I bought 2 power regulators from them yesterday, and the receipt is 20" long by 3.5" wide. I'm not complaining... I hate trees too!
The Onion even took them on.
2009-09-26
2009-09-25
Some really cool looking stop-motion videos.
http://vimeo.com/6686768
I particularly liked the starscapes.
http://vimeo.com/6686768
I particularly liked the starscapes.
2009-09-16
Idiot Carter
Jimmy Carter is a bigot. His explanation of Representative Joe Wilson's outburst did not address if Carter believed that Wilson actually thought the president was lying or not. Carter's explanation effectively said that anyone who disagrees with the president is a racist. Doesn't a remark such as that make Carter just as ignorant as a racist?
To properly gage if Wilson honestly felt that the president was lying or not, you would have to be intimately familiar with Wilson's views on illegal immigrants and their access to federal social services. I highly doubt that Jimmy knows Joe well enough to ascertain his feelings on such a specific issue.
South Carolina's former Democratic Party chairman, Dick Harpootlian (who has known Joe for decades) doesn't even agree with the former president. He said: "I don't think Joe's outburst was caused by President Obama being African-American. I think it was caused by no filter being between his brain and his mouth."
Carter continued with: "There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president." And Carter was instantly willing to group Rep. Wilson in with those dorks. Carter went on to say: "The president is not only the head of government, he is the head of state," ... "And no matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect."
You sir, do not have my respect.
To properly gage if Wilson honestly felt that the president was lying or not, you would have to be intimately familiar with Wilson's views on illegal immigrants and their access to federal social services. I highly doubt that Jimmy knows Joe well enough to ascertain his feelings on such a specific issue.
South Carolina's former Democratic Party chairman, Dick Harpootlian (who has known Joe for decades) doesn't even agree with the former president. He said: "I don't think Joe's outburst was caused by President Obama being African-American. I think it was caused by no filter being between his brain and his mouth."
Carter continued with: "There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president." And Carter was instantly willing to group Rep. Wilson in with those dorks. Carter went on to say: "The president is not only the head of government, he is the head of state," ... "And no matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect."
You sir, do not have my respect.
2009-09-13
Audiobooks
Ok, these people need to get over themselves. How is it that they still charge anywhere from $30-50 for a single audiobook? And there is no discount when we buy it digitally? In that scenario, it's only costing them the storage and throughput costs, which is divided amongst all purchasers!
The cost of downloaded audiobooks should be closer to what a retail music CD costs ($10-15). And a retail CD-audiobook should cost no more than a deluxe edition DVD costs ($20-$25). How can we make this happen?
The cost of downloaded audiobooks should be closer to what a retail music CD costs ($10-15). And a retail CD-audiobook should cost no more than a deluxe edition DVD costs ($20-$25). How can we make this happen?
2009-09-12
Moab pictures on InterFaceLift
I saw these and thought of you Jen:
You can find more on InterFaceLift.com Easily my favorite desktop wallpaper site.
You can find more on InterFaceLift.com Easily my favorite desktop wallpaper site.
2009-08-27
I love Dropbox
How many programs release binaries for EACH major OS? Not enough. That's one reason I love Dropbox. You can download their client for Windows, Mac, and Linux! They give 2 GB of storage for free, and if you use that referral link, we each get an extra 250 MB (capped at 3 GB).
If you're looking for a free way to backup your photo or music collection and have less than 2 GB of data, use this. You can get 50 GB for $10 a month and 100 GB for $20 a month. If you need more than 100 GB, then you should look into getting a NAS or SAN box (ask me if you have NAS or SAN questions).
If you're looking for a free way to backup your photo or music collection and have less than 2 GB of data, use this. You can get 50 GB for $10 a month and 100 GB for $20 a month. If you need more than 100 GB, then you should look into getting a NAS or SAN box (ask me if you have NAS or SAN questions).
2009-08-12
My hobby
When a co-worker is in a long and detailed discussion of some technical issue, send them a random nonsensical IM and listen to their train of thought derail.
The 7 second pause in conversation is the sweet sound of victory!
The 7 second pause in conversation is the sweet sound of victory!
