BledsoeSaidSo

It doesn't matter what you do...

2011-12-27T15:24:00.000-06:00

I'm cooking lunch for my coworkers this week. I asked who would want to join because the number of responses would dictate what I could and couldn't make here at work (or prepare at home the night before). There were enough positive responses that mandated something like soup. when I sent the menu I received two replies:

1. You guys are great!!!!
2. I’ve changed my mind

I think the second response is likely tongue in cheek (I've omitted the smiley face), but I wonder how many other people feel this way truly. There is a frame that you can't please everyone all of the time, and in my experience this has been true. No matter that I am doing something nice for the people working between Christmas and New Year's, there is someone dissatisfied.

is faster really better?

2011-10-03T10:39:00.001-05:00

I work in software development and we are constantly being asked to do things faster. This doesn't sit well with me. Let me explain.

There are many things we can think of that you (yes, You) don't want to do "faster". Take a minute and think of a few. The first ones I came up with are (in no particular order):

sleeping (imagine someone telling you to sleep faster. you would laugh at them.)
driving to work (the policeman may not like this)
taking vacation (woo-hoo! we took that vacation in record time!)
eating (besides the nutritional downsides...)
breathing (please, please do this)
playing games (whew, another speed round of cards. now get back to your electronics, kids.)
writing a blog post (wait, what?)

There are more, I am sure. the point is: when did it start making sense to develop software faster? It seems that we are over-learning our days in track and field where faster/farther wins the race...I can also see when the product you are developing is directly affecting the bottom line of the company insofar as the competitor may be working on the same product and being first in the market is important. Otherwise, it just drives me crazy. Without substantiation, not all software should be developed faster. I would even propose that faster is not better in 99% of all cases. Make it correctly and be efficient. Minimize waste. Maximize the work not done. But faster just appears to me to be the moaning of someone not in tune with mature software development.

And what does faster mean? Aren't we doing this fast enough? Would you prefer more defects or shoddy code faster, if faster is all you are interested in? Why aren't we asking for fewer or (gasp) zero defects? Why aren't we as coders demanding well-formed code? We should be creating something we are proud of, are you? And if you ask me to do it faster, you strip me of my pride in my code.

I did it

2011-10-03T09:53:00.000-05:00

The goal was to ride my bicycle from my garage to St. Charles in 2 days. AND I did it. As we rode and took breaks, I set texts to my sweetheart and my mom.

The first day went something like this:
September 6
8:39 am
Just left the house. At Scott blvd, waiting for Brock. Updates to follow...boy howdy it is cold on the bike! :)

9:44 am
Passed coopers landing and it's warm enough to shed the extra shirt. :)

10:30 am
In hartsburg and we are having a snack. It's really peaceful and quiet on a Tuesday....oooooo! and it is Brock's birthday!

11:24 am
Arrived in Jefferson city. taking a break and having a snack. It is very nice to have the wind at our backs!

12:25 pm
Now in Tebbet's. Starting to feel like a real ride! :) 47 miles down.

1:08 pm
Reached Mokane. Resting and eating a bit. Just 25 miles to get to Hermann.

2:02 pm
In Portland, MO. This is the last stop before we get to Hermann. Darn, my legs are tired.
BTW - that's 62 miles so far! :)

7:40 pm
Made it to Hermann at 3:30. We've had dinner and wine. Now it's time for bed.

September 7th
10:12 am
Just rolled 100 miles on the odometer. Left Hermann and have been riding for 16 miles and still no break.
Just found a stop and taking a break. Still feeling good. Trelor is the stop. :)

11:13 am
Stopping in Dutzhow. 34 miles to go, setting a goal of 2 pm arrival in St. Charles.

12:46 pm
Today seems to be going better...it could be the sorter distance or the fact that the end is in sight. We are in Weldon Spring Site and only have 16 miles to go.
Thank you mom and Jacque for the words of encouragement and your willingness to listen to me prattle on. I love you both. :)

2:05 pm
Just reached St. Charles.

You know what to do

2011-07-04T16:50:00.000-05:00

Where I have been:

What does the diet industry make every year? Way too much. Everyone knows what they should eat, how much of it, and what it takes to be healthy. Why are so few people doing this? Have we grown accustomed to the sedentary lifestyle?

My girlfriend and I have started talking about living healthier to the end of our days. What does your health outlook appear to be?

good health

2011-06-27T20:58:00.000-05:00

I just had my yearly physical and received another A+. The weight has stayed off, the blood work was good and generally I am in a happy mental place.

