What IT is...

OH YEAH!

2011-05-07T10:46:00.000-05:00

The Whole Deep Sea Drilling Dilemma

2010-05-28T09:49:00.002-05:00

I've been thinking a lot about this massive "environmental disaster" that BP/Transocean/Halliburton have created (amongst others) and I think the most disturbing issue about the whole mess is that they really don't and didn't have any idea how to fix a problem this deep in the ocean. I mean its sort of like reaching into a hole in the wall 'cause you think there is treasure in there and not worrying about any consequences to your appendage as you are sticking it in the unknown blackness of a hole. Did they just rationalize the possible problems they might run into and say "well we will cross that bridge if it raises its head"? Now I'm not trying to be an ass but, they keep saying, "well these methods have never been tried at these depths" over and over and I say well maybe you should have experimented a little before shoving your arm into that black hole. I know its expensive, very expensive to do preliminary testing but most other industries do because the worst case scenario is unthinkable and even more expensive than the testing. I think this is just an example of big oil getting lax regulation, as they seem to everywhere, so we can have more oil. If these government agencies are not going to do their job, then close them down and save our tax money. As it is right now, we pay all these oil regulatory agencies salaries and still get the worst oil spill in history.

The other issue I am furious about is that these dispersants, which are basically oil detergents, are almost as poisonous to the fish and wildlife as the oil. BP refuses to stop using them because it makes the oil sink below the surface and is not as visible to the public. Videos of these giant underwater plumes of oil is just horrific! It is very disturbing to me that they would do these heinous deeds just so the public doesn't see the oil on their beaches and on top of the sea. At least if it is floating on the surface you can see where it is and have a chance to collect it. And I have to say that BP is probably no worse than any other large oil company. Put on the concerned face for the public but then do ANYTHING to the sea to keep the oil off the beaches and out of sight. Despicable.

A related stories:
Enormous, “Shocking” Oil Plumes Underwater in the Gulf
22-mile oil plume found under Gulf surface

Where have all the patriots gone?

2010-02-28T10:00:00.003-06:00

Okay... I have to say up front, I have never been a fan of the "universal" health care concept. I mean, its not that I don't care about people who have no coverage. It must be horrible to be sick and have to choose whether you eat next week or go to the doctor. To me the issue of who has insurance is not the root of the problem. The root has festered for decades and it has to do with liability and tort laws and too many lawyers wanting to make "quick" money. I mean I have insurance through my employer (and pay through the nose for it) and I even wince at the notion of going to the doctor because it is just SOOOOOO EXPENSIVE! But those are whole other issues that are not what I wanted to talk about.

Given all those variables I mentioned above, health care in this country is probably the best anywhere and it costs like it. What bothered me this week is that our Congress is controlled by those who seem determined to pass ANY health care bill they can no matter what the consequences are. I mean if these people truly were patriotic and cared deeply about our country then why would they want to put the next 10 generations of U.S. children in debt up to their eyeballs. I mean the numbers they have been throwing around are almost impossible for anyone to really grasp. Our national debt right now is somewhere between 11 and 12 TRILLION dollars. Its hard to even imagine how much money that is let alone the 900 TRILLION dollars that they are estimating a "universal" health care bill will cost the U.S. in just the next TEN years. That is only 10 years of cost. I don't know about you but, we cannot afford something like that whether it is a noble and good cause or not. Where are we going to get that kind of money?! This type of thinking is completely ludicrous! The people trying to push this type of legislation through could not be true patriots. No true patriot would bankrupt their own country!! The only reason someone would want to push something like this through is that they have a private agenda or they just don't care about our future. We need to elect new leadership and a new Congress that will address the issues and not which party is promoting an issue! We need people who care about our future and the future of our country not their own selfish wants or personal agendas.

If you think the debt problem in Greece looks really bad, which has been living on borrowed money for all of their entitlement and subsidized programs for years, then this issue should really scare you. We will make that problem look microscopic. A debt load of this magnitude for the United States will eventually bankrupt us and pull the rest of the world economies down too...... and they may never recover.

Where have all the patriots gone?

When its time to vote, Lets get some new blood in Congress

2010-02-09T15:00:00.000-06:00

One day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he asked
About his bill and the barber replies, "I cannot accept money from you.
I'm doing community service this week." The florist was pleased and
Left the shop.

