...and strange bedfellows.
Awesome quote by Colin Powell this morning regarding the whole Gates/Crowley matter, over at CNN. From the article:
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell said he believes Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. could have been more patient with the officer who arrested him. Powell also faulted police. He told CNN's Larry King, "I would've thought at that point, some adult supervision would have stepped in and said 'OK look, it is his house. Let's not take this any further, take the handcuffs off.' "
When first I heard of the Gates affair, I thought it was a prelude to a new National Treasure movie (Ben Gates was played by Nicolas Cage), or even someone or something related to Bill Gate$.
Possibly.
As a dear friend once said, after a heated discussion of relationships of the genealogical bent, he exclaimed "Bob, you're probably related to every white person in the United States [in one form or another]." My good friend is African-American, as is Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
In relation to the above, another indication we're all related to each other in one way or another, not unlike "Seven Degrees", a blog entry at the LA Times points out genealogy IS all it's cracked up to be:
"Turns out that Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. may actually be related through Irish ancestry to the police officer who arrested him in his own house earlier this month, according to ABC News. No, really!"
Funny, interesting stuff.
Wednesday, July 29
Tuesday, July 28
A Cut Above
Some days this is too easy.
Found this one this afternoon. Why this thing is $700 belies the imagination. And not only that, it's on a waitlist, and available in only sizes 8 and 10.
Though the website this is from says it's an octagon cut, either I really am getting old and my eyesight is beginning to fade, but I don't see eight sides on this ring.
The only eight-sided thing I'm reminded of is this:
Found this one this afternoon. Why this thing is $700 belies the imagination. And not only that, it's on a waitlist, and available in only sizes 8 and 10.
Though the website this is from says it's an octagon cut, either I really am getting old and my eyesight is beginning to fade, but I don't see eight sides on this ring.
The only eight-sided thing I'm reminded of is this:
Little Man
Often in the course of looking for, and finding, pictures to post here on my blog, I'll get a grandiose idea to portray a multitude of photos of one subject. Sometimes ALL the pictures would not do justice to the subject matter.
But more often than not, just ONE photo is all that's necessary.
I'd planned on showing many, many, photos of Sebastian, the kitten we recently lost. But just this one will suffice:
You are sorely missed, Little Man.
But more often than not, just ONE photo is all that's necessary.
I'd planned on showing many, many, photos of Sebastian, the kitten we recently lost. But just this one will suffice:
You are sorely missed, Little Man.
Monday, July 27
Sebastian
We had a tragedy here at the house over the weekend. So severe was this that it has shook us to the core.
Sebastian, our dear lttle tuxedo kitten, whom Marilee had dubbed her Snickers replacement, was put to sleep last night, Sunday.
He had so much life in him, right to the end. But watching him grow into adulthood just was not to be.
Friday afternoon, he got into a fight with Lexie, our silky terrier mix. Lexie, likely just playing, did not realize how fragile a kitten can be. So much so, she must have shook him so violently that he suffered irreparable brain injury. Dr. Wilson, a saint in his own right, knew that the time was at hand, and Marilee and I knew it was, too.
So with heavy hearts, we asked Dr. Wilson to let him go.
His passing has left an empty hole in our lives. His little sister Scuttle is now that much more precious. Even now, though he may have picked on Scuttle, she now has no one to play with, and we are now, perhaps, spending a bit more time with her than we had previously as Sebastian was more outspoken in his demands. She has become more outspoken in her own right.
I'll have pictures of Sebastian to share in the next day or so, but for now, we're just taking a day at a time.
Rest In Peace, Sebastian.
Sebastian, our dear lttle tuxedo kitten, whom Marilee had dubbed her Snickers replacement, was put to sleep last night, Sunday.
He had so much life in him, right to the end. But watching him grow into adulthood just was not to be.
Friday afternoon, he got into a fight with Lexie, our silky terrier mix. Lexie, likely just playing, did not realize how fragile a kitten can be. So much so, she must have shook him so violently that he suffered irreparable brain injury. Dr. Wilson, a saint in his own right, knew that the time was at hand, and Marilee and I knew it was, too.
So with heavy hearts, we asked Dr. Wilson to let him go.
His passing has left an empty hole in our lives. His little sister Scuttle is now that much more precious. Even now, though he may have picked on Scuttle, she now has no one to play with, and we are now, perhaps, spending a bit more time with her than we had previously as Sebastian was more outspoken in his demands. She has become more outspoken in her own right.
I'll have pictures of Sebastian to share in the next day or so, but for now, we're just taking a day at a time.
Rest In Peace, Sebastian.
Sunday, July 26
Where's The Birth Certificate?
[I previously published this post under the title "The Birthers Debate". This repost has a different title as a test.]
OK, this fringe subject has been so far out in left field that I haven't really paid much attention to the whole matter.
There are apparently two camps on the issue - ONE, that Barack Obama, president of these United States cannot BE the president because he cannot prove that he is a natural-born citizen. And TWO, that he also cannot be president because his mother was not a US citizen. That she was a resident of Kansas and delivered him in Hawaii makes that argument frivolous at that.
So we're left with the first argument, and it's the same one that most "Birthers" have about the whole thing: Where's the birth certificate?
OH GET OFF YOUR FRIGGIN SOAPBOX AND GET ON WITH YOUR LIVES. However minimal that existence might be.
There was a movie years ago that had someone on trial for burglary, or grand theft, or petit larceny; it's not important what they were being charged for. But to prove a point, the defense attorney turned to someone in the audience and asked them about the watch on their wrist.
"That's a nice watch."
"Thank you."
"Do you have a receipt for it?"
"No, I got it several years..." and was cut off by the attorney, who turned to the bailiff to say "Arrest this man, he has no proof that he bought that watch."
The same can be said for pretty much most of the citizens of this country. Even the damn "Birthers".
Do you know where your birth certificate is, and why haven't you registered with the INS - you obviously weren't born here, either!
OK, this fringe subject has been so far out in left field that I haven't really paid much attention to the whole matter.
There are apparently two camps on the issue - ONE, that Barack Obama, president of these United States cannot BE the president because he cannot prove that he is a natural-born citizen. And TWO, that he also cannot be president because his mother was not a US citizen. That she was a resident of Kansas and delivered him in Hawaii makes that argument frivolous at that.
So we're left with the first argument, and it's the same one that most "Birthers" have about the whole thing: Where's the birth certificate?
OH GET OFF YOUR FRIGGIN SOAPBOX AND GET ON WITH YOUR LIVES. However minimal that existence might be.
There was a movie years ago that had someone on trial for burglary, or grand theft, or petit larceny; it's not important what they were being charged for. But to prove a point, the defense attorney turned to someone in the audience and asked them about the watch on their wrist.
"That's a nice watch."
"Thank you."
"Do you have a receipt for it?"
"No, I got it several years..." and was cut off by the attorney, who turned to the bailiff to say "Arrest this man, he has no proof that he bought that watch."
The same can be said for pretty much most of the citizens of this country. Even the damn "Birthers".
Do you know where your birth certificate is, and why haven't you registered with the INS - you obviously weren't born here, either!
Saturday, July 25
I'm The Man
So sayeth Marilee.
This weekend was looking to be rather horrid if the air conditioner hadn't been operative.
After a startling discovery yesterday, the air conditioner here at the house is now again running.
Our air conditioner in the back yard looks thus:
Not terribly exciting in and of itself; that's the compressor in the foreground, and attached to the house is the infernal "PowerForward" box on the right, and "some other" box on the left. I'd never paid that second box much attention, just that is was "there". I figured it was the box that just terminated the outside load to the inside circuit breaker, since the breaker panel is directly behind that box on the inside of the house.
I was only partly right.
Yes, that is the termination between the air conditioner and the breaker panel, but hidden inside that box are two items of the electrical persuasion. Yes, dear readers, contained therein are two fuses.
Of the big-ass variety.
And one was blown.
Now, in my chosen profession, I know all too well that if a fuse blows, there must have been a reason. That the box is subjected to all sorts of environmental extremes from snow to rain and everything in between - there's no weather stripping or seals on the box - it's probably a miracle the fuses lasted as long as they did, let alone the bare copper contacts. So after a trip to Home Depot and returning with two packs of two fuses each, with trepidation I replaced them and what do you know. They held.
Before I'd left for Home Depot, and after telling Marilee that there was, indeed, a blown fuse, she asked if I wanted the $200 or so that it would have cost us to have someone from Rocky Mountain Power to replace the same fuse that had blown, plus the five bucks for the fuse, she exclaimed "YOU'RE THE MAN!".
Indeed.
Where's my $200?
This weekend was looking to be rather horrid if the air conditioner hadn't been operative.
After a startling discovery yesterday, the air conditioner here at the house is now again running.
Our air conditioner in the back yard looks thus:
Not terribly exciting in and of itself; that's the compressor in the foreground, and attached to the house is the infernal "PowerForward" box on the right, and "some other" box on the left. I'd never paid that second box much attention, just that is was "there". I figured it was the box that just terminated the outside load to the inside circuit breaker, since the breaker panel is directly behind that box on the inside of the house.I was only partly right.
Yes, that is the termination between the air conditioner and the breaker panel, but hidden inside that box are two items of the electrical persuasion. Yes, dear readers, contained therein are two fuses.
Of the big-ass variety.
And one was blown.
Now, in my chosen profession, I know all too well that if a fuse blows, there must have been a reason. That the box is subjected to all sorts of environmental extremes from snow to rain and everything in between - there's no weather stripping or seals on the box - it's probably a miracle the fuses lasted as long as they did, let alone the bare copper contacts. So after a trip to Home Depot and returning with two packs of two fuses each, with trepidation I replaced them and what do you know. They held.
Before I'd left for Home Depot, and after telling Marilee that there was, indeed, a blown fuse, she asked if I wanted the $200 or so that it would have cost us to have someone from Rocky Mountain Power to replace the same fuse that had blown, plus the five bucks for the fuse, she exclaimed "YOU'RE THE MAN!".
Indeed.
Where's my $200?
Friday, July 24
Hot Time In The City
The projected high temperature is just 92 degrees today - that's Fahrenheit for you across the pond - but it shouldn't be that bad here at the homestead since it's already 78.
Indoors.
Our air conditioning isn't working at all this morning - and appears to have been for several hours, as Marilee insisted on awakening me at 11:30 last night to tell me it was hot in the bedroom.
"Mmm-hmm" and lights out again.
Upon arising this morning and feeling the heat, downstairs I trodded to see the thermostat was set for the 70 degrees we set it for in the evenings; it ramps up to 74 during the day. That's when I found the internal temp was 78.
Outdoors? A pleasant 72.
Also outdoors, the compressor was not running - I knew there was a sound missing out there.
No breakers popped. No nothing.
Several years ago we had arrived home to a sweltering house due to Utah Power's surprise of a "PowerForward" add-on to our compressor. Basically, Utah Power (now Rocky Mountain Power) decides FOR YOU when your house should be cooled. Upon calling the HVAC folks - we didn't yet know about the add-on - that's when we found out about the program. A quick call to the power sompany settled that. Once and for all. TURN THAT DAMN THING OFF!
