I have to disagree with the new Proposed Calendar Change. I like the way the current calendar rolls. It gives each person the chance to experience their birthday on a weekend. It breaks up monotony of doing the same thing over and over, it is like life, full of change.

Have you ever noticed that after Monday and Tuesday even the calendar goes WTF?

It has been a long time since I last blogged, reasons abound. Any who, a lot of small projects are being worked on around my little homestead, trying to make a livable place out of my chunk of the western Mojave. Yesterday while digging a trench I hit a small 1 foot wide patch of hard as cement sand, Caliche I believe it is called. I chiseled away on it for about an hour from both sides and decided that is where the last valve on that line would go, thus bridging the dirt from ages past.

I have been on my soapbox in other venues about the food we eat (and should not), the use of materials, nuclear energy, and a plethora of belief systems. I occasionally get interesting and well though out responses. More often than not I get short form answers that have been fed to the flocks or handed down by political agenda. If I have one goal during my life (outside of personal happiness) I believe it would be to wake up the minds of others and make then think critically of events around them.

I do like Halloween. It allows for creativity based both on the real, surreal and outlandish! A crafters paradise! This year I am wearing a DIY piece, made from a baseball cap (brim cut off), caulk, a bit of gauze and some acrylic paint. For a gander go check out my profile on https://plus.google.com/u/0/117581393452618724394 or on Facebook!

Computing State of the Art

Nintendo unveiled the video game industry's first new major home console since 2006. 


Not 'A' new console, the sole new console since 2006!


Think about this for a moment, computer games require more horsepower to run than anything else most humans use computers for. Scientists obviously use a lot more power for modelling and crunching data, and the world governments use a crap load of power to watch us and each other. Normal users however browse the web and maybe do a little office work or watch a movie, none of which requires much power at all.


So, 5 years ago was the last real advance in gaming horsepower. Now get a load of this, Nintendo has always used technology that is actually a little out of date. Why? Well it costs less and it gets the job done. They have more units sold than Microsoft and Sony combined.


My thought on this subject though is a bit closer to home. Why does the computer industry try to tell me I need a quad core machine with no less than 4 gigs of RAM when it is running the same basic software I started using in 1995? I use that year because it was my first Windows based system. In reality I have watched video, ran spreadsheets and word processing, plus played high quality games since 1987 on the Amiga 1000 I bought that year. The software has not changed that much but mysteriously it uses a lot more resources to do the same basic job.


Lets compare...

Amiga	Windows PC - Toshiba Satellite
Motorola 68000 @ 7.16MHz	Intel Core i3 @ 2.3GHz
512KB RAM	3GB RAM
July 23,1985	Current

These two sets of numbers say a lot.My laptop has more power than an Amiga by several hundred percent! The RAM is no less than 500% more on most systems than an Amiga 1000.


If I could do all those nifty things on the Amiga back in 1987, why does it take so much more power to do it today?! Speedier? Not really. More features? Sure there are more features but do I use them, nope!


Plain and simple it is bloat. If a Word Processor only did its job rather than constantly add code in the background so it can be instantly placed as a web page, or used for video presentation (yeah it can do that too!). Or how about those video playbacks? Back then it was equal to low quality VHS, but today the best you can use is HDR, most people don't, they still use DVD quality or less if streaming across the web.


I am glad prices have fallen on equipment, but I would like my new computer to be as stable as my Amiga was, and actually run everything as smoothly. After all, my Motorola Droid can! (512KB memory and 512MHz processor running Android/Linux)

Overthought Ideas

I was reading an article at Fast Company about a French engineer that wants to tow icebergs from Greenland to Saudi Arabia in order to provide fresh water.

At least one commentor pointed out it would be cheaper to use a tanker and pull the water from the flow under the glacial icecap, or melt them on site using mirrors into a tanker system.

Things not pointed out is that we now have global modelling systems to see what the effects would be and no one has run this scenario. Without the model I can see reduced desalinity in the water at the proper time and place, reduction of krill habitat that feed under icebergs as they melt, reduction of resting sites for sea birds and sea mammals that use icebergs. Not to mention the carbon footprint of towing or shipping that much water.

I have a better idea for those Saudi princes and really the world near a coast line...
Use salt water through an extra line entering each house to provide clean salt water for use in bathing, swimming pools, and get this toilets!

