Bear Droppings

2004-05-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Accordion Guy I am playing with Blogware as the new host for Bear Droppings, or whatever the new name I decide. Frankly so far I like it, it has post titles, categories, RSS support, and a number of feautres I have been looking for so look over there for future posts. I'll keep this site up for a bit while I transfer and people move their blogrolls but that will be the new home. Or very soon www.geistbear.org will go there as well.

2004-05-20T15:02:00.000-07:00

Very astute article by Mark Cuban on the state of modern media.

2004-05-18T16:06:00.000-07:00

Did my civic duty and voted today, a big stir in Flagstaff. The city wants a bond for land that isn't for sale. The owner had tried to sell the land a while back twice to the city that he decided hell with it and decided to keep the land. As Renee would say "aren't local issues so cute."

2004-05-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

Poetry Wednesday

The Enkindled Spring
This spring as it comes bursts up in bonfires green,
Wild puffing of emerald trees, and flame-filled bushes,
Thorn-blossom lifting in wreaths of smoke between
Where the wood fumes up and the watery, flickering rushes.

I am amazed at this spring, this conflagration
Of green fires lit on the soil of the earth, this blaze
Of growing, and sparks that puff in wild gyration,
Faces of people streaming across my gaze.

And I, what fountain of fire am I among
This leaping combustion of spring? My spirit is tossed
About like a shadow buffeted in the throng
Of flames, a shadow that’s gone astray, and is lost. - D.H. Lawrence

2004-05-12T00:09:00.000-07:00

I was one of the last of my friends to get a cell phone. In DC I was generally too connected at work and home. I didn't mind when people couldn't get a hold of me, I had voice mail at home and work and even a pager for a bit, govt funded, but a cell was just a bit too connected for me. One friend in particular made light of my lack of a cell phone in '98-99 when he introduced me to a friend "This is my friend Tom, he really doesn't have a cell phone", not unlike you might say "This is BillyJoe he doesn't have indoor plumbing."

When I returned to Arizona last year I decided I needed one to have some form of phone at the cabin and in event of emergency on the trips between Phoenix and Northern AZ. A cell fit the bill because it was easy to carry and didn't lead to having multiple phone bills.

A year later that phone is dying and I looking at getting a replacement phone. The old one worked well in Sedona, but mediocre everywhere else and near work it's worthless. But as I look around examining my options I realized asking coworkers that probably less than 50% of Flagstaff residents have cell phones. While they recognize it would be useful on the road, since any major city is at least 2 and half hour drive, it doesn't seem to be as wide spread as the rest of the country. That is not to say that I haven't seen people using them in town or driving with them, but they just don't seem to be popular here.

Interesting cultural point, knowing the local culture I can't help but wonder if it may be by intent. That they LIKE being out of touch occasionally and away from the world which is why they live here in the first place.

2004-05-11T23:43:00.000-07:00

XM Radio
My office has installed the XM Radio system, the satellite system radio you pay $10 a month. I was pretty skeptical of the companies' premise, but liked the idea I could get a chance to listen to what it was like without paying for it.

Having listened for a month I am pretty impressed. They have a wide array of rock and other stations, including a series of decade stations that play every one from the 40s to the 90s.

My favorite station is probably Lucy a sassy channel that has smartalec station announcements and plays a good mix of New Wave-Alternative music from 80s through today.

I think what surprised me the most was the 70s and 90s channels. I listened to radio throughout the 90s and only know about 40% or less of what they play and enjoy about 10-15%. In contrast the 70s channel I have know about 90% of the songs they play and enjoyed about 40-50%. Hey it was the age of Disco

Overall if you are living in an area with poor radio station variety. Thanks to Clear Channel and the like that's probably 99% of you, I'd look into the satellite networks sure you have to pay for the service, but the music variety is pretty respectable.

2004-05-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

Weekend Wrapup
Still working out the network card issue a neighbor has brought one over but someone needs to install it, I suppose that may be me.

Worked overtime last week so I was a bit tired Friday, which staying up late playing a video game on roommate's computer and then getting up early Saturday for a golf tourney for work didn't help any I am sure. I should post details on that at suckatgolf.com.

Otherwise the weekend was filled with resting, cleaning, and unpacking. Now for lunch and then off to the job. Fun no?

2004-05-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

New internet cable so everything is good right?

No.

There was the network issue of getting two routers to work together, supposedly resolved but my desktop still ain't online. Neighbor thinks it may be hardware issue, considering it was working fine 30 miles down the road I am not convinced. I do remain open to the idea, because while there was no trama during the move and everything looked fine on visual inspection it's Windows so you never know.

To a certain brother get the Mac desktop reloaded with OS 9 and up here ASAP, along with my Mac laptop and wifi card. I'll get it fixed locally I can't wait anymore.

2004-04-28T00:18:00.000-07:00

Odd week, my room's hand wired net cable has sprung a leak and spilling packets all over the floor. Luckily it's not much of a mess, but the downside is I have no net access until the weekend when I can go and buy a 50-75ft Ethernet cable. We are still sorting out configuring the wifi router, but it works well enough on my roommate's laptop so I can type this post.

Work goes well I had my three month review today. I admit considering I had another job review about this time last year and it resulted in unemployement I was a touch nervous for the meeting. But it went real well, everyone was pleased with my progress so no worries on that end.

Otherwise all is well. The pup is adapting to the new home and enjoys the constant stream of play fights with the other dog. The unpacking continues on and will be completed by the first snowfall of Fall, which knowing Flagstaff could be next week. ;-)

2004-04-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

Home for a quiet weekend, I wanted to go to San Francisco with friends but between finances, exhaustion from the move last weekend, and the dog I decided it would be best to stay here. Rest, relax, and get the house in order. I wish I could have gone, but there will be other trips.

2004-04-23T10:59:00.000-07:00

The list of folks taking Iraq 'Food for Oil' bribes just keeps getting longer.

2004-04-22T00:43:00.000-07:00

It's good to be home. I constantly hear trains passing through town, I don't know when I first loved to hear the sound. I suspect it was when I was as a child in Ohio, the Akron area had a fair share of trains, It may be associated with the time when my parents traveled West to check out Arizona to live. I stayed at my Grandparents' house while my parents were looking for our new home. The window was open in my bedroom and the vivd memories of the trains' sound is one of the long last things from that trip. Regardless I have always enjoyed the sound and now as I hear a train rumbing down the hill and into downtown Flagstaff, with the horns sounding all I can do is smile.

2004-04-22T00:36:00.000-07:00

My supervisor had a great comment tonight...

When you worked in politics, you had to wear a suit everyday. Now you wear a suit everday too, a bunnysuit.

