BAC
I found out about an opening on the Charlotte Mecklenburg DOT's, Bicycle Advisory Committee a few months ago and, always having an interest in service, decided to apply. I have known councilman Andy Dulin since about 2001, when we both were doing triathlons. In fact, we did quite a few training rides together out in Mint Hill and even on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We suffered through the 2002 edition of the Bridge to Bridge incredible Century...which was so harsh it prompted Mike Magnuson to write a book ("Heft on the Bike.")
I inquired to Andy about it for several months but it never seemed to show up on the Council's agenda. Surprisingly, the other night I received 2 or 3 Twitter Tweets congratulating me on the appointment. I went to Andy's Twitter page and sure enough he Tweeted the news!
I'm both proud and nervous about this appointment. My goal is to expand the use of bicycles in our city not only for transportation but for recreational and just short errands. Too often I see folks jump in their car to drive 1/2 a mile when it would probably take less time for them to jump on a bike.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Thoughts on "Capitalism: A Love Story"
My wife and I decided to see Michael Moore's latest movie this past Saturday afternoon. Neither of us is overly active politically although we are of course very interested in the economy as well as curious about various points of view. Mr. Moore has always been controversial, at least to the majority of Republicans and certainly to conservative talking heads. But I found his old TV show, Real Life or something like that, very funny. He's always funny when interviewed and besides, only the truly wise look at all sides of issues. Only the narrow minded cling to their own idealogy or dogma in the face of criticism.
Although the title is Capitalism, I had no advance knowledge of the movie's theme. Was it going to be an argument against the economic theory of capitalism or a defense of socialism? Actually, I believe its mostly an indictment of greed and the profit motive as the cause of our society's downfall, and the financial meltdown of 2008. If that qualifies as being anti-capitalistic then I suppose he's achieved his goal.
The main theme of the movie is that this era of greed, started in the Reagan years, culminated in the meltdown. Along the way the wealthy saw their taxes cut down from 90% (which paid for most civil projects by the way) and corporate profits were inflated while thousands were laid off. Moore uses many powerful examples of the pain caused by greed to support his theme
* Rome fell due to the wide disparity between the rich and poor. I can accept this.
* Moore blames the failure of GM on capitalistic greed. If that is what made them make shoddy products in the face of Japanese competition without dealing with their cost problems then I can agree with that. However, I've followed the car industry since the '80's and remember one folly after another. (Pontiac Aztek anyone? K-Car? GM X-car? GM diesels?)
* Wall Street controls the Presidency (a clip of Donald Regan admonishing Ronald Reagan is priceless)
* A family thrown out of their farmhouse because their loan payment went from $1500 to over $2700. Moore doesn't explain what caused their loan to adjust. I guess the implication is that some predatory lender swindled them into an awful loan. I agree these folks were probably victimized and lured into a loan product that was terrible for them.
* So-called "Dead Peasants" insurance. Apparently your employer can take out a policy (or place a bet) that a certain number of employees will die. This makes sense from a statistical standpoint and surprisingly it doesn't seem to be illegal. The whole concept definitely seems unethical though. He used Wal-Mart as one illustration. The closing credits stated that Wal-Mart has now reversed this practice. This was a very troubling part of the movie.
* The employees of Republic Windows in Chicago staged a sit-in to protest Bank of America shutting down their company. This part was inspiring. I agree that the banks were protecting their profits while driving people out into the streets. BofA should have worked more with the company to extend their credit and the company should have given their employees ample warning of a a shut down.
* A homeless family in Miami decided to occupy their former house. It is heartbreaking to see families living in a truck while houses sit idle. They were probably victimized by a predatory lender as well. Their lender should have worked harder to come up with a solution for them. There should be more loan modifications and fewer foreclosures. Were they right to break back into their house? No. But this is not a singular problem. Their whole neighborhood was in foreclosure. Clearly something larger is at stake than just one house.
* Moore makes a leap though to claim that the Obama wave was driven by the "have nots" or the downtrodden and disenfranchised railing against the rich. Obama had a lot of rich supporters including Warren Buffet and Bill Gates. I think the Obama wave was mostly a social revolution IN ADDITION TO anti-George Bush backlash. You have to admit Bush's wars, bumbling ways, and alienation of practically the entire world made him extremely unpopular. Despite that Obama's win was not an overwhelming mandate. Certainly class uprising was a factor but don't discount anti-Bush, anti-Conservative sentiment and the desire among the liberal factions to make a statement about our country be electing a minority president. Look at the HUGE financial juggernaut behind Obama. Remember the $25,000 a plate dinner that Barbra Streisand hosted? What about Oprah's refusal to give air time to the other side? I am glad about the revolution and I am glad he is the President but let's not make his victory more than it was.
All in all I believe Moore accomplished what a good storyteller or movie maker should. He makes you think. He exposes the evil that most folk think just can't be out there. He makes the statement that capitalism is evil which I don't think he proves conclusively. But he definitely shows that evil is out there in the corporate world and that it is beyond time for people to recognize it and fight it. Something has to be done and he doesn't say that it needs to be communism or socialism, but right now we have greed, unregulated greed, running amuck. We have wall street honchos (such as Henry Paulson, worth $700million) operating at the highest levels of our government. In this, I have to agree with Moore that something must be changed.