When the barber goes to open his shop the next morning there is a
'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.

Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the
Barber again replies, "I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing
Community service this week." The cop is happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open up there is a 'thank you' card
And a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.

Later that day, a college professor comes in for a haircut, and when he tries
To pay his bill, the barber again replies, "I cannot accept money from you.
I'm doing community service this week." The professor is very happy
And leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber opens his shop, there is a 'thank you'
Card and a dozen different books, such as "How to Improve Your Business"
And "Becoming More Successful."

Then, a Congressman comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill
The barber again replies, "I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing
Community service this week." The Congressman is very happy and leaves
The shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen
Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.

And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the
Citizens of our country and the members of our Congress.

Jonathan Coulton Concert

2010-02-05T09:56:00.003-06:00

I went to the Jonathan Coulton Concert last night and had a blast. Paul and Storm opened for him and were a hoot. Jonathan and P&S all seemed to really be having a good time up on stage and were funny while simultaneously demonstrating that they are excellent musicians. Paul and Storm came back out with Jonathan to back him up on several songs and they were great together. They closed the show with a rendition of "Istanbul" by "They Might Be Giants" and it rocked. The location of the concert was the Granada Theater. A marvelously intimate venue that was nostalgic and great acoustically. The Granada is a small hall like that makes you feel like the acts are almost playing just for you. The crowd was terrific and was made up of many devoted fans that sang a number of the songs with him. If he is coming to town you should consider checking Jonathan out. If you like "They Might Be Giants" or "Barenaked Ladies" then you would love Jonathan and Paul and Storm.

Tablet, TABlet, TABLET!!!!

2010-01-26T12:18:00.010-06:00

Okay, I know every tech geek and nerd around the world has already blogged and fantasized about the "new creation" about to be unveiled tomorrow but, even though this as many others, has been blown out of proportion, one must do a history check and see that Apple has a knack for producing products that are just plain desirable. This veil of secrecy that Apple/Jobs employs is much like the christmas presents under the tree when you were a kid. You know that some of them are probably what you wanted by their shape, size & weight, but at the end of the day, you just really don't know. Only on Christmas morning will your imagined gifts be confirmed or not. This anticipation is truly an endorphin generator. I can only imagine how many good ideas we have given to Steve Jobs and his Apple team by our speculation before a new product or version of a product emerges.

That said, I still think that even though much of the industry is poised to produce their own version of a tablet device, the Apple design and forethought of what this device can do for you will prevail. Their UI's are second to none. They anticipate what you might want to do with this device and provide for it. Bigger than an iPhone and smaller and more compact than a laptop, I believe it will serve a niche that so far is not fulfilled. How big this niche is is anyones guess but, as with the iPhone, once the device is out in the world, people will use the context of their life to shape what and how the device will work for them. When the iPhone first came out people were saying, "oh it is just another smart phone that is more expensive." It was deemed a hardware snobs phone, not one for the masses.

Well the masses have spoken and last quarter they spoke rather loudly with Apple compiling its best quarter in the history of the company. Even though the new tablet will not be a "computer" it will find this unserviced niche that so far has remained out of reach. Perhaps it is a small niche or perhaps no one has bothered to figure it out. For those heavy computing individuals this hardware will not be for them but for email, internet surfing, media playback and periodical / book reading this is exactly what will give people the ease and mobility for these daily, life contextual tasks. I think that this tablet will find its place in our world and soon people will look at their laptops the same way they looked at their desktops a decade ago.

Insecurity via Technology

2009-11-13T11:26:00.004-06:00

As much as I am a gadget freak and smartphone freak, I recently started to think what life would be like without all this information at my finger tips. I mean of course I would miss the cool gadget but looking beyond the gadgetry, what if we didn't know what was going on except in our immediate world as it was only a few decades ago? Technology has changed the way we live so fast and been accepted by the majority of the world's population so quickly that we sometimes forget how much we depend on it. What is happening in the financial markets right now? Oh let me go check it on my iPhone. What is happening in the middle east? Oh let me go check the thousands of news sites on the web with my Blackberry. We have become so dependent on these devices for information it is a little scary.