There is a new book for me to read

2011-06-12T12:02:00.000-05:00

The Happiness Advantage. My current VP where I work has read it and highly recommends it. He has a great feel for new ideas or thinking about old things in new ways. I need to go get that book, read it and review it.

I want to ride my Bicycle

2011-06-08T16:20:00.000-05:00

I love to ride my bicycle. Since I began riding more frequently last year, I have put over 2000 miles on my Cannondale M500. It is a 22 year old bike that I still like to hop on and start cranking the pedals. It hasn't ever been fitted for me just ridden enough to be really comfortable.

Should I get a new one? Maybe. It wouldn't be the same...I really love that bike.

Are there any bad TED talks?

2011-06-07T14:34:00.002-05:00

There is lots of bad information out on the internet. Have you heard any TED talks that were bad? I haven't.

It seems that you could sink a bunch of time watching/listening to the talks in the conference.

Which are your favorite?

I love learning new things

2011-06-07T14:14:00.003-05:00

In my last post, I talked about loving my job...among other things. Because I have a new role, there are lots of new things for me to learn. This happened when I started teaching mathematics to college students. It also happened when I was first hired at my current company being a database administrator. Now it is happening again because I am an agile coach/leader. I learn much about psychology and human interaction in my investigations and think about how to apply this new knowledge to make the working environment better.

The latest interesting topic I have stumbled upon is the Fundamental Attribution Error. Don't know it? Neither did I and found it fascinating. It opens my eyes to see that behavior is too often driven by environment, not character traits. This makes me wonder what behaviors we are driving...inadvertently.

It's something else I need to learn. :)

It's been a long time

2011-05-27T15:00:00.005-05:00

I just happened to look back at this blog and realized it has been more than 2 years since I wrote anything at all in it. Is that procrastination or something else?

When I first started the blog, I felt like I needed an outlet to talk to myself about things and would hopefully generate insight from the few people who actually read this stuff (thanks Mom). At the time, it seemed that I had plenty to talk about and this would be a way to get it out. It would help me write better and sort out how I was thinking about the things going on in my life. I realize now that I stopped submitting posts because sharing some of the intimate details of who I was and how I felt would have appeared to others as being self absorbed. (Is that really true?) I didn't want to write about politics, religion or my crumbling marriage. I wanted to spend some time writing about positive things and didn't have any experiences to share.

Now, though, I feel like rambling: My life is in a good spot.

I'm divorced...thankfully. There are many aspects of my life that were squelched (by my choice) because I spent much of my energy trying to keep the marriage together and trying to discern what would make it better. In the end, leaving the marriage was a great choice. It made me a better person.

I'm a flexitarian. I choose to eat mostly plants and fruits. Meat that stood on legs or traversed the earth doesn't appeal to me any more. Fish is still good and sushi is wonderful. It amazes me still the reaction of most people to this lifestyle choice. To those vegetarians of any form, I apologize to you if I reacted poorly to your culinary choices.

I love being a dad. I place great responsibility on myself to be a better dad and because of my divorce, my kids and I have a different relationship. These are tumultuous times and there is so much potential in each of my children. They are super smart and witty.

I have been promoted at work and I love my job. I was hired to fulfil a coaching role for 4 teams. (I don't want to put my place of employment in this post since someone from work could find it...strange how we believe privacy works.) It has been more than a year in this spot and it is a privilege to work beside the wonderful people we have.

My girlfriend and her daughter are moving into my current house. There is plenty of room and it's a little weird living with people who aren't family...but I think it will work out. There is a bit of nervousness, but nothing too major.

Last year, I made a decision to be more physically healthy. I shed 30 lbs by riding my bicycle over 1,800 miles (April thru December) and have kept off most of it: 23 lbs up to this point in time. The bicycle is still in good order and I have begun riding it again with the goal of losing 15 more lbs before the end of the year. The new fitness goal is riding from my garage to St. Charles, Missouri. The total trip is 130 miles and I am going to do it in 2 days. Wish me luck.

Lastly, I have a wonderful girlfriend. She is smart, beautiful, funny and enjoyable to be around. We talk a lot and I am lucky to have her. She calms me. She listens to me. She loves me. I love her, too.

Life is good.

I am not Roger

2008-11-24T18:28:00.002-06:00

I got a new cell phone a few months ago. I got a new number, discarding the old one and with the new number I am also getting calls for....wait for it.....wait for it...Roger.