Now... is that the case this time? Don't know, yet.
I'm off to work. Marilee's off work for a time so she gets to make phone calls.
They better not have turned that inFernal box on.
My inTernal temp may go through the roof.
Indoors.
Our air conditioning isn't working at all this morning - and appears to have been for several hours, as Marilee insisted on awakening me at 11:30 last night to tell me it was hot in the bedroom.
"Mmm-hmm" and lights out again.
Upon arising this morning and feeling the heat, downstairs I trodded to see the thermostat was set for the 70 degrees we set it for in the evenings; it ramps up to 74 during the day. That's when I found the internal temp was 78.
Outdoors? A pleasant 72.
Also outdoors, the compressor was not running - I knew there was a sound missing out there.
No breakers popped. No nothing.
Several years ago we had arrived home to a sweltering house due to Utah Power's surprise of a "PowerForward" add-on to our compressor. Basically, Utah Power (now Rocky Mountain Power) decides FOR YOU when your house should be cooled. Upon calling the HVAC folks - we didn't yet know about the add-on - that's when we found out about the program. A quick call to the power sompany settled that. Once and for all. TURN THAT DAMN THING OFF!
Now... is that the case this time? Don't know, yet.
I'm off to work. Marilee's off work for a time so she gets to make phone calls.
They better not have turned that inFernal box on.
My inTernal temp may go through the roof.
Wednesday, July 22
Long Lost Machines
In my chosen profession, more often than not, a customer's location is remembered as "the place where they have that beastly printer." Or as the office with ink stains on the floor. Or of the one time a filing cabinet was placed atop a network cable, ultimately severing the connection from the weight of said filing cabinet. Or...
You get the idea.
Since I have begun a transition into a world I know nothing about, that promise of identifying a customer by their machines has gone right down the crapper. Every convenience store has the same equipment. Every bank has the same equipment. Every pharmacy has the same equipment. Every chain supermarket...
Again, you get the idea.
Early on - say twenty years ago - to keep my sanity, I began identifying places where I'd go to fix machines not by the machines, but by the people.
What a novel idea.
This morning, I started thinking about how long it had been since I saw a certain Laserjet III, and of a Laserjet 5si. And an old abandoned IBM PS/2 Model 80.
OK, that's not quite right.
I wasn't thinking about the machines, I was thinking about the people.
I received an email that a long lostmachine person had added me as a friend on Facebook. That machine person hadn't entered my psyche for over a year. Partly since I hadn't had a reason to see the machine person, as I no longer have that machine person as part of my workday; I simply don't do that sort of thing any more.
Sure, there are people at the places I go to, be they banks, or convenience stores, or pharmacies, or supermarkets. But it's not the same. They're too impersonal. I long again for the personal nature of the industry I fell in love with over thirty years ago.
I hope you get the idea.
You get the idea.
Since I have begun a transition into a world I know nothing about, that promise of identifying a customer by their machines has gone right down the crapper. Every convenience store has the same equipment. Every bank has the same equipment. Every pharmacy has the same equipment. Every chain supermarket...
Again, you get the idea.
Early on - say twenty years ago - to keep my sanity, I began identifying places where I'd go to fix machines not by the machines, but by the people.
What a novel idea.
This morning, I started thinking about how long it had been since I saw a certain Laserjet III, and of a Laserjet 5si. And an old abandoned IBM PS/2 Model 80.
OK, that's not quite right.
I wasn't thinking about the machines, I was thinking about the people.
I received an email that a long lost
Sure, there are people at the places I go to, be they banks, or convenience stores, or pharmacies, or supermarkets. But it's not the same. They're too impersonal. I long again for the personal nature of the industry I fell in love with over thirty years ago.
I hope you get the idea.
Tuesday, July 21
Sunday, July 19
I'm Not A Monster
Marilee has a new term for me.
She just said "I've created a monster."
I was just commenting on a peculiar abnormality that occurred after my spinal surgery - I've been having trouble swallowing, a condition known as dysphagia. Not during the healing process, but afterwards, as this snippet from a health journal in Ireland explains (the italics are my emphasis):
"Dysphagia is a common complication of anterior cervical surgery, with potentially serious respiratory complications. The available literature suggests that symptoms may be prolonged for several weeks or more in a substantial number of patients. This report suggests that the initial post operative dysfunction resolves as early as ten days post operatively and that following this, a different pattern develops related to the position of the neck. Flexion of the neck at this stage will reduce the pressure on crico-pharyngeus and also facilitates swallowing by improving aryepiglottic closure and tongue base retraction."
I'm not having difficulty breathing, just swallowing. Feels like there's something there, but I just can't pinpoint it.
As far as diagnosis, x-rays and MRI's aren't conclusive in finding the problem, but esophageal manometry will be used for the testing.
So I'd just explained all of that to Marilee, and as I'd turned away to do something else, she made that monster comment. Rather than attack the subject directly, I commenced the above monograph.
Just a moment - I'll ask her now what she meant by that quip:
Says she: "I'M the medical person."
"And in that fantasy world, what does that make me?"
"You're the computer person. Stick to what you know best."
Hm.
You know, she's right. In THIS fantasy world, I know to keep my big mouth shut.
She just said "I've created a monster."
I was just commenting on a peculiar abnormality that occurred after my spinal surgery - I've been having trouble swallowing, a condition known as dysphagia. Not during the healing process, but afterwards, as this snippet from a health journal in Ireland explains (the italics are my emphasis):
"Dysphagia is a common complication of anterior cervical surgery, with potentially serious respiratory complications. The available literature suggests that symptoms may be prolonged for several weeks or more in a substantial number of patients. This report suggests that the initial post operative dysfunction resolves as early as ten days post operatively and that following this, a different pattern develops related to the position of the neck. Flexion of the neck at this stage will reduce the pressure on crico-pharyngeus and also facilitates swallowing by improving aryepiglottic closure and tongue base retraction."
I'm not having difficulty breathing, just swallowing. Feels like there's something there, but I just can't pinpoint it.
As far as diagnosis, x-rays and MRI's aren't conclusive in finding the problem, but esophageal manometry will be used for the testing.
So I'd just explained all of that to Marilee, and as I'd turned away to do something else, she made that monster comment. Rather than attack the subject directly, I commenced the above monograph.
Just a moment - I'll ask her now what she meant by that quip:
Says she: "I'M the medical person."
"And in that fantasy world, what does that make me?"
"You're the computer person. Stick to what you know best."
Hm.
You know, she's right. In THIS fantasy world, I know to keep my big mouth shut.
And While We're On That Subject
Much is said about how the economy has tanked, that there's perpetually less and less money - read tax dollars - going into the general funding of the Nation. And of the State.
Why, then, do larger and larger families get more and more tax breaks for having all those extra kids? Sure, at some point farther down the road, those same multitudes of rug rats and ankle-biters start contributing, but the same cycle will start anew when those kids start having their own.
In Utah - and you really don't need "statistics" to back this up - there's shortfall after shortfall each year and the powers that be wonder why.
It's because the powers that be condone the practice.
Why, then, do larger and larger families get more and more tax breaks for having all those extra kids? Sure, at some point farther down the road, those same multitudes of rug rats and ankle-biters start contributing, but the same cycle will start anew when those kids start having their own.
In Utah - and you really don't need "statistics" to back this up - there's shortfall after shortfall each year and the powers that be wonder why.
It's because the powers that be condone the practice.
Is It Just Me?
How is it that the majority of people in Utah who complain the most about large class sizes and thus fewer teachers for the number of students are the ones having the most children per household?
Fire away.
Fire away.
The Furminator Revisited
It's that time of year again, and Princess is blowing her coat.
This year as last, I've been using the Furminator. Still doing a fine job of removing that overabundance of undercoat her breed develops.
I've got a few more "treatments" to give her, so this mass of hair will likely diminish:
At least it's not all over the floor.
This year as last, I've been using the Furminator. Still doing a fine job of removing that overabundance of undercoat her breed develops.
I've got a few more "treatments" to give her, so this mass of hair will likely diminish:
At least it's not all over the floor.
Saturday, July 18
Duck Took Second Place!
It was rather hot at King's English today, as Lexie and I took part in the Dirty Bow Wow competition.And Lexie took second place - with her duck, of course!
A brand-new copy of Dirty Bow Wow and a $20 gift card to the King's English was our prize. It was my first-ever visit to King's English; I'd wanted to go back on April 15th if not for Princess' little accident. But that was another story. But now, with the gift card, I don't have an excuse!
Pictures of Lexie and her duck - and all the other participants - can be found on King's English Facebook photos page.
House Guest
Chris, Jenn, and Ramin are off for a few days, taking advantage of a no-fee weekend at our National Parks; they're going to Yellowstone.So while Belle is off at another friend's house, Lady is staying here for the weekend.
And as is always the case, she's made herself right at home:
The big dog's back, if only for a short time.
Friday, July 17
Dirty Bow Wow
Fun event happening tomorrow - Saturday July 18 - at The King's English bookstore in Salt Lake City. 15th and 15th for you locals.
Part of the Dirty Bow Wow Dog Toy Drive is a "competition" to find the dirtiest dog toy. From the website: "Bring your dog and its dirtiest toy, along with a donation toy, for a chance to win fun prizes."
I'm taking Lexie and her duck. It has been further de-stuffed since that original photo was taken, and I'm SO glad I never washed the thing. Not so much that it is "dirty", but that you can smell the thing a mile away.
Should be fun.
Part of the Dirty Bow Wow Dog Toy Drive is a "competition" to find the dirtiest dog toy. From the website: "Bring your dog and its dirtiest toy, along with a donation toy, for a chance to win fun prizes."
I'm taking Lexie and her duck. It has been further de-stuffed since that original photo was taken, and I'm SO glad I never washed the thing. Not so much that it is "dirty", but that you can smell the thing a mile away.
Should be fun.
Thursday, July 16
Giant Leap
It's been many years - forty, to be exact - since the Apollo 11 mission to the moon. Then, as now, there still is the burning question as to whether Neil Armstrong, as he set foot on the Moon, said "That's one small step for man" or "That's one small step for A man."
Listening to that broadcast those 40 years ago, I don't think it was all that important what he said, just that we had accomplished it.
That audio clip has been played over and over; there's static between "for" and "man", and if you squint your ears, there's just a hint of an "A".
As this week celebrates the fortieth anniversary, news organizations are all abuzz with articles about the anniversary - one such article at CNN caught my eye, and not for the contents of that article, but for the headline, thusly:
From doughnuts to liftoff, Apollo 11 launch was blast
There's no static there - shouldn't that be "a blast"?
Listening to that broadcast those 40 years ago, I don't think it was all that important what he said, just that we had accomplished it.
That audio clip has been played over and over; there's static between "for" and "man", and if you squint your ears, there's just a hint of an "A".
As this week celebrates the fortieth anniversary, news organizations are all abuzz with articles about the anniversary - one such article at CNN caught my eye, and not for the contents of that article, but for the headline, thusly:
From doughnuts to liftoff, Apollo 11 launch was blast
There's no static there - shouldn't that be "a blast"?