2009-07-28
Also, don't use tanning beds
Sorry Jen:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090729/ap_on_he_me/eu_med_tanning_beds_cancer
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090729/ap_on_he_me/eu_med_tanning_beds_cancer
Swing your arms
An interesting article on the energy cost of swinging your arms, or not, while you walk:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090728/sc_afp/sciencearmsoffbeat
While it may seem like a boring subject, I found it quite interesting. And it's a quick read.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090728/sc_afp/sciencearmsoffbeat
While it may seem like a boring subject, I found it quite interesting. And it's a quick read.
The car audio/video features I'm waiting for
1. Large touchscreen LCD for Blu-Ray and other video playback as well as for GPS navigation.
2. Detachable faceplate that acts like a PMP.
3. Internal storage, most or all on the faceplate, at least a couple hundred GB, to store what it grabs from the network.
4. 802.11n and software for multiple OS' that allows for automatic synchronization when the unit is within range of it's home network.
5. GSM based cellular internet access.
6. Google maps and Google street-view.
7. Upgradeable firmware to support advances in audio and video codecs.
2. Detachable faceplate that acts like a PMP.
3. Internal storage, most or all on the faceplate, at least a couple hundred GB, to store what it grabs from the network.
4. 802.11n and software for multiple OS' that allows for automatic synchronization when the unit is within range of it's home network.
5. GSM based cellular internet access.
6. Google maps and Google street-view.
7. Upgradeable firmware to support advances in audio and video codecs.
2009-07-25
I love jambalaya
So I thought it would be nice to share the recipe that I use. WARNING: This recipe has been fully bachelorized and will not win any Cajun cooking contests. Bachelorization is the process of making food preparation faster and often requires fewer ingredients. My version is kind of a cross between Cajun and Creole jambalaya, sometime called "white jambalaya" since the protein spends less time cooking with the rice. This will feed 1-3 people.
1 cup white rice (You can use brown, but your jambalaya will shed it's bachelorized status due to the longer cooking time.)
2 cups water
1 pound sausage (Preferably Andouille, but good luck finding any locally. You can use chicken, shrimp, etc if you prefer.)
1/2 diced green bell pepper (I've tried a few different kinds, they are all about the same to me.)
Salt (Sea salt or plain iodine. You may want to avoid anything pre-spiced.)
Pepper (If you don't grind your own pepper, I hate you.)
Cayenne pepper
I don't use onions or celery because they tend to overpower the flavors that I like. Jambalaya devotees will think less of you for that. So if you use them, a half onion is more than enough. I was using about a quarter onion when I decided to stop buying them. And maybe 2 stalks of celery. I don't know, I never cared for it.
Cook the rice for 20 minutes, or however long your variant requires. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper right at the start. You will need to experiment with those seasonings in order to get it right. I haven't tried "minute rice" since I expect that it doesn't have enough time to absorb the flavors properly. Add the diced pepper when you have about 8 minutes left for the rice. This keeps the pepper from getting mushy and will retain it's taste.
Cook the sausage in a large skillet. Most sausage is pre-cooked and only needs to be heated, but I prefer to brown the cut ends. I add a bit of oil to help prevent sticking and burning since I cook on higher heat than necessary. I cook them on the cut ends, and spread them out so each piece is cooking at the same time (no stacking). Add salt, pepper, and cayenne if you prefer (I do).
Add the sausage to the rice before the rice is done cooking, at least 4 minutes and I don't know of a maximum time. Don't be afraid to let some of the oil get in the mix, but separating it is fine. That's it, you're done. Let it cool if you're a wimp. Eat it out of the saucepan if you're awesome.
An easier way to explain this is: Cook rice with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Dice up a half of a green bell pepper and add it when the rice has 8 minutes left. Add 1 pound of heated (browned) sausage giving it at least 4 minutes time with the rice (more time is better).
1 cup white rice (You can use brown, but your jambalaya will shed it's bachelorized status due to the longer cooking time.)
2 cups water
1 pound sausage (Preferably Andouille, but good luck finding any locally. You can use chicken, shrimp, etc if you prefer.)
1/2 diced green bell pepper (I've tried a few different kinds, they are all about the same to me.)
Salt (Sea salt or plain iodine. You may want to avoid anything pre-spiced.)
Pepper (If you don't grind your own pepper, I hate you.)
Cayenne pepper
I don't use onions or celery because they tend to overpower the flavors that I like. Jambalaya devotees will think less of you for that. So if you use them, a half onion is more than enough. I was using about a quarter onion when I decided to stop buying them. And maybe 2 stalks of celery. I don't know, I never cared for it.
