Krypton Ice?
Night falls
Ice night
Ripples on a pond
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Charlie Sheen's challenging new role - reality
If multiple network interviews could be combined into a series, Charlie Sheen would have his own reality show. After all, he is the star, the main attraction being his own mental plot, the journey of a singular man who keeps so many guessing, "what will he say or do next?!"
One of the attractions for viewers, readers, and listeners is the passion, the emotion, the intensity that fronts the interior combustion so apparent in Sheen's colorful and often disturbing verbiage. One of those emotions is anger, directed at the show's ("Two and a Half Men") producer, and other network executives, or "trolls", or "maggots" as he happily recalled them. Often times anger is caused by frustration, or from a sense of injustice, hurt, or simply personal demons out of control that are out of sync with the values and behaviours of those around you.
He is obviously not frustrated by salary - at around $1.8 million per show. Hmm, if he is angry at that then perhaps he is crazy. But not likely one would think.
He has been a very successful actor, playing his scripted roles convincingly, especially himself on the 2½. So he has been a winning actor, one of his favorite adjectives. This raises other mysteries, like what exactly is a winner! Is he a winner as a parent, a positive cultural role model, as a level-headed individual?
This new reality show Sheen is inventing and performing in each day could be called "One Man" or "Two and a Half man, Too". The latter can be rationalized by the mixed messages that Sheen's 2½ personalities sends to the public. For instance, he's a winner he repeats, but a crack proponent "if you can handle it." He respects women and says that they should be cradled rather than hit, yet he admitted to physical abusing at least one of his women.
After all the mileage comedians get out of Charlie Sheen's antics and words, there is still in reality a sad situation. Now without a steady hit series, a couple of children, possible withdrawal symptoms from drug and alcohol addictions, he has to deal with real reality, and an expectation to entertain his followers either by acting a scripted role or maintaining an exterior persona of strength, success and being a "quite the character to watch" amid the inner turmoil mere humans would experience after traumatic and negative events in their lives.
As a human being and not an entertainer I hope Sheen can find peace with himself, find enjoyment without addiction to risky substances, and simply survive with his life.
One of the attractions for viewers, readers, and listeners is the passion, the emotion, the intensity that fronts the interior combustion so apparent in Sheen's colorful and often disturbing verbiage. One of those emotions is anger, directed at the show's ("Two and a Half Men") producer, and other network executives, or "trolls", or "maggots" as he happily recalled them. Often times anger is caused by frustration, or from a sense of injustice, hurt, or simply personal demons out of control that are out of sync with the values and behaviours of those around you.
He is obviously not frustrated by salary - at around $1.8 million per show. Hmm, if he is angry at that then perhaps he is crazy. But not likely one would think.
He has been a very successful actor, playing his scripted roles convincingly, especially himself on the 2½. So he has been a winning actor, one of his favorite adjectives. This raises other mysteries, like what exactly is a winner! Is he a winner as a parent, a positive cultural role model, as a level-headed individual?
This new reality show Sheen is inventing and performing in each day could be called "One Man" or "Two and a Half man, Too". The latter can be rationalized by the mixed messages that Sheen's 2½ personalities sends to the public. For instance, he's a winner he repeats, but a crack proponent "if you can handle it." He respects women and says that they should be cradled rather than hit, yet he admitted to physical abusing at least one of his women.
After all the mileage comedians get out of Charlie Sheen's antics and words, there is still in reality a sad situation. Now without a steady hit series, a couple of children, possible withdrawal symptoms from drug and alcohol addictions, he has to deal with real reality, and an expectation to entertain his followers either by acting a scripted role or maintaining an exterior persona of strength, success and being a "quite the character to watch" amid the inner turmoil mere humans would experience after traumatic and negative events in their lives.
As a human being and not an entertainer I hope Sheen can find peace with himself, find enjoyment without addiction to risky substances, and simply survive with his life.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Citi Leaks
This blog is exposing something that has been kept underground, that there are major infrastructure problems with old piping in the capital city. This will be a chronic source of expenditure and labour.
Not sure whether this happened of Water or Main St. but I took plenty of shots, and became dehydrated after leaving the scene.
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Democratic Insomnia
It's hard to know where to begin with the unprecedented bravery of protesters in Arab nations. Since social networking sites, Facebook seems to be the main vehicle, have been so influential in what seemed to be rather spontaneous revolts, it is fitting to say that what started in Tunisia over a month ago, has definitely gone viral. 
For millenniums Egyptians themselves have written history and built monuments that hold us captive when we see, and learn about them. Not only are the creations wonders of the world but a wonder as to why so many were employed/or enslaved for the mesmerizing constructions. Why is there such need for power!
