Warm up

I have found over the past couple of weeks I have been coming to this blog to write before I attempt writing any fiction. Why, I am not sure exactly, but maybe it has become a bit of a warm up.

That would be great if it warmed up enough to write something good afterwards.

I am beginning to wonder why I have hit a stretch of not such so good pieces. Not that I produce a lot of remotely decent pieces, but this stretch has felt sluggish, iffy, crappy.

Perhaps it has to do with a slight feeling of pressure from my efforts to make my writing more public. I love to write. The process, the grand challenge, the surprises that appear from the depths of my psyche.

But I feel my ideas, stories, characters are all weak lately. Am I trying too hard? Am I trying to write for someone other than myself?

Ah, yes. And there it is: my old friend Doubt. Kudos for ruffling my feathers while remaining in the shadows, dear Doubt. Tricky bastard.

I need to either find a way to ignore Doubt, or use him to my advantage. How I would do either is unknown, that being if I even could do either.

Man, what a crappy entry. Sorry for wasting your time.

Another month

As I sit here waiting to begin physical therapy for my wrist, I am pondering the possible consequences of having another month off from work.

Keep in mind that I am not thinking of negative consequences; perhaps these consequences may be more accurately described as opportunities.

I have several web sites that need need updates and new features, new sites to be developed and all the time I need/want to write! I have a book loaned to me that is a collection of short stories by Mark Twain, and unbelievably I have only read one story! (I am not sure what that is all about!)

At any rate, I truly feel excited to keep working on the projects I have been working on over the last month. Although most of my projects are not currently bringing in a lot of money (or any, for most), I haven't had this sense of accomplishment in along time.

Strange how that you love the most, that drives you, is rarely one's livelihood. I would love to change that, but I don't think just another four weeks is going to do it!

Undercover Boss

I was chilling out this evening and was about to jump on Netflix to watch a movie when Undercover Boss came on CBS.

I have seen this show once before and thought it was an interesting idea. Having worked jobs in which people who work at the corporate level have no idea how things function on a day to day (the front line), but are the ones who decide how those jobs are to be done.

Now, a lot of jobs just take hard work. Intrinsic motivation is the key to having excellent employees. While money is a necessity, there are people who work just as hard making $10/hr as they would making $14/hr. These are the people that can't help but give the minimum of 100%.

These are also the people who feel frustrated they are rarely thanked, acknowledged or promoted accordingly. However, when they are given credit, it is genuinely appreciated and often acts as a motivator, morale booster.

Sure, everyone could use a raise, a promotion and even a scholarship, but not everyone deserves such accolades. That is what I like about this show is it gives credit to those who don't expect it; they simply do their job, and do it well.

I have often wished I could do more for others I have worked with over the years, but until then, I'll just have to stay tuned!

Real Nonpartisan Healthcare Reform...

As our great nation passed a historic piece of legislation taking much needed action towards health care insurance reform, I have to admit as a registered Independent I am bothered by the brazen bipartisan nature of the passage.

I am by no means an expert, but I firmly believe in being informed and educated about what is happening to and in the world around me. I can not accept opinion based on ignorance, mine or any other opinion.

I have been reading and thinking about the new legislation, taking in the arguments for and against various aspects of the legislation and really trying to make sense of it all. A lot if it doesn't make sense, but not as bad as tax laws.

While I have a wonderful idea for real reform, a possible movement to be begun, let's take a quick look at the current legislation. (Please let me know if I am in factual error on any issue below)

Is the bill perfect?
No; readily admitted. There are many issues that were either omitted or altered beyond recognition. However, that is how it is in a democracy like ours. Everyone has to get something, you know, like in kindergarten.

Does the mandatory coverage make sense? Will it make health available to more Americans?
Not so much. At first glance, at least, it seems counter intuitive to force a cost upon people who can't afford said cost. However, if you look at how many small businesses will be able to take tax credits that will allow many to afford to offer coverage for the first time. Also, the exchanges that will be created will be basically federally subsidized individual coverage. Will this really create coverage for the approximately 30 million uninsured? I believe so, but, unfortunately, time will have to tell.

Is the elimination of pre-existing conditions long over due?
Absolutely. I have been uninsured, under-insured and now I am probably over-insured. Luckily, when I took my last job I received coverage and was accepted regardless any pre-existing conditions.
I have a twenty-one year old cousin who was just diagnosed in the last month with a heart condition that will require care for the rest of his life.
Unfortunately, he is not currently in school and not insured. What would the premiums be for him to get coverage, if he could even get coverage?
Luckily, I don't have to speculate now that the legislation has passed. People will be able to get coverage, reducing the financial burden off a sick individual so the can focus on healing, maintaining their health and do so with considerable less stress.