Although the title is Capitalism, I had no advance knowledge of the movie's theme. Was it going to be an argument against the economic theory of capitalism or a defense of socialism? Actually, I believe its mostly an indictment of greed and the profit motive as the cause of our society's downfall, and the financial meltdown of 2008. If that qualifies as being anti-capitalistic then I suppose he's achieved his goal.
The main theme of the movie is that this era of greed, started in the Reagan years, culminated in the meltdown. Along the way the wealthy saw their taxes cut down from 90% (which paid for most civil projects by the way) and corporate profits were inflated while thousands were laid off. Moore uses many powerful examples of the pain caused by greed to support his theme
* Rome fell due to the wide disparity between the rich and poor. I can accept this.
* Moore blames the failure of GM on capitalistic greed. If that is what made them make shoddy products in the face of Japanese competition without dealing with their cost problems then I can agree with that. However, I've followed the car industry since the '80's and remember one folly after another. (Pontiac Aztek anyone? K-Car? GM X-car? GM diesels?)
* Wall Street controls the Presidency (a clip of Donald Regan admonishing Ronald Reagan is priceless)
* A family thrown out of their farmhouse because their loan payment went from $1500 to over $2700. Moore doesn't explain what caused their loan to adjust. I guess the implication is that some predatory lender swindled them into an awful loan. I agree these folks were probably victimized and lured into a loan product that was terrible for them.
* So-called "Dead Peasants" insurance. Apparently your employer can take out a policy (or place a bet) that a certain number of employees will die. This makes sense from a statistical standpoint and surprisingly it doesn't seem to be illegal. The whole concept definitely seems unethical though. He used Wal-Mart as one illustration. The closing credits stated that Wal-Mart has now reversed this practice. This was a very troubling part of the movie.
* The employees of Republic Windows in Chicago staged a sit-in to protest Bank of America shutting down their company. This part was inspiring. I agree that the banks were protecting their profits while driving people out into the streets. BofA should have worked more with the company to extend their credit and the company should have given their employees ample warning of a a shut down.
* A homeless family in Miami decided to occupy their former house. It is heartbreaking to see families living in a truck while houses sit idle. They were probably victimized by a predatory lender as well. Their lender should have worked harder to come up with a solution for them. There should be more loan modifications and fewer foreclosures. Were they right to break back into their house? No. But this is not a singular problem. Their whole neighborhood was in foreclosure. Clearly something larger is at stake than just one house.
* Moore makes a leap though to claim that the Obama wave was driven by the "have nots" or the downtrodden and disenfranchised railing against the rich. Obama had a lot of rich supporters including Warren Buffet and Bill Gates. I think the Obama wave was mostly a social revolution IN ADDITION TO anti-George Bush backlash. You have to admit Bush's wars, bumbling ways, and alienation of practically the entire world made him extremely unpopular. Despite that Obama's win was not an overwhelming mandate. Certainly class uprising was a factor but don't discount anti-Bush, anti-Conservative sentiment and the desire among the liberal factions to make a statement about our country be electing a minority president. Look at the HUGE financial juggernaut behind Obama. Remember the $25,000 a plate dinner that Barbra Streisand hosted? What about Oprah's refusal to give air time to the other side? I am glad about the revolution and I am glad he is the President but let's not make his victory more than it was.
All in all I believe Moore accomplished what a good storyteller or movie maker should. He makes you think. He exposes the evil that most folk think just can't be out there. He makes the statement that capitalism is evil which I don't think he proves conclusively. But he definitely shows that evil is out there in the corporate world and that it is beyond time for people to recognize it and fight it. Something has to be done and he doesn't say that it needs to be communism or socialism, but right now we have greed, unregulated greed, running amuck. We have wall street honchos (such as Henry Paulson, worth $700million) operating at the highest levels of our government. In this, I have to agree with Moore that something must be changed.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Miscellaneous Musings
I just bookmarked the NPR mobile site (m.npr.org.) Now maybe I can start to become as smart as my ex-conservative friend who listens to it all day. Sheesh.
My friend told me yesterday that the moon is receding from the Earth at about 1.5 inches per year. I know that probably will affect the weather and tides here in a few centuries. I think its important to bring a little extra gas money just in case. Coincidentally, America seems to be getting farther from the "Son" every day. Think about that one for awhile!
My friend told me yesterday that the moon is receding from the Earth at about 1.5 inches per year. I know that probably will affect the weather and tides here in a few centuries. I think its important to bring a little extra gas money just in case. Coincidentally, America seems to be getting farther from the "Son" every day. Think about that one for awhile!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Supply of Celebrities
Our nation's celebrities seem to be dropping like flies lately. Is the government doing enough to ensure a fresh supply?
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Projects will help kids walk, bike to school - CharlotteObserver.com
Imagine kids walking and biking to school! Imagine lowering our country's out of control childhood obesity stats! Imagine a world free of Ho-Ho's and donuts! Imagine!
