There's a common knock against running: if running is enjoyable, why do you never see runners smiling?
Probably because they aren't listening to Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me on their iPod. It had me laughing out loud at points this weekend.
Planet Money isn't nearly as funny.
October 22, 2008
October 21, 2008
One more community coming together
I remember seeing this story in the paper a week or so ago. It is a story about a dispute between a builder and a homeowner over landscaping.
The builder, who is also currently the head of the homeowner's association, threatened to sue if the homeowner didn't get the landscaping installed within the year as was agreed when he purchased the home. The problem is that the homeowner had been called up as a reservist five months ago and is headed to Kuwait.
Here is local video coverage of the community effort. Video
The builder, who is also currently the head of the homeowner's association, threatened to sue if the homeowner didn't get the landscaping installed within the year as was agreed when he purchased the home. The problem is that the homeowner had been called up as a reservist five months ago and is headed to Kuwait.
So Jensen, who says he is an involuntarily mobilized reservist, headed off, leaving behind a pregnant wife, a young son and a 2.5-acre lot with not a spot of landscaping... Jensen's situation is complicated by the fact his wife chose to return with her son to stay with family on the East Coast for the duration of her pregnancy, leaving the home unoccupied... Jensen had paid a landscaper thousands of dollars to design and install an irrigation system and hydroseed the large lot this summer... But DeAlicante said it appears the landscaper may have abandoned the job with the irrigation system only partially completed and no seeding done.
The developer's response:
"I really don't give a [expletive] where he is or what his problem is," said Chick Edwards, owner and developer of the 47-lot subdivision at the south end of Oak Street in Kennewick... "This is a contract. I don't like the way his property looks. This clown gets to do what he wants, and I'm as mad as hell," he said.I was happy to see this follow up story yesterday. About 70 volunteers showed up to help out a neighbor and soldier. They finished the sprinkler system and rolled out new sod to complete the landscaping project. "It was coordinated by Montgomery Construction Sprinkler Systems Specialist with sod donated by Basin Sod and plenty of volunteers from Fluor Hanford, Home Depot, the Hanford Fire Department and Energy Northwest where Jensen has a job waiting."
Here is local video coverage of the community effort. Video
October 20, 2008
Gov. Palin visits SNL
Governer Sarah Palin made an appearance on Saturday Night Live. She was part of the opening, and then visited Weekend Update. As a follow up to the roast the presidential candidates did last week, it is nice to see her poke fun at herself. Enjoy.
Digging in the dirt
One more home project checked off. I spent Sunday digging a trench to route the downspout away from our house. Two of the downspouts on our house just dump out near the foundation. When we had our home inspection done a few years ago, the inspector said there wasn't any real damage to the foundation (yet), but of course recommended we do something about it.
No more excuses - I finally took shovel in hand, dug the trench, and installed the perforated pipe and surface emitter. I am hoping that the drainage will also help keep that strip of grass alive. It always dies off in the summer.
While I was out digging in the yard, my neighbor came over to chat and supervise. He needs to do the same thing with his downspouts, but watching me dig was enough to put his off for a while longer.
He mentioned that one of our other neighbors is harassing the county to get some drainage on our street. Our cul-de-sac doesn't have any grates to deal with rain run-off. The road slopes slightly to the closed end of the road, so any yard with a low spot develops a lake.
As if to say "good job, just in time", the sky opened up this afternoon and poured down on our little corner of the world. The downspout works fine, but as you can see, the street really needs the grates to capture the runoff.
No more excuses - I finally took shovel in hand, dug the trench, and installed the perforated pipe and surface emitter. I am hoping that the drainage will also help keep that strip of grass alive. It always dies off in the summer.
While I was out digging in the yard, my neighbor came over to chat and supervise. He needs to do the same thing with his downspouts, but watching me dig was enough to put his off for a while longer.He mentioned that one of our other neighbors is harassing the county to get some drainage on our street. Our cul-de-sac doesn't have any grates to deal with rain run-off. The road slopes slightly to the closed end of the road, so any yard with a low spot develops a lake.
As if to say "good job, just in time", the sky opened up this afternoon and poured down on our little corner of the world. The downspout works fine, but as you can see, the street really needs the grates to capture the runoff.
Commuting by bike saves in one more way
New tax law gives bicyclists subsidy
Buried deep in the federal Emergency Economic Stabilization Act — the $700 billion Wall Street bailout — is an unexpected boost for the greenest of commuters.With a tax-code change, beginning in January, companies can give up to $20 a month to workers who pedal to work. It would be tax-free to cycling commuters, and a tax write-off for employers.
