Reports of my death...

I know, I'm a schmuck for not keeping my blog regularly updated. I'm still adjusting to this whole 40-hour-workweek thing. Not much to report in my world. My most amusing web-stumble the other day was finding on Peter David's site (and author whose books I enjoy) a post from a while back titled "Olbermann channels Edward R. Murrow." Sounds familiar. Well, I guess I should revel in the thought that Peter and I think alike.

Now updated monthly :)

So, believe me, I'm completely aware that I have not updated in a month. A lot has been going on, even though I probably wouldn't admit it if asked. As many of my loyal readers now, I've taken on work at Target. The job isn't exactly terrible, but it's got three major strikes against it: 1) on my feet all day, 2) hours suck, 3) pay sucks. Ah well, the job hunt for a job I'll actually like continues, but at a bit of a less breakneck pace.

In other news, Kim and I got to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time (admittedly, this was like two weeks ago). Lots of people have asked me (once I told them we were expecting) how I feel, and I think the easiest answer is everything and nothing. Part of me is overwhelmed by feelings, and the other part of me just accepts this as a natural event. I have to admit that hearing the heartbeat made it real. If you're wondering what the heartbeat sounded like, put your cars windshield wipers on high and you get the idea. It's a strange thing to hear, to realize that there is a life growing inside the person you love. All I can say to future dads is something that parents probably already know: there is no greater experience than that sound.

Kim is doing well (having moved past the everything makes her want to vomit phase). Something I'll never quite understand about the human body. I mean, you put this huge strain on it of trying to build a new life, but you challenge it by making the body not want to consume nutrients. Wonder what God was thinking on that one.

The Most Dangerous Animal in America

Why I watch Olbermann (or would if I had cable) instead of Papa Bear.

I'm not the only one who thinks dissent and discussion is healthy.

Or, if you don't feel like reading it, watch him deliver the speech himself (the above link is his blog, but its a transcript of the clip below).

Olbermann channels Murrow
(fyi, I chose this clip because it's of the highest quality)

YouTube is my hero.

So, I've been foraging around YouTube. Admittedly, mostly watching various clips from the Daily Show and Colbert Report (a side effect of not having basic cable).

Found this gem. Enjoy:

The Daily Show has awesome editors.

WTF? You heard me. WTF?

So, poking around the internet you find doozies. Especially when Ann Coulter is involved. So I couldn't resist reposting this, primarily because of the absurdity of it.

"Take note, conservatives: No American need ever fear the liberal establishment again. It's all over but the sobbing.

Back when there were only three TV stations and no Internet, talk radio or Fox News, it used to be so easy for the MSM (mainstream media) to destroy reputations — Joe McCarthy, Barry Goldwater, Richard Nixon, Robert Bork, Dan Quayle, Oliver North, Clarence Thomas, Pat Buchanan, Newt Gingrich, Paula Jones and Linda Tripp, to name a few of the MSM's prey.

Liberals aren't having so much fun now that the rabbit has the gun."

Of particular note to me is the people on this list. First off, could we be talking about the farther right? Not a single liberal that has been shamed in media, nope, all good upstanding conservatives. But seriously, look at the caliber of this list. McCarthy!? Nixon?! And it's the media's fault these people fell? I mean, come on.

I apologize for bitching about this, but I honestly couldn't believe it. Maybe Hitler should have hired her as press secretary.


On a far more serious note:
You must watch this video!

Random Thoughts

I'm pretty sure I've used that title before for one of my blogs, but oh well. Anywho here are some random thoughts on my mind. First, at the Iowa State Fair I made it a point to sign the "Support Stem Cell Research" petition over at the Democrat's booth in the Varied Industries building. Bear in mind, that I'm generally hesitant to take Red/Blue sides, but it's no suprise to anyone I know that I'd think that way. On a related note: Jim Nussle, running for governor. He was not part of the attempted majority to overturn the president's veto (read: he effectively voted for the president). If I wanted a Republican whipping boy... well, I'd elect Rove to our statehouse. Somebody find me a free thinker. (Paging Doug Gross: At least you didn't appear to be a whipping boy).