Projects will help kids walk, bike to school - CharlotteObserver.com
Projects will help kids walk, bike to school - CharlotteObserver.com
Thursday, September 03, 2009
What does a total lack of ambition feel like?
I hate it when old men, I mean pretty old, call someone on the phone (like their wife) and when she answers they say "How You Doin'" like Joey from friends. It's just wrong.
I am writing this while sitting at an airport gate.
They say that character is how you behave when no one is watching. I think how employees act when they are not "on" also speaks volumes. I just passed two airline gate workers jawing with each other while riding (not walking) on a people mover.
Not only were they lounging on the people mover, but when I walked up behind them, they made no effort to let me pass. They continued their conversations about how hard their jobs are or some other blathering.
If I had an employee who moved so slow (well....not at all in this case) while they were on the clock I would fire them on the spot.
The other day I was wondering what it must feel like to have absolutely zero ambition. I think these two demonstrated to me that it feels pretty relaxing.
I am writing this while sitting at an airport gate.
They say that character is how you behave when no one is watching. I think how employees act when they are not "on" also speaks volumes. I just passed two airline gate workers jawing with each other while riding (not walking) on a people mover.
Not only were they lounging on the people mover, but when I walked up behind them, they made no effort to let me pass. They continued their conversations about how hard their jobs are or some other blathering.
If I had an employee who moved so slow (well....not at all in this case) while they were on the clock I would fire them on the spot.
The other day I was wondering what it must feel like to have absolutely zero ambition. I think these two demonstrated to me that it feels pretty relaxing.
Monday, August 31, 2009
We are spoiled by our health insurance
John Stossel brought up an interesting perspective the other day. He pointed out that making insurance companies pay more is not the answer to the healthcare crisis. The problem is that we people have no stake in driving down the price of healthcare because it is free.
For comparison, he brings up that the cost of Lasik surgery has been driving down for years. Why? Because its not covered by health insurance. Make sense to me!
I started thinking that we treat our home and car insurance in kind of the same way. When something goes wrong with our plumbing or heating, we can a repairman, shop around for the best deal and go with one that meets all our needs. We don't call the insurance company! Imagine how much a plumbing or HVAC repair would cost if it was paid for by insurance? But if a tree falls on your house or something major happens, that is what insurance is for!
Similarly for your car. You don't charge tires, oil changes, and brake jobs to your car insurance provider. Insurance covers you in case of theft, accidents, etc.
Imagine if we applied that same kind of logic to health insurance. We'd shop around for the best prices on basic "personal" maintenance and minor repairs. Of course if we get cancer or some serious diagnosis then that is what insurance is for. That would save all of us money and make our system better because there would be price competition.
Of course the problem isn't this simple but this is the kind of mindset that would help. We need people to take responsibility for their own "maintenance" and basic upkeep. Insurance should be for unexpected, major, or catastrophic events.
For comparison, he brings up that the cost of Lasik surgery has been driving down for years. Why? Because its not covered by health insurance. Make sense to me!
I started thinking that we treat our home and car insurance in kind of the same way. When something goes wrong with our plumbing or heating, we can a repairman, shop around for the best deal and go with one that meets all our needs. We don't call the insurance company! Imagine how much a plumbing or HVAC repair would cost if it was paid for by insurance? But if a tree falls on your house or something major happens, that is what insurance is for!
Similarly for your car. You don't charge tires, oil changes, and brake jobs to your car insurance provider. Insurance covers you in case of theft, accidents, etc.
Imagine if we applied that same kind of logic to health insurance. We'd shop around for the best prices on basic "personal" maintenance and minor repairs. Of course if we get cancer or some serious diagnosis then that is what insurance is for. That would save all of us money and make our system better because there would be price competition.
Of course the problem isn't this simple but this is the kind of mindset that would help. We need people to take responsibility for their own "maintenance" and basic upkeep. Insurance should be for unexpected, major, or catastrophic events.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Best product writeup ever?
BonkTown.com: Shimano America Dura-Ace Hollowtech Double Crankset - $223.99 - 53% off: "Shimano America Dura-Ace Hollowtech Double Crankset:
Mmm…sexy sexy. The Shimano Dura-Ace Hollowtech II Double Crankset is stiffer than a frozen boner, flashier than Liberace, and lighter and hotter than a pair of titanium panties. The sleek two-piece design, oversized spindle and hollow-forged crankarms trim every last gram of fat while simultaneously boosting system rigidity. Near-seamless construction means unmatched power transmission to the custom machine-lightened Dura-Ace chainrings, pickle-crisp shifting, and a lust factor that will parch the salivary glands of your comrades."
Mmm…sexy sexy. The Shimano Dura-Ace Hollowtech II Double Crankset is stiffer than a frozen boner, flashier than Liberace, and lighter and hotter than a pair of titanium panties. The sleek two-piece design, oversized spindle and hollow-forged crankarms trim every last gram of fat while simultaneously boosting system rigidity. Near-seamless construction means unmatched power transmission to the custom machine-lightened Dura-Ace chainrings, pickle-crisp shifting, and a lust factor that will parch the salivary glands of your comrades."
