Off to Peter and Keith's wedding in Seligenstadt.
This is the marketplatz of teeny tiny Seligenstadt. It will be a fun few days.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Reminder: Where your 37 Billion is going for the next 3 months 1
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
How Not to Congratulate Your Ex on Her Wedding
Oh the problems that drunk typing allows. Apparently on a major political web site a man "congratulated" an ex on her wedding day. He might be trying to be nice - but it read not only as cringe worthy and creepy - but as passive aggressive as well. 
Facebook, Twitter, and other forms of Internet stalking have rendered many of these communications moot. (Though I will miss that old midnight land-line call from someone whose name I barely remember!) It's hard to object to someone who simply communes with your virtual proxy. The worst Internet crimes -- like, say, breaking up with someone by changing your Facebook status -- seem happily confined to the young. (Like!)
.
A female co-worker takes to the net to try to nip this practice in the bud. I quote some fun paragraphs - but leave you to read the rest (if you dare....)
.
Facebook, Twitter, and other forms of Internet stalking have rendered many of these communications moot. (Though I will miss that old midnight land-line call from someone whose name I barely remember!) It's hard to object to someone who simply communes with your virtual proxy. The worst Internet crimes -- like, say, breaking up with someone by changing your Facebook status -- seem happily confined to the young. (Like!).
But that all may be changing. Andrew Cohen's, "On Her Wedding Day, Saying the Things Left Unsaid," seems to indicate the start of a new and highly risky technology-enabled post-break-up recapitulation ritual that I'd like to nip in the bud if I can.
.
A brief bit of Mars/Venus wisdom: One of the great frustrations, for women, is how often displays of post-parting passion have nothing to do with us at all. (Check out Jezebel's "Crap Email From a Dude" feature for some stunning examples.) It's already annoying that someone who reserved the right to be numbingly uncommunicative during the relationship is now such a freakin' Chatty Cathy. But once you realize all this impressive agony you've left behind (scorched earth, my friend! Barren promontories!) doesn't actually have anything to do with you, it makes it hard to hand over your hanky -- especially when you're trying to hold on to your bouquet.
.
STILL. I'd like to think Andrew Cohen meant well. Yes, publishing an unauthorized account of one's regard for a past love on a Web site is ill-advised. Yes, publishing, on her wedding day, a rundown that frames the lady's virtues almost entirely by how well she treated you falls somewhere between inconsiderate and catastrophically narcissistic. (But much better than that man I dated for three weeks who broke into my neighbor's yard, climbed up the fire escape, then banged on the window until I let him in. Of course, then I had the advantage of being able to call the police.) I've also enjoyed a bunch of very nice communications from exes, and feel qualified to present a definitive "Don't" guide here for any gentleman who really wants to make his ex know how appreciated she was. (And yes. Avoid fire escapes.)
It doesn't seem unusual
It's odd that I see pictures like this and I am never really surprised. Growing up with this was like growing up with snow for people in the mid-west I think. (I used to refer to snow as "the white death".) These type s of pictures just seem ordinary to me. Sad, obviosuly, but normal none the less. ... PS this picture is from today's Tehachapi Fire.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Not D&G Underwear, but a story none the less...
So rather than rant about politics today, I thought I would relate the importance of checking the size on new clothes before you go to work. I recently purchased a bunch of new underwear.
.
You know, there was a sale and I tried some new fundies. In this case, the “some new underwear” was in the “tighty-whitey” style (Y-Fronts for the Brits), but with a pouch for your junk. The pouch is important because I don’t like my junk squished against me, I like a little wiggle room for the boys (so to speak).
.
Well the new underwear is really comfortable and I have been wearing it for a while and I like it. Yesterday, I slapped a pair on after my shower, got dressed and headed out, walking to work.
.
I wasn’t far before I knew something was amiss. These were a little too snug. I blamed the humidity (I blame the humidity for everything else why not this).
.
As the day progress, I realized that – although I was stretching out the underwear a little, things weren’t getting better. As a matter of fact, as I warmed up from my shower, the pouch was getting snugger and snugger.
.
While I have no complaints in the junk department (well except for the random “unreliability” issues – but I blame the other party when that occurred – I digress). Anyway, I am honest enough to know that while I am pleasantly endowed, I am not normally overflowing the normal junk pouch – and there was nothing exciting going on. Indeed, there were definitely other forces at work here. So, after my ass spent the better part of the morning eating my skiveys, I went to the restroom stall to see what the hell was going on.
.
