in a dim light," he said. "It may be damaged amongst some of the elite. But people still understand America stands for freedom."
I hope that we have a very different world for the next 4/8 years. I'm amazed by these ongoing political tactics, which I tend to notice more on the Republican side: 1) if a Republican throw the words "the elites" into the sentence, then it doesn't matter what the Republican did or what these mystical, always wrong "elites" think. How did they get to be elite if they are always wrong and they don't matter? So strange. 2) If you say that there is less of something, they deny that there is a change by pointing out that there is still some left. Ummm... this is arithmetic. It's not a binary world. No one is saying that 100% of the world has stopped associating America with freedom. But our reputation *has* been damaged. *Fewer* people associate America with freedom because it's not always clear that our government *will* choose "individual freedom" over "governmental control/power".
I hope the next president can avoid the "bubble", but it has always seemed to me that this president prefers the bubble. I'm not sure he would have been able to act the way he acted over the last 6 or so years without it.
Reality:
Favorable opinions of the U.S. have, in general, dropped steadily from 1999/2000 to 2006 in most of the 15 countries surveyed by the Pew Global Attitudes Project.
President Bush:
"I disagree with this assessment that, you know, that people view America in a dim light," he said. "It may be damaged amongst some of the elite. But people still understand America stands for freedom."
I hope that we have a very different world for the next 4/8 years. I'm amazed by these ongoing political tactics, which I tend to notice more on the Republican side: 1) if a Republican throw the words "the elites" into the sentence, then it doesn't matter what the Republican did or what these mystical, always wrong "elites" think. How did they get to be elite if they are always wrong and they don't matter? So strange. 2) If you say that there is less of something, they deny that there is a change by pointing out that there is still some left. Ummm... this is arithmetic. It's not a binary world. No one is saying that 100% of the world has stopped associating America with freedom. But our reputation *has* been damaged. *Fewer* people associate America with freedom because it's not always clear that our government *will* choose "individual freedom" over "governmental control/power".
I hope the next president can avoid the "bubble", but it has always seemed to me that this president prefers the bubble. I'm not sure he would have been able to act the way he acted over the last 6 or so years without it.
Reality:
Favorable opinions of the U.S. have, in general, dropped steadily from 1999/2000 to 2006 in most of the 15 countries surveyed by the Pew Global Attitudes Project.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
I bash Newsweek a lot...
...for being more a "celebrity magazine" than a "news weekly", but I think this is a pretty clear, fair and succinct summary of the history and possibility of the Israeli - Palestinian region.
...for being more a "celebrity magazine" than a "news weekly", but I think this is a pretty clear, fair and succinct summary of the history and possibility of the Israeli - Palestinian region.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Amazing Dragon Cake...
...by these folks. H/T to Gamer Travis.
Sarah: do NOT be inspired. For display purposes only. Put down the mixing bowl.
...by these folks. H/T to Gamer Travis.
Sarah: do NOT be inspired. For display purposes only. Put down the mixing bowl.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Cafeteria-style religion
From the Daily Dish:
Agreed.
From the Daily Dish:
There is something striking about how rigorously theocons apply Vatican teaching to questions of private individuals' sexual and emotional relationships and how loosely they apply it when it comes to tempering right-wing governments from embracing torture, economic inequality, the death penalty and pre-emptive war.
Agreed.
Monday, January 05, 2009
A changing climate is more than an environmental issue
It's also a matter of national and global security.
It's also a matter of national and global security.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Man, I hope this is wrong...
The missiles used by Israel in the Gaza invasion were recently delivered to them by the US. They're bunker busters. Daily Dish theorizes that it's a test run for an Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. Just what we need, a full-on regional war.
The missiles used by Israel in the Gaza invasion were recently delivered to them by the US. They're bunker busters. Daily Dish theorizes that it's a test run for an Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. Just what we need, a full-on regional war.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Speed limits make the highways safer...
...and give you the ability to bring criminal charges against risk-takers who put themselves and others in danger. I think stock markets should be run the same, well-regulated way.
How India Avoided a Crisis
...and give you the ability to bring criminal charges against risk-takers who put themselves and others in danger. I think stock markets should be run the same, well-regulated way.
How India Avoided a Crisis
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Laguna Astronomy
Looked at the moon last night through the telescope. Awesome. Tonight we should see Venus before sundown and then Mercury and Jupiter with the moon.
Also, keep an eye out for meteor shower on the 3rd!
Must go to Chabot sometime soon for the weekend evening viewings!