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Catching Up Today
OK, well yesterday.
Yesterday morning we were shocked to hear the pitter patter of little feet coming down the hall at around 8 am. You see Caroline woke up (again) during the middle of the night and Elizabeth put her in John's bed (since John was at a friend's house.) Caroline normally sleeps in a crib. She apparently woke up and realized she wasn't in prison and was able to slide to the floor upright. It seems like a small thing but it was definitely a milestone!
My email box this morning contained my long anticipated invite to Google Voice. I just finished setting up my new number, 704-759-6140, and can't wait to figure out how to use it. The VM transcription looks pretty cool!
On the personal side, its Tuesday and its been since Saturday afternoon that I last did any exercise. Granted that was the finish of a 140 mile bike ride that wore me out! I also did yard work for about 6 hours in the 92 degree heat on Sunday. So I guess I've actually only slacked off yesterday and today....and its only 9:20 on Tuesday. Perhaps I'm being too hard on myself. I'll get out and do something in the afternoon!
Yesterday morning we were shocked to hear the pitter patter of little feet coming down the hall at around 8 am. You see Caroline woke up (again) during the middle of the night and Elizabeth put her in John's bed (since John was at a friend's house.) Caroline normally sleeps in a crib. She apparently woke up and realized she wasn't in prison and was able to slide to the floor upright. It seems like a small thing but it was definitely a milestone!
My email box this morning contained my long anticipated invite to Google Voice. I just finished setting up my new number, 704-759-6140, and can't wait to figure out how to use it. The VM transcription looks pretty cool!
On the personal side, its Tuesday and its been since Saturday afternoon that I last did any exercise. Granted that was the finish of a 140 mile bike ride that wore me out! I also did yard work for about 6 hours in the 92 degree heat on Sunday. So I guess I've actually only slacked off yesterday and today....and its only 9:20 on Tuesday. Perhaps I'm being too hard on myself. I'll get out and do something in the afternoon!
Monday, July 06, 2009
Monday....Yuck
Well, this is about day 5 of our P90X commitment. I hesitated and almost wrote "experiment" instead. But that sounded too indecisive and uncommitted. Today's video was "legs and back" and it was a killer. I rode 17 miles on my road bike right before the workout so that may have contributed to my weakness. I only got through about 40 minutes of the video before I was getting light-headed. That recovery/protein shake never tasted so good.
It's been an adventuresome past few weeks. I've been riding my new Trek Madone 5.2 road bike every other day which has been awesome. It feels great to get back out on it. I miss doing group rides but it will be awhile before I can hang with one and work it into my schedule.
I'm also on about the 4th week of my wealth building mentorship program with Donald Dy. So far we've restructured my debt and are now working on my strategic plan for the next 10, 5, 4, 3, and 1 years. This all very exciting.
Family wise, we went on a beach vacation for 4 nights/5 days to North Myrtle Beach a few weeks ago. We stayed at the Avista Resort which was pretty much perfect for our situation. There was plenty to do at the resort and the area around was OK. We did mini golf one day and everyone got a little sunburned. Caroline had a wonderful time in the sand and surf.
Speaking of Caroline, she is now 2 yrs and almost 3 months old. I continue to be amazed at her energy and her speaking ability. She speaks in complete sentences and is able to give commands, tell what she wants and doesn't want, and generally speak her mind at all times. Except when we want her to speak, like on the phone with Grandma or to other people. She has those shy tendencies that I remember from my own childhood.
Yesterday she rode her first carousel. It was in the center court of Concord Mills Mall. She was enthusiastic about doing it...as long as I was going with her. Actually, she agreed to accompany me. However, she protested against actually sitting on the horse and being belted on. Once the ride started and she was able to see Mommy go by, she got into it. She even started singing "up and up" remembering her ride on a real horse (named Rugby) from a few weeks ago. We rode it one more time and this time she did even better. Another fear conquered.
Now if we could just get her to sleep all night. Last night she woke up and said "I scared" for the first time. Heartbreaking to know that she's not only dreaming but entering the age of nightmares.
It's been an adventuresome past few weeks. I've been riding my new Trek Madone 5.2 road bike every other day which has been awesome. It feels great to get back out on it. I miss doing group rides but it will be awhile before I can hang with one and work it into my schedule.
I'm also on about the 4th week of my wealth building mentorship program with Donald Dy. So far we've restructured my debt and are now working on my strategic plan for the next 10, 5, 4, 3, and 1 years. This all very exciting.
Family wise, we went on a beach vacation for 4 nights/5 days to North Myrtle Beach a few weeks ago. We stayed at the Avista Resort which was pretty much perfect for our situation. There was plenty to do at the resort and the area around was OK. We did mini golf one day and everyone got a little sunburned. Caroline had a wonderful time in the sand and surf.
Speaking of Caroline, she is now 2 yrs and almost 3 months old. I continue to be amazed at her energy and her speaking ability. She speaks in complete sentences and is able to give commands, tell what she wants and doesn't want, and generally speak her mind at all times. Except when we want her to speak, like on the phone with Grandma or to other people. She has those shy tendencies that I remember from my own childhood.
