Sunday, January 31, 2010
Last Week's Reading List
I read two very interesting books this week, the first was Atomic Lobster by Tim Dorsey. It's my first Tim Dorsey book although he has written several, and I really enjoyed this book. His writing style seems a lot like Jimmy Buffett's if you ask me, if you like the series Dexter I think you'll enjoy Atomic Lobster.
The second book I read was Already Dead, by Charlie Huston. It's not my normal read, it involves vampires and zombies. I have to say I could hardly put it down, it really was a great read. Both of these books were free on Amazon for the Kindle 2, it's a great marketing scheme because I plan on purchasing additional books from both of these authors.
The second book I read was Already Dead, by Charlie Huston. It's not my normal read, it involves vampires and zombies. I have to say I could hardly put it down, it really was a great read. Both of these books were free on Amazon for the Kindle 2, it's a great marketing scheme because I plan on purchasing additional books from both of these authors.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
24 Hour Parking Meters
In today's Observer Reporter the paper highlights a recent decision by Canonsburg Borough to operate and enforce their parking meters 24 hours per day.
AJ Williams, a young City Councilman states it's a "way to balance the budget". I think that's really taking a shortsighted view. Another suggestion is to charge businesses $30 per month to create a few free parking spaces.
I believe these local businesses and patrons should not be punished for operating in the borough. It's difficult enough keeping up with the large box operations, now their patrons receive five dollar parking tickets if they miss feeding a two-hour meter. Not to mention minimum wage employees are forced to feed the meter or absorb daily tickets.
It seems to me city council is making it difficult for the business owners as well as individuals who would like to shop in town. This has me asking; what are these people thinking? I think it would be much more beneficial for council to concentrate on bringing shoppers into the borough not driving them out with five dollar tickets.
AJ Williams, a young City Councilman states it's a "way to balance the budget". I think that's really taking a shortsighted view. Another suggestion is to charge businesses $30 per month to create a few free parking spaces.
I believe these local businesses and patrons should not be punished for operating in the borough. It's difficult enough keeping up with the large box operations, now their patrons receive five dollar parking tickets if they miss feeding a two-hour meter. Not to mention minimum wage employees are forced to feed the meter or absorb daily tickets.
It seems to me city council is making it difficult for the business owners as well as individuals who would like to shop in town. This has me asking; what are these people thinking? I think it would be much more beneficial for council to concentrate on bringing shoppers into the borough not driving them out with five dollar tickets.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Final Jeopardy This Week
As many of you know I'm addicted to Jeopardy and was really surprised when one of this week's final Jeopardy questions was:
This city won both the Super Bowl Championship and a Stanley Cup Championship in the same calendar year.... Imagine Jeopardy music playing in your head.
I pretty much guarantee every Pittsburgher answered this question correctly, what is Pittsburgh Alex? The year, 2009.
And the crowd goes wild.
This city won both the Super Bowl Championship and a Stanley Cup Championship in the same calendar year.... Imagine Jeopardy music playing in your head.
I pretty much guarantee every Pittsburgher answered this question correctly, what is Pittsburgh Alex? The year, 2009.
And the crowd goes wild.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday Morning Sports Beat
It was quite a sports weekend, we now know who will be playing in the Super Bowl. The Indianapolis Colts will be playing the New Orleans Saints! I'm really glad that the Colts will be playing, but I thought the Minnesota Vikings were going to win... Not the Saints.
It's really good for the city of New Orleans, it's the first time their team will make an appearance in the Super Bowl... Being a Pittsburgher, sometimes we take going to the Super Bowl for granted.
I think it will be a very close game, high-scoring and if I have to pick a winner it's going to be the Indianapolis Colts. Who's your favorite?
Closer to home, the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the broad street bullies (Philadelphia Flyers) 2 to 1 on Sunday afternoon in Philadelphia. I spent the afternoon watching the game at my parents house, which was nice. I'm looking forward to the Penguins and Red Wings this coming Sunday. It should be a great game, and a rematch of last year's Stanley Cup.
It's really good for the city of New Orleans, it's the first time their team will make an appearance in the Super Bowl... Being a Pittsburgher, sometimes we take going to the Super Bowl for granted.
I think it will be a very close game, high-scoring and if I have to pick a winner it's going to be the Indianapolis Colts. Who's your favorite?
Closer to home, the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the broad street bullies (Philadelphia Flyers) 2 to 1 on Sunday afternoon in Philadelphia. I spent the afternoon watching the game at my parents house, which was nice. I'm looking forward to the Penguins and Red Wings this coming Sunday. It should be a great game, and a rematch of last year's Stanley Cup.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Free Audio Books
If you're looking for free audio books that you can listen to on your computer, check out the website LibriVox They use volunteers to read books from the public domain and place them on the net for free, using MP3 downloads.
