...michael neil bell

Meanwhile outside of Krogers

2011-06-22T19:09:00.001-07:00

Payphones! Seriously, who uses these anymore?

System Sweeper by MS

2011-06-08T16:24:00.000-07:00

To all my security conscience friends: Microsoft now has a rootkit detector available on their site in beta. I've tested it on a virtual machine that I know had several rootkits in a sandboxed enviornment and it detected them all. I'm going to do further testing, but it looks like there's another cd/USB key to add to your forensics/cleaning kit.

There's a 32 bit and 64 bit version.

http://connect.microsoft.com/systemsweeper

Windows 8

2011-06-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a video showing some of the features of Windows 8, the successor to the current Windows 7 OS.

It's interesting, I'll give it that. However I just don't know about making one OS to run full fledge computers and tablets. Tablets and laptops are used very differently, and the OS should reflect as such. I personally think attempting to cram them all into one design is a bad idea.

Look at the Palm Pilot. The reason why the Palm Pilot worked so well is it did what it was designed to do, and did it well. They didn't try to force an existing OS into their little device (ahem Windows CE). They created an OS from the ground up to do specifically what functions they wanted for that device and it worked. It feels like Microsoft is trying to throw it all together, instead of making something that works well for tablets, and something that works well for desktops and laptops. In other words, specific tools for specific jobs.

Apple seems to be moving in the same direction with their latest OS X, Lion, coming out this summer. They created an App store similar to that on iOS (which I think is long overdue personally). They've created the Launchpad which is very similar to the look and feel of iOS. .

I hope that I'm wrong, but it seems to me like the "One OS to rule them all" strategy will not end well.

T-Mobile nostalgia

2011-05-08T21:45:00.000-07:00

Let me start by letting you know I'm a happy T-Mobile customer. My first cell phone was with Cingular, which is now AT&T. I switched to Voicestream which then was purchased by T-Mobile. I've had nothing but good things to say about T-Mobile. The customer service is great. I have a modded Nexus One phone running Android 2.3.3 in which wireless tethering is native to the OS; I don't have to pay any extra for it. While on the subject of money, T-Mobile is definitely the most competitively priced mobile company out there. Sure people say the signal sucks outside of the city, been when do I EVER leave the inner loop here in Houston?

So I've been sad lately for T-Mobile. It is going to be purchased by AT&T. This means, for me anyway, that my network is going to be infiltrated by millions of more subscribers, probably making my cell experience that of some of my colleagues; it hardly ever works in crowded metropolitan areas. Also I'll be subject to AT&T's pricing and draconian controls over it's cell network; I double they'll let me continue to wirelessly tether for free, or keep the $25 unlimited data plan.

And then I come across this post on Engadget. The title says it all: "Nearly half a million customers left T-Mobile in Q1 2011". Obviously there are many reasons like Verizon's superior network, or AT&T's and Verizons iPhones. I guess it's a good thing for the stock holders of Deutsche Telekom, the owners of T-Mobile US, that they were purchased. Still, I'm going to miss my T-Mobile...

I guess I like rooting for the underdog; maybe that's why I still own my Sega Dreamcast

DC

2010-08-17T12:00:00.001-07:00

Just added some photos to my FLICKR account from my recent trip to DC.

Click here to view

Microsoft will no longer update XP SP2

2010-07-13T12:43:00.000-07:00

As of today, Microsoft is discontinuing updates to Windows XP if you’re still running Service Pack 2 or below. This only affects XP users. If you’re on a Vista or Windows 7 machine, this does not affect you. (If you’re on Windows 95/98/Me/or 3.1, may the powers that be have mercy on your soul)

I strongly recommend that if you are running Windows XP as your operating system on your computer or laptop at home, you need to be sure you’re on SP3.

To check what version you’re running, right click on “My Computer”, then select “Properties”.

You’ll then see this screen:

What’s circled in red is where it tells you the Service Pack version you are running. If it says something other than Service Pack 3, you need to update your system.

Updating to Service Pack 3 is free, and not only gives you security updates but also speed improvements. Turning on your Automatic Updates is recommended as well if it is not already, so you’re always up to date and Service Pack 3 will install from Automatic Updates.

Here’s an article about configuring your Automatic Updates:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525

Here’s an article about service packs and how to update:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389

Is it time to ditch Facebook? What to do...

2010-05-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

Amid all the new privacy changes that Facebook has made, and the privacy policy that's longer than the Constitution of the United States I ask myself, "is it time to ditch Facebook?"