Looked at the moon last night through the telescope. Awesome. Tonight we should see Venus before sundown and then Mercury and Jupiter with the moon.
Also, keep an eye out for meteor shower on the 3rd!
Must go to Chabot sometime soon for the weekend evening viewings!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
9
ummm... ok. can't wait.
Update: wrote that in a hurry. To be more clear: umm... ok, where the heck did this come from? Never heard of it until now. Looks awesome! can't wait....
ummm... ok. can't wait.
Update: wrote that in a hurry. To be more clear: umm... ok, where the heck did this come from? Never heard of it until now. Looks awesome! can't wait....
Lotta talk about Obama's choice of Rick Warren...
I may not care for Warren's stance on gay marriage, or even his basic beliefs, but if tolerance and working together are the goals, then I'd call the choice "leading by example".
Personally, I also think it shines a light on the bigotry inherent in the ancient mythologies. Let Warren spend a month defending his belief that some citizens should have "separate but equal" rights. The more light you shine on darkness....
I may not care for Warren's stance on gay marriage, or even his basic beliefs, but if tolerance and working together are the goals, then I'd call the choice "leading by example".
Personally, I also think it shines a light on the bigotry inherent in the ancient mythologies. Let Warren spend a month defending his belief that some citizens should have "separate but equal" rights. The more light you shine on darkness....
Sunday, December 21, 2008
World of Wiznals
See our PDF holiday letter and/or the full 2008 slide show!
December 19, 2008
Dear friends and family,
What a year! Do you have whiplash, too? Full of ups and downs, mostly on the national stage. Glad to say that on a personal level for us there were mostly ups!
Some of our happiest moments are spent with the children in our lives. We love being Auntie and Uncle to Peter (5) and Lucas (almost 3). Peter has really grown up this year. He is a quiet, focused little boy with a tremendous attention span who loves arts and crafts just as much as cars, trains, and airplanes. This year he’s planted a garden with Uncle Adam and made lots of pictures and projects with Auntie Becca.
Lucas has been terrible two with a vengeance this year. When he’s not screaming his head off, he’s an adorable, adventuresome little guy who talks up a storm and charms everyone.
We also love to spend time with our goddaughter Melissa and her mom Susan. Melissa and Uncle Adam had a garden again this year with REALLY BIG sunflowers. They’ve enjoyed monthly adventures from “The Daring Book for Girls,” including Melissa’s first camping trip and summertime lemonade stand.
Our travels this year took us to many places, notably England in June with the extended Ennals clan for Rebecca’s cousin Jim’s wedding. We also got to meet cousin Tom’s new bride Anna and baby Jacob, who is awfully cute. We all fell in love with the Isle of Anglesey in Wales.
Adam stayed on for two weeks after Rebecca had to go back to work, playing “manny” for the Durands and living the life of a Londoner.
Other trips included a business trip to Southern Utah for Rebecca, a kayaking and hiking trip to Point Reyes/Tomales Bay, Ashland with Mary and Bill and the usual crew, a Philco in the Sierra for Adam, Adam helping Walter move to Florida over Thanksgiving, and an amazing week in Bear Valley in August with the Ennals and Durand families.
Summer also brought a visit from Mom Wiz. It’s always a treat to hang out with Mom, knitting and chatting and catching up.
Adam’s 40th birthday party in August was a highlight of the year, starting with taking over the Pump It Up bounce houses and ending up with a backyard bash at the Bungalow. Did we mention that we all dressed up as superheroes? It was a blast.
Rebecca’s directing career boomed this year -- she directed productions of Peter Pan, Northanger Abbey, Romeo and Juliet, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Tribute, Merry Christmas, Strega Nona, and a staged reading of a new play about Emily Dickinson. Adam helped out on the fly crew for Peter Pan in a blatant attempt to actually see his wife occasionally.
Meanwhile, he’s been getting his World of Warcraft characters up to level 70 and beyond.
Rebecca continues to enjoy crafting, including knitting and sewing on her new Bernina machine. Adam has taken up a new craft, candle-making, in addition to his usual exploits as the household’s master chef.
As the new year approaches, we are very excited about President-elect Obama, a truly inspiring, intelligent leader. We’re nervous, however, as the full effects of the recession start to be felt. Thankfully, we both still have jobs for the moment. During this season of reflection on the blessings of our lives, we remind you to give generously to the arts, the environment, and those in need. We suggest the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, EarthJustice, Heifer International, and your local food bank.
