The Political Boogyman.
I dont watch television, so when someone uses the lingo of ‘talking heads’ to make their point, it freaks me out. In a recent friendly political conversation I heard the strangest phrases, like
“spewing venomous lies of destruction”
Seriously, who says that stuff? It sounds like its out of a ‘boogyman’ story!
That got me thinking…
What does the Political Boogieman do? What does it look like?
From what I gather there are a few of them, and they are:
- The Killer Donkey that steals money and eats children out of women’s stomachs while fornicating with other donkeys of the same sex.
- The Gold Hoarding Leprechaun who beats malnourished children and is bent on stripping all forms of advanced economic theory from the earth with a time machine.
- The Pot Smoker that thinks it would be really funny to live in tree houses, walk everywhere (with horses on their backs), and castrate people who have more than one child.
- The Grotesquely Overweight Elephant that voraciously devours everything in sight, mowing down anyone who stands in its way with a gataling gun.
Children: I hate to say it, but there are probably one or more of these creatures in your house.
Share and Share Alike!
I’ve just updated the Work on my site with a Creative Commons License.
I feel good, and now there are no questions as to the ability to share my work. The premese behind Creative Commons is pretty simple. Share, obviously I post my poems, prose, and haikus to be read by people.
So what if you like it, and want to post some of my work on your site, or in any way? The CC makes it clear that you can, so long as you attribute the work to me (via a link), pretty simple.
CreativeCommons.org makes it easy to select certain features of a license.
Besides requiring recognition for my work I also chose to restrict the use of my work by corporations (for profit) and its modification.
Its a very easy and free tool that offers a lot of peace of mind to me, and hopefully to anyone sharing my work out there.
Cheers!
What I’ll do with my iPad (hypothetical)
I am seriously considering the iPad to replace my netbook. I am a college student, and use my netbook in class (on one of those really small chair/desks) to take notes.
When I am taking notes, in class, It is imperative that I can feel each keystroke as I feverishly type as much of the lecture as possible. Im not worried about formating, that comes later as I review. Using a physical keyboard is essential for me in this situation, I cannot afford the moments hesitation of looking at the screen to see if my hands are still on the home-row!
So, will the bluetooth Apple Wireless Keyboard be compatible with the iPad? I think if it is I will take the iPad from my backpack to set up my notes before class, then return it to my backpack durring a lecture. Leaving only the keyboard on the desk, limiting my distractions (like the ever-present temptation to check facebook in class) This is very exciting to me, I hope it will be possible.
More on the iPad
I’m very torn on the iPad. I would really like to have one, but the Pros and Cons are close. Ultimately I am looking to replace my Netbook (Asus Eee-PC 900A) with something that is more compatible with my at home Mac and my iPhone.
Pros:
- Compact/light weight
- inexpensive (compared to a laptop)
- Mac Compatible
- Apple Coolness Factor
- improved email response
Its size and shape are perfect for the desks in class, and for my backpack!
I like the fact that my iPhone and Mac-Mini work so well together, and would like to see the same with my portable note taker.
The iPhone is great for getting (almost) realtime emails but that email contains an attachment that needs your input you’ve got to get yourself to a computer. The iPad is the answer, all you need is wifi.
Cons:
- Expensive (compared to a netbook)
- No physical keyboard
- Planned Obsolescence
- The Overly geeky effect
I dont usually look at the keyboard when Im typing in class, i type while im watching the presentation, or the prof write stuff on a board, eye contact is important in class. I wish Apple would put out a compact bluetooth keyboard.
Apple seems to be good at planned obsolescence. They are the top luxury name for electronics, and there is no technical reason for them not to have a video camera on the iPad at release, or a more powerful processor. Its easy to predict there will be a camera available next year.
Im in college, and while having this device for class notes makes a lot of sense, it also makes me very geeky. I should point out, this isn’t really a con, because of the Apple coolness effect, and because it will replace my lynux netbook.
Taking all this into consideration, I still think the iPad will be perfect for my needs… IF… I can find a compatible, and compact bluetooth keyboard…
My little sister would love to get her hands on my netbook!
The SoUA
The State of the Union Address -27 January 2010
Its a little less than an hour before the SoUA starts, and Im sitting at my computer with the Facebook Whitehouse page open.
First impression: the tiny chat box they have on this page is anything less than optimal, in fact it sucks. There is no way a decent discussion can ever be started like this.
I think Ill just start friending people at random, just for fun.
The Republicans (or some of them) in the chat have decided to type with all CAPS. I dont know what their trying to do, but they certainly portray the rude obnoxious American pretty well.
What ever happened to the cool contemplative Republicans? Those guys who seemed to know everything, and talked quietly so you had to shut up so you could hear them, and you always wanted to hear what they had to say.
15min till:
I made Popcorn, and burnt it.
The feed has started, and the quality sucks on facebook.
