Bossman Kaput

I've abandoned my Bossman Project. The idea was right, but doing it by myself wasn't. I've found a new way: FREEGEEK.

FreeGeek is similar project, with much smarter methods. Check out the website. They also give away free computers, with Ubuntu Linux installed. But, they have much more:

They take in old computers, fix them up, rebuild them as best as possible, lode Ubuntu Linux on them, and much more. To get a free computer, someone just has to volunteer for 24 hours -I'm guessing not necessarily in a row. Then, they get a FreeBox. They not only get the computer, but they go through training on how to use it. The FreeGeek organization in Michiana Indiana also sets up what's called FreeLabs, where people can come and use the computers; Word processing, Internet Surfing, emailing, and even learn programming. For free. These places are put in areas where most people don't have access to a computer. The computers are mostly intended for someone who probably could never afford a computer. But, anyone willing to devote their time can get a free one, even if just to give it away.

So, my new endeavor: FreeGeek Central Florida. I already have a halfway decent start. I've put together a few systems, and given out a few. But doing this with a group of people would be so much better.

There are SO MANY computers out there that still have good use. Still have better than good use, and can probably be better than they originally were. The software companies, especially the one in Redmond, has people convinced they need to upgrade their hardware along with their software. What they really need is better software. Especially, software that can make use of older equipment.

If you've got an old box (do NOT look at your wife after reading that line), and think you need to upgrade, try putting Ubuntu on it instead. Or even Fedora Core. These operating systems come with most of the software you'd need, already installed! OpenOffice, GIMP (like photoshop), GAIM (AIM, Yahoo, MSN, GoogleTalk messenger, rolled into one), and most of the hardware drivers are already in the system. Much more, for free! If your not sure about those software alternatives, most of them have Windows compatible programs. You could get use to the Windows version, before you switched if you wanted.

Better yet, go ahead, do the hardware upgrade. Kill the hard drive on your old computer, and donate it to one of these organizations. Especially Central Florida -once I get it going!

# # # #

In Other News:
I went through a complete upper body workout today. A big improvement since starting back. I'm still much weaker than I was before starting the medicine, but strength is coming back.

About the medicine: It either takes awhile to start working, or it's not working for me. I'm still having some issues; pain, swelling, and urgent trips to the bathroom. Nothing major, but enough to go; WTF!

Please click on the links in this post, and checkout some of the sites. None are commercial (except for the Redmond one, of course), and they will give you and idea of what I'd like to do. Also, maybe YOU could give me some ideas!

Working Out again, finally!

I had my second workout today, after just over 5 weeks of no training. The medication I was on was a bit restrictive. I've got less than a week on it, so I'm able to train again.

I got weak. Real weak, real fast! Body pains are still there, but much less. The workout helped, especially in my left hip and shoulder. It's going to take me awhile to get back to something I would call strength, but I don't think I'd ever want to get like that again. Ugh.

When Nancy and I move, I'm hoping to mix the office and gym together. I'd like to have the workout equipment in the same area, making easier to do both. Not necessarily at the same time, but throughout the day. Kind of how a farmer use to live. All day training, out of necessity.

I made me a wallet today: Paper Wallet!

The Photo above is not my wallet, but a picture from the instruction site. Mine's white. In the picture, the one if the foreground is a week old, and the one behind it is just made.
I liked the cheapo wallet I'd bought at Kmart, but it was still a wee bit too big. This paper wallet is just the right size. In the future (probably not too far off), I'll remake one from the Tyvek paper used in Fedx envelopes.

I'm ahead in most of my classes. I have a big project in Networking that has me somewhat nervous, but I'll figure it out. I'm lucky that way.

Shaken, Not Stirred

The new James Bond film, Casino Royale, is a must see for any Bond fan. They stayed as close as they could with the original Fleming storyline.

Recommended by Danny.

In Other News:
I got a lot of homework and projects done today, but still have much more to do.

