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.

• For you Pandora users, do you even know their history or do you just enjoy their service?
• Broadband speed test app for your iPhone/iTouch
• Tell me what you want, what you really, really want ... sometimes too much information is a bad thing
• Really?  Larry Johnson?  Seriously?  I get Willie Parker was a speed guy and he's got no speed now.  But isn't LJ the same mold at Portis?  A few years older, injured and carries baggage the team doesn't need.  A veteran back, sure, but a three-year deal that could be worth $12 million - that's a lot of money for a backup.  Sure Portis is probably gone after this season and if LJ does pan out he's on the roster next year at maybe bargain price.  Still too much money for an old RB.

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. 

• Can you smell what the Rock's old boss is cooking?  I really wonder if she's got a chance to win.  If anything she may get the younger voters to vote for her.  Maybe.
• And if you don't vote your information could be released to the Hounds in Virginia.  As much as a person should exercise their right to vote, I think this leans towards privacy issues.  Voting is a right not a requirement.  If a person chooses to vote or not to vote that is their right and freedom.  Sounds like a bill created by someone who was always guilted into doing something.
• And this is why we have Whale Wars on TV.
• If they didn't believe Christ when He was alive you think a wall is going to help?  It could ...
• Which would you choose to buy groceries from - Walmart or Whole Foods?  Picking Whole Foods could consume your whole paycheck.  While shopping at Walmart could save you some cash while getting the same quality.  uh huh
• There's a reason why Marion Berry is called the Mayor for life.  He really connects with the people through his drug use, repeated tax evasion and misappropriate awarding of contracts and back payments.

Wait.  Wasn't There Supposed To Be More Snow? ...

   

Here we have two examples of sleds.  The first being what we used when snowmageddon hit us only because that's all we had.  Now it's just a brutally taped up, old trashcan lid.  But hey it served it's purpose when we used it.  Having to go south for a recent business trip I found the polar bear sled (aka The Polar Bear Express) at a Walmart and figured I should get it since then there was still snow on the ground.  Unfortunately, Chewy and I were too busy to actually use it so Sharka and the rest of the crew are just riding around in it.

• This is me when Chewy's on travel.
• Interesting look at News.  Apparently, it's based upon some stuff the University of Maryland has worked on.
• I think that's why there's something called caffeine.  I'm sure Chewy would agree with the study.  Me, I'm not too sure.  I had to wake up before dawn and went to a school that had no windows.  My sleep patterns aren't that messed up.  I think it more has to do with how much stuff I need to get done or want to get done.
• I wonder what Al Gore is gonna say about this?  It's all just a big scam.  Me you feel good for paying a premium when really it isn't any better than the item without the sticker.
• It's the asbestos of our generation.
• I kept on thinking about Calvin and Hobbes after reading this.
• Makes me want to watch the Trilogy again.  It's A Trap!!
• Is it really that technical or gobbledegook?  Come on.  If that was the case people would never learn anything in their life.  People just throw up arbitrary barriers so they have an excuse.  It's so silly.  I think I'm gonna start using the same mentality now especially when other people do it.
  

OMG!  TUCKER FOR THE WIN!

Can't say I've watched a ton of Maryland Basketball this season.  Usually I have no clue when they're playing or even if they're on the tube.  Being in my current exhausted state I started to channel surf.  Something I haven't done in awhile.  Low and behold there's a game on.  Something seems special about these Terps.  I wondered if they were going to falter especially after watching Vasquez hit that mid-court shot after Coach Williams called the timeout.  But would you guess that Tucker would take the last shot AND make it?  That was nice.  Nice win Terps.

• 24 is on hiatus while Kiefer recovers from elective surgery.  You figure after having so many "bad" days this would be nothing.  Wait.  Am I mixing fiction with reality?
• I guess this just really helps those people who can't type.  But really do we need this type of stuff?
• Barbie a Computer Engineer?  Really?  There's so many jokes that could be said about this (from both sides of the coin) but I better keep my mouth shut.
• Are they really only available for women?  I guess I'll just stick to my Transformer PJ bottoms.
• Looks good - The All-American Chinese Cookbook 2
• I scratch your back.  You scratch my back.

MORE SNOW?!?  REALLY?  COME ON! ...

Chewy loves the snow.  She really loves the snow.  I on the other hand only enjoy the snow.  It's nice to watch it fall.  It's nice to play around in it.  It makes a picturesque landscape.  But at this point I'm tired of the snow.  Tired of shoveling it.  Tired of driving around in poorly plowed roads.  And now I'm tired of trying to protect our house from it.

After helping my brother all weekend with some stuff we came home and noticed a six inch oval of a wet spot on the ceiling underneath one of the bedrooms.  Water some how started to leak into the house and basically went down one level already.  I guess I was too tired and it was too dark to realize where the water was coming in last night but this morning much to my dismay it looks like the water is coming in and around a window sill. 

