IQ

Over the past few days, pretty much since the last time I posted, all I've really done was catch up in A+ Hardware class. The pressure of a June 4, 2006 11:59pm deadline pushed me to catch up, or I might have actually fallen too far behind. My problem wasn't lazyness, or lack of time management, or ADD style of learning/studying problem. It was my own doubt. I doubted I was doing well in the class. Doubting I was understanding what I needed, that this was 'over my head'. I was avoiding dealing with that. Ignorance isn't bliss when it causes you to be poor and frustrated.

In the last few days, I've boned up, caffinated up, woke up, paced up, obsessed over, stressed over, cussed over, and finished everything I needed to. Within the time I needed. And I did good. Got a 92% of the overall test, so far. I knew the stuff way better than I thought I did.
The problem comes from the perspective that; since it's math, there's so much too it, it's overwhelming. The problem with math, for me, is that the noise of math is so distracting, the obvious infinite nature of it, there's no possible way I could ever understand it. Just too much. Words, languages are finite, and have an acutal capacity. There are only 26 letters in our alphabet, 33 in the Russian Crylic, and I could even deal with the 2500 possible characters in the Chinese script. At least, it's better than infinite possible characters. But with math, for an ADD person, you start to see it everywhere, in everything. It's becomes like load music. Very loud.
Okay, maybe not that bad.

The problem wasn't my math skills, or my knowledge in electronics, it was only in my doubt.

I also gained a learning rhythm from it. A pace. It was weird. Maybe it was the wine.

An obvious congnitive distortion. I wonder how many others do that? I think confidence in the ability to learn, juts like confidence in the ability to move just right in sports, has a lot to do with the outcome. Is it really that obvious?

In Other News
I got Microsoft Windows XP Professional and Ubuntu Linux to boot on this computer. Dual boot. It took me ten freaking tries, folks. Ten freakin tries. It's not easy. I did get it on, and a proceedure to do it. I'm actually noting the procedures of everything I do on these computers. Yes. I know. It's weird. I think it's called Geek. Ugh.

Ubuntu Linux is freakin awesome. It's easy to boot that as your only OS, but it is difficult to dual boot. Ubuntu is the best distro I've tried, so far, and I've tried a few. Easy to use.

If you have old computer, don't throw them out. I just might be able to get them going with a Linux distribution.

Toys

On Tuesday, a long-time, faithful, and very hard working client, and her business, donated some old computers for me. In this picture, you'll see eight computers, including my laptop, and nine if you include my Pocket PC. Many of these computers are still quite powerful. Faster than what I've been using so far. A few weren't in full working condition. One was missing a harddrive, and another had a broken power supply. Not to worry; since I'm taking A+ Hardware class, I'm learning how to mix and match parts.

Lastnight, I played with my acquired toys. Maybe a bit too much. Stayed up till two working on one:

Here, I had two mostly apart, trying to find parts that matched, so I could get one working all the way. Chili kept me company while I played with my new toys:

I did take the best of all of them, and put together a good desktop machine for me to use while I"m in school. It's one I'll call my 'practice machine'. I can play hardware and OS learning scenarios on it while I'm taking the A+ class. I was actually able to load a copy of Ubuntu Linux and Windows on it. Dual boot. The Windows was from the OS on my laptop, so it can't stay, but I'll be able to get Windows XP Professional on it tomorrow. Valencia Community College has a deal with Microsoft for all that stuff.

Very soon, I'll have a few machines, good to go, and will need to find good homes for them. I'm going to try to learn to support them, somehow. I need to learn and practice that part too. I want to give them to people or families with no computer.

My Laptop is still my prime machine. When it comes time to real-load the Operating System (right now, Windows XP Home), I'll put both Windows Professional and Ubuntu Linux on it.

In Other News
You see above the major news in my life. Work is good. Personal Training is good. Yoga is good, mostly. I need to do more - everyday. Relationship is way good.

Neal Boortz says, there are no 'unfortunate' or 'fortunate' people. People make choices that lead them were they are. That may or may not be true; I don't get to decide on some of the external events going on around me. But, I do think I'm on of the 'Fortunate Ones'. CCR and Missing Persons wrote songs about people like me. I may not have money, and so far, it looks like that's been a really good thing for me. In all other areas of life, I'm way better off. When I've had money, it sucked. Sucked the life out of me.

Enough personal commentary. Back to the books (or, ebooks, as the case may be).

Frappr

Here's my Frappr map. Add yourself to it, please;

More A+

This is my A+ Hardware class. That's the playground in the back of the class. We use a hardware simulation program to do most of the hardware learning. I'm sure we'll get some practical hardware work too. I'm learning a lot, but I got a little behind in the labs, mostly because I did the wrong one during the last class. So, I purchased the labsim program for home. That will help me to keep on track, and focus on actual hands-on in the labs.

I will get some practical experience soon enough. I've got a few PC's coming, and I'll be able to work on them some. Get the working. I might have to combine a few, but I'll be able to get a few working. I'll be using Ubuntu GNU/Linux, and the different derivatives it has. Evidently, people are able to get even a 233mhz to work well with Linux.

Next week, Dapper Drake, the next version of Ubuntu Linux, is coming out. It's suppose to have more hardware support. It seems many hardware companies are seeing the movement toward desktop Linux, and are eager to provide drivers and such. Hopefully, all will install on the systems, and I'll go about finding the computers some homes.

Other News:
Amy and Elias went on a cruise. Laura graduated from Rollins, and is working out really hard with me. I haven't seen Stephen and Brett in too long. My family either.

Damn gas prices!

A+

Techy Comments Warning: If you aint geek-a-fide, read no futher. If you are Geek-curious, read on.

I had my A+ hardware class again tonight. I need to buy the lab-simulation program, just to keep up. Some students are already A+ certified, but have to get the 'degree' if they want to advance in their companies, or careers. It's quite evident that I'll have to work a bit harder, just to keep up.

In the next few weeks, I'll be switching my Compaq desktop to Ubunu Linux. Today, I plugged up my big 250gig external hard drive to the Gateway 800mhz machine, with Ubuntu on it, and it worked with it right away. Even transfered a file from it. Why is that important? Because I couldn't get Fedora Core 5 to do it. It's also important because the disk is formatted with NTFS (New Technology File System), typically used by WindowsXP. NTFS makes it easier to work with disks larger than 120 gig (maybe it's 130, I can't remember). Even after downloading all kind of ntfs kernel modules, I still couldn't get Fedora to work with the disk. With Ubuntu, however, I went to Synpatic, search for anything to do with NTFS, and loaded it to the operating system. WaLa- It worked.

So now, my webcam works with Ubuntu, and my ntfs hard drive works with Ubuntu. Neither work with Fedora. Guess which Linux distro I'll be sticking with? At least, for now.

My A+ teacher, David Brunick, seems to like Linux, and the Ubuntu version/distribution of Linux. He's even helped a 'faith-based' school in an improvished area of Orlando with Ubuntu. On old computers. Hmm. Wonder if you've heard that before. It seems the school had some not-quite-legit copies of Windows they were using. With Linux, you get a free operating system and tons of software, for free, without having to steal it.