"Hello, is Roger there?" --from an unknown number, mind you.
"no he isn't" a true statement.
"Can I speak with him?" --how could you speak with him when he isn't here?
"I don't know a Roger, this is my cell phone number." this is a true statement.
"Why would Roger give me this number if it isn't his?"

at this point, I just want to tell the person that they have the wrong number and quit calling. There is no Roger, I don't know a Roger - I say a Roger because I don't want the misunderstanding that I know the Roger - and I wish these calls would stop.

SO I am looking for clever ways to let these people know that they have the wrong phone number. It's not my problem, it is the dysfunctional relationship between these people and the man named Roger. What would you tell these people?

2008-11-21T19:59:00.002-06:00

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

this is my first time trying to embed a comic into the site. I will try
to figure this out, but in the meantime, just click on the comic. it's funny.

ED

2008-11-21T19:13:00.004-06:00

no, this is not about my friend ed. This is about Erectile Dysfunction and those commercials the companies put on TV extolling the virtues about getting a hard on for your wife/girlfriend/lover. I hate them.

We don't talk about sexuality in an open and honest way. Abstinence only education is promoted as the best way for young people to cope with the urges, the hormones and the desires. Until your married, old or unfunctioning. Then start popping those pills, get a rise on and get busy!!!

there are (at least) two things bothering me about these commercials. Firstly, it seems that the only satisfying sex life between couples is when a man can get an erection. I don't know about you, but this is not all I enjoy in my sex life. It puts the focus on the man's stuff and this in no small way degrades the woman's part in the whole affair. She is only there to receive a man's desire. Secondly, there are only heterosexual couples on display. Don't some gay men live with this same problem? I am betting they exist.

anyway, I don't like those commercials.

just have fun

2008-11-12T06:54:00.002-06:00

I played basketball last night - full court, slow break - for the first time in...let me see...about 20 years. The last time I played I worked as the night manager at McSalty's on Delmar street in Springfield. We would get done at about 11 pm and get a pick-up game over on SMSU campus' outdoor basketball facilities. There were no refs and we played a friendly game, for the most part. The players who took it a little too seriously or started calling ticky tack fouls or worse, giving hard fouls just didn't get invited back. If they happened to show up and asked to join in, no matter if we were playing 2 on 2 or 5 on 5 we would politely tell them that we had enough players and thanks for stopping by.

Anyway, last night was outstanding! I played probably 70% of the time - it is only a one hour game. I was laughing, playing hard, rebounding and congratulating the other players when they would make a good play or shoot a good shot. Heck, they even had a girl on the team! It was a lot of fun! Even though we lost, the team seemed to be in good spirits and at the end, we shook hands and went to have some beers. But that was the point: having fun. I hope we can keep doing just that and enjoying the play time together. Who knows? Maybe I will get the basketball bug and go start a pick up game on MU campus...

ecstatic

2008-11-07T06:47:00.002-06:00

I must say that I am very happy about the outcome of the election. I never thought I would see a black man as president and think this is one of those historically defining moments.

The beautiful thing to me was his speech after being projected winner. He received the requisite phone call from both his opponent and the sitting president and then came out to reiterate what he has been saying all along: we are in this together. If you watched you saw the jubilation, the smiles and then the somberness. Because I think everyone knows we have some tough issues to solve and it ain't gonna be easy.

Now is the time for us to work together and get past the ad hominem attacks, the back biting, and the grade school type demeanors that have been prevalent in DC. I am excited to hear about his team - my team to get us out of the messes we are in.

Go Vote

2008-11-04T15:34:00.001-06:00

nuff said

Everybody is ProLife

2008-10-26T08:45:00.004-05:00

I mean seriously, who isn't? What dismays me is that the conversation about this topic has become too vitriolic for us to have a reasoned debate about it. My brother and I failed at it.

What is life? In an esoteric sense; is life really defined by existence of cells or conscious thought. To give an example. My grandma Oneta passed away a few years back (I think it was a few years back) and she was one of the most instrumental persons in my life to teach me to play bridge. When I play bridge and end up at 3 spade or some other non-game contract I can still see her nonchalant play - taking all the tricks she needs to take to make and then taking a bite of a sandwich. Really! that is the mental picture I have of her. Now I ask you: does this make her alive? I see it like it is really there and in my minds eye, the moment, the actions, the smell all exist. When I say the phrase: "8-ever, 9-never" I think of her. I catch some flak when I say the phrase "Ace-two-three-four will set you every time", because we still haven't figured out how that made it into the vernacular. Anyway, I think of her like she is here and is still alive. So, is life really defined by a few organized cells? If so, then what about all the skin you shed? These cells can be made into stem cells and have the potential of becoming any type of human cell. (I need to do some reasearch on this and verify) . Are we talking about potential or existence? If we are talking about potential, then we should also talk about 2 year olds as potential, right? I mean they all have the potential to create life later on. Shouldn't they be protected too? You see there are more questions to this than a black and white issue.