This is a question I've been pondering the last couple of days. I spend a good amount of my online time on Facebook for better or worse. I would miss all of the old friends I've reconnected with over the years. But I do not like everything I do online to be sold to third party partners if I don't jump through hoops to adjust their very convoluted and misleading privacy settings.

Something that's been holding me back from ditching is the information I've uploaded and what would happen to it. However, I found this great utility called Backupify that allows one to backup many online presences. Facebook is one of the services they can backup and this allows you to keep all your links, notes, events, and the important one: pictures. Use this and then you can delete your account without worry.

But let's be honest, everyone you know is on Facebook and that can be hard to give up. If you decide not to quit there are a couple of things you need to do immediately to secure your personal information (and mine by proxy) from Facebook and it's third party partners.

Be sure to opt-out of the "Instant Personalization Pilot Program." Don't you just love the wording of that? "Instant Personalization Pilot Program" which is basically just a misleading way of saying "we're selling you out". Here's how to opt-out: go to Account, then Privacy Settings, then select Applications and Websites. Click the edit settings button next to Instant Personalization Pilot Program. Then UNCHECK the box next to "Select partner websites may use information I'm sharing with everyone to automatically personalize my experience."
A useful tool you can use to check what information is being exposed comes from a ReclaimPrivacy.org. Follow the instructions on this page to help close up any private information from the publics grubby hands.

Even if you follow these instructions, there's no way of knowing that Facebook won't change their policy again to undo all these settings. I'm still undecided on the subject, so I'll leave you with this: if you do decide to stay make sure that everything you post and display is something you would want everyone to see. Because they will.

8.31 Mbps... whaaa?

2010-05-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

As described in my previous post I have been using my Nexus One on T-Mobile to connect my iPad to the internet when there's no hotspot available. I ran a speed test on it the other day at a cafe called Byrd's in downtown Houston at around 6pm and to my surprise I got speeds of 8.31 Mbps. Suck on that AT&T!

Update 5/18/10: It was pointed out to me that the specs of the phone only allow for up to 7.2 Mbps. I was definitely logged into the phone; I tested on several different speed test apps to verify, so I'm not sure how this speed was achieved.

Just turned my wifi iPad to a 3G

2010-04-17T16:09:00.000-07:00

I recently am one of the brave souls to purchase a first-gen Apple product. Yes I'm talking about the (in)famous iPad. I'm not going to review it, because what could I write that hasn't already been droned on endlessly about elsewhere.

I will however give a cliff notes version of my opinion of it: Overall, it is an amazing device. The iPad is basically something I wished for as a kid watching sci-fi movies. At work I use it as my primary note-taking device using Evernote (the onscreen keyboard is quite adequate). I also use it as a control panel at work. I run the IT department at the Alley Theatre, and taking advantage of an RDP and VNC app I am able to access all our servers and all our client machines.

I will say there are a few issues I have with it. First, I don't understand why this device needs to be tethered to anything. Out of the box, the first screen you see is "Connect to iTunes". You can't even use it without connecting it. I own a Nexus One phone which runs the Android operating system. With Android, you never need to connect it to a computer. It helps if you would like to sync it or put big files like movies onto it, but the point is you don't HAVE to.

The other main issue with it is the problems it has with wifi. As with any first gen Apple product they are still working out the kinks. This time it happens that the wifi receiver has very weak reception, drops connections, and sometimes won't auto-connect. Apple has already addressed these issues with a few quick fixes, but the real issue won't be solved until a firmware update is released.

That brings me to the subject of this posting. Because I have the wifi-only version of the iPad (the 3G won't come out until later) and it has been having some, but not all, of the previously mentioned wifi issues. I decided to find a work around.

I discovered a great app on the Android Market titled Barnacle WiFi Tether which essentially makes your phone become a wifi router. The only problem was that you needed to root your phone. Rooting your phone gives you complete access to everything and allows access to previously restricted functions of the phone. Using some great instructions I rooted the phone and installed this miracle app.

So now I have a wifi router in my pocket using my T-Mobile 3G connection that my iPad connects to. The speeds aren't great, but they are tolerable. And now anytime I'm in a spot that has weak or no wifi, I just connect using my phone. The best part: I don't have to pay anything to AT&T to have a 3G connection.

I love technology.

Net Neuatrality is NOT a Marxist plot.

2010-03-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

Net Neutrality is a very important issue that I feel very strongly about. I find that the majority of people who are against it are either misinformed or simply just don't get it. Here is an email I received today from Save the Internet that I felt I should post.

I encourage everyone to do what they can to stop the misinformation and get net neutrality passed. It's not some Marxist plot, it's vital to the free speech and progress of the internet as a whole. To find out more about it, visit www.savetheinternet.com or you can watch the informative video at the bottom of this post.