October 19, 2008
Apple is still king
Microsoft started a huge television campaign to try and compete with Apple's "I'm a Mac, I'm a PC campaign. It started with some pretty poor ones with Jerry Seinfeld. Now they are using the bookish/suited PC guy from Apple's ads and saying "PC users aren't represented by this stereotype. Apple has a new one out. No competition.
Link in case the YouTube version gets taken down. Bean Counter.
Link in case the YouTube version gets taken down. Bean Counter.
Success!
So the installation of Verizon fiber optic went pretty well on Friday. The installer showed up within the two hour window promised, and was professional. There was a mix up on the work order, as they had indicated that I wanted phone service in addition to internet and TV service. When I told him that was incorrect, he had to call in.
I currently have phone service from Verizon, but only to get DSL. I plan to cancel both on Monday. According to the installer, if I gave up phone service, I had to put down a big deposit. So we had to wait around for their cancellation department to call me. That wasted 30 minutes. They didn't ask for a deposit, but I'm a little worried that now they will try to jack up the price or change the deal I was offered.
Anyway, the fiber optic works great. According to the online tests, our download and upload speeds are four to ten times faster. The TV service works just fine, though all the channels are different. The home media DVR works well, though it is missing those cool Tivo beeps and boops.
The home media portion of the DVR is pretty cool. As promised, you can watch recorded programs on any TV. You can also access the pictures and music from your computers over the wireless network. It doesn't support video though their website says it does, so hopefully that is on the way soon.
We haven't left alone long enough to see if the screen saver is anywhere near as cool as Apple TV's.
I currently have phone service from Verizon, but only to get DSL. I plan to cancel both on Monday. According to the installer, if I gave up phone service, I had to put down a big deposit. So we had to wait around for their cancellation department to call me. That wasted 30 minutes. They didn't ask for a deposit, but I'm a little worried that now they will try to jack up the price or change the deal I was offered.
Anyway, the fiber optic works great. According to the online tests, our download and upload speeds are four to ten times faster. The TV service works just fine, though all the channels are different. The home media DVR works well, though it is missing those cool Tivo beeps and boops.
The home media portion of the DVR is pretty cool. As promised, you can watch recorded programs on any TV. You can also access the pictures and music from your computers over the wireless network. It doesn't support video though their website says it does, so hopefully that is on the way soon.
We haven't left alone long enough to see if the screen saver is anywhere near as cool as Apple TV's.
October 17, 2008
A pause from the campaign
Below are roasts delivered at the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner. As one person commented "This actually makes me feel better about the whole damn thing". Pretty funny.
McCain roasts Obama
Obama roasts McCain
McCain roasts Obama
Obama roasts McCain
October 16, 2008
Fios is coming! Fios is coming!
We are getting fiber optic cable hooked up to our house. It will bring faster internet access than we have with DSL, as well as allow us to get rid of our land line since it was only there for the DSL. We will also be getting our TV over the fiber optic cable instead of the current satellite.
We are also replacing our current DVR with a "home media" DVR. It is supposed to allow you to watch recorded shows on any of your TVs, as well as let you access your computer for photos, music and videos ala Apple TV. Even the screen saver on Apple TV has been known to steal hours away as you watch your life go by in photos. If it lives up to the hype, it should be pretty cool.
What made us pull the trigger though was that it is a dollar or two cheaper than what we are currently paying for a better product. Plus with all the signing bonuses, we will come out noticeably ahead for the first year.
I am a little leery. Contact with any utility has never gone well with me. Power companies have shut off power because they hooked us up to the wrong meter (twice), a phone company sent me to collections because I "cancelled" my service rather than "closing" my account (or some similar semantic battle), a cable company spent 3 weeks trying to get internet to work (without success) then tried to apply the $150 refund to my TV bill even though they swore they were two different companies.
One of the real bonuses will be getting the desktop hooked up to the internet. The phone jack in the office has been busted for a long time. Not a big deal with wireless access to my laptop, but I've had to drag the new desktop out to the living room whenever I wanted to get online.
Fingers crossed that it all works like it should. If you hear from me sometime tomorrow, my luck with utilities has changed.
We are also replacing our current DVR with a "home media" DVR. It is supposed to allow you to watch recorded shows on any of your TVs, as well as let you access your computer for photos, music and videos ala Apple TV. Even the screen saver on Apple TV has been known to steal hours away as you watch your life go by in photos. If it lives up to the hype, it should be pretty cool.
What made us pull the trigger though was that it is a dollar or two cheaper than what we are currently paying for a better product. Plus with all the signing bonuses, we will come out noticeably ahead for the first year.