It's Time

What's it time for? Dunno. Thought it was an interesting blog title. But then, I'm not the best when it comes to titles. Stories? Yes. Titles? Nope. Deal with it.

The picture above is from Amy's wedding rehearsal. I thought it was a good picture of us. Nancy, contrary to her belief, always takes good pictures.

Thursday night, Nancy and I went to the Annie Russell Theater at Rollins College to watch the play, "The Mousetrap" by Agatha Christy. It was good. The actors did an excellent job, and stage set was the best I've seen so far. Agatha Christy wrote many mysteries, and a few plays, but The Mousetrap has a special place in the world of theater.

Except for the body aches from the medicine, I'm feeling better. Going to bathroom less in class and at night. I wanted to see the new James Bond movie, but didn't want to pay $9.00 for a ticket, and get up three times during the movie. I'll wait till the DVD comes out. Can you say, "PAUSE"?

We took the dogs to the dogpark today:





They had fun. We did too.

Guilty

Whenever I have to boot into Windows, I feel like I've done something wrong. Something bad.

At first, I thought that feeling was strange. But, I've found many others who feel the same. We share a common bond. We're all working to overcome it. We have a powerful tool. Something that can withstand the viral infestation that is Windows, or the spys that come with Windows, or the 'enemy as gifts' that come in Windows.

Unfortunately, because of school I have to occasionally boot into Windows. The other night, Nancy caught me:
"Oh my G-d, Danny! You promised," she said.
"But, but....it's for school," I replied.
"Don't give me that. You don't need that trash for school. I've seen you do your projects on Linux. You could use VMWare, or Xen virtualization."
"But, this is our assignment."
"I thought I could believe you. You promised you wouldn't do this again. All that educational porn you could access through Linux. All the gambling sites, all the hacking. But instead, you spend your time looking at THIS smut!" she yelled.
"It's just the Microsoft Managment Console," I admitted. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. It won't happen again."
She shook her head at me. "You filthy pig," she said, then spat on the ground. "You're too disgusting to even spit on. Microsoft Management Console. What next? Windows Vista?"
Then, she stormed off. I had to sleep outside. On the porch. In the cold.

Well, maybe it didn't go quite like that. Here's what really happened:
"Watcha working on?" she asked, looking over my shoulder.
"Microsoft Management Console. It's for my A+ class," I replied.
"Oh. Okay," she strugged, then went back to looking at houses. On her Ubuntu Linux computer.

The shame.

* * *

We went to Epcot the other day. It was the last day of our passes, or close enough that it would be the last chance we'd get to go for awhile. We got to ride the new updated, "The Seas with Nemo and Friends". It's the update to "The Living Seas".
No, that's not us. But you do get to ride in a turtle shell. Or clam shell. Or, whatever-the-hell-shell-they-tried-to-sell. I liked the change, but didn't like it. The update is cute, very well done, uses new technology, and is great for kids.
But, it 'unEpcoted' the whole experience. They made an impressive experience with the ocean to a cutesy Disney movie ride. Fine for Magic Kindom, or maybe MGM/Disney/PIXAR Studios, but out of place at Epcot. But, then so is the Princess Dining Experience, which ruined my enjoyment of the restaurant at Norway.
Take the kids out of the restaurant, keep the grown-up Disney princesses -maybe with different clothing/more skin, more alcohol, and a pole in the center of the room, and you'd have a nice change to a Disney experience. Maybe Steven Jobs might go for it?

Nancy did make some new friends

She told them how cute they were, and 'what wonderful and different markings'. When we walked away, she said, "How rude. They didn't say anything. Didn't even look at me. Maybe they're foreign. Where do you think they're from?"

"They're lego," I replied.
"Oooohhhh. I feel so bad. That explains it." She turned to look at them. "That's near Turkey, right?"
"No. Denmark,"I replied.