Turns out that while pulling my order for underwear, a size S for Small was included in the batch – and I never noticed. After being amazed that I even got it around my waist (I attribute it to slick skin after the shower) I wondered what to do.
.
Now I live 2 blocks from home – but I was in meetings all day. And the excuse, “Sorry I put the wrong underwear on today” just doesn’t seem acceptable as an excuse to go home. And so, I shoved my junk in the little pouch, pulled it back up my ass and made do until the quitting bell. Then I walked uncomfortably (and probably unattractively) home and threw it away.
.
You know, there was a sale and I tried some new fundies. In this case, the “some new underwear” was in the “tighty-whitey” style (Y-Fronts for the Brits), but with a pouch for your junk. The pouch is important because I don’t like my junk squished against me, I like a little wiggle room for the boys (so to speak)..
Well the new underwear is really comfortable and I have been wearing it for a while and I like it. Yesterday, I slapped a pair on after my shower, got dressed and headed out, walking to work.
.
I wasn’t far before I knew something was amiss. These were a little too snug. I blamed the humidity (I blame the humidity for everything else why not this).
.
As the day progress, I realized that – although I was stretching out the underwear a little, things weren’t getting better. As a matter of fact, as I warmed up from my shower, the pouch was getting snugger and snugger.
.
While I have no complaints in the junk department (well except for the random “unreliability” issues – but I blame the other party when that occurred – I digress). Anyway, I am honest enough to know that while I am pleasantly endowed, I am not normally overflowing the normal junk pouch – and there was nothing exciting going on. Indeed, there were definitely other forces at work here. So, after my ass spent the better part of the morning eating my skiveys, I went to the restroom stall to see what the hell was going on.
.
Turns out that while pulling my order for underwear, a size S for Small was included in the batch – and I never noticed. After being amazed that I even got it around my waist (I attribute it to slick skin after the shower) I wondered what to do.
.
Now I live 2 blocks from home – but I was in meetings all day. And the excuse, “Sorry I put the wrong underwear on today” just doesn’t seem acceptable as an excuse to go home. And so, I shoved my junk in the little pouch, pulled it back up my ass and made do until the quitting bell. Then I walked uncomfortably (and probably unattractively) home and threw it away.
Ouch: This Article is Hites Really Close to Home
I am not sure if this article is a call to action, or sad truth. It is written with the cynical desperatoin that screams "Scooter", but I didn't write it.
.
Have the American people outlived their usefulness to the rich minority in the United States? A number of trends suggest that the answer may be yes.
.
In every industrial democracy since the end of World War II, there has been a social contract between the few and the many. In return for receiving a disproportionate amount of the gains from economic growth in a capitalist economy, the rich paid a disproportionate percentage of the taxes needed for public goods and a safety net for the majority.
.
In North America and Europe, the economic elite agreed to this bargain because they needed ordinary people as consumers and soldiers. Without mass consumption, the factories in which the rich invested would grind to a halt. Without universal conscription in the world wars, and selective conscription during the Cold War, the U.S. and its allies might have failed to defeat totalitarian empires that would have created a world order hostile to a market economy.
.
Globalization has eliminated the first reason for the rich to continue supporting this bargain at the nation-state level, while the privatization of the military threatens the other rationale.
.
The offshoring of industrial production means that many American investors and corporate managers no longer need an American workforce in order to prosper. They can enjoy their stream of profits from factories in China while shutting down factories in the U.S. And if Chinese workers have the impertinence to demand higher wages, American corporations can find low-wage labor in other countries.
.
This marks a historic change in the relationship between capital and labor in the U.S. The robber barons of the late 19th century generally lived near the American working class and could be threatened by strikes and frightened by the prospect of revolution. But rioting Chinese workers are not going to burn down New York City or march on the Hamptons.
.
What about markets? Many U.S. multinationals that have transferred production to other countries continue to depend on an American mass market. But that, too, may be changing. American consumers are tapped out, and as long as they are paying down their debts from the bubble years, private household demand for goods and services will grow slowly at best in the United States. In the long run, the fastest-growing consumer markets, like the fastest-growing labor markets, may be found in China, India and other developing countries.
.
more (and the original)
.
Are the American people obsolete?
The richest few don't need the rest of us as markets, soldiers or police anymore.
Have the American people outlived their usefulness to the rich minority in the United States? A number of trends suggest that the answer may be yes..
In every industrial democracy since the end of World War II, there has been a social contract between the few and the many. In return for receiving a disproportionate amount of the gains from economic growth in a capitalist economy, the rich paid a disproportionate percentage of the taxes needed for public goods and a safety net for the majority.
.