Perhaps factors include tradition, socialization, social structure, ignorance, fear, false hope, a sense of helplessness, or what we presently could call a twisted sense of national success or power. The pyramids and sphinxes were built by tens of 1000s who were employed, and contrary to previous belief, slavery was not the large source of labour. In fact it could be said that many of the 6.4 million of today's Libyans are more slaves to the Ghadafi regime than any ruler previous.
As much as the pyraminds are monuments to what humans could do 1000s of year ago, the protests, bravery, sacrifice and peoples' attempts at freedom will be a great monument of achievement. At the present moment iron-fisted leader Ghadafi is desperately clinging to power at the expense of possibly 1000s of deaths, broken limbs and skulls. It is so far removed from our daily routines here. We have our crimes, but and impatient, rude drivers on the road, but it would be difficult to imagine protesting like a strike for example, and fearing being shot or beaten.
The events that are happening in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Bahrain, Yemen, Algeria, Jordan and other countries, are also part of a monumental shift in tolerance, attitude, courage, knowledge, and seeing what's possible. The people, the captive are again captivating the world and we are transfixed. Instead of the permanent symbolic reminders of Libya's megalomaniac, these images and icons are being deconstructed, stone by stone.
Courageous protesters are providing the drama for the surprising, shocking, historical chapter, which may blast another road to be taken for a democratic evolution.
There are a number of profound, life altering, progressive and revolutionary lessons that will resonate for an eternity for the Arab nations, and any nation that are unlucky enough to have dictators who viciously rule and enslave it's citizens.
For one, it is false to believe that a single charismatic personality needs to take the lead for change. In the case of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya at least, the leader of the peoples' protest is a what, the idea of freedom that is shared by millions of leading characters. This type of reality show is worthwhile.
Another lesson is that the genie is out the the ignorance bottle. In this globally connected world of shared knowledge and ideas, everyone can educate themselves about anything anywhere, and social networks have played a significant role in the viral wave of protests that seem to be rapidly contagious. Simultaneously, a trend that has been seen in many media formats is the doubt about so many ideas and institutions of society. The origins of the universe, who or what created it, is refreshed, but also doubts about truth, honesty from what's in foods, containers, prescriptions drugs, doctor prescribed treatments, banks, oil companies, etc. The trend of asking why or why not about many things we were socialized into can reach any internet reader.
Pertaining to the North Africa revolutions, people who know that democracy and freedom exists elsewhere, say, "Why not here?", or "We want that too!" For over 40 years, almost all Egyptians have known one ruler, and limited freedom, while many lived poorly as the country makes billions as the 4th largest oil producer in the world. 75% of its income comes from oil revenue.
Another lesson is that change is possible, and turning the world you know, upside-down, is possible and life will go on, but with hope for much more freedom and improvement in the long term. Peaceful protests can work, and it can help to shift the allegiance of the all important army to the peoples' side.
This is extremely crucial because without the killing power of the army, the dictator has no one, except imported mercenaries to try and enforce his continued tyranny.
Finally, there is a lesson for those who rule with an iron fist. Never take it for granted that your evil power will last. It's almost funny that two weeks ago, Iran's Mahmoud Ahmedinijad spouted that governments like Libra's should let the people protest in peace, when his inhumane regime violently ended that idea in his own country.
Though there is mounting pressure from the world for Ghadafi to leave or be removed, his public denial of atrocities and sociopathic slaughter of "his people" has prolonged the democratic struggle in Libya. It will make their citizen's plight much more difficult, but other nations can still be hopeful of change in their respective countries. Bahrain, and other monarchical, or single party, or theocratic countries have been put on alert, and their leaders will realize that life as they knew it, can change because of peoples' restless need for democracy.
For millenniums Egyptians themselves have written history and built monuments that hold us captive when we see, and learn about them. Not only are the creations wonders of the world but a wonder as to why so many were employed/or enslaved for the mesmerizing constructions. Why is there such need for power!
Perhaps factors include tradition, socialization, social structure, ignorance, fear, false hope, a sense of helplessness, or what we presently could call a twisted sense of national success or power. The pyramids and sphinxes were built by tens of 1000s who were employed, and contrary to previous belief, slavery was not the large source of labour. In fact it could be said that many of the 6.4 million of today's Libyans are more slaves to the Ghadafi regime than any ruler previous.
As much as the pyraminds are monuments to what humans could do 1000s of year ago, the protests, bravery, sacrifice and peoples' attempts at freedom will be a great monument of achievement. At the present moment iron-fisted leader Ghadafi is desperately clinging to power at the expense of possibly 1000s of deaths, broken limbs and skulls. It is so far removed from our daily routines here. We have our crimes, but and impatient, rude drivers on the road, but it would be difficult to imagine protesting like a strike for example, and fearing being shot or beaten.