Salt water is naturally a bit of an anti bacterial, the salt also mildly scrubs surfaces. Look at that would ya! Two things we like, clean toilets and less bacteria! Why do we need clean potable (drinkable) water to flush detrius out of our homes? Or to shower in when a salt bath works better (read how many salts are in your shower products folks!)? Many pool owners are switching to saline water since it is more environmentally friendly.

Today I saw a Pooka!

Just a musing that is amusing. The Easter bunny, a pooka, sold to the masses to celebrate spring and rebirth. Loosely tied to another religion in which many of it's patrons eat chocolate bunnies and collect eggs hidden by the pooka, while acknowledging their belief in the rising of Christ.

Thank you Mister James Stewart for introducing me to Harvey! (Film from 1950)

A Perfect Landing

Live Streaming by Ustream.TVThe shuttle Discovery makes another amazing landing this morning. As the thought of what they have to do to get that bird out of the sky. It is essentially a brick with wings, unlike a plane they do not have a second chance if something goes wrong. If the landing gear does not deploy correctly can you imagine trying to land on one set of tires in a plane with no engines? Or what if the tires blew out? Wind shear cutting the runway?

I am glad the crew made it home. Congratulations Crew! A few more shuttle trips to go till the end of a space flight era arrives.

First Sunburn of the Year

Today was filled with tearing out the weeds and replacing them with rather all too orderly garden rows. Seriously, they are in a line one after another with no real planning involved. I think the next time I will be planing the squash and those I will do in some diagonal pattern or something. Straight lines.... what was I thinking?!

I saved most of my head but my arms and neck are burnt, yup I am a redneck in that respect. Staring at the ground for too long causes it. Pondering what will come from my labors in the months ahead. The great news is my greenhouse is doing its job. I have been starting my seeds in there and am ready to plant within two weeks each time. Such a time saver and seed saver. Plus my crops can be started a month earlier than normal, a frost does not usually affect a full plant in a harmful way, but it does prevent seeds from sprouting.

I love the part where I planted enough for a small army of people, and I am the only one living here. Good news for those I consider friends and nice neighbors. When I grow large gardens I like to offer the food for free or a donation, my way of showing love for my fellow humans, and animals of course. I make sure there is enough for the birds, bunnies, squirrels and dogs.

The Right Tool For The Job

Yesterday during the local snow storm I was out in the garage working on a special order for a client. When I attend shows I take a special display setup with me that many people love and it is sturdy, almost wind proof (do gales count as wind?) and fairly light weight. In the past I have hand made each display using a hand held jig saw, circular saw, hand drill and a large plunge router. My eyes saw all the imperfections, gaps, odd angles, uneven sizes, etcetera. It would take me 2 days to complete the assembly of one three foot display, then another day for varnish.

This year the tax return went to some new tools. The table router made fast work of edges and it was a breeze to use on the 1x wood I use for these displays. The table saw, oh my, a quick rip and the wood was angled precisely and evenly all along the length, no more waves. Band saws are awesome for doing flat work several layers thick at once. Last but not least using a forstner bit in the drill press was magic, instant aligned holes thanks to a couple of clamps. Almost forgot a tiny but oh so useful tool, no electricity needed needed, a frame clamp to hold the material together while I drilled for the wooden dowel connecting pins (I like mine to show rather than being hidden).

I just about completed two full displays in about 5 hours! That was with much needed improvements in the design and having to think through using the new tools, ah, I am still alive, I learned something new.

