I don't think anyone brought a camera to Tahoe Saturday.
http://gallery.me.com/ryanrlamb#100113/IMG_0397&bgcolor=black
Monday, July 6, 2009
sunburns
I am also more burnt than I thought from this weekend. Even though I wore sunblock. I’m burned on the underside of my arms, where the tube must have rubbed most of it off or I just didn’t get enough.
There Be Wales Here
Got to love Wales, why bother with a jury at all?
“But Judge Helen Mifflin ordered the jury forewoman to return not guilty verdicts in respect of two counts of causing death by dangerous driving after ruling there was insufficient evidence to secure a conviction.”
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8129119.stm
I guess since they don’t have grand juries this makes sense.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_jury
However, if there is not or not enough evidence they shouldn’t be charged. This case did have some very clear evidence.
“But Judge Helen Mifflin ordered the jury forewoman to return not guilty verdicts in respect of two counts of causing death by dangerous driving after ruling there was insufficient evidence to secure a conviction.”
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8129119.stm
I guess since they don’t have grand juries this makes sense.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_jury
However, if there is not or not enough evidence they shouldn’t be charged. This case did have some very clear evidence.
The real world... of warcraft
I like warriors, but Blizzard has come to hate them. I just like throwing people a beat down with my shield. That makes 90% of the game for me.
If I started playing again it would be for the PvP content and not the raiding. Raiding is too involved (time / strategy intensive). I like logging on for a couple hours and maybe a battleground, not 5 hour wipefests with the raid leader screaming about one more try six times in a row.
Since I quit playing I have started reading a lot again. I have problems. I’ll even stay up for hours in one night just to finish a book. It’s an addiction I tell you.
Also, I finally got through the Enders Shadow series. Those of you who told me it was good lied to me. It had none of the spark of the first novel and the two middle books just dragged on. It was telling a grand story, but it just wasn’t interesting.
I would go back if they allowed Tauren rouges. Also, war stomp sucks, I think it should be replaced with “Stampede” +10% damage to Dwarves and Gnomes for 15 seconds or so.
If I started playing again it would be for the PvP content and not the raiding. Raiding is too involved (time / strategy intensive). I like logging on for a couple hours and maybe a battleground, not 5 hour wipefests with the raid leader screaming about one more try six times in a row.
Since I quit playing I have started reading a lot again. I have problems. I’ll even stay up for hours in one night just to finish a book. It’s an addiction I tell you.
Also, I finally got through the Enders Shadow series. Those of you who told me it was good lied to me. It had none of the spark of the first novel and the two middle books just dragged on. It was telling a grand story, but it just wasn’t interesting.
I would go back if they allowed Tauren rouges. Also, war stomp sucks, I think it should be replaced with “Stampede” +10% damage to Dwarves and Gnomes for 15 seconds or so.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Wisdom and News
Yay, outlaw specific pain killers because some people choose to overdose on them, not for any clinical deficiency. Their alternatives cause actual harm in more patients.
http://www.rgj.com/article/20090630/NEWS12/90630042&OAS_sitepage=news.rgj.com%2Fbreakingnews
Also, how do you accidently drink yourself to a .122 BAC with a Gatorade? If you can’t taste 8 shots in a 20oz drink you have serious problems.
http://www.rgj.com/article/20090630/NEWS/90630038&OAS_sitepage=news.rgj.com%2Fbreakingnews
http://www.rgj.com/article/20090630/NEWS12/90630042&OAS_sitepage=news.rgj.com%2Fbreakingnews
Also, how do you accidently drink yourself to a .122 BAC with a Gatorade? If you can’t taste 8 shots in a 20oz drink you have serious problems.
http://www.rgj.com/article/20090630/NEWS/90630038&OAS_sitepage=news.rgj.com%2Fbreakingnews
Friday, June 26, 2009
mouse
I use a trackball at home too. However, after I got my G5 a couple months ago I use it much less. The only good trackball these days is the Logitech one and it just doesn’t have the resolution or buttons you need for FPS gaming. Binding your knife to the thumb buttons in COD is the only way to go.
I used my trackball, since it is much less movement wrist needed, in raids back in the day. I have been considering a G5 for work.
I used my trackball, since it is much less movement wrist needed, in raids back in the day. I have been considering a G5 for work.
Gunman opens fire in restaurant
Was that you James Bond? Also, I doubt he had automatic pistols. I bet they were only semi-automatic. Sensationalist reporting at its best.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8121989.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8121989.stm
red meat
In other news, the British media keeps pushing the idea that they need to ban, or increase considerably in cost, the price of alcohol. Apparently now that cigarettes have been demonized they are spreading out to other commodities, like they have also been doing with red meat.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8118475.stm
I don’t want a society where prices are kept artificially high to discourage my usage or controlled “for my own good.” Especially on items that care ubiquitous in everyday life, and ones that can even be beneficial in moderation. That makes us a nanny state; I think that is a horrible idea. I saw demolition man.
Also, I don’t think cigarettes should be taxed as heavily as they are, but I do think it should be legal to shoot smokers who are standing next to a no smoking sign.
Did you hear that the local hospitals are removing the smoking zones and going smoke free? Some people are angry, but as a private entity I don’t see why people think they have a right to smoke on the property. I can’t go stand outside and drink why can you go outside and smoke?