Do Blogs Have A Gender?
Early evening, and I was once again channeling dooce. Written by a local mommyblogger right here in Salt Lake City. I figure if SHE can have a blog that pays all the bills, then I can too. Just not quite yet.
Marilee knows I look at dooce on a semi-regular basis. She'll look over my shoulder when I hit her site. From the dead silence behind me, I await the onslaught.
"Maybe I should find some guy's blog to read."
She should have seen it coming:
"LIKE MINE?"
Yes, folks, my lovely wife has yet to read my blog. At all. With 477 blog posts since last year she better get started.
Marilee knows I look at dooce on a semi-regular basis. She'll look over my shoulder when I hit her site. From the dead silence behind me, I await the onslaught.
"Maybe I should find some guy's blog to read."
She should have seen it coming:
"LIKE MINE?"
Yes, folks, my lovely wife has yet to read my blog. At all. With 477 blog posts since last year she better get started.
Wednesday, July 15
Michael Jackson Pepsi Ad Fire
From Us Magazine via CNN, never-before-seen video of the infamous Pepsi ad where Michael Jackson's hair caught on fire:
The New "Tan"
As reported on NPR yesterday morning, pasty-white Alabaster skin is the new "tan." One caller during the show said that the dermatologic industry needs a spokesmodel who in years past would have had an all-over tan, to show that lack of color can be appealing as well.
Too bad Michael Jackson is no longer around.
While the basement-dwelling adolescent of today hasn't been out in the sun all that much, let alone spent time with three-dimensional beings, there's hope.
Another caller, a dermatologist, said that fake-tanning products aren't all that bad. As for safety of the products, one of the ingredients - DHA - is the same that bakers use to make bread crusts brown.
"It must be safe."
I'll be reading bread labels tonight...
Too bad Michael Jackson is no longer around.
While the basement-dwelling adolescent of today hasn't been out in the sun all that much, let alone spent time with three-dimensional beings, there's hope.
Another caller, a dermatologist, said that fake-tanning products aren't all that bad. As for safety of the products, one of the ingredients - DHA - is the same that bakers use to make bread crusts brown.
"It must be safe."
I'll be reading bread labels tonight...
More On "Christmas In July"
Apparently I'm not the only one to take note of Sears' Christmas in July promotion.
Time Magazine has also questioned their thought processes with an article titled "Kmart's Christmas in July: Inspiration or Desperation?". (Kmart is owned by Sears.)
From the article, a Sears spokesperson says "People are buying earlier today. Also, customers have grown accustomed to the Christmas-in-July terminology, so we wanted to leverage that."
Which made me wonder just what marketing genius came up with this whole Christmas in July thing in the first place? After all, it was a marketing gimmick that started the whole Valentine's Day massacre of the postal service in February, so why not Christmas in July?
Was it, too, a marketing ploy? Partly.
While Chistmas in July has marketing underpinnings in the Western hemisphere, the Southern hemisphere it's the name given to social events with a winter Christmas theme, as July is generally the coldest month of the year. (from Wikipedia)
As we head into this weekend where the temperatures are going to hit 100 degrees for the first time this year, I'm reminded of my best memory about Christmas in July. It was during one of the hottest days ever in Utah; a local TV station said they were about to show a weather-related photo, and up popped a picture of a blizzard.
Cool.
Time Magazine has also questioned their thought processes with an article titled "Kmart's Christmas in July: Inspiration or Desperation?". (Kmart is owned by Sears.)
From the article, a Sears spokesperson says "People are buying earlier today. Also, customers have grown accustomed to the Christmas-in-July terminology, so we wanted to leverage that."
Which made me wonder just what marketing genius came up with this whole Christmas in July thing in the first place? After all, it was a marketing gimmick that started the whole Valentine's Day massacre of the postal service in February, so why not Christmas in July?
Was it, too, a marketing ploy? Partly.
While Chistmas in July has marketing underpinnings in the Western hemisphere, the Southern hemisphere it's the name given to social events with a winter Christmas theme, as July is generally the coldest month of the year. (from Wikipedia)
As we head into this weekend where the temperatures are going to hit 100 degrees for the first time this year, I'm reminded of my best memory about Christmas in July. It was during one of the hottest days ever in Utah; a local TV station said they were about to show a weather-related photo, and up popped a picture of a blizzard.
Cool.
Tuesday, July 14
Why You Should Never Put Bloggers On TV
Video from MSNBC's website, via Gawker.
[Video has NSFW audio. Of the BJ variety. A la Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky. You have been warned.]
Definition of NSFW = Not Safe For Work.
[Video has NSFW audio. Of the BJ variety. A la Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky. You have been warned.]
Definition of NSFW = Not Safe For Work.
Monday, July 13
Not Knowing
Marilee and I watched a movie last night which we knew nothing about.
Only from Redbox, that is.
Knowing stars Nicholas Cage, so we figured it had to be good. Well, for the most part. As with other reviews I've seen since we rented it from the friendly neighborhood red box, the flick starts out really good, but falters near the end. So much so that an audible groan was heard from the two of us at the climax.
This morning, both of us speculated on better endings, but the rest of the movie wouldn't have made any more sense.
With all the misgivings about the movie, we still have to ask: why did we not hear about this movie when it came out on March 20th? Typically, a movie that goes to DVD within four or five months must've had something wrong with it, but we didn't hear anything at all about it.
Maybe another blockbuster came out that week, but I cannot recollect any.
Anyone out there know why this movie had NO press?
Only from Redbox, that is.
Knowing stars Nicholas Cage, so we figured it had to be good. Well, for the most part. As with other reviews I've seen since we rented it from the friendly neighborhood red box, the flick starts out really good, but falters near the end. So much so that an audible groan was heard from the two of us at the climax.
This morning, both of us speculated on better endings, but the rest of the movie wouldn't have made any more sense.
With all the misgivings about the movie, we still have to ask: why did we not hear about this movie when it came out on March 20th? Typically, a movie that goes to DVD within four or five months must've had something wrong with it, but we didn't hear anything at all about it.
Maybe another blockbuster came out that week, but I cannot recollect any.
Anyone out there know why this movie had NO press?
Back To Work
Trepidation included at no extra charge.
In other news, hopefully Jenn and Chris won't have to deal with a law that's been on the books for centuries:
A little-known law dating to Elizabethan England is suddenly being enforced with gusto in Pennsylvania. The law can force adult children to pay their parents' health-care costs.
From the Philadelphia Enquirer.
In other news, hopefully Jenn and Chris won't have to deal with a law that's been on the books for centuries:
A little-known law dating to Elizabethan England is suddenly being enforced with gusto in Pennsylvania. The law can force adult children to pay their parents' health-care costs.
From the Philadelphia Enquirer.
Sunday, July 12
Targeted Advertising
...for the 16-year-old mind. Such as it is.
Last evening's fare for dinner was Taco Bell. I got my usual, Marilee wanted her usual, and as has been the case lately, Taylor's choices were far from typical.
Not unusual, just not typical.
"I'm going to Taco Bell. What do you want?"
"A burrito, and... I saw this ad on TV that they have a special 89¢ menu - get me a soft taco from that menu. And a drink."
I hadn't really wasted any brain cells in the recent past to even look at the 89¢ menu until last night. While there are 99¢ items on the 89¢ menu, it didn't take long to realize that tacos - and burritos coincidentally - have always been 89¢. That Taco Bell needs to make that distinction boggles the mind.
The 16-year-old mind, that is.
Last evening's fare for dinner was Taco Bell. I got my usual, Marilee wanted her usual, and as has been the case lately, Taylor's choices were far from typical.
Not unusual, just not typical.
"I'm going to Taco Bell. What do you want?"
"A burrito, and... I saw this ad on TV that they have a special 89¢ menu - get me a soft taco from that menu. And a drink."
I hadn't really wasted any brain cells in the recent past to even look at the 89¢ menu until last night. While there are 99¢ items on the 89¢ menu, it didn't take long to realize that tacos - and burritos coincidentally - have always been 89¢. That Taco Bell needs to make that distinction boggles the mind.
The 16-year-old mind, that is.
Saturday, July 11
It's Not Just Sears
Time was, Sears was THE store. That old Sears catalog was dog-eared and bookmarked beyond its original appearance.
Nowadays, it's Walmart. At least they haven't brought out the Christmas stuff yet.
But it appears that it's not only Sears who is on the Christmas Creep bandwagon - this, from CompUSA this AM:
While "Black Friday" is actually the day after Thanksgiving, the term refers to the day where retailers can finally, after a year fraught with dismal sales, can finally make it into the "black".
That CompUSA feels the need by jumping the gun by four months doesn't bode well for them.
Or are they jumping the shark?
Nowadays, it's Walmart. At least they haven't brought out the Christmas stuff yet.
But it appears that it's not only Sears who is on the Christmas Creep bandwagon - this, from CompUSA this AM:
While "Black Friday" is actually the day after Thanksgiving, the term refers to the day where retailers can finally, after a year fraught with dismal sales, can finally make it into the "black".That CompUSA feels the need by jumping the gun by four months doesn't bode well for them.
Or are they jumping the shark?
Thursday, July 9
Sinfully Ugly
I haven't done one of these for a while. Marilee's reaction was just like mine.
They said it was a showstopper, and only $648.
They said it was a showstopper, and only $648.
Christmas Creep
No, not that mall Santa who reeks of booze and who may be a pedo.
Christmas Creep is the phenomenon where retailers start putting Christmas items out earlier and earlier each year.
The Creep has begun. Here, in the middle of July.
At Sears' home page is the following graphic:
Take a stroll down Sears' Christmas Lane here.
Jeebus.
Christmas Creep is the phenomenon where retailers start putting Christmas items out earlier and earlier each year.
The Creep has begun. Here, in the middle of July.
At Sears' home page is the following graphic:
Take a stroll down Sears' Christmas Lane here.Jeebus.
Contact Us
...or not.
Had to call Comcast this morning. While details aren't particularly important, finding their number was a bit of a hassle.
Now do you think that going to their website would supply the necessary information? Probably, except I couldn't get to their website; the cable modem was doing weird things and I couldn't get onto the internet in the first place.
No problem, I'll just grab an old bill and get the number from that.
1-800-COMCAST is of no use - the phone I was using has only numbers - no letters. Businesses who generally realize this fact will also supply the numbers for those who either haven't a clue or a phone without letters.
And though I no longer use a BlackBerry, this keypad makes things even worse:
That telephones prior to the digital age even had letters may be a mystery to some of you whippersnappers. Old Man Talk indeed. For those of you who have forgotten the golden age or didn't live through it, telephones had letters associated with numbers so as to remember what your exchange was, or to call someone else's exchange. Don't believe me? Consider the following image:
Those aren't pushbuttons, sonny. The image is from 1931 at a secretarial school in which the instructor is demonstrating how a rotary dial telephone works.
And what are these exchanges I referred to? I found a neat reference that shows the phone company's "Officially Recommended Exchange Names" here. From that list, maybe you'll recognize your old phone number from childhood.