Yesterday she rode her first carousel. It was in the center court of Concord Mills Mall. She was enthusiastic about doing it...as long as I was going with her. Actually, she agreed to accompany me. However, she protested against actually sitting on the horse and being belted on. Once the ride started and she was able to see Mommy go by, she got into it. She even started singing "up and up" remembering her ride on a real horse (named Rugby) from a few weeks ago. We rode it one more time and this time she did even better. Another fear conquered.
Now if we could just get her to sleep all night. Last night she woke up and said "I scared" for the first time. Heartbreaking to know that she's not only dreaming but entering the age of nightmares.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Prayer Works!
I’ve been agonizing about whether or not to buy a new road bike for awhile. It’s the old story about the high cost versus how much am I really going to use it. I’ve been keeping my eyes open, looking at classifieds, and going to a few bike shops. Meanwhile I’ve been riding my old one more and more. Nothing makes me feel as young or healthy as biking.
Last week I finally (almost) decided to take the plunge by making an appointment to get sized for a Trek Madone 5.2. Yesterday I went down there and ended up saying yes. The total cost? Let's just say it was enough to make me queasy. My last road bike was a 2000 Trek 2300 which I thought was outrageous at the time.
I applied the money we'd saved from various yard and classified sales which we were going to put towards a flat screen TV. Still, I felt sick all day and night that I dug us deeper into debt and fretted about what I was going to sacrifice make up for it. And yes, I think I prayed silently for an answer. (why does it take desperation to remind most of us to pray anyway?)
This morning I got an email from my bank notifying me that a large deposit was made last night. It was a surprise from the school system; apparently they have been underpaying my wife for months and are finally straightening things out.
This is not the first time something like this has happened. The same thing has happened at least 5 times in the last 5 years when confronted with surprise bills. After surrendering to prayer, somehow the money showed up just in time. One time I got 2 medical refund checks that totaled up to the exact amount I owed to the dollar. Of course, once I had to get hit by a car to get money to pay the IRS...so it wasn't completely painless. But the point is, prayer works!
I've read similar stories from Tony Robbins and other gurus of empowerment. I have to believe that we can somehow tap into a larger consciousness. A good friend is trying to teach me about enlightenment through the art of breathing although the skeptic in me is resisting. However, my own personal evidence is mounting. I feel like I'm on the edge of a breakthrough in consciousness and self-actualization.
I also think The higher power (God, the Logos, etc.) is trying to tell me to do something for the good of mankind and it might have to do with bike riding! All the better!
Last week I finally (almost) decided to take the plunge by making an appointment to get sized for a Trek Madone 5.2. Yesterday I went down there and ended up saying yes. The total cost? Let's just say it was enough to make me queasy. My last road bike was a 2000 Trek 2300 which I thought was outrageous at the time.
I applied the money we'd saved from various yard and classified sales which we were going to put towards a flat screen TV. Still, I felt sick all day and night that I dug us deeper into debt and fretted about what I was going to sacrifice make up for it. And yes, I think I prayed silently for an answer. (why does it take desperation to remind most of us to pray anyway?)
This morning I got an email from my bank notifying me that a large deposit was made last night. It was a surprise from the school system; apparently they have been underpaying my wife for months and are finally straightening things out.
This is not the first time something like this has happened. The same thing has happened at least 5 times in the last 5 years when confronted with surprise bills. After surrendering to prayer, somehow the money showed up just in time. One time I got 2 medical refund checks that totaled up to the exact amount I owed to the dollar. Of course, once I had to get hit by a car to get money to pay the IRS...so it wasn't completely painless. But the point is, prayer works!
I've read similar stories from Tony Robbins and other gurus of empowerment. I have to believe that we can somehow tap into a larger consciousness. A good friend is trying to teach me about enlightenment through the art of breathing although the skeptic in me is resisting. However, my own personal evidence is mounting. I feel like I'm on the edge of a breakthrough in consciousness and self-actualization.
I also think The higher power (God, the Logos, etc.) is trying to tell me to do something for the good of mankind and it might have to do with bike riding! All the better!
Monday, May 11, 2009
if the post office was smart
Well the post office racked up a 2.8B loss last year. Not bad for a government institution!
I was thinking that they are a clear example of a company that failed to notice that "their cheese was moving."
The Post office failed to realize their strength which is...they have a huge database of addresses and demographics information. Plus, they have a superior organization system (ZIP codes.) What their weakness is, is delivering the mail. It is a business that is going to go away as things go electronic.
Older folks are the last ones to go electronic. Why didn't the post office develop some kind of mail reader/printer for people who don't like computers? Imagine a device with a big screen and about 2 buttons. All your mail is screened, filtered, by the post office according to your demographics and preferences, and delivered to this home "box." You push one button to read the mail and if you want, push the other button to print it.
Imagine if the box had a touch screen that you could write on in long hand and then hit a button to send it to your recipient?