We wish you a joyful holiday season and a happy beginning to 2009!
The Wiznals
See our PDF holiday letter and/or the full 2008 slide show!
December 19, 2008
Dear friends and family,
What a year! Do you have whiplash, too? Full of ups and downs, mostly on the national stage. Glad to say that on a personal level for us there were mostly ups!
Some of our happiest moments are spent with the children in our lives. We love being Auntie and Uncle to Peter (5) and Lucas (almost 3). Peter has really grown up this year. He is a quiet, focused little boy with a tremendous attention span who loves arts and crafts just as much as cars, trains, and airplanes. This year he’s planted a garden with Uncle Adam and made lots of pictures and projects with Auntie Becca.
Lucas has been terrible two with a vengeance this year. When he’s not screaming his head off, he’s an adorable, adventuresome little guy who talks up a storm and charms everyone.
We also love to spend time with our goddaughter Melissa and her mom Susan. Melissa and Uncle Adam had a garden again this year with REALLY BIG sunflowers. They’ve enjoyed monthly adventures from “The Daring Book for Girls,” including Melissa’s first camping trip and summertime lemonade stand.
Our travels this year took us to many places, notably England in June with the extended Ennals clan for Rebecca’s cousin Jim’s wedding. We also got to meet cousin Tom’s new bride Anna and baby Jacob, who is awfully cute. We all fell in love with the Isle of Anglesey in Wales.
Adam stayed on for two weeks after Rebecca had to go back to work, playing “manny” for the Durands and living the life of a Londoner.
Other trips included a business trip to Southern Utah for Rebecca, a kayaking and hiking trip to Point Reyes/Tomales Bay, Ashland with Mary and Bill and the usual crew, a Philco in the Sierra for Adam, Adam helping Walter move to Florida over Thanksgiving, and an amazing week in Bear Valley in August with the Ennals and Durand families.
Summer also brought a visit from Mom Wiz. It’s always a treat to hang out with Mom, knitting and chatting and catching up.
Adam’s 40th birthday party in August was a highlight of the year, starting with taking over the Pump It Up bounce houses and ending up with a backyard bash at the Bungalow. Did we mention that we all dressed up as superheroes? It was a blast.
Rebecca’s directing career boomed this year -- she directed productions of Peter Pan, Northanger Abbey, Romeo and Juliet, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Tribute, Merry Christmas, Strega Nona, and a staged reading of a new play about Emily Dickinson. Adam helped out on the fly crew for Peter Pan in a blatant attempt to actually see his wife occasionally.
Meanwhile, he’s been getting his World of Warcraft characters up to level 70 and beyond. 
Rebecca continues to enjoy crafting, including knitting and sewing on her new Bernina machine. Adam has taken up a new craft, candle-making, in addition to his usual exploits as the household’s master chef.
As the new year approaches, we are very excited about President-elect Obama, a truly inspiring, intelligent leader. We’re nervous, however, as the full effects of the recession start to be felt. Thankfully, we both still have jobs for the moment. During this season of reflection on the blessings of our lives, we remind you to give generously to the arts, the environment, and those in need. We suggest the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, EarthJustice, Heifer International, and your local food bank.
We wish you a joyful holiday season and a happy beginning to 2009!
The Wiznals
Sesame cashew curry
R said I should write this one down, she liked it so much.
Toast cashews, then fry in oil with curry powder, lime juice and garlic.
Blend cashews with soy milk/water mixture until desired thickness and texture.
Fry potatoes in oil until brown, add water and cover for a few minutes.
Add brocoli, steam and stir for a few minutes.
Add sauce and rice, heat until warm.
Add sesame seeds, chili oil and black pepper to taste.
R said I should write this one down, she liked it so much.
Toast cashews, then fry in oil with curry powder, lime juice and garlic.
Blend cashews with soy milk/water mixture until desired thickness and texture.
Fry potatoes in oil until brown, add water and cover for a few minutes.
Add brocoli, steam and stir for a few minutes.
Add sauce and rice, heat until warm.
Add sesame seeds, chili oil and black pepper to taste.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
She's not qualified
http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/story/526416.html
update: but this is funny. not in a good way.
http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/story/526416.html
update: but this is funny. not in a good way.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Rebuild the party
This is interesting: a Digg style 10 point action plan for the GOP (you can say which items are the most important). Politics of the future?
h/t to Daily Dish
oops, the site's down. maybe later.