It's a really nice site and the price is certainly right....
It's a really nice site and the price is certainly right....
Friday, January 22, 2010
Friday Ramblings
This morning it's cold and raining here in Pittsburgh, I'm fortunate in that I do not have to leave the house today. I just finished my morning tea and plan on creating a playlist with my favorite music...
Jimmy Buffett, James Taylor, ZZ Top, Crosby stills and Nash, Neil Young and a few others. What are your favorites?
This afternoon I have a massage scheduled for my neck, shoulders and arms. It's been a while since I had a massage. It seems to be the only thing that relieves the constant neurological pain and burning I experience.
It was great having friends over last night even though the Penguins lost to the Capitals here at home. It was a fast-paced game with a lot of scoring, I felt the Penguins were in it up until the third. The final score was 6 to 3, but the game was much closer than the score implies.
On January 27 Apple plans to unveil its new tablet. Only five more days to listen to all the hype about Apple's new revolutionary device. I Have to say I am a geek at heart and excited to see what Apple has falling from the tree next. What are your thoughts, would you use a tablet PC on the go like a giant iPhone?
Jimmy Buffett, James Taylor, ZZ Top, Crosby stills and Nash, Neil Young and a few others. What are your favorites?
This afternoon I have a massage scheduled for my neck, shoulders and arms. It's been a while since I had a massage. It seems to be the only thing that relieves the constant neurological pain and burning I experience.
It was great having friends over last night even though the Penguins lost to the Capitals here at home. It was a fast-paced game with a lot of scoring, I felt the Penguins were in it up until the third. The final score was 6 to 3, but the game was much closer than the score implies.
On January 27 Apple plans to unveil its new tablet. Only five more days to listen to all the hype about Apple's new revolutionary device. I Have to say I am a geek at heart and excited to see what Apple has falling from the tree next. What are your thoughts, would you use a tablet PC on the go like a giant iPhone?
Thursday, January 21, 2010
It's a Hockey Night in Pittsburgh
Tonight the Pittsburgh Penguins are playing the Washington Capitals here at home. Although I don't have tickets to the game I'm looking forward to watching it with friends here at home.
It's always nice to get together with the guys and girls to scream at the television while dressed in full Penguins regalia.... I'm thinking it's a Geno Malkin ( 71 ) blue jersey night, after his hat trick this week.
Who's your favorite professional sports athlete? Do you spend your hard-earned money on jerseys, hats etc.?
It's always nice to get together with the guys and girls to scream at the television while dressed in full Penguins regalia.... I'm thinking it's a Geno Malkin ( 71 ) blue jersey night, after his hat trick this week.
Who's your favorite professional sports athlete? Do you spend your hard-earned money on jerseys, hats etc.?
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Dentist
I went to the dentist today for my six-month cleaning, the usual dental technician was no longer there. The new dental technician was very nice, she did not appear to be freaked out by the wheelchair in the least....
My only complaint is I wish the rooms were a little larger to accommodate my wheelchair. It was very tight, thank God she was tiny. The good news is no cavities, and I don't have to go back until July.
That's one job I could never do, sticking my fingers into a stranger's mouth would creep me out. That's probably the Mr. Monk in me........ wipe Natalie.
My only complaint is I wish the rooms were a little larger to accommodate my wheelchair. It was very tight, thank God she was tiny. The good news is no cavities, and I don't have to go back until July.
That's one job I could never do, sticking my fingers into a stranger's mouth would creep me out. That's probably the Mr. Monk in me........ wipe Natalie.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
An Unnatural Attachment
How's that for a sexy title? I can't wait to see how people find my blog when they Google that as their search term..... But seriously I have an unnatural attachment to flashlights.
Almost any time I'm out shopping I always stop and check out the latest flashlights. This addiction is only half as bad since my SCI, because it used to be flashlights and hunting boots. I probably had 30 different pairs of hunting boots.... I can never make fun of women and shoe shopping with my past !
I rarely buy any new flashlights, it seems I'm looking for the perfect one. The brightest bulb, the most lumes.... all in a sexy aluminum skin. So far I'm still looking. Here's where you come in, any recommendations ? I'm also now considering a headlamp ( I like the L.L. Bean Christmas commercial ) which would also make sense since I cannot use my hands....
Almost any time I'm out shopping I always stop and check out the latest flashlights. This addiction is only half as bad since my SCI, because it used to be flashlights and hunting boots. I probably had 30 different pairs of hunting boots.... I can never make fun of women and shoe shopping with my past !