Is this a government take over?
Nope. Enough fear mongering. If the government were taking over health care insurance, there would be an elimination of competition; the government would be your only option.
What is happening is the government has created a social program that aims to use public funds to subsidize insurance premiums for Americans. The big insurance companies will still make their massive profits. What they don't pull from your pocketbook, they will be handed by the government.
Perhaps too high a price to pay?
I know I will be following the legislation progression to see what actually unfolds.

Now, you may have noticed I italicized insurance in the opening paragraph. This is important: This is INSURANCE reform for health care coverage, NOT HEALTH CARE reform. Exponential difference.

The legislation passage is a huge first step in the massive enterprise of health care. We have to allow people to have the insurance before we can address reform needed in the realm of health care facilities & professionals.

So after my mini lecture and opinionated take on the legislation, are you ready to hear my plan on the best and fastest way to ensure complete health care reform? Not just health care insurance reform, total health care reform.

The quickest and surest way to have complete health care reform is to no longer provide health insurance to any elected official.

• Make them pay their own premiums, that is if they can get coverage. Let them deal with pre-authorization on testing.
• Have them feel the frustration of paying high deductibles or being forced to pay a total bill due limitations in coverage.
• Let them sit for hours in a waiting room for hours because they are only permitted to visit certain doctors or doctor groups.

In short, make those reforming health care actually experience what they are reforming! It is a crazy and perhaps radical idea, but it seems to me to be the best method to have our lawmakers know what they are talking about due to experience, not some memo or debriefing.

I know, my 'solution' may seem like too simple an answer for such a complex issue. But I argue that if you are going to be making decisions on something, especially making laws, you need to understand any problem from a personal level as well as a intellectual level.

We need real reform for real people who are footing some, if not all of the bill, from their own pocket. They are not lucky enough to have the incredible coverage allotted to highly elected officials. These officials who receive some of the best coverage, at the cost of the tax payer, simply don't understand the average Americans' struggle.

My views may, and should, change as time rolls on, as pieces of the legislation take hold. However, I believe my view on revoking coverage for elected officials probably will not change!

Maybe a grassroots campaign is brewing...

The President was in town...

I parked at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry building for my appointment with the allergy clinic this afternoon. The 'dental lot', as the parking lot is known as, is located about a quarter of a mile north of The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics where I was heading.

As I was walking up the hill and approached the intersection for the main entrance of the hospital, several police vehicles began to block off the intersection; traffic was forced to a stand still. I looked south down Hawkins Drive towards Melrose Avenue and saw Iowa State Troopers blocking that intersection as well.

Standing on the east side of the street facing Kinnick Stadium, I realized he was still in town.

Game on, I thought.

The officer from the cruiser in front of me, which was blocking people from leaving the hospital, moved towards me and two young ladies and asked us to step back as the sidewalk was closed.

I didn't argue. For one thing, it definitely was not the time to argue with anyone with a gun: the President of the United States was coming. Also, it was kind of exciting. This just doesn't happen all that often in Iowa City, Iowa!

The two young ladies didn't realize what was happening, so I struck up a conversation. I discovered the the two young ladies were down from the University of Northern Iowa and had attended the President's speech at the Fieldhouse celebrating the passage of our country's newest social program: Health Care Reform.

Several more individuals approached the intersection and as we tried to advise them not to attempt to cross just yet, they kept walking and were quickly turned around by a very stern officer.

Most of us just talked among ourselves, making the most of a cool sunny spring afternoon. For the most part, no one felt too put off by the big to-do, except two older ladies heading home from work.

And then it happened.

The five officers in the vicinity all grabbed their little radio mics on their shoulders for a second, stood a little taller and surveyed the area with a heightened sense of urgency.

Moments later, the Presidential motorcade turned north off Melrose on to Hawkins heading our way. We all bunched together, inching closer to the street; every inch meant a better chance of seeing him. There he was, President Obama,sitting in the back seat on the right side of the second limo passing by giving a small wave at our little group. We all waved back, of course, at the President.

A quick wave, a fleeting moment, and he was gone.