This is interesting: a Digg style 10 point action plan for the GOP (you can say which items are the most important). Politics of the future?
h/t to Daily Dish
oops, the site's down. maybe later.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Historic Day
And I love this quote, from a Washington Post article pointing to a text message being forward around:
There will be "soft" benefits in electing Obama: the world's perception of the US and the US's perception of itself. Now, the difficult task of reaching for those "hard" benefits of economic recovery and ending the wars with maximum further gain and minimum further loss.
And I love this quote, from a Washington Post article pointing to a text message being forward around:
Rosa sat so Martin could walk. Martin walked so Barack could run. Barack is running so our children can fly.
There will be "soft" benefits in electing Obama: the world's perception of the US and the US's perception of itself. Now, the difficult task of reaching for those "hard" benefits of economic recovery and ending the wars with maximum further gain and minimum further loss.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Irony detect-o-rometer.... overloading...!!
H/T to Pharyngula.
Christian group prays for an improved economy by ... a statue of a golden bull...?!
Oh, come on, you made that up, that didn't really happen.
Ok, well, it did happen. But I'll bet they just used the statue as a meeting place, representing the "bull market", they didn't actually involve the GOLDEN CALF in their .... oh.
Ok, well. Yes. Hmmm. And there are... I don't know... rules against this sort of thing? And, say, role models who advise against it?
Seriously? Did no one in this group think this through? Golly.
My brain splodes.
Added: so now you must have the lolz. One Two
H/T to Pharyngula.
Christian group prays for an improved economy by ... a statue of a golden bull...?!
Oh, come on, you made that up, that didn't really happen.
Ok, well, it did happen. But I'll bet they just used the statue as a meeting place, representing the "bull market", they didn't actually involve the GOLDEN CALF in their .... oh.
Ok, well. Yes. Hmmm. And there are... I don't know... rules against this sort of thing? And, say, role models who advise against it?
Seriously? Did no one in this group think this through? Golly.
My brain splodes.
Added: so now you must have the lolz. One Two
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
A powerful idea
One thing that Barack Obama's campaign has going for it is the message of hope. Whether it is false hope, political puffery or a smoke screen to hide a thin resume can be argued. But after being told to "be afraid" for 7 long years, it's an emotionally engaging message.
Daily Dish has the "Yes we can" video.
One thing that Barack Obama's campaign has going for it is the message of hope. Whether it is false hope, political puffery or a smoke screen to hide a thin resume can be argued. But after being told to "be afraid" for 7 long years, it's an emotionally engaging message.
Daily Dish has the "Yes we can" video.
So, what did I DO yesterday and today?
I meant to post something yesterday about my recycling efforts this year, but didn't get to it. Later today.
Today, I voted. I found Ballotopedia very helpful in figuring out what to do about all those propositions.
I meant to post something yesterday about my recycling efforts this year, but didn't get to it. Later today.
Today, I voted. I found Ballotopedia very helpful in figuring out what to do about all those propositions.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
...turn to p56, find the 5th sentence...
fyellin commands, I obey:
* Grab the nearest book.
* Open the book to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post the text of the next seven sentences in your journal along with these instructions.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the cool book, or the intellectual one: pick the CLOSEST.
"Note that Improved Mobility does not apply if the pirate is mounted. This is an extraordinary ability.
Navigation: At 10th level the pirate gains Navigation as a bonus feat. He need not meet the prerequisites for the feat. If he already has Navigation, he gains Skill Focus with Profession (sailor).
Greater Mobility: From 15th level onwards the pirate may move up to his speed as part of a full attack action, rather than merely taking a five-foot step. He may move and attack in any order; so he might for example move five feet, attack once, move fifteen feet, attack twice more and then move again for the remaining ten feet of his movement."
From "Conan The Roleplaying Game", which I'm using as source material for the online Dungeons and Dragons game that I'm GM'ing. :-D
fyellin commands, I obey:
* Grab the nearest book.
* Open the book to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post the text of the next seven sentences in your journal along with these instructions.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the cool book, or the intellectual one: pick the CLOSEST.
"Note that Improved Mobility does not apply if the pirate is mounted. This is an extraordinary ability.
Navigation: At 10th level the pirate gains Navigation as a bonus feat. He need not meet the prerequisites for the feat. If he already has Navigation, he gains Skill Focus with Profession (sailor).
Greater Mobility: From 15th level onwards the pirate may move up to his speed as part of a full attack action, rather than merely taking a five-foot step. He may move and attack in any order; so he might for example move five feet, attack once, move fifteen feet, attack twice more and then move again for the remaining ten feet of his movement."