2004-04-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

With the dramatically shorter distance I am starting to ride my bike to commute, I can use the exercise and with gas prices it will save money. Yesterday's ride home went well great view of the stars and I had properly layered so I didn't much notice the cold. The ride to work was a bit of a struggle between the hills, 7000ft elevation, and me being out of shape it was a tough ride. It will get better I know in the next few weeks, but it was a rough start.

2004-04-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

More on the UN bribery with oil scandal.

A little more seriously if there is truth in these allegations, as a supporter of the ideal of the UN, the body must act quickly with reforms and better financial oversight. Without those reforms I suspect the UN could be looking for a new home and the US withdrawal in the next ten years. Members of Congress are often not fans of the UN to begin with and a story like this would only give them more ammunition.

Further followup on the issue

2004-04-17T18:48:00.000-07:00

Back online, my service provider a few days ago discountinued service, but considering I cancelled it at the end of March I can't complain. I am mostly moved up to Flagstaff, hurrah. A whole lot miles the last few days hauling my stuff up the mountain, many thanks to my brther, Michael, and Jeff on the help. Very tired, but back online tomorrow the unpacking begins.

2004-04-15T01:12:00.000-07:00

Looks like the move will happen, finally. :-)

Just have to have the dogs meet and assuming it goes well I move Saturday. I can't wait.

2004-04-15T01:07:00.000-07:00

Arizona finally leaves the dark ages and joins the rest of the civilized world. Not that it will dramatically change the world, but it means if I work overtime I won't have to speed to a store to buy beer on the way home or on New Years, my friends and I instead of going out in the cold for the pine cone drop, then rushing inside before last call can be a little more leasurely, not worried about gettting a drink to celebrate. It reminds me of the year we had hotel rooms and went to Safeway to stock up on beer, wine, etc before we went to the regular haunt for New Years. That way we could enjoy a decent drink after midnight. 2am is a respectable, mature hour.

2004-04-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

911 Commission member Gorelick has a rather large conflict of interest, she has been highly critical of the current administration's information sharing, but she wrote the policy that dictated that policy. I am not a lawyer, but in that kind of position she should have recused herself from joining the Commission in the first place when she knew she might have the potential to be called as a witness. Unless she has an agenda to push...I know, I know a personal agenda on a government commission that NEVER happens.

PS - More on the issue, I don't like Sensebrenner, but he's right on this.

2004-04-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

Having you been following the 'Food for Oil program scandal'? Not that it was surprising that Saddam was taking money from the program, but Kofi Annon's son, Russians, French, and now Scott Ritter and an Irish politician. The NY Times covered the tip of the iceberg a while back, but everyday the story seems to grow. It doesn't surprise me about the corruption within Iraq, but how could these people take money that was supposed to go to help feed Iraqis and buy them medicine as a pay off. Furthermore by taking the money you were helping someone who was known to torture his own people stay in power, pretty sad, pretty sick.

2004-04-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

Walked into my kitchen, next door, and someone was watch/listening to the President's press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Sharon. As I was cooking my breakfast it was usual press conference affair but then a reporter asks "Former President Carter says the current administration is too pro-Israel, what do you think of the comment?" To which the President replied (paraphrasing, but I think I have the phrase correct) "We have a pro-peace agenda... we are the first Administration to propose the existance of a seperate Palestinian state." He may not be the most eloquent speaker but he sure can blow and arguement away in a simple way.

2004-04-12T00:35:00.000-07:00

Dinosaurs are seldom happy in a new world as current online price proves, the answer maybe as someone on slashdot suggests, make better albums. Or perhaps they should find a new line of work.

2004-04-11T22:20:00.000-07:00

I have enjoyed Crabwalk since the Utah Olympics, I never added it to my blogroll, I just fixed that oversight.

2004-04-11T22:12:00.000-07:00

By this scale I suppose I'd be considered a New Englander, certain former roommates tell the stories how it would be freezing, but I'd have the windows open in my room. I still do that but now I have my space heater on facing me on the lowest setting. It's still too hot.

2004-04-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

Suw has a new site, check it out, I can honestly say she is my favorite Welsh blogger (True I don't know any other Welsh bloggers, but she is still my favorite)

2004-04-09T23:05:00.000-07:00

Friday Five
Been a while, but it's a good one this week so why not.

1. What do you do for a living? I am building medical devices.

2. What do you like most about your job? Helping people even if I never meet them, one of my best friends had a similar device implanted in him that helped easing his pain in his final days. The one I am building helps people's quality of life not just for those terminally ill, but saving limbs.

3. What do you like least about your job? Not making enough money, but that will change in time I suppose, but then with my degree I don't expect to get rich.

4. When you have a bad day at work it's usually because _____... The drive, hopefully soon to be shorter, but the tourists get on my nerves and I hate the chunk of day and energy that could be spent writing that is wasted driving.

5. What other career(s) are you interested in? Writer, full-time to make enough to pay the bills and travel to conferences. Though to get to that point I'll probably keep my current job and write on my own time until it becomes a reality.

2004-04-09T22:40:00.000-07:00

Guinness is good for you, but then I knew that already.

2004-04-09T14:18:00.000-07:00

Check out technologists Clay Shirky's interview on New York good stuff.

Observant readers might note, um Thomas you ought to be at work just now, but we got Good Friday off, not that I care about Easter, but any Friday off of work is a good one to me ;-)

2004-04-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

The Arizona Daily Sun used to allow free access to their archives online, which I thought was a great idea and cited them regularly. Now they charge, not sure when this policy changed, but regardless, I just sent the following email to the Editor Randy Wilson. I'll pass along what reply I get, normally the paper is pretty good about responding to emails.

Hi Randy a quick note about your papers webpolicy, requiring me to pay $2.95 for a single story online that was published Monday when I could go to a local library to read for free will not improve the papers reputation. Especially when internet use is so inexpensive. The Daily Sun covered blogging a couple of months ago and one point that I don't think did not get mentioned is bloggers can highlight good stories and raise their profile to a wider audience. An example the DC paper RollCall used to be able to read whole stories online, bloggers noticed and regularly linked raising the papers profile besides just on Capitol Hill. Now they require subscription and their articles are very infrequently cited. While I am sure your IT staff might say it costs alot of money to host I do notice you always seem to sell the ad space associated with it, so I don't think you are losing any income.

Furthermore the price of three dollars an article for a whole paper that was fifty cents just shows you don't want to be a resource to the community. That price is so high there is no way you'll ever break even on the associated cost because most customers will say, no it wasn't that important and move on.

Archives online are a way of building community and fostering knowledge, I don't think they are very costly considering what the paper would earn back in reputation and potential ad revenue.

2004-04-07T02:26:00.000-07:00

Ted Kennedy's Vietnam comments surprise me, I am surprised that Kennedy was ever sober enough back then to know about Vietnam. Who knew?

PS - Okay it was a snide and sarcastic comment, but I thought funny. Lileks has a great quote from Kennedy saying that Iraq both was and wasn't a threat so his own position on the matter seems on both sides of the fence, worth the read.