Cook the rice for 20 minutes, or however long your variant requires. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper right at the start. You will need to experiment with those seasonings in order to get it right. I haven't tried "minute rice" since I expect that it doesn't have enough time to absorb the flavors properly. Add the diced pepper when you have about 8 minutes left for the rice. This keeps the pepper from getting mushy and will retain it's taste.
Cook the sausage in a large skillet. Most sausage is pre-cooked and only needs to be heated, but I prefer to brown the cut ends. I add a bit of oil to help prevent sticking and burning since I cook on higher heat than necessary. I cook them on the cut ends, and spread them out so each piece is cooking at the same time (no stacking). Add salt, pepper, and cayenne if you prefer (I do).
Add the sausage to the rice before the rice is done cooking, at least 4 minutes and I don't know of a maximum time. Don't be afraid to let some of the oil get in the mix, but separating it is fine. That's it, you're done. Let it cool if you're a wimp. Eat it out of the saucepan if you're awesome.
An easier way to explain this is: Cook rice with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Dice up a half of a green bell pepper and add it when the rice has 8 minutes left. Add 1 pound of heated (browned) sausage giving it at least 4 minutes time with the rice (more time is better).
2009-07-07
New Muse album in September
TuneLab posted the track listing yesterday. I hope it's better than Black Holes And Revelations. Absolution was so amazing that I had nearly impossible expectations for them to meet.
2009-06-24
Neda Agha-Soltan
You've probably already heard of Neda.
About four days ago she was shot on the street as she and three friends were headed towards a rally. They had not even made it to the rally yet, and had nothing that would indicate to her assassin that they intended to protest. Her picture has become an icon for those opposed to the oppression wielded against the people of Iran.
A video of her death has made the rounds. This is graphic and uncut. If the picture at the top of the Wikipedia article is unsettling, please do not view the YouTube link.
2009-06-02
Toy cars
I remember playing with toy cars as a kid, just like any other boy in America. One thing that I found odd about some of the toy cars I had was a hole underneath the car, about center of the frame. Another odd thing about them was they were all gold (a few were silver).
I didn't find out until sometime in my 20's that those cars were the tops of racing trophies. He had so many that they were almost insignificant to him. My Dad is a pimp.
This is just one of the many pictures that he has of a pile of trophies in front of one of his cars. Click on the image to see the full size picture.
Notice the rear tires. The deformation you see is the effect of the torque rotating the inside of the tire faster than the outside. Those are "wrinkle wall" tires that are designed to do that, but it still takes a good deal of torque. So you can imagine that he can do almost anything with a car. Even to this day:
Yeah, the 51 Ford is a fast (and loud) car.
He used to be a bit of a punk back in high school and during part of his racing days. He'd punch you in the face if you upset his wife or daughters (he still would too). He's probably been in more fights than any 20 people I know. It's fun listening to he and his brothers talk about the old days.
I want to note that he is freakishly smart too. He can do long division in his head, instantly. And he knows just about anything, at least from his time. Imagine an encyclopedia from the 70's. He has about that much information in his head.
He can build a house. When I say that, I mean every single insignificant step. I've seen him draft plans on old-school blueprint paper. I've watched and helped him frame up and pour footings for a foundation, frame walls, insulate those walls (and attic), run pluming, electrical, and ventilation. Don't forget sheetrock, oh man, I've done a lot of sheetrock and cannot imagine how much he must have done in his time.
I can identify the parts of my personality that I've gotten from my father. All of his kids have his intelligence, wit, charm, and sense of loyalty. We also have a desire to learn that comes from both him and our mother.
I couldn't ask for better parents.
I didn't find out until sometime in my 20's that those cars were the tops of racing trophies. He had so many that they were almost insignificant to him. My Dad is a pimp.
This is just one of the many pictures that he has of a pile of trophies in front of one of his cars. Click on the image to see the full size picture.
Notice the rear tires. The deformation you see is the effect of the torque rotating the inside of the tire faster than the outside. Those are "wrinkle wall" tires that are designed to do that, but it still takes a good deal of torque. So you can imagine that he can do almost anything with a car. Even to this day:
Yeah, the 51 Ford is a fast (and loud) car.
He used to be a bit of a punk back in high school and during part of his racing days. He'd punch you in the face if you upset his wife or daughters (he still would too). He's probably been in more fights than any 20 people I know. It's fun listening to he and his brothers talk about the old days.