Tell the FCC: Net Neutrality Means Free Speech

"Dear Michael,

Glenn Beck recently stood at his chalkboard to warn Fox News viewers of a sinister plot to shut down free speech. A "gang of communists" had infiltrated Washington, he raged. Their goal: to pass Net Neutrality and turn the Internet into a "Marxist utopia."

Beck has it backward: Net Neutrality is the Internet principle that protects — not threatens — our ability to speak freely in a democracy.

But don't tell that to the phone and cable lobbyists. They're flooding the FCC with the same lies about Net Neutrality and censorship that Beck peddles to the public.

Set the Record Straight: Net Neutrality Fosters Free Speech

Our new site, Debunk the Junk, reveals the lobbyists' bogus claims about Net Neutrality — and lets you counter them by telling the FCC the truth.

The Internet's founders established open standards to ensure that everyone with a connection could communicate with everyone else online. This basic Net Neutrality principle turned the Internet into an amazing engine for free speech.

The FCC is considering whether to protect this freedom with a Net Neutrality rule. Without it, companies like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast have a commercial incentive to decide whose voices are more important and whose views will be heard. They've already put in place technology that allows them to filter and block content they deem undesirable.

Debunk Their Junk: Don't Let the Telcos Control Internet Speech

Help expose phone and cable company lies; tell the FCC the truth and stop powerful interests from stifling your voice.

Thanks,

Timothy Karr

Campaign Director

SaveTheInternet.com

P.S. There's a lot of junk out there. Forward this e-mail to your friends and share the site on Twitter andFacebook: Get everyone you know to tell the FCC you support Net Neutrality."

The Internet's Sea Cables

2010-03-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

Here is an extremely interesting map of the cables between all the continents. (at least I found it interesting) The majority of the worlds internet traffic flows through these lines. Hard to believe that length of cables...

Image from http://www.guardian.co.uk/

Skyfire for Android

2010-03-11T14:42:00.001-08:00

I must have missed this before as this post came out Feb. 11th, however I'm excited that Skyfire will be ported to Android! Back when I had a Windows Mobile 6.5 phone, I used Skyfire for my web browsing. It really was the only way to browse the web on a WinMo phone, with Opera Mini coming in a close second. It rendered pages quickly and allowed me to view Adobe Flash and Silverlight content, ie Hulu and Netflix's streaming service.

I have since purchased a Nexus One phone running Android 2.1 and couldn't be happier. It's blazingly fast. And while I know that Flash 10.1 will be available for Android 2 soon, I haven't heard of any Silverlight development for it (and I doubt it will ever come, being a Microsoft product).

It seems that it will be based on the webkit browser supplied by Google out of the box, which I think is a good thing. It's a very capable and full featured browser (now with multi-touch!) that I have no complaints about.

All in all, good news in my very humble opinion.

http://www.phonescoop.com/news/item.php?n=5484

Be Epic

2010-03-08T09:37:00.001-08:00

I was bored...

There's a difference between weather and climate

2010-01-13T15:46:00.000-08:00

I'm going to write this post as apolitically as possible. I don't care about Al Gore, cap and trade, etc.

Some people believe that because there is cold weather that the climate is not getting warmer, and they make statements to that end. Most of the time they might be well-meaning statements that reinforce their own world view, but unfortunately they are not accurate.

There is a difference between weather and climate, and it's in the amount of time it's measured. Weather is measured in a shorter period of time as opposed to climate which is over longer periods. A good description, taken from nasa.gov*:

"In short, climate is the description of the long-term pattern of weather in a particular area.

Some scientists define climate as the average weather for a particular region and time period, usually taken over 30-years. It's really an average pattern of weather for a particular region.

When scientists talk about climate, they're looking at averages of precipitation, temperature, humidity, sunshine, wind velocity, phenomena such as fog, frost, and hail storms, and other measures of the weather that occur over a long period in a particular place. "

All empirical data points to the fact that the climate is warming. This is a measured fact from the time we've been able to record this data and have it to reference. Whether or not this warming is caused by man is another subject. That is what the debate is about, not whether the climate is changing. Some say that we are coming out of an ice age. Others say it's caused by the amount of different types of gases released into the atmosphere caused by the industrial age and beyond. In this post I'm not going to argue one way or the other, but the climate is changing, as it has since the earth formed an atmosphere. To say that it's not changing is ignorance, pure and simple.

This means that even though the winter may be one of the coldest winters lately, that doesn't prove that over time the climate isn't changing. It's been changing since the beginning and will continue to change.