Remember when you had to go somewhere say for an interview and you had no idea where it was so you tried to find it on a map and then winged it once you got close to your destination. That funny feeling in your gut? Nervous, queasy apprehensive anxiety? Now courtesy of Google Maps or MapQuest or any number of other similar services, you can not only get a turn by turn map to the address you can get a satellite pic of the area. When I was in college a few years ago.... all we had to communicate with girlfriends, parents and friends was a land line phone or a physical letter carried by our mighty USPS. We had no email, no cell phone, no social media like Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, texting etc. It seems like the dark ages now but that was only 25 years ago. Only 25!! While I am not trying to sound like I walked in the 6 foot snow to school story, I am trying to grasp how much society has changed due to technology in a mere 25 years. You can create friendships, relationships and more without even ever meeting the person face to face. I have many electronic friends and it doesn't take long to feel like you really know them, and for all intense and purposes you do! You can share your life via pics, music, video, blogs, websites, etc.. I talk regularly to people in Europe via Twitter and email, share pictures with people all over the world with a flick of a button (no pun intended) on Flickr and can post to my blog from my iphone in the middle of the Caribbean while on holiday. Who needs postcards anymore. Take some pics on your phone and share them with your contacts. Instant postcard.

What would happen if we were suddenly thrust into an information vacuum? As unlikely as this is, what if we did not get instant information for even close to home? Has our dependency on this technology made us a little insecure? What if I couldn't check on my investments unless I called someone or waited for the monthly statement in the mail? Where is my package? What was the name of that band? How much is that camera? What foods are good for your liver? The web of information availability has hooked us and if we ever are without it we may fall hard. Being an information whore is not a bad thing but, remembering how we got to this point and respecting the miracle that it is without taking it for granted might reduce the need for a large prescription of tranquilizers.

Fringe-Fail-Kirk Acevedo fired!!!

2009-05-20T14:21:00.001-05:00

Kirk Acevedo announced on his facebook page today that he was "fired" from Fringe: WELL BOYS AND GIRLS THEY DONE DID YER BOY WRONG! THEY FIRED ME OFF OF FRINGE, AND I'VE NEVER BEEN FIRED IN MY LIFE!!!!

New iPhone Gets OLED Screen, Video Editing, FM, Says Report

2009-05-20T12:19:00.003-05:00

A short conscise article on the Palm Pre versus the mystery iPhone 3.0

11 Must Have iPhone Games

2009-05-20T11:39:00.004-05:00

Here is a great article of the best games that are certainly (at the very least) addictive! Flight Control is my favorite of the bunch! Happy Gaming!

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2347361,00.asp

Ramsey in your FACE!

2009-05-19T15:50:00.002-05:00

This is too funny. As if you don't get enough of Gordon swearing at you on TV now you can have him in your face and cursing at you! LOL!!!!

http://www.gordonramsayswearsatyou.com/

2009-05-12T16:14:00.001-05:00

Testing 1,2,3. Posting from my iPhone. Very cool!

EverestQuest2009

2009-05-02T15:58:00.000-05:00

HOORAY! Wind Power gets BIG in TEXAS!

2008-07-20T22:52:00.006-05:00

The project will ease a bottleneck that has become a major obstacle to development of the wind-rich Texas Panhandle and other areas suitable for wind generation. Texas is already the largest producer of wind power, with 5,300 installed megawatts — more than double the installed capacity of California, the next closest state. And Texas is fast expanding its capacity. “This project will almost put Texas ahead of Germany in installed wind,” said Greg Wortham, executive director of the West Texas Wind Energy Consortium.

Wind Power IS Our Future!

2008-07-18T10:08:00.005-05:00

I am so pumped up about this Wind Power Plan backed by T. Boone Pickens! This is the kind of leadership we need to crawl out of this OIL PIT we have dug ourselves into. We cannot, as a nation, continue as we are, and still remain the country we have come to know as The United States of America. We are burning it away gallon by gallon and transfering all of our national wealth overseas to the oil rich countries. We need to come to terms with this problem and take action. Thats what we do in a crisis! We must change our ways and that has to begin somewhere. It has begin with each person! To change our dependence on oil will be like a new beginning for this country. It is a goal we must achieve!