And what of Comcast's number?
While there's no exchange number involved, the letters on the "dial" correspond to the numbers you "dial".
And I'm filing this one away for posterity: Comcast's toll-free number is 800-266-2278.
Had to call Comcast this morning. While details aren't particularly important, finding their number was a bit of a hassle.
Now do you think that going to their website would supply the necessary information? Probably, except I couldn't get to their website; the cable modem was doing weird things and I couldn't get onto the internet in the first place.
No problem, I'll just grab an old bill and get the number from that.
1-800-COMCAST is of no use - the phone I was using has only numbers - no letters. Businesses who generally realize this fact will also supply the numbers for those who either haven't a clue or a phone without letters.
And though I no longer use a BlackBerry, this keypad makes things even worse:
That telephones prior to the digital age even had letters may be a mystery to some of you whippersnappers. Old Man Talk indeed. For those of you who have forgotten the golden age or didn't live through it, telephones had letters associated with numbers so as to remember what your exchange was, or to call someone else's exchange. Don't believe me? Consider the following image:
Those aren't pushbuttons, sonny. The image is from 1931 at a secretarial school in which the instructor is demonstrating how a rotary dial telephone works.And what are these exchanges I referred to? I found a neat reference that shows the phone company's "Officially Recommended Exchange Names" here. From that list, maybe you'll recognize your old phone number from childhood.
And what of Comcast's number?
While there's no exchange number involved, the letters on the "dial" correspond to the numbers you "dial".
And I'm filing this one away for posterity: Comcast's toll-free number is 800-266-2278.
Our Version Of Musical Chairs
Potty breaks for the dogs goes something like this:
Up at ungodly hour, Lexie takes the first potty break. Lexie ready to come in, now Bambi needs to go out. Bambi comes in, now Princess needs to go. Lexie sneaks out in the process.
Bambi goes back to sleep under the covers in the bedroom.
Princess barks to be let back in. Open door, and a period of time sufficient for her age and mobility later, gets up the stairs and in. "Lexie! Come here!"
Lexie then rolls over in a submissive posture for a tummy rub.
Walk over to where she's laying.
I've left the door open, and Princess is again making her way out the door.
Bambi? Still in the bedroom.
I go back inside.
Lexie now barking at the neighbor on the other side of the fence.
"LEXIE!"
Lexie comes in.
Princess, seeing Lexie saunter to the back door, likewise makes her way to the door. Eventually.
Just now, the whole process started anew; Bambi just got up from her nap. Same players, slightly different process.
I shudder to think what they'll do when I go back to work on Monday.
Up at ungodly hour, Lexie takes the first potty break. Lexie ready to come in, now Bambi needs to go out. Bambi comes in, now Princess needs to go. Lexie sneaks out in the process.
Bambi goes back to sleep under the covers in the bedroom.
Princess barks to be let back in. Open door, and a period of time sufficient for her age and mobility later, gets up the stairs and in. "Lexie! Come here!"
Lexie then rolls over in a submissive posture for a tummy rub.
Walk over to where she's laying.
I've left the door open, and Princess is again making her way out the door.
Bambi? Still in the bedroom.
I go back inside.
Lexie now barking at the neighbor on the other side of the fence.
"LEXIE!"
Lexie comes in.
Princess, seeing Lexie saunter to the back door, likewise makes her way to the door. Eventually.
Just now, the whole process started anew; Bambi just got up from her nap. Same players, slightly different process.
I shudder to think what they'll do when I go back to work on Monday.
Wednesday, July 8
Schematics For The Human Body
In my chosen profession, wiring diagrams are what I live for. Seeing an overview of how things are put together is paramount in understanding how everything works. So, too, the human body. Muscles, ligaments, bones, you name it. All are put together in such a way that boggles the mind.
Not being one to self-diagnose, I never would have imagined prior to my spinal surgery just how much goes on in ones' spinal cord. Admittedly, I never even knew how the spine works. As an example, I had always believed the spinal cord traveled through the discs, leading to herniated discs. That's not the case. Rather, the spinal cord travels through the vertebrae, and the discs are located behind the spinal cord:
In the image above, the spinal cord passes through the "Vertebral foramen", while the disc is located in the oval shaped depression at the top of the image. The nerve bundle attached to the spinal cord passes through the transverse foramen.1
In my case, enough degeneration had occurred in the disc between my C6 and C7 vertebrae (C7 is shown above) such that the disc had herniated and was pressing against the right-hand nerve bundle.
So far so good, but just how does one know - from a layperson's perspective - where that nerve bundle goes? And how does it affect the body?
I knew what my symptoms were, and was a bit surprised that the doctor knew exactly what the problem was without seeing my MRI. After meeting him and again explaining what my symptoms were, he stopped me before I got too far ahead of myself, and basically explained "I know how you're wired and you don't."
At that point, I put my neck - literally - in his hands.
In my exile these past months (I return to work the 13th), I frequently wondered about the wiring diagram; surely this information would be available somewhere. Not to self-diagnose myself, since I'd already had my surgery, but just to see if I could find that elusive wiring diagram. And finally found the term that I'd been searching for. As is often the case, you know what you're looking for, you just don't know what it's called.
Friends, it's called a dermatome (click the image for a larger view):
From Wikipedia: "Dermatomes are useful in neurology for finding the site of damage to the spine."
I only wish I'd known about dermatomes long ago; I'd had a dull pain in my hand for several years, and the whole time it had been a herniating disc, exacerbated by the events of a couple months ago.
And now you, too, have a reference point for finding out how you are wired.
1 Disclaimer: I am NOT a physician. Nor will I ever be. This information is not to be construed as legitimate medical information. The opinions presented here are my own. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, don't contact me - call a doctor. Really. If you're having a major problem, getting on the internet isn't in your best interest.
Not being one to self-diagnose, I never would have imagined prior to my spinal surgery just how much goes on in ones' spinal cord. Admittedly, I never even knew how the spine works. As an example, I had always believed the spinal cord traveled through the discs, leading to herniated discs. That's not the case. Rather, the spinal cord travels through the vertebrae, and the discs are located behind the spinal cord:
In the image above, the spinal cord passes through the "Vertebral foramen", while the disc is located in the oval shaped depression at the top of the image. The nerve bundle attached to the spinal cord passes through the transverse foramen.1In my case, enough degeneration had occurred in the disc between my C6 and C7 vertebrae (C7 is shown above) such that the disc had herniated and was pressing against the right-hand nerve bundle.
So far so good, but just how does one know - from a layperson's perspective - where that nerve bundle goes? And how does it affect the body?
I knew what my symptoms were, and was a bit surprised that the doctor knew exactly what the problem was without seeing my MRI. After meeting him and again explaining what my symptoms were, he stopped me before I got too far ahead of myself, and basically explained "I know how you're wired and you don't."
At that point, I put my neck - literally - in his hands.
In my exile these past months (I return to work the 13th), I frequently wondered about the wiring diagram; surely this information would be available somewhere. Not to self-diagnose myself, since I'd already had my surgery, but just to see if I could find that elusive wiring diagram. And finally found the term that I'd been searching for. As is often the case, you know what you're looking for, you just don't know what it's called.
Friends, it's called a dermatome (click the image for a larger view):
From Wikipedia: "Dermatomes are useful in neurology for finding the site of damage to the spine."I only wish I'd known about dermatomes long ago; I'd had a dull pain in my hand for several years, and the whole time it had been a herniating disc, exacerbated by the events of a couple months ago.
And now you, too, have a reference point for finding out how you are wired.
1 Disclaimer: I am NOT a physician. Nor will I ever be. This information is not to be construed as legitimate medical information. The opinions presented here are my own. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, don't contact me - call a doctor. Really. If you're having a major problem, getting on the internet isn't in your best interest.
Tuesday, July 7
More From Taylorsville Dayzz
THIS was a once-in-a-lifetime shot. Totally unexpected. All I wanted and expected was the parachute and flag:
Jumping over the Moon? Priceless.
Jumping over the Moon? Priceless.
More Fireworks
If you're wondering just how to take fireworks photos, rule number one: get a tripod.
Rule two - learn how to use your camera. The rest will come naturally.
Rule two - learn how to use your camera. The rest will come naturally.
On The Boob Tube This Morning
Elephants shown going into the Staples Center - Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey is in town.
What with the traffic jam that has occurred because of the Michael Jackson memorial at the same venue, Los Angeles truly is becoming a three-ring-circus.
What with the traffic jam that has occurred because of the Michael Jackson memorial at the same venue, Los Angeles truly is becoming a three-ring-circus.
New Family Members
...of the four-footed variety.
Meet Sebastian and Scuttle! Sebastian's the tuxedo, and while the other looks all gray, Scuttle is beginning to show tabby markings.
Ask anyone who has ever been involved in an animal rescue organization if they ever thought they'd have this many animals, and you'll get the same answer. Hell, I never thought I'd have even one - now we've got a three-ring circus of three dogs and five cats.
Scuttle came to us from one of Marilee's friends, while Sebastian is a CAWS kitten. Suffice to say, Marilee was smitten with this kitten.
Bambi, our Rat Terrier, pretty much leaves Sebastian alone, but is far more interested in Scuttle. Pay no attention that Scuttle looks like a rat. Lexie is a bit too hyper around both; she's visited a bit less.
Sundance is declining comment.
Meet Sebastian and Scuttle! Sebastian's the tuxedo, and while the other looks all gray, Scuttle is beginning to show tabby markings.
Ask anyone who has ever been involved in an animal rescue organization if they ever thought they'd have this many animals, and you'll get the same answer. Hell, I never thought I'd have even one - now we've got a three-ring circus of three dogs and five cats.Scuttle came to us from one of Marilee's friends, while Sebastian is a CAWS kitten. Suffice to say, Marilee was smitten with this kitten.
Bambi, our Rat Terrier, pretty much leaves Sebastian alone, but is far more interested in Scuttle. Pay no attention that Scuttle looks like a rat. Lexie is a bit too hyper around both; she's visited a bit less.
Sundance is declining comment.
Monday, July 6
Posts Missing In Action
Photos from Taylorsville Dayzz on 6/27 (the fireworks display on 6/26 was rained out):
More fireworks photos to come...
More fireworks photos to come...
Illusions
Yes, this is an update to my blog.
No, it's not a full update.
No fancy sh!t, nor any real "stuff".
Why, then, am I not doing a full update, even though I'm obviously on a viable computer and able to DO an update?
Because I'm on Marilee's portable. It's just different.
But good news is in the offing. According to the shipping information provided by the seller of the new display for my laptop, it should arrive today.
Barring any abnormalities, I should be back on my laptop by the afternoon. There's much to come. Stay tuned to this bat channel.
No, it's not a full update.
No fancy sh!t, nor any real "stuff".
Why, then, am I not doing a full update, even though I'm obviously on a viable computer and able to DO an update?
Because I'm on Marilee's portable. It's just different.
But good news is in the offing. According to the shipping information provided by the seller of the new display for my laptop, it should arrive today.