The events that are happening in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Bahrain, Yemen, Algeria, Jordan and other countries, are also part of a monumental shift in tolerance, attitude, courage, knowledge, and seeing what's possible. The people, the captive are again captivating the world and we are transfixed. Instead of the permanent symbolic reminders of Libya's megalomaniac, these images and icons are being deconstructed, stone by stone.
Courageous protesters are providing the drama for the surprising, shocking, historical chapter, which may blast another road to be taken for a democratic evolution.
There are a number of profound, life altering, progressive and revolutionary lessons that will resonate for an eternity for the Arab nations, and any nation that are unlucky enough to have dictators who viciously rule and enslave it's citizens.
For one, it is false to believe that a single charismatic personality needs to take the lead for change. In the case of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya at least, the leader of the peoples' protest is a what, the idea of freedom that is shared by millions of leading characters. This type of reality show is worthwhile.
Another lesson is that the genie is out the the ignorance bottle. In this globally connected world of shared knowledge and ideas, everyone can educate themselves about anything anywhere, and social networks have played a significant role in the viral wave of protests that seem to be rapidly contagious. Simultaneously, a trend that has been seen in many media formats is the doubt about so many ideas and institutions of society. The origins of the universe, who or what created it, is refreshed, but also doubts about truth, honesty from what's in foods, containers, prescriptions drugs, doctor prescribed treatments, banks, oil companies, etc. The trend of asking why or why not about many things we were socialized into can reach any internet reader.
Pertaining to the North Africa revolutions, people who know that democracy and freedom exists elsewhere, say, "Why not here?", or "We want that too!" For over 40 years, almost all Egyptians have known one ruler, and limited freedom, while many lived poorly as the country makes billions as the 4th largest oil producer in the world. 75% of its income comes from oil revenue.
Another lesson is that change is possible, and turning the world you know, upside-down, is possible and life will go on, but with hope for much more freedom and improvement in the long term. Peaceful protests can work, and it can help to shift the allegiance of the all important army to the peoples' side.
This is extremely crucial because without the killing power of the army, the dictator has no one, except imported mercenaries to try and enforce his continued tyranny.
Finally, there is a lesson for those who rule with an iron fist. Never take it for granted that your evil power will last. It's almost funny that two weeks ago, Iran's Mahmoud Ahmedinijad spouted that governments like Libra's should let the people protest in peace, when his inhumane regime violently ended that idea in his own country.
Though there is mounting pressure from the world for Ghadafi to leave or be removed, his public denial of atrocities and sociopathic slaughter of "his people" has prolonged the democratic struggle in Libya. It will make their citizen's plight much more difficult, but other nations can still be hopeful of change in their respective countries. Bahrain, and other monarchical, or single party, or theocratic countries have been put on alert, and their leaders will realize that life as they knew it, can change because of peoples' restless need for democracy.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Winter Seens III
Ahh, the freedom to do whatever you want. I think I'll do more of this. Winter seems harsh but not having freedom and democracy is harsher. More on this topic in the next blog posting. For now, just a few more captures of winter at Canada's most eastern 47th parallel.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Winter Seens II
So we certainly are getting doused with winter reality after our Dec. and Jan. free ride. Below are some captures of this reality.
Castaways
A winter's evening
Cool dip
Waiting for spring
Castaways
A winter's evening
Cool dip
Waiting for springWednesday, January 26, 2011
Thanks to a medical hero, Dr. Ernest McCulloch
This Toronto co-discoverer of stem cells is not a household name like Dr. Jonas Salk was after 1955, when he introduced the polio vaccine. 50 years ago, McCulloch and research partner Dr. Jim Till, inadvertently discovered that stem cells exists. Their discovery has since led to treatments and cures for blood cancers like leukemia. In 1960, during the Cold War, they were asked to examine the effects nuclear radiation had on how bone marrow tissue made new blood cells. The non-radiated bone marrow had caused tiny lumps to grow in one group of mice, and it was attributed to the stem cells. Hence, a revolutionary new cancer treatment was conceived.
McCulloch wanted to cure leukemia, and his discovery has indeed led to many being cured from it, including this blogger. However, there is much more work to be done to improve survival rates, and reduction in graft versus host disease (gvhd), i.e., the acute and chronic side effect problems, that can be harsh. Stem cell or bone marrow transplants can save lives, allow some to lead normal lives, and cure cancer. However, transplants do not always work, because for one thing, the donor/patient match may not be compatible enough. At other times, they do work but do cause gvhd, which can be life changing.