I realize that most of this won't be read. Oh well. That's blogging for you.

In Other News
Nancy and I have been working out much more again. If we can get in tomorrow, we'll have had four strength training sessions this week. A very good thing. At this pace, I'll have 85-90% of my best phyique back in four weeks. 100% in six, and if I can keep on for twelve weeks, I'll be 100.2 percent better than my best. For me, that would mean an abdominal skinfold of 6mm, and a left arm, pumped measurement of 16 inches.

The thing about all of that is; I don't really care about it. Six years ago, it would have been much more important. Now, being really strong, really flexbile, with incredible endurance is more important. At my age, what my body can do is far more important than how it looks. If I can be at my performance best, the look will come.

Domination

In the past two weeks, I find myself using my 'temporary' 800mhz Gateway Desktop more than the more powerful 1.1ghz Compaq. The Gateway has Ubuntu. The more I use this Linux distribution, the more I really like it. It doesn't update every other tuesday, like Windows. Nor do the updates come even once a week or so, like Fedora Core. Ubuntu updates are constant. Whenever new versions of software are done, Ubuntu gets them out. With Fedora, you have to go get them. Ubuntu gives you this cute little reminder. It may annoy some people, mostly techy types, but the average user needs it. Ubuntu takes care of your system. Kind of like fiber.

It seems my BOSSMAN donated computing idea may be coming around sooner than I expected. As word gets out, more people are offering their old equipment to me. Right now, this is a really good thing. My A+ class is all about hardware, and computer repair. I want to learn and promote computing on the cheap. All this comes together very conveniently. At the very least, the extra hardware being offered will help me through the class with practical experience. At the best, I will be able to put together some really decent systems to donate to people who don't have anything, and need it.

I have two current stumbling blocks;

1. Where to keep the equipment when I'm not working on it.
2. To whom do I give the computers?

I think the answer to #2 will come, in time. I'd prefer to give it to students who need a system, or families who don't have one, but would actually make use of one. This way, I won't be giving anyone a fish, only to feed him for a day. I'll be giving him the rod and reel, along with the bassboat to go with it. That way I can tell them, "Go out there, and bring me back a tuna steak!"

The bonus for me with this idea is; I will have some practical experience to put on a resume. Hardware, software, support; I'll be able to present some experience to a future employer. I'll have hard-core, hands on, practical experience. Goody, Goody, gumdrops for me. I like butterscotch better though.

Speaking of butterscotch, Nancy and I went to a St. Andrews Society (the Scottish thing I'm involved with) on Saturday night. It was a dinner with a presentation about Scottish Whiskey, or Scotch. It was really good, and made me actually consider trying some. Someday. Maybe. Never really been a whiskey man.

Before the presentation, one of the gentlemen -and I do mean these guys are gentlemen- let me know they were hoping I'd be able to make it to Atlanta. The Knights Templar seem to want me in their organization. It begs the saying Groucho use to have; I'm not sure I want to be part of a club that would have me in it. I don't really have much to offer, other than my mind. Not much money here, not yet at least. Maybe there is something I can offer. When the time comes, I will. I've always said, If any of these secret societies actually do have some sort of world domination plan, I want in on it!

So now you're thinking, 'He's just jealous of the Skulls.'

Ya Think??!!

Free Porn

No, I'm not giving away, or even condoning pornography. I'm just trying to get my google ranking higher. Key words like Porn always works.

Speaking of porn; the whole Blu-ray vs HD-DVD controversy will probably be decided by the porn industry. As far as internet technology goes, anything new usually is created through internet porn. So, if you want to see where technology is going, keep your eye on porn.

Wait, ...no...nevermind that. Especially my stepsons. Or any of my under 18 readers. Under 21 readers for that matter too. Anyone over 21, be my guest, then get busy making babies! I need the social security money.

I started my A+ Hardware class this last Thursday. I really like how things sounded so far, and I had fun on my first day. I've been studying, even at work. We get to work with computer hardware, short of doing any soildering. I still have to get the A+ Software certification to be fully A+ certified, but I'll be there soon.

Not much else to report. At my age, that's probably a good thing.

Current Ubuntu

My current Ubuntu desktop wallpaper.
I just like the glasses. Not sure why.

John Negroponte - Bonesman

As most of my blog readers know, I love to entertain myself with a few conspiracy theories, now and then. My favorite is the whole Skull and Bones thing. The main reason for that one is I have a novel in mind with The Skulls and the background story. But the more I find out about this, the more I come to think; this may have been a conspiracy that actually worked.

Porter Goss left the CIA this week. No reason was cited, but many believe the decision was based on a power struggle between Goss and National Intelligence Director, John Negroponte (Nicolas Negroponte, of the One Laptop Per Child initiative, is John's brother). John Negroponte is Bush's Intelligence Czar. The Intelligence Czar is oversees the direction of the CIA, the NSA, and Homeland Security. (Can anyone say, Goering?)

John Negroponte, graduate of Yale Univerity, member of Skull and Bones, class of 1960.

I'm now considering abondoning my novel. The real life version seems to be better.

It seems that Porter Goss management style wasn't liked, by people above and below him. Now, we have Air Force General Michael Hayden in line to take over. He's #2, under Negroponte, and a strong proponent of the warrantless evesdropping program by the Bush administration. Many people, even Republicans, don't like the idea of a military man being in control of a civilian agency. Personally, I'm suspect of anyone Negroponte or Bush would pick, but especially a military man.

In Other News

I've signed up for A+ Hardware Concepts class. I had to wait till an opening came available. I almost missed out on any classes this summer. That would have sucked. Really bad.

Nancy saw a cute dog at Petsmart this weekend, and has been obsessing on it. We don't need another dog, but this one was a cutie.

Laura, Nancy's daughter, got some really good manatee pics. Check those out on her blog.

And, Amy, Nancy's youngest daughter, always has some entertaining stuff on her blog.

And, my stepson Stephen, has a blog now too. Let's see if we can help his page hits. Or, you can checkout Stephen's MySpace.com page. He needs to fix a few structural problems on his page, but it's pretty interesting.

Angel Flight

No boring stuff today about my guts, or Linux, or even exercise. I got to do something really cool today; an Angel Flight.

This is Jim Pyrich, one of my clients. His business deals with computer stuff, and he helps me sometimes. Gives me good ideas, paths to follow. In the last year, Jim got his pilots license, and bought a plane. He actually bought two planes, but the first one is for sale. He decided to upgrade. Jim needed a ride-along for an Angel Flight. Some kids, who have parents with MS (that's Multiple Sclerosis, not Microsoft) were going to a camp at Crystal Lake, near Keystone Heights. My stepkids, Stephen and Brett, went to the camp when they were in middle school. Anyway, Jim volunteered to do a flight. On the way there, we could see the fires in the distance. It didn't look too distant from 2500 ft.

We had to go to Inverness first, to pick up the kid, Darrel. Here we are in Inverness.