* * *

Parkour is an excellent activity. Uses all parts of fitness: Strength, Endurance, Flexibility. If you live through it, that is. Here's a good example: (notice the use of all part of fitness)

Blushing Bride

Little Miss Amy got married this weekend. She's now Mrs. Amy Khoury, wife of Elias John Khoury. The wedding was great. I liked the rehearsal dinner best; the food, I mean. Alex Khoury rented out Aladdin's Cafe in Casselberry. I was apprehensive about the food, but was more than impressed. Rates in the top five meals of my life now.

Here I am, in my Network (LAN) class. There's Professor Hennel teaching us how to hack into your computer. Thanks for those interesting files. Don't worry; I can't get any of your files from you logging onto my blog. If you log off; that's a different story. Keep away from the X in the upper right (Red dot in the upper left on Mac, or some versions of Linux).

I shaved the beard off for Amy's wedding. I might try the Goatee in the future, but I don't I'll be growing a beard anytime soon, unless I intend on visiting someplace really cold.

My prostate treatment is going good. I guess. Can't really tell much difference yet. I'm still going to the bathroom often, but not as often as before. I hope this clears up soon. Or, at the very least, gets a little better. It's frustrating. Especially not being able to really workout.

I've spent most of my time lately working on school projects. That, and helping Nancy prepare the house for sale (buy it, PLEASE!). Time for downsizing, and getting out of overconsumerland Winter Park.

The Dems won much of the election nationally. Republicans cleaned up locally -in Florida. Bill Nelson is still Senator. In my opinion, that's a good thing. I would have voted for the cigarette filled sand in Daytona over Katherine Harris. She may be competent, but I don't like her stance on issues. The selection of polititians was piss-poor. No one from The Emperial Party for Emperor Danny ran! What a waste. And those electronic voting machines? Insist on paper! Those eVoting machines are a joke. The only way I'd trust them is if a paper receipt was produced after the voting of each person.

Congradulations, Amy and Elias. Now, get to work on insuring my social security check!

Performance

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Roger Waters -formerly of Pink Floyd- performed THE WALL right where the Berlin Wall stood. It was musical performance that represent more than just a rock groups music. It was a change to a new time. In the 90's, it was for the better. Search youtube.com with Roger Waters Berlin as the subject. You'll find links to the complete perfomance.

If you were awake and aware during that time, it was a very moving experience. Here's my favorite part of the performance:

Static

The whole video blog thing is a good idea, but I should probably wait till I have better equipment. In the meantime, I'll stick with pictures, like this one:

As you can tell, I'm trying to grow a beard. I've never grown one, so I thought I'd see what it was like.

This pic was taken at the doctors office. That's right; Doctor. After many years, I finally relenquished, and was dragged kicking and screaming to the doctor. I'd prefer to go in unconscious.

I've been having middle-aged man problems. Not of the performance type. Not yet, at least. My prostate has been giving me problems for a few years, and in the last three months, it's been much worse. After having to get up and go pee twice during a timed test, I knew I had to do something. I got an ultrasound on a testicle -it was really swelling, and not for good reasons- and they found a cyst, causing a varicocele. It's not very comfortable, but it's not dangerous.

I avoided going to the doctor, mostly because I knew what was going to happen; I'd go through some test, be poked and prodded -or rather probed, then the doctor would say, "Yep, you're getting old. Sorry. That'll be $3000.

The first round of antibiotics they gave me knocked me on my ass. I haven't taken antibiotics in probably fifteen years. Maybe even longer. Within an hour of taking them, the level of fatigue was surprising. The weirdest thing is a bilateral 'neuralgia' pain. My left side aches, everywhere. The skin is so sensative, it feels like a sunburn. My muscles hurt, and the joints ache like crazy, but ONLY on the left side. Just the left. That's weird. They also gave me something for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. My health insurance is 911, so they gave me a good discount for paying cash.