Cat Food

Writing this with Floyd on my lap, she is my rockin' little kitty cat. Since she was given to me I have raised her on various kitten branded pet foods. Last night I decided it is time to start moving her up the chain to adult cat food. Since I was in a Walmart there were a decent selection of dry foods. I started my minor quest by looking at the ingredients label of the kitten food I had been feeding her, Purina Kitten Chow. Corn. Yup corn was the main ingredient as I recall. My cat does not eat corn. How do I know this? I like corn, sweet yellow or white with dairy cream butter and fresh cracked pepper, the cat does not. Left on a counter she will lick the butter but not chew on the corn. The dog will eat corn, but he seems to eat almost anything.
At that point I must have looked like a insane person as I started picking up bag after bag of dry food for cats from every company Walmart had, including Iams. Until I hit a tiny section for natural foods all the major labels primary ingredients, including Iams was corn. I even had a brief discussion with a random stranger also buying food for his pet about corn and we both started listing things like our food, pet food, cow feed, car fuel, and plastic food containers all made of corn. He did not know of the food containers.
So I turned my attention to the tiny naturals section of dry cat food. Newman's own had decent ingredients but the price was a premium. There was a name I had never heard of, also a bit pricey. This was starting to remind me of shopping for food for my own consumption, the better the food the higher the price, the junkier and more marketed the cheaper. My eye was drawn to a small card board box of 'Purina One beyOnd' Chicken and Whole Oat Meal. I was impressed to find Chicken listed first, then chicken meal, whole brown rice (which my cat does eat from my plate, always seems to be sneaking nibbles from my plate), soy bean meal and a host of other ingredients including eggs, beets, fish oil, apples, etc. Guess what was missing. CORN! Yay for Purina. I say that here because the 1 lb box was a stunningly low $2. Real food at a decent price.
I purchased the food, took it home and immediately had the opportunity to fill a bowl that was nearly empty. Floyd hopped up and sniffed the small nuggets of her new food. She nosed around in it a second then tested a dark morsel with a tentative crunch. I was sort of expecting her to turn and look at me with a pensive, what is this stuff look, instead she plunged face first into the food and was munching away.
I only endorse products I feel  deserve it and this product I freely (as in not being paid for it, though I won't turn my nose up at a check Purina!) endorse, as I fairly certain does Floyd.

Boredom in a Universe Full of Wonder?

I was watching Discworld, the episode about Hogwatch, and at the end Death says something akin to, 'In a universe so filled with wonder humans have managed to invent boredom.' Just then I looked out the widow and saw some amazing lighting on my yard. The greens popped, the trees turned ghostly white and the sky was formidably dark, yet a very small section of a rainbows arch (out of frame to the right) was showing above the neighbors palm tree. Such richness in color and the contrast of bright sun to dark storm in the same section of valley. Beautiful!

How often do we miss beauty or amazing events because we looked the wrong way or were too busy to care? The old saying stop to smell the roses is great advice, but don't forget to look around while you do it!

Misconceptions of Food Advancements 2

This morning while eating my breakfast the flavors in my mouth reminded me to continue this article. Last time I covered briefly that food is often ripened using hormones and chemicals after the fruit has been picked way too early. The lack of essential nutrient load was mentioned.

Food that is picked too early also is missing many flavor compounds. Lackluster taste is the hallmark of early picked food. I currently live in an agricultural area and at the end of summer I bought a crate of nectarines for the low sum of $9. An entire crate, what did I do with it all? I ate some fresh, I made juice, added them to Jello, I handed them out to city friends, and I prepared some for freezing. Freezing preserves the fruit with a small breakdown in cellular structure from the water in it expanding. In the case of the nectarines this is a useful feature. I like to freeze then in small containers so I can use them easily.

Yesterday I defrosted a container of nectarines and this morning I opened them up. Yum! The aroma of late summer filled my kitchen and I had not even done anything with the fruit yet. Going to the cupboard I pulled out the rolled oats and bottle of ground cinnamon (grinding fresh spices is a great way to add mega flavor). A layer of oas, some cinnamon, a layer of oats, the fruit spooned in, a layer of oats, some sugar crystal (just a pinch) then some water. I put it in the microwave for a minute. Took it out and oh my goodness, the scent was so good, reminded me of peach pie, stir and replace for another minute. Piping hot greatness! Notice I said greatness not goodness, the flavor is so intense because the fruit was not picked until ripe and about ready to fall on the ground.

The orchard I picked them up from supplies grocery chains in California and abroad with many types of fresh fruit. The thing is, for the shipment the fruit is picked a week earlier than what I purchased at their roadside stand. The difference is really noticeable.

The same can be said of the groceries I am growing in my backyard. Fresh out of the ground, with no chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Heck even the wild bunnies and fowl like going in the garden to help themselves it is so good. No need for me to fret, I planted enough to go around.

If you get the chance grow some fresh herbs, vegetables or fruit and visit your local farmer's markets. Seasonal food surprises that will not find on any grocery shelf await your taste buds!

Ear-bud Laws

I read this article, and have read prior articles on proposed laws that would fine a person for having head phones on or ear buds in place while doing a wide variety of activities. First let me state this is nothing new, since I was a teen with my head phones on back in the early 1980s these types of laws with fines have been discussed.

If I were a lawyer I would take a case as a class action against these laws. Why? Because if a deaf person can walk freely down the street then a hearing impaired (due to ear phones) person should be allowed to.

