Summer 2014 August 18 Monday (Toothbrush Test)

79 degrees this morning.  However, there was a fierce looking storm coming in.  By the time I finished my walk, the wind was up and it looked like it was about to storm.  

Walk was 54.21 minutes.  I realized this morning that I need to develop another route, for possible stormy weather.  At the furtherest extreme, I am 25 minutes away from home.  Around here, 25 minutes can be a long time if it starts raining.  I can only run so fast!  I was surprised to see how fast it came in (from the north) on what seemed a storm a long ways off.  

I read  a quote this morning about Google’s procedure  on how to purchase companies, the “Toothbrush Test” something to the effect of “Buy it only if you are going to use it at least once or twice a day and it is going ot make your life better”.  

I think I will start using the “Toothbrush Test”  as a consideration when I buy something!  May be a way of  reducing “stuff”.  I may take it one step further and make it a test on what I keep.  While the “use it once or twice a day” may have to be relaxed somewhat (such as clothes etc.) and I would need to use some common sense (for example, luggage isn’t used every day, but it would not be smart to not have any), it still makes a good test.  

Another interesting item the story mentioned (it was a story in the New York Times), was that many tech companies have their own Investment Bankers and don’t pay the huge fees investment bankers etc.  received.  Made my heart feel good to hear that.  Ever since I heard about investment bankers ordering $8,000 bottles of wine, I figured they had to be overcompensated for what they do, and probably make huge contributions to make sure they can keep charging excessive huge fees. Same as with “Private Equity” companies.  

Anyway, I will start reviewing stuff to donate/toss/sell with the “Toothbrush Test” in mind and see how I have to modify it as I implement it.   I will also think about it before I buy anything.

Interesting program Saturday morning streaming live on the computer, the “Bagpipe finals”  (this may be a very loose translation).  Anyway, it was interesting because it was live, and the commentators gave their frank opinions of the performances.  The performances seemed to me to be perfect.  I don’ t know how they can blow so long, I guess long time practice.  

A friend who is a very accomplished bag piper mentioned it was on to me (it was streamed live, which means it was on from about 3:30 a.m..

That shows the difference in just the last few years, when I read the New York Times on my computer or iPad and watch a live bagpipe contest on my computer!  I do wish I could have recorded it , I think I can do it.  Another item for y “do do list.

My experiment at reading something I ordinary wouldn’t read  “15 minutes a day”  is not proceeding well.  It goes well when I think of it, but it just seems like there is too much to do!  I have a stack of “Cliff Notes”  (actually a lot of different summaries) about a foot high.  If I don’t start reading them I am going to give up and donate them!  Not really, not as long as the possibility exists I will eventually read them.  Maybe the “Toothbrush Test” should be applied here!  Or maybe not.  

Maybe the Toothbrush Test should be changed to “once or twice per year” for some items, such as luggage, clothes, 

I just realized my tooth implants are costing a lot more than I was led to believe and the final stage may even include additional charges.  One Dentist I had gave me detailed charges before I had anything done, and I am going to insist on that after this.  I think it is only fair. 

The “Toothbrush Test”.   It always makes me happy to find at least one thing I can use  in may daily reading etc.!

That’s it for today, Monday, August 18, 2014.

Spring 2014 June 17 Tuesday

72 degrees this morning, and a lovely morning it is.  Sitting on the patio listening to the birds and sipping coffee.  Life couldn't be better!  I even decided to eat breakfast later so I could spend more time on the patio during the best times.  Also, I may eat less throughout the day if I eat later!  Four more days until Summer starts.

A story this morning about a "robocopter" experiment in England reminded me of the appalling lack of progress in transportation, at least in my opinion.  I remember as a child looking at an advertisement and seeing a car going down the road with 4 people playing cards and no driver.  This was over 55 years ago and we are still driving basically the same way!  Obviously the cars are much improved (although some would disagree with that, I don't, I feel they are much improved), we still basically drive them the same way.  All of the progress in other areas, but we are still basically driving like we did over a century ago!  

I believe at least 14 years ago, I learned that the technology existed to the effect that you could walk out to your backyard, get in a small airplane/helicopter, and just sit there as computers and GPS handling taking off, flying it, landing it at your destination, all without any effort on your part!  Yet we still drive the same way and flying has even gotten worse than it was 14 years ago.  

Not only are are driving and flying the same, only recently have "alternative" methods of transportation (such as walking trails and bike paths separate from other vehicles been a priority.  (Well, with the exemption of Lakeland, where the new spoiled brat politician mayor and his toadies turned down a grant for a million dollars that would have made Lakeland truly bikeable and walkable, but that is another story.)

Actually, when I was a child, I truly thought we would probably be transporting ourselves (that isn't the right word, but the effect of just changing your form so that, for example in a matter of seconds, I could go from Lakeland to Kansas City).  While researching what this actually is on Google, I saw some interesting articles on transportation, as far as bicycles, even rickshaws I'll have to read when I have time.

I realize there are major barriers, including safety, etc. to all of this progress, but it is amazing that things really haven't changed for a century, at least, we are even still using mostly gasoline.  

Speaking of safety, I read this morning that robots killed over 30 people last year.  I realize the "robots" didn't really do it, lack of safety engineering in the robot operations did it, but it still is a sobering thought that you can be killed an an errant robot.  As they search for more ways to utilize robots, the safety factor is a major barrier (perhaps as in driverless cars and planes).  I also thought robots would be used a lot more although, perhaps, with the numerous small computers in use, it may be that we are using robots in a different context and form than expected.  I  read where they are trying to make robots more "appealing"  (I'm not sure if that means human  or like a cute puppy, or maybe even a cute machine).  Creatively couldn't hurt.  