I want to note that he is freakishly smart too. He can do long division in his head, instantly. And he knows just about anything, at least from his time. Imagine an encyclopedia from the 70's. He has about that much information in his head.
He can build a house. When I say that, I mean every single insignificant step. I've seen him draft plans on old-school blueprint paper. I've watched and helped him frame up and pour footings for a foundation, frame walls, insulate those walls (and attic), run pluming, electrical, and ventilation. Don't forget sheetrock, oh man, I've done a lot of sheetrock and cannot imagine how much he must have done in his time.
I can identify the parts of my personality that I've gotten from my father. All of his kids have his intelligence, wit, charm, and sense of loyalty. We also have a desire to learn that comes from both him and our mother.
I couldn't ask for better parents.
2009-05-20
Obvious?
You ladies may feel bad when your husband doesn't notice a new hairstyle or some other significant change. Well I probably have him beat. I just found out a lady here at work is 8 months pregnant. I had no idea. And she's a tiny little thing. I guess it was obvious to everyone else. At least that's how everyone made it out as they laughed at my obtuse observation skills.
2009-05-06
Eliza Dushku
The more I read about Eliza Dushku, the more I like her.
It's a shame thatDollhouse may be canceled. This is one of the best shows on TV right now. I encourage you all to support this project and support it's cast.
Please, before it is too late, watch this show and support intelligent and creative content.
It's a shame that
Please, before it is too late, watch this show and support intelligent and creative content.
2009-04-20
Question of the day
Customer: "Does this need Java?" (In reference to a WebEx session)
Adam: "I'm not certain. Is it giving you an error?"
Customer: "Yeah, it says that it requires Java. I'll download it real quick."
That is when I hit the mute button.
Adam: "I'm not certain. Is it giving you an error?"
Customer: "Yeah, it says that it requires Java. I'll download it real quick."
That is when I hit the mute button.
Illegal downloads
The Pirate Bay lost it's court battle Friday, and while I don't have much to say about this case in particular, I do take serious issue with copyright holders attacking technology.
Sites like The Pirate Bay, obviously, are kind of asking for it. The problem that I have is when technology is attacked as a byproduct of cleaning up piracy. Napster, Kazaa, and Bittorrent are good examples. None of these technologies host(ed) copyrighted material. All of these technologies have the ability to be used in a perfectly legal manner.
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) allows users to keep one "backup" of copyrighted material. This means if I own a Rush CD (I legally own every Rush album and DVD), it would be legal for me to download any Rush album. If I have a friend who legally owns that same album, it would be legal for me to transfer a copy to that friend. I am not certain how legal it is or is not for me to provide that content to any random person on the network (I have never shared any Rush album publicly). I presume it is illegal. The DMCA may cover that, but I have not read the entire document, it's long.
If we start requiring web sites to monitor every byte of data, we face a bit of hypocrisy. We don't attempt to monitor much of what is transferred over our highways. The transfer of information over a network is very similar to the transfer of goods over a roadway. If we sue every site that doesn't scrutinize the data it let's users transfer, then couldn't we sue the government for not scrutinizing every car or truck that could be carrying drugs, illegal weapons, or known criminals over their roadways?
Sites like The Pirate Bay, obviously, are kind of asking for it. The problem that I have is when technology is attacked as a byproduct of cleaning up piracy. Napster, Kazaa, and Bittorrent are good examples. None of these technologies host(ed) copyrighted material. All of these technologies have the ability to be used in a perfectly legal manner.
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) allows users to keep one "backup" of copyrighted material. This means if I own a Rush CD (I legally own every Rush album and DVD), it would be legal for me to download any Rush album. If I have a friend who legally owns that same album, it would be legal for me to transfer a copy to that friend. I am not certain how legal it is or is not for me to provide that content to any random person on the network (I have never shared any Rush album publicly). I presume it is illegal. The DMCA may cover that, but I have not read the entire document, it's long.
If we start requiring web sites to monitor every byte of data, we face a bit of hypocrisy. We don't attempt to monitor much of what is transferred over our highways. The transfer of information over a network is very similar to the transfer of goods over a roadway. If we sue every site that doesn't scrutinize the data it let's users transfer, then couldn't we sue the government for not scrutinizing every car or truck that could be carrying drugs, illegal weapons, or known criminals over their roadways?
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