The classic scene: "It's dark now"
...not to mention his significant contribution as the music critic Milton Pawley.
2010-05-29
Dennis Hopper +RIP+
...not to mention his significant contribution as the music critic Milton Pawley.
2010-05-26
Do we really need this crap?
The Onion taps a poignant yet risible vein of truth that helps me further understand my chronic self-loathing:
New Social Networking Crap that Nobody Needs!
"Launched last year, Foursquare is unique in that it not only allows users to broadcast their whereabouts, but also offers a number of built-in incentives, including some innovative new crap The New York Times surely has a throbbing hard-on for."
To think I work on Scheiße like this...
New Social Networking Crap that Nobody Needs!
"Launched last year, Foursquare is unique in that it not only allows users to broadcast their whereabouts, but also offers a number of built-in incentives, including some innovative new crap The New York Times surely has a throbbing hard-on for."
To think I work on Scheiße like this...
2010-05-22
Making some changes
Our lives have been turned upside down in the past month or so, it seems. We decided to move back to the Puget Sound area so that the family can be together all week. Also, we needed to get away from the construction debris, which encroached upon everything we own. We've taken an apartment in Issaquah WA, where we'll stay while the house in Winthrop sells.
The remote work situation was the biggest frustration. The long drive back and forth (which everyone thinks is the major obstacle) was fine; in fact, I quite liked it. But the lodging arrangements away from home were only just tolerable. Originally I had intended to spend much more time working from home. I have to laugh at the breathless wonderment given in the technology and business media to the coming boom in remote work. Perhaps my experience has made me cynical--but it's a steaming pile of hype. Calling into meetings is not the same as being present (though it does spare you some of the feelings of resentment and despair). And most companies' attitude toward the remote worker is one of constant suspicion. As if employees have never played Serious Sam on the office computer.
With the experience now behind me, I consider the best work arrangements I've had to have been where I lived close to work (less than 30 min drive) and had a reasonably flexible schedule. I've found I prefer to be in the office where I can interact with people face-to-face. Most days, that is, except Friday, which is largely not a viable work day. Too many people are absent or have taking off early.
Life is already becoming saner. In this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment, we have to prioritize what possessions we really want and need and can reasonably store. It's an effective antidote to hoarding.
The remote work situation was the biggest frustration. The long drive back and forth (which everyone thinks is the major obstacle) was fine; in fact, I quite liked it. But the lodging arrangements away from home were only just tolerable. Originally I had intended to spend much more time working from home. I have to laugh at the breathless wonderment given in the technology and business media to the coming boom in remote work. Perhaps my experience has made me cynical--but it's a steaming pile of hype. Calling into meetings is not the same as being present (though it does spare you some of the feelings of resentment and despair). And most companies' attitude toward the remote worker is one of constant suspicion. As if employees have never played Serious Sam on the office computer.
With the experience now behind me, I consider the best work arrangements I've had to have been where I lived close to work (less than 30 min drive) and had a reasonably flexible schedule. I've found I prefer to be in the office where I can interact with people face-to-face. Most days, that is, except Friday, which is largely not a viable work day. Too many people are absent or have taking off early.
Life is already becoming saner. In this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment, we have to prioritize what possessions we really want and need and can reasonably store. It's an effective antidote to hoarding.
2010-04-04
Can't Wait to Sin
It rings provocatively and strikes a deep chord, like one of the greatest punk rock titles of all time, or perhaps a dirty old blues standard cranked out in the 20s and revitalized by Eric Clapton, but it is an abashed and reluctantly admitted truth among us Catholics. The best thing about Lent is its blessed End.
Easter is our most important holiday for many reasons. We say that we await it for the spiritual reawakening, and we do, but let us be honest about religious feeling. It takes the emotional form of Togetherness and Gluttony; the Mass is but a kernel of the great family get together consisting of heaping portions of chiefly pork and potato based cuisine. We drink, we schmooze, we argue with family members blessedly not seen for several months. It is much like a Polish wedding, without the fights.
It is a fundamental truth of the human psyche that religious feeling is caught up with excess. And it is a testament to the genius of the church fathers that excess preceeded by abstinence is more keenly felt. We appreciate all the more the first beer of Easter after a hellish 40 days in a parched desert. Thank you God, we say as the cool hoppy goodness pours down the gullet.
Each of us entertains our own personal Hells. My most challenging Lenten fast involved abstinence from caffeine. It was a vast wasteland where life lost most of its Joy. My most recent Lent was no desert picnic either. Giving up both sarcasm and muttering blasphemies to myself, two of my most cherished habits, was more than difficult. I admit that I mostly failed. But I learned a lot about myself. One, I enjoy talking to myself far more than most people, except for my dog, my four-year-old daughter--both of whom see the world very much as I do--and my wife, who reminds me that the way to salvation is not how much you buy but where. Two, I learned that I am full of vitriol for my fellow man and enjoy it immensely.