I can't stand going to a doctor. It's like admitting defeat. Giving in. Giving up. Maybe not so much that, as the healthcare industry in USA is way out-of-wack. When someone I know who can afford the absolute best health insurance available, but still has to wait in the Emergency room overnight for a hospital bed to open, somethings wrong. Then again, that person was afforded no prejudice because he was wealthy. Still, it needs fixed. If I could afford insurace, I'd have gone to a doctor months, if not years ago. Specifically for this problem.

Maybe I watched the movie, John Q. too many times?

Because of this, I haven't been able to workout lately. That's frustrating too. I feel weak, tight, low energy. My waist is actually getting pudgy. In short, I'm becoming American. Maybe in a few months, I'll fit in.

Maybe not.

During all this, Nancy has been really supportive. And, very understanding. I haven't felt like 'me' lately, and those of you who know me will know what I mean. At least, now we know why; I'm gettin older. Five short years ago, I looked and felt much younger. People at my high school reunion recognized me easily, even when I couldn't recognize them. Now, I barely recognize myself.

* * * *

School is going well, even with the up and down during my tests. I've actually been writing more too. Next semester, I should be able to take more classes. And, these classes, except for the Linux Administration class, are ones I've not encountered.

Video Trials

I'm trying to make Video Blogs. So far, it's not all that great, but I'm working on it. I'm using the video capture feature on my iPAQ Pocket PC. It's not the best quality. By far. I'm also having to use Microsoft Movie Maker to put the pieces together. I haven't learned Kino in Linux yet. I already know Movie Maker. I'll work on it.

Here we go:

ACD

Australian Cattle Dog. That's what they're called. Queensland Blue Heeler is the fancy yuppy name. ACD. That's what they really are. If you've looked on my Flickr page, you've probably seen pictures of Chili. If not, shame on you.
Chili dog is a decendant of the Norse myth, Loki, a mythical being of mischief. At the very least, she's decended from his dogs. She's a handful, but an incredible joy.

Here's a video of another ACD. Enjoy:

Bossman Project

Not much has happened since my latest 'update' type post. Well, a few medical issues are getting taken care of, but other than that, no new issues. House hasn't sold yet - it's only been on the market for two weeks. I guess that's good, since we haven't found a house to move into yet. I'd be fine with a doublewide in Bithlo, but I think Nancy wants something a bit more 'comfortable'.

I've thought about expanding my Bossman Project. Besides giving away Ubuntu Linux based computers, I could actually have a business where I install Ubuntu on people's computer they thought were too outdated. I could help them have machines that are still quite capable or working, and working well. I'm not sure the details, but I could charge for installation, and any hardware improvements made; memory, larger and faster hard drive, etc. It would have to be a much more competative installation price than Windows. And, I could provide support. Just a thought.

Back to studying.

74% Geek

Maybe, by the end of my schooling, I'll score higher:

Digital Rights

The EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation) has a website specific to the legal issues affecting Bloggers - like me. I don't have any cases filed against me. Not yet at least. But, I do think other bloggers need to be aware of legal issues regarding Blogging. Oh, and I highly hope you'll choose to support Digital Freedom. In the future, it might be the only place liberty is left.

Also, I hope you'll take the time to listen to at least some of Cory Doctorow's speech:

Cory Doctorow's Speech on Netscape Video

Online Storage

I'm glad to see things like MediaMax and Xdrive. Things like this give the average user ways to save or backup their files. It even gives small business tools to store information, and with what appears a decent level of security. If you have an AOL or AIM screenname, you can use that for your Xdrive signin.

Xdrive.com

MediaMax.com

I know; You don't want to bother with it right now. You'll do it later. You just want to finish reading my blog, then surf to whatever next page you're going. So......

Don't do that! Setup your accounts right NOW! At the very least, set up with just one.

Evacuation Procedures

This is very important information. By the early thirties, most men have already learned these important lessons. But, some have not. So I'll help out:



If you've watch the above video, you'll see how important mens restroom rules are. Indeed, modern civilization depends on them. If you're an employee, or even a student, this video instruction will help:



For men, todays lesson simply provided you with some reminders. For young men, you may have gained some insight as to why you get the crap beat out of you in the boys room in school. For children, you shouldn't be looking at my blog anyway. I've logged your IP address, and I'm going to tell your parental unit!