Some other technology that I thought would take off faster than it has is nanotechnology.  I read "Prey" and though this would really tai off, but I haven't seen a lot about it.  Of course, if I put nanotechnology into a search engine, I may be proven wrong.  I also thought solar would be used much more than than it has been.   

Getting my tooth implant area "opened" today, the last process before the new teeth (actually crowns over the posts) are installed (I guess that is the right word) in about two months.  That will make the whole process a year long process.  A lot has happened since I first had the two teeth pulled on September 6, 2013 to prepare for the implants.

Also going to the Apple Store,  For some odd reason, my iPhone won't ring, which creates a log of voice messages and embarrassment when I don't answer my phone.  Also going to work on my iPhoto some more.

That's it for today, Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Winter 2014 February 1 Saturday

55 degrees this morning.  Actually the forecast is for colder weather, although it should reach 60 degrees today.  In my "second place"  (Starbucks) on a Saturday morning. Busy weekend and week of preparing for several events.  

While computers are wonderful, sometimes it is just easier to read printed material, so I got a new toner cartridge and printed out some material I need to review.  

Disappointed to learn the the lack of volume in my (less than six month old) MacBook Air has a defect that Apple Computer is ignoring.  I almost never use volume on my MacBook, so I didn't even realize it was a problem until this week.  On reviewing various Apple Computer sites, I learned it apparently is a defect in the computer. However, I am heading to the "genius bar" and will see what I can find out.  Of course, as usual, the Genius Bar appointments aren't available until next Tuesday (this is Saturday), so I'll see if I can get in for a no-show.  In addition, I found out that the ocassional problem in signing out of Gmail (which is an irritation) is ALSO an Apple Computer problem that they are trying to blame on Google.  I may need to rethink my loyalty to (premium priced) Apple products after my experience last week!  

Speaking of "trolls", I was surprised to find that Google/Youtube had blocked my music on a Youtube video (which is when I learned about the volume problem on my computer) because some "copyright troll" was claiming the copyright on the music.  However, it is totally original music (with some Garage Band music that is all in the public domain).  I went to protest this and of course received a threatening note from Google that they would cancel my account if I protested and they found in favor of the copyright troll!  Welcome to 1984, except big business is the villain. I will probably protest anyway, because it just isn't right that some troll company goes around claiming copyrights they don't have.  Probably try to extort some money of "grant" me use of my own music!  And of course, Google is there helping them along, I"m sure for a good sum of money.

Reminds me of some music outfit that kept trying (in my opinion) to extort "licensing fees" from the City.  I received numerous calls that were basically veiled threats that they would attack us legally if the City didn't pay "protection" fees (sounds like the Mafia!).  Of course, they had some fancy name for it (licensing fees" or something like that).  Even an attorney said it was "easier to pay", but I never paid and won't, since there is no way the City was using any music copyrights.  The tyranny of the computers and big tech companies and, like always, someone trying to find an easy way to get money.

Fall 2013 November 6 Wednesday

61 degrees this morning, but the wind made it seem colder than that.  The wind doesn't blow a lot out here, which is nice, especially for bike riding!  

Thank goodness for DVD's VCR's etc.  I find it almost impossible to watch a "live" tv show anymore (even sports).  I know, that is how they pay for everything etc., but some of the ads are so obnoxious and inane I wouldn't watch the program if I can't skip over them.  What is even better is betting able to skip over the "talking heads" (sports "analysts" especially) who analyze every play to death.  Does anyone really care?

Google+ is also starting to be a bully.  Google is pushing Google+ so much it is getting difficult to use the Google apps, they keep trying to bully users to Google+ which is really an irritant.  I really don't care for Google +, rather than attempt to bully users into using it, why don't they improve it so it is decent enough to use?  

Anyway, enough of that.  I must have woke up in a negative frame of mind today!  Of course the above are reasons to wake up in a negative mood.  On the other hand, I have gotten used to eating breakfast early (after my nap around 6:00 a.m.) and this morning I have a breakfast meeting at 8 am so maybe I am just hungry!

On the other hand, as winter approaches, the leaves leave the trees bare, it may make being positive a little more difficult, although there is a beauty in winter also.  At least in November and December there is Thanksgiving, Christmas etc.  

I am just now OUTRAGED at Google, I am unable to read some of my accounts, because Google, in it's all-knowing , God like wisdom has decided it knows what is best for me!!!!

I am going to stop using all Google products, I am tired of this.

Summer 2013 July 26

Very cool this morning, 66 degrees.

I really get tired of the computer companies making junk and then trying to charge excessive rates to "fix' their mistakes.

Latest case was a Google Matrix 7 that failed after 7 months.  Staples refused to honor the guarantee (even though I had an "extended warranty" and they admitted the battery hadn't lasted near long enough.  

Apple is just as bad.  I have an iPod Nano (7th Generation) which won't sync now.  Makes it a piece of junk.  I can understand why Steve Jobs called so many things "s**t".  He produced a lot of it.  Some excellent products also, but also some real junk that Apple Computers never took responsibility for.  What really upset me was the extortive rates they wanted to give me advise on the ipod, which is only about 7 months old.  

Glad it is Friday.  Seems like a long week even though I took Monday and Tuesday morning as vacation time.  Of course, I'm still catching up.  

I keep a list of books I want to read.  My list has grown to the point, I know I will never read all of them.  Doesn't mean I can't try!