Still there is this matter of Lent and its true meaning, which we conveniently ignore. Perhaps it is good to put aside some of our comforts and crutches for a while. Fail as I would with my abstinence, I did take time every day to contemplate God's Hand in our temporal existence. I am not ashamed to say I made a leap of faith, and let my mind focus on Trust in God. This is a hard thing. I prayed very hard about things that are going badly in the world and in my life and that, frankly, scared me cold. And I came out with this: God wants the best for you, but God will let you fail. God will let you make your most stupid decisions and suffer the consequences, and that is where real pain comes from. I firmly believe, as Swedenborg maintains, that because God is the source of love and creation, suffering does not come from God, but we cause evil and suffering ourselves, and create our own customized, form-fitted Hell of our very own. And in a perverse way, we cherish that sweet Hell, for it is as unique to each of us as our own fingerprints, and as much an emanation of our character as our children.
Hell is a rich and fascinating subject worthy of its own article, or novel, or epic poem. For here and now, let us celebrate, for we have contemplated God's intimate care and sacrifice for us, and now we can dig in.
2010-03-17
2010-03-03
The things you learn at the range...
I saw that my local range/gunshop had BOTH a CZ 75 Kadet .22 AND a SIG P226 Classic .22 available to rent. So, I made some range time right after work and worked out these guns--I've been wanting a .22 pistol for some time, but obstacles keep manifesting. It might not be considered manly to say, but the lowly .22 is my favorite round, because it's so cheap, useful, and dammit fun for practice.
First I tried the SIG. The Classic 22 is actually a major caliber P226 (better known as the sidearm of the SEALs and Texas Rangers) with a .22 slide/barrel kit factory installed; it comes with a coupon that allows you to buy a 9mm, .40 SW, or .357 SIG slide/barrel kit for $400. I liked that idea, so I favored this model. However, I had a huge problem shooting straight with this SIG. I've shot a P226 in 9mm and really liked it; today I was all over the paper--to be fair, I was probably milking the gun (overly squeezing the grip, thus subtly turning the barrel) and flinching a bit. But the gun itself also misfed and stovepiped several rounds, practically on every magazine.
This is the SIG 226 .22 Classic--essentially a SIG 226 with a .22 conversion kit installed at the factory:
Then I tried the CZ. What can I say, it was... amazing. The holes appeared wherever I pointed the gun. As if I couldn't miss. Actually, I could miss when I got a little cocky, but if I focused, it was dead on. The CZ 75 (I've shot the 9mm version as well) is probably the most accurate, natural handling, ergonomic gun I've ever shot. No FTFs whatever. Needless to say, a CZ Kadet immediately went on my buy list. Highly recommended.
Here's the CZ Kadet--based off the CZ 75B, this is a very easy albeit full-size pistol to shoot:
First I tried the SIG. The Classic 22 is actually a major caliber P226 (better known as the sidearm of the SEALs and Texas Rangers) with a .22 slide/barrel kit factory installed; it comes with a coupon that allows you to buy a 9mm, .40 SW, or .357 SIG slide/barrel kit for $400. I liked that idea, so I favored this model. However, I had a huge problem shooting straight with this SIG. I've shot a P226 in 9mm and really liked it; today I was all over the paper--to be fair, I was probably milking the gun (overly squeezing the grip, thus subtly turning the barrel) and flinching a bit. But the gun itself also misfed and stovepiped several rounds, practically on every magazine.
This is the SIG 226 .22 Classic--essentially a SIG 226 with a .22 conversion kit installed at the factory:
Then I tried the CZ. What can I say, it was... amazing. The holes appeared wherever I pointed the gun. As if I couldn't miss. Actually, I could miss when I got a little cocky, but if I focused, it was dead on. The CZ 75 (I've shot the 9mm version as well) is probably the most accurate, natural handling, ergonomic gun I've ever shot. No FTFs whatever. Needless to say, a CZ Kadet immediately went on my buy list. Highly recommended.
Here's the CZ Kadet--based off the CZ 75B, this is a very easy albeit full-size pistol to shoot:
2010-03-02
Mei Guo Yang Guizi Need Not Apply
Viva USA, an information technology staffing firm in Rolling Meadows IL, posted an advertisement for a technical writer stipulating that an "arrogant American" would not be suitable for the position.
Job Description:
Writes a variety of technical articles, reports, brochures, and/or manuals for documentation for a wide rangle of uses. May be responsible for coordinating the display of graphics and the production of the document. Requires a bachelor's degree in a related area and 4-6 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures.
Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. May lead and direct the work of others. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
Looking for someone with nuclear experience or experience with terms/expressions commonly used in the nuclear industry....a tech saavy [sic] person is preferred. This individual will be responsible for writing proposals with the assistance of engineers, etc. Exelon Nuclear Partners sells services to foreign countries who are looking to build nuclear facilities. Exelon Nuclear Partners is looking to provide these proposals to Chinese businesses, so someone who is respectful and understands Chinese culture is preferred. An arrogant American will not work well in this role. Proposals do not need to be written in Chinese, they can be written in English. Location for this position can be in Canterra or Kennett Square.
Well, that's me out...
Job Description:
Writes a variety of technical articles, reports, brochures, and/or manuals for documentation for a wide rangle of uses. May be responsible for coordinating the display of graphics and the production of the document. Requires a bachelor's degree in a related area and 4-6 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures.
Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. May lead and direct the work of others. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
Looking for someone with nuclear experience or experience with terms/expressions commonly used in the nuclear industry....a tech saavy [sic] person is preferred. This individual will be responsible for writing proposals with the assistance of engineers, etc. Exelon Nuclear Partners sells services to foreign countries who are looking to build nuclear facilities. Exelon Nuclear Partners is looking to provide these proposals to Chinese businesses, so someone who is respectful and understands Chinese culture is preferred. An arrogant American will not work well in this role. Proposals do not need to be written in Chinese, they can be written in English. Location for this position can be in Canterra or Kennett Square.
Well, that's me out...
2010-03-01
2010-02-22
Celebrate Take Your Gun to the Park Day!
...by, you know, taking your gun to the park. And legally carrying it, of course. (Hint: you need a license in most states.)
According to this post on opensecrets.org:
A federal law takes effect today that allows gun owners to tote their weapons within national parks, so long as they obey local laws. It's a major victory for gun rights advocates, who argue gun owners should have had such rights decades ago. And it comes as pro-gun forces spent more on federal lobbying efforts in 2009 than in any year since 2002--all told, nearly $5 million. They targeted at least some of that money at both the House and Senate versions of the "Preservation of the Second Amendment in National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges Act," a Center for Responsive Politics analysis indicates. Gun control advocates, meanwhile, spent a relative pittance in 2009 on federal lobbying efforts--$180,000. Most of that came from a single organization: Mayors Against Illegal Guns. The decline in gun control advocates' lobbying power is striking: In 2001, the special interest area spent more than $2.1 million* on federal lobbying efforts.
*95% of which came from the change weighing down Mayor Bloomberg's pants.
According to this post on opensecrets.org:
A federal law takes effect today that allows gun owners to tote their weapons within national parks, so long as they obey local laws. It's a major victory for gun rights advocates, who argue gun owners should have had such rights decades ago. And it comes as pro-gun forces spent more on federal lobbying efforts in 2009 than in any year since 2002--all told, nearly $5 million. They targeted at least some of that money at both the House and Senate versions of the "Preservation of the Second Amendment in National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges Act," a Center for Responsive Politics analysis indicates. Gun control advocates, meanwhile, spent a relative pittance in 2009 on federal lobbying efforts--$180,000. Most of that came from a single organization: Mayors Against Illegal Guns. The decline in gun control advocates' lobbying power is striking: In 2001, the special interest area spent more than $2.1 million* on federal lobbying efforts.
*95% of which came from the change weighing down Mayor Bloomberg's pants.
2010-02-20
Iceland Bridge Underway
It appears that one of the elder statesmen who follows this web site (most likely Sen Robert Byrd of WV) must have taken our advice, and in anticipation of the upcoming purchase of Iceland, Congress has voted funding for a massive sea bridge to connect us to the island nation.
Here is a satellite photo of the bridge construction, underway as this goes to press:
As long as our sage advice is being heeded, we would like to suggest a name for the bridge. Since Ted Kennedy's name has been reserved for the "Edward Moore Kennedy Memorial Health Bureaucracy," and President Obama's name is likewise taken for the "Barack Hussein Obama Socialism Comes out from under the Bed Program," we will have to find another august figure. Perhaps "Nancy Pelosi Incredible Suspension Bridge."
Here is a satellite photo of the bridge construction, underway as this goes to press:
As long as our sage advice is being heeded, we would like to suggest a name for the bridge. Since Ted Kennedy's name has been reserved for the "Edward Moore Kennedy Memorial Health Bureaucracy," and President Obama's name is likewise taken for the "Barack Hussein Obama Socialism Comes out from under the Bed Program," we will have to find another august figure. Perhaps "Nancy Pelosi Incredible Suspension Bridge."
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