I went to the post office today and not surprisingly, there was a long line of impatient people waiting for their turn to be serviced by a glum clerk. There was one automated postal center (robo-postman); I believe its the only one in a 10 mile radius. I much prefer to use them because their attitude is a lot better than the human clerks.
Why doesn't the postal service put more of them around town? Perhaps in convenient places? Imagine if they were set up as kiosks in malls or parking lots like ATM's? I would pay a buck or two extra not to have to drive 4 miles to my nearest post office.
They couldn't hear the train coming and now they're coming up with innovative ideas like "Let's go to a 5 day delivery week instead of 6!" This is progress? Please.
I was thinking that they are a clear example of a company that failed to notice that "their cheese was moving."
The Post office failed to realize their strength which is...they have a huge database of addresses and demographics information. Plus, they have a superior organization system (ZIP codes.) What their weakness is, is delivering the mail. It is a business that is going to go away as things go electronic.
Older folks are the last ones to go electronic. Why didn't the post office develop some kind of mail reader/printer for people who don't like computers? Imagine a device with a big screen and about 2 buttons. All your mail is screened, filtered, by the post office according to your demographics and preferences, and delivered to this home "box." You push one button to read the mail and if you want, push the other button to print it.
Imagine if the box had a touch screen that you could write on in long hand and then hit a button to send it to your recipient?
I went to the post office today and not surprisingly, there was a long line of impatient people waiting for their turn to be serviced by a glum clerk. There was one automated postal center (robo-postman); I believe its the only one in a 10 mile radius. I much prefer to use them because their attitude is a lot better than the human clerks.
Why doesn't the postal service put more of them around town? Perhaps in convenient places? Imagine if they were set up as kiosks in malls or parking lots like ATM's? I would pay a buck or two extra not to have to drive 4 miles to my nearest post office.
They couldn't hear the train coming and now they're coming up with innovative ideas like "Let's go to a 5 day delivery week instead of 6!" This is progress? Please.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Like the US? Thank a pirate!
From a Washington Post Review of Michael B. Oren's Power, Faith, and Fantasy : "In the perilous early years of the republic, the Muslim Barbary powers preyed on American shipping and captured, tortured and enslaved hundreds of innocent men and women. When John Adams and Thomas Jefferson implored the pasha of Tripoli to stop, Oren recounts, the pasha's emissary insisted that the Koran made it the "right and duty" of Muslims "to make war upon" whichever infidels "they could find and to make Slaves of all they could take as prisoners." George Washington raged, "Would to Heaven we had a navy to reform those enemies to mankind, or crush them into non-existence." And Congress did create a navy in the 1790s primarily to crush the Barbary powers and protect American traders and missionaries. President Jefferson -- so often mislabeled as an idealist, pacifist and isolationist -- eagerly launched the war and ordered the permanent stationing of U.S. naval forces thousands of miles from the nation's shores. "
I doubt that many Americans are even aware of the role pirates played in the formation of the United States. When our founding fathers declared independence from Britain, our ships lost the protection of the British navy. Unable to just pay the ransoms (the European way) the United States was at the mercy of the pirates. Thus one of the reasons the states united was to pool their resources and build a navy.
It's interesting that for the last couple of years we're hearing the same thing happening. Pirates operating off the coast of Africa are operating at will and the UN has done nothing about it. In fact, the policy is to pay the ransoms. Finally, the United States Navy Seals heroically rescued an American hostage yesterday. I think most Americans are thrilled to see us using our power, so hard to protect in our defeatist political climate, to defend the our rights of our ships and our people in international waters. My prayer is that our new President acts decisively and doesn't wait for the UN or Europe to dictate our response.
I doubt that many Americans are even aware of the role pirates played in the formation of the United States. When our founding fathers declared independence from Britain, our ships lost the protection of the British navy. Unable to just pay the ransoms (the European way) the United States was at the mercy of the pirates. Thus one of the reasons the states united was to pool their resources and build a navy.
It's interesting that for the last couple of years we're hearing the same thing happening. Pirates operating off the coast of Africa are operating at will and the UN has done nothing about it. In fact, the policy is to pay the ransoms. Finally, the United States Navy Seals heroically rescued an American hostage yesterday. I think most Americans are thrilled to see us using our power, so hard to protect in our defeatist political climate, to defend the our rights of our ships and our people in international waters. My prayer is that our new President acts decisively and doesn't wait for the UN or Europe to dictate our response.
Monday, March 02, 2009
My sleep study
This very exciting (yawn.) I'm now undergoing a sleep study. That is, I will be in a few hours.
It's all because my wife thinks I have sleep apnea. Apparently she is under the impression that ceasing to breathe during the middle of the night is unusual. Hah!
So I agreed to go through with it just to humor her. The upside? I get the TV all to myself tonight!
Lately I've been doing a lot of Twittering. WEll, I guess I haven't been doing it as much as being twittered by other folks. I'm following Lance Armstrong, who is a manic twitterer. So is Rainn Wilson, who is one funny fellow. Jimmy Fallon is also a Twitterer, I think he's mostly nervous about his upcoming talk show...which starts tonight by the way! I'm not sure how long I'll be into it. I'm sure if circumstances were different I'd be too busy to engage in such foolishment. But its a diversion for now.