Everyone dies. The only argument that can really be made is how many resources (i.e. hospital beds) they use to keep them alive. If you don’t have socialized medical that’s really the individuals problem.
My understanding is that hospitals can legally reject someone who’s dying. If you are bleeding to death they can’t refuse to treat you, but they can kick you out the door after they put the bandages on. I could be wrong and it varies by state, but that’s different than keeping a chronically ill person in a hospital bed.
And no, forcing coverage of high risk people will not cut costs. Although I do find the practice if rescinding coverage on costly people for minute or irrelevant medical disclosures worrisome.
Most people will never need a heart bypass, kidney remove… Sacrifice the few to save the many. Also, if we went public healthcare tomorrow we literally do not have the doctors to handle it. I have seen estimate of needing 100,000 or more additional doctors alone (not including staff). That and the generous average salaries in the 300-400k a year for most specialists and we are just throwing money at the problem. You need to rework healthcare, Medicare especially, not just throw up an insurance umbrella.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8118475.stm
I don’t want a society where prices are kept artificially high to discourage my usage or controlled “for my own good.” Especially on items that care ubiquitous in everyday life, and ones that can even be beneficial in moderation. That makes us a nanny state; I think that is a horrible idea. I saw demolition man.
Also, I don’t think cigarettes should be taxed as heavily as they are, but I do think it should be legal to shoot smokers who are standing next to a no smoking sign.
Did you hear that the local hospitals are removing the smoking zones and going smoke free? Some people are angry, but as a private entity I don’t see why people think they have a right to smoke on the property. I can’t go stand outside and drink why can you go outside and smoke?
Everyone dies. The only argument that can really be made is how many resources (i.e. hospital beds) they use to keep them alive. If you don’t have socialized medical that’s really the individuals problem.
My understanding is that hospitals can legally reject someone who’s dying. If you are bleeding to death they can’t refuse to treat you, but they can kick you out the door after they put the bandages on. I could be wrong and it varies by state, but that’s different than keeping a chronically ill person in a hospital bed.
And no, forcing coverage of high risk people will not cut costs. Although I do find the practice if rescinding coverage on costly people for minute or irrelevant medical disclosures worrisome.
Most people will never need a heart bypass, kidney remove… Sacrifice the few to save the many. Also, if we went public healthcare tomorrow we literally do not have the doctors to handle it. I have seen estimate of needing 100,000 or more additional doctors alone (not including staff). That and the generous average salaries in the 300-400k a year for most specialists and we are just throwing money at the problem. You need to rework healthcare, Medicare especially, not just throw up an insurance umbrella.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
camping
People these days are are pretty gear heavy campers. If you took more than a change of socks… Also, tents? It’s summer. Why are there chairs around the fire? You are supposed to find a fallen tree and drag it over. Etc. When I was a kid we used backs, you go whatever fit in it. Of course we always packed like we had to hike 10 miles even if we didn’t.
Once I was camping out at the Boardman bombing range. I was sleeping with a tarp wrapped around me; when I got woken up and was told we were leaving. It was 6am or so but the wind had kicked up and many of the kids were chasing their beach ball shaped tents down. Even the ones with packs left in them were sliding away in the wind.
Once I was camping out at the Boardman bombing range. I was sleeping with a tarp wrapped around me; when I got woken up and was told we were leaving. It was 6am or so but the wind had kicked up and many of the kids were chasing their beach ball shaped tents down. Even the ones with packs left in them were sliding away in the wind.
Windows Vista
I got Vista Ultimate upgrade using the IGT discount. Except for UAC I don’t see why all the hate for it. It’s also the first version I ever bought myself. I’ll have to look into an upgrade to 7, I’m too lazy to spend my time at home administrating a pc I use to watch movies and browse the internet, no Linux for me.
Monday, June 22, 2009
fat - the new muscle
Overweight people may be killing themselves, but I can’t help wonder if it will lead to better lives in the future. Will people adapt to high sugar diets, maybe better utilize the energy to strengthen themselves? All the added weight would logically lead to strengthened support structures (bones and muscles). Of course this relies on things like natural selection such, which may not really apply to humans anymore.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Lisbon Treaty
This thing got voted down hard last time. They made a few token exceptions for Ireland (but none of the other signatories) so that it will be more appealing; without change to the treaty substance. Reprehensible. I hope it gets voted down again.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8106300.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8106300.stm
Thursday, June 18, 2009
sleeping bags
Why get a bag at all? Because a blanket is so high tech. Get an air mattress and a thick blanket. Sleeping bags are really only handy when you are backpacking.
My air mattress and blanket fit in just as small space. Oh well, I just like being comfortable as an old man. When I was a kid and would spend 3-4 weeks out camping a year. At least 2 in the summer and then weekends through the year. You learn quick what you like best.
You could bring a foam pad instead, but I usually prefer and air mattress.
My air mattress and blanket fit in just as small space. Oh well, I just like being comfortable as an old man. When I was a kid and would spend 3-4 weeks out camping a year. At least 2 in the summer and then weekends through the year. You learn quick what you like best.