Forget the bulb: world’s first illuminating glass

2008-05-23T23:41:00.002-05:00

The world’s first active light-emitting glass produces a soothing light that eliminates the need for lampshades, and is better for wellbeing. The average lifespan of a plate is 50,000 hours, which translates to 20 years of domestic use. And when it does cease to function, 90% of the design can be recycled, as it’s essentially based on glass.

read more | digg story

Could Wind help Save Water?

2008-05-19T22:24:00.001-05:00

Wind energy is not a perfect technology, but it holds powerful potential to diversify power generation around the world. One of the statistics that struck me is that wind power could:“reduce water consumption associated with electricity generation by 4 trillion gallons by 2030.”

read more | digg story

Inside the cockpit of the oldest surviving Lancaster bomber

2008-05-19T16:49:00.001-05:00

It was the most daring air raid the world had ever seen. The RAF's elite 617 Squadron, nicknamed the Dambusters, flew 19 Lancaster bombers into Nazi Germany and destroyed two Ruhr valley dams with their revolutionary "bouncing bombs".

read more | digg story

Wind Power Could Provide 20% of U.S. electricity by 2030

2008-05-19T16:38:00.001-05:00

On May 12, the U.S. Energy Department said wind power could provide 20 percent of U.S. electricity by 2030, or 304 gigawatts, up from the current 16.8 gigawatts. Achieving that will require wind turbine installations rise to almost 7,000 a year by 2017, the department said. Last year, a record 3,100 turbines were installed across 34 U.S. states.

read more | digg story

$2 Billion Wind Turbine Order Is Largest Ever

2008-05-19T16:36:00.001-05:00

Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens has placed an the largest ever order for wind turbines: he ordered 667 wind turbines from GE, each costing $3 million dollars, making the total order $2 billion. Pickens plans to develop the world’s largest wind farm in the panhandle of Texas.

read more | digg story

Get Smart: How to Boost your IQ by 10 points

2007-10-11T19:10:00.001-05:00

"A person’s IQ was thought to be a fixed commodity largely determined by genetics. But is your IQ really set in stone or can you cheat a few extra points?"

read more | digg story

Venezuela oil pimp can have UN

2006-09-21T09:12:00.000-05:00

You know, I am so tired of these oil rich countries trying to muscle their way in to the world scene by brut force and shock methods. Can we please work harder as a country and find some alternative fuels before these radicals reshape the world!? This editorial is pretty much the way I am feeling right now. Take a look.....

AT&T to Live On....

2005-10-27T10:52:00.000-05:00

Well I can't say this is really too much of a surprise..... It will be real interesting to see what the new logo and color scheme will be.

Very Sneaky!! Big Brother is Closer than You Think!!

2005-10-19T15:25:00.000-05:00

Sleuths Crack Tracking Code Discovered in Color Printers

Check out this story! Who knows what else has hidden information in it.....

Apple's iPod, iTunes help triple digital music sales

2005-10-03T20:48:00.000-05:00

Sales of digital music tripled in the first half of 2005, spurred by Apple's iTunes Music Store, the iPod popularity, and mobile "ringtunes"--even as global music sales fell 1.9 percent. According to Reuters, digital music now makes up six percent of total sales, or $790 million, and sales of CDs and music in other physical formats continued a long decline that the music industry blames on piracy, falling to $13.2 billion from $13.4 billion one year earlier. The IFPI reportedly said that lower CD prices, flagging DVD music video sales and competition from other entertainment sectors also contributed to the decline. In the United States, which is the world's biggest music market, physical music sales fell 5.3 percent by value.

Oh yeah! WACK!!!! Take that you big ol' bully record companies! HA!

Blogs Threaten Chinese Communist Rule

2005-10-01T14:22:00.000-05:00

China's recent Internet crackdown reflects the government's challenge in suppressing political speech in blogs, chat rooms, message boards, e-mail newsletters and via SMS text messaging. Protests in the country are growing, fueled by information exchanged through "illegal" Internet channels and organized by peer-to-peer media like text messaging.