So what's going on with Battlestar Galactica right now? I think there are only 3 episodes left and I can't wait for it to end. It was once so promising. The miniseries and first two seasons were gripping. Then they went to New Caprica...and the show pretty much jumped the shark.
The occupation was a thinly veiled commentary on the whole Iraq war (yawn.) The best part of it was when the Galactica jumped into the upper atmosphere... that was, for an engineer and space nut, exhilarating to watch...especially with the so-called accurate newtonian physics and all. Then the writers tried to cover patch up all the plot holes they'd opened up and it got really stupid.
First, the whole concept of their being 12 models. At first, no one knew who or how many human-looking cylons there were. It was suspenseful not knowing if the person next to you was a cylon. They introduced various characters then revealed them as cylons as necessary. Probably the best one was when Lucy Lawless was revealed. Well done!
Then they said, "Let's say there were only 12 models." Suddenly they had to utilize everyone who had been exposed so far over and over again. Some of them were forgettable such as Doral and the low-key doctor guy. What a waste of a concept. Then to further insult our intelligence, they said "OK, we've shown 7 so far, let's say the remaining 12 are the "final five" and make them so kind of special Cylons." What a crock. They tried to claim that this was intentional when we all know the writers are making this crap up as they go along. Sheesh.
The latest episode was called "Someone to watch over me" and in it Starbuck hallucinated about her father. I really just want to know what's the deal with Starbuck, and what's going to happen to the ship and then I'll be done. I have a feeling they're going to do some kind of Matrix Revolutions type ending ("all this has happened before, and it will happen again...unless something (Neo) does something different this time.")
Check please! I'm done!
It's all because my wife thinks I have sleep apnea. Apparently she is under the impression that ceasing to breathe during the middle of the night is unusual. Hah!
So I agreed to go through with it just to humor her. The upside? I get the TV all to myself tonight!
Lately I've been doing a lot of Twittering. WEll, I guess I haven't been doing it as much as being twittered by other folks. I'm following Lance Armstrong, who is a manic twitterer. So is Rainn Wilson, who is one funny fellow. Jimmy Fallon is also a Twitterer, I think he's mostly nervous about his upcoming talk show...which starts tonight by the way! I'm not sure how long I'll be into it. I'm sure if circumstances were different I'd be too busy to engage in such foolishment. But its a diversion for now.
So what's going on with Battlestar Galactica right now? I think there are only 3 episodes left and I can't wait for it to end. It was once so promising. The miniseries and first two seasons were gripping. Then they went to New Caprica...and the show pretty much jumped the shark.
The occupation was a thinly veiled commentary on the whole Iraq war (yawn.) The best part of it was when the Galactica jumped into the upper atmosphere... that was, for an engineer and space nut, exhilarating to watch...especially with the so-called accurate newtonian physics and all. Then the writers tried to cover patch up all the plot holes they'd opened up and it got really stupid.
First, the whole concept of their being 12 models. At first, no one knew who or how many human-looking cylons there were. It was suspenseful not knowing if the person next to you was a cylon. They introduced various characters then revealed them as cylons as necessary. Probably the best one was when Lucy Lawless was revealed. Well done!
Then they said, "Let's say there were only 12 models." Suddenly they had to utilize everyone who had been exposed so far over and over again. Some of them were forgettable such as Doral and the low-key doctor guy. What a waste of a concept. Then to further insult our intelligence, they said "OK, we've shown 7 so far, let's say the remaining 12 are the "final five" and make them so kind of special Cylons." What a crock. They tried to claim that this was intentional when we all know the writers are making this crap up as they go along. Sheesh.
The latest episode was called "Someone to watch over me" and in it Starbuck hallucinated about her father. I really just want to know what's the deal with Starbuck, and what's going to happen to the ship and then I'll be done. I have a feeling they're going to do some kind of Matrix Revolutions type ending ("all this has happened before, and it will happen again...unless something (Neo) does something different this time.")
Check please! I'm done!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Goal Setting
I've always believed that high achievers are driven by their vision and goals. In fact, you first have to have a vision in order to set goals. It is this process of defining your vision and then following through on your goals that I'm interested in at the moment.
What does it mean to have a vision, to be a visionary? Well simply stated it means that you imagine a world or a scenario or an outcome that doesn't quite exist today. I think the term visionary is usually applied retroactively though. For example, when Bill Gates envisioned a PC on everyone's desk running his software he was probably considered just a dreamer. Of course it came true so in hindsight he was a visionary.
It is the definiing one's personal vision that is captivating me right now. We are so inundated with opinions and things that are important to other people right now. For example, the news we get is filtered through the lens of the writers, editors, and agencies that produce it. Similarly for politicians and those that follow them (bloggers, etc.) They decide which issues are important to them, and through coverage by the press, they become the things we talk about over dinner, etc.
What does it mean to have a vision, to be a visionary? Well simply stated it means that you imagine a world or a scenario or an outcome that doesn't quite exist today. I think the term visionary is usually applied retroactively though. For example, when Bill Gates envisioned a PC on everyone's desk running his software he was probably considered just a dreamer. Of course it came true so in hindsight he was a visionary.