2004-04-07T01:49:00.000-07:00

Poetry Wednesday
Since Warren quotes it in the video it gets the weekly poem.

Herbsttag
Herr: es ist Zeit. Der Sommer war sehr gross.
Leg deinen Schatten auf die Sonnenuhren,
und auf den Fluren lass die Winde los.

Befiel den letzten Fruechten voll zu sein;
gib ihnen noch zwei suedlichere Tage,
draenge sie zur Vollendung hin und jage
die letzte Suesse in den schweren Wein.

Wer jetzt kein Haus hat, baut sich keines mehr.
Wer jetzt allein ist, wird es lange bleiben,
wird wachen, lesen, lange Briefe schreiben
und wird in den Alleen hin und her
unruhig wandern, wenn die Blaetter treiben. - Rainer Maria Rilke

and for those who don't spricht Deutsch...

Autumn Day
Lord: it is time. The summer was great.
Lay your shadows onto the sundials
and let loose the winds upon the fields.

Command the last fruits to be full,
give them yet two more southern days,
urge them to perfection, and chase
the last sweetness into the heavy wine.

Who now has no house, builds no more.
Who is now alone, will long remain so,
will stay awake, read, write long letters
and will wander restlessly here and there
in the avenues, when the leaves drift. - Rainer Maria Rilke (trans. J. Mullen)

via Google

2004-04-07T01:10:00.000-07:00

Some gifts make your day, thanks.

2004-04-06T04:13:00.000-07:00

A Fun Quiz (via Mr Bear Guy)
1: Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, find line 4. 'kind of magic in having my arm around the warm' (Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom -Cory Doctrow

2: Stretch your left arm out as far as you can. What do you touch first?: My Toshiba TV/DVD player from my parents playing a Highlander DVD

3: What is the last thing you watched on TV?: Live from Hollywood some show on late night Saturdays on the only channel I get in Sedona.

4: WITHOUT LOOKING, guess what the time is: 3:20 AM

5: Now look at the clock, what is the actual time?: 3:18 AM

6: With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?: My pup wandering the cabin and Highlander DVD Season 1, Episode "Band of Brothers"

7: When did you last step outside? what were you doing?: Three hours ago, I just got home and I went next door to microwave some pasta

9: What are you wearing?: blue jeans, black tee-shirt

10: Did you dream last night?: Yes, but don't remember what now

11: When did you last laugh? Proper full on, I can't breath laughing? Giggle? Work last Thursday Aprils Fools jokes, a giggle today.

12: What is on the walls of the room you are in?: wood paneling, a few pictures by my favorite modern photographer, and a picture of Flagstaff taken at the same time while I was a student at NAU or more simply Home.

13: Seen anything weird lately?: A mountain lion on the drive home last week, weird because while I know they exist around here I had never seen one in all my life. A cherished weirdness for sure.

14: What do you think of this quiz?: Different than most of this silly question series.

15: What is the last film you saw?: Chasing Amy on DVD or Lord of the Rings (the third one) in Theatre

16: If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy first?: A retirement property my parents have been looking at and a VERY expensive trip to the Apple Store... G5 desktop, G4 laptop, 40g Ipod, etc, etc

17: Tell me something about you that I don't know: It surprises me how much I like working in manufacturing medical devices, I get to help people and make something hightech in a clean room (great material for stories), sure I would prefer to be a full time writer and would like to make more money, but really I don't think it's all that bad a living, but I miss seeing my DC friends a bit.

18: If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?: The Taoist in me makes it a tough question, the world is, what it is, be what it will be. But I suppose alittle more understanding about the reality of life, I have seen too much blind partisan views in politics without understanding of a bigger picture, I'd like it, whether my world view is right or wrong.

19: Do you like to dance?: When intoxicated on a few occasions, otherwise I follow my Father's genes and I am not much of a dancer.

20: George Bush: Funny I know I could have worked for the man during his initial campaign, I had the connections, hell I still do know people that could hook me in on a phone call. But it's not my path, likewise I don't think anything he will do will outright effect me, whether he had been Republican or Democrat. I think he made some serious mistakes in letting the Patriot Act go through as written, but I don't think Democrats would have done any better. But otherwise I suspect he is a man, trying to do the best for this country as best as he knows and we can ask little more out of a President other than that.

21: Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?: Sylvie, supposing my wife would let me. Someone I'll never forget.

21: Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him?: I'd love to say the Third, but I don't know I would want to decree that responsibility on him, honestly I haven't a clue.

22: Would you ever consider living abroad?: Have already done, would do again in an instant, especially if it was Germany.

23: Will you pass on this survey?: By filling it out in public I suppose I am ;-)

2004-04-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

I have been following the blog explosion about Daily Kos inappropriate comments, Matt Stoller has an interesting read of it, but I think he does give far too much credit this is not the act of some vast right wing blogger conspiracy, my words not his. It's more simply a case of when you speak in public there is potential consquenses of such an act. Freedom of speech exists but it demands responsiblity rather than playing a Weiner and republishing over it, he should have crossed it and apologized. I think had he acted more responsible in the first place people would have given him a pass on the issue and forgiven him, instead his actions make a mountain out of a molehill.

2004-04-04T13:08:00.000-07:00

For as astute as George Soros is at making money it's a shame it doesn't cross over to politics as well or so goes this analysis of his recent comments.

2004-04-04T00:38:00.000-07:00

Suw has a very informative post on Nick Denton's new service Kinja.

2004-04-02T02:58:00.000-07:00

"I smoke in moderation. Only one cigar at a time."
-- Mark Twain

I love JR's website just wish I had the money to buy something, or many things.

2004-04-01T00:46:00.000-07:00

Al Franken and Air America: "Silencing Minorities Since 2004!"

If you are going to start a new radio network touting liberal values and diversity, don'tstart it by take diversity away from the existing radio network, it just looks bad. Instapundit has details and be sure to read Doc Searls post about have they really should have been more web savy.

2004-03-31T12:26:00.000-07:00

Poetry Wednesday
Yup it's back, been a dead meme of late, but all the driving I am doing will cause that and less frequent posting. Any luck and next week I'll be back to my blogging madness.

The Enkindled Spring
This spring as it comes bursts up in bonfires green,
Wild puffing of emerald trees, and flame-filled bushes,
Thorn-blossom lifting in wreaths of smoke between
Where the wood fumes up and the watery, flickering rushes.

I am amazed at this spring, this conflagration
Of green fires lit on the soil of the earth, this blaze
Of growing, and sparks that puff in wild gyration,
Faces of people streaming across my gaze.

And I, what fountain of fire am I among
This leaping combustion of spring? My spirit is tossed
About like a shadow buffeted in the throng
Of flames, a shadow that’s gone astray, and is lost. - D. H. Lawrence

By the way don't let this poem fool you I still expect a major snow storm in Northern Arizona before summer, but I am enjoying the current weather.