Barring any abnormalities, I should be back on my laptop by the afternoon. There's much to come. Stay tuned to this bat channel.
Monday, June 29
Still Here
Laptop took a dump late last week. Other than the wife's portable - which never goes anywhere - I'm a bit "down" right now.
Parts on order, should be back to full blogging by the end of the week.
Parts on order, should be back to full blogging by the end of the week.
Friday, June 26
Seen On The Intarwebs
Choice:
Years from now, my [grand]children will ask me, "Where were you when Michael Jackson died?"
"On the internet with a bunch of strangers, making snarky comments."
Years from now, my [grand]children will ask me, "Where were you when Michael Jackson died?"
"On the internet with a bunch of strangers, making snarky comments."
Thursday, June 25
Don't Hold Back
Taylor just came upstairs from the basement.
"Bob! You hear about Michael Jackson?"
"Yeah - numerous reports. One source says he's dead, another said he was in cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived, another said LaToya was sobbing at the hospital... No one knows what's going on."
As he turns to head back to the basement, he says "Well, let me know if he dies."
I say "Do try to hold back your emotions, OK?"
"Bob! You hear about Michael Jackson?"
"Yeah - numerous reports. One source says he's dead, another said he was in cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived, another said LaToya was sobbing at the hospital... No one knows what's going on."
As he turns to head back to the basement, he says "Well, let me know if he dies."
I say "Do try to hold back your emotions, OK?"
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
Indeed:
The x-ray image above was taken yesterday afternoon. Yes, that's MY neck. And MY titanium plate. Replete with screws. I was able to keep the x-ray - a souvenir of sorts.
Maybe I'll have it printed and carry it around in my wallet.
Proof I'm not carrying contraband in my neck for screeners.
The x-ray image above was taken yesterday afternoon. Yes, that's MY neck. And MY titanium plate. Replete with screws. I was able to keep the x-ray - a souvenir of sorts.
Maybe I'll have it printed and carry it around in my wallet.
Proof I'm not carrying contraband in my neck for screeners.
Wednesday, June 24
Tuesday, June 23
Taylorsville Dayzz
It's that time of year again, folks.
As we head off into the latter part of June, the fireworks stands are already being set up, ready for the 4th of July. But there are other fireworks coming our way, and I don't mean for the 24th of July. While fireworks won't be set off in the neighborhood driveways this weekend, these fireworks will be going off for Taylorsville Dayzz.
The professional kind - on the 27th and 28th at 10pm each night.
Living virtually across the street from Valley Regional Park, we're in a prime location for all the festivities of Taylorsville Dayzz. And not just the fireworks. June 27th, this Saturday, there's a parade that actually closes 27th West from 54th South to 47th South. This is a big deal.
More information about Taylorsville Dayzz can be found here.
As we head off into the latter part of June, the fireworks stands are already being set up, ready for the 4th of July. But there are other fireworks coming our way, and I don't mean for the 24th of July. While fireworks won't be set off in the neighborhood driveways this weekend, these fireworks will be going off for Taylorsville Dayzz.
The professional kind - on the 27th and 28th at 10pm each night.
Living virtually across the street from Valley Regional Park, we're in a prime location for all the festivities of Taylorsville Dayzz. And not just the fireworks. June 27th, this Saturday, there's a parade that actually closes 27th West from 54th South to 47th South. This is a big deal.
More information about Taylorsville Dayzz can be found here.
Great Words
Got an interesting email today.Seems Ben Fulton of the Salt Lake Tribune is now following me on Twitter. And I'm not sure why.
After all, he is local. Then again, maybe it's something he read.
As far as reading goes, here's his only post - which bears repeating, if only because it's so true of social media:
"Now begins the arduous but delightful task of building a following."
So true.
Monday, June 22
Crazy But Not Stupid
Lost In The Translation
A local Spanish television station has been broadcasting, for the last week or so, an announcement that they've switched to high-definition digital, on channel 619.
Their content is no longer available on Channel 22.
OK, locals, if you're still using a "standard" TV - in other words, one that has a 4:3 aspect ratio - go take a look at channel 619. Most, if not all content on the left and right sides of the picture are lost. Which is typical. For example, digital channel 652 is channel 4 (KTVX) in HD. During most shows, that "ABC" logo is offset from the right by about a quarter of the screen size. But display that image, using the controls on your remote, at 4:3 and the ABC logo appears in its pre-June 12th position.
Just like a "standard" TV.
But there's another, uh, aspect to this that's not immediately apparent - what if you haven't gotten around to buying an HDTV? And you don't have a cable company HD box?
(There are SO many combinations of boxes, TV's, HDTV's, cables, cable companies, antennas, ad nauseum, that I wouldn't want to be anywhere near a cable company help desk right now.)
Anyway... Comcast - as well as cable companies nationwide - said that if you were on cable, you didn't have to worry about your old TV working, because the cable would still provide a signal your TV could use. Except for one crucial factor - if your TV doesn't know what a channel 619 is, then what?
All you get to do is watch a test pattern.
TeleFutura should be ashamed of turning their back on an entire block of the population - who may not have gotten all the information on the HD switchover in the first place.
[About the title of this post]
I originally was going to make this post about channel 22 switching to all-HDTV. Being a Spanish-only station, the text displayed on channel 22 is thus: PROGRAMACION DE TELEFUTURA PUEDE SER ENCONTRADA EN EL CANAL DIGITAL 619. Using Google Translate from Spanish to English, that turns into the following:
"TeleFutura's lineup can be found on digital channel 619."
Wow - translation software has come a long way, hmm? Not only is that apostrophe in the right place, but the extra capitalization of TeleFutura is rather impressive.
In other words, WTF?
Their content is no longer available on Channel 22.
OK, locals, if you're still using a "standard" TV - in other words, one that has a 4:3 aspect ratio - go take a look at channel 619. Most, if not all content on the left and right sides of the picture are lost. Which is typical. For example, digital channel 652 is channel 4 (KTVX) in HD. During most shows, that "ABC" logo is offset from the right by about a quarter of the screen size. But display that image, using the controls on your remote, at 4:3 and the ABC logo appears in its pre-June 12th position.
Just like a "standard" TV.
But there's another, uh, aspect to this that's not immediately apparent - what if you haven't gotten around to buying an HDTV? And you don't have a cable company HD box?
(There are SO many combinations of boxes, TV's, HDTV's, cables, cable companies, antennas, ad nauseum, that I wouldn't want to be anywhere near a cable company help desk right now.)
Anyway... Comcast - as well as cable companies nationwide - said that if you were on cable, you didn't have to worry about your old TV working, because the cable would still provide a signal your TV could use. Except for one crucial factor - if your TV doesn't know what a channel 619 is, then what?
All you get to do is watch a test pattern.
TeleFutura should be ashamed of turning their back on an entire block of the population - who may not have gotten all the information on the HD switchover in the first place.
[About the title of this post]
I originally was going to make this post about channel 22 switching to all-HDTV. Being a Spanish-only station, the text displayed on channel 22 is thus: PROGRAMACION DE TELEFUTURA PUEDE SER ENCONTRADA EN EL CANAL DIGITAL 619. Using Google Translate from Spanish to English, that turns into the following:
"TeleFutura's lineup can be found on digital channel 619."
Wow - translation software has come a long way, hmm? Not only is that apostrophe in the right place, but the extra capitalization of TeleFutura is rather impressive.
In other words, WTF?
Dads Get A Bum Rap
Never let it be said that you don't find factual information on my blog. OK, maybe a little bs here and there. But still.
Happy Father's Day one day late!
At Jenn, Chris and Ramin's yesterday for Father's Day. Burgers and cake. My kind of party!
While the gifts were nice - and appreciated! - the cards I got were over the top.
From Jenn and Chris:
Outside: free beer here. Inside: Now that I have your undivided attention, happy Father's Day!
From Taylor: Dad, I've always admired how, unlike so many wimpy guys these days, you always make the tough decisions, lay down the law, and rule the castle the way a man is meant to rule. Inside: (I thought Mom was going to split a gut when I showed her this one.)
I did actually get a six-pack of Guinness from Jenn and Chris, and the tongue-in-cheek admiration of Taylor's card made me sort of weepy. Until I opened the card, that is.
I made comment during the festivities that you'd never see cards like those for Mother's Day. Give any such card to Mom, well, all you need do is remember the Golden Rule of families: "If Mom's happy, everyone's happy."
And what card did my lovely wife get me?
Outside: Fathers will tell their kids that they know what's best, but when you get a group of Fathers together, they bond over the fact that none of them has any idea what they're doing.
After that, does the inside really matter?
That said, the inside does say "Hope your Father's Day is the best! (Whether you like it or not!)"
Sigh.
Happy Father's Day one day late!
At Jenn, Chris and Ramin's yesterday for Father's Day. Burgers and cake. My kind of party!
While the gifts were nice - and appreciated! - the cards I got were over the top.
From Jenn and Chris:
Outside: free beer here. Inside: Now that I have your undivided attention, happy Father's Day!
From Taylor: Dad, I've always admired how, unlike so many wimpy guys these days, you always make the tough decisions, lay down the law, and rule the castle the way a man is meant to rule. Inside: (I thought Mom was going to split a gut when I showed her this one.)
I did actually get a six-pack of Guinness from Jenn and Chris, and the tongue-in-cheek admiration of Taylor's card made me sort of weepy. Until I opened the card, that is.
I made comment during the festivities that you'd never see cards like those for Mother's Day. Give any such card to Mom, well, all you need do is remember the Golden Rule of families: "If Mom's happy, everyone's happy."
And what card did my lovely wife get me?
Outside: Fathers will tell their kids that they know what's best, but when you get a group of Fathers together, they bond over the fact that none of them has any idea what they're doing.
After that, does the inside really matter?
That said, the inside does say "Hope your Father's Day is the best! (Whether you like it or not!)"
Sigh.
Friday, June 19
Recovery Update
Stopped by the "office" today to drop off my truck, phone, access card, and laptop. It's an asset management thing.
Enough about that - at least it got me out of the house for awhile.
Took my Steri-Strips off last night - the scar isn't bad at all, since there were no stitches. Looks like (and Marilee concurs) that no one will be the wiser that I even had spinal surgery. Which could be a bad thing...
"So you've been off for how long, you say you had surgery, yet there's no surgical scar?"
[crickets]
"Yeah, riiiight."
Enough about that - at least it got me out of the house for awhile.
Took my Steri-Strips off last night - the scar isn't bad at all, since there were no stitches. Looks like (and Marilee concurs) that no one will be the wiser that I even had spinal surgery. Which could be a bad thing...
"So you've been off for how long, you say you had surgery, yet there's no surgical scar?"
[crickets]
"Yeah, riiiight."
Thursday, June 18
Most Trusted Man in America
The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that Walter Cronkite may be signing off soon:Legendary CBS journalist Walter Cronkite reportedly gravely ill
This has been verified by multiple sources at CBS and other published reports, according to the Times' website.
Summerfest!
It's time again for Logan Summerfest!