This is related to another problem I've found lately. If you weren't aware, the Des Moines city council (and the state, to be fair) has grown into a good ol' boys club. The problem: they're Democrats. My deep rooted fear is that come November the balance of power is going to shift and that this will shift to a deeply red state. Now, let me be clear on this, I'm all for "voting the bums out." So, why can't people in their own party who feel the incumbent is no longer serving their needs run against them. So what if it ends up being Democrat vs. Democrat (or vice versa), separate the wheat from the chaff.

Enough political rambling. I've finally update the link over to the left. Apple has unleashed their new Mac Pro. And since it's an Intel system, it should take no translation to figure out that this baby cooks (with gas, and a double burner). Hot stuff, check it out.

On a tangent from Justin's blog: I've found one thing in my ripe old age. Friends are only as good as you keep them. I realize now that I neglected my good (high school) friends when I went to college. Maybe this is normal, but I have a great set of friends. Yes, relationships change, and they have, but I try to make it a point to see those friends whenever possible. Yes, this means as soon as (or shortly after) I get a job, I'm headed to Cham-bana. But maintaining family is just as important, and I owe my brother a trip to Carbondale as well.

Enough for tonight. I have a session for Tuesday to plan.

Addendum

Remember how I said Green is good. Well, I wasn't the only one thinking it. Proving that (as we all think in these apocalyptic times) it's a cold day down there, I encourage you to check this out:

Wal-mart doesn't suck so bad

I have to be honest, though. I'm still sticking with Target for the time-being. Wal-mart's history of destroying watersheds is atrocious. But if more eco-friendly stores start showing up, I'd be willing to reconsider. And if they actually manage to change the world, well... sweet.

You know it, I know it.

So, as some of you know, I've become a little more vigilant in my old age in saving the world.
Well. Now's the time to hop on the bandwagon. Trust me when I say, Green is the new Red, White, and Blue

Enviromentalism is hot.

(you heard it here first... well, you could have read it there)

There are days

So, I've caught myself over the last couple weeks lowering my voice in public when I'm talking about things I hate about El Presidente (and the state of the government in general). Why? I think its for two reasons. 1. I no longer live in the liberal stronghold that is a college town. I do remain fascinated that these places (with a high density of educated people) go liberal. 2. Well, I think the word that best describes it is fanatical, and I fear that someone who hears me and disagrees will proceed to shove their views down my throat.

See, here's how it is. Remember Ann Coulter? I'm sure you do, if you aren't offended by her, then you probably agree with her. Anywho, the main crux of her offensive (get it, the root word there is offense) is that the liberals trump out these people who say "I lost someone in the World Trade Center, so I'm untouchable." How is that any better than the current attack strategy of the far right of "We're at war, and if you're not with us, then you're unpatriotic (or against us)."?

Well, as I'm writing this, I wanted to find a quote I'd heard before. I admit to misattributing it originally. I originally thought it was from Winston Churchill (who said some pretty darn good stuff in his own right). It's really from Benjamin Franklin, one of our founding fathers. I know it's been quoted on the web a lot lately (I can't imagine why), so I'll just add my page to the many quoting him. "Those who give up essential liberties for temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

Now, I'll admit that I found the quote (when I was checking the source) on antiwar.com/quotes.php. I recommend checking that page out. I could care less at the moment about the antiwar.com stance, I didn't dig into the website to discover what they are all about, but the quote page is an excellent refresher on rumination on the subject. It is more interesting to note who said what (for example, Churchill waged a pretty big war, so he's a pretty authoritative figure on the subject).

I'm thinking in the future it might be interesting to put some of these quotes on this website with an analysis of what I think the speaker was saying and how it applies today. Academic, maybe, but I don't have much else to do with this space. And besides, if I'm going to vent, it might as well serve a purpose.

Still Alive!

Okay, so I haven't posted in a while. Been busy. The family (yes, me, the wife, and the cats) has all moved successfully to Des Moines. Kim has an awesome job at the Science Center of Iowa. And we finally have high speed internet (again). So, hopefully I can go back to blogging regularly. Also, in the near future I have some pictures that I'll probably post. Oh yeah, and I finally got my mac. It wasn't quite what I wanted, but it'll work for now.