In North America and Europe, the economic elite agreed to this bargain because they needed ordinary people as consumers and soldiers. Without mass consumption, the factories in which the rich invested would grind to a halt. Without universal conscription in the world wars, and selective conscription during the Cold War, the U.S. and its allies might have failed to defeat totalitarian empires that would have created a world order hostile to a market economy.
.
Globalization has eliminated the first reason for the rich to continue supporting this bargain at the nation-state level, while the privatization of the military threatens the other rationale.
.
The offshoring of industrial production means that many American investors and corporate managers no longer need an American workforce in order to prosper. They can enjoy their stream of profits from factories in China while shutting down factories in the U.S. And if Chinese workers have the impertinence to demand higher wages, American corporations can find low-wage labor in other countries.
.
This marks a historic change in the relationship between capital and labor in the U.S. The robber barons of the late 19th century generally lived near the American working class and could be threatened by strikes and frightened by the prospect of revolution. But rioting Chinese workers are not going to burn down New York City or march on the Hamptons.
.
What about markets? Many U.S. multinationals that have transferred production to other countries continue to depend on an American mass market. But that, too, may be changing. American consumers are tapped out, and as long as they are paying down their debts from the bubble years, private household demand for goods and services will grow slowly at best in the United States. In the long run, the fastest-growing consumer markets, like the fastest-growing labor markets, may be found in China, India and other developing countries.
.
more (and the original)
Monday, July 26, 2010
Saw Inception and Loved It and Loved Joseph Gordon-Levitt
We saw Inception and it reminded me how much I love Joseph Gordon-Levit. He has come so far from 3rd Rock.
.
.
Actually.. it's not the leak that puts our soldiers "at risk"
I love this headline from MSNBC. I gotta say I think the fact that we are in the 9th year of war where we met our goals in year 1. I think maybe THAT is what is putting our soldiers at risk.
.
The leaks just prove this entire ware is a disaster and our ally is supporting our enemy. And Obama is just as pig-headed about Afghanistan as Bush, Gorbachev and Chernenko.
I Love This Stuff
Thomson has a great coffee system. They use this "Flavia" coffee and tea system. It is yummy!
.
.
I have had coffee from most everything else (include "Peets" when in the Silicon Valley - whish is overrated - just mainline caffine for goodness sake) and this is the best industrial type coffee I have had. I lurve it.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Trevor has a boo-boo
Trevor has a total boo boo. Without getting graphics he is having a cyst kind of explode on his henie.
.
I am going to have to take him to the vet tomorrow and I am a little afraid they are going to put him under - I hate that.
.
But I would hate that whole cyst operation more with putting him under so I guess that's going to be okay.
Friday, July 23, 2010
You Can't Recork the Genie
I hate to be doom and gloom here, but banning weapons doesn't work.
.
I applaud the sentiment behind banning nuclear weapons, I really do. It is a wonderful dream - but I suggest tilting at windmills you have a chance of hitting.
.
Some history is in order here. Throughout recent history (say since the repeating rifle) there have been efforts to "limit" or ban weapons of a certain type.
.
Particularly after World War 1, (the Great War at the time), there was a huge push to ban mechanical weapons that devastated people and land - think Gatling guns, machine guns, tanks, and other efforts to limit these weapons and navies.
.
It failed because anyone who "cheated" would gain a huge tactical advantage (this is one of the ways Hitler's German was able to run over Poland and the Sudetenland of Czech part of Czechoslovakia).
.
Now amplify that advantage for nuclear weapons. Would any of us trust that North Korea, Pakistan or China would destroy their weapons - or would we hold some back in reserve in case they didn't? Would any reasonable country believe the US would destroy our weapons?
.
So the advantages of non-compliance would force rational state actors to cheat.
.
And then there is the deterrent effect of nuclear weapons. It has helped mitigate some potential war zones. In an asymmetrical world, Nuc's keep Israel from being overrun. They also allow countries (aside from the US) to spend a LOT less on defense than they would otherwise. If Russia had to have a standing army to defend all it's borders, it would be massively expensive - moving funds away from development. The same with India or North Korea. If nuclear weapons miraculously disappeared tomorrow - military spending would go way up.
.
Also war would be a lot more palatable. I mean the US sent armies into Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Lebanon, and Grenada in the past few decades. If we weren't threatened with Nuclear War we might have easily attacked Russia or China. Or China might have invaded Taiwan without the threat of US Nuclear Response. So I think "banning" nuclear weapons might have the unintended effect of increasing traditional wars (if it could be worked out).
.
In short, it is an impossible dream and I am not sure it is smart.