I rarely buy any new flashlights, it seems I'm looking for the perfect one. The brightest bulb, the most lumes.... all in a sexy aluminum skin. So far I'm still looking. Here's where you come in, any recommendations ? I'm also now considering a headlamp ( I like the L.L. Bean Christmas commercial ) which would also make sense since I cannot use my hands....
Thursday, January 14, 2010
E-Mail Account
My Yahoo account was recently hijacked, and some spam was sent out. Sorry for any inconvenience this has caused individuals in my contact list. This Yahoo account has been closed.....
I guess some people have too much time on their hands. Hopefully these individuals have reserved a hotter room in the afterlife for their actions.... I hate the inconvenience of creating a new address but I guess that's life in the electronic age.
I guess some people have too much time on their hands. Hopefully these individuals have reserved a hotter room in the afterlife for their actions.... I hate the inconvenience of creating a new address but I guess that's life in the electronic age.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
SCI Survey
A friend of mine asked that I pass along a request for research participants living in the United States with a spinal cord injury to complete a survey.
The purpose of this research study is to determine what people living with spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States of America consider to be barriers to participating in physical activity and exercise.
If you meet the criteria please follow this link then you can e-mail Dr. Anderson and she will send you the code to participate. It's a great opportunity to participate in spinal cord injury research.
The purpose of this research study is to determine what people living with spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States of America consider to be barriers to participating in physical activity and exercise.
If you meet the criteria please follow this link then you can e-mail Dr. Anderson and she will send you the code to participate. It's a great opportunity to participate in spinal cord injury research.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Memory
I ventured out into the cold yesterday to the giant box store and picked up some memory for my new smart phone. It's hard to believe, but I purchased 4 GB for under $15....
It's nice to be able to listen to music and create playlists on the phone. 4 GB should hold around 1000 songs, more than enough to keep me occupied.
I remember being much younger and having a 200 CD stereo. I loaded all of my CDs into it and would burn various songs to play in the car (on cassette tape), yes I'm that old. It kept the original CDs safe at home and made five hour business trips a lot easier to take.
It amazes me the type of technology we have available at our fingertips. I never imagined having this type of handheld computer for the prices we are paying.
If only I could increase my personal memory this easily, I swear if I don't write it down it leaves my mind instantly.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Community College
Normally I am a huge fan of community colleges. I believe they provide an affordable alternative and a basic foundation to academia. Let's face it, a basic English class transfers to any university and is much cheaper at a community college.
That being said, check out some of the community learning courses offered at CCAC here in the Pittsburgh area. Two of my favorites are:
Angels in Waiting
Learn how to open your heart to the angelic kingdom and
experience the love and joy of being held in their loving
light. Learn simple techniques to access these divine beings
so that they may assist you in every aspect of your life.
North Campus YEB-067-1450 $19 1 Session
9:00AM–11:30AM S 10/17/09 Troup
new! Ghosts Are Real
Join us in this fascinating guide to ghosts and their
behavior. Original insights and true stories gathered from
over 27 years of work and study along with in-depth
explanations of different kinds of ghosts, entities and
other paranormal phenomena will be presented by
experienced investigators in the paranormal field.
Ghost-hunting tips will describe how to conduct a ghost
interview, create an environment that attracts spirits and
capture evidence of ghosts using both traditional tools
and new technology. A field trip to a documented
haunted site will allow the students to investigate by using
the information gained in this class. Students must be 18
or older to register.
South Campus YDC-075-1540 $59 5 Sessions
7:00PM–9:00PM W 9/16/09 Kirk
Believe me, there are others ..... I cannot believe some of the course listings. I really need to submit a course plan and become an instructor. Any suggestions for course material ? Let's make up something really outrageous and send it in. Something along the lines of:
Enhance Your Mental Ability
Learn how to control people and animals using only your mind. Unleash your inner awesomeness and flood your mind with positive energy. Get everything you ever want in three easy lessons. One mandatory field trip will be necessary to complete the course..... Cost $7.77
That being said, check out some of the community learning courses offered at CCAC here in the Pittsburgh area. Two of my favorites are:
Angels in Waiting
Learn how to open your heart to the angelic kingdom and
experience the love and joy of being held in their loving
light. Learn simple techniques to access these divine beings
so that they may assist you in every aspect of your life.
North Campus YEB-067-1450 $19 1 Session
9:00AM–11:30AM S 10/17/09 Troup
new! Ghosts Are Real
Join us in this fascinating guide to ghosts and their
behavior. Original insights and true stories gathered from
over 27 years of work and study along with in-depth
explanations of different kinds of ghosts, entities and
other paranormal phenomena will be presented by
experienced investigators in the paranormal field.
Ghost-hunting tips will describe how to conduct a ghost
interview, create an environment that attracts spirits and
capture evidence of ghosts using both traditional tools
and new technology. A field trip to a documented
haunted site will allow the students to investigate by using
the information gained in this class. Students must be 18
or older to register.