To be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 19-21, the Summerfest Arts Faire offers fine art, great food and entertainment to it's visitors. From the Summerfest website: "...Local and regional visitors will have the opportunity to purchase fine art and gifts at great prices, and a delightful variety of food, snacks and drinks. All vendors are carefully selected for quality and variety and visitors will not be disappointed."
Located at Logan's historic Tabernacle Square, Summerfest is easy to find. Parking's difficult, but not impossible. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, and maybe bring a lawn chair or two to sit on the shady lawn and people watch.
Marilee and I are going on Sunday to help celebrate Father's Day.
You should plan on going, too!
To be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 19-21, the Summerfest Arts Faire offers fine art, great food and entertainment to it's visitors. From the Summerfest website: "...Local and regional visitors will have the opportunity to purchase fine art and gifts at great prices, and a delightful variety of food, snacks and drinks. All vendors are carefully selected for quality and variety and visitors will not be disappointed."
Located at Logan's historic Tabernacle Square, Summerfest is easy to find. Parking's difficult, but not impossible. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, and maybe bring a lawn chair or two to sit on the shady lawn and people watch.
Marilee and I are going on Sunday to help celebrate Father's Day.
You should plan on going, too!
Wednesday, June 17
Caveat Blogger
Found an interesting ability of Blogger this evening - called Blogger Play, it displays a slideshow of images recently posted to other folks' blogs.
Fair warning, though - there is a possibility you may see an inappropriate image - NSFW, in other words.
The FAQ for Blogger Play can be found here.
Have fun!
Fair warning, though - there is a possibility you may see an inappropriate image - NSFW, in other words.
The FAQ for Blogger Play can be found here.
Have fun!
Tuesday, June 16
On My Healing Process
Overall, doing well. At least I think so from my vantage point. I've been able to (mostly) stay off the Lortab, though there's been a few evening muscle spasms and I take Carisoprodol for that.
No pain, though I get pins and needles in my fingertips from time to time. At least I'm not as bad off as this guy.
Just have to lean my neck to the left to make mine go away, probably still some irritation in that C6-C7 bundle. But not as bad as it once was.
I have a follow-up scheduled for next Wednesday and an X-ray an hour beforehand which sort of surprised me, but this is a new experience for me.
Maybe the X-ray is to make sure my screws aren't loose.
Though that's a whole 'nother branch of medicine.
No pain, though I get pins and needles in my fingertips from time to time. At least I'm not as bad off as this guy.
Just have to lean my neck to the left to make mine go away, probably still some irritation in that C6-C7 bundle. But not as bad as it once was.
I have a follow-up scheduled for next Wednesday and an X-ray an hour beforehand which sort of surprised me, but this is a new experience for me.
Maybe the X-ray is to make sure my screws aren't loose.
Though that's a whole 'nother branch of medicine.
Monday, June 15
Price Breaktrhough
No, that's not a typo. On my part.
The following image was contained within an email today:
Wonder if they include a spell checker.
[It is a nice price, however.]
The following image was contained within an email today:
Wonder if they include a spell checker.[It is a nice price, however.]
Dooce Had Her Baby
Just sayin'.
Updates are at Twitter accounts @dooce and @blurb.
Also at dooce.com and blurbomat.com.
Congratulations to them both!
Updates are at Twitter accounts @dooce and @blurb.
Also at dooce.com and blurbomat.com.
Congratulations to them both!
Sunday, June 14
Language Barriers
And the problem is...?
Love this article from the Associated Press:
CINCINNATI (AP) — A Hindu father from Ohio has filed a complaint with the Justice Department claiming his son was forced to eat a beef taco in the school cafeteria.
Ashish Gandhi says the taco incident occurred at the Academy of World Languages [AWL], a public magnet school in Cincinnati. Eating beef is considered a sacrilege to Hindus.
Cincinnati Public Schools attorney Gary Winters told investigators the boy chose the taco himself, and the employee who gave it to him was unaware of his dietary restrictions.
Gandhi, who moved to the U.S. from India in 2007, calls the taco meal an "intentional act of religious bigotry." He filed a separate complaint claiming the school has refused to offer his son services for students who don't speak English.
Nearly half of the academy's students speak foreign languages."
Now wait a minute. Since this sounds like a "typical" charter - read alternative - school, with ESL (English as a Second Language) courses available, shouldn't Dad have asked if they did indeed have someone who spoke the requisite language to teach his son?
And what, exactly, has sonny learned thus far if he didn't speak any English?
The Academy of World Language's website says there are "...foreign-language learning opportunities including Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian."
Enrollment forms, however, are available not from AWL's site, but from the Cincinnati Public Schools' website, and are available in English, Spanish, French, and Arabic.
Is it just me, or is there a bit of a disconnect here?
In AWL's defense, though, they do say "...Students in all grades receive foreign-language instruction at least 150 minutes on a weekly basis."
In this case, however, it's just not English.
Love this article from the Associated Press:
CINCINNATI (AP) — A Hindu father from Ohio has filed a complaint with the Justice Department claiming his son was forced to eat a beef taco in the school cafeteria.
Ashish Gandhi says the taco incident occurred at the Academy of World Languages [AWL], a public magnet school in Cincinnati. Eating beef is considered a sacrilege to Hindus.
Cincinnati Public Schools attorney Gary Winters told investigators the boy chose the taco himself, and the employee who gave it to him was unaware of his dietary restrictions.
Gandhi, who moved to the U.S. from India in 2007, calls the taco meal an "intentional act of religious bigotry." He filed a separate complaint claiming the school has refused to offer his son services for students who don't speak English.
Nearly half of the academy's students speak foreign languages."
Now wait a minute. Since this sounds like a "typical" charter - read alternative - school, with ESL (English as a Second Language) courses available, shouldn't Dad have asked if they did indeed have someone who spoke the requisite language to teach his son?
And what, exactly, has sonny learned thus far if he didn't speak any English?
The Academy of World Language's website says there are "...foreign-language learning opportunities including Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian."
Enrollment forms, however, are available not from AWL's site, but from the Cincinnati Public Schools' website, and are available in English, Spanish, French, and Arabic.
Is it just me, or is there a bit of a disconnect here?
In AWL's defense, though, they do say "...Students in all grades receive foreign-language instruction at least 150 minutes on a weekly basis."
In this case, however, it's just not English.
Flag Day
How interesting is it that Six Flags filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection the day before FLAG DAY?
Coincidence?
Coincidence?
Friday, June 12
Maples In Living Color
I'm hoping my recent readers from LDS Hospital are still "listening" - I have a question for you all:
Do the maple trees around the hospital and surrounding medical office buildings turn red or yellow in the fall?
The backstory:
Last October, I posted a bit about the maple trees we have growing around our house.
Mentioning only briefly about the little one off in the corner in the backyard, I figured it was about time to snap a photo:
With the weather the way it is, not to mention the sprinkler system installed last year, the "little one" is doing fine. While not ten-plus feet high as the ones in the front, I'm sure its root system is rather well-developed.
During one of our outings during a doctor's visit, Marilee and I commented on the number of maple seeds that had dropped from the many maples around the hospital and surrounding medical buildings.
Unfortunately, all of the ones around that area were immature seeds - they hadn't quite gotten to "helicopter" mode yet.
Maple seeds are amazing creations of nature. Once you see how a maple seed is "engineered", you'll wonder how something like that could be created and Who created them. Yes, "Who" is capitalized for a reason.
A few weeks ago I found some mature seeds outside, and for the heck of it, planted them in an unused pot in the back yard - haven't yet "intentionally" watered the pot; Mother Nature's been taking care of that lately. They're doing quite well:
As Marilee and I are "into"ornamental" trees and plants, we've been talking about getting another maple, but this time one that turns red in the fall, since all the ones in our yards turn yellow - a red one would be a great contrast.
We'll be heading back in the direction of the hospital in the next week or so for a followup visit and will be looking for mature seeds. But want to make sure we're getting "red" ones, not "yellow" ones.
So again, that's the question: Do the maples around LDS Hospital turn red or yellow in the fall?
Do the maple trees around the hospital and surrounding medical office buildings turn red or yellow in the fall?
The backstory:
Last October, I posted a bit about the maple trees we have growing around our house.
Mentioning only briefly about the little one off in the corner in the backyard, I figured it was about time to snap a photo:
With the weather the way it is, not to mention the sprinkler system installed last year, the "little one" is doing fine. While not ten-plus feet high as the ones in the front, I'm sure its root system is rather well-developed.During one of our outings during a doctor's visit, Marilee and I commented on the number of maple seeds that had dropped from the many maples around the hospital and surrounding medical buildings.
Unfortunately, all of the ones around that area were immature seeds - they hadn't quite gotten to "helicopter" mode yet.
Maple seeds are amazing creations of nature. Once you see how a maple seed is "engineered", you'll wonder how something like that could be created and Who created them. Yes, "Who" is capitalized for a reason.
A few weeks ago I found some mature seeds outside, and for the heck of it, planted them in an unused pot in the back yard - haven't yet "intentionally" watered the pot; Mother Nature's been taking care of that lately. They're doing quite well:
As Marilee and I are "into"ornamental" trees and plants, we've been talking about getting another maple, but this time one that turns red in the fall, since all the ones in our yards turn yellow - a red one would be a great contrast.We'll be heading back in the direction of the hospital in the next week or so for a followup visit and will be looking for mature seeds. But want to make sure we're getting "red" ones, not "yellow" ones.
So again, that's the question: Do the maples around LDS Hospital turn red or yellow in the fall?
Thursday, June 11
Interesting Yet Disturbing
I think I'll be looking into watermark programs that embed copyright information into the images I post on the internet. If the following can happen to an ordinary family in Missouri, it can happen to any one of us who post our pictures in our blogs - or anywhere else for that matter:
How did Christmas photo get in life-size ad in Czech Republic store?
The link to see the picture in the store window is here.
Scary sh!t.
How did Christmas photo get in life-size ad in Czech Republic store?
The link to see the picture in the store window is here.
Scary sh!t.
Tuesday, June 9
Father's Day Gifts
Looking for the perfect Father's Day gift? This may not be it, unless Dad is very single:
I picked up an analog weather forecaster - that's one with dials for you youngsters - at a yard sale several weeks ago before all these thunderstorms started in Utah. I'd mentioned that it would be really cool to get a forecaster that's digital.
"Maybe you'll get one for Father's Day."
The one above is from Wind and Weather and is only $39.95.
I bet there's a caveat to the image shown on their website, though. You wanna bet what the girl will be wearing when that cloud goes away?
You also wanna bet I will not be getting this one?
I picked up an analog weather forecaster - that's one with dials for you youngsters - at a yard sale several weeks ago before all these thunderstorms started in Utah. I'd mentioned that it would be really cool to get a forecaster that's digital."Maybe you'll get one for Father's Day."
The one above is from Wind and Weather and is only $39.95.
I bet there's a caveat to the image shown on their website, though. You wanna bet what the girl will be wearing when that cloud goes away?
You also wanna bet I will not be getting this one?
Monday, June 8
The Respiration Technician
I'd like this guy's job. I met him if only for a brief moment a couple hours before I checked out of the hospital last Wednesday.