This is really sort of a no win situation for the Chinese govt.. I mean basic fundamental rule of the internet is communication and public sharing. This is a battle they will lose in the long run.....

read more | digg story

Warner say they can cut off iTunes

2005-09-29T23:14:00.000-05:00

Warner exec Michael Nash said today that the major record labels could easily cut off the iTunes Music Store if Apple CEO Steve Jobs doesn't budge in the song pricing battle. He also said ''very few people people buy music from digital downloads''. He remains in my head, an idiot =}

Unbelievable! These records execs are about the cockyist bastards I think I've come across. Can't we all just get along? :)

read more | digg story

Whoa! I'm back but I'm a mess

2005-09-27T17:54:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone, Sorry for the huge lag in posts but I've been out of the country romping around Europe and snapping tons of pictures. I have put a few out on Fickr so check them out. I hope to have more out soon but organizing this many pictures is really a chore! AAARRRRGGGG!!!!! Glad to be back in the good ol' U.S.A.! More to come soon! later ~t

The Sellout of the American IT Worker

2005-09-02T13:33:00.000-05:00

Okay this outsourcing thing has gone far enough. Don't get me wrong, I'm not really anti-foreign worker but, I am pro-American worker. Why are all these corporations selling the American worker out? How can these corporations think that Americans and especially its employees (those left who are actually still American citizens) should be loyal to them and buy their products and services when they are treating fellow Americans this way for a few bucks?!?! Check out the website http://beta.h1b.info/ it has some really disturbing numbers on how many technical workers have been replaced with off shore workers. I've had enough! We need to send a message to these corporations that if they want to do business with Americans they should hire Americans!

Tell your Representative and Senators to:

Cosponsor Representative Tancredo's HR 2688 to repeal the H-1B visa program.
Cosponsor Representative DeLauro's HR 2702 to close the L-1 visa loophole.

Pizza Vending Machine

2005-08-31T20:57:00.000-05:00

The innovative machine holds, cooks and serves nine inch pizza pies in just 2 minutes. There are 3 different pizzas available in each machine at one time. Maybe it's this type of "forward" thinking that has led to america's ever expanding waistline...

Now this is my kind of vending machine!!!!

read more | digg story

Invisible force field!

2005-08-31T20:56:00.000-05:00

David Swenson of 3M Corporation describes an anomaly where workers encountered a strange "invisible wall" in the area under a fast-moving sheet of electrically charged polypropelene film in a factory.

read more | digg story

Diamonds aren't forever (Material harder than Diamond found)

2005-08-31T20:53:00.000-05:00

Physicists in Germany have created a material that is harder than diamond. Natalia Dubrovinskaia and colleagues at the University of Bayreuth made the new material by subjecting carbon-60 molecules to immense pressures. The new form of carbon, which is known as aggregated diamond nanorods, is expected to have many industrial applications.

Very Cool!! Material R&D is really going places these days! I wonder if it has the fire of a diamond? :)

read more | digg story

Katrina was a Bitch!!!

2005-08-31T07:45:00.000-05:00

Well Katrina the hurricane is gone but what a mess she has left behind! I have donated money to the Red Cross to help out as much as I can and I urge you do the same. Even $10 will help. If everyone would donate just $10, they would be more than enough to cover food, water and shelter for the displaced. Just go without your Starbucks for a few days. :) There are going to be literally millions of people displaced and homeless for weeks and months. Please donate to the Red Cross with the link on the title to this post or your local Red Cross Chapter. Thanks! ~t

Red Cross

iTunes Phone to launch September 7?

2005-08-31T07:42:00.000-05:00

Very interesting developments with Apple and Moto. What has Steve got up his sleeve this time? There has been speculation for quite awhile that there would be an iTunes phone but until recently the manufacturer was not confirmed. Can you say MOTO? We will undoubtedly find out on Sept 7th....

Nanocoating could eliminate foggy windows and lenses

2005-08-29T17:38:00.000-05:00

"Foggy windows and lenses are a nuisance, and in the case of automobile windows, can pose a driving hazard. Now, a group of scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) may have found a permanent solution to the problem. The team has developed a unique polymer coating — made of silica nanoparticles — that they say can create surfaces that never fog." This is pretty cool stuff here! You will be seeing more and more of these cool nano-tech stories in the news in days to come. This is a going to be a huge, HUGE future R&D niche that will lead to many very cool inventions!! ~t

Sweden's twisting tower

2005-08-27T20:30:00.000-05:00

MALMO, Sweden (AP) -- The Nordics' tallest skyscraper was officially opened Saturday with prize-winning Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava surveying the view from the 54th floor.