The Iceman Cometh

As my life turns from academia to the real world, I offer you proof that hell has frozen over. That's right, Microsoft is pitching the other guy's stuff (italics emphasis added). FYI, Wii is the name of the console formerly known as Revolution (Nintendo's next generation console).

Wired News May, 11, 2006

Microsoft sided with rival Nintendo on Wednesday in the fight to unseat video game leader Sony, saying many consumers will choose to buy both of their machines for the price of one PlayStation 3.

Microsoft entered the next-generation game console market first with its Xbox 360 last November. Sony aims to extend its market leadership with its upcoming PS3, while Nintendo plans to offer a new game machine called Wii in the fourth quarter.

"Tell me why you would buy a $600 PS3?" Peter Moore, a Microsoft vice president, said in an interview. "People are going to buy two (machines.) They're going to buy an Xbox and they're going to buy a Wii ... for the price of one PS3."

Moore then turned pitchman for Nintendo's Wii, the latest offering from the Japanese company that once dominated the video game industry. "People will always gravitate toward a competitively priced product -- like what I believe Wii will be -- with innovative new designs and great intellectual property like Mario, Zelda and Metroid," Moore said.

Microsoft predicted on Tuesday it will have 10 million Xbox 360 consoles in the market before Sony launches the PS3. The high-end Xbox 360 sells for $400, but it does not include a built-in, high-definition DVD video player that comes with Sony's PS3. Sony plans to sell a premium PS3 model for $600 when it debuts in North America on November 17, and Nintendo has not yet disclosed pricing for Wii.


So there you go. Have your Xbox and Nintendo too. (Just make sure to stop by the money tree)

Why not telecommute

So, I was poking around the uiowa website, and stumbled across this little gem:

All 10 commencement ceremonies will be broadcast live on UITV as well as streamed live over the Internet at UITV's website. UITV will also replay commencement ceremonies at a later date and provide archive streaming files. The full schedule, plus links, are available at http://www.its.uiowa.edu/tns/uitvschedule/Program_Notes/ongoing/CommencementSpring2006.htm

Also, I discovered the expected number of people at graduation: 1,961. Enjoy!

Worth checking out

So, I'm poking around my favorite news site and discovered a link to this little article. It's worth checking out (if only because the speaker is right about how we should treat each other's beliefs).

Bravest woman in the world?

and in related news:
Because we were all thinking it

Oh yeah, look over to the left. There's a brand new link for your enjoyment. Note that I can add explanatory comments to the pictures, I just haven't had time yet.

Ha! I still live!

Many thanks to all the concerned citizens who called because Iowa City was hit by an F2 tornado. But to allay all of your fears, here's a picture of the apartment taken the morning after the storm (yes, that's the Prius out front).

(I plan to have damage pictures up shortly... watch for a link)










And for those of you wondering how the packing progress is going... well, as you can see Nova is helping.

I know

So, I've been neglecting my blog. I know. I was even going to grab another picture of Nova to toss up here to amuse you all. I apologize for my own laziness. But, it's been crazy times in the Peterson household. One month of school left, one month till we move, um... one month.... um... is 30 days. You get the picture. So just accept that I'm working hard (or at least considering working hard) and that's why I haven't blogged lately.

I live!

So, I haven't updated in over a month. Humorous, considering the post about when a blog should be retired (I'm talking to you, Chris!) Well, I've been crazy busy with my film and classes so I haven't really felt the urge to write anything new. But things are quieting down. Spring break is next week. I still have to find a job after school. But other than that, things are great!

I'll get more funny pictures of Nova to put up when I remember.

Blog = random thoughts

So, on the phone with my man Justin the other night and we were discussing the state of our various blogs. Justin raised a great point, when does it cease being a blog. You know, at what point do you just wipe the slate clean and start a new one. I realize I'm not the best at this, I do try to at least post something weekly (which this semester looks like it will be fridays). But what about the people that are like, "I know I haven't posted in two years. Here's what's new in my life." Is that really practical? What if a newspaper or magazine did that. There should be a law (I'd settle for a gentlemen's (or women) agreement) about expiration dates on blogs. Neglect it for too long and it gets wiped.