He goes around to every patients' room and checks their blood oxygen levels. The device he used was a "finger pulse oximeter", and I want one. No, really.
Bulky it's not. In fact, he was carrying it in the palm of his hand - but it was even smaller than that.
Similar in function to the stethoscope-less clip-on-your-finger device many care facilities use nowadays, this thing also clips onto your finger and measures not only your oxygen level but your pulse as well. Even had a damn EKG-like display. Had a bright OLED display and can be read in just about any ambient light.
The one he had was rather spendy - he said the hospital got them for about 200 bucks a pop, but there are less-fancy ones available without the EKG function. Some even have a USB port for long-term diagnoses.
One rather minimalistic model just has large characters a la old-school LED's and can be had for about $50.
No, I don't want one for Father's Day.
Just sayin'.
He goes around to every patients' room and checks their blood oxygen levels. The device he used was a "finger pulse oximeter", and I want one. No, really.
Bulky it's not. In fact, he was carrying it in the palm of his hand - but it was even smaller than that.
Similar in function to the stethoscope-less clip-on-your-finger device many care facilities use nowadays, this thing also clips onto your finger and measures not only your oxygen level but your pulse as well. Even had a damn EKG-like display. Had a bright OLED display and can be read in just about any ambient light.
The one he had was rather spendy - he said the hospital got them for about 200 bucks a pop, but there are less-fancy ones available without the EKG function. Some even have a USB port for long-term diagnoses.One rather minimalistic model just has large characters a la old-school LED's and can be had for about $50.
No, I don't want one for Father's Day.
Just sayin'.
About Post-Op Meds
This is more of a "Words to the wise" than about specifics.
Specifically, watch what you read when you're on your post-operative medications.
As said previously, a book I'd heard about but put aside for another time to read has been getting my attention late at night in my dreams.
I've never had problems dreaming and/or getting into REM sleep. In this particular case, though, the subject matter can give you the heebie-jeebies if put in the wrong context, that context being under the influence.
Of what? The mere fact that - in Utah at least - that one needs to show ID when picking up one's meds from the local apothecary if said meds are a narcotic, then all you need do is think Timothy Leary. For my generation, that gets the point across pretty easily.
I've already written about some of the travels I've done (read trips) about other meds I've taken and what the thankfully non-negative outcomes were. But those were conscious travels; rather these past few have been in my sub-conscious. Not sure that since I was in deep sleep I was therefore unconscious.
The book, by A. J. Jacobs, is titled "The Year of Living Biblically". The subject matter wouldn't otherwise have got my attention if not for a report done by the Bryant Park Project on NPR in late 2007. It sounded interesting, if only that the question comes up occasionally whether the the Bible should be taken literally, or as literature?1,2
I imagine that since none of the Bible should be considered as fantasy (I suppose it depends on who you talk to, or even if your beliefs are of the Creationist/Evolutionist/Flying Spaghetti Monster variety), but since my mind lately is muddied a bit by my prescribed narcotics, bits of reality have been interspersed with that of the book.
Listen to the piece at NPR about the book, then imagine what your mind might do with it.
Yes, I'll probably finish reading the book, but I'm not one to comment on it in part or in full.
Particularly if I'm under the influence.
1 OK, I admit I had to look up the word literal: Pertaining to a letter of the alphabet. More typically, it means “based on what is actually written or expressed.” A literal interpretation gives an exact rendering—word for word— taking words in their usual or primary sense. It is also used to describe thinking which is unimaginative or matter of fact.http://www.enotes.com/literary-terms/literal
2 There was even a class in high school called "Bible as Lit". Thirty-four years ago. Imagine how far we've come.
Specifically, watch what you read when you're on your post-operative medications.
As said previously, a book I'd heard about but put aside for another time to read has been getting my attention late at night in my dreams.
I've never had problems dreaming and/or getting into REM sleep. In this particular case, though, the subject matter can give you the heebie-jeebies if put in the wrong context, that context being under the influence.
Of what? The mere fact that - in Utah at least - that one needs to show ID when picking up one's meds from the local apothecary if said meds are a narcotic, then all you need do is think Timothy Leary. For my generation, that gets the point across pretty easily.
I've already written about some of the travels I've done (read trips) about other meds I've taken and what the thankfully non-negative outcomes were. But those were conscious travels; rather these past few have been in my sub-conscious. Not sure that since I was in deep sleep I was therefore unconscious.
The book, by A. J. Jacobs, is titled "The Year of Living Biblically". The subject matter wouldn't otherwise have got my attention if not for a report done by the Bryant Park Project on NPR in late 2007. It sounded interesting, if only that the question comes up occasionally whether the the Bible should be taken literally, or as literature?1,2
I imagine that since none of the Bible should be considered as fantasy (I suppose it depends on who you talk to, or even if your beliefs are of the Creationist/Evolutionist/Flying Spaghetti Monster variety), but since my mind lately is muddied a bit by my prescribed narcotics, bits of reality have been interspersed with that of the book.
Listen to the piece at NPR about the book, then imagine what your mind might do with it.
Yes, I'll probably finish reading the book, but I'm not one to comment on it in part or in full.
Particularly if I'm under the influence.
1 OK, I admit I had to look up the word literal: Pertaining to a letter of the alphabet. More typically, it means “based on what is actually written or expressed.” A literal interpretation gives an exact rendering—word for word— taking words in their usual or primary sense. It is also used to describe thinking which is unimaginative or matter of fact.http://www.enotes.com/literary-terms/literal
2 There was even a class in high school called "Bible as Lit". Thirty-four years ago. Imagine how far we've come.
Saturday, June 6
No Where Near Normalcy Yet
It occurred to me this morning that I'm not feeling at all "normal". Not particularly because someone last week was digging around in my neck with sharp instruments and a SCREWDRIVER, but because my routine has been altered in ways too numerous to mention.
And trying to get back to something approaching normal has been a real challenge.
Yesterday, for example, though my blog post had to do with sleeping, and the challenges involved with that, I had actually written most of that on Thursday with my manual Bob's BS.
Yesterday, I couldn't come up with anything new to write about - I was in pain most of the day, couldn't find a comfortable position to sleep in, there were constant dog interruptions, couldn't "get into" any of the movies I tried to watch, et cetera.
And as far as pain, no combination of my meds seemed to do the trick.
I awoke this morning at 4:15am and could not get back to sleep. Came downstairs, watched a bit of TV, and still had pain1 I could not control.
Marilee was up at about 5am - which surprised me for a Saturday. I was having a "constitutional" out on the porch, and she startled me as I rose so as to go back into the house. Turned and ran smack dab into the post on the porch, leading with my arm. Yes, THAT arm.
After stumbling back inside and meandering around the kitchen and family room and trying to decide whether to go back upstairs and trying to sleep some more, somewhere in the back of my drug-muddled mind I began to wonder just what the hell was going on: Thursday had been so much more "normal", but Friday everything turned to crap. I even had headaches that hadn't been present in the last two days, even with all the dru...
Then it hit me, as if headlong into a brick wall.
Thus this blog post.
Normalcy - or something approaching it - is achieved with a drug I had none of on Friday.
It's more commonly referred to by its non-generic name: COFFEE.
1 I suppose I should mention just what pain means in my current post-op state. Pain is a shooting pain more so from my right shoulder through the elbow into my hand. Yes, the same damn pain that I had the surgery for in the first place. But since all those nerve routes have now been relieved of herniation or whatever, it will just take time for those routes to heal.
And trying to get back to something approaching normal has been a real challenge.
Yesterday, for example, though my blog post had to do with sleeping, and the challenges involved with that, I had actually written most of that on Thursday with my manual Bob's BS.
Yesterday, I couldn't come up with anything new to write about - I was in pain most of the day, couldn't find a comfortable position to sleep in, there were constant dog interruptions, couldn't "get into" any of the movies I tried to watch, et cetera.
And as far as pain, no combination of my meds seemed to do the trick.
I awoke this morning at 4:15am and could not get back to sleep. Came downstairs, watched a bit of TV, and still had pain1 I could not control.
Marilee was up at about 5am - which surprised me for a Saturday. I was having a "constitutional" out on the porch, and she startled me as I rose so as to go back into the house. Turned and ran smack dab into the post on the porch, leading with my arm. Yes, THAT arm.
After stumbling back inside and meandering around the kitchen and family room and trying to decide whether to go back upstairs and trying to sleep some more, somewhere in the back of my drug-muddled mind I began to wonder just what the hell was going on: Thursday had been so much more "normal", but Friday everything turned to crap. I even had headaches that hadn't been present in the last two days, even with all the dru...
Then it hit me, as if headlong into a brick wall.
Thus this blog post.
Normalcy - or something approaching it - is achieved with a drug I had none of on Friday.
It's more commonly referred to by its non-generic name: COFFEE.
1 I suppose I should mention just what pain means in my current post-op state. Pain is a shooting pain more so from my right shoulder through the elbow into my hand. Yes, the same damn pain that I had the surgery for in the first place. But since all those nerve routes have now been relieved of herniation or whatever, it will just take time for those routes to heal.
Friday, June 5
Just Sayin'
From the Associated Press this morning, a better headline would have been:
Muslims want action to back up Obama's tone
The "other" way just doesn't sound right. Look it up.
Just sayin'.
Muslims want action to back up Obama's tone
The "other" way just doesn't sound right. Look it up.
Just sayin'.
Taking Things For Granted
Something as simple as sleeping.
Sleeping has become an interesting experience all on its own. After sleeping just one night at LDS Hospital on the standard-issue hospital bed - no doubt designed by the same guy as the medieval "rack" - and having to sleep at an exact 30-degree angle as decreed by my neurosurgeon, I have found that position to be nearly impossible to maintain.
Being a left- or right-side sleeper all my life, adapting to anything other than a 90- or 270-degree attitude (pitch, yaw, whatever), is quite challenging. And for me to keep in that position requires a foam cervical collar, also likely designed by someone in the dark ages.
The "log-roll" is the accepted method for getting into the left- or right- axes described above, provided that there's a flat spot.
This log has no flat spot.
[In hindsight, it appears that Marilee's decision to purchase a two-ended recliner for the two of us has become a Godsend. With Lexie as a counterweight at 2am, I was able to sleep quite comfortable at an approximate 30-degree-ish angle. Or was it foresight?]
Sleeping has become an interesting experience all on its own. After sleeping just one night at LDS Hospital on the standard-issue hospital bed - no doubt designed by the same guy as the medieval "rack" - and having to sleep at an exact 30-degree angle as decreed by my neurosurgeon, I have found that position to be nearly impossible to maintain.
Being a left- or right-side sleeper all my life, adapting to anything other than a 90- or 270-degree attitude (pitch, yaw, whatever), is quite challenging. And for me to keep in that position requires a foam cervical collar, also likely designed by someone in the dark ages.
The "log-roll" is the accepted method for getting into the left- or right- axes described above, provided that there's a flat spot.
This log has no flat spot.