Looking at the house from the outside, the snow has started to slide down the roof but with all the melting during the day and icing at night there looks to be an ice damn on the backside of the house.  Even with the downspouts cleared there's just too much snow and ice on the backside of the roof.

Stuff like this makes me crazy.  During snowmageddon I diligently knocked off any forming icicles, moved snow off the porch roof and tried to clear the gutters and downspouts.  The only thing I really couldn't do was get the snow off the roof.  The ice damns finally caught up to me. ugh.  As I'm currently in a crazed mood trying to contain the water with a towel into a bucket I'm trying to figure out how to get the snow and ice off the roof.

Standing on a chair, I hang halfway out the window with a hammer chiseling the ice off.  I use a rake to try and go above and back over the snow to try and push it off the roof.  I then remember the calcium chloride and pantyhose trick.  Basically you fill pantyhose with this stuff and lay it across the ice damn.  The stuff will melt the damn off and you should regain water flow off the roof.  OK.  Gotta find calcium chloride and pantyhose.

Home Depot has got calcium chloride.  Check.  Now to Walmart for pantyhose.  But what do I really know about pantyhose?  Bank robbers use it.  It tears easily.  There are different colors.  That's about it.  While in Walmart I'm trying to figure out what to buy when this old lady comes up to me and starts asking me questions about pantyhose.  She's like:

I ended up buying some knee high versions.  I fill them up and while halfway hanging out the window again lob them onto the roof.  Some throws are good.  Some are not and then the calcium chloride bombs land on our deck.  I think I trudged back and forth between the deck and window about 10 times.  It was sad.  I figure though these bombs are probably just lying on the roof but not really near the ice damn.  I really should have bought full length leg pantyhose.  This way I can sling them up and have them at least perpendicular to the ice damn to open up a hole right off the roof.  So back to Walmart for more pantyhose.

That's when I see our neighbor and we start talking about the snow and it getting into our house and apparently their house as well.  They have the same problem though they've been living with it for several days now.  I tell them my plan about calcium chloride and pantyhose.  I offer to get them some calcium chloride and pantyhose since I'm heading that way.  They're now onboard with trying to remove ice damns on our roofs.

I really shouldn't have bought the cheapo pantyhose.  After filling the legs and tying it off a few have already started to have runs in them.  One actually bursts while I'm trying to sling it to the roof.  I tie it down further and try and get it on the roof.  More back and forth between retrieving them from our deck and throwing them on our roof.  All in all I think there are four full leg lengths and six knee high packets on the roof.

I'd have to imagine this will work or I just made things worse...

I hate the snow sometimes

A Samoa Girl Scout Cookie and Two Gummy Lifesavers ...

That's what you get when you've been at home for about a week and you're too sore to do anything other than be on call for work.  The picture wasn't even staged, the cookie was already in the bowl and I plopped two gummy Lifesavers into the bowl for Chewy.  It sorta looks sad.  Probably because it knows it's gonna get eaten soon.  Maybe an eye first and then the mouth but nonetheless it's gonna be eaten. 

Oh NO, Mr. Bill!

• I can't believe the Winter Olympics start tomorrow.  Looks like they'll be importing some snow in because Vancouver is all green-looking right now.  I wonder if they'll be bring in any snow from D.C.
• Ted, no not the airline, is the greatest.  WE LUV YOU TED!  Thank you Ted!
• Boy it's gonna suck when they find out they're wrong.  People can believe whatever they want I guess.
• Yet, another reason I moved out of PG County.
• And a reason NOT to live in Virginia.

Undercover Brother err Boss ...

After the Super Bowl, CBS aired the first episode of Undercover Boss.  The concept seemed interesting and with the whole down turn of the economy I figured this might be some good PR for the companies that become involved in the show.  At first I thought this could be an entertaining trainwreck that all reality TV becomes.  I finally watched the first episode which was based upon Waste Management.  We've all seen their trucks and possibly their ads.  Could be interesting and actually it was but not in a trainwreck manner.  For a self describe antagonist and spiritually gifted with negativity it was a good dose of seeing the better side of man.  For a company that deals with waste (trash, recycling, cleaning porta potty's, etc) they showed how several employees had a very upbeat attitude and work ethnic.  Granted several of them had gone through life changing medical experiences that show their thankfulness to still be living.  But still, it just showed how dedicated and hard working these people were.  I applaud them and makes me feel blessed with my own health and job situation.  I should strive to be happier and more upbeat at work.  Well maybe. 

• I need to make something like this for our treadmill.  Maybe something with a wireless mouse attached to a glove or something.
• I miss him.  Do you?
• RIP Capt. Phil Harris - he was one of the more interesting Captains on The Deadest Catch.
• Google says the U.S. needs faster internet connections.  Now they're going to start their own broadband experiment!!!  Google is AWESOME!  When the industry says competition spurs innovation which should decrease cost THIS is what they mean.  Not Comcast eating up smaller companies and pushing their not-so Comcastic service.