After we picked him up, we went to Keystone Heights, were we met up with the rest of the kids going to camp. I hope they have a good time. While we were there, a bunch more Angel Flight people brought in more kids. One guy had on an Angel Flight shirt with something about Angel Flight Katrina Aid on it. I could get into that kind of stuff.

I have Microsoft Flight Simulator, and I've gone through most of the Flight School on it, but that was a while ago. I haven't loaded it back on in the last few fixes of my system. Today, it reminded me I need to put it back on, and go through the lessons again.

Someday, maybe I'll sit in the pilots seat, and do Angel Flights.

Buggies

My gut is feeling better. I've been eating low fat, high fiber. Very high fiber, if you get what I mean. Even though that is feeling better, I had one of those all-day sinus headaches. It felt like one of those pressure induced ones. I can't take any headache medicines right now, so I just have to take the headache pain till it goes away. I hope it goes soon.

Nancy and I didn't do much today, since we both had the headache going. Maybe it had something to do with the earthquake in the Pacific. Pressure changes from that. Maybe it from the over-growing and installation of male plants by the landscapers in the area. Friggin horny plants.

I read in National Geographic that have your gut bacteria out of kilter can cause or exacerbate allergies. I've been doing a probiotic regimine since I started trying to eat better. I figure it will take at least six weeks, probably twelve, to get my gut to normal flora levels. I'm hoping that will fix some of the other gut problems too.

It seems our morality is having a detrimental effect. It's adding to a problem of low sperm count in young men. I use to kid that militant feminist were putting estrogenic compounds in the environment in an attempt to demasculinize men. Seems I wasn't too far off the mark. Morality involved with taking for destroying life is good, but all this morality involved with controlling the making of life is just stupid. I really don't think God would approve.

Nancy and I went to Seasons52 for dinner tonight. We were really lucky to get in. We at at the 'bar' area, like we did at Rain Forest Cafe. I had a Tuna Steak and veggies. Good, low fat meal. Veggie soup too. And one of those wee little desert. Even with a massive sinus headache, the meal was incredible. I love the atmosphere, decor, and even the architecture of Seasons52. When we we done, and the meal had been paid, I saw Anthony Jedwabny of Super Slow Zone Altamonte Springs come in. I introduced myself, said hellos, and offered the table for him. So, Anthony, if I seemed offish, it was the headache, not the Super Slow part.

Tomorrow, I'm assisting a PT client with an Angel Flight. We're taking some kids to a special MS camp. It will be really cool. It's been a while since I've been up in a plane, especially a small one. It's a single engine Cessna 210. So, if there are no more blogs from me, you'll know why.

Disturbing News

This is a picture, back when Nancy and I were spies. We were pretending to be Muslems. We got fired. I couldn't do the whole beard thing, and Nancy just didn't like anything on her head for too long. No matter how many times we said, "Allah Akbar" no one believed us. We got fired. Thanks for nothing Donald!

Last night, Nancy and I, and Shelley and Bob, went to Rollins to see the student orchestra and student condutors. I was impressed. Of course, any program with James Bond themes will impress me. Some Indiana Jones themes too.

I think my body is still recovering from gallbladder problems. That, and I probably had a meal last night with a bit too much Olive Oil. I was bloated, and that pain at my solar plexus and between my shoulder blades hurt all day. I get really fatigued from it too. Brain fuzzy. I have to be much more careful when I eat out now. I'll have to order chicken and veggies anywhere I go.

My stepson, Stephen, started a blog today: http://www.salisburysteakgravy.blogspot.com

Good to see he's getting moving up. His MySpace.com has a blog tool, but he doesn't use it. Besides, blogger is a bit easier. So, Stephen, if you want, you can use the blog on your MySpace.com site, but blogger will do much better. Besides, MySpace.com is becoming a bit unwieldy. Maybe Stephen will start a flickr.com account too. That would be cool. Maybe even Brett will start one.

Nancy's blog;
http://www.wayworm.com

is extremely entertaining, if not somewhat disturbing. We are here to entertain.

It looks like Mexico isn't going to legalize drugs after all. Back to studying Norwegian for me. President Fox got some words from the US government, and he backed down. Our government, which has now become a National Socialism government, is extending it's reach a bit too far. Kind of like a previous National Socialist government did, at one time.

I hope my blogging fans will stick with me, and continue reading my strange thoughts. I might even start putting on more advertisements. Oh, and the disturbing news? It's all disturbing, especially when your stomach hurts.

Immigrants, Drugs, and Linux

Up until Monday, I was all in support of the immigrants, and illegal immigrants. I especially don't like the idea of closing our borders. There's something Soviet Union-ish about that. We might as well just take lady liberity down. Beside, the illegals buy products and services while they're here, pay sales and service taxes, and sometimes even contribute to social security through a dead persons old number. I was all for them being here. Until Monday.

They didn't do anything bad, unethical, or even wrong. Many people say, "They're criminals." I say, it's only because we have so many bad laws. But, now I'm all for sending them back.

Why? My reason is a bit selfish. I'll admit that.

Here, in Orlando, over 20,000 marched downtown. They stayed home from work, and boycotted business; Wal-Mart, Sears/Kmart, and McDonalds.

Driving around on Monday was like a Sunday. There was no traffic. Wal-Mart was pretty much empty, and no lines anywhere.

I've come to the conclusion: Traffic congestion is caused, primarily, from illegal aliens on the roads.

I hear President Fox in Mexico is considering legalizing drugs. All drugs. I'm all for that! Apart from my opinions on Freedom, we could deport all drug prosecutions (would there be any? I imagine most would go voluntarily), and for each druggie, we'd allow a worker in. Even trade, so to speak. Brings new meaning to Wasted away again in Marijuanaville.

* * * *

Seems my recommendation on Linux, particularily Ubuntu, are working. A girl I dated in the early 90's (hey Julie), is going to put Ubuntu in on an old Dell. Good for her! I'm happy that people are reading my blog (thanks again, Tony and Nicole!), and actually taking my advice. It good to hear I helped keep a good computer out of the trash. It's good that my influence might help people I don't even know. So, if I don't know you, and you've decided to try Linux, LEAVE A FRIGGIN COMMENT! Okay?

If one has the money, Mac is a better choice. But if one is lacking funds, Linux, expecially Ubuntu distribution, can't be beat. Old equipment and Linux are going to put a hurt on Microsoft Vista next year. It will probably come from illegal immigrants who sell drugs, and use Linux.

* * * *

This is a house being built down the street from us. It's a lot-filler. On an already big lot. I'll set pictures of it here occasionally, as it's being built, so you can see self-indulgent, over-consumption in action. This is the complete opposite of such concepts presented in the Simple Living program, and espoused by the book, Your Money or Your Life. Whoever buys this house will probably be haunted. I'll stand outside, and clap.

I grew up middle class. Not poor, just normal, middle class. I never learned how to handle money. The only thing I ever really learned was how to spend it. When I got an inheritence, that's exactly what I did; spend it.

Handling money is a skill, one that most people who don't have never really get to learn. I know how to live paycheck-to-paycheck. I'm really good at it. That's the skill-set I learned, mostly from example. It's funny; we teach our kids history, algebra, and literature, but expect financial stuff to be common sense.