You could bring a foam pad instead, but I usually prefer and air mattress.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
high school gym class
Back in my high school track/football days we did a heavy workout 5 days a week with some great results and I woke up sore for months on end. Unless it’s actually inured you can usually warm up and be fine. Also, you shouldn’t be too concerned with target groups, that’s something for body builders who work out 2 hours a day. I don’t lift Porsche transmissions one handed because I target my biceps, I do it because I work my entire upper body together.
crossfit diet
I have actually read some of the links on the crossfit guide. I was looking into it before I tore my ACL.
http://crossfitreno.blogspot.com/2009/06/read-read-read-perfect-guide-for.html
My understanding is that humans were hunters and gathers for thousands of years. They ate many plants and included a large amounts of roots, tubers and even gains in their diet. Carbs are the bodies main fuel source and I would suggest it is for a reason. They are the most plentiful biomolecule on the planet. Fruits and vegetables are mostly carbohydrates, so why keep to fruits and vegetables above gains? It’s usually due to the density between the two. Fruit has more water to go with the calories so you feel more full and hence eat less.
Grind with a wheel of with your teeth? Most people live longer than 25 these days, you need something softer to keep your jaw from wearing down. The degree of processing could be argued well. The point is you don’t want to significantly change the components and nutrients in foods. Some processing, such as baking, increases the amount of usable sugars and nutrients available in grains.
In the last few thousand years many cultures have evolved to the point where they maintain their ability to process milk through life. We can evolve.
My conclusion? Those people who are trying to lose weight, gain muscle and are willing to change their diet to match are the ones who are serious and dedicated. They watch their calories and train hard. It’s true a certain amount of protein is needed to build muscle mass, but I have read it’s much less than the 1g per kg most suggest. Yes, protein is converted into carbs as needed, but the reverse is not true. My point there is that overeating protein isn’t bad for you, but not eating enough can make it hard to build muscle. However; I would think they could eat a balanced low calorie, sufficient protein diet and get similar results.
http://crossfitreno.blogspot.com/2009/06/read-read-read-perfect-guide-for.html
My understanding is that humans were hunters and gathers for thousands of years. They ate many plants and included a large amounts of roots, tubers and even gains in their diet. Carbs are the bodies main fuel source and I would suggest it is for a reason. They are the most plentiful biomolecule on the planet. Fruits and vegetables are mostly carbohydrates, so why keep to fruits and vegetables above gains? It’s usually due to the density between the two. Fruit has more water to go with the calories so you feel more full and hence eat less.
Grind with a wheel of with your teeth? Most people live longer than 25 these days, you need something softer to keep your jaw from wearing down. The degree of processing could be argued well. The point is you don’t want to significantly change the components and nutrients in foods. Some processing, such as baking, increases the amount of usable sugars and nutrients available in grains.
In the last few thousand years many cultures have evolved to the point where they maintain their ability to process milk through life. We can evolve.
My conclusion? Those people who are trying to lose weight, gain muscle and are willing to change their diet to match are the ones who are serious and dedicated. They watch their calories and train hard. It’s true a certain amount of protein is needed to build muscle mass, but I have read it’s much less than the 1g per kg most suggest. Yes, protein is converted into carbs as needed, but the reverse is not true. My point there is that overeating protein isn’t bad for you, but not eating enough can make it hard to build muscle. However; I would think they could eat a balanced low calorie, sufficient protein diet and get similar results.
pets
Back in Mansion Land, I had a pet Chopper Dave. He was fairly low maintenance as long as I kept its vodka dish full. He used to love to go on car rides, so I’d take him to work, but I’m still to young/irresponsible to have a pet so I think I left him locked in the car on summer days with the windows up… X)
-Jason
One night Jason decided that the responsibility was too much and decided to release me into the wild. He dropped me off at a bar and picked up a girl to take home instead. I still managed to find my way back home that night.
I remember turning around when he tapped on my shoulder; he just stood there saying nothing. Also, my old phone sucked and tended to just go to voicemail all the time so I didn’t know he called till he was gone. It would have been logical for him to grab my attention by hitting me with the keys.
After I discovered I had been ditched, and while slightly inebriated by that time, running home seemed like the most logical option. It was only 3-4 miles or so? While doing so I was taking the shortest path and while running though a vacant lot managed to run into a piece of rebar sticking out of the tall grass. I saw it a moment too late and tried to jump since I was moving too fast to stop. It ended up catching my jeans and gashing the thigh open.
Still, considering I have been ditched in different cities before it’s not the worst that could have happened.
-Jason
One night Jason decided that the responsibility was too much and decided to release me into the wild. He dropped me off at a bar and picked up a girl to take home instead. I still managed to find my way back home that night.
I remember turning around when he tapped on my shoulder; he just stood there saying nothing. Also, my old phone sucked and tended to just go to voicemail all the time so I didn’t know he called till he was gone. It would have been logical for him to grab my attention by hitting me with the keys.
After I discovered I had been ditched, and while slightly inebriated by that time, running home seemed like the most logical option. It was only 3-4 miles or so? While doing so I was taking the shortest path and while running though a vacant lot managed to run into a piece of rebar sticking out of the tall grass. I saw it a moment too late and tried to jump since I was moving too fast to stop. It ended up catching my jeans and gashing the thigh open.
Still, considering I have been ditched in different cities before it’s not the worst that could have happened.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Top 5 TV Shows Currently On TV
This is hard, I don't watch much tv anymore...
House, How I Met Your Mother, Heroes, Phych, Doctor Who
House, How I Met Your Mother, Heroes, Phych, Doctor Who
I would make a great politician
I used to make OSA meeting very lively.
Most of the board was pretty crazy. One time they had some tomatoes pickers union from Florida come to the meeting wanting our support for the strike because we were such a progressive organization. It was a big WTF does this have to do with Oregon students?