*Site referenced:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/noaa-n/climate/climate_weather.html

Fred Phelps protesting schedule

2009-12-18T10:23:00.000-08:00

Here's a list of where this man's hateful protests will be. The only reason I'm posting this is so if counter protesters want to organize they'll know. DO NOT go to their websites as it is giving them attention and traffic that they should not have.

1/3/2010 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM

Co Cathedral of the Sacred Heart - 1111 St. Joseph Parkway

1/3/2010 09:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Lakewood Church - 3700 Southwest Freeway

1/3/2010 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Holocaust Museum Houston - 5401 Caroline St.

1/3/2010 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Jewish Community Center/Jewish Federation -5601 S. Braeswood Blvd

1/3/2010 4:45 PM - 5:15 PM

Congregation Beth Yeshurun - 4525 Beechnut St

1/4/2010 07:15 AM - 07:45 AM

Emery/Weiner (Jewish) School - 9825 Stella Link

1/4/2010 08:45 AM - 09:15 AM

Anti-Defamation League - 4635 Southwest Freeway

1/4/2010 09:20 AM - 09:50 AM

Jewish Herald-Voice - 3403 Audley St.

1/4/2010 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

City Council - 901 Bagby Street

Chrome OS running in Parallels in OSX

2009-12-11T08:05:00.000-08:00

I posted this on my Facebook earilier, but decided to make it a blog post:

Google has recently announced their operating system called Chrome. It's a net based OS that forces you to work almost entirely in the cloud. It's based on the Chromium browser. At the announcement they also announced the source code is available. Many people grabbed it and compiled it for consumption. I found on GDGT a VMware image, but since I have Parrallels on the Mac, decided to use the transporter and get it running. And I did thanks to a quick search and some helpful posts online.

So whats the verdict?

Can't really make a verdict yet. It's a pre-alpha release, and since I'm running it in a virtual enviornment the speed advantage isn't there either (except for the boot process, man this thing starts up fast). However, I think the idea is very interesting. It would never replace a full workstation computer, but for netbooks... The problem I can see with it is nothing is stored locally, so if you have no connection you're hosed. Plus it almost forces you to use Google services, and I could see people resenting that. The light weight versions of Ubuntu have done some interesting things for netbooks and the latest Ubuntu is amazing, so Google has their work cut out for them if they want to carve out a space in this market. However the advantage Google has, similar to Microsoft, is they have unlimited resources so if they wanted to push their way in, they could. That being said, I'm geeking out on it.

Creationism's Damage to Christianity

2009-03-27T21:57:00.000-07:00

This video is so well put...

Urban Legends Making the Rounds

2009-03-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

There are a couple of warnings I've heard this week about gangs and initiations they perform either at walmart or while driving. I've recieved both of the myths from at least 3 different sources this week, in two different media (txt and email). Please don't believe either, they are both urban legends.

I don't like these kind of forwards because all it does is propagate fear. While I believe you shouldn't live in fear of anything (or follow someone that spreads the FUD) there are plenty of real things in this world to be afraid of without spreading around this nonsense. Besides, there's PLENTY of other reasons not to shop at Walmart, other than fear for your life.

Here are the links to where both of the myths originated.

http://www.snopes.com/crime/gangs/lightsout.asp

http://www.snopes.com/crime/gangs/walmart.asp

a view from my desk

2009-01-19T22:06:00.000-08:00

nothing better...

2009-01-19T22:00:00.001-08:00

My niece Megan

2009-01-19T21:55:00.001-08:00

Firefly script signed by Joss himself courtesy of Patrick O.

2009-01-19T21:47:00.001-08:00

"Our Mrs. Reynolds" set script!

Gas Prices

2008-10-28T23:11:00.001-07:00

Gas Prices falling...

Colin Powell!

2008-10-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

I really like what Colin Powell says here, especially about the accusations that Obama may be a Muslim. He articulates very eloquently that the correct response should be "so what if he was?" I've had this same response when people have claimed Obama was Muslim, even though he isn't. Last I checked this country still had freedom of religion, not just freedom of religion only if you're Christian. We're not a theocracy yet.

Damage to the Chase tower

2008-09-17T09:46:00.001-07:00

son of propaganda, child of rhetoric

2008-09-07T14:38:00.001-07:00

This is just ridiculous. This is a shelf I happened upon at a local Barnes and Noble (see picture below). I guess I understand wanting your kids to feel the same way you do... but this is just abhorrent. The two books, one titled "Barack Obama; son of promise and child of hope" and the other titled "My Day; John McCain" are blatant propaganda for children. Out of shear morbid curiosity, I picked up both books and took them to the coffee shop in store to read them. Both are full of rhetoric, but the John McCain book seemed to be worse talking about how great Republicans are and his war record. They even talk about him dropping bombs on Vietnam and his time being tortured. They are both, however, just awful. Is this what our political system has become? Is this what our nation is about? Indoctrinating children to our own beliefs... or letting them make a decision on their own WHEN THEY'RE OLD ENOUGH!