No one, and I mean no one, wants to kill an unborn, newborn, or old born. But it never is that simple. What if you can't take care of the child, what if you don't have the support of your partner, family or community? There are too many what ifs and the where we draw the line on resctricting reproductive rights is a slippery slope. There needs to be some compassion, planning and support. How many of the pro-lifers out there are willing to talk to a pregnant mother who has decided to terminate the pregnancy and say: "don't kill that child I will take it when you have it."?

Again, it is a tough topic, but we need to frame the debate that we all are pro-life and if we feel strongly one way or the other about it, we need to make some tough decisions without stepping on the rights of individuals.

(I will probably edit this some more: my family is getting hungry for breakfast and I just wanted to get this out)

guilt by association

2008-10-09T19:42:00.002-05:00

What is the deal? I had someone at work tell me that if I voted for Obama, I was voting for terrorists. Actually, I think she said I loved terrorists, but how does she know I love them?

Anyway, there is this idea that a person can be guilty of an ideal if they are associated with someone holding that ideal. Hence Obama is guilty of terrorism since he is on a committee/board(I really need to do some research here) with a person who set off a bomb (maybe, I don't know. Like I said I need to do some research) on American soil. It happens that this dude is now a professor and, like Obama, cares about the future of the country - especially education. What I am dismayed by is that the Repuglicans are trying to spin this into something bad. So let's go over some of the facts I now.

1. Obama was 8 when this crap was happening with Ayers.
2. Bush allowed members of Osama Bin Laden's family to out of the country when all planes were supposed to be grounded after 9-11.

so you tell me, who is guilty by association? This argument is stupid anyway. You can only be responsible for your own actions.

Where did Grandpa go?

2008-10-08T05:54:00.002-05:00

If you were watching the debate like I was you probably noticed a couple of things:

1. The candidates didn't answer the questions.

How will the economic downturn affect our ability to intervene militarily overseas? (isn't that the ONLY way we can intervene militarily?)
Do you think healthcare should be treated as a commodity?

2. McCain was nowhere to be found after the debate. Wouldn't he want to schmooze just a little bit with the 80 or so people who attended in the hopes of asking their questions? Obama looked so at ease speaking with and hanging out with the people there after the debate. Even Michelle was there. I am going to have to investigate if McCain had a previous engagement. Heck, maybe it was past his bedtime or he needed a potty break. Who knows? All I know is that he wasn't there very long thanking those people for attending. It troubles me.

Work Sucks

2008-09-28T15:51:00.002-05:00

Well, not really. I read this book by Cali and Jody about a unique work environment called Rowe (Results Only Work Environment). In it, workers are only concerned about one thing: Results. Less than delivering results is not tolerated and people are measured by what they produce and not how long they are in their chairs.

The interesting thing to me is this: some of us are lucky enough to work in a Knowledge based field. My greatest asset is being able to solve problems and/or bringing together the right people to solve problems. It is also beneficial if we can make the company more money - we call it making the car go faster. Anyway, there is no reason that I couldn't log into work, open up the project I need to work on, do some research and get the project done. The reason I don't is that my bosses are measuring most of us - me included - by how long we are at work. If my work isn't visible to them by being at the office, then I don't get credit for that work and my incentive pay will not be adjusted for the extra effort I put into my work.

Back to the point; Cali and Jody really put the idea of the outdated notion that you need to put in, at minimum, 40 hours to be successful. Most of us in knowledge based fields do what we do because we like it. We do not put in 40 hours because we live this stuff. We are constantly pushing the limits of technology and looking for ways to make our lives and our jobs easier. We don't make a distinction between work and life because there is no distinction. I say, every manager needs to read the book and maybe, just maybe, more than a few managers will let their people shine in this new environment.