Most of the board was pretty crazy. One time they had some tomatoes pickers union from Florida come to the meeting wanting our support for the strike because we were such a progressive organization. It was a big WTF does this have to do with Oregon students?
Americans should SPEAK ENGLISH
I wish we just had the one official language. It would make things easier in the long run. If I moved to Japan I would start to learn Japanese, if I moved to Canada, I would learn Canadian, eh.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31176525/ns/us_news-life/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31176525/ns/us_news-life/
Friday, June 12, 2009
internet explorer
http://www.infoworld.com/d/windows/ec-pursue-antitrust-case-despite-microsofts-ie-decision-299
So… what do they want to do? Have EU Microsoft default to Firefox?
So… what do they want to do? Have EU Microsoft default to Firefox?
Now in Surround
Hope you all have cable or digital boxes. They stopped the signal :(
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8096438.stm
Are there any good air channels in Reno? If there are I might get an antenna. I have cable, several local channels are on that. The only channel my TV picks up over the air is “static” so I was wondering if it was worth getting an antenna for better reception.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8096438.stm
Are there any good air channels in Reno? If there are I might get an antenna. I have cable, several local channels are on that. The only channel my TV picks up over the air is “static” so I was wondering if it was worth getting an antenna for better reception.
Farmers market
I will have to try that Farmers market next week.
Also, why is nicotine not already controlled by the FDA? It’s a drug and you would think it would be there already, expect for powerful lobbying to keep the government away.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31233307/
People who smoke always complain about rules telling them when and where they can smoke citing freedom. I see if from the other angle. I’m not cigarettes because they kill people; I’m against them because the people who smoke them run around and litter the air indiscriminately, damaging me directly. Same as running around with a big uranium rock in your pocket . You aren’t just killing yourself, you are inflicting injury to me as well.
The argument “nobody is forcing you” argument is bs when they are standing outside the door of buildings I need to enter.
Also, why is nicotine not already controlled by the FDA? It’s a drug and you would think it would be there already, expect for powerful lobbying to keep the government away.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31233307/
People who smoke always complain about rules telling them when and where they can smoke citing freedom. I see if from the other angle. I’m not cigarettes because they kill people; I’m against them because the people who smoke them run around and litter the air indiscriminately, damaging me directly. Same as running around with a big uranium rock in your pocket . You aren’t just killing yourself, you are inflicting injury to me as well.
The argument “nobody is forcing you” argument is bs when they are standing outside the door of buildings I need to enter.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
firewood
Back when I was a kid I had to cut firewood all the time. We only had a wood stove. Most of our wood was Black Locus, which is actually considered a good burning wood. However, it doesn’t really split cleanly so much as it tears and shreds when you take an axe to it. That and the pitch all over it.
Top 10 inventions?!
At least one of these is natural. Why specify something specific like electric telegraph when you could specify something much more broad like electric generator. I don’t think electricity qualified as an actual invention itself otherwise I would go for that. Also, Steam engine is on the list, along with the Rocket, a vehicle known for its revolutionary use of a steam engine.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/8091753.stm
The link from HYS mentioned the most significant scientific inventions so I was a little confused.
http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?sortBy=2&forumID=6574&edition=2&ttl=20090610173545&#paginator
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/8091753.stm
The link from HYS mentioned the most significant scientific inventions so I was a little confused.
http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?sortBy=2&forumID=6574&edition=2&ttl=20090610173545&#paginator
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
iPhone = overrated
I own one. It’s a decent phone. The microphone pickup is pretty good. It’s pricy but it does come with some nice features like easy access to maps (it can find your position or destination easily) and simple email and internet access. I wish the volume could go a little higher, sometimes people are a little quiet on the other end. The camera could be better and longer battery life would help. I realize that, my previous crappy Samsung phone had a two days standby at most and you couldn’t find replacement batteries for it anywhere. We need mini nuclear reactors in these things.
Also, some reason mine will die overnight on occasions. I will take it home from work fully charged and it will be dead by the next morning. I still have not figured out why, happens once a month or so.
I also use it to listen to mp3’s and Pandora a lot of the time and it does well as a music player.The iPhone works for me.
If I find something that works better when my contract is over I will get it. The two things that I liked better than the Windows competitors were the big screen and the low weight. Phones will get better, in 5 years anything you are carrying now will be as functional as a paperweight, no sense in following technology religiously.
Also, some reason mine will die overnight on occasions. I will take it home from work fully charged and it will be dead by the next morning. I still have not figured out why, happens once a month or so.
I also use it to listen to mp3’s and Pandora a lot of the time and it does well as a music player.The iPhone works for me.
If I find something that works better when my contract is over I will get it. The two things that I liked better than the Windows competitors were the big screen and the low weight. Phones will get better, in 5 years anything you are carrying now will be as functional as a paperweight, no sense in following technology religiously.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE CRUISE
http://www.tothepointnews.com/content/view/3617/85/
The only problem with this is that US citizens can still be charged for certain crimes committed in other countries or even international waters. Also, is there a licensed taxidermist onboard? I’d want to stuff one for my trophy room.
The only problem with this is that US citizens can still be charged for certain crimes committed in other countries or even international waters. Also, is there a licensed taxidermist onboard? I’d want to stuff one for my trophy room.
no compulsory vaccinations? are you a suicide bomber?