Check this wild skyscraper out! Its floors twist as the building gets taller and at the top they have twisted a full 90 degrees! Very cool building.
To read the entire article, click on the title or the story link below. ~t

Story | Website | Flash

Toyota Prius Hybrid Owners Hacking To Increase Gas Mileage

2005-08-26T17:42:00.000-05:00

Gremban, an electrical engineer and committed environmentalist, spent several months and $3,000 US tinkering with his car. Plugging the car into a wall outlet at his home in this San Francisco suburb - all for about a quarter.

Okay, I am definitely no genuis but tell me, Why aren't these ideas coming out of the car companies? Aren't they supposedly the "experts"? It seems to me that if people tinkering around can get this much increased performance out of a hybrid car then the car companies are looking sort of shabby..... I dunno, maybe I'm seeing it wrong here but, I'm just not sure anymore..... ~t

read more | digg story

The NW Airlines Replacement Mechanics

2005-08-24T09:42:00.000-05:00

You gotta feel for these guys but ya know, I've had to make many sacrafices at my job to keep employed. Its just a very turbulent time these days trying to stay employed and retain at least some of the benefits you have had in past years like health insurance etc. I think this is a real bad case of union leadership that has led these people to the unemployment lines.

Click on the Title of this post for the article. ~t

Over 1,000 Streaming TV Stations, Live 24/7

2005-08-23T22:06:00.000-05:00

From every corner of the globe, these guys carry an INSANE amount of stuff. Great especially if you're looking for global programming, like BBC (which they have) and much, much more.

read more | digg story

Aye Carumba!

2005-08-23T21:47:00.000-05:00

What a whirlwind of a weekend! I haven't even really caught up yet and its almost Wednesday! I haven't even really been keeping up with the news or anything other than that dim wit Pat Robertson.... What is up with that guy?!?! Is he just dim or does he think what he says is actually that important? Not that I'm a Chavez fan but if we don't like countries talking that way then we should at least adhere to our own supposed morals and ethics. Google news link is below.

Stories

Carbon strips could build elevator to space

2005-08-19T21:09:00.000-05:00

Scientists have created the ultimate ribbon. A thousand times thinner than a human hair and a few centimetres wide, the carbon sheet is stronger than steel for its weight, and could open the door to everything from artificial muscles to a space elevator capable of sending astronauts and tourists into orbit.

The team of nanotechnology experts from the University of Texas at Dallas and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation in Australia have developed a way to assemble a form of carbon called "nanotubes" into flat sheets.

Full Story

Another Story with video

Podcasting technology grows and evolves

2005-08-19T12:32:00.000-05:00

Take a look at this story on Podcasting.

A podcast is essentially an amateur audio file uploaded to the Internet and automatically distributed to subscribers.

Although some traditional media have created their own podcasts, the craze has grown largely on the popularity of the unpolished musings of hobbyists doing it for love or fun.

Story

Intel plans Digital Communities

2005-08-19T09:43:00.000-05:00

BRAVO! This is what I'm talkin' about! Kudos to Intel! These cities mentioned in the article and Intel are looking to the future with this public Wi-Fi coverage. Poo poo on those in the U.S. that are trying to prevent things like this from happening due to special interest control and self serving interets. Read this article, I think this is what the near future holds at least for densely populated areas.

Story

5 bucks a gallon for gas? Expert sees it in 2006

2005-08-18T17:36:00.000-05:00

If you think all this flirting with $3-a-gallon gas is already a pain in the pocketbook, brace yourself.

Oil expert Craig Smith predicts gas prices will skyrocket next year, jumping to five bucks a gallon.

This is pretty scary. We need to start demanding alternative energy solutions or we will be walking soon!

read more | digg story

Gravity powered aircraft flies with no fuel

2005-08-17T22:46:00.000-05:00

This is a very cool idea! Although, I don't think I would like to be on the maiden flight, it does seem to have very real potential for freight/cargo applications. Check it out. ~t

Story

iPod problems, BUMMER!