I don't like grandpa McCain

2008-09-27T09:28:00.002-05:00

There! I said it. I think a 72 year old man who doesn't know how many houses he owns, cheats on his wife with a woman 20(?) years younger thinks that the economy is doing just fine should not be leading the country. Given the fact that he agrees with the current administration on the economy, foreign policy and domestic surveillance, I think it shows just how insulated he is from the real troubles we are facing. A nice piece is on youTube.

Having said that you should read this. And this. If this doesn't shock you, what will? Another interesting site that makes you think and the speaker makes mention of it in his talk is that we surround ourselves with people who think just like us. It is fracturing the country.

We spend too much time talking around each other that we really don't talk with each other. My brother and I disagree on who to vote for, but we agree on the fundamental issues of the economy and freedom and justice and family. But for some reason he won't vote against the republican party. I challenged him to vote for ONE democrat this election: in ONE office (not even the presidency, specifically). I doubt he will do it.

my mom made me

2008-09-14T07:14:00.002-05:00

I thought back in June when I wrote my last blog that I would start writing more. As you can see, I haven't.

It's not that I haven't thought about it: I want to write a book review, state my opinion on the current presidential race, point out the injustices in our society today and post other ramblings. It is because I haven't been motivated to do it. I just had an email correspondence with my mom and I think I will start the blog back up again.

what to say first? I don't know. I am going to go upstairs, and write down some of the topics for this while I prepare the fruit and clean the kitchen.

wait! I know what to say: thanks, Mom! Just like I tried to point out the elephant in the room for you, you did the same for me. Stay posted.

Heeeerrrre's Marci

2008-06-29T20:17:00.002-05:00

Well, it has been a long time gone and I finally feel like writing again. Let's just say that I haven't really had anything to say because I was focusing on me. Now that has changed.

I am reading lots of books and am in the middle of all of them, except one: The Assault On Reason by Al Gore. I just finished it and I must say: I liked it. There were times that the book spoke with a bitter voice, as did I when the 2000 election was snatched from Al. It has taken me a long time to come around and read these things because for some time, I was sooooo mad at the outcome of the last two elections. I still don't understand why people vote against their own self interest. A friend of mine said that " the difference between Democrats and Republicans is that Democrats screw one voter at a time." I don't think he came up with the quote, but I like it nonetheless and will attribute the ascerbic wit to him. Thanks, Fred!

Anyway, Al makes some very good points about the fact that the Constitution is in dire straits. This president and the Congress that acted as an accomplice the last 8 years is one of the worst in history. Debate is non-existent. Dissent is cast in an unpatriotic light. And people just don't think anymore. Re-election is the only thing that matters. I hate it.

The telecom immunity bill was passed just last week with little or no fanfare. More spending has been approved for the mis-begotten war in Iraq. (where is Bin Laden anyway?) The president continues with his endless litany of signing statements. (he is supposed to enforce the laws Congress makes, not pick and choose his own, right?)

I am going to start writing my congressman. I am also going to start using this silly Internet thingy that Al invented* to see if there is anyone else out there willing to take a stand and really make a difference in the way things are going. I owe it to my kids.

*If you lauged at the "Al invented" thing and think it is true, you're an idiot. If you chuckled because you understand the right wing media conspiracy, then I invite you on for the ride.

One month

2008-03-04T20:46:00.004-06:00

I have a friend at work who I treasure. His name is Adarsh and he has an interesting view on the world. We walk for exercise almost every day and converse about everything. He recently became a citizen (his wife, too) of this country and will be able to vote in the upcoming election. He has a sharp wit and a keen sense of what is real in life. I like him.

Today he told me a story about a man that was diagnosed with a terminal illness and was told that he will only live one more month. Someone asked this man what particular days in his life he remembered as momentous or otherwise meaningful. He could only remember 3 days in 54 years: his marriage, the birth of his child and something else...I just forgot - but - hey, it was his life and not mine. Now with only one month to live he has the opportunity to live 10 lifetimes in his final days. I wonder what he will do.

Viruses

2008-03-01T08:26:00.004-06:00

I tried to post something this last week, but I was busy because Ann went to Dallas for a conference and I finally caught the virus Ann had. I took Friday off since I had a 101 degree fever. That reminds me, I need to turn in my CTO at work. I think I was going to post something about an interview from Sir Charles Barkeley I read, but I couldn't put my thoughts together well. Now something else has come up. Something I feel very strongly about.

Let me give you the background.

My mom sends me emails. I love my mom and some of the things she sends are funny. This one however was a video about a serious topic. I should attach it here so you can see it for yourself.

.