On an amusing side note, I borrowed a camera from the school, so I present you with my first ever caption contest... feel free to use my comments section and CAPTION THIS!

Screw this serious crap.

Okay, I know my blog isn't going to change the world anytime soon. (Or is it?)

Regardless, in my quest to bring you amusing links, I present:

The Society of Gaming

For the record, this article refers to video gaming, but if I felt so inclined, I'm sure the concepts could translate to RPGs. And, I strongly recommend it to everyone. It will give you greater understanding of the world.

And to answer everyone's questions in advance, I'm definitely a "devoted" gamer. Some might argue that I'm a hard core (based solely on the "kick the crap out of you in any five games"), but I am humble enough to know that there are better people out there, and since getting married have had to settle to a more casual relationship with my games. It averages out.

What's this a gun? In the dark?

All right, I know most of you don't actually care that Apple is switching to Intel chips. But, since Apple currently delivers the best (and cost-effective) non-linear editing solutions, I've got my ear to the ground on this one. If you weren't aware, they announced on Tuesday that they were updating their venerable iMac line to Intels, as of... now. They also upgraded their laptop selection to the Intel based MacBook Pro, replacing the aging PowerBook.

Here's where things get interesting: As is not terribly surprising, the rumor mill starts buzzing immediately after the keynote where these things were announced. First, there was an expectation that the Mac Mini (see Apple's website if you're unfamiliar with it) would be the first Intel machine, with the intention of becoming your new digital hub in your living room. Didn't happen. Second, and this is what really stoked the rumor fire, there is an anonymous source claiming that Steve didn't announce "really cool" products because of supply issues.

Well, let's assimilate some facts as we analyze this information. Steve said at the aforementioned keynote that Apple will transition its ENTIRE line to Intel in 2006, and that over the coming months we will hear announcements as each product line is transitioned. So, product lines that are to be transitioned include the Mac Mini, iBook (cheap laptop), PowerBook (pro laptop), and the true workhorse PowerMac (linked over there to the left).

The theory, fairly safe theory, holds that the PowerBook line is dead and the MacBook line will take its place. Again, the almighty Steve: "...we're kinda done with 'Power,' and because we want 'Mac' in the name of our products." But does that mean the PowerMac is the next victim of name change? Probably. Also worth noting is the theory on the web that the MacBook will assimilate the iBook as well (MacBook Cheap, anyone?)

So what about these "really, cool" products alluded to earlier. Allow me to posit a theory. Intel is pushing their "Core Duo" chips as laptop chips - they're part of the new Centrino system and effectively replace the Pentium M. What makes me say that? On Intel's website, where clicking on desktop processors leads to the Core Duo, on the right option is to "compare laptop processors." Huh? Didn't I click on desktop processors? So, what does this suggest to me? I'm going to hypothesize that Intel is sitting on another new processor. Now, either its an evolution of the Pentium D (their dual-core desktop processor), or a brand new dual-core processor. Or, in an effort to confuse us all everything is going to be called "Core," and Intel will simply roll out the desktop version.

But in all truth, I think the real announcement won't be processor related. See, a few months ago Apple jumped on board with Blu-ray (a high definition successor for DVD). I think they're holding back because the next generation of (Intel) PowerMacs will have new Blu-ray drives, which are in short supply because production has just started on them.

Remember you heard it here first, and I'm never wrong.

Free your mind

So... we all know that my favorite news website is MSNBC (and by extension Newsweek, since MSNBC runs a lot of their articles). Regardless a thought-provoking article was posted recently about the state of education in this country. (In case you're wondering, the state of education is between georgia and houston, in case you didn't feel like checking a map... or didn't learn how in school). Basically, what I get out of it is that while we are creating free-thinking independent, um, activists. We're neglecting to, I don't know, actually teach them something in the process. Now, I admit to firmly believing that people should be given the tools to think for themselves. But, the US still sucks it up hardcore in the math and science departments. When China comes to kick our economic ass, at least we'll be free-thinking enough about it to know.

As always, read it for yourself and be a free thinker.
Don't you hate people that don't tell you what the actual link address is?


(P.S. Happy 28th to Barbara, in 2009)