.
Finally, the real threat is from non-traditional actors (terrorists or stateless entities) that the ban will not effect.
The Honey is back from PTown Today
So, my Eddie arrives back from PTown today..
I know, I know, he didn't normally like PTown, but we figured out the problem.
.
Coming from LA - PTown is hot and humid - coming from New York - not so much.
.
Coming from LA you fly across the country to spend a week with friends you can see in 10 minutes via car. If you live in New York - you hardly ever see them and it is a lot of fun.
.
Coming from LA there seem to be horrible biting animals.. coming from New York.... Well that is the same. There are all kinds of evil little things that bite you - NoSeeUms (??!!), "Biting" Black Flys (which should be called "Evil Blood Sucking Vampire Flys!") and mosquito's - which seem almost quaint in comparison. But I digress.
.
I wish I could have stayed longed and Eddie had a great time - as you can see from his smiling face.
.
But I can't wait to get him home.
PS, this is Eddie, Gavin and Lynette playing a game of "who can stand on 1 leg - while the boat is moving - the longest". It needs a better name and more Cape Cods to fully enjoy.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
NBC's Mark Murphy: That's why we have elections
Mark Murphy has posted a lovely piece of tripe where he proceeds to lecture "liberals" about the country. While I don't dispute his numbers, the term "liberal" - when asked as a self-identifier - is pretty much always incorrecty reported.
.
No. What offends me is the condescending tone when "explaining" to us "liberals" why certain things (closing Gitmo, Public Option, etc) can't get done. Most of the country isn't liberal is his answer. He does this in the same way as I would explain to the dog why he can't open the door - annoyed and not expecting Trevor to understand the nuance.
.
.
Let me offer a small reply to Mr. Murphy, "Consider this, we voted for the man that promised to close Gitmo, include the Public Option and lead financial reform. He won the election, we expected him to try to do this."
.
I know, I know, outside Washington adhering to your promises is considered passe. In fact even pretending to adhere to your promises is naive.
.
Liberal or not, I EXPECT to have the people I elect TRY to keep their promises. If not, at least to appear mildly embarrassed or apologetic. Particularly if I give them money or work for them.
.
It has nothing to do with Liberal or Conservative. You hold us to the laws you make, I want to hold you to the promises you make with regards to that law. That isn't "liberal" it is honest.
.
As an analogous arguement, the country was not behind continuing the war in Iraq - but G W Bush promised he was going to do it. And he followed through on his promise - despite the country being against it. I expected Obama to follow through on his promises - that's why I voted for him once and donated money back in the old days.
.
No. What offends me is the condescending tone when "explaining" to us "liberals" why certain things (closing Gitmo, Public Option, etc) can't get done. Most of the country isn't liberal is his answer. He does this in the same way as I would explain to the dog why he can't open the door - annoyed and not expecting Trevor to understand the nuance.
.
.
Let me offer a small reply to Mr. Murphy, "Consider this, we voted for the man that promised to close Gitmo, include the Public Option and lead financial reform. He won the election, we expected him to try to do this."
.
I know, I know, outside Washington adhering to your promises is considered passe. In fact even pretending to adhere to your promises is naive.
.
Liberal or not, I EXPECT to have the people I elect TRY to keep their promises. If not, at least to appear mildly embarrassed or apologetic. Particularly if I give them money or work for them.
.
It has nothing to do with Liberal or Conservative. You hold us to the laws you make, I want to hold you to the promises you make with regards to that law. That isn't "liberal" it is honest.
.
As an analogous arguement, the country was not behind continuing the war in Iraq - but G W Bush promised he was going to do it. And he followed through on his promise - despite the country being against it. I expected Obama to follow through on his promises - that's why I voted for him once and donated money back in the old days.
Fascinating Digression for Product Nerds
So the new job is a fascinating case study on Project Management Methods.
.
Because they combined 2 large companies, AND they recognized there were areas the acquirer was deficient in, they have kept the best of both project management systems. So they have a Program Office AND a Project Office. It is interesting to see the difference.
.
They use the iterative software development methodology - which is pretty normal, but they are willing to try other things.
.
For example,- if you are a real nerd - they are testing the Agile system on a high priority project. FYI - I am not a fan of the Agile development method which I think is better suited to Web Products that users expect to have multiple quick updates and put up with bugs. You are a lot more inclined to put up with bugs from free, regularly updated web aps (like free GMail) than big bundled purchased applications... But you never know, maybe they will work out all the issues before they go live.
.
Like I said, it is fun to watch these things unfold.
.
If you're a nerd like me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