For women, the above videos may have seemed like humor. The humor is there, but the reality of the mens room is true to form.

White & Nerdy

"Weird Al" Yankovic's music video from his new album "Straight Outta Lynwood" (in stores Sept. 26). I'm not this far gone, but getting close!

Brain Dump

That's my nephew, Ben. We've just done a Putt-Putt course. He whooped me. Just look. That's probably what I look like as a corpse. Still holding my pocket computer.

This is one of those times when I open up a blog window, and have no idea what to write about. So, I'm just going to type what comes to my head.

My last post was on Steve Irwin's memorial service. I'm not sure why his death hit me as hard as it did. Maybe, I admire someone who lived life to the fullest. Maybe, I admire someone who lived a humble life, yet changed the world. Maybe, Steve was someone who showed us that living wealthy wasn't near as much fun as one would think. Steve really had fun, but did other things with money besides spend it on himself.

Why is it the richest people in the United States of America, the ones who espouse meritocracy, are the most liberal democrats. Not that I have a problem with it. Just makes you go, 'hmm'.

Why is it that when you ask for help, you don't always get the help you want, but you get the help you need. Oh, wait - Sorry Mick.

In my classes, I'm doing well. But, I feel lost. Not as lost as some other people in the classes. I can tell by their questions. I know the answers to some of their questions. I feel lost in the class. I can only imagine how they feel. Maybe things will come together in my head next week. Unless I have a brain aneurysm, or something like that.

I'm sure you've seen some of those 'prostate' commercials? Lately, I feel like a commercial. Scuse me, while I run to the bathroom. And, I'm just about ready to compute standing up. Until I get a handle on this, working out isn't an option. Anyone with any non-medical tricks, post a comment.

The Linux Link Tech Show is my favorite podcast. TWIT would probably be next, then Security Now. Linux Link would be incredibly boring to anyone not really techy, and into learning about Linux. TWIT would be someone interesting and informative to those at least mildly techy. Security Now should be listen to by anyone who is connected to the internet.

I've used Windows more this last week than in the last three months. Most of my homework is Windows based. Being on Windows so much makes me paranoid. I'm pretty good with security, but I don't feel well lately. I think I caught a virus from my computer.

Even though he's only a character in a comic strip, Wally will probably be seen as a prophet in the future. For those in cubicle work environments, he's probably seen as a prophet now.

Even though everyone knew she wasn't real, that that truth has come out, Lonelygirl15 -aka 'Bree'- is still entertaining. I hope they keep the show and drama going.

Ubuntu is still my Linux distro of choice. If I'm a good student, eat my veggies (except spinich, of course), say my prayers, I might get to work for a company like Red Hat or Canonical from home when I'm done with school. It could happen.

Jerk a tear, Mate

Intro at Steve's Memorial Service:



Steve's daughter, Bindi Sue, speaks:



The way a real adventurer would leave:




To my friends Down Under; Thank you, for giving the world such person as Steve Irwin. While it's a hugh loss for Australia, it's a loss for the entire planet. Not just for humanity, but all living creatures. We can be thankful that he truly lived life while he was here. Hopefully, we are all better for it.

Portable Virtual Computer

You could actually have your own computer, with absolute minimum of hardware. Here's how:

1. Acquire a copy of Ubuntu LiveCD
2. Get a 1-2 gig jumpdrive
3. Signup for Yahoo - and setup your Briefcase
4. Signup for Streamload.com and setup your folders
5. Signup for xdrive.com and setup your folders.
6. Startup any computer using the Ubuntu LiveCD
7. Setup your LiveCD and jumpdrive to work in Persistent Mode

Okay, so it's a little complicated. But, it can be done, and you can have your own 'computer' seperate from any other computer. If you're able to access the internet with your Persistent Computer, you can use Xdrive and Streamload to store large files. You can add programs to your jumpdrive. You won't need a regular hard drive. You can use any computer with a CD tray, and a USB port to have your own virtual computer. Use your friends computer. Work computer. While this is a very techy, it give you an option, just in case.