2005-08-16T23:19:00.000-05:00

Well it had to happen sooner or later. Of course, it was just as I was getting really comfortable listening to my daily podcasts the unthinkable happens....."Unknown Error has occurred while updating iPod (-36)". Well I don't know about you but this not only sent cold shivers up my spine but, it also didn't mean squat to me either. What the hell is unknown error (-36)?!?! If it's unknown then why does it have a number associated with it?!!?! I was lost. Then after about an hour, I was pissed! My iPod was sick and now I was not going to be able to pass the time at work while listening to my favorite podcasts!!! I might actually have to pass the time working or something!!! After spazing out for a few minutes I was slapped a few times by my wife (she likes it anyway) and I found a great site on the internet in case you have some iPod problems too. From the number of hits I found in Google for iPod errors, I'm apparently not alone. The site is called Methodshop.com and they have an iPod support page that has several scenarios that you might use to help your sick iPod. Check it out. When you are comepletely lost it sure is great that someone has taken the time to help out with a page like this.

Methodshop.com

Texans blame gas prices on greed

2005-08-15T08:04:00.000-05:00

"Survey for state oil group also reveals that 55 percent believe industry is under regulated." I would have to agree with this story. the fact that refining capacity hasn't changed much in the last 25 to 30 years backs this up. They don't want to increase refining capacity. Why should they? By restricting the refining capacity they win whether oil goes thru the roof or not. Too much of our government policy and too many of our congressmen and women are controlled, or at the least, heavily influenced by these huge oil corporations. They don't want to see things get better at the pump. They do not want alternative fuels. They like thinks just the way they are! They are singing all the way to the bank and we are talking big BIG MONEY. We need alternative fuels and a government that supports those who develop them with more than just rhetoric!

Story

Virtual keyboard could revolutionise telephone usage

2005-08-14T18:18:00.000-05:00

Virtual Keyboards embedded on top of phones in the future, for easy text input.

This is way cool!!! imagine no more physical keyboard for basically any physical device! Especially for phones and two way pagers.

read more | digg story

The $20 cell phone is on the horizon

2005-08-11T10:23:00.000-05:00

Texas Instruments has done it again! Read this article about the new TI Cellphone on a chip story. Its amazing! Now if we could just take one phone from one carrier and use it with another! I guess one thing at a time..... ~t

http://www.gizmag.co.uk/linktous/4400/

Wright Amendment is WRONG!

2005-08-11T08:43:00.000-05:00

I have to say..... I read a story today about another politician who's pockets must be a little heavier today. Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson (30th Congressional District Texas) has decided, for who knows what reason, that she not only backs the Wright Amendment but, she wants to close Love Field. She wants to close one of the largest economic engines in her district!!! Hows that for a stick in the eye!!! I wrote an email to her ( even though she does not accept emails from any concerned U.S. citizen but, only from those people living in her district) trying to tell her how dumb this idea is.

The following is the letter I sent her (that she will probably trash):
Ms. Johnson, I read a story today in The Dallas Morning News and I just had to write and tell you how dumb your reasoning is. My beef is about your stand on the Wright amendment and I cannot believe your flawed logic that you are using to try and rationalize your position. First, competition does not exist at DFW(American Airlines Airport) so closing Love would strangle the areas consumers even more. Second, many, and I REPEAT, MANY larger metropolitan areas support two and even three airports and there is plenty of good competition which in the long run is good for everyone (Chicago, Houston, Seattle etc.). Third, the fact that you own property (even thru a trust and even with out control of its operations) should preclude you from the argument due to conflicts of interest. Even if you don't have control in the operation, you do have an interest in keeping the enterprise viable. Fourth, competition and jobs are not created by restrictive legislation but, by competition and letting the consumer decide what the market should offer not some politician who doesn't even support her own constituents best interests! Unbelievable! Man, am I glad you are not representing me!

Please contact your congressman or Senator and let them know you are tired of them deciding what is "best" for us. We should decide not some far removed self-serving politician. Do I hear an AYE for term limits!?

US House Website US Senate Website

Scientists use plastic to make steel

2005-08-11T07:08:00.000-05:00

Wow! Here is another amazing story about materials development. Australian scientists have developed a technique to use waste plastic in steel making, a process that could have implications for recycling scrap metal that accounts for 40 percent of steel production. -t

Give it a read with the digg link below.

read more | digg story

Zap of Electricity Creates Fluid Situation for Liquid

2005-08-11T06:58:00.000-05:00

Whoa! This is the stuff that science fiction novels are made of. Check out this story on the Washington Post web site! -t

Discovery and Crew safe on Earth!