Here is the reply I was going to send to my mom, but decided to put it out on the blog.

well, yes I would notice that is was made by a beer company. If it was a non profit that made that commercial it would have been soooo much more meaningful. Yet again, the corporate world has insidiously positioned itself to pluck the heart strings of the America by making such a video. And then people shamelessly forwarding this around the internet like a virus only propagate the hype.

During that commercial I, probably like everyone else, started to have the hair on my arms tingling. I am honored by the sacrifices these people have made. I think of my older brother who went away for his tour and lost his home life.

But really, who doesn't think the troops are doing a good job? this crap about "support the troops" was a rallying cry so no one scrutinized what was happening over there. $12 billion in cash disappeared. KBR raping an employee, then imprisoning her, then hiding the incriminating medical evidence. (It turns out there may have been more than one such instance and these women are just now coming forward.)

Hired mercenaries are the second largest force on the ground in Iraq. And they don't have to abide by ANY laws. They claim that they are neither under Iraq NOR American rule and we are paying them 10 times what we pay our soldiers to do the same job. I would like to see a commercial like this made about the lawlessness of the mercenaries. People would be outraged

that's it. While commercials like this are nice and make you feel good, I think it makes people forget about the real travesty which is our military activity in the middle east.

What do you learn?

2008-02-23T10:42:00.005-06:00

Friday was a lovely day for the Bledsoe kids. I had promised the kids that if it snowed, schools were canceled and the roads weren't that bad, we would go to Stephens Lake Park and sled down the big hill. As we arrived, we noticed a sign explaining sledding safety (yeah right) and that there were no other cars or people...anywhere. So we took it upon ourselves to sled down almost every lane of the hill. At the park, there are 3 good hills: a long, safe fairly innocuous hill, a very steep yet safe, somewhat bumpy hill and a roller-coaster hill with jumps and a - chance to run into trees - hill. Guess which one I liked. When Columbia parks and Rec took over Stephens lake they made an area where there are circular "rings" at different levels on the hill side. Each flat ring area becomes a jump when you go fast enough down the hill and with my mass we go fast enough. The kids teamed up on their sled so they would have enough momentum to get air. It was a hoot.

While we were there a photographer from the Columbia Tribune came strolling down the hill. He wanted to take pictures of us for the paper and we happily obliged. He was out there for about 20 minutes while we went down and marched back up the hill. He was the only other person we saw out that day. As luck would have it, I had to go to work in the afternoon. My boss and I had a communication breakdown. Later that afternoon, these pictures were posted on the Trib's web site and the people at work saw them. Suddenly, I was famous. When the cleaning crew came in at 5:30, one of the worker's asked if it was me in the paper. Yes, yes it was.

So what did I learn? We had intended to go sledding in the afternoon. We decided not to wait. Who knows what could have happened in a few hours to interfere with the plan. (as it turned out, lots) There is always time to have fun. Take advantage of it when you can. That is what I learned from my kids that day. They can be so Zen-eriffic for me.

Habeas Corpus

2008-02-21T12:34:00.003-06:00

It really troubles me that we have passed laws limiting the use of Habeas Corpus. This right has been around in some form or another since the 12th century. It keeps states from infringing on the rights of individuals by requiring the state to justify its authority to detain individuals. Sure, you can go look it up.

What troubles me even more is that most people just don't care. The military commissions act was passed in 2006. How long will this law be in place? When we win?

There is a coworker of mine who said, "I don't care, I don't have anything to hide.". I think this misses the point entirely. First of all, the government does not have the authority detain anyone they want. The Bill of Rights, specifically the writ of habeas corpus guards against that. Do you think it was correct of us to detain Japanese-Americans in WWII? What if the government labeled you an enemy combatant? I think I am going to write my congressmen and ask them to repeal the law.

Thanks!

2008-02-21T12:23:00.004-06:00

Too many people have lost the ability to say: "you're welcome". I am sure you have heard it before.

Radio announcer: Thanks for talking with us today.
Guest: Thank you.

You - getting the receipt for your groceries: Thanks!
Cashier: Thank you.

Hunh? When did this start? My grandmas taught me to be polite, but when did saying "thank you" to someone who just thanked you replace "You're welcome"? I don't get it.

So I am going to change my responses from now one. I am going to start saying: You're welcome. Let's see how people react.

Should I stay or should I go?

2008-02-17T10:24:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I was asked to be the coach for my daughter's basketball team for one of their upcoming games. I think it is on the 1st of March. I said I would check on it since one of my friends needs help moving into her new home and I promised to help her. But my first reaction to the invitation to coach was to say "No" regardless of a scheduling conflict.