From "Conan The Roleplaying Game", which I'm using as source material for the online Dungeons and Dragons game that I'm GM'ing. :-D
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?!!
From Forbes: Treasury explains how it came up with $700 billion: We just wanted ‘a really large number.’
From Forbes: Treasury explains how it came up with $700 billion: We just wanted ‘a really large number.’
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
CSA in your own backyard
Ok, here's a new twist on the Community Support Agriculture "veggie box". You pay for the box, but the food is grown in YOUR BACKYARD!
Instead of hiring someone to come mow your grass, you hire My Farm to tend the veggie garden. They give you a veggie share each week from your own and other backyard gardens.
Now *that's* locally grown food.
Ok, here's a new twist on the Community Support Agriculture "veggie box". You pay for the box, but the food is grown in YOUR BACKYARD!
Instead of hiring someone to come mow your grass, you hire My Farm to tend the veggie garden. They give you a veggie share each week from your own and other backyard gardens.
Now *that's* locally grown food.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Learn about the US electoral system...
...from the BBC.
I'm in the 90% of Americans that did not know about the "unit rule".
...from the BBC.
I'm in the 90% of Americans that did not know about the "unit rule".
What just happened....?!
This blog post about the financial upheaval is pretty clear and understandable (H/T to "How the World Works").
added 20080925: This post is even more clear.
This blog post about the financial upheaval is pretty clear and understandable (H/T to "How the World Works").
added 20080925: This post is even more clear.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
So true...
Quote from a netizen, left on a blog post regarding economic positions of the candidates, regarding responsibility for your own finances:
Quote from a netizen, left on a blog post regarding economic positions of the candidates, regarding responsibility for your own finances:
Remember how, back in school, Math was Hard? And the most common complaint was, “Seriously, what is this stuff good for, anyway?” We’re paying in spades for that attitude right now. (Same goes for Science class, but that’s another topic.)
— NotParatrooper
Pick the OTHER Palin!
The Monty one... (h/t to fyellin)
update: NOOOOBODY EXPECTS THE ALASKAN POLITICIAN!
The Monty one... (h/t to fyellin)
update: NOOOOBODY EXPECTS THE ALASKAN POLITICIAN!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Geek crossover moment!
Scott McCloud is a revered figure in my comic world, and he just did an online comic for Google, explaining their thinking behind "Chrome", their new browser project:
http://www.google.com/googlebooks/chrome/index.html
Go Scott!
Scott McCloud is a revered figure in my comic world, and he just did an online comic for Google, explaining their thinking behind "Chrome", their new browser project:
http://www.google.com/googlebooks/chrome/index.html
Go Scott!
Monday, September 01, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Dinner in SF - August
See you at Mi Lindo Yucatan at 7:30 pm on Friday. RSVP please!
4042 24th St
San Francisco, CA
See you at Mi Lindo Yucatan at 7:30 pm on Friday. RSVP please!
4042 24th St
San Francisco, CA
Al Gore places infant son....
H/T to Travis and continued amazement at the Onion's dead-on satire:
bwhahahahahahaha!
H/T to Travis and continued amazement at the Onion's dead-on satire:
bwhahahahahahaha!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog
Joss is making some funny stuff that he wants, no: demands!, that you watch.
Watch it!
Joss is making some funny stuff that he wants, no: demands!, that you watch.
Watch it!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Fridays in the City!
I'm going to start a monthly "Friday dinner in SF" tradition. Rebecca should be able to go to most of them, but maybe not this first one.
I'll come up on the train after work and hang out in the city, try new restaurants. So, dinner near the 22nd or 4th Street stations would be the most convenient.
Friday Aug 1st, 8pm, location TBA (suggestions welcome).
I'm going to start a monthly "Friday dinner in SF" tradition. Rebecca should be able to go to most of them, but maybe not this first one.
I'll come up on the train after work and hang out in the city, try new restaurants. So, dinner near the 22nd or 4th Street stations would be the most convenient.
Friday Aug 1st, 8pm, location TBA (suggestions welcome).
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Monday, July 07, 2008
“By the time you panic, it is way too late.”
..."says Lee R. Raymond, the former chief executive of Exxon Mobil, who has had a ringside seat for most of the energy policy debates of the last 25 years."
..."says Lee R. Raymond, the former chief executive of Exxon Mobil, who has had a ringside seat for most of the energy policy debates of the last 25 years."