Ok, their going through some stuff, here’s what im seeing on the FB peanut gallery.
‘Will there be an iPad stimulus package?’
David Brown wish I was watching this on an iPad…
We set up an impromptu drinking game, and I’ll be drinking each time Obama mentions Bush:
Doug Augustyn: hopes everyone has a couple shot glasses filled by now — ready and waiting.
David Brown Shots are ready, let the drinking game begin!
Elizabeth Anne Edwards You go, David Brown! (thats me!)
President Obama Says:
“Again we are tested, and again we must answer history’s call.”
“The worst of the storm has past, but, the devastation remains”
He lets us know he can read, and does read letters at night.
American People are “Tired of the partisanship, and the shouting, and the pettiness.”
American People “share a stuburn resiliance to perservier.”
“I have never been more hopeful about America’s future than tonight.”
“we do not give up, we do not quit”
Economy:
“We all hated the bank bailout… it was about as popular as a root canal.”
“The last administration…” (Drink!)
Yay! Cut taxes on college students!
Some people have jobs…
Praise for ‘The Recovery Act’
Success stories: Teacher didnt loose her job, Guys business is doing well
“Jobs must be our #1 Focus in 2010″
“We should start in small business”
emphasis on established small businesses that are “ready to grow”
$30B to give small business credit
Tax Credit to small business that raise
New High speed Railroad in FL?
Rebates to Energy efficient homes.
Overseas job terifs, Obama demands the Senate pass the bill just passed by the house on US Jobs.
“I do not accept 2nd place for the United States of America”
We cant allow financial institutions make risks that they should not take.
American innovation: emphasis on energy
Nuclear Power
Off Shore Oil
Biofuel, and Coal techs
Clean Energy bill.
America must be the nation to lead the global economy.
New Goal: Double our exports in the next 5 years
National Export initiative
Seek new markets aggressively, like our competitors (who China?)
Trade agreements
Education
“The best anti poverty program around is a world class education”
Renew the Elementary and 2ndary School Act
Revitalize Community Colleges: make college more affordable
Yes, I can see that happening, (College costs, and incentives)
“We still need Health insurance Reform”
Blah, Blah, Blah
Thanks his wife,
Tosses around the words “One Trillion Dollars”
Blames Lobbiests,
“If anyone has a better approach… let me know!”
Government Spending
We are in a “masive fiscal whole”
“not paying for two wars, two tax cuts…” “All before I walked in the door” (Drink!)
A Three Year Government Spending FREEZE!
Name dropping…
The Senate should restore the “Pay as you go Law”
“the problem is: thats what we did for eight years…” (DRink)
Give our people the Government they deserve.
Lobbiests, Full disclosure, limitations on contributions!
Bashing the Supreme court, for upturning the law on capaign giving caps.
Congress to stop earmarking, trim the spending.
“Saying no to everything may be good short term politics, but its not leadership.”
Lets do what it takes to defend our nation and forge a more hopeful future, for America, and for the world”
Since I took office,
we got some terrorists,
we are still in Afgahnistan…
“there will be difficult days ahead” (its going to get worse)
“I promised I would end this war, and thats what Ill do. We will have all our combatant troops out of Iraq by this August.”
“We have a responsibility to support them when they come home”
Talks with Russia.
Nuclear Security Summit
North Korea Sanctions
“They (North Korea) too will face growing consequences”
“We are launching a new initiative that will allow us to counter disease threats faster”
10K Americans are helping Haiti Rebuild,
“America must always stand on the side of Freedom, and Human Dignity, ALWAYS!”
Repeal the law on homosexuality in the military…
“I never suggested that change would be easy, or that I could do it alone”
“The only reason we are here is because generations of Americans…”
“the spirit that has sustained this nation for more than two centuries lives on in you.”
“We dont quit, I dont quit!”
“God bless America!”
End.
After watching this I went to Walmart (my roommate drove) to buy some Chinese products.
iPad – Good for the folks.
Today Apple officially unveiled their Tablet PC, the iPad. I was disapointed.
First off, Im not Steve Jobs, I don’t sit around in my underwear all morning and read online articles. I need something productive, something useful.
I currently use three main info devices,
- My Mac-Mini
- iPhone
- A lynux based netbook
I was hoping the iPad would replace my netbook, Its portability is far better than a laptop, and it is perfect for typing class notes into Google Docs. I can type much faster than I write, so even if the iPad has some incredible writing capabilities it’s still not what I need.
So why did Apple choose a tablet over a Netbook?
Here are my thoughts:
Competition:
SJ is no fool, everyone already has a netbook.
If Apple made one it’s price range would probably be around $600.
Netbook’s have been around for a while, and most people who buy one are expecting a laptop, and are disapointed. Apple works very hard to make it’s customers happy, they don’t want to disapoint.