2005-08-09T11:22:00.000-05:00

Discovery and the STS-114 crew have touched down safely at Edwards Air Force Base in California, successfully wrapping up NASA's historic Return to Flight mission. Way to go!!!

John C. Dvorak says shrink-wrapped OS X coming.

2005-08-09T11:08:00.000-05:00

"Dvorak: Steve Jobs eventually intends for Apple's Mac OS X to run on any x86 PC." He says it is all a plot to overthrow Vista. I agree completely! Jobs is going to let the demand for his OSX on white boxes build until he has no choice (either because of hacked copies of OSX out on the internet or until he thinks its right to do it). I'm sure Gates has already played out this scenario in his mind and it probably is a wee bit scary! Get your Apple stock now while its only $43. It will seem cheap in a few years when you look back at the opportunity you missed out on!!!!

read more | digg story

Federal Legislation to Block Public Wifi is Ludicrous!

2005-08-04T22:32:00.000-05:00

The latest version of anti-consumer legislation is coming this time from Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, who is introducing a federal law that would ban cities such as Boston from providing free or low-cost Wi-Fi to its residents. Another neo-conservative corporate shill, Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Florida, has signed up as a co-sponsor of the bill. Read this article and you will get mad. I did and I can't believe what is going on in DC these days! Show your displeasure at the voting booth next election!!! Oh the pain.......

Tips from the Top Floor Digital Photography Podcast

2005-08-01T18:14:00.000-05:00

Check out Tips from the Top Floor website. Chris Marquardt is the host and he has a great site and a really informative podcast on digital photography. Check it!

My View at Work

2005-07-31T23:28:00.000-05:00

Very cool! I posted this pic from my cell phone. I took it a while back and now I can post from my cell phone as well. I love this stuff!
Later -t

It Doesn't Get Much Better Than This!

2005-07-31T22:08:00.000-05:00

Well I am testing a service to upload pictures to the blog and I had to pic one to send. Its not mine (I didn't take it) but, I just love this picture!

Podcasts Are Soaring

2005-07-31T09:43:00.000-05:00

According to data provided by Apple, more than 1 million customers subscribed to the latest version of iTunes Version 4.9 in the first two days after it was made available June 29, just so they could listen to Podcasts on their iPods without any additional software.

read more | digg story

Podcasing, a revolution in communication!

2005-07-30T21:10:00.000-05:00

Have you heard of people talking about podcasting. Well its the latest thing to really shake rattle and roll the web. It has opened up a whole new world for me and I bet it would you too. Podcasting is very simply, people recording their thoughts or opinions or just rambling in an mp3 audio file. They can be very crude productions or slick sounding professional shows. They can be played on your computer, your iPod or any mp3 compatible audio player. These shows are uncensored and unfiltered by those who think they know what is best for the public. There are podcasts on just about any subject you can think of and best of all they are free. Download them and listen to them when you have time. I have included a link to Podcast Alley. There is a very good brief overview of podcasting and what it can do for you. You can create your own podcast if it sounds fun! Ever want to be on the radio. Well now you can and you don't have to get anyones permission! Check it out! -t

Your rights as a photographer

2005-07-29T09:08:00.000-05:00

A lot of people nowadays are armed with a camera and feel like they can shoot whatever they want, as long as they are on public property. This is pretty much true, but there are some instances where this is not. Know your rights and educate those who don't.

read more | digg story

Check out this site!

2005-07-29T08:59:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! I found a site where they are giving away free iPods! This is for real. Use this link and register then do one offer listed on the site. After that you only need to get 5 of your friends to do an offer and the iPod is yours! I am only one away from getting my iPod. So please go give it a look-see. Thanks! -Tom

How many sodas does it take to kill you?

2005-07-29T08:03:00.000-05:00

How many 12 ounce cans of sodas would it take to kill you? Pick your poison, enter your weight, and find out! This site has 60+ different sodas to kill yourself with. Too cool.

read more | digg story

2005-07-29T07:48:00.000-05:00

Testing 1 2 3......