I am a little leery. Contact with any utility has never gone well with me. Power companies have shut off power because they hooked us up to the wrong meter (twice), a phone company sent me to collections because I "cancelled" my service rather than "closing" my account (or some similar semantic battle), a cable company spent 3 weeks trying to get internet to work (without success) then tried to apply the $150 refund to my TV bill even though they swore they were two different companies.
One of the real bonuses will be getting the desktop hooked up to the internet. The phone jack in the office has been busted for a long time. Not a big deal with wireless access to my laptop, but I've had to drag the new desktop out to the living room whenever I wanted to get online.
Fingers crossed that it all works like it should. If you hear from me sometime tomorrow, my luck with utilities has changed.
October 15, 2008
Quotes for the political season
A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. - Mark Twain, (attributed)
It is better to be defeated on principle than to win on lies. - Arthur Calwell
There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics. - Autobiography of Mark Twain
It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. – Aristotle
The only sin which we never forgive in each other is difference of opinion. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
The rule is perfect: in all matters of opinion our adversaries are insane. - Mark Twain
For every complex problem, there is a solution that is simple, neat, and wrong. - H. L. Mencken
Let’s talk sense to the American people. Let’s tell them the truth, that there are not gains without pains. - Adlai Stevenson
To give up the task of reforming society is to give up one’s responsibility as a free man. - Alan Paton
What we need are critical lovers of America - patriots who express their faith in their country by working to improve it. - Hubert H. Humphrey
[P]atriotism... is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime. - Adlai Stevenson
Too bad the only people who know how to run the country are busy driving cabs and cutting hair. - George Burns
It is better to be defeated on principle than to win on lies. - Arthur Calwell
There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics. - Autobiography of Mark Twain
It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. – Aristotle
The only sin which we never forgive in each other is difference of opinion. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
The rule is perfect: in all matters of opinion our adversaries are insane. - Mark Twain
For every complex problem, there is a solution that is simple, neat, and wrong. - H. L. Mencken
Let’s talk sense to the American people. Let’s tell them the truth, that there are not gains without pains. - Adlai Stevenson
To give up the task of reforming society is to give up one’s responsibility as a free man. - Alan Paton
What we need are critical lovers of America - patriots who express their faith in their country by working to improve it. - Hubert H. Humphrey
[P]atriotism... is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime. - Adlai Stevenson
Too bad the only people who know how to run the country are busy driving cabs and cutting hair. - George Burns
October 14, 2008
In vino veritas
On one of the Phedippidation podcasts, he was talking about his favorite wines. He is into Malbecs, which is what I have been digging lately as well. He talked about the fun in experimenting with new labels and varietals, and sharing the hits with friends. He also talked about bringing new wines to parties, not sure if they were hits or misses, but enjoying the anicipation of the tasting and their reactions.
He described it as the ultimate adult show and tell. Perfect.
He described it as the ultimate adult show and tell. Perfect.
October 13, 2008
Podcasting
I am not an early adopter. I don't have the disposable income to lead the way. Even if I had the money, I would hesitate to pay the price for the latest thing. But I am also behind on lots of new free stuff. Podcasting has been out for quite a while, but I had no easy way to make use of them. iTunes makes everything so simple, but I did not own an iPod. I ended up getting an iPod Shuffle for free a few months ago, so now I had my entrance ticket.
I finally jumped on iTunes and set up a few subscriptions last week. With my headphones on, I listened to several episodes while working in the yard on Saturday and on my run on Sunday. It was great.
As I have been listening to NPR quite a lot lately (election year/economy collapsing) I subscribed to a few of their programs that I don't catch on the radio. My brother had recommended "Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me" a long time ago, but I never got around to finding it on the radio. I have only listened to one episode, but I think it will be a keeper. Funny and topical. I am also taking "This American Life" and "Planet Money" for a test spin, as well as catching up on "The News From Lake Wobegon".
On the running side, I have subscribed to "Phedippidations". It is a weekly podcast by "SteveRunner" from Massachusetts, and the podcasts subtitle is "thoughts, opinions, observations and rambling diatribes composed during distance long runs." His weekly show covers a wide range of running and non-running topics, and his narration is split between the studio and while he is running. I have listened to three episodes so far, and have found them a good companion while I am out running.
I have also subscribed to "The Competitor Radio Show" which is a show with interviews athletes from various sports. I will be listening to their interviews of the eventual winners of the Ironman this past weekend, as well as Dean Karnazes, Johan Bruyneel and David Sylvester of Tour de Dog.
Pass along any suggestions you have. Training is ramping up again, and there is plenty on the home to-do list to keep me busy. Lots of headphone time.
I finally jumped on iTunes and set up a few subscriptions last week. With my headphones on, I listened to several episodes while working in the yard on Saturday and on my run on Sunday. It was great.