Sunday, July 06, 2008
...ummm. oops.
While trying to watch Spectacular Spider-man (wow! thanks, Walter), I noticed my computer fan was running all the time. Opened the sucker up this weekend and VACUUMED out the dust and grime. By the bucketful. The USB ports on the back of the computer were clogged with dust bunnies. Yuck!
Seems to work much better now.
Important safety tip. Thanks, Egon.
While trying to watch Spectacular Spider-man (wow! thanks, Walter), I noticed my computer fan was running all the time. Opened the sucker up this weekend and VACUUMED out the dust and grime. By the bucketful. The USB ports on the back of the computer were clogged with dust bunnies. Yuck!
Seems to work much better now.
Important safety tip. Thanks, Egon.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Castle Boy!
Hah! Yes, I'm castle boy (says Lovely Wife). I can't go thru a museum w/o reading every (EVERY) placard. So?
We saw little bits and pieces of these two wonderful castles over the last 2 days (ie: we spent about 4 hours at each and only scratched the surface as far as I'm concerned):
Beaumaris
Caernarfan
Hah! Yes, I'm castle boy (says Lovely Wife). I can't go thru a museum w/o reading every (EVERY) placard. So?
We saw little bits and pieces of these two wonderful castles over the last 2 days (ie: we spent about 4 hours at each and only scratched the surface as far as I'm concerned):
Beaumaris
Caernarfan
Safe and sound in UK
Not in the flooding areas
We're in Wales at this incredible timeshare/golf course place.
Not in the flooding areas
We're in Wales at this incredible timeshare/golf course place.
Friday, April 25, 2008
H.L. Mencken quote
In the intro to a review of the movie "Expelled":
In the intro to a review of the movie "Expelled":
"...even a superstitious man has certain inalienable rights. He has a right to harbor and indulge his imbecilities as long as he pleases, provided only he does not try to inflict them upon other men by force. He has a right to argue for them as eloquently as he can, in season and out of season. He has a right to teach them to his children. But certainly he has no right to be protected against the free criticism of those who do not hold them. He has no right to demand that they be treated as sacred. He has no right to preach them without challenge."
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Earth Day
Personally, I'm convinced by what I consider to be more than enough compelling evidence that our increasingly polluted world is a large, far-reaching problem that is coming on much faster than we will have time to react to.
Whether or not that's true (or to what degree it's true) I think that we (as individuals, as nations and as a species) would do well to think in Boy Scout or Iroquois terms. ("Leave the campsite cleaner than when you arrived" and "Make decisions based on how they will affect the next 7 generations"). I think that's basic decency towards the current community and to the future.
A warning and some hope.
Personally, I'm convinced by what I consider to be more than enough compelling evidence that our increasingly polluted world is a large, far-reaching problem that is coming on much faster than we will have time to react to.
Whether or not that's true (or to what degree it's true) I think that we (as individuals, as nations and as a species) would do well to think in Boy Scout or Iroquois terms. ("Leave the campsite cleaner than when you arrived" and "Make decisions based on how they will affect the next 7 generations"). I think that's basic decency towards the current community and to the future.
A warning and some hope.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Birding moments today
I think Mary and Bill would be proud. I heard a sort-of bleeting bird call behind me as I rode my bike in the Gilroy area today. I thought, "Man, that sounds like a red-winged blackbird." Turned and looked and there he was on the fence.
Not too much later, I saw a flash of dusky red through the trees above an open field and I thought. "Was that a hawk? Couldn't be. Too big." But sure enough, this ENORMOUS hawk came shooting by after a pigeon(?) It seemed like a giant to me, but I couldn't really judge very well.
Birding. It's in the blood.
I think Mary and Bill would be proud. I heard a sort-of bleeting bird call behind me as I rode my bike in the Gilroy area today. I thought, "Man, that sounds like a red-winged blackbird." Turned and looked and there he was on the fence.
Not too much later, I saw a flash of dusky red through the trees above an open field and I thought. "Was that a hawk? Couldn't be. Too big." But sure enough, this ENORMOUS hawk came shooting by after a pigeon(?) It seemed like a giant to me, but I couldn't really judge very well.
Birding. It's in the blood.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
This week's crazy cooking thing
When the CSA box arrives, it's like Christmas. I try really hard not to peek at the newsletter that arrives on Mon/Tue each week. So, walk the 3 blocks on Wed evening to pick up the veggie delivery, it's a like seeing a chest in WoW. You don't know what's in it, but you know that it's a step up from the usual loot.