2004-03-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

Hmmm turn a book into a conversation, I love the idea.

2004-03-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

An old roommate and I used to watch the World News hour on CNN, then one day it was gone I never understood why. Here is probably the reason such a shame I got more news out of the program than many newspapers. I suppose that is why I don't get my news from TV anymore, it's just too dumbed down a medium.

2004-03-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

Salon has The confessions of a semi-successful author in which a midlist author discusses their woes (You can click on the one pass to read it). It's an interesting read, but contrasting it to my goals was the most useful part. Perhaps it's a difference of genre, but I don't have any immediate expectations that my writing will be my sole source of income anytime soon, maybe ever. It's part of the reason I worked to get in with a good company and steady income stream. Most science fiction writers have to have a day job I have realized it and accepted it about my intended field, sure I may write other stories but this will be my bread and butter.

In other news I am editing and reediting the selection I am submitting for the Clarion workshop. Deadline looms, I haven't a clue how I'll afford it if I get accepted, or that my current employer would be flexible to give me the time off to go, but as another Writer mentioned in or Sunday circle, "if you really want to be a science fiction novelist apply this year, don't wait". So I am applying.

2004-03-22T06:05:00.000-07:00

Morning. Birds chirping, edge of dawn on the horizon and me gulping down coffee as quickly as I can to wake up for a early day. But I'd prefer sleep, oh well have a nice week.

2004-03-21T00:25:00.000-07:00

Traficant Watch
As regularly readers know I have long been a fan of James Traficant, but while I'd never see him I am a bit bother he has been moved to another prison further from home. I had the chance to meet his charming daughter a few months ago and I am saddened her drive will be made much further to see her father.

Free JimmyT!

2004-03-19T01:36:00.000-07:00

AccordionGuy has a fun post about how a guy can sense a girlfriend's next guy. All I can do now is chuckle and agree, because I have seen it happen to me.

2004-03-15T02:09:00.000-07:00

I don't watch many movies except for the short stack of DVDs I have and about one or two a year, most of the scripts are unimpressive and don't tell a compelling story. That all said I am rather intrigued in Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow it looks like will be one of my movies for the year. I had that thought even before I read this profile of the creator at the NY Times magazine. After reading it I am all the more convinced. I went back and saw the trailer again tonight. I got that old exciting feeling of a story that takes you away to another world. I admit it, I can't wait to see it.

2004-03-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

The Spanish had their day of democracy, but as to what the results may mean?

"I wonder if the Spanish people have thought of what message they've just sent to the Basque separatists, whom they've been fighting for many years: Wantonly kill enough of us and we'll appease you, too." - Barbara Skolaut (via Instapundit)

I disagree with alot of the Patriot Act and think alot of recent things need to be fixed, but sending the terrorists the wrong message is perhaps even worse.

2004-03-14T00:05:00.000-07:00

I don't have the money to attend many conferences, my goal in the future is to budget enough to attend 4-6 a year. Before today SXSW was going to be on that list however after reading this post of Joi's I think I'll save my money for Etech or some place else where bloggers and computers are welcome.

Interactive...I don't think so.

FOLLOWUP: Between Cory's battle cry and Joi's post the wave of public opinion hit the conference and they changed the rule, now people can use power outlets and pictures as long as they are for personal use only.

2004-03-11T11:50:00.000-07:00

Been enjoying the local weather, I compared to DC not surprisingly Flagstaff will be both warmer and cooler today. But for the moment I am in lovely Sedona before the drive to work. We got talking last night at dinner about how nice the weather was lately, however there was a consensus among the people who had lived in Flagstaff for a while not to trust it that we would get hit by at least one and maybe a few of harsh Winter storms before we would get to Summer.

Cynical?

Maybe, maybe not. I have seen a foot of the white stuff in the middle of April and Flag has been known to get snow in June. It has been great weather though.

Only other news is I am moving to Flag, the commute sucks too big a chunk out of the day, not to mention money. I think the new place has been worked out, details later once everything is finalized.

2004-03-01T12:51:00.000-07:00

Tim Blair has a thought provoking piece on how 5.6% unemployment was considered low under Clinton, but high under Bush.

2004-02-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

Hint to the Democrats if you want to win more broad support in this country don't call a Mexican-American a "racist'' and ''a white man'', you will likely get a negative response to your policy goal. Worse off when you brush off the comments saying ''you all look alike to me'' you will end up the one looking racist. Unless being offensive and nonproductive is your policy goal of course.

In the Trent Lott case the media was all over the issue after the blogosphere developed the story until they couldn't ignore it, it will be interesting to see how and if they cover this story.

Instapundit has more...

2004-02-26T02:03:00.000-07:00

Tom Peters has an astute assessment of outsourcing things offshore, not surprising considering his remarks in the past, but still well worth the read.

2004-02-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

Flag Live: Entertaining, but Clueless
In Flagstaff we have a weekly arts and entertainment rag called Flag Live it's free and generally worth the read if you are sitting in a coffee shop or having a pint to see what exactly is going on in town.

It's political pieces are generally rants of the misinformed so I try to avoid them, unfortunately I read Ryan Heinsius, the Editor's rant on music and politics, it is so informed I couldn't help but Fisk it. Enjoy.

There is a disease sweeping through the artistic consciousness of America. It is the same disease that has been killing the spirit of independent (not ?indie? mind you) music for decades. and the cure already exists, it's called the internet, artists can control their own marketing, promotion, and releases without giving it away to someone else for the fabled contract.

The dreaded word ?format? could quite possibly be the most destructive force in the modern musical landscape. From oldies to classic rock to hip-hop to alternative (whatever that means), it seems that we live in an ever more fragmented, yet formulized, musical world. I suppose that could be true if radio listenership was increasing, but it's actually doing the opposite.

With the recent consolidation moves by the Federal Communications Commission, the world of music has taken a severe turn in the direction of corporate, formulized music, spoonfeeding the masses a contrived version of what rock ?n? roll once was. Now what Americans have is a format that goes beyond music, translating to the FCC?s unrelenting rolling-over routine for the GOP money machine. Wait a second the current rules structure and policy is largly due to the 1996 Telecommunications Act. This bill was passed on a rather bipartisan basis and signed into law by Bill Clinton, a Democrat. So don't go blaming current rules on the GOP it was actions of both parties working together to find the best outcome. If they succedded is another question, I'd agree no.

Don?t get me wrong, there?s plenty of amazing music out there. Most sense I have heard out of him so far...

But the void between the worlds of what is popular and what is of quality is at its widest point since the dark and scary ?70s. This may be a good thing. As we hunt through chasms and back alleys in search of a pure note, what we find could be a sign of an impending musical revolution. These things start small. Hmmm I like most of the music I hear from the 70s, but that could be because I make conscious efforts to avoid disco.