The rest of the motorcade that followed was huge. Enjoying this unique moment of my crazy-ass life, I didn't count all the vans and suburbans; but I would venture to say around fifteen. All the vehicles were domestic models and many FlexFuel vehicles. Loaded with Secret Service, staff and other support staff, they passed by at a steady pace.

One of the last vehicles was a black Ice Cream looking truck with heavily tinted windows and various antenna's and what not on the roof; mobile command I assume. Impressive.

And then they were all gone.

I hadn't planned to be in that location at that moment; I just wanted to make sure I found parking close enough to make my appointment in time. It was yet another experience that reminds me how fantastic life can be when you just let it happen.

I understand there are those who do not like President Obama and those who oppose the health care reform. However, whether you like/dislike P. BO, it was a rather enjoyable, unique experience to be literally 25 feet from the President of the United States!

Iowa Summer Writing Festival

Damn iPod deleted my post! And it was a good one! Arg.

Anyway, let's see if I can recreate my thought...


As I lay here typing with my left thumb, I am realizing that perhaps this writing thing is more than just a thing; a something, maybe even a need.

I feel that by not being detered to type with only my thumb on this magnificent yet tiny keyboard, I may just have realized that which has been so obvious..

Living in Iowa City, I have been aware of the Iowa Writer's Workshop and the Iowa Summer Writing Festival since junior high.

It has almost a mystical air about it when the locals speak of it; the best of the best come to our village to create art. Well, maybe that is more the way I percieve the Workshop and Festival, but it is truly highly regarded amongst the locals!

For the last decade I have looked over the Summer workshops, wondering if there was something I would be worthy of attending; nay, participating. I think of meeting so many different people, intelligent people. I wonder about the stories to be told, the sharing of techniques and methods, the laughter, the tears; the atmosphere generated by the collective desire to be creative.

This year is no different.

I have the site bookmarked for this year's workshops. They are so many good ones, I think I would find it hard to decide if I were to attend.

But I think this is the year; this is the year I step WAY outside my comfort zone. I want to attend at least one workshop.

And as I begin to believe I can really do it, take that step, it begins: doubt.

Am I really ready?
Am I good enough?
Would I be wasting my money?
My time?
Other's time?
Would they laugh at me for being there?
Or pity me?
What makes me think I really belong/deserve/am skilled enough to attend?
Who do you think you are, fool?!
Etc...
Etc...

But not this year. This year is going to be different.

I can no longer accept my answers to those irrational questions based purely on my assumptions. I have to go and see it, hear it, feel it from others if I belong; if I can consider myself a writer or not.

As the Buddhist teaching says:
"Nothing is good or bad; only your perception of it." And that is how I will approach the workshop, to see it for what it is, not what I think it is.

I look forward to the experience.

And perhaps some answers, too.

Pineapple Express

As I continue to partake in my trial membership with Netflix, I decided to watch a couple movies on my wife's laptop - a great 15.3" wide screen HP.

There are so many choices of movies, I wasn't sure what I was really in the mood to watch. I usually default to comedies, but I also was in a reflective mood.

I decided to settle on Pineapple Express for my first movie of the evening.

Pineapple Express casts Judd Apatow's group of actors, most notably Seth Rogen. Everything I have seen with Seth in I have liked, even Superbad (not a huge fan). I felt pretty confident it would be at least entertaining!

In addition to Seth, you have James Franco, Kevin Corrigan, Craig Robinson, Gary Cole, Rosie Perez, Ed Begley Jr. and Nora Dunn. An excellent cast with excellent performances. Out of all the great performances, I found James Franco's was the most entertaining.

Now, never having smoked weed, I always feel like I am on a learning curve with stoner movies. I get the point: people like smoking dope. Understood.

It started off with Dale (Seth Rogen) driving around making a call to a radio show smoking a joint. As he drives around, he dons disguises in order to serve people with subpoenas. A good intro, efficient way to develop the lead character for the audience.

When then move on to meeting his high school girlfriend (Amber Heard), and his lonely, needy weed dealer, Saul.

After a mild cross joint (literally a joint in the shape of a cross) bonding session between the two, Dale heads off to serve a man with the same name as Saul's supplier's supplier - a drug lord. Of course, no surprise, it is the drug lord, Ted (Gary Cole).

As Dale smokes a joint in front of the drug lord's house, enter a crooked cop (Rosie Perez) who enters the house weapon drawn. Several gunshots layer, Dale sees the two kill a wounded Asian man. He freaks out, throws his unfinished joint out the window and the chaos begins.