I think it is stupid that inoculations are not already mandatory. Refusing vaccination is the biological equivalent of walking around with a bomb strapped to your chest. It’s not just dangerous to you alone, but society as a whole. I may have a very libertarian viewpoint on most things but this would not be one of them.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8080681.stm
Herd immunity. Even though you get the shots you can still be susceptible to the disease. Vaccination is not 100%. By others not getting their shots your possible exposure and infection rate rises.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herd_immunity
The article was BBC, but you can still get religious wavers (or go to a private school) and such in the US I believe. Then you have celebrities like Oprah and her guests talk about the dangers of vaccination (debunked). If you are that susceptible to a little shot you have much bigger concerns.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8080681.stm
Herd immunity. Even though you get the shots you can still be susceptible to the disease. Vaccination is not 100%. By others not getting their shots your possible exposure and infection rate rises.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herd_immunity
The article was BBC, but you can still get religious wavers (or go to a private school) and such in the US I believe. Then you have celebrities like Oprah and her guests talk about the dangers of vaccination (debunked). If you are that susceptible to a little shot you have much bigger concerns.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
my fast is broken
I drink 2 vials of Silver solution, shoot up 10cc of Mercury and use a Uranium suppository every morning (go electric atoms!) Look at how healthy and normal I am!
I get hungry at 10 or so too. I will buy a breakfast burrito sometimes if I am really hungry in the morning for some reason. I keep single serving cans of pears in my cube for breakfast otherwise. Days like today I just ate some lunch since I didn’t play Frisbee. I keep protein bars around for those days. Since I play Frisbee I don’t have time to get lunch. I just have a protein bar and maybe a can of pears or such. Snickers make some decent ones, Marathon Protein Bars. They make a few varieties and a couple of them are pretty good.
I get hungry at 10 or so too. I will buy a breakfast burrito sometimes if I am really hungry in the morning for some reason. I keep single serving cans of pears in my cube for breakfast otherwise. Days like today I just ate some lunch since I didn’t play Frisbee. I keep protein bars around for those days. Since I play Frisbee I don’t have time to get lunch. I just have a protein bar and maybe a can of pears or such. Snickers make some decent ones, Marathon Protein Bars. They make a few varieties and a couple of them are pretty good.
Visa Agreement
I went to RC Willey’s last night to order a TV stand. I had looked around the other day and they had one that looked decent and was rather functional with an optional (to use) built in swivel mount. It was also on sale for the same price as online. I go pay for it and they won’t take my Visa card without supplemental ID, “to cut down on fraud.” How can you cut down on fraud by requirement me to show personal details of my ID to a cahier I do not know or trust? My signature is the only identification Visa requires. It’s in their (Visa’s) Merchants agreement that they cannot require supplemental identification for a purchase, just the signature.
I tried to argue this with the salesgirl to no avail, and not wanting to stand around forever just showed it to her. It’s invalid on the front anyway, I have the update sticker with correct info on the back and no one ever bothers to look.
Remember, the next time you use your Visa card refuse supplemental identification. They can ask, but if they require it they are in violation of their merchants agreement with Visa. At least they aren’t as bad as Sports Authority, they want your phone number to make a transaction. They are very insistent, they won’t like it, but they have never refused to ring me up because of it.
I think I will start supplying the OIGT VERFIED picture when asked. It would look cooler if I had time or Photoshop. It shows me drinking which automatically makes me 10 internets cooler or something.
I tried to argue this with the salesgirl to no avail, and not wanting to stand around forever just showed it to her. It’s invalid on the front anyway, I have the update sticker with correct info on the back and no one ever bothers to look.
Remember, the next time you use your Visa card refuse supplemental identification. They can ask, but if they require it they are in violation of their merchants agreement with Visa. At least they aren’t as bad as Sports Authority, they want your phone number to make a transaction. They are very insistent, they won’t like it, but they have never refused to ring me up because of it.
I think I will start supplying the OIGT VERFIED picture when asked. It would look cooler if I had time or Photoshop. It shows me drinking which automatically makes me 10 internets cooler or something.
Monday, June 1, 2009
The speed, size and dependability of programming languages
Going from Turbo Pascal (what my High School taught) to Delphi was just like going from Basic to VB. Of course I have never actually made anything useful with it; the graphic libraries were fun to play with though.
http://gmarceau.qc.ca/blog/2009/05/speed-size-and-dependability-of.html
So they zipped up the code and took that as the size of the dataset? I’m not sure that is an accurate reflection of code size. Do they count libraries? This blogger obviously takes them into consideration, but I don’t see the same concern in the source material.
Also, they seem to take programs from a wide variety of programmers. I see issue with this. I recall not long ago one of our programmers tried to load a static 2MB array of 0’s into a boot prom when all he needed was one variable loaded with 32 bytes of 0. Such efforts can throw statistics all over the place.
The author seems to mix and match. GCC isn’t a language but it’s on the chart. CSHARP isn’t a compiler but it’s there too.
http://gmarceau.qc.ca/blog/2009/05/speed-size-and-dependability-of.html
So they zipped up the code and took that as the size of the dataset? I’m not sure that is an accurate reflection of code size. Do they count libraries? This blogger obviously takes them into consideration, but I don’t see the same concern in the source material.