I'm neither Democrat or Republican. And now I'm sad for people who tow the party lines regardless of what's right for the country, and for America in general.

Testing the camera on my phone

2008-09-07T14:37:00.001-07:00

Two silly videos

2008-08-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

Both these videos make me laugh extensively...

Joker last played by Jim Carrey?

2008-08-02T16:45:00.001-07:00

You'd think with The Dark Knight heading towards Titanic territory at the box office, this website would know who played Joker in the previous Batman movies... or at the very least do a google search on the common knowledge of Jack Nicholson playing Joker in Burton's 1989 Batman, and Jim Carrey playing the Riddler in Schumacher's horrible Batman Forever.

digg story

2008-07-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

Leave it to the Daily Show to put a sketch on how 80% of Americans feel the country is on the wrong path so eloquently simple and funny... so true.

George Carlin...

2008-06-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

In the wake of George Carlin's death, I thought I'd post one of my favourite routines by him. He was 71 and died of heart failure. Warning, explicit language.

It's not the movie!!!

2008-06-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

2008-06-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

Dad holding my nephew at my sisters new house. He doesn't look too happy.

2008-06-01T16:26:00.000-07:00

Just taking a picture with my new phone's camera to see the quality and to check the automatic post feature. Not bad I guess

Weezer video... full of internet memes!

2008-05-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

Tracey and I at the Alley Ball

2008-05-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

I love stupid people

2008-05-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a video of a right wing talk show host being put in his place...

Amazing wall painted animation

2008-05-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

MUTO a wall-painted animation by BLU from blu on Vimeo

2008-04-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

Tracey eating dessert

The defining song of my generation...

2008-04-11T20:33:00.000-07:00

There's a song by NOFX that really defines how I feel for my generation. While it may not speak for me entirely, it sure as hell picks up on how I'm feeling. It's called "The Decline".

It's a 19 minute punk rock epic that I am sad more people haven't heard. While I don't agree with everything said, I think the tone of the song is exactly what people need to hear and feel in the times we live in. Honestly, as I said before, I worry about what children I may have because of the nation that we have been living in. Arrogance and greed cannot be what controls us, but compassion and trust.

Here are a few excerpts. I apologize for the length, but it is a 19 minute song. I've pulled out what I consider to be the defining lyrics. If you haven't heard of this song, or NOFX in general, I recommend picking up "Wolves in Wolves Clothing" and listen to the song "Jesusland". It will change your life.

"...
Add the Bill of Rights, subtract the wrongs
There's no answers
Memorize and sing star spangled songs
When the questions
Aren't ever asked
Is anybody learning from the past?
We're living in united stagnation
...

The Christians love their guns
The church and NRA
Pray for their salvations
Prey on the lower faiths

The story book's been read
And every line believed
Curriculum's been set
Logic is a threat
Reason searched and seized

...

America's for sale
And you can get a good deal on it
(A good deal on it)
And make a healthy profit
Or maybe, tear it apart
Start with assumption
That a million people are smart
Smarter than one

...

Place a wager on your greed
A wager on your pride
Why try to beat them when, a million others tried?

We are the whore
Intellectually spayed
We are the queer
Dysfunctionally raised

One more pill to kill the pain
One more pill to kill the pain
One more pill to kill the pain
Living through conformity

One more prayer to keep me safe
One more prayer to keep us warm
One more prayer to keep us safe
There's gonna be a better place

...

Save us
The human, existence
Is failing, resistance
Essential, the future
Written off, the odds are
Astronomically against us
Only moron and genius
Would fight a losing battle
Against the super ego
When giving in is so damn comforting

And so we go, on with our lives
We know the truth, but prefer lies
Lies are simple, simple is bliss
Why go against tradition when we can
Admit defeat, live in decline
Be the victim of our own design
The status quo, built on suspect
Why would anyone stick out their neck?

Fellow members of
Club "We've Got Ours"
I'd like to introduce you to our host
He's got his, and I've got mine
Meet the decline

We are the queer
We are the whore

..."

Honestly, I don't understand people sometime...

Chris and Erin had their baby!

2008-03-27T16:57:00.001-07:00

Well, Chris Hecker is a father. Eloise Ann Hecker was born on March 23, 2008 at 12:19 a.m.. She was 7 lbs. 1 oz. and 19 ¾ inches long.