I will probably never be wealthy. I never learned that skill-set. And, from training many wealthy people, I'm fairly certain I don't want the misery that come with it. My Granddad taught me, "Rich and poor people have the same amount of financial problems, just different ways and abilities of handling them." Or, at least he said something like that. I got the idea though.

As long as I have enough money to get by, I'm fine. I think I might actually be scared of having more. Not sure I'd be able to handle the problems that come with it. Never learned how to handle those problems, and from watching people, not too sure I want to learn.

Excuse me now. I need to do my Spanish lesson.

How do you like our backyard? Needs a bit of work, don't it? Actually, it's the gardens at Canada at Epcot. Nancy and I went to the home and garden show today. They had lots of cool stuff. Nancy wouldn't let me ride Mission Space, due to my concussion A MONTH AGO, and my gallbladder problems TWO WEEKS AGO. Good for her. She keeps me in-line, and on track.

Nancy really liked the chairs. She said they were too cute for words, but she found the words anyway. She's good like that. Typical writer.

I saw some friends of mine yesterday - Nicole and Tony. They went to see the new movie about the 911 flight that went down. Nancy and I just weren't ready to see it. We saw Stick It. A cute gymnastics movie. Nicole and Tony laughed that I like to take lots of pictures of myself, as they noticed on my flickr site (click on the flickr pics to the right). I take those pics mostly so my family and friends can see me. I wish they'd do the same, so I can see them. Having an open book life isn't what some people want. To be honest, I was really glad to hear anyone was even bothering to look at my pictures.

Technology Comments Warning - Skip the next few paragraphs if you aren't a technophile:

If you've read my past few entries, you'll know that I've been using Ubuntu Linux lately. I think Fedora probably edges Ubuntu out on progress, but because of that, Fedora is phinniky. It doesn't crash, but you have to do a lot to get it to do everything you want. For a system that requires five CD's to install, makes you think, "Sup with that?". Ubuntu comes on one CD, but you really need to be connect to the Internet to immediately update it for it to have everything you want.

The really cool thing about Linux is that most distros update all the software on your system, not just specific software. Anything that has an update, will be updated. OpenOffice, Firefox, XMMS mp3 player, etc.

With Ubuntu, you get a little update notice that pops up on your desktop, similar to Windows. With Fedora, you have to check it yourself. So far, no cute little popups have happened, except for one that warned me my USB jumpdrive was close to full.

So far, Ubuntu still edges Fedora out for ease of use. It's almost as easy to use as Windows, and I'd have to say it's a wee bit easier than Mac.

Techy comments over

The good guy at Personal Trainers Studio have extended my contract another month, so things will be okay, at least for that long. I hope we can work something out for my part-time training. I'm really please with what I'm seeing so far, and these guys are professionals, so I think we'll be able to come to a good arrangement. So things are okay for now.

Check out Nancy's blog for some really interesting commentary on life, liberty, and the achievement of happiness. http://www.wayworm.com

C is for Cookie!

You just have to watch this video:

It's just way too funny. Maybe my brothers and sister's 'Cookie Business' had a much more sinister plan.

I met with the new owners of the gym today. They are good guys, but it looks like I probably won't be able to continue working out of Personal Trainers Studio. I train only part-time, and the rent they're asking is more than is workable for me. After rent and expenses, I'd come out with just under $2.00 per hour. It's too bad. They've really made some improvements. What they want in rent isn't unreasonable. It's a really good deal for a full-time trainer, but a part-time trainer, like myself, would lose money. Part of the business of being an independent trainer. I still prefer it. After 20+ years being a personal trainer, I'm just not good as an employee trainer. Talk about a problem employee.

Things are iffy about school this semester, too. The classes I need are either full, or offered at times I can't do. It's funny how important choices and decision come at you all at once, with a brief lull here and there. It reminds me of an airline pilot I use to train. He said, "It's hours, weeks, months of sheer boredom and monotony, with brief moments of sheer terror." Okay, I'm not in a terror situation, just a slightly frustraiting one. One that could have been avoided had I made better decisions earlier. Much earlier. Like 5th grade earlier, or at least high school earlier (Stephen and Brett? You reading??)

Even with all my mistakes, even the continuous ones, my life is pretty damn good. Far better than I deserve, that's for sure. I certainly haven't earned it. I've barely earned a soggy refridgerator box in the woods off Lee Road.

Part of problem is I abhor financial achievements. I see most of them as self-indulgent, self-important, and adding to our over-consuming society. What makes it a problem is that I am part of that society, like it or not. I am part of an economic system that depends on each of us giving up some of our ethics to 'get by'. Our achievements depend on us turning a blind eye to things we know are just wrong. The more we do it, the easier it is to ignore what's really important. If you've read the books, Nickel and Dimed and Bait and Switch, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't read those books, I highly encourage you not to read them. Keep ignoring what's around you. Go about your over-consuming lifestlye. It's much easier to forget your ethics. Whatever you do, don't read those books. You just don't want to know how much of a lie the American Dream has become, or what it takes to achieve it.

I wish I'd never read them. Or The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Or Man's Search for Meaning. I wish I'd never seen photos of the factories that build the stupid products I buy, and how the workers are treated. I wish I'd never seen the money that the CEO of Exxon, Lee Raymond, is going to get.

I guess I've been inspired by the Cookie Monster to be a rebel.

Ubuntu

If you've read my blog lately, you're probably bored with my Linux comments. Oh well. Watch me care.

Ubuntu, so far, is my favorite Linux distribution. It's, by far, the easiest one for new users. For free. Free, as in FREE BEER! You just can't beat that. Mark Shuttleworth, thanks again! While Fedora is probably a wee bit more powerful, Ubuntu does everything everyone needs, and more. Fedora can be complicated. RedHat isn't really complicated, but Fedora is their cutting-edge Linux distribution. If you are a poweruser, use Fedora. If you're an 'everday' user, use Ubuntu.

Ubuntu, just as some other Linux distro's, has a 'LiveCD". You can actually download the Operating System on a CD, and boot your own computer with Linux. All, without damaging, or even touching, your hard drive. You can run a Linux LiveCD version completely from the CD drive. With the new LiveCD in Dapper Drake, you can use the CD for a 'trial run', by booting off your CD drive, and, if you want, you can install Ubuntu from the LiveCD on your hard drive, as your primary Operating System. The new LiveCD does both.

If you use Windows, you've got nothing to lose, except the time it takes to set-up a Linux OS distro. Windows is completely under attack from malware. It's just too easy to attack Windows, as it's PC (DOS) based. Windows was originally meant to be a stand-alone computer. But, the internet happen. Mac OS and Linux were designed based on networking standards and protocols. Windows just can't keep up with the pace of malware out there in Cyberland.

Ubuntu is impressive, even for this Power User. It loads WAY faster than Windows, and boots up quicker too, even on this old 800mhz system. Other than a few slow-downs opening programs, I don't notice any performance difference. At least, so far. It might be slow to load programs, but once they're loaded, I struggle to find any other slowness.