Look out upon popular music?s desert expanse, there may be an oasis somewhere. Local music is where things begin, where the building blocks of untainted art thrives. It?s now up to thirsty music fans to find their own tunes, and turn away from the ever-encroaching dollar sign-crossed eyes of pop culture.
The Oasis already exists, it's called the internet stop by Bookman's and ask the cybercafe clerk to show you around. Since Napster and perhaps before it an exploding access to the masses for small and local bands. Between blogcritics, P2P networks (oh yea Ryan ain't online Peer-to-Peer, my computer says hello to yours and we share music), and friends online I have been introduced to bands I otherwise may never heard of, from Russian folk music to Indy rock locals in New York. It gives artists the ultimate control to the artist in expressing themselves, but it is not just small artists ever heard of Neil Young? He has a site and is very active in it's workings.

You seem to think it's the worst of times Ryan, but come online, have a look, you will see more diversity than you ever knew existed, just waiting for you. Best of all it's growing everyday. And next time do some research before you write a misinformed rant, even if you just used google it would have provided 921,000 results on just the 1996 Telecommunications Act.

2004-02-24T00:12:00.000-07:00

Following the snowplow truck through the switchbacks is kin to having your own personal version of Close Encounters. The clouds provide atmosphere and the flashing multicolor lights of the truck provide the show.

2004-02-20T02:04:00.000-07:00

"America is simultaneously the world's most loved, hated, admired and feared nation. ... In short, we're Frank Sinatra." - Dennis Miller

I have been reading alot of people thinking he has lost his sense of humor, I don't agree, he just has adopted a more responsible tone. I won't ever completely agree with him, but never thought he was all too liberal. In the end he is still hilarous, just wish I had cable to watch.

2004-02-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, I haven't been blogging much, not awake enough before I head out the door to work and tired when I get home. Doing fine, new job goes well I am out on the production line as of yesterday. Seen lots of animals on the commute Elk, big Elk. Not much else to report.

2004-02-05T01:43:00.000-07:00

Poetry Wednesday
A little late, a repost from last February, but it fits for my commute since yesterday...

I Took the Canyon Road
Red Rock Mesas stand dusted with snow;
Clouds enshroud them to enhance an air of mystery.

I take the canyon road.

The snow is off in the distance enveloping the earth;
red and white contrast on the mountainside.

I take the canyon road.

The road climbs and a snow pile appear on the road side;
One, then two the piles begin to grow.

I take the canyon road.

By Slide Rock the red rocks are covered in a white blanket;
The rain turns to fluffy white flakes.

I take the canyon road.

Oak tree skeletons become wrapped in softness;
the flakes fall faster now.

I take the canyon road.

Our parade of vehicles slows to climb into the clouds and out of the canyon;
I reach the top and continue my drive to Flagstaff.

I took the canyon road. - Thomas Vincent 2003

2004-02-04T01:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome back Desert Pundit!

2004-02-04T01:04:00.000-07:00

If you are a snowplow driver and are ever wanting a beer in Flagstaff stop by Uptown Billards and ask for a guy named Thomas wearing a fedora, a round or two is on me, it's the least I can do.

2004-02-01T11:57:00.000-07:00

In case someone wants to add Bear Droppings via RSS reader I turned on the Blogger - Atomic Feed. For the rest of you who have no idea what that is don't worry I don't understand all that much either.

2004-01-31T00:25:00.000-07:00

New Word
Well not new, but new to English language...

orkut - (verb) to recruit someone to orkut network, especially to try to build your network in the process. Example: "Did you orkut Jim?" "No I tried but he doesn't understand social software"

2004-01-30T23:36:00.000-07:00

Friday Five
Too tired to do a real post funny the shortest work day of the week, but I am dead, but saw Friday Five I haven't done one in a while so here.

You have just won one million dollars:
1. Who do you call first? Hmmm either my Mom or El Jeffe.

2. What is the first thing you buy for yourself? G4 Powerbook full decked out and with an Ipod.

3. What is the first thing you buy for someone else? Hmm a million ain't that much so probably just a good dinner for a bunch of my friends.

4. Do you give any away? If yes, to whom? I'd probably start a sponsorship to Computers, Freedom and Privacy conference for non-traditional attendees and put some money into research for mental health issues for non drug related treatment.

5. Do you invest any? If so, how? Biotech and internet technologies.

2004-01-29T02:00:00.000-07:00

Tired, been making it home around midnight the last two nights. Work is a mix of frustration and joy, often within meer moments of one another. I have to learn to build something rather complicated and while I hear encouragement from my trainer as I joked with him today "I am ready for you to look it over then tell me to take it apart", I basically build the same thing over and over again. I see I am improving and know it is not something you do overnight, but frustration hides inside on me.

2004-01-29T01:49:00.000-07:00

Poetry Wednesday
Couple hours late, but here goes...

"I TRAVELLED AMONG UNKNOWN MEN"
I travelled among unknown men,
In lands beyond the sea;
Nor, England! did I know till then
What love I bore to thee.

'Tis past, that melancholy dream!
Nor will I quit thy shore
A second time; for still I seem
To love thee more and more.

Among thy mountains did I feel
The joy of my desire;
And she I cherished turned her wheel
Beside an English fire.

Thy mornings showed, thy nights concealed
The bowers where Lucy played;
And thine too is the last green field
That Lucy's eyes surveyed. - William Wordsworth

2004-01-26T22:21:00.000-07:00

I start a new path today, far a field thus far from the political fields I have known. Not saying it is better, nor that it will last as long. Frankly I am a career cynic, but anything that prepares my interest in the future of people will be a valuable study of my time. I started work for a bio-med-company. Meer factory cog in the wheel, although from what I gather the path from applicant to production employee may take many months. The Writer in Me values this experience, though the pragmatist wishes the bankroll were stronger. Due to the many confidential thoughts my employer entails I don't know how much I'll really impart, but I yet look forward to the process. A friend was hired by the same employer not so long ago and spoke ill of the firm, if I had not worked for an IT association and seen the regular trade secret issues agreements they keep as part of daily discussion I might seem offended, but it doesn't bother me and might in fact provide writing fodder. For now I see opportunity and job growth, but decent benefits is enough for me now, only time will tell.

2004-01-25T02:03:00.000-07:00

His words echo to me, even now...

He sings to me.

Alone, tired, fingers bleeding..
I hear him.

I look up, blind to the world.
My senses dulled by complacency.
Yet he still sings to me.

I've lost hope,
his song brings me life.

I stumble.
No hands to pick me up.
A light breeze lifts me,
a rustle in the black
of my sightless eyes.

I hold him like a lost lover.
We begin to dance.

We move through the currents of emotion,
through the waves of perception,
crashing all around.