As I have been listening to NPR quite a lot lately (election year/economy collapsing) I subscribed to a few of their programs that I don't catch on the radio. My brother had recommended "Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me" a long time ago, but I never got around to finding it on the radio. I have only listened to one episode, but I think it will be a keeper. Funny and topical. I am also taking "This American Life" and "Planet Money" for a test spin, as well as catching up on "The News From Lake Wobegon".
On the running side, I have subscribed to "Phedippidations". It is a weekly podcast by "SteveRunner" from Massachusetts, and the podcasts subtitle is "thoughts, opinions, observations and rambling diatribes composed during distance long runs." His weekly show covers a wide range of running and non-running topics, and his narration is split between the studio and while he is running. I have listened to three episodes so far, and have found them a good companion while I am out running.
I have also subscribed to "The Competitor Radio Show" which is a show with interviews athletes from various sports. I will be listening to their interviews of the eventual winners of the Ironman this past weekend, as well as Dean Karnazes, Johan Bruyneel and David Sylvester of Tour de Dog.
Pass along any suggestions you have. Training is ramping up again, and there is plenty on the home to-do list to keep me busy. Lots of headphone time.
October 12, 2008
I need a checker up front
Why do places like Home Depot and Lowes have 10 checkout lines when they never open more than three? As a homeowner and former construction worker, I have been to these places often, and at varying times during the day. Weekdays, early mornings are busy as contractors grab the stuff they need to complete today's project. Weekends are the dominion of the homeowner, and it seems pretty busy no matter the time of day. Nevertheless, I don't recall ever seeing more than three lines open.
I stopped into Lowes this afternoon and there were three lines, ten people deep. So I sat there like a schmuck, wanting to just take off because I had to pick the wife up in 15 minutes, but then I'd only be burning the gas and time to come back later. All for a $2.84 purchase.
I just don't get it.
I stopped into Lowes this afternoon and there were three lines, ten people deep. So I sat there like a schmuck, wanting to just take off because I had to pick the wife up in 15 minutes, but then I'd only be burning the gas and time to come back later. All for a $2.84 purchase.
I just don't get it.
Seattle sports
They are pretty dismal this year.
I am not a sports fanatic. I do not carry statistics around in my brain. It would be difficult for me to recall the last few Superbowl champs or World Series winners. When "my" team loses it doesn't ruin my day or week. I enjoy watching the games though, and it has been a tough year in the Seattle area. To sum up:
Baseball: The Seattle Mariners lost 101 games this year. They have some talented players, but almost none have lived up to their potential in the past five years.
Football: The Seahawks are 1-3 in a very weak division. The UW Huskies are 0-5 and their coach is going to be booted unless there is a miracle finish to their season. Their one hope of success, their starting quarterback, is out with a broken thumb. The WSU Cougars are 1-6 and have been blown out nearly every weekend.
Basketball: The women's professional team, the Seattle Storm, had a decent year, but were bounced from the playoffs in the first round for the third year in a row. The Sonics have unceremoniously moved to Oklahoma after the new owners broke promises and contracts.
I've never been a fan of any car or horse racing, not big on hockey or soccer, I only watch golf the week of the Masters tournament, and I don't have any connection with high school sports. I have slowly removed myself from the couch on weekends since I started biking and running. I still enjoy watching the occasional game on TV, but this year the local teams have made it easier to head outside instead.
...and now the Seahawks are 1 -4.
I am not a sports fanatic. I do not carry statistics around in my brain. It would be difficult for me to recall the last few Superbowl champs or World Series winners. When "my" team loses it doesn't ruin my day or week. I enjoy watching the games though, and it has been a tough year in the Seattle area. To sum up:
Baseball: The Seattle Mariners lost 101 games this year. They have some talented players, but almost none have lived up to their potential in the past five years.
Football: The Seahawks are 1-3 in a very weak division. The UW Huskies are 0-5 and their coach is going to be booted unless there is a miracle finish to their season. Their one hope of success, their starting quarterback, is out with a broken thumb. The WSU Cougars are 1-6 and have been blown out nearly every weekend.
Basketball: The women's professional team, the Seattle Storm, had a decent year, but were bounced from the playoffs in the first round for the third year in a row. The Sonics have unceremoniously moved to Oklahoma after the new owners broke promises and contracts.
I've never been a fan of any car or horse racing, not big on hockey or soccer, I only watch golf the week of the Masters tournament, and I don't have any connection with high school sports. I have slowly removed myself from the couch on weekends since I started biking and running. I still enjoy watching the occasional game on TV, but this year the local teams have made it easier to head outside instead.
...and now the Seahawks are 1 -4.
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