The Alliance:
Google’s Chrome OS is expected to surface later this year, a stripped down OS made specifically for netbooks. With the success of Android and G’s new found talent at making hardware… Who wants to compete?
There have been many rumors about Apple and Google’s joint ventures but I suspect SJ is getting a little annoyed with those kids, especially after the Nexus.
The Audience,
Ive spent alot of time at an Apple store, and despite Apple’s ‘hip image’ I can assure you their main clientele are middle age +
I am VERY impressed with how they cater to my parents ‘technically challeged’ generation. It is Very difficult to get an appointment at their ‘Genus Bar’ and for the most part I see many older people taking advantage of their free one-on-one tutorials.
The Conclusion
It’s obvious that poor college students who need a cheep portable machine to take their class notes will have to wait for google to make an awesome machine.
At least I know what to get my grandparents for Christmas; a trip to the apple store so they can buy themselves an iPad.
Added:
Apple apparently has a peripheral for the iPad, that changes things a bit, I might look into it.
Friday Night at The Crimson Moon
Its almost like a disease, you move into a town or city, and you immediately loose the “tourist” mentality. All those cool little things the metropolis has to offer tend to take the back burner to the mundane tasks of day-to-day life.
This is why I love visitors. With great spontaneity I suggested to my father, who’s in town for the weekend, that we stop in at The Crimson Moon, a local eatery and music venue. Ill admit I havent seen a show myself, although I’ve always ‘wanted’ to go.
It may have just been a coincidence but the talent booked for tonight was great! I actually expected to hear bluegrass or a tired folk performer strum out a long forgotten melody. Instead I heard some very upbeat and persuasive modern folk music performed by Rebecca Loabe, Her inspired writing was brought to life by a very talented voice and natural charisma.
Rebecca Loebe’s performance was complemented by the male vocal duo The Brilliant Inventions, who’s acoustic harmonizing, tenacious lyrics, and impromptu songs made a memorable night.
Thank you musicians for your hard work.
The Expectation of a Hyper-Reality
I dont watch television, Movies, yes, but not television.
This causes an occasional social constraint for me, but for the most part it doesn’t affect me.
I do see, on the other hand, the effects of television on other people. In short, television, makes real life boring.
Lets look at it from a writers perspective; You have a plot, and at some time through out the story the plot reaches a climax. Then descends to a point of closure.
Television seems to be categorized by a rapid series of climatic events, each one being more sudden, daring, and violent then the last. This stream of high octane events never seem to come to an end, only a hiatus, where we watch a commercial or wait until next week.
So what is so wrong with watching people have copious amounts of sex, spend irrationally, or partake in gratuitous violence?
Nothing really, but this constant stream of exciting events seems to eventually work its way into the subconscious of the viewers. and they start asking, wheres my money, sex, violence?
I hope no one actually sits around wanting violence, but, lets face it you cant compete with television.
In my life, I find excitement in the change of the weather, a smile from the beautiful girl across the room, or the variations of tea I drink. The laughter of friends.
Violence and drama are found in my poor plant, I think I gave it to much water and its dyeing. (sorry plant, hope you get better)
More importantly I expect nothing of these events other than what they are.
Life is, look around, appreciate. Thanks.
Vegetarian Paparazzi
After work today I stopped in at BurgerKing and grabbed a couple of veggie burgers from the drive through to eat at home.
Lets not forget I am a vegetarian.
As I took the first burger out my roommates started to haggle me. “Dave, your eating meat!?” “Ew, thats disgusting!” “Your supposed to be a Vegetarian!”
I was tired, hungry, and cold, yet I still maintained composure and explained to them that BK made a veggie burger… They didn’t believe me, and started snapping pictures of me with their phones while I ate. How humiliating, How rude.
Bad roommates.
Dahlonega + Broadband = Awesome!
A helicopter landed on the rooftop of a local building in Dahlonega yesterday. The governor of Georgia had arrived to hand deliver a check to NGCSU. $2.5M, as a grant to increase North Georgia’s broadband initiative.
The development of this infrastructure is one of the most important projects in North Georgia, especially for a guy like me who spends a good portion of his time soaking up random (and often useless) information on the internet. Ill admit Im geeking about pining my LA server in less than one second!
Lets look at where we are in the tech universe.
Broadband:
Right now you have a choice for broadband in Dahlonega, the restricted and expensive DSL, or the more expensive, and sometimes intermittent Satellite companies. I am looking forward to seeing that change, hopefully even seeing a startup ISP in the area.
Wireless
The ATT tower that gives Dahlonega, and most of North Georgia its cellular service runs on the very antiquated GSM technology. When are they planning to update it? Dont hold your breath. Hopefully they’ll just skip over 3G to the next generation of wireless.
Verizon, on the other hand boasts 3G in Dahlonega, but I dont know anyone using their service, so I can only imagine it isn’t that great.
Wrapping it up Im very excited to see the new highway come into town.