Most of the Linux forums I read focus on the problem with wireless. I've yet to find out for myself just how difficult Linux is with wireless. I don't have a wireless card in either of my desktop computers, and the laptop has WindowsXP. My next purchase will probably be a cheap, D-Link wireless card, as that's the one most people seem to have the least trouble with. Before Linux can truly be a viable option for most people, they Linux communities will have to fix the wireless issue. That won't be too easy. Some of the wireless hardware companies aren't very warm to Linux. Microsoft has big money deals with them. In a few years, Linux will be on more desktops, and even laptops. Wireless hardware manufactures will have to accomidate Linux, if they want to keep business.

* * * *

My belly is getting better. I doubt I've fixed my Gallbladder problem. Not quite yet. That will probably take another year to really say, "It's better." I have been eating well -at least much better- and I'm working out more too. So, hopefully, things will come into play, and my belly/abdominal area will feel much better.

I cannot say enough about the medicinal properties of Oatmeal! More than anything else, it make my belly feel better. Why? I can only speculate. But I don't care why. It's good. It's good for you. Watch me care why.

I'm working out more now. Okay, I'm working out, period. For the last few months, I've really been a slacker. I've felt the effects of being 'deconditioned'. At least, as much as I can. I've also felt the effects of igoring what I know about food, and eating whatever-the-hell-I-want. I also know about not using my time as well as I can. I've experienced the feeling of my life out of control. I have no clue how people put up with it for very long. I even heard the words, "I'm not in the mood", in my head. Luckily, they didn't come out of my mouth.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I have great disdain for those who 'live by their moods". I can be just as guilty as the next person of being moody, but for the most part I don't live by my moods. For me, they are simply a consideration, not a mandate or doctrine. For most people I've encountered, moods are simply a way of life. It's also the very thing that holds them back. Not letting moods rule your life can be a difficult thing, especially for those who unwittingly use their moods to manipulate others. (Can you tell I encountered moody customers tonight?)

My Personal Training business may take some new twist and turn, pretty soon. The new owners of the facility I work out from, put a good bit of money into it, and have made it much better. The only problem is; they want more money. How much they want isn't unreasonable at all. Completely reasonable, in fact. A bargin, to be sure. The problem is; I only do Personal Training part-time. Being in school, and trying to run a one-man-business doesn't work-out in todays market. So, if they can't negotiate on the price, I'll have to do completely in-home training with my clients. While the financial aspects of that are very good, the convenience of having a gym five blocks from where I live is too nice. Let's hope they're willing to work with me, to keep me there.

I hope more of my readers comment on my blogs.

New

Nancy's daughter, Laura, brought me their old, gutted Gateway. It's harddrive was gone, and the CD writer was out. I put Ubuntu Dapper Drake 6.06 Beta LiveCD in, and it worked fine. It's an 800mhz P3, 512mg. I got another cheapy 80gig hard drive, loaded the Ubuntu Linux system on, and wa-la, there it is. It's a bit slow, but not sluggish. Once a program is up and running, it's fast enough. Web pages load fast. Pictures render in just a second or two. It will make someone happy someday.

I'm working on getting this computer with Linux system to be as functional, compared to Windows or Mac OS, as possible. It's much easier with Ubuntu. This computer still needs some items;

1. A CD or DVD/CD writer
2. USB 2.0 port card
3. D-Link wireless card
4. front side UBS 2.0 plugins -maybe
5. Another 512mg of memory - total to 1.024 gig,
6. Maybe a video audio input card
7. Maybe a stronger graphics card

The thing is, if I actually got all that stuff, it would cost as much as or more than a new computer. A faster computer. That's the trouble with hardware. Sometimes, it's just not worth it to upgrade.

It's functional as-is; Office programs, internet connected hardwire, MP3 players, etc. Once I get it working, I'll probably give it away. Other than to play with the hardware, I don't need another computer.

Even though this is a beta version of Ubuntu Dapper 6.06, it will be supported for three years. That means updates and downloads for this particular version will be available. For free.

My goal is to help keep computers working for people as long as possible, and not throw them away, not just yet. Many computers are still very usable. The might need a bit tweaking, but certain Linux distributions will work on some pretty old stuff.

Nancy and I have been eating much better. Out of necessity, I'm eating lower fat, higher fiber, and small meals. My guts are feeling much better too. I was really bad off. My insides felt like they'd had surgery. I was having difficulty just moving around, as least as I normally do. I was feeling very sick after each meal, and on a couple of occasions, threw up right after. Lowing my fat intake did the trick. I've upped my fiber intake, and got some Udo's Probitic Lozenges, to help restore the good bacteria in my gut. Oatmeal helps too, probably more than anything else. I also have to not eat after 8:30, so I don't go to bed with something on my stomach.

My school stuff is difficult this summer; so far, there no classes offered at the times I need. I have to take two courses before I can take others that follow. If I have to, I'll just purchase the textbooks for the classes, and review them as though I actually am taking the course, then take the courses in the fall. Kind of like Independent Study. Some of the course are available online, but my advisor recommended I take them in class, because of the labs.

My Personal Training Business is picking up a bit, too. I have openings for 3 more clients, so that should fill in a few weeks. I will be doing more Yoga training, and will be available for in-home group sessions pretty soon. My minimum class size is three, and a max of eight. I'm only teaching beginning level classes, as I'm not more than just an intermediate myself, but I'm a good teacher. Twenty plus years as a personal trainer have helped with that.

Innards

You can see there've been some changes in Personal Trainers Studio facility. Good changes. The new owners put in some new equipment. Quality new equipment. My rent prices will go up a bit, but I think the new equipment will be worth it. I like what I'm seeing, so far. My Personal Training prices will probably remain the same.

Last week, I got sick. Pretty sick. More than likely, I had a gall bladder attack. About eight years ago, I got sonogrammed, looking for Aortic problems. They didn't find any, but they did see pollops on my gallbladder.

Over the years, my digestive problems have gotten worse. Some of it is probably due to anxiety, some from too many years taking asprine and ibuprophen, and some from not-so-good eating habits.

Now, I have to eat good. I'm okay, as long as I eat low fat. High fiber intake is important for me, also. It's frustrating to be limited, but you work with what you got.

Last week, I had to work on my Final Test and Class Project for my Operating Systems class. I turned it in on Tuesday night, so I'll find out how I did later.

Cheap

Out of necessity, I'm getting more into a frugal lifestyle. I'm probably 30% of the way there. I know others that do much better, but I'm not doing too bad. Thats a big part of what motivates me with the whole Linux thing. It's not realy any better than Windows or Mac. More secure than Windows, maybe, but about the same as Mac. The attraction to me is a few things;

1. Cheap - Hard to beat free
2. Secure - No major security issues. yet.
3. Flexible - can work will on new and old hardware.

The last point is important.

Windows is upgrading Vista in January 07. The hardware requirements are going to be much more than XP. Most people will keep XP, but use it less because of malware. Friend will help them try Linux, through Live CD's, and they'll see the usefulness. Because Linux can work on even very old computer, many people will switch. And because Linux is more secure, a few will switch.

Sounds like I'm prophising. I am.