What really needs to happen is the end user paying attention around them, be aware of your surroundings! That applies also to the guy in the car rocking out to AC/DC and head banging the whole trip. For the very low number of people hurt or killed by these incidents making a law against it is outlandish and a waste of taxpayer money!

Religion in Business?

Is it 'wrong' to make items to sell that include symbols from or are known to be going to another religion?

That question formed while I was working out details on an upcoming project I chose to start. My hobby and side business involves me creating various works of art in a wide set of categories. Normally I make jewelry, which is worn publicly by my patrons, other times I do small sculpture or paintings, and I have taken to writing now and again. I am not looking for an answer to my question for myself, I already know my answer and it only applies to my own works.

This is more an informative article. Throughout history artisans have been creating works for patrons that are not from their own religious background. On occasion this has led to some interesting mistakes being made and artwork being altered after the fact. Where art and goods are concerned it would seem that one's religious views are often set aside. Further, the viewpoint can be applied from both patron and artisan/business.

The patron may want a project created and lacks the skills to do so. Solution, go out and find someone with the skills, this is where it gets interesting. Looking through the phone book, or on the web, even while walking down the street, it is rare to see a business owner openly showing their religious affiliation. Doing a targeted search looking specifically for a fellow of your own creed will produce results, but there is a draw back, it may not produce the best provider of a service. What if a person of your beliefs does not own a particular business? The obvious solution is the patron must make a small sacrifice to get what they want.

From the artisan view point, or any business owner really, the dilemma is similar. Often we open businesses in an area that we know has certain beliefs like our own. But what if I am a displaced person, running from a war or catastrophe? Suddenly I may be in an area I know nothing about, but I still need to provide for myself and family. Yet, if I start my business will those around me accept that I am not of their belief system? Will they even know? How safe is it to proceed, and where do I learn the local symbols?
Perhaps the artist is extremely skilled, sought out by everyone for the ability they alone seem to possess. This has happened many times in history. For that person it is a choice, they seem to be above the limits of religions.

What I see in the world around me are multinational businesses that sell goods made by people in all countries of the world, from all beliefs and backgrounds. Here in the United States it is even a little funny to me because I see persons that are devout to their faith and they are unknowingly supporting another faith by purchasing those goods, goods that are sometimes symbols of their religion made by another religions energy. I do not have a problem with it at all, I revel in the idea that we can be one world without borders and without hatred at any level.

It is my hope that readers of this article take away a bit of wisdom in the form of understanding we are all in this together as one human race and that variety truly is the spice of life!

Misconceptions of Food Advancements

Food. In the most simple definition food is a set of nutrients and potential energy in a stored state. It is once we eat the food that it becomes the energy and life sustaining particles that we all need.

I may have an unusual advantage, and by that same advantage a larger loss, when it comes to understanding food. Food production has been part of my families heritage for generations. My grandfather and his family were dairymen, and farmers. He brought his skills with him from Europe and continued to raise dairy animals here in Southern California. The area was mostly pastures at the time, I still have photos and my memories as my proof. Since that time however the area has changed from one that contained agriculture to one that is urban/suburban sprawl. This is important because the it also represents a change from small farms spread throughout the country, to a more mass produced style of food production.

When I was growing up my parents taught me how to raise animals and crops. Not grains, which require vast fields, but small plot crops such as carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers and a great many others. I ate fresh food directly out of the earth or off of the plant. Delicious, needing only a wipe on my pants or shirt to remove the surface dirt. We used natural fertilizers and if memory serves, no pesticides, unless you count the chickens and good insects. The food was always ripe when I ate it, naturally so, no chemicals used to bring the fruit to 'maturity'.

Think about that a moment. To make bananas yellow, or tomatoes red, etc. the stores have to use chemicals/hormones to ripen the fruit while it is in storage at shipping facilities. The fruit and vegetables are picked while still green, unripe, not ready to be eaten. These crops have to be picked that way because tit helps the goods to endure lengthy trips via boat,train and truck to the store bins you buy them from. This food is not complete, it is missing nutrients that would be there if it had matured on the plant.

I end the article there for now, to be continued...

Who am I?

This is a question that I believe can never accurately be answered. In the moment an answer can be given but should the answer be built on the last month or the lifetime events of an individual? Does my answer change if on the way home a catastrophic accident befalls me? What if the accident happens to another person, known and close to me or a stranger?
My usual answer is I am myself. I am unusual and complicated. I am human and yet part of everything around me.