[In hindsight, it appears that Marilee's decision to purchase a two-ended recliner for the two of us has become a Godsend. With Lexie as a counterweight at 2am, I was able to sleep quite comfortable at an approximate 30-degree-ish angle. Or was it foresight?]
Thursday, June 4
Free Time
I seem to have an over-abundance of free time - I'm only at my first full day of post-op and I'm just a bit stir crazy. Call it cabin fever if you'd like. I could drive if need be, but Marilee would rather I didn't. But considering all the neat-o meds still coursing through my system, maybe I'll just stay put.
Sitting here with not much else to do but heal, it occurred to me that it would be a great time to catch up on some long-put-off reading. Having just picked up a few tomes from my basement library, and realizing that "The Word Museum" and "Casual Lex" aren't exactly War and Peace - the Salt Lake Valley white pages would be just as riveting - I grabbed a tome I'd heard about last year on NPR called "The Year of Living Biblically" by A. J. Jacobs.
I had just gotten to page 9 of the hard cover edition when I was overcome by the urge to grab my Bob's BS journal and make a few notes and quickly ran out of room on a full page.
Having just reached that point and realizing that all this time I have on my hands that I can garner quite a bit of useful stuff or worthless crap.
Or pure BS.
Thus the grabbing of my BS book.
It had me remember that in my hospital room, there was not only nothing to write ON, but nothing to write WITH. It took my nurse-on-duty a bit of time to track down some paper, once she inadvertently left a pen in the room with me. Just a simple Bic stick pen, it had me wanting to write something. Anything.
If only to make note of things to write about in the coming days and weeks of myself nursing my sore neck.
Interestingly enough, when I was making those notes earlier in my manual notebook, my arm was not hurting one bit. Now, typing on the notebook, the pins and needles are starting to remind me they've not entirely left my system. Yeah, I know, give it time.
So using a simple PENCIL in my BS journal, I was able to stop a pain from occurring.
And what does that mean to you? You wouldn't have been able to read this until MUCH later.
But do YOU need a Bob's BS book? Why not? Manual notebooks work just as well as their electronic counterparts, and don't crash.
Tempting, isn't it?
Sitting here with not much else to do but heal, it occurred to me that it would be a great time to catch up on some long-put-off reading. Having just picked up a few tomes from my basement library, and realizing that "The Word Museum" and "Casual Lex" aren't exactly War and Peace - the Salt Lake Valley white pages would be just as riveting - I grabbed a tome I'd heard about last year on NPR called "The Year of Living Biblically" by A. J. Jacobs.
I had just gotten to page 9 of the hard cover edition when I was overcome by the urge to grab my Bob's BS journal and make a few notes and quickly ran out of room on a full page.
Having just reached that point and realizing that all this time I have on my hands that I can garner quite a bit of useful stuff or worthless crap.
Or pure BS.
Thus the grabbing of my BS book.
It had me remember that in my hospital room, there was not only nothing to write ON, but nothing to write WITH. It took my nurse-on-duty a bit of time to track down some paper, once she inadvertently left a pen in the room with me. Just a simple Bic stick pen, it had me wanting to write something. Anything.
If only to make note of things to write about in the coming days and weeks of myself nursing my sore neck.
Interestingly enough, when I was making those notes earlier in my manual notebook, my arm was not hurting one bit. Now, typing on the notebook, the pins and needles are starting to remind me they've not entirely left my system. Yeah, I know, give it time.
So using a simple PENCIL in my BS journal, I was able to stop a pain from occurring.
And what does that mean to you? You wouldn't have been able to read this until MUCH later.
But do YOU need a Bob's BS book? Why not? Manual notebooks work just as well as their electronic counterparts, and don't crash.
Tempting, isn't it?
Lately I've Been Watching Chelsea
Only by sheer accident have I lately been watching Chelsea Lately, one of THE coolest late-night talk shows around. The TV-Content warning label in the upper-left-hand corner of the screen when the show starts suggests just what to expect - typically, just underneath the large TV logo is DSL. There's no violence, hence the lack of the letter V. Something you'd expect from a movie.
But this is a talk show.
I TiVo her show since I don't stay up late, pre- or post-op. So this morning I'm watching last-evening's show, and she's just said she's not going to even mention a certain reality-show any more.
Nor am I, not that I've ever mentioned it anyway.
But as with my comment last year about the Jonas Brothers and Volcanoes, I'm going to mention the other thing just once, just to see what happens to my reader count.
There's nothing to see here. Move along:
John and Kate Plus 8
But this is a talk show.
I TiVo her show since I don't stay up late, pre- or post-op. So this morning I'm watching last-evening's show, and she's just said she's not going to even mention a certain reality-show any more.
Nor am I, not that I've ever mentioned it anyway.
But as with my comment last year about the Jonas Brothers and Volcanoes, I'm going to mention the other thing just once, just to see what happens to my reader count.
There's nothing to see here. Move along:
John and Kate Plus 8
Oh Negative
There are many things hospital people ask you when you check in for any given procedure. The one I find interesting that they don't ask is what blood type you are. Marilee said it's likely that they wouldn't take your word for it; they draw blood anyway during that initial insertion of a catheter, and they're going to find out soon enough.
And, again, there I was, checking in at a hospital (last time was for my gall bladder removal), and again, they did not ask.
I'm a popular guy in that regard - I'm O-Negative.
And I only know that because I donated blood a few times back in the 80's.
Do you know your blood type?
Anyway, the first time I donated blood way back then, I talked to my Dad about the procedure, and he said something I've not forgotten since then and likely never will forget: "How could that be?"
No, I don't know what type he was, nor do I know what type my Mom was. Maybe then, like now, not much is known by the layman about what happens when one blood type meets another in the whole genetic world. After all, the only time that topic comes up is if you're in need of a transfusion, or that there's a likelihood you'll want to make a baby.
In fact, the last time I was asked what my blood type was, was in a bar in Tokyo in 1985 at 3am.
But we'll leave that story for another time...
And, again, there I was, checking in at a hospital (last time was for my gall bladder removal), and again, they did not ask.
I'm a popular guy in that regard - I'm O-Negative.
And I only know that because I donated blood a few times back in the 80's.
Do you know your blood type?
Anyway, the first time I donated blood way back then, I talked to my Dad about the procedure, and he said something I've not forgotten since then and likely never will forget: "How could that be?"
No, I don't know what type he was, nor do I know what type my Mom was. Maybe then, like now, not much is known by the layman about what happens when one blood type meets another in the whole genetic world. After all, the only time that topic comes up is if you're in need of a transfusion, or that there's a likelihood you'll want to make a baby.
In fact, the last time I was asked what my blood type was, was in a bar in Tokyo in 1985 at 3am.
But we'll leave that story for another time...
Wednesday, June 3
Post-Op
I'm home from the hospital for some much-needed recuperation.
And now pain free, at least the pain for which I went in for. Now the pain to get rid of is from the surgery.
I want to thank the staff at LDS Hospital for taking such good care of me, specifically Rochelle, Jeff, Angie, Tiva, Laura, Maria, Elizabeth, Ondira, and Breanne. Through the haze of anesthesia, I might have missed a few names; for those I missed, I thank you, too.
And thanks particularly to Dr. Robert G. Peterson, my neurosurgeon.
And in case you're wondering, his middle name is Gordon.
I'll have more in the next few days but for now I'm exhausted.
And now pain free, at least the pain for which I went in for. Now the pain to get rid of is from the surgery.
I want to thank the staff at LDS Hospital for taking such good care of me, specifically Rochelle, Jeff, Angie, Tiva, Laura, Maria, Elizabeth, Ondira, and Breanne. Through the haze of anesthesia, I might have missed a few names; for those I missed, I thank you, too.
And thanks particularly to Dr. Robert G. Peterson, my neurosurgeon.
And in case you're wondering, his middle name is Gordon.
I'll have more in the next few days but for now I'm exhausted.
Tuesday, June 2
Incommunicado
I'm actually writing this post Monday at about 3:30pm, but having it post at Tuesday, 9:15am.The reason? At that particular time Tuesday I'll be checking into LDS Hospital for my surgery.
So although there won't be any "real-time" blog post on Tuesday, I'll be taking my cell phone with me so as to "Tweet" once I'm coherent enough to do so.
How will you know I've "tweeted"? It'll be over there in the right-hand sidebar under "@bobsbs", which is oddly enough my Twitter username.
My surgery dictates I'll be spending the night at LDS, so nothing much will be forthcoming Tuesday evening, either. Again, look for a tweet or three.
All for now - I'm going to go nap some more before tonight - tomorrow's going to be a loooong day...
Type to you all soon!
Monday, June 1
Lightning Storms
Theoretically, the image below should show the current real-time lightning strikes across the United States. It's lifted directly from the United States Precision Lightning Network's home page.
So theoretically, if you bookmark the image - not the page - you can always see the current lightning strikes across the country.
If not, just bookmark the page - not the image - and revisit it whenever you want to see how flashy the US is at any given moment.
Cool!
So theoretically, if you bookmark the image - not the page - you can always see the current lightning strikes across the country.
If not, just bookmark the page - not the image - and revisit it whenever you want to see how flashy the US is at any given moment.
Cool!
Something To Look Forward To
With all the great rain we've had thus far this spring, I'm happy to say the weeds are doing quite well in our back yard. And even though our front yard has one less tree, the weeds which had been surrounding that patch were expertly pulled recently by Jenn.
There's still much that could be done in both yards, but since I have a black thumb - though I still want to know how to make our Virginia Creeper propagate - I can't even imagine where to start the process of where, what, and when, as far as actual plants go.
But there's hope on the horizon, and will likely be just in time for me to venture out after my neck surgery.
Coming up on June 12th and 13th will be the Hidden Garden Benefit Tour in Utah County. For $13 you'll be able to traipse through fourteen private gardens from Alpine to Orem to really see how to do "it".
More information can be had at the Tour's website at www.hiddengarden.org.
There's still much that could be done in both yards, but since I have a black thumb - though I still want to know how to make our Virginia Creeper propagate - I can't even imagine where to start the process of where, what, and when, as far as actual plants go.
But there's hope on the horizon, and will likely be just in time for me to venture out after my neck surgery.
Coming up on June 12th and 13th will be the Hidden Garden Benefit Tour in Utah County. For $13 you'll be able to traipse through fourteen private gardens from Alpine to Orem to really see how to do "it".
More information can be had at the Tour's website at www.hiddengarden.org.
News You Can Use
This morning there's an article in the Deseret News - yeah, yeah, yeah, I know I've been a bit harsh of late - that I can actually relate to.
While Ann Cannon's wrist armor will be setting off metal detectors all over the place, my hardware will be located in my neck. She cannot type due to something resembling a wrist rocket; I cannot type before my surgery.
Anyway, I fully enjoyed the article, and I think you will, too:
Broke wrist. Had surgery. Life stuff hard.
While Ann Cannon's wrist armor will be setting off metal detectors all over the place, my hardware will be located in my neck. She cannot type due to something resembling a wrist rocket; I cannot type before my surgery.
Anyway, I fully enjoyed the article, and I think you will, too:
Broke wrist. Had surgery. Life stuff hard.
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