Also, they seem to take programs from a wide variety of programmers. I see issue with this. I recall not long ago one of our programmers tried to load a static 2MB array of 0’s into a boot prom when all he needed was one variable loaded with 32 bytes of 0. Such efforts can throw statistics all over the place.
The author seems to mix and match. GCC isn’t a language but it’s on the chart. CSHARP isn’t a compiler but it’s there too.
NULL
So much for jury nullification. If the judge doesn’t like your verdict he can throw it out.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30999530/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30999530/
The Joker - comparing Heath Ledger’s performance with Jack Nicholson’s
Have you actually read any of the older Batman comics? I have and Nicolson was nothing like him. Nicolson was more like a crazy gangster. I don’t recall the joker ever really being like that. The old joker was just crazy and did stupid stuff. Ha ha batman, I’m going to steal the world’s largest pickle… try and stop me! That and when he teamed up with Lex Luthor, those were the good old days.
Friday, May 29, 2009
optimist award
I find it hard to figure out how the US refusing to export its software is a rights violation. From my understanding of their own propaganda Cuba is a Latin paradise. Surely they have figured out how to write software by now?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31005365/
I also doubt most Cuban schoolchildren can crack open Linux and just start tweaking it to their needs.
"Open software is comfortable, free, easy to modify and public," 15-year-old student Anette Camacho said.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31005365/
I also doubt most Cuban schoolchildren can crack open Linux and just start tweaking it to their needs.
"Open software is comfortable, free, easy to modify and public," 15-year-old student Anette Camacho said.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Lithium in water 'curbs suicide'
I bet in 1/10 of 1% of the population this has the opposite effect.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8025454.stm
You can’t think yourself out of every mental issue. However, you can harden the mind, make it stronger and more resilient. Many issues can be headed off before they become serious (chemical dependency). Just being able to recognize you have issues would be a good step. Stubborn has connotations of acting against reason. I am speaking of a mind resolute in its purpose.
Studies have shown that those who have been prepared to deal with PTS and similar disorders are better than those who have had no preparation. You are making yourself resilient to its effect. Ignoring warning signs would be an example of a lax mind, one that does not seek to fix itself.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8025454.stm
You can’t think yourself out of every mental issue. However, you can harden the mind, make it stronger and more resilient. Many issues can be headed off before they become serious (chemical dependency). Just being able to recognize you have issues would be a good step. Stubborn has connotations of acting against reason. I am speaking of a mind resolute in its purpose.
Studies have shown that those who have been prepared to deal with PTS and similar disorders are better than those who have had no preparation. You are making yourself resilient to its effect. Ignoring warning signs would be an example of a lax mind, one that does not seek to fix itself.
Vatican 'hampered new Hanks film'
What? The Church barring you from filming in their buildings because they think the movies are mocking them? How dare they!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8032514.stm
The quotes from the director reads as if the he’s all hurt they won’t let him film on their property and that he is reaching out and being rebuffed. I thought it was manipulative and at the same time rather funny. They don’t like your message or content, what did you expect?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8032514.stm
The quotes from the director reads as if the he’s all hurt they won’t let him film on their property and that he is reaching out and being rebuffed. I thought it was manipulative and at the same time rather funny. They don’t like your message or content, what did you expect?
patriot act
Nevada has its own version of the Patriot Act in the works??? That’s what we need, more spying.
http://www.rgj.com/article/20090507/NEWS11/90507061&OAS_sitepage=news.rgj.com%2Fbreakingnews
No it’s not. When was the last time the Federal government gave up power? Once they can start tracking certain things they will start legislating on them. They are already talking about putting a GPS receiver in your car to track mileage (with the rest of the data available via court order). There are just some things I would rather control myself rather than allowing the government to allot me things.
http://www.rgj.com/article/20090507/NEWS11/90507061&OAS_sitepage=news.rgj.com%2Fbreakingnews
No it’s not. When was the last time the Federal government gave up power? Once they can start tracking certain things they will start legislating on them. They are already talking about putting a GPS receiver in your car to track mileage (with the rest of the data available via court order). There are just some things I would rather control myself rather than allowing the government to allot me things.
warranty callers
I seriously hope they get on those damn warranty callers. It’s pathetic how our national do-not-call registry has no teeth.
http://www.rgj.com/article/20090510/NEWS12/90510012&OAS_sitepage=news.rgj.com%2Fbreakingnews
If you pay for time it’s a federal offense to call a number for marketing purposes as well.
Also, someone was calling my work line every morning at 5:30 from a spoofed number. After 4 months or so they left a message I could not understand. Finally they called me at 11 or so and I answered. I still have no idea what they want but they seemed to be looking for someone.
http://www.rgj.com/article/20090510/NEWS12/90510012&OAS_sitepage=news.rgj.com%2Fbreakingnews
If you pay for time it’s a federal offense to call a number for marketing purposes as well.
Also, someone was calling my work line every morning at 5:30 from a spoofed number. After 4 months or so they left a message I could not understand. Finally they called me at 11 or so and I answered. I still have no idea what they want but they seemed to be looking for someone.
toothbrushes
I use an sonic toothbrush at home. However; I also keep a 6 pack or so of toothbrushes in my drawer for visitors or when I travel. As long as you get the basic $2 ones and not the spendy $7 ones they are pretty much disposable anyway.
If anyone indicates that eating the yeast and residue might make for a fine culinary choice, I can assure you that eating that would have the same effect as drinking a half gallon a milk and a half gallon of prune juice in one sitting.