Maybe I'm wrong, but there's only two ways I can be wrong on this;

1. Apple releases Mac OS to run on any hardware, Apple or PC
2. Apple release Mac OS as open source

The second is unlikely to happen. Mac is the better OS, at least for now. Windows Vista will have to be increadibly impressive.

I was looking at lean Linux distro called, "Damn Small Linux." It even works on old hardware. You can run it off a Jumpdrive. Don't through out that old computer, just yet. Even if your harddrive fails, it's still useable. Even if it seemed too slow, it's usuable. At the very least, donate it. At the best, put DSL on it, and donate it.

It's Over

My last speech class was lastnight. Mock congress is done. I did good. My team did good. Hopefully, I'll get a good grade. Now to finish up my Operating Systems class project. I'm doing it on Linux File System, and I'm making it a short story. But, I think I already told you that.

Not sure what I'm going to take over the summer. I won't be able to take a full load. Classes aren't offered at the right time for that. I will go full time school in the fall though. I want to get this thing done.

I have this weekend off work. I'll probably work on my project, and do a bit of work around the house. My stepkids, Stephen and Brett, have their birthdays soon. I wish I could go see them. I'll probably have to put it off till finals are over.

Well, my blog is wonderful and all, but if you really want to be entertained, read Nancy's blog.

Countdown

This is my current Fedora Desktop. My WindowsXP Laptop, and my PocketPC have the same wallpaper. I'm not really that into consistency. I just like to play.

I'm this close to switching to Ubuntu. Fedora is cutting edge, but persnickity. It's working fine, so I'll probably leave it alone, for now. Ubuntu is easier to work with, from what I read online. It's the best one for Linux Newbies. Maybe I just miss the Red Hat start/applications menu icon.

My last speech is tomorrow (Thursday) night. Omar dropped out, so it will just be the three of us; Jessica, Dunia, and me. We're doing our 'mock congress' -as though the real one isn't a mock- and our 'bill' is, "Banning Fast Food Advertisments Targeting Children". Our proposal is to have a law that bans Fast Food ads on television between the hours of 6am and 10pm. I'm taking the opposing view. Not that I oppose, but I can argue either side. Of pretty much anything. It's because I'm smart. Really smart. Probably smarter than you.

Yeah. Right. If that were true, I wouldn't have so many spelling errors in my blogs.

Six Days

Six days is too freaking long to go without a post.

I spent most of the weekend working at Sports Authority. Between that, school, and my Personal Training business, I've been very preoccupied.

Thursday is the last day for my speech class. We have our 'mock congress' speech. One of our team member pulled out, and dropped the class. Had he not dropped the class, we would have gotten a big fat zero. So we have to go at it with three people. Not fun. Not at all.

I'm the team leader. That part I don't mind. The part I mind is having to make up for the missing member. Not sure how to handle that. I may actually have to speak twice.

I have alot of work to do over the next few weeks. You know; finals and all. This is the part of school I dont' like - having to work on someone elses time schedule. I've never liked that part. Left to my own accord I can actually do better. But, on someone elses schedule, I struggle.

Other News

I read on some of the message boards about the High Intensity Training convention in Indianapolis this last weekend. Seems like it was a good one. They are learning how things really work. Slowly. A bit too slowly, but some of them might come around. The HIT cult, and the Super Slow cult are tough to move away from, but some of them might make it.

I highly suggest downloading the Ubuntu Live CD iso image, burning it to disc, and running from that, especially to surf online. I have Fedora Core 5 on my desktop, but Ubuntu is the most popular Linux distribution, and might be the curent best one. The Ubuntu Live CD version runs the Operating System directly from the CD drive. The hard drive is never really accessed. Other distribution have Live CD's, and they are a good way to learn and familarize yourself with Linux. At the very least, you can surf and instant message with no threat of getting malware. At the best, you'll realized, "Wait a minute -I don't really need Windows". That, and, "Dang! This stuff is free!"

I haven't felt very well the last few days. I really hope I'm not coming down with somethings. Especially before a final speech.

Recover from Malware

My Current Fedora Core 5 Linux Desktop

On January 24, I wrote an overview of how to recover from malware infestation (viruses, spyware, adware). Seems I was right:

On ZDnet.com, the article, "Wiping an infected computer is best for any OS" agrees with me. Maybe I'm a bit ahead of my time. Also on ZDnet.com, "Microsoft says Recovery from Malware becoming Impossible." Even the MS people are beginning to agree, especially for business.

Microsoft is losing it's 'Trusted Computing" marketing campain, and that really does suck. I like Windows. It's easy, and it works. I know some will disagree with me on this, but Windows is slightly easier than Mac. Just slightly. Microsoft has a hugh customer base to help them determine HOW to make Windows easier. Mac has the Mac Cult people telling them how to make it easier. Not the best population for new user information. With Windows, plug damn near anything into it, and it works! Not so with Mac, and especially not so with Linux. Most things will work with Mac, but printers are bitchy. Many things will work with Linux, especially older hardware, but newer things -like wireless devices- are complicated to get working. Not for the impatient. Windows Plug'n Play works.

As it turns out, that might not be a good thing.

Apple did a good thing switching to a BSD (Berkley Software Distribution) of Unix as their base kernel. It makes the system much more stable, reliable, less prone to crashes, and much less prone to viruses, spyware, and adware (all now referred to as 'malware'). But, it still has holes. Very small holes, and extremely difficult to get through. The BSD version they use is a wee bit old. They do put security updates out quickly. Good for Apple.

But, keep this in mind: Both Apple and Microsoft have a limited amount of engineers, programmers, coders, and other various geeks working on the Operating Systems. Linux has thousands, and growing everyday. Because Linux is Open Source, it has more people working to fix bugs, patch holes, and make it more secure. Linux communities find thousand of bugs and holes in the same amout of time Windows finds only 50 or so. The hackers find the rest on Windows.

Another article on ZDnet.com, "Open Source gets Results, While Microsoft Blames Malware on Stupid Users," also explains why Open Source works. Personally, I think the author is a bit biased, but the point is still made, and the facts are correct. I don't seriously think Microsoft says "Stupid Users". They designed their system for the novice and new user. But, more and more engineers are independently helping Linux development, and for FREE. Most don't get paid squat. Companies that make money from Linux do so by supporting the software, not creating it. Red Hat no longer makes it's software. It created the Fedora Community for that. And Mark Shuttleworth's foundation gives Ubuntu away for FREE. Even will ship it for free.

When I first started using Linux, I cussed, fretted, and fumed trying to get some things to work, and I'm a Power User - a geek wannabe. I've got most things working, just not my Pocket PC connecting to it. As it turn out, that's not a big deal. Eventually, I'll figure it out. I have WAY too many Microsoft Reader ebooks to let go of it completely, or Windows for that matter. And my Laptop? I'm not good enough to attempt Linux on it. Not just yet. When I read that Linux is working easily on most Laptops, THEN I'll try it, but not until then.