It is the definiing one's personal vision that is captivating me right now. We are so inundated with opinions and things that are important to other people right now. For example, the news we get is filtered through the lens of the writers, editors, and agencies that produce it. Similarly for politicians and those that follow them (bloggers, etc.) They decide which issues are important to them, and through coverage by the press, they become the things we talk about over dinner, etc.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
"Never let a serious crisis go to waste. What I mean by that is it's an opportunity to do things you couldn't do before."
.............White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, November 2008
He might as well have been explaining his boss's "stimulus" plan. WSJ Article
.............White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, November 2008
He might as well have been explaining his boss's "stimulus" plan. WSJ Article
Pelosi is the worst liar ever
Or maybe I should say the best one?
The House passed an 812Billion dollar "stimulus" bill yesterday. The breakdown includes something like $111B for "medical" related spending. The majority of it is for Medicare/Medicaid. How much for science and technology? $16B.
The American people should be absolutely outraged at this!
To top it off, our illustrious, and bi-partisan speaker of the house, Nancy ($32M dollar) Pelosi had the nerve to go on the morning shows touting it as a victory for the average American. She is still harping on the fact that we've already "given" $700 to the banking industry. Oh and she also took credit for catching Citigroup trying to buy and $50M jet and then canceling the order. What a piece of work she is.
I wish she would crawl back into whatever crypt she escaped from!
Read for yourself: http://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/legislation?id=0273
By the way, it's 647 pages of bureaucratic bull.
The House passed an 812Billion dollar "stimulus" bill yesterday. The breakdown includes something like $111B for "medical" related spending. The majority of it is for Medicare/Medicaid. How much for science and technology? $16B.
The American people should be absolutely outraged at this!
To top it off, our illustrious, and bi-partisan speaker of the house, Nancy ($32M dollar) Pelosi had the nerve to go on the morning shows touting it as a victory for the average American. She is still harping on the fact that we've already "given" $700 to the banking industry. Oh and she also took credit for catching Citigroup trying to buy and $50M jet and then canceling the order. What a piece of work she is.
I wish she would crawl back into whatever crypt she escaped from!
Read for yourself: http://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/legislation?id=0273
By the way, it's 647 pages of bureaucratic bull.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
2009 Sprint Cup Schedule for MS-Outlook
I'm doing this as a service to my fellow man.
I entered the entire NASCAR Sprint Cup 2009 schedule into my MS-Outlook. Since I sync my Outlook with my mobile phone, I'll never miss another race! I'll actually be notified one hour in advance of each race thanks to the reminder feature.
I'm making this file available for purchase through ebay! Please help me send my kids to college!
I entered the entire NASCAR Sprint Cup 2009 schedule into my MS-Outlook. Since I sync my Outlook with my mobile phone, I'll never miss another race! I'll actually be notified one hour in advance of each race thanks to the reminder feature.
I'm making this file available for purchase through ebay! Please help me send my kids to college!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Close Encounter of the R2 Kind
A few weeks ago I had a little time to kill on a layover. So I took the shuttle from Dulles to the Udvar-Hazy annex of the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum. It's a great place for any space or plane nut to spend a few hours. It's actually on the grounds of Dulles airport and there's a $1 shuttle from the terminal.
One of the pop culture exhibits is the "Mother Ship" model used in the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." It was interesting to learn that the model was made from parts of other commercially available models such as model trains.
I was also surprised that the builders attached some very small inside jokes that were too small to appear in the final film, but can be found on the model if you search long enough. I found a tiny TIE fighter, a graveyard, and some other things.
Here's a closeup of my little buddy, R2-D2, standing on the hull:
One of the pop culture exhibits is the "Mother Ship" model used in the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." It was interesting to learn that the model was made from parts of other commercially available models such as model trains.
I was also surprised that the builders attached some very small inside jokes that were too small to appear in the final film, but can be found on the model if you search long enough. I found a tiny TIE fighter, a graveyard, and some other things.
Here's a closeup of my little buddy, R2-D2, standing on the hull:
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
New Compound Word
Let's say you're in the middle of explaining your new idea to a colleague. Before you can finish they make a sarcastic remark about your idea that totally derails your train of thought.
I call that getting "snide-tracked."
I call that getting "snide-tracked."
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Winter Wonderland
O Canada! I flew in from Charlotte to Montreal via Toronto tonight. I'm always amazed at how formal and high strung the customs folks are. They're very stern! I thought Canadians were kind, easy going folks. But every time I come in I get the 3rd degree and they don't seem interested in any tomfoolery!
I'm sitting in my hotel room at the Aloft hotel at the Montreal airport (YUL.) The roads around the hotel are pretty clear but the snow is piled up as high as 6 to 8 ft on the edges of the parking lot. If only the kids could see it!
Friday, January 09, 2009
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Blink XT2 Thumbnail Failed Fix
Well, this is a bit frustrating. I have one outdoor Blink XT2 camera from Amazon which I installed about a year and a half ago...or maybe tw...