Congrats to Chris and Erin!

2008-03-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

My friends Chris and Erin in Austin

2008-03-05T13:53:00.000-08:00

What is net neutrality and why is it important? This video is a great explanation.

Crime and punishment.

2008-02-25T18:02:00.000-08:00

Follow the link below to check out a video Keith Olbermann did about the Bush administration and the convenient announcements of terror threats. I know, I know, it's Keith Olbermann, but it's worth watching.

Correlation does not equal causality, however the contents of this video seems too much a coincidence to let slide. I checked the facts on most of the incidents mentioned in the video, and of the ones I checked, this is legit. It's a 17 minute long video, but very interesting and worth the attention.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/23284917#23284917

Olbermann says this at the end of the video:

"what we were told about terror, and not told, for security reasons, has overlapped considerably with what we were told about terror, and not told, for political reasons"

And now I reiterate my position on politicians: they are scum. They have been put in power by we the people, but then operate under a guise with their own agendas for personal gain, party gain (both parties), and corporate interests. This does not serve the populous, and our best interest is not their focus. What drives the politicians is greed, lining their own pockets, or the pockets of their corporate masters, while resting on the notion that America will not notice, the people will not care.

There needs to be change. Thomas Jefferson said "Every generation needs a revolution." It's time for ours, if not I fear what kind of a world my children or grandchildren will grow up in.

home download speeds

2008-02-20T20:24:00.001-08:00

Take a look at the download speeds I'm getting off my home modem. I use Comcast and ever since they raised the download speeds for home users, it's just been nuts. Granted they do throttle, or in some cases all together drop torrent traffic, but there are ways around that.

While I do not agree with their non-net-neutral stance, I do like the speeds I'm getting.

2008-02-03T16:07:00.000-08:00

My new nephew and I.

We don't know Dick.

2008-02-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

Ah Dick Cheney. Recently he was on Rush Limbaugh's show discussing the wiretapping program that this administration put into place (all legalities aside) to spy on Americans. More specifically they claimed international phone calls, but it's been shown they spied on Americans domestically as well in a gross violation of our rights as citizens. But that's beside the point, during this interview he made this statement:

CHENEY: Correct. People who don’t want to — I guess want to leave open the possibility that the trial lawyers can go after a big company that may have helped. Those companies helped specifically at our request, and they’ve done yeoman duty for the country, and this is the so-called terrorist surveillance program, one of the things it was called earlier. It’s just absolutely essential to know who in the United States is talking to Al-Qaeda. It’s a program that’s been very well managed. We haven’t violated anybody’s civil liberties. It’s in fact a good piece of legislation.

Yes. He's discussing retroactive immunity to the phone companies who allowed the government to spy on American citizens, well the ones that allowed. There is one phone company out there that refused to comply. (Qwest). He also says that the program hasn't violated anyone's civil rights.

Well Dick, if there has been no civil rights violations, then why the huge push for a retroactive immunity? Circular logic anyone?

Politicians are scum.

Funniest thing I've seen in weeks...

2008-01-18T14:44:00.001-08:00

Monkey Needs A Drink - Watch more free videos

Something should be done...

2008-01-10T07:51:00.000-08:00

Go to friendsofericvolz.com for more info.

2007-12-24T15:17:00.000-08:00

Tracey and I went to eat at Berryhill the other day and we ran into a couple of friends of mine I haven't seen in ages. These guys worked at the Alley with me and both moved away to engage other pursuits. They were back in town for the holidays. Anyway, it was great to see them.

2007-12-10T19:03:00.000-08:00

My new nephew! He was born today at 11:03am and I think he looks like my dad.

2007-12-10T13:36:00.000-08:00

The new Mac pro. Pretty isn't it? Not mine unfortunately. I ordered it for work.

Guitar Hero III on the Wii

2007-12-08T20:42:00.000-08:00

I don't know what's the issue, but I can not find Guitar Hero III for the Wii. I've been to 4 Best Buys, countless Gamestops (I hate Gamestop), Fry's, Walmart, Target, etc. It's sold out everywhere.

I know the Wii is the most popular "next gen" game console, but come on! I've been looking for at least two weeks. I know I probably could have ordered it online, and gotten it by now, but I just know that the moment I order it I'll see it in the store and won't be able to play it that night because it's in the mail. They're currently sold out of it on Amazon.

There were rumors that GH3 for the Wii was accidentally in mono, and that may be why they're not shipping them at the moment. Perhaps they're trying to fix that problem.

Either way, I want my GH3 dammit! I'll stop ranting now.

Red neck test....

2007-11-21T09:21:00.000-08:00

I usually don't get into these surveys, but this one was pretty cool...