As it turns out, Because Linux can be difficult to use is what makes it more secure. I use to bitch about how hard it was to install applications on my Linux Machine. That was before I really understood how to do it through the distributions install methods: Synaptic, apt-get, yum, yumex, rpm,...stuff like that. But, since it is slightly difficult for the user, it makes it really difficult for malware to get installed.

Just as easy as it is for you to use Windows, the malware has the same easy time installing itself.

So, to fight Malware, you have a few options:

1. Get a Mac- if $$ is an issue, a Mac Mini, even a used one will work fine.
2. If you've noticed your computer is getting slower, and defrag doesn't seem to help, follow my original advice; wipe the drive clean, and rebuild the OS and programs.
3. If your computer is more than three years old, switch to a Linux distribution - Ubuntu if you're a new user. Easy enough for most newbies, and Freakin FREE.
   

SLAM!

I took this pic at the Winter Park Dog Art Festival. More on that in a bit, but look closely at my cheek. See the abrasion? On Saturday Morning, Nancy and I were walking Abby and ChiliDog. Just a few minutes into the walk, a squirrel ran out in front of us, and Abby took off after it. That's not too unusual for her. She likes the chase. However, Chili decided to assist. Chili got in front of my feet, Abby took off, my feet went up, and my face went down.

SLAM!!

I hit the sidewalk on my right side, and my head hit the ground. Nancy said I made a mellon sound. I think I heard it in my skull too. I didn't pass out, but I was scraped up pretty good. My cheek, right shoulder, right hip and knee too the brunt of the fall. We're fairly certain I got a very minor concussion. My right side still aches, but other than that, I'm okay.

I cleaned up, and we went to the Maitland Art Festival at Lake Lilly for about on hour. I had to take a nap after. I'd wanted to go on to Disney, but Nancy didn't think getting on Mission Space would be a good idea after a fall. Can't imagine why. At the very least, if I died - my family could sue Disney for lifetime annual passes, hotel rooms, and free meals.

I had a headache all Saturday and Sunday, but this morning (Monday), it was gone. I could have been sinus/allergy headache.

The Dog Art Festival was fun. LOTS of dogs. We didn't take Abby and Chili. Chili would have liked it, but that many people would have made Abby nervous. Our dogs are still much more cute than all the others. I felt sorry for the artists though. Everyone was looking down, at all the dogs, and not the art. To be honest, the art wasn't impressive overall (listen to me, acting like I know anything about art). There were more pet and dog services being displayed than actual art.

Now for the SLAM (Stepping on the soap box now)
Thumbs down, and jeers to the Winter Park Lifestyle magazine. It should be called: Winter Park magazine for the complete over-consumption and self-indulgent lifestyle. Such is what Rome must have had, just before the empire fell. It is an embarrassing testimonial of American lifestyle. The people involved in such would never understand why -they're too involved in self satisfaction to get it. Nuff said. (Stepping off the soap box now)

My blogging as been amiss lately, partially because if I actually did blog my thought, everyone would think I've become an unpatriotic liberal. In reality, my personal life is doing well, so I'm able to see and think about the crap going on around me. If my personal life wasn't doing good, I'd be self-focused, and blind to what's happened to our country.

Take, for instance, the current credit system. You get a number -Beacon Score- which may or may not truly indicate your credit worthiness. Now, in all fairness, it's probably fairly accurate for me. I have such difficult keeping sixes and nines right-side-up, even keeping up with the current date can be difficult for me. But, this system is moving close and closer toward a consumer communist state. One in which you are expected to be in Indentured Servitude (debt) to 'earn' a good credit score. In today's society, having absolutely no debt is seen as a bad thing??? Sup with that?? I think Tyler Durden's plan in Fight Club may have been a good idea. Money isn't the root of all evil, anymore. Credit is.

Persuasive Speech

Of all the speeches I've done so far, this one is the most sickening. I'm really struggling to get this one right, or even close. I could become CEO of Sports Authority, and do a much better job than the current administration, before I could get this speech down right.

I'm doing it on Highway Safety. Yeah, I could have thought of something way more exciting, and probably should have, but I just didnt' want to bother. This is one time I just want to get this out of the way, and get on with my real classes.

Anyway, here's a screenshot of my current Fedora Core 5 desktop and background:

You can see some of the books I've downloaded so I can pre-study for upcoming classes. The Illustrated TCP/IP made the whole Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol much easier to understand, and I've only skimmed it. We do have a test on it soon.

I started working on my project for the Operating Systems class. I'm going to go over Linux File Systems, in a short story form. Hopefully, I can make it exciting. The story formula is: Conflict (want + obsticles), Action, Resolution. Obviously, the main character has to learn the Linux file system basics, and quickly, but theirs something preventing him, or maybe distracting him. I'll post the final story on my DannyTLand story blog.

Eastern Establisment

A new entry in my DannyTLand short story blog:

http://dannytland.blogspot.com/2006/03/eastern-establisment.html#links

In Other News

I felt like absolute crap today. Like I had a hangover. Allergies worse than I've ever had before. Almost felt like having the flu, or mono. But, I still was able to write, study, and go to class. Maybe not at my best, but sometimes just getting through the day is more than enough.

A week off

I'm back!

I think I had "Post Traumatic Art Festival Syndrome" this week. The Art Festival went really well, but I went far too many days with less that six hours a sleep. I'm an old man now, and I need my sleep. If I'm not careful, it can become a habit, I'll get mental, and freak out completely.

Last Monday, I downloaded Fedora Core 5, and tried to upgrade my computer. That didn't workout too well. Some things I wanted loaded on didn't get loaded. Since I keep all my personal files on other discs, I just did a fresh Operating System install.

Fedora is cutting edge distribution of Linux, so it can be moody, and FC5 was no exception. After much bitching, some cussing, spitting, and staying up WAY too late, I got it set up how I need. Fedora is an excellent operating system that most anyone could use, but for a power user like me, it can be frustrating. Most people wouldn't need the stuff I use. I get really deep and detailed.

If you're reading this, and you're considering a free system with your computer, with free software, powerful, and did I mention free, Fedora is great. For the a user who wants something easy to use, compared to Windows, I'd recommend Ubuntu.

Ubuntu Linux is the top Linux 'distro' at the moment, mostly because it is so easy to use. I put the PowerPC version on Nancy's old pink iMac, and it worked great. Ubuntu would even work well from someone who's not computer savy. Just like any other Linux distro, you can make it work/look like Windows, or Mac. It also comes on only one disc. Most distros, like Fedora, come on more, as many as five discs.

So, if you want a safe, secure computer, with PLENTY of free software, Ubuntu would be the choice.

Whoop Ass Art Festival

No, there's no Whoop Ass Art Festival -at least not yet. Today's entry is too different things.

First, I thought I'd give you a history of the term Whoop Ass.

This is something you don't find much on the internet, and probably not in too many books. It's an old term, but not that old. Take a close look at this picture:

That tractor isn't too dissimilar to this one:

Okay, it's not dissimilar. The paint is the only real difference. These tractors are steam engines, much like steam locomotives. Steam tractors go back as far as the 1830's. I think this one is from the early 1920's. Look close at the first picture. There's a long belt going from the small wheel above the right-back tire, or iron wheel. The strap was a long piece of spliced leather. Instead of buying more steam powered farm equipment, other companies made add-ons, or to use the computer metaphore, peripherials. You simply attached the belt to the wheel of the tractor, ran the belt to the other equipment (in the first photo, I think it's a bailer), back the tractor up to tighten the belt, put the thing in neutral, and cranked the beast up.