I don't want to spoil the real fun of this movie, but suffice it to say an average guy is thrown in to extraordinary situations and by the pure will not to die, comes out on top of a drug war.

While there are elements of this movie that are a stretch, you don't care because it is so well done and entertaining. The action scenes are well done and much better than expected for a stoner movie. The climatic battle scene is classic, but you have to watch the whole movie to truly appreciate it!

Another thing I liked about this movie was the appropriate use of profanity. Unlike Superbad, which used profanity in massive excess, Pineapple Express actually used it in the proper contexts.

I would recommend Pineapple Express as it is definitely worth checking out, even paying to rent!

Netflix

As I mentioned in my last post, I signed up for a trial membership with Netflix. I have seen the cheesy ads for years and have heard word of mouth reviews, but never really considered it since we don't rent a lot of movies. Well, until lately, that is.

Signing up was extremely simple and painless. I filled out some basic personal information, gave a credit card number and I answered a few surveys about my choice of movies. That's it, that simple. I could have watched a movie on my computer literally not even five minutes after I began the process! However, I was on my iPod Touch and we all know how stingy Apple is with add-ons.

After the wife went to bed, I eagerly broke out my netbook to watch my first flick. I had to install Microsoft's Silverlight, but that was easy.

I looked over the suggestions Netflix had picked out for me and settled on "Step Brothers". I clicked Play and began to watch my movie. I opted for the wide screen (even my little 10 inch), kicked back and watched my movie!

It was almost too easy. Definitely worth the effort and trial. I recommend it highly.

Now, I just need to have my wife try it and see if we can use it for a few paid months!

Product Tester/Reviewer

So, I decided to look into product testing, more for the experience of writing reviews than anything else.

I found a few blog entries to help steer me in the right direction:

• http://product-tester-center.blogspot.com/
• AssociatedContent.com
• Ezinearticles.com

I first went to MyElectronicRewards.com as I thought the first blog entry seemed fairly straight forward. I decided to sign up and in the process of signing up, found that in order to "earn points" you have to sign up for trial memberships. Not a huge deal, but kind of a pain in the ass and a disappointment, actually.

Although I was reluctant, I am bored out of my mind recovering from wrist surgery. So, I opted to check my credit report (CreditReport.com) and for a two week trial membership with Netflix.

I was happy to view my credit, although I knew what to expect. And I am sitting here watching "Step Brothers" on my netbook via Netflix! But that's another post!

Anywho, before I signed up, I read over the information on what would be expected of me in terms of obligations. I was under the impression I would only have to sign up for two offers in 90 days, period.

However, after signing up for my two offers, I discovered there are three levels of trials that you have to choose two offer for; yes, six total. Needless to say, I wasn't happy. I read up and apparently still missed something.

Oh well, I guess. On to the next site.

I decided to look over BzzAgent.com and felt like this was more straight up. It's more of a community based approach, earning the privilege for testing/review opportunities based on your involvement within the site.

There is a section about web sites (Frogpond) where you can review sites and post your opinion. This is more what I was looking from the start. I looked over several sites, made several comments and found that this site likes surveys. Lots of surveys.

I am not sure how to actually get to test products yet, but I like the site a lot and find the design pleasing and navigation straightforward. Definitely worth checking out if you want another writing outlet, and possibly get free stuff down the line.

I still have a few other sites to check out, but definitely read up on any site before signing up! And then maybe read up a little more.

I Love You, Man

I just watched "I Love You Man" and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't as full of stupid humor as I had expected, nor as sophomoric as it could have been.

I thought the writing was witty, and the story flowed well. The dialogue was good, although I am not a fan of how much profanity has filtered into Hollywood films these days. Ironic someone as potty mouthed as me feels that way, so it must be bad!

What I found most enjoyable about this film is the actors didn't feel as though they were acting. It was all very natural, relaxed and at times I wondered if there was even a script because they were clearly ad libbing!

While Paul Rudd, Jamie Pressly, Jon Favreau, J.K Simmons and Jane Curtain are the only real recognizable actors, it is well done and all the cast members were definitely on the same page.

All and all, it's a good movie that I will probably watch every now and again, unlike "The Hangover" which blew horribly.

Apple iPod Touch

I love my iPod Touch.

I have had my 2nd Gen Touch for two years now, and I am still finding new ways to use it for blogging, email, notes, as well as new apps almost daily.