If anyone indicates that eating the yeast and residue might make for a fine culinary choice, I can assure you that eating that would have the same effect as drinking a half gallon a milk and a half gallon of prune juice in one sitting.
3 released after shooting off firearms
Yay, getting detailed until they can run a background check and pull out a measuring tape.
http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090511/NEWS/90511027&s=d&page=1#pluckcomments
http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090511/NEWS/90511027&s=d&page=1#pluckcomments
injuries and drugs
I didn’t make it to the LAN party :(
When I woke up Saturday morning I felt like I had a bad hangover, but I had nothing to drink. My head continued to pound so I just slept through the day.
Also, my doctor already has me on a good amount of drugs until my knee heals so I’m maxed on those. I hurt myself last year lifting (slipped when I was doing squats) and then again this spring snowboarding so I finally went to a doctor. Torn meniscus and two partially torn ligaments (ACL and another one). The ligaments seem to be healing up well though. Apparently the cartilage in your knees can’t heal but it’s a lot less painful these days, more of a get used to it thing.
When I woke up Saturday morning I felt like I had a bad hangover, but I had nothing to drink. My head continued to pound so I just slept through the day.
Also, my doctor already has me on a good amount of drugs until my knee heals so I’m maxed on those. I hurt myself last year lifting (slipped when I was doing squats) and then again this spring snowboarding so I finally went to a doctor. Torn meniscus and two partially torn ligaments (ACL and another one). The ligaments seem to be healing up well though. Apparently the cartilage in your knees can’t heal but it’s a lot less painful these days, more of a get used to it thing.
religious workers
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/05/18/No-benefits-for-laid-off-religious-workers/UPI-95691242688977/
If you don’t pay into the system (insurance fund) you can’t really expect anything back. I wonder how many other professions may be exempt. I have read about other classes of workers dealing with the same thing.
If you don’t pay into the system (insurance fund) you can’t really expect anything back. I wonder how many other professions may be exempt. I have read about other classes of workers dealing with the same thing.
new cars, rotaries, and my jimmy ;)
I have been hearing good things about the Mazda 6. My brother Tony wants to trade in his giant truck for one of those. I was looking at the Impreza at one of the car shows and it just seemed rather cramped. I used to drive a truck with a cab (front seats) about the same size, but it was much more open.
I don’t need a Rotary, although I did drive one for 6 years or so. I would love if my dad put the 4 port engine back in with it. It’s his project car but he never has time to work on it.
Back in college one summer I did help him cut out the rusty parts on the bed and weld in a new sheet. A pinch of body filler and a paint job later and that thing was looking sweet. I think if we reupholstered the seats, got some new tires and fixed/replaced the grill (my sister got into an accident with it once, totaled the other car; REPU came out with a dent and broken plastic) it would be looking pretty sweet.
Here’s a good example, the 77’s had the best body, only 3,000 made.
I like ice cream, but I don’t like poisoned ice cream. With some of the issues and tradeoffs they have mode Mazda almost seems to want to kill their Rotary’s off. You look at the initial designed and are all “yay!” look at what they put into production and ask “why?” I like the RX-8, but I think they could have done better. Instead of a pimped sports car they cut off some of the nicer features for efficiency.
Pretty much they could have made a heavier more powerful engine but they didn’t. I was reading about RENISIS engine design and they had to redesign things for efficiency and / or environmental concerns. At least the new ones don’t have a thermal reactor, much more restrictive than an exhaust manifold. (They also forgot to make it backwards compatible with my REPU!)
As for the RX-8 specifically I like the look but it could have been sportier (or course driving up the price). I’m not saying its underpowered or anything, it is very descent, in fact the specs aren’t too much off the 4.3L Vortec in my truck; 150kW, 250ft or so (depending on variant), I was just hoping for more. Also, the way the setup the base model. Maybe I just don’t like the way they design cars lately. Everything seems too small and the inside looks like it has been injected molded as one piece.
Of course I don’t plan on buying a new vehicle soon. There is nowhere in this town I even like to drive; so as long as my truck is running... I miss living out in the middle of nowhere where they had no-to-light traffic. I’m not into that conspicuous consumption things, so as long as my truck doesn’t look like a complete POS I’m fine (I do have a little taste). As with any 15 year old vehicle it has some issues (leaking seals, worn bearings), but none serous. It’s actually the biggest engine they put in that vehicle and it has some nice power. Also, the serious cargo capacity is nice while still being as short as most full size cars for easy parking.
I have two rear view mirrors, I even have a third sitting in the back seat. You only need one to be legal. I actually keep thinking of going to get a muffler (it would have to be welded on, so it limits my choice of area shops) but I am never in town on the weekends anymore. I was going to go do it last Saturday, but I didn’t feel well.
feeling "chip"-per
I keep seeing this story pop up. I find it comical how you can have continuous legal battles over the definition of a chip.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30850499/
Also, I have been thinking of getting a bike.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30850499/
Also, I have been thinking of getting a bike.
hippy housing
http://www.simondale.net/house/index.htm doesn’t seem to bad. I have questions about its sustainability (as in I think that roof would rot pretty fast), but it’s much better than many environment friendly houses I have seen that look like they would blow over in a steady win.
I’d like a house like that, but there simply isn’t enough nice land to go around in this world. Maybe if we forgo technological advancement and kill off the extra 6 billion people then sure.