Nothing can stop the dance.
The song has become a roar.

There is only the dance.
One moment of perfect beauty.

All moments end.
He drifts away, a cloud in the sky.

Now i sing to him.

I miss you old friend.

2004-01-23T22:05:00.000-07:00

Wonkette is neither the Gawker of DC nor Wonkish...discuss
Nick Denton owner of the blogging empire Gawker and numerous our sites has a new blog Wonkette, on politics and DC, aspiring to be the next Gawker. The problem is the new site doesn't read authentic and that can be deadly on the web.

Gawker succeeded because it looked at the media industry with a cynical, funny eye and played to that audience discussing New York City life.

First off Wonkette is written by a media person, which is fine there are many political blogs written by media people, but it claims to be a Wonk. A Wonk or Wonkette is a policy expert in some regard. Me I am a tech policy wonk, but I have known them in all shades and colors Cancer health wonk, environmental wonk, I even knew a woman who loved the intricacies waste management policies (I wish I was kidding). The problem is she doesn't read like a Wonk, she plays off spelling mistakes in this post but an early truth in political life is this NEVER spell a Member's name wrong. A Member is a Member of Congress a generic term for Senator or Representative for non-politicos.

Next according to the author it is "a guide to DC politics and culture, sort of." The problem is it doesn't read like someone who attends the receptions, social life, and quirkiness that makes up the DC experience. I don't hold it against Ana Marie Cox that she lives in the suburbs I did as well, but it doesn't read to me that she knows DC life. Gawker discusses SoHo Club and various media receptions, as I noted earlier this week the SOTU address is a major social event but Wonkette reads like someone who didn't watch it live but checked a few websites the next morning, not a gossip site dishing on a big social night.

In the end it reads like formulatic duplication of Gawker. If Nick Denton had hired someone who actually was a policy Wonk who had a couple of years government experience I think it would come off better, someone like Carrie Jean Langdon who worked for HillZoo and on Capitol Hill. I knew her socially, not real well but enough that she strikes me as someone that combines the perfect amount of DC insider and snarkiness to pull off the site Wonkette.

2004-01-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

Funny thing seeing all the online pundits and bloggers talking up the SOTU (State of the Union to non-politicos) last night, the speech was always a prime night of social culture when I lived in DC. Everyone watched it, if you could from someplace with perks, if not a bar. I think only election night and inauguration events were held in higher regard. Well save the super-elite who get invited to White House dinners.

A year out of the DC it doesn't seem nearly as important, though frankly I thought getting hyped over an hour long speech was a bit silly regardless of who made it. It was amazing who much of a social events, yet they don't necessarily connect with the man on the street I don't know anyone who did watch it in Sedona.

While the speech does serve to lay out certain policy goals for the next year and a 'gut check' of the country often times it is just flowery rhetoric to a tv audience. TV broadcast media for all it's faults is still the dominate medium in this country. In that role I suppose it has a valid purpose to communicate to the masses.

But as my generation gets older and future generations grow up online, for instance my brother jokes his 4 years old knows how to find her favorite website, I wonder how important this presentation will remain. It wasn't until radio and television came along that it became a major political event to the common man. People like the Vodkapundit blogged the whole thing and then there are SOTU drinking games how long can it be with the advancing state of media until there are live interactive games and rebuttals with real live time audio, video, and links based on it by both Presidential supporters and detractors? Will these cheapen the speech or strengthen it's role in society? Tough to say while part of me thinks it will make the speech less relevant, but at the same time this media will increase people's participation and that may ultimately strengthen democracy in ways we can hardly envision.

2004-01-21T01:03:00.000-07:00

Poetry Wednesday
Every month I scour Flagstaff around this time hunting for one of my favorite current magazines the Mountain Gazette. It was first published in 1972 for 7 years then took a 21 year break. It returned to publication in 2000 and has been a favorite of mine ever since. This month they hit the big 100th Issue mark, congrats guys! In honor of their accomplishment a poem from the latest edition.

Full Circle
To come full circle
In the blink of an eye
Staring while the sky turns purple
Amazed not wondering why
Inspiration in forms
Listening to the river
Or weathering out storms
Each day a little older
As time stops for none
Some days the wind blows colder
But today there shines the sun - David Black, Mountain Gazette Issue 100

2004-01-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

Heavy, wet, white flakes fall quickly around the cabin. I don't know how long it will continue, but if it does for a few more hours Sedona will be covered in a thick wintery blanket. I can't wait until morning to see the contrast of white on red rock and the bright green brush that is across the landscape. Winter has finally arrived in Sedona.

2004-01-20T00:29:00.000-07:00

Job front I had some good news, it looks like I'll be commuting back up to Flagstaff starting next week. I have been hired by a company that regularly ranks in Fortune's Top 10 companies to work for survey. The job will not be great, but it's a start gets my foot in the door and there is plenty of room to grow. In addition, it means I won't be living the life of a vampire anymore I'll working the second shift after my initial training. Also the writer in me looks forward to the experience of working in a clean room just as an new experience that may pay off for ideas down the road.

2004-01-20T00:12:00.000-07:00

As a friend noted in the comments I have been discussing Dean a fair bit, mostly because of the contradiction while I like his internet policy and use of it as a campaign resource I have been very disappointed with his angry swing left since September. I think tonight showed that while his anger does resonate well within the party activists and anti-Bush crowd it doesn't sell within Middle America.

Jeff Jarvis notes

I have said earlier that the Dean blog was a two-way street in terms of organization but not in terms of substance. And so I can't blog with forked tongue now and say that the grass roots bent the tree above and changed Dean. No, Dean is Dean. I'm not blaming the blog for what he has done wrong so far -- being so negative, focusing on the war as his one visible issue -- and Dean can't blame anyone else either. He's the boss. It's his loss.

But we all live online and we know how this is a self-confirming medium. You can find others' opinions but you have do be willing to click and link to find them; you can't live inside your own club or you'll hear only what your fellow club members say to you.

The Dean blog was a strong tool for the campaign's organization. But it was a club. It was really all about the comments. It wasn't so much a blog as a forum, a place where people who agree can agree. And, again, that's fine. But it's not what blogs are really about.

If Dean survives the nomination process, and I think he likely will, he'll have to remember the political axiom that it's not attacking others that wins elections, it's convincing them you can do a better job than the incumbent.

Tonight just confirms to me while his campaign is making powerful advancements in internet use, his policies and anger will cost him the White House in November.

2004-01-17T23:29:00.000-07:00

Back in AZ, it was a good trip considering the circumstances and heard some positive details on the job front, more to follow later, right now there is a puppy that has not seen me in a week and is in dire need of attention.

2004-01-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

On the Road...
In Ohio so posting will be sporatic and likely light. Have a good week.

