Month: March 2010

  • It’s Like Reading Yesterday’s Paper …

    Probably more like the last weeks worth of papers.  Just a bunch of interesting links to share …

  • It’s Palm Sunday …

    When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
    “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”
          ”Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19: 37 – 38)

  • Overweight? Depressed? Aged 35? …

    Yes.  yes.  And YES!  Fine.  I’m not depressed and I’m not goofing on those who potentially have a psychological disorder or just have found a way to draw attention to themselves.  This was the tag line for an article about characterizing and labeling “gamers.”  I just found it interesting because I fit two-of-the-three and before getting married I’d probably would label myself as a “gamer.”  But is being a “gamer” a bad thing (as opposed to being a “player”? =)  They only say playing video games could hinder reading skills and is linked to ADD. 

    Thinking about this some more is “gamer” this generations “nerd” or “geek”?  I’ve recently heard both of those words, as well as typical characterizations being used to refer to only those who are “geeky” or “nerdy” in a negative fashion.  Why are these characterizations seemingly done in a negative light?  Is it that bad to be a “nerd” or a “geek”?  The term “jock” can be thought of as both positive and negatively.  So why not “nerd” or “geek” or even “gamer”?  If anything these are the people that are gonna fix your computer or setup your DVR.  I was trying to come up with more name characterizations that lean more towards the liberal arts side but I really couldn’t come up with anything.  Only that if you say something negative about them, you may hurt their feelings.  It hurts when they boo. *snicker* 

  • I’m Not The Only Other Person Who Thinks This Way …

    Got any opinions about the GenY’ers?  Apparently, some think they’re lazy and they have a sense of entitlement.  Obviously, that’s a huge generalization but IMO it’s probably 75% true.  Things have been so good for that generation they don’t understand the value of hard work or the concept of sweat-equity.  I really wonder if this recent downturn of the economy has shaken some of them up or not.  Do we “baby” the younger generation too much because we care too much?  I know my parents wanted a better life for all their kids and yes, my life has been easier than what they had to endure.  But I think they also tried to instill in us a sense of responsibility, a sense of hard work and that things in life that are free are usually worthless.  My parents wouldn’t do something that we were supposed to do because if we didn’t do it well someone would have to pay for that action.  None of this talking back stuff too.  Oh well, guess we’re stuck with these GenMe folks for awhile.  Maybe the next generation will turn out better.

  • It Might Be Better To Drive a Tauntaun …

    To counter my paranoia a friend of mine has been funneled  a few articles about the guy on Monday who was speeding around California at 94 mph.  Seems like the dude is having some financial troubles and though the evidence isn’t concrete it still makes his story somewhat interesting.  Part of all this seems to be psychological. It makes sense.  Introduce something to the people and see how far it’ll snowball out of control.  Isn’t it easier to blame someone else for your mistakes rather than yourself?  Obviously, Toyota still needs to figure what’s causing the problem and then fix it but it seems too many people are just jumping onto the unstoppable, accelerating bandwagon against Toyota.

  • Getting A Little Paranoid …

    I guessing Toyota can’t buy a break right now with the two recent stories about Prius that have uncontrollably accelerated. First you’ve got the guy who’s going 90+ mph in California then the women who slams into a wall trying to pull out of her driveway in New York.  After reading more of the story is just sounds like both were user errors.  When the guy talked to 9-1-1 they asked if he put the car in neutral to slow the car.  He didn’t.  Didn’t even try for like 30 miles or something like that.  The odd thing was that he took his car to the dealer for a recall fix but his particular model isn’t one of the ones on the list.  To me it sounds like he was trying to force his hand in getting a free “fix” by getting national attention.  As for the lady her situation just doesn’t sound like any of the other instances.  Thankfully, everyone is OK but things just don’t sound right.  And for those curious, someone did a test on how to slow a Prius down.

    Granted, yesterday we noticed the Maintenance Required light flash on our Prius.  So now I’m like all paranoid about it.  For normal people the amount of paranoia is probably a 2 maybe a 3 on a scale to 10.  For me it’s more like a 5 or a 6.  Took the car to the dealer today to have it checked out.  In before 7am and out around 11am.  The dealer was SLAMMED with people.  The normally friendly staff I could tell looked tired and seemed a tad disgruntled.  Apparently, all the car needed was an oil change. 

    Stupid auto reminder lights.  

    • I wonder if we can get our church to start doing this …
    • What scares you more?  No Social Security when you retire or another $10 Trillion to our National Debt?
    • A really good article about Kevin Johnson, Mayor of Sacramento and fiancee to Michelle Rhee
    •  I think some people believe I’m against social programs.  That’s not the case.  I’m all for them.  I’m only against them when they’re made to allow a person to abuse the system and get a free ride.  I understand there are people who need them but there are also a ton of people who skirt the rules and instead of using the program as help during lean or trying times become dependent and righteous about it being owed to them.  Therefore, should unemployment benefits continue to be extended?  Hey the man’s gotta pay his cable and phone bill.  They are “essential” 
    • Is it me or does no one care about Chile or Turkey?  Chile got hit by a worse earthquake than Haiti and yet there’s hardly any news coverage about it or even about the status in Turkey.  Though with all that’s happen, the science of everything is pretty cool even if we have a slightly shorter day now.
    • Sucks to be Colorado.  I’m sure all those politicians were salivating over the possible amount of tax revenue they were gonna get when they changed the law.  Now I wonder how many Colorado based companies are gonna fold due to loss of sales from being cut off from Amazon.  Virginia you’re next.
    • Every so often I’ll watch Top Chef and this particular contestant showed a moral high ground that’s worth noting.  His food seemed to be more homey but technically well executed.  So I’m glad his restaurant is doing well now.  It made me think about how the recent runner up has a restaurant in Fredrick, MD.  hmmm let me see if there are any open reservations since I know Chewy would be interested in trying this place out (as I would be).  Y_e_a_h … no open reservation spots for the NEXT EIGHT WEEKS!  Guess he’s doing well too and we won’t be trying out his restaurant.