For instance, let's say a hurricane hits you, and you're completely wiped out. Even if you lose your CD and Jumpdrive, you'd still have your files online. You could burn another CD, acquire another jumpdrive, if you really needed those things. Or, maybe, you want to surf at work, without anything ever touching your work computer. It can be done. All this is very much a What would Wally Do? type of thing.

School is going good for me. I'm ahead in my classes. Today, we learned about looking up techy jobs. Maybe Disney will still be hiring when I'm done.

Purpose

During my first twenty years in the fitness game, I had a purpose. I went into fitness, mostly out of a natural evolution from my years as a competitive gymnast. My sport gave me an advantage in the fitness field. I liked fitness, but liking what you do isn't enough to push you. You need a reason much stronger than "I like it." Liking what you do is important. Very important, but it's just not enough. Not enough to get you through difficult times. Not enough to be worth low pay, or the difficulties that can come with high pay. Liking what you do is motivating, but motivation is just an emotion. It comes and goes.

A few years into the fitness business -about the time I started personal training- I decided I wanted to make an accomplishment. I was inspired by my fitness hero Jack LaLanne. I wanted to help 10,000 people improve their life by improving their fitness. My goal gave me more than just motivation. It provided me with determination. I was determined to make it happen. I was determined to work through the frustrations, the financially difficult summers and holidays that's part of being a trainer. I went through some interesting experiences, realizations, and even revolutions (not the political kind, of course). In twenty years in the fitness business, I learned as much about myself as I did about fitness.

I didn't change. The industry changed. And, the public changed. When I first started, much of the public was excited about fitness. Athletics, bodybuilding, running, biking, anything physical seem to be popular. Now, fit and athletic looking people get stares of distain in public. So many people want to be trainer that a new market has opened; training and marketing to trainers. The money to be made in the fitness and personal training industry doesn't come from clients. It comes from selling products and services to people who want to be trainers. That is not something I want part of. It just doesn't fit my purpose. Some of the products and services are very helpful. Most are not. Most are not needed.

I'm very close to the 8,000 mark on my goal. I'm making approximates there, based on my time as a floor instructor in different jobs, helping people online, and direct contact as a trainer. But, I'm close. And I'll keep working on it.

But, I have a new purpose. A purpose just as important; Information.

Over the last few months, I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do with a career in computers. I wasn't sure why I wanted to bother. Other than liking computers, I didn't know where to go with it. I knew it would probably provide me with a better living than personal training (at least, in a era when everyone and his brother, sister, cousin, aunt and uncle want to be a trainer).

If your reason for doing something isn't strong, anything will stop you. If you reason -your 'why'- is strong enough NOTHING can stop you.

I'm not sure who said that, but it sticks with me.

A few days ago, my draw to computers and technology became apparent. The why came to me:

It's about the information!

Information is power. It's a commodity. It's more important than money. It can provide liberty, or at least the knowledge of how to achieve it. Information, especially when openly shared, levels the playing field in an opportunity society. Just like education, the information itself is neutral. What is done with information, the action, is what makes the difference.

I want to be a part of something that helps provide people as much open access to information as possible. I want to help enable people with information. I want them to have the tools, or at least the access to the tools, to acquire whatever information they need or want. I want to help hundreds, thousands, maybe even millions have access to information.

I also want to help make sure information is open and shared. Only in a police state, an oppressive and controlling society, is information held back. It's controlled. The only control information should have is by the reciever, not the deliverer or the middleman. If the goverment can have access to it, everyone should have access to it!

That is why technology is so important to me. A tool to acquire and maintain liberty.