2004-01-10T02:53:00.000-07:00

Further proof that the current education system does not effectively work in the modern technological society. Educators should be assisting the learning process and not suspending students for learning. Teachers, especially computer teachers, should know the difference between hacking and using system tools. I don't have the answers, but this is a prime example of what NOT to do.

2004-01-10T02:31:00.000-07:00

Generunner Version .1
For those of you expressed interest you should see the raw draft of Generunner, my National Novel Writing Month story in your inboxes this morning. If you don't get it let me know and I'll send you a copy, I have a mental list of people who expressed interest and may have missed someone. It's the verbatium text I wrote in November after going through formating and spell checking. It is very much a first draft and now the real work begins, editing and redrafts.

2004-01-08T20:51:00.000-07:00

Informative article on music industry and busking from a Musician. Like I have been saying for a while it's musicians I support, not companies suing 12 year old girls and retired people. It has forced me to stretch a bit I have been downloading Russian folk-rock, supporting local bands, and when I do buy an album I make sure it's not from an RIAA label for the most part. I am happier for the effort, because before I was more passive in my musical taste, sure I had my favorite artists like Warren Zevon, but otherwise I often just listened to the radio. It just seems a bit more fulfilling to search a little deeper for people following their passions and as I am trying to do that with my writing I can relate to their passion.

2004-01-07T23:37:00.000-07:00

Poetry Wednesday
Another entry from the Sunday's writing group, kind of a whimsical piece on the lost traveler to Mars.

Beagle
Beagle, oh little lost beagle
just last month you seemed so regal.
Lost in a Martian desert
your barking cry
we strain to hear
but silence is the only thing clear.

Oh little barking Beagle
where can you be

Oh little barking Beagle
have you been distracted by a Martian tree.

Lost, lost little explorer
filled with promise of revealing Mars complexity.
Reality never burned so bright
a plethora of researches await your cry
and wait
and wait.

Millions of miles from home you have traveled
to distant lands discover.
But your electronic leash has broken
perhaps next time we should teach you to play fetch and come back home
before releasing you to the stars. - Thomas Vincent 2004

2004-01-07T17:40:00.000-07:00

A word of advice to a friend...
Don't play skeptical scientist making a dispassioned argument when you conclude a judgement before all the facts are in. If your are going to state a partisan opinion, simply state it, don't pretend to have come to this opinion through scientific research when you wear your political biases on your sleeve. It weakens my opinion of you as a scientist.

2004-01-07T05:04:00.000-07:00

Only Kucinich would bring a visual aid to a radio debate. And people wonder why he has .001% support of the American populace. I suppose he is good for comic relief.

2004-01-06T15:24:00.000-07:00

Apple has the new mini-iPod out, frankly I am not very impressed, I'd rather spend an extra $50 and get a ton more memory with the 15gig model, but perhaps that is the intent from the beginning.If it was closer to $200 or just under maybe I'd consider it, but at $249 I hold off until I get my laptop in the distant future, hopefully 6 months, but probably a year.

2004-01-06T00:13:00.000-07:00

Writing about writing, as opposed to blogging about blogging...
Last night I headed up to the writing group in Flagstaff, I enjoyed it as always and intend to make it a more regular habit. It is a free form writing style based on topic of the day, hour, or what every idea strikes someone in discussion. While most of my interest is in technology or science fiction, I try to stretch and try other things there. Last night one of the topics was to write about our writing experience or thoughts about writing, I ended up writing about my experience with National Novel Writing Month. Here is what I wrote...

50,000 words in November
One month
One novel
One idea
I started late
a Halloween party in Phoenix and broken laptop
means two days gone
*phfft*, flash in the pan, up in smoke, all the cliches.

Later
Late night at work
paid to work on my story
900 words here,
752 words there,
1508 words
they keep piling and piling up,
will I make the goal?
One night I am distracted by a coworker,
another night 4000 words float through the night
and my voice leads it's merry way.

Last weekend
and I start it 14,000 words in a (spider)hole,
staring at the damn ergonomic keyboard
I hate it so, I want my laptop.
I brew another pot of coffee
and start typing away,
Perhaps my mind makes a mountain out of a wordhill.

The clock strikes 12 on December 1st,
50,063 words are done.
Scared at the near finish,
the story 35 words shy and having nothing left to write.
I found another 100 words,
a waste of hundred words,
I'll trash them when the editing comes.
But I made it and I am so alive.

I lock away the story for December,
in the New Year the editing begins,
in 11 months another 50,000 words await me,
again.- Thomas Vincent 2004

2004-01-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

I wish I could recall who pointed this out, please let me know in the comments if you have seen it, but someone wrote a blog piece on the overuse of the word interesting. Even before I saw the post I had recognized I was tired of using the word it gets used far too often in blogs.

This article is interesting...

BloggerX makes an interesting point...

Just looking around blogosphere I saw the word 5 times in two sites. I am as guilty as anyone but with the diversity of language we ought to figure out better descriptive terms.

2004-01-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

The last PromoGuy's Monday Mission 4.0
1. In the last week, what happened that made you feel loved beyond your wildest dreams? [ from MM 1.0] Nope, but I got a pleasant surprise from my Mother that I hadn't expected and that is always nice.

2. What was the last audio CD you paid money for? [ from MM 1.3] Warsaw Poland Bros - Pimpin' on Crutches, listened to them since college, but back then they were just known as Warsaw (or War-ska)

3. Has someone you know ever told you they had a terminal illness? What was it like for you when you found out. How did that change your relationship with them? [ from MM 2.45] Had two friends tell me it thus far, I would say it made me value the time I did get to spend with them more valued, but otherwise no other signifcant change.

4. Do you have an accent? Are there any phrases or words you say that tip folks that you aren't from around these parts? [ from MM 2.38] Your standard American accent, but I do have a tendency to pick up accents if I am around them for any length of time.

5. What's the difference between being a Father, and being a Daddy? [ from MM 3.25] I don't suppose I can fully know until I have a child.

6. What is the most recent thing guilt has motivated you to do?
[ from MM 2.50] Nothing.

7. How do you feel about tips and tipping? Do you feel obligated to tip even if your service is bad because you know the servers don't get paid much? If you've ever relied on tips for your income, how do you feel when you don't get any? [This is a new one, had to throw in at least one more hot topic before I sign off] Up until college I was a very bad tipper, with age and learning how folks made their living I became a better tipper, some friends would say it was due in part to an exgirlfriend I don't if that is true.

BONUS: Will you still love me for the rest of my life? Only time will tell...

2004-01-04T03:24:00.000-07:00

I am not a major space freak, we might establish distant colonies in my lifetime, but right now I frankly more interested in terrestrial cultures. That all said the name of the url is partially geist, German for spirit and ghost. In the spirit of today's news, a link.