Of course the guy writing seems a little biased. Apparently carpenters are evil; and carcinogens and poisons don’t exist in natural materials. Excuse me, I’m going home to have a nice cup of hemlock tea.
ruskies
Got to love Russia’s attitude on this. The ISS was designed with a solution when decommissioning came around, fly the entire station down in a controlled burn. Now they want to pull off their components and keep them in space, leaving the ISS without propulsion and saying that it’s NASA’s problem to dispose of the station.
landlords
I like the gist of this law. The only problem seems to be it can turn lenders into landlords without their knowledge.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30891380/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30891380/
Terminator
Anyone else see Terminator over the weekend? Without any spoilers, I thought they used too much shaky cam. Also, Bale tended to use his deep throaty Batman voice too much; it just sounds forced coming from him.
I liked the Terminator in 3. It was a nice evolution I thought. Metal endoskeleton with the liquid metal as a cover. Also, it couldn’t do any weapon, it had like a dozen or so built in, which was a nice change. I did think the storyline was a bit weak. 90% of the movie was just them trying to escape.
I still need to watch the last half of Season 2 of the Sara Conner Chronicles. I hear it had an interesting finale, but it won’t be back for season 3; cancelled. As for continuity, it’s actually a revision to the timeline. That comes within the first few episodes. It was good, just different.
I liked the Terminator in 3. It was a nice evolution I thought. Metal endoskeleton with the liquid metal as a cover. Also, it couldn’t do any weapon, it had like a dozen or so built in, which was a nice change. I did think the storyline was a bit weak. 90% of the movie was just them trying to escape.
I still need to watch the last half of Season 2 of the Sara Conner Chronicles. I hear it had an interesting finale, but it won’t be back for season 3; cancelled. As for continuity, it’s actually a revision to the timeline. That comes within the first few episodes. It was good, just different.
socializing credit cards
Here is something I have been thinking about lately. The government is the only one authorized to print currency and mint coins. These days using debt cards is a ubiquitous as using cash was years ago. Plastic in the form of debt and credit cards is the de facto currency to many people. Should the government start issuing currency in the same way?
The government doesn’t charge you fees for handling cash, nor does it burden you with private agreements on how you can use such currency. That is handled by the tax system, US government as a whole. So you would rather private banks continue to dominate control over our currency by issuing such instruments of commerce?
I’m not advocating the removal of cash, it has abundant uses. However, in order to do participate in electronic commerce, which is increasing every day, you are pretty much limited to credit or debit cards, both monetary systems regulated, but not controlled by the government.
Visa and MasterCard could still exist. This in no way would replace debt services. This would be a cash replacement. It’s just that our forms of currency are not keeping up with the way people use them. We don’t necessarily swap goods in person anymore and the monetary system should reflect that.
As it is a cash system you would bear no interest on your funds. You could transfer your money to a private (interest bearing) account if desired. It could help cut down on welfare fraud and such since you would use this as the deposit point for all such services.
Simply require that all businesses in the US that take Visa or other forms of credit/debit also accept this system. I say this would fall very nicely under interstate commerce laws. If you need to go outside the US transfer to another private account if necessary, but I’m sure the rest of the world would eventually adopt similar systems. Same with using your cash internationally, you may need to convert it at some point.
The government doesn’t charge you fees for handling cash, nor does it burden you with private agreements on how you can use such currency. That is handled by the tax system, US government as a whole. So you would rather private banks continue to dominate control over our currency by issuing such instruments of commerce?
I’m not advocating the removal of cash, it has abundant uses. However, in order to do participate in electronic commerce, which is increasing every day, you are pretty much limited to credit or debit cards, both monetary systems regulated, but not controlled by the government.
Visa and MasterCard could still exist. This in no way would replace debt services. This would be a cash replacement. It’s just that our forms of currency are not keeping up with the way people use them. We don’t necessarily swap goods in person anymore and the monetary system should reflect that.
As it is a cash system you would bear no interest on your funds. You could transfer your money to a private (interest bearing) account if desired. It could help cut down on welfare fraud and such since you would use this as the deposit point for all such services.
Simply require that all businesses in the US that take Visa or other forms of credit/debit also accept this system. I say this would fall very nicely under interstate commerce laws. If you need to go outside the US transfer to another private account if necessary, but I’m sure the rest of the world would eventually adopt similar systems. Same with using your cash internationally, you may need to convert it at some point.
Data is the hot commodity these days, not silk
What’s more troubling is that even though we are paying descent prices for cable internet they aren’t using it to expand capacity. I’m starting to think large data links are going to need to be managed by the government like roads are. Everyone is always worried about the roads. It’ time we have arguments about internet capacity.
More on ketchup
I don’t eat Heinz ketchup unless forced to. I tend to keep 3 kinds around, none of them Heinz. Del Monte is the best followed by Hunts. I’ll eat it if it’s what is available, but I don’t stock it at home.
More ways to save during the recession
Back in Hermiston, one trick I learned was how to save money on ketchup (don’t let me hear any of you sissies spell it catsup). When your bottle runs out, most people go shell out $1.27 for a new one. Madness! Instead, find a restaurant that has packets of ketchup available. Take a few handful of those home and you can squeeze them back into your empty ketchup bottle and be good to go! Don’t bother with the McDonalds as they have those push-down dispensers and the minimum wage high school kids make a stink about taking your bottle of ketchup in there.
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