South Campus YDC-075-1540 $59 5 Sessions
7:00PM–9:00PM W 9/16/09 Kirk
Believe me, there are others ..... I cannot believe some of the course listings. I really need to submit a course plan and become an instructor. Any suggestions for course material ? Let's make up something really outrageous and send it in. Something along the lines of:
Enhance Your Mental Ability
Learn how to control people and animals using only your mind. Unleash your inner awesomeness and flood your mind with positive energy. Get everything you ever want in three easy lessons. One mandatory field trip will be necessary to complete the course..... Cost $7.77
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Saturday Morning
After watching this video this morning, I realized I am even more jealous of Sidney Crosby. He knew at a very early age exactly what he wanted to do professionally, what his passion in life was.
Very few people pick a career or a direction in life that young and get to achieve it. I always remind myself that life is not a static plane. It's full of ups and downs, fitful starts, redirections and life is constantly reinventing itself... At least that's been my life.
Friday, January 8, 2010
100 Quotes Every Geek Should Know | GeekDad | Wired.com
100 Quotes Every Geek Should Know | GeekDad | Wired.com There are a few great quotes in here........ which do you like?
•“If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” - Albert Einstein
•“It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark and we’re wearing sunglasses.” “Hit it!” - Elwood, The Blues Brothers
•“If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” - Albert Einstein
•“It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark and we’re wearing sunglasses.” “Hit it!” - Elwood, The Blues Brothers
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Pirate Latitudes
I started reading Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton yesterday. I have to say I am really enjoying the book, it's right up my alley.
There's a line in a Jimmy buffet song that says "yes I am a pirate, 200 years too late. The canons don't thunder there's nothing to plunder, I'm an over 40 victim of fate" I think that about sums up my life....I would be happy with that as my epitaph.
I finally got some sleep last night so I'm a little less psychotic than yesterday. Thanks for all the e-mails and concerns, I really appreciate it.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Wicked Wednesday
I miss living in New England for a lot of reasons and one of them is hearing the term wicked.... As in, it's wicked cold out, better wear a jacket.... These clams are wicked good....
Pittsburgh has its own terms, It's slippy outside.... throw some salt on the walk an' at. It's just not the same as Wicked.
I'm not really sure where this post is going, maybe because I have not slept in three days. Insomnia sucks dear reader....
Last night my friend Mark came over and we watched the Penguins snap their five-game losing streak . The Pens beat Atlanta 5 to 2.... thank God, losing sucks as much as insomnia.
Pittsburgh has its own terms, It's slippy outside.... throw some salt on the walk an' at. It's just not the same as Wicked.
I'm not really sure where this post is going, maybe because I have not slept in three days. Insomnia sucks dear reader....
Last night my friend Mark came over and we watched the Penguins snap their five-game losing streak . The Pens beat Atlanta 5 to 2.... thank God, losing sucks as much as insomnia.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Monday's Thoughts
First of all, Happy 2010! Although if you follow the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Pittsburgh Penguins the weekend was not too happy.
Although the Steelers beat the Miami Dolphins it was not enough to get into the postseason. It's the second time they made it to the Super Bowl and failed to make it into the playoffs the following year. Look for some changes in every aspect of the Steelers organization.
The Penguins lost the last five games in a row........ what the hell? Last night they started off fantastic leading 2 to 0, and went downhill very quickly against the Florida Panthers. Can you go downhill on a flat ice arena?
I finished reading Under the Dome this weekend, it really was a good book. I'm not sure what my next Kindle read will be, any suggestions?
Although the Steelers beat the Miami Dolphins it was not enough to get into the postseason. It's the second time they made it to the Super Bowl and failed to make it into the playoffs the following year. Look for some changes in every aspect of the Steelers organization.
The Penguins lost the last five games in a row........ what the hell? Last night they started off fantastic leading 2 to 0, and went downhill very quickly against the Florida Panthers. Can you go downhill on a flat ice arena?
I finished reading Under the Dome this weekend, it really was a good book. I'm not sure what my next Kindle read will be, any suggestions?
Sunday, January 3, 2010
HTC Tilt2 Smartphone
I decided to go with a new smart phone this weekend after two years of using the Palm Pre. I chose the HTC tilt2 smartphone, and I am very pleased with how it operates so far.
It's very difficult to find a smartphone that still uses a stylus instead of just a human finger (damn you iphone). Fortunately the HTC is able to operate using both.
It's easy to retrieve e-mail, messages etc. and can even voice dial. I also like to ask it my schedule and have it respond..... maybe we are living in the age of the Jetsons after all.
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