With even a slight bit of slack, the belt had a whoop, whoop, whoop, whoop sound. With more slack, the belt would slap against itself, and make a whoop/crack, whoop/crack sound. Over time, the belt would frey, and eventually break apart. I'm sure the original name of the belt was more technical, but it came to be called The Whoop, from the sound it made.

Back then, most people didn't waste things, like we do today. Even things that broke apart were somehow recycled. When the whoop broke, people would make smaller belts for their pants, shoes, straps to carry heavy things, and anything else pieces of thick leather would make.

Usually, the father of the family would fashion a wide belt, with a handle end, put pieces of wood on the handle, and used it around the farm -though I have no idea what for. When a farmer's child misbehaved, the farm told the boy to shape up, or he'd get the whoop, and take it to his behind. Roughneck farmers would say, "Boy, get yo nog a crackin, or I'll take dat whoop to yo ass." I have no idea what a nog is, but I imagine they meant noggin or head. Eventually, they just said, "Boy, I'm gonna whoop yo ass."

Over time, the steam tractors and their belt driven accessories gave way to modern equipment, but the term Whoop remained with the smaller, handled belt. And the farmers still made their whoop, and when necessary, took it to their kids ass.

I've actually seen a tractor like that when I was really young. It was at a museum, somewhere in Georgia, or maybe it was Tennessee. I overheard the curator talking to my Granddad, Saint Elmer Thompson (not yet sainted, of course....we're working on that), and his friend, Mac McDonald (yes, McDonald had a farm- soybeans and peanuts). I didn't recall the conversation till I saw a picture of tractor a few years ago.

Okay, so I'm no Paul Harvey, but now you know.....The Rest of the Story. Now shape up, or I'll take you out behind the radio station, and open-a-can-o-whoop-ass on ya.

Art Festival

Today, we did the judging and awards. Yesterday, Nancy and I escorted one of the judges around the festival, from 8 to 6. I was tired, but I learned a lot about art -which is why I wanted to join the festival.

This morning, the artist that were selected for judging brought the selected piece to nearby museum pavillion, and choose the awards. There was bickering, irritation, and a few mishaps (not between the judges, rather between us volunteers), but we worked through everything, and got the job done. We had some errors that told us we need a procedure for this or that. Most of our procedures worked fine in the past, but things are changing, even judging art, and we're adapting to new trends.

Click on my flickr banner on the right of the page, and you'll see the best of show. I don't know much about the fiber catagory, but I liked the way it smelled. Guess I've been around dogs too much.

Artist Set-Up

I just figured out that the links I make in the Title of each blog doesn't come up. You've been missing some really good links to some interesting sites, sometimes having absolutely nothing to do with the title. So, for the time being, well just do:

Link of the Day

Today, I worked with the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival. The artist set-up their tents. Unfortunately, the artists on the street have to wait to 5am Friday morning to set up. We couldn't get the street closed earlier. Nancy and I chalked off the booth spaces for the Street People - sounds so politically incorrect.

We're tired tonight. Really tired. Zapped. Kapput. We really didn't do much though. We spend much more time walking in the hot sun at Disney, and don't feel this tired. And, we're not out of condition. Well, not anymore than 10-15% on most fitness tests. I thought I drank enough water, but maybe not. My legs are crampy - usually a sign of not enough water. You'd be surprised just how many aches and irritations being properly hydrated will help you. Some people take it too far, but it's not really too hard; Eight glasses a day is minimum, and usually only for sedintary people. If you spend your job sitting, you're sedintary enough. Every hour of intense activity, add another 1/2 glass. In hot climates, add a full glass, and if you're hot an active, 1 1/2 more glasses. The only time I'd ever recommend going over a gallon is unusually hot days, especially dry heat.

I think the pollen has affected me far more than ever before. My eyes have been itchy and dry, my sinus go back and forth between being clogged, and being open but raw.

Maybe I'm just getting old.

Nah.

So far, I've got my Fedora Core 4 (Red Hat) Linux machine to do most everything I want, except something important: Connect with my PocketPC. I don't even care if it syncronizes with Evolution the Open Source version of Outlook. I just want to be able to transfer files - audiobooks, podcasts, pictures, plans for world conquest, school work, etc. I rarely us my calander right now, since I'm trying to use Linux more. My wireless USB thingy doesn't work on it either. Fedora Core 5 comes out on Monday. I'm hoping it has more hardware recognition. That's one advantage Windows and Mac have; plug anything to either, and it works. Not so with Linux. Not just yet. Soon, I think.

Time to grab a girl, a couple of dogs, and get a good nights sleep.

Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival

Today, Nancy and I helped Richard set up the stakes and booth number assignments. It took most of the day. We still have more to do. Don't forget to click on my Flickr.com button to the right, and see the new pics for the day.

Fedora Core 5 Linux comes out next Monday. Right now, they suggest reinstalling the OS to upgrade. If Fedora is going to make it, they'll have to come up with an online, automatic updater. Fedora Core 4 does updates, security installs, and such. But the updates don't seem to apply to the overall OS.

The next version of Ubuntu is coming up too. It updates automatically, and even can upgrade the OS automatically, so I'm hoping that will happen on the old pink iMac.

More pics tomorrow.

Super Slow Zone

It seems that some at the Super Slow Zone are a bit upset about a training manual I wrote. While it might give a slight headache in trouble for a few weeks here, it's cool that I wrote something good enough to be contraversial. Really cool.

As it goes, I wrote a manual for Gainesville Health and Fitness Center in the early 90's. When I left GHFC in 2000, I was no longer a Super Slow cultist. Someone at GHFC really liked it, and emailed it around to other Super Slow trainers. I started getting calls on something I didn't believe it, so I sent them a copy of my 'manifesto' -an article titled; Intensity/Inroad/Recovery, which refutes much of the Super Slow / High Intensity Training concepts. Maybe not refutes, but at least directly questions.

Anyway, it seems quite a few fitness centers liked the manual, and decided to use it for their own. I allowed the original source material for the manual to be released as 'open source'. Now, I understand the Super Slow Zone people aren't happy. It also seems that Super Slow Zone isn't doing very well. A few individual centers are doing okay, but some critical business errors have happened, and the SSZ francisor is tripping up on a hole she created. Let's just say; Donald would say "You're fired!"

I do feel bad for Ken Hutchins, though. While I completely disagree with his training ideas, he is a good man, honest, and firm in his convictions. But, he's fallen in with some unsavory characters. No matter how bad they try to pressure me, I won't go work for them, even though I have a drastic plan that would help. The free info gravy train is over for them.

As for me:
This week is the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival. Expect a LOT more pictures. I may even need to upgrade my flickr.com account to hold them. I have Spring Break, so I've spent a good bit of time studying.

Second Informative Speech