2004-01-03T16:12:00.000-07:00

The Times They are a Changing...
Ten years ago I was in Model United Nations in college, in it we represented various countries at a mock UN to discuss the issues. Our group always seemed to do well, we knew how to debate, we knew the facts and probably most importantly we had fun. In preparation for conferences we dug deep for research material, newspapers, magazines, books, I even wrote to the UN delegation from Germany once to get a copy of their policy statements, we dubbed it Der Bible (Der Bib-le). We tried to know our countries forwards and backward to understand their motivations, historical behaviours and ultimately accurately predict reactions to the problems and other nations opinions we encountered.

One of the texts we nearly always at least read over once and often photocopied portions was the CIA Factbook. It always had a factual groundwork to provide structure to our background. So I suppose that is why I found it so amusing when Jessica posted (may have to scroll down a little) a link to the online version and noted how useful it is, the more things change, the more references stay the same. Also it struck me how we had to walk down to Cline library to make use of it, but now a few years later it's accessible from your own desktop. It can't help but make me wonder how many resources that I had to dig around for growing up will be available to future generations at a click of a mouse.

2004-01-03T03:06:00.000-07:00

Friday Five
What one thing are you most looking forward to . . .

1. ...today? My day off

2. ...over the next week? Finishing up the new website

3. ...this year? Publishing my first book

4. ...over the next five years? Get paid to do what I enjoy...

5. ...for the rest of your life? Be happy, simple, but true.

2004-01-03T01:50:00.000-07:00

Leave it to the Crocodile Hunter to make Michael Jackson to look sane. That is just stupid and dangerous. I hope the Australian equivalent of child protective services gets involved.

2003-12-31T17:54:00.000-07:00

Happy New Years

2003-12-30T05:57:00.000-07:00

More navel gazing by Big Media of blogs in the USA Today. It's not really that bad of article, but it only looks at the political angle, of which blogs often contain far more. The article mentions the big dogs of course, but ignores the niches and small publishers that make it interesting. I don't say this out of personal spite, just that oh wow politics angle got written up, been there seen that before. Maybe it's just easier for things related to politics make it easier to get print, but places like Making of a Restaurant (sadly over) or Blogcritics are changing the way people interact with media and it while politics is a segment of it, it's not all of it. Most of these newspaper articles seem to miss out on that perspective.

2003-12-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

PromoGuy's Monday Mission 3.52
1. So, what did you get for Christmas? Some books, cigar case, DVD of Blade Runner and some luggage.

2. Are you returning any gifts you were given for Christmas? One present I am considering it, while I appreciated the thought it is not something I would ever use.

3. For me, the best part of Christmas being over is that there will be no more Fran Drescher "Old Navy" commercials. Ugh, bring back Morgan Fairchild! What is the best part of Christmas being over? The worry and struggle to get there is over, it has not been the best of Christmases or Year, so I'll be happy when it's over.

4. Used to be, we would always get together with friends and have Margaritas on New Year's Eve (though time has passed and friends drift apart, so not anymore, sadly). My Grandma always makes sure to eat Black Eyed Peas on N.Y.E. I know of another couple who "do it" on NYE, and time it to reach their "peak" right at 12:00 AM! Do you have any traditions each year for New Year's Eve? Normally have dinner together and then go up to Flagstaff for the Pinecone drop, it's silly, but it's home.

5. If you could go back into 2003 and change just one thing, or get a "do over," what would you do? There are too many things I wish hadn't happened this year, but they did, I suppose I am just happy to be close to my family. So it has been difficult to pick just one thing out.

6. Is there anything you want to accomplish in 2004 that seems within reach?

- Launch Geistbear.org, it's close though and I may finish the raw form before New Years.
- Edit my Novel it needs a lot of work, but I want to get it ready for publishing, but it has a ways to go.
- Write and sell a non-fiction book a friend and I have been tinkering with an idea.
- Get a better paying job, hand to mouth sucks.
- Attend 3 professional conferences i.e. CFP, PopTech, and SXSW or Emerging Tech

7. Is your online personality very different from what it would be like if I were meeting you in "real life?" I have been told I am little more serious and thoughtful in person, that my blog is more light hearted than in person.

BONUS: What you gonna do when you get out of jail? Do what ever got us there to begin with again.

2003-12-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

I have pretty straight forward directions about installing the new MovableType based site, but as I go through the process, making mistakes left and right going back to fix and then waiting to see if the database updates properly all I can think is next time I'll pay to have the work done for me. I'd rather it just work and don't really care how it gets there...

2003-12-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

Crazy Thought of the Day
People joke or rumor about changing the Constitution to allow foreign born nationals to become President, specifically Governor Arnold. But the thought occurred to me tonight, wouldn't it be far simpler to invade and annex the country, I mean Austrians are used to being annexed into countries already. (Joking...joking...)

2003-12-25T01:28:00.000-07:00

Phillip Torrone did an experiment of taking a picture of himself every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days, for 3 weeks. My immediate thought is sleep deprivation, which he verified on irc it messed with his REM patterns.

He notes in the comments of Scoble's blog

actually, the reason the expression(s) are the same is: to have the viewer (ya'll) ignore the human in the photo (me). after looking at a few hundred photos, the person in the photo in this case goes away, and you look at the background only. at least that was the experiment.

The funny thing is while I notice the background I constantly referred back to Phillip's picture as I went through it, it would be one thing if he just clicked away pictures, but the fact he remains a frame of reference through out the series means you notice details on his face, and lack of smiling. I don't know, maybe it's just a personal perspective that I noticed the people out of things, but it just seems difficult not to notice the point of reference in the series. It is definately a unique project worth checking out.

Sign you are an Apple Geek #1576 the picture that stands out most in my mind in the series is the one of Phillip at the Apple store in Tokyo, granted I have never been to Japan, but thanks to this movie, I know what it looks like.

2003-12-25T00:55:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas all,

a little holiday flash fun.

2003-12-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Blogroll and comments hopeful fixed.

or maybe not...

2003-12-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

Tim Blair has quotes from the year, check it out funny stuff.

2003-12-24T04:29:00.000-07:00

Poetry Wednesday
Maybe a holiday poem will cheer my mood, perhaps yours as well.

A Visit from St. Nicholas
’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her ’kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack.
His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle,
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.” - Clement Clarke Moore

2003-12-24T03:45:00.000-07:00

Had the holiday blahs this last week or so between work, job hunt, and other asundry issues. My spirits have been better frankly, but I'll survive. I changed the templet here as well, why? well I am helping a friend to start blogging and need to play with templates a bit, I'll probably leave it in this new style as the blog will be moving very shortly anyways. And with the change in formats I have my archives back, very cool development and will help in the move to the new location.

Just a quick wish of happy holidays.

ps- I just realized as of November 7, Bear Droppings is two years old, wow!

2003-12-20T15:02:00.000-07:00

Every year I forget mentioning folks about Despair products until it's too late, I especially love this years thoughts on what Ambition gets you.