Click here for the quiz

I guess I'm 77% Dixie. My neck must be a little rosy.

Sad video game story...

2007-11-19T03:11:00.000-08:00

This will make you cry...

Love you mom!

2007-11-15T09:18:00.000-08:00

Quite possibly the coolest video ever.

Google Reader finally has search...

2007-11-12T19:47:00.000-08:00

Google Reader, my news reading platform of choice, has finally implemented a search feature to be able to search through the RSS feeds you have subscribed to. I'm not sure when this happened as I have only noticed it today, but doesn't that seem obvious that the reader created by a search platform should have search implemented? Oh well, I'm glad I finally have it.

I have so much to learn...

2007-11-12T19:29:00.000-08:00

I do believe this man is my new hero....

2007-10-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

They still make kung-fu grips on GIJoes apparently. Who knew?

D*** in a box

2007-10-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

This was my Halloween costume this year. I went as d*** in a box. In case you have no idea what I'm talking about... follow this link

How Chimp Chromosome #2 Proves Evolution

2007-10-19T19:59:00.001-07:00

In this interesting video Ken Miller explains how chimp chromosome #2 proves evolution and explains why humans have less chromosomes than the other great apes.

read more | digg story

Men are smarter (and more stupid) than women, say scientists

2007-09-24T20:27:00.001-07:00

For centuries men believed themselves to be smarter than the fairer sex, who they felt were only equipped for wifely duties.

Basically the article states that the men doubled the females in the top and bottom two percents. The average male and female scored almost identically.

read more | digg story

Windows Live Writer

2007-09-21T12:09:00.001-07:00

This post has been created using Windows Live Writer. It's an interesting utility that I heard about on the Windows Weekly podcast. It's an offline WYSIWIG editor that will interface with almost any blog service.

It's a stand-alone app, and so far it seems pretty cool. It's windows only of course. I'll keep using it for a couple of weeks and let you guys know how it's doing. It's definitely more powerful than the editor that blogger uses. That's all for now.

2007-09-20T16:07:00.000-07:00

Another shot of downtown on the way home. Nice day!

2007-09-11T22:51:00.000-07:00

Tracey doing some homework.

So true....

2007-09-07T21:08:00.000-07:00

Wow, I couldn't have said it better myself.

2007-08-29T18:51:00.000-07:00

Here's a shot of Tracey and I at our friend Lynn's birthday party.

2007-08-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

I saw this random car outside Chipotle the other day. 100+ Miles Per Gallon.. I may need to buy one!

2007-08-15T07:51:00.001-07:00

I got this off of Lucky's myspace page.. .

2007-08-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

Tracey at a Moroccan restaurant near 59 and Sheppard. It's called Saffron. We went on a Thursday night and they had all you can eat Moroccan bar-b-que and all you can drink beers and mojito's. The bar-b-que itself was all on spears and was perfectly cooked. We actually weren't able to eat more than one plate, they give you large portions. As we were about to leave a belly dancer started dancing. I think we'll probably go there again soon.

2007-08-03T19:53:00.000-07:00

Tracey at Solento's

2007-08-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

2007-08-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

This is how much my woman loves me. I recently got a promotion at my job, and this is what was waiting for me at home: roses, wine, and a card. What a gal!

Speaking of, I'm now the Information Technology Manager at the Alley Theatre.

And on another side note, I've decided the camera quality on my new a780 phone isn't that great. However since the phone is essentially a linux box, I know there's a few things I can tweak in the conf file for the phone, so I hopefully will be able to fix this. We'll see.

2007-07-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

It's official, Todd's last day at the Alley is today. He's going to MD Anderson. He is a great network manager, boss, and friend. Here is a picture from our last "smokey treat". Well, our last one at the Alley anyway...

2007-07-24T19:54:00.000-07:00

Tracey and I went to a wine tasting last night at a new wine bar called 13 Celsius. It was nice, beautiful building and atmosphere, and a great patio. I'll definitely be going back. Hopefully, they'll have a humidor by the time I head that way again. The wine we tasted was great, although admittedly I don't know much about wine. I'm learning though, and like to think I know enough to at least have a decent conversation about it. Tracey, on the other hand, knows all about it from her time working at Cova.

2007-07-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

just the wires now...

2007-07-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

Almost done...

2007-07-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of Meagan at Gillian's birthday party. It was taken from my new phone! I just got a Motorola a780 from overseas and finally flashed the firmware to the version that I wanted. I'll write more about that later, but my phone rules!

2007-07-07T14:50:00.001-07:00

It's sunny and raining at the same time.