This week we got oranges, and it's one of *two* fruit items! Strawberries are a regular appearance and we love them, but, bless them for adding more fruit. Not only is it one less thing to get from the grocery store, but it cuts back on the wall of greens (lions and tigers and bears! oh my!).
We also got mint. As usual, on the way home, I'm thinking. Mint? Strawberries? Dessert. Sure. But... what *kind* of dessert.
So, here's this week's crazy thing. And every crazy thing deserves a made up name:
Il formaggio di menta con le fragole
That would be "mint cheese w/ strawberries". (Thanks FreeTranslations!) Bad name. I know. But it's like a cannoli stuffing. Hmmm. I'll work on it.
But, not just any mint stuffing: Tofu. (C'mon, regular cheese wouldn't be crazy.)
When the CSA box arrives, it's like Christmas. I try really hard not to peek at the newsletter that arrives on Mon/Tue each week. So, walk the 3 blocks on Wed evening to pick up the veggie delivery, it's a like seeing a chest in WoW. You don't know what's in it, but you know that it's a step up from the usual loot.
This week we got oranges, and it's one of *two* fruit items! Strawberries are a regular appearance and we love them, but, bless them for adding more fruit. Not only is it one less thing to get from the grocery store, but it cuts back on the wall of greens (lions and tigers and bears! oh my!).
We also got mint. As usual, on the way home, I'm thinking. Mint? Strawberries? Dessert. Sure. But... what *kind* of dessert.
So, here's this week's crazy thing. And every crazy thing deserves a made up name:
Il formaggio di menta con le fragole
That would be "mint cheese w/ strawberries". (Thanks FreeTranslations!) Bad name. I know. But it's like a cannoli stuffing. Hmmm. I'll work on it.
But, not just any mint stuffing: Tofu. (C'mon, regular cheese wouldn't be crazy.)
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Walter Speaks
In no order, his best/worst movies of 2007. Thank Darwin that I only saw one of the worst. *Shakes fist at Walter* De-evolve you! De-evolve you to a really hot place for taking me to see Spider-Man 3! *tears eyes out and stomps on them* Seriously, that was a baaaaaad movie. That movie was "Revenge of the Sith" bad.
The only "best" that I think is missing is "Juno". So good!
Checks ( ✓) are ones I've seen.
*snip*
Best:
300 ✓
The Lookout
Waitress
Knocked Up ✓
Ratatouille ✓
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ✓
The Bourne Ultimatium ✓
Superbad ✓
3:10 to Yuma ✓
Eastern Promises
Michael Clayton
Gone Baby Gone
Enchanted ✓
I am Legend ✓
Worst (that I actually saw):
Smokin' Aces
Ghost Rider
Grindhouse
Spider-man 3 ✓ (aaaaaaaarrrrrghhh! my eyeeeeeessss .....!)
28 Weeks Later
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
Death Sentence
Halloween
Shoot 'Em Up
30 Days of Night
Beowulf
There Will Be Blood ✓ (oh, right. I saw "There Will Be Boring", too)
*snip*
In no order, his best/worst movies of 2007. Thank Darwin that I only saw one of the worst. *Shakes fist at Walter* De-evolve you! De-evolve you to a really hot place for taking me to see Spider-Man 3! *tears eyes out and stomps on them* Seriously, that was a baaaaaad movie. That movie was "Revenge of the Sith" bad.
The only "best" that I think is missing is "Juno". So good!
Checks ( ✓) are ones I've seen.
*snip*
Best:
300 ✓
The Lookout
Waitress
Knocked Up ✓
Ratatouille ✓
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ✓
The Bourne Ultimatium ✓
Superbad ✓
3:10 to Yuma ✓
Eastern Promises
Michael Clayton
Gone Baby Gone
Enchanted ✓
I am Legend ✓
Worst (that I actually saw):
Smokin' Aces
Ghost Rider
Grindhouse
Spider-man 3 ✓ (aaaaaaaarrrrrghhh! my eyeeeeeessss .....!)
28 Weeks Later
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
Death Sentence
Halloween
Shoot 'Em Up
30 Days of Night
Beowulf
There Will Be Blood ✓ (oh, right. I saw "There Will Be Boring", too)
*snip*
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Running!
I started running again around Jan 11th. I've been doing 30 min nearly every day. Out 15 min with a tiny additional distance each time (20 yards even) and then come back the same distance faster. Feels good to be moving again.