Let me explain. The basketball team my daughter is on is called Upwards Basketball; the team's name is the Gators. The games are played at a local church's gymnasium. The games are played there not because there is no other place, they are played there because Upwards is a religiously affiliated league. During practice and halftimes of the games, there is a brief sermon. I have a problem being the coach because I am an atheist. Yes, I attend the games. Yes, I sometimes help with the practices - I don't like parents who think the practices are a one hour baby-sitting service... I go because I think it is more important to be around my daughter than it is to shun religious beliefs. Besides, I am trying to raise her in an ethical way so she can make up her own mind later on. So, will I be the coach in two weeks? If I am not helping my friend move, then yes...

Valentine's Day

2008-02-17T09:56:00.003-06:00

I love made up Holiday's! Corporate America needs some more cash, so what holiday can we have to get people to spend more money? How about celebrating some martyrs? Sounds fun. Maybe we could link in Chaucer and make it romantic, too! Sah-freaking-wheat, dude.

- off soapbox now -

My wife and I are lucky enough to have pleasant family members nearby and we now have a tradition of celebrating Valentine's day with my brother and his wife each year. This year we went to C.C.'s City broiler and it was fantastic. It is one of the pricier places in town, but for special occasions, they make you feel great. The room is not too crowded, the wait staff is wonderful and food is...well...outstanding! I had the Steak Sinatra medium rare together with a nice Claret and a side of steamed Broccoli. Click on the link above and see why I picked the Sinatra. :)

I rate places like this on a scale of answering the following questions:

1) could I make it at home? "No" rates higher
2) how expensive would it be?
3) how long would it take me to prepare the meal?
4) would the kids eat it? "No" rates higher, again. sorry kids.

If you get the chance to go, I highly recommend it. We had a fabulous time.

Cookie Monster. COOOKIES!

2008-02-17T09:40:00.003-06:00

It's girl scout cookie time! Every year our house is invaded with the cookies that my daughter's troop sells. AND every year - so far - Cayley is the top seller. She didn't reach her goal of over 500 boxes of cookies, but she came close: 483. Comparitively speaking, I have no idea where that falls in the Heart of Missouri Girl Scouts rankings, but I imagine it is in the top 20. At least I like to think so. She makes me proud.
Unlike some parents, I require Cayley to go around and sell those cookies herself. I feel just a little uncomfortable soliciting my coworkers and friends for more cookies. Having said that, if you didn't get your cookies this year, never fear, we have ordered a few extra boxes! Just let me know. This year I ordered my usual dozen boxes. Ann and I compete - imagine that - over who buys the most cookies. I think Ann won this time. I have 2 boxes of cookies left from last year so I thought 12 was too much, but I am trying to support Cayley and the troop.

How much is enough?

2008-02-11T11:21:00.000-06:00

Many times during my work week, I am asked if there is documentation to do what I do. I sometimes say yes and sometimes say no. In either case, I am left wondering what documentation is adequate and what is not.

Let's suppose that you are trying to show or teach someone how to create a web page. Do you have to explain to them the http protocol and why it was instituted as a way of sharing files from continent to continent? Or how the computer works as you type on the keyboard? In any document, there is an assumption to the knowledge of the reader. Is this any more true in technical documents as opposed to news articles? What do I have to know about the failed coup attempt broadcast on NPR this morning to have a cognitive understanding of the situation?

Anyway, I feel like documentation is like talking to a wall. You never know if someone else will understand it until the time that they need it.

Giving up

2008-02-07T21:11:00.000-06:00

We finally have done it. I called today to cancel our DirecTV service. Ann and I decided that we should get away from watching television and more into spending time together. The kids and I like to play games like dominoes and cards. I anticipate that the trend will continue.

It seems strange that most people I talk to wonder what we are going to do when the tv stops putting out programming. I can tell you what we are going to do.

1. Spend less money. If you add up all of the fees for our Directv, it was around $900 per year. Now that is money gone. G-O-N-E I say. Let's suppose instead that we take the money and invest it into our kids EdJones account making a paltry 6%. How much money will the kids have in 13 years? I leave it to you, dear reader to figure it out.
2. Spend more time together. Let's pretend that you only watch 4 shows/week and an occasional show every other night. How much time do you spend mesmerized in front of the TV? I say: Lots! and I am tired of it. I have things I want to read and I want my children to experience the joy of reading. Hopefully, Ann and I can set a good example.