2007-06-24T00:21:00.001-07:00

??? I haven't a bloody clue where I took this or why. Anyway, it's my friend Nick on my birthday celebrations...

2007-06-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a shot of downtown Houston from my drive home.

Wii brings people together...

2007-06-17T11:17:00.000-07:00

I don't mean to turn into a Wii fanboy, but this truly is an amazing device if nothing else for this reason. This picture shows a boy able to play video games with his family even though he has cerebral palsy. He is unable to walk or talk, but he can play video games thanks to the Wii. Look at the smile on his face...

Amazing new finger prosthesis called the X-Finger

2007-06-15T15:57:00.001-07:00

We're one step closer to the prosthetic hand that Luke received at the end of Empire. This is amazing...

2007-06-10T12:22:00.001-07:00

Tracey at Schlotzsky's. Pretty!

2007-06-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

Schlotzsky's wifi code for one of their stores. I think it's funny to give away wi-fi only to customers but secure it with the lowest encryption possible. This kind of WEP encryption can be cracked in under 2 minutes.... Oh well. At least their IT department is putting forth some effort I guess. WPA is definitely the way to go.

2007-06-06T07:38:00.001-07:00

This is my new toy. I finally made the HD jump because our bedroom TV went dead. I found a great deal on a refurbished Olevia.

2007-05-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

What the psp has come to. Their Universal Media Disc format apparently didn't do too well. I was at Gamestop today and saw this bin. Remind anyone of the mini-disc?

Treasure Island cast party

2007-05-24T08:31:00.001-07:00

Treasure Island at the Alley Theatr e opened last night. Directed by Greg Boyd and adapted for stage by Ken Ludwig, it was quite a spectacle. Big sets, people flying across stage, it was quite fun! Here's a picture of me at the cast party afterwards...

10 Smart Hacks for Google Reader

2007-05-15T20:09:00.001-07:00

"A few smart hacks will enable you to look through all of your favorite feeds in just 30 minutes or less using the power of Google Reader." -from story

I've recently started using Google reader for all my rss/news feeds needs. (see, it rhymes) Before this I really wasn't one who used RSS that often, however this reader changed all that for me. It's now my homepage in firefox. I was extremely skeptical at first, but after using it for a couple of weeks now I'm hooked. And, just to show how cool google really thinks it is, they configured a Wii specific version of reader, for all of us Wii owners. All I can really say is: Rad. Anyway, if you want to learn about some of the features of reader, I encourage you to click the "read more" button below.

read more | digg story

2007-05-14T07:01:00.001-07:00

Frugality is the mother of the virtues. That's what this building says below the flags. This is a building downtown next to the Preston stop on the light rail. Guess what the building used to be? It's a bank. Personally I would think that honesty would be the mother of the virutes, but what do I know. I'm not a banker.

2007-04-28T14:20:00.001-07:00

Art at the museum of the weird....

2007-04-28T14:19:00.001-07:00

Inside the museum of the weird

2007-04-28T13:49:00.001-07:00

Opera at the museum of the weird

Johann Pachelbel

2007-04-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

A video rant by a comedian sick of hearing Pachebel's Cannon in D everywhere he goes...

Ask a ninja and the mythbusters, together!

2007-04-24T20:22:00.000-07:00

“I Don’t Care What the Judge Said!”

2007-04-23T08:45:00.001-07:00

Juries in the United States have the power to effectively change law. In this case against a man for his 3rd possession of marijuana, a brave jury member stands up for marijuana users everywhere and convinces the jury to give him a 'not guilty' verdict.

This article describes a little known power of juries called "Jury Nullification". It is a right that isn't told to the jurors by anyone because it puts the power in the hands of the people, not the judges or lawyers. Rights like this need to be invoked more often to change some of the more corrupt laws that we're currently living under. The jury can only effect the one case they're on, but "if a pattern of such verdicts develops, it can have the practical effect of disabling the enforcement of that position on what is the law or how it should be applied."*

*taken from the "Jury Nullification" wikipedia entry.

read more | digg story

2007-04-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Dress like a pirate day. This pic is a shirt I have from the Pirate bay, for us modern day pirates! ARRRRR

Homer's 20-Year Odyssey - The Simpsons hits a milestone

2007-04-19T08:46:00.001-07:00

The Simpson's launched 20 years ago this week as a two-minute short on the Tracey Ullman Show. Wow, I was 9....

read more | digg story

2007-04-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

Dad and the grandkids

2007-04-10T08:22:00.001-07:00

A couple of birds hanging out on our balcony. We think the one on the left is sick. We walked outside, and the bird on the right flew to the next unit over, watching us. The left one just sat there.