  • Just The Facts, Ma’am …

    How much do emotions play into your discussions or thoughts.  A co-worker had sent me this article about how Federal pay is head of those in the private sector.  Really?  Typically it’s the other way around I first thought.  If you read through the article what would you think?  Do they have a valid article that truly shows Federal workings making more than those in the private sector and what would your reaction be to that?  Well if you’re going for just the facts and trying to remove emotion, using past history one could come to the following conclusion: yes, currently there are some Federal employees who are making more than those in the private section. 

    The more interesting thing is why is that?

    • Per the article: Office of Personnel Management spokeswoman Sedelta Verble, says higher pay also reflects the longevity and older age of federal workers.  This is a key point.  In general, government employees receive at least a 2% COLA increase each year (yes, I get this is probably more around 3-4% even though this past year I believe it was under 2%, but still) and you compound that on a salary over an extended period of time then an employee really could do well.  As the article states there are a slew of employees who have been in the government for 20-40 years of service.  Do you really see that type of longevity within the private sector?  Not really.  The long stability helps build ones salary within the government.
    • The article is aiming for salary differences but one also needs to consider the amount of performance bonuses given between the two different employers.  What is the difference between those two?  Our agency does not give out bonuses whereas we know banking and financial institutions hand out huge bonuses.  Does that help bridge the gap between the two?
    • IMO, the key portion of the article that is dismissed is that the data is from 2008 – the height of the recession.  Government salaries are not typically effected by such things whereas private sector salaries can be deeply impacted.  Companies will cut salaries or employees who make too much money when the times are tough.  Unemployment was between 7-15% for various states during 2008.  It would be interesting to see what the salary difference is during the early and mid-2000′s when there was an economic boon.  Private sector companies are more than willing to pay their employees during the good years but they must shrink salaries during the bad times.

    So, all in all, it was an interesting article and it does show it does pay to work for the Federal Government.  Sure you may not make a lot of money at first but over a long period of time there is the chance.  It’s the risk and fast reward verse slow and gradual growth.

    • Another good article to read and analyze about the Toyota hearing on Capitol Hill.  Do you side with Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton or with Toyota?  Emotions would just make you think that Norton is an idiot.  Did she even understand the response from Toyota or was she just too emotionally involved since she owns a Camry Hybrid and wants a quick answer to show she has some intelligence.  Wait.  That’s not just emotion but FACT as well.  For those who don’t troubleshoot problems or issues they tend to just want a quick answer and solution; even if the solution doesn’t actually fix the problem.  I see this at work all the time.  Something not working, just reboot the computer or pull the battery out.  Is that really solving the problem and determining what causes the problem to begin with?  Nope not really. 
    • I now have a craving for Cluck-U … too bad the one close to us closed down a few years ago. 
    • A Porsche hybrid that can do 62 mph in 3.2 seconds and get 78 mpg!
    • Igdoof would be so proud.  I still can’t believe they’re making a movie though.

  • Brain Fried – Just Like Martin’s Eggs …
    Can’t think straight.  Tired.  Vision blurry.  Hey, is THAT a coconut egg custard pie? 

    • Five myths of the USPS.  Whenever I got to the Postal Office it’s always busy.  Is it the efficiency of the works or the lack of effort by the customers?  It always irks me when I see people filling out forms while at the counter.  Can’t they fill them out before they get there?  I get they may have questions of which forms to fill out but if you’re sending something Express Mail, fill out the Express Mail form before hand.
    • Got something expensive in your checked luggage?  Try packing a starter pistol to make sure your other stuff is safe.  Actually sounds like a neat idea but I sometimes wonder if you suddenly get on a list.  A list that even the Freedom of Information Act won’t allow you to see.
    • Hey it’s Eun Yang of NBC4 fame!  I once saw her on the streets of D.C. with her cameraman.  Not sure what she was reporting on but there they were walking away from interviewing some folks on the street.
    • Didn’t know Eggo Waffles were named after some Cantonese snack/dish.
    • Lactose Intolerant?  As Chewy would say … It’s all in your mind!  Or in this case in your stomach or intestines or somewhere down there.
    • Health or money?  The Oregon Senate chooses money.  From what my brother-in-law tells me I’m not surprised in their actions.
    • When all else fails, blame someone else … like Toyota!  In this case seems like there is a case.

  • Most Canadians I Knew Were Worried …

    Yes, the Mens Canadian Hockey team beat the U.S. team 3-2 in OT yesterday.  It was a good game.  You could tell the Canadians wanted it more in OT and so in my mind they deserved to win.  Chewy kept on asking me who I wanted to win and I was pretty much indifferent.  The U.S. team really shouldn’t have been there and they basically overachieved to be there and hey they won the Silver medal.  If there were any Caps on either team that might have helped sway my desire for a particular team to win.  Though I didn’t care which team won I really felt a little sting when Crosby got the winning goal.  Why him?  It would have been perfect if someone knocked him out.  He’s been a thorn to the Caps.  errggg!  It would have been nice if Crosby was hurt and couldn’t finish the NHL season out.