My wife hates my Touch as I take it everywhere and use it constantly. I read books in bed, Google while watching movies and TV, check email and it is our alarm clock. There have been maybe a half dozen days I haven't had it on me or in the next room.

I knew when I got it two years ago it would change how I used technology from day to day, but I had no idea I would be such an addict!

I just started blogging in the past year. I was reluctant to use my Touch because I didn't want to pay for any apps (which I have only paid for two to date) and the tiny keyboard wasn't so friendly with my big fingers.

However, new apps have arrived since then and I am loving the ability to do much with this tiny machine. Even as I watch American Idol, I am writing this entry with the BlogPressLite app. I can complete drafts to edit later, edit posted entries within the last week and I can maintain several Blogger blogs.

I have a couple dozen apps I use everyday, and I will probably write several reviews over the next couple of weeks about the best apps.

If you have been considering getting an iPod Touch, I recommend doing so. I only have the 8GB 2nd generation, so I would advise getting at least 16GB to allow for apps, images and of course, music!

For now...

Star Trek: TNG

I have been watching The Next Generation (TNG) in syndication for almost the past year off and in and forgot how good of a series it had developed into over it's seven year run.

There are the classic episodes with Q, Yesterday's Enterprise, the Borg, Guinan and the standalone episodes that tell great tales.

Then there are some of the really bad episodes from the first couple of seasons that tried to pick up where the original series left off thirty years prior.

Regardless, even though their uniforms changed often, their character development was well done and the stories became solid, thoughtful episodes.

I know there are many who scoff at the Star Trek franchise, but it is pretty decent entertainment. While season 1 & 2 could be skipped, they are required for understanding the series and subsequent movies.

I must state that this blog entry does no justice to the series, however, I know I will touch upon this subject many times over time to plead its case.

I would urge anyone to take a peek at this classic series. Stick with it and you won't be disappointed!

Thoughts on Golf

While I am not much of a golf fan, there are many friends and family members who keep me up to speed with the "sport". They talk about the PGA with the same intensity as college football, the NFL, MLB and even the NBA.

I place quotations around sport as I feel golf is more qualified to be labeled a game for several reasons.

First, golf is something more simple than a sport as it only requires one person to focus on one thing at a time. No one attempting to block your shot, no one covering your well executed pass route, no one checking you against the board, and no one on base as you try to bunt a ball being thrown at you in speeds in excess of 90 mph.

Second, everyone has to be quiet when you finally decide to hit the ball. The ball that is sitting perfectly still on the ground. The crowd is not a factor in your snap count, nor are they screaming as you attempt a free throw.

Third, you only walk. You don't even carry your own clubs. You don't run. You don't have to make cutbacks or spin moves. You don't have to box out or even jump. Hell, you don't even have to power walk.

Last, while I can not deny that does in fact take skill to play golf, you are really playing with others, not against them. You are competing against yourself. Other players may have a good day, but did they really beat you at something that requires absolutely no defense? No, they didn't.

Simply put: Golf is only a game as you only have to do one thing with no pressure, no screaming crowds, you only need one person to play (like solitare or freecell) and it is one sided; offense only. The only real challenge is defeating boredom.

But, that's just one guy's opinion!

Ink Cartridges

For over a year, I have been replacing the ink cartridges on my HP InkJet with re-manufactured cartridges from Office Depot. We have had good luck with them, and saves some money. Over the past six months, however, our printing needs have dwindled and the printer was rarely used.

At any rate, the last two sets of cartridges were half full (according to the computer) and print horribly. I cleaned and realigned to no avail. Arg.

After several attempts, today I decided to take all four cartridges in to Office Depot for my $3 each and purchase HP cartridges, even though they are more expensive.

As I told the associate my plight, he informed me that most OEM cartridges are petroleum based, where as the re-manufactured cartridges are soy based, which cause the ink to congeal much easier.

While I have not researched this petroleum based ink yet, it made sense for two reasons:
1. Congealed ink was visible on three if the four cartridges.
2. The re-manufactured cartridge box had "Soy Ink" printed on the box!

I think if we printed more frequently, I never would have noticed or had this problem. Other than pictures nit being as crisp, the re-manufactured cartridges worked well.

So, if your cartridges flip out or print words like bar codes, try the OEM cartridges!

03-15-2010

Alright. I decided to add a new blog to get writing more, about more things and add my two cents to cyberspace!

I will probably review almost anything as my interests are diverse! And, every now and then I will probably get on the soap box for open discussions.

Let the fun begin!