I think these two gains are enough to warrant the expulsion of paid programming. However, we all still have access to FREE tv. Yes, we will probably start watching the free channels occasionally. I hope that our resolve to items 1 and 2 above keep the tv off most of the time.

Maybe Cayley will take up an interest in Bridge. I would love to teach her the game. :)

lots of friends

2008-02-06T21:02:00.000-06:00

I love the fact that I have found several new blogs out there from friends of mine. I like having discussions with people about various topics including, but not limited to, programming. Great minds are hard to find and when you are allowed to interact with these people, you should take the opportunity to do so. I am always thrilled to hear these people yammering about. I find the discussions delicious. Sometimes I find that listening is even more fun. Free exchanging ideas, even when you disagree with them, is scintillating.

Happy blogging!

It's Party time!

2008-02-03T08:24:00.000-06:00

I am a huge football fan. Forgive me soccer fans, I still shorten "American football" to merely "football". Until I have another conscience raising, that is what I will call it.

Anyway, we always have a big shindig here for superbowl and this year will be no different. There are about 20-25 people coming over. One of the difficulties is getting enough chairs for everyone to place their fannies. In years past we have accommodated everyone by having stadium seating and getting more than one tv displaying the game. This year we have new furniture so we won't have stadium seating and I didn't want to go through the trouble of setting up the extra tv. I guess the 42 incher will have to be enough. :)

As far as food goes, I have prepared some river Rat chili. Yes, it is a little spicy, but should be ok for the people who attend. I need to try it today and make sure it is alright. Everyone else is going to bring a side dish. There is going to be fruit, veggies, bacon wrapped shrimp, pizza rolls and super meaty cheese dip. It should be a culinary delight!

As with every superbowl party there are a few people who don't really watch the game. Sometimes this is a surprise. I remember a few years back when two of my best friends stayed in the kitchen - they could still see the game from their location - and drank all of my tequila. When I speak of tequila, I don't speak lightly. It is one of my favorite drinks: not mixed, diluted or otherwise ritualized to some shooter's dream. No, I like my tequila straight. I like to sip it. One shot of tequila should last you about 15 minutes. My favorites include Patron, Don Julio, Herradura, Tres Generaciones. Depending on the time of year I prefer silver to gold. But I digress. In order to get the most involvment of those at the party I like to make a list people can bet on if they wish. Here is the list I have come up with so far.
Firsts:
Who will win the coin toss?
Who will get the first First Down?
Which team will score first?
Will it be by Touchdown or Fieldgoal?
Will it be by Pass, Run or Kick?
Who will have the first 20 yard reception?
Which team’s running back will have 100 yards?
Which quarterback will throw for more than 300 yards?
Which team will have the first penalty?
Which head coach will be caught on camera swearing?
What will the first commercial DURING the game be about?
Qantifiy:
What is the total score after the first half?
What is the total score at the end?
How long will the final 2 minutes take?

This probably isn't the final list since my friend will probably have a few additions. Hey! It is still only 8:30 am, so we have lots of time.

What does one tenth of one cent mean to you?

2008-02-02T16:06:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine always pointed out that the gas stations advertise that it costs $2.899/gallon, but if you actually put one gallon in your vehicle you get charged $2.90. I am going to try it the next time I fill up my motorcycle.

I wonder if we have grown so accustomed to that .9 cent at the end, that we don't notice it. What if a gas station started advertising 2.90/gallon? Would people stop going there and go across the street to the station with 2.899/gallon? Or do we even care? If people looked at the difference in price as one tenth of one cent would they feel like they are getting a bargain?

Would the oil companies make more money if they just ceded the fact that they are charging the rounded price for the product or not?

2008-02-02T10:29:00.000-06:00

Can we really add a picture? Yes, we can!

We have some silly Christmas pictures (yes, I know it is February) so here it is. Yes, I am looking cross-eyed on purpose. Ann was taking the picture and did not notice "the look" at the time.

My daughter is bugging me to go on netFlix and load up the kid queue with movies so I have to keep this post short.

I am off to see the Tigers take on the Kansas State wildcats. Let's see if the Tigers can hold off a top 25 team with only 7 players. It should be fun!

First post

2008-02-02T10:15:00.000-06:00

This is our first post and my daughter saw the title for the first time and laughed. I guess I picked a winner.

In the true computer programmer way: "HelloWorld!"

:)
more posts to follow...