I did NOT do the 5k event on Jan 20th, but I did run at least 5k with Lyndsey on Jan 21st. Hit the spirit of the plan, even if didn't follow it to the letter.
Next up: running in seriously cold windy weather in Champaign-Urbana when I'm out visiting Mom Wiz from Feb 3rd-10th.
I started running again around Jan 11th. I've been doing 30 min nearly every day. Out 15 min with a tiny additional distance each time (20 yards even) and then come back the same distance faster. Feels good to be moving again.
I did NOT do the 5k event on Jan 20th, but I did run at least 5k with Lyndsey on Jan 21st. Hit the spirit of the plan, even if didn't follow it to the letter.
Next up: running in seriously cold windy weather in Champaign-Urbana when I'm out visiting Mom Wiz from Feb 3rd-10th.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Amazing Pictures - Awesome Gift!
Check out the super pictures in Bro-in-law Bill's 2008 calendar. Send one to a friend. Send 10 to 10 friends!
http://www.cafepress.com/wfwalkerphoto.179897806
Check out the super pictures in Bro-in-law Bill's 2008 calendar. Send one to a friend. Send 10 to 10 friends!
http://www.cafepress.com/wfwalkerphoto.179897806
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Hold me to this!
Here's the running event plan from Jan'08 to Mar'09. (There's still a few more to add).
See http://www.dserunners.com/schedule2008.html
1/20 Sawyer Camp Trail 5k/10k
San Mateo
5k run
http://dserunners.com/schedule/2008/sawyercamptrail.html
2/17 Rainbow Falls 5k
SF
5k run
http://dserunners.com/schedule/2008/rainbowfalls5k.html
3/2 Windmill 10K
SF
10k run
http://dserunners.com/schedule/2008/windmillrun.html
4/13 Santa Cruz Half Marathon
Santa Cruz
13mile run
http://www.firstwave-events.com/sc_half/
7/28 Wharf to Wharf
Santa Cruz
10k run
http://www.wharftowharf.com/
8/3 San Fransisco Half Marathon
SF
13mile run
http://www.runsfm.com/home.html
9/27? Waves to Wine
SF – Headlesburg
150mile bike
www.wavestowine.org
10/5 Bridge to Bridge
SF
12k run
http://www.bridgetobridge.com/
10/26 Silicon Valley Half Marathon
SJ
13mile run
http://www.svmarathon.com/
3/2009 Napa Marathon
Napa
26mile run
http://www.napavalleymarathon.org/
Here's the running event plan from Jan'08 to Mar'09. (There's still a few more to add).
See http://www.dserunners.com/schedule2008.html
1/20 Sawyer Camp Trail 5k/10k
San Mateo
5k run
http://dserunners.com/schedule/2008/sawyercamptrail.html
2/17 Rainbow Falls 5k
SF
5k run
http://dserunners.com/schedule/2008/rainbowfalls5k.html
3/2 Windmill 10K
SF
10k run
http://dserunners.com/schedule/2008/windmillrun.html
4/13 Santa Cruz Half Marathon
Santa Cruz
13mile run
http://www.firstwave-events.com/sc_half/
7/28 Wharf to Wharf
Santa Cruz
10k run
http://www.wharftowharf.com/
8/3 San Fransisco Half Marathon
SF
13mile run
http://www.runsfm.com/home.html
9/27? Waves to Wine
SF – Headlesburg
150mile bike
www.wavestowine.org
10/5 Bridge to Bridge
SF
12k run
http://www.bridgetobridge.com/
10/26 Silicon Valley Half Marathon
SJ
13mile run
http://www.svmarathon.com/
3/2009 Napa Marathon
Napa
26mile run
http://www.napavalleymarathon.org/
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Walter speaks: The Hobbit is happening
Grand news from my entertainment guru!
Read it!
Breathe it!
LIVE IT!
....Ok, maybe not. But, still: Hurray! Smaug!
One headscratcher, tho':
>> two films, “The Hobbit” and a sequel
>> to “The Hobbit.”
...what?
They aren't saying the Hobbit will be split in two, they're saying a sequel. ummmm... thoughts?
Grand news from my entertainment guru!
Read it!
Breathe it!
LIVE IT!
....Ok, maybe not. But, still: Hurray! Smaug!
One headscratcher, tho':
>> two films, “The Hobbit” and a sequel
>> to “The Hobbit.”
...what?
They aren't saying the Hobbit will be split in two, they're saying a sequel. ummmm... thoughts?
Monday, December 10, 2007
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