My gratitude was given to my amazing donor, but now posthumously to Dr. McCulloch who passed away last week at the age of 85. McCulloch and Till's award winning and diligent research has given hope to many who face blood cancers.
You too can give hope and save a life, not just through being a blood donor, but being a stem cell donor. A blood test is taken and the specific (HLA) characteristics and matching criteria are recorded in a registry bank. There could well be a person who needs your exact blood match.
If interested please see the contact information below. You can find out more at the OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network, Canada
Canadian Blood Services
1800 Alta Vista Drive
K1G 4J5 Ottawa, Ontario
Canada TEL: +1-613-739-2435
FAX: +1-613-739-2275
Email: cbs.onematch@blood.ca
Website:
“They rigorously proved over the course of three or four years that the single cell that gave rise to the spleen colony bumps could self renew and could give rise to all the different types of mature blood cells,” (source: The healthzone.ca) ... "Their work in the 1960s also paved the way for bone marrow transplantation for cancer patients."
McCulloch wanted to cure leukemia, and his discovery has indeed led to many being cured from it, including this blogger. However, there is much more work to be done to improve survival rates, and reduction in graft versus host disease (gvhd), i.e., the acute and chronic side effect problems, that can be harsh. Stem cell or bone marrow transplants can save lives, allow some to lead normal lives, and cure cancer. However, transplants do not always work, because for one thing, the donor/patient match may not be compatible enough. At other times, they do work but do cause gvhd, which can be life changing.
My gratitude was given to my amazing donor, but now posthumously to Dr. McCulloch who passed away last week at the age of 85. McCulloch and Till's award winning and diligent research has given hope to many who face blood cancers.
You too can give hope and save a life, not just through being a blood donor, but being a stem cell donor. A blood test is taken and the specific (HLA) characteristics and matching criteria are recorded in a registry bank. There could well be a person who needs your exact blood match.
If interested please see the contact information below. You can find out more at the OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network, Canada
Canadian Blood Services
1800 Alta Vista Drive
K1G 4J5 Ottawa, Ontario
Canada TEL: +1-613-739-2435
FAX: +1-613-739-2275
Email: cbs.onematch@blood.ca
Website:
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Winter Seens
We're doing very well here on Canada's far East in terms of winter. In the capital city, just one major snowfall so far. Thus far, it seems we are immune to the havoc that winter is causing elsewhere in North America. Hmm, but then again, it is only Jan. 20, and there's a long way to go. There are obvious benefits to our mild winter, from safer driving conditions, to more outside walking, or golfing, opportunities, to the city's reduction in sodium, i.e., less salt use on roads, which means more savings for this old and largest outport. So before going outside for a Jan. walk around the lake, will post a few winter shots taken recently. As they say in Spanish Room on the Burin Peninsula, adios for now.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Birth of "this" universe
On ground Hubble Jr. was able to capture early clusters of exploding unstable stars, normally called red giants. Hubble was able to zoom to a young universe at just 4.5 million years old, when cosmic wind forces from the initial big bang created instability among emerging star formations. What we see are the remnants, the shattered dreams of potential shining stars, which still showed us the stuff they are made of. Yet despite their brevity, they left an impression from just an instance of life, that rekindles an appreciation for the value of short lives, to contribute to life's dreams, potential, beauty of life and nature.(right: a hunter cluster seeking to amalgamate with a stable source of rich star matter)
(the aptly named "Christmas nebula" in it's glory during the season of lights)
(the "feeler" galaxy, sending out it's scouts for other strays in the still scurrying new universe)
(the feather nebula)
(the candy-striper former child star)
(the stealthy octo-nova about to prey on a restful blue ghost)
Who knows what we have yet to discover about the universe and ourselves - the sky's the limit.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Crown corporation Nalcor
The development of Muskrat Falls, the smaller of the Lower Churchill falls hydro development vision, has been raising hopes among people of NL, and particularly Nova Scotia as well. A Terms paper was signed on Nov. 18 between Premiers Williams, and Dexter of NS. Since then, there's been mixed reactions to the project proposals feasibility - how it will get financed, and how much of a power rate increase people in NL will be burdened. Now, an international analyst, Toby Couture, with E3 Analytics in London, England,condemns the project saying that the markets are not there in New England.
The investment case for selling that power to New England is actually not looking very good, partly because they have more than enough natural gas — cheap natural gas — to meet their own electricity needs for the next decade, at least,"
He adds that it is also difficult to raise the $6.2 billion to build this.
On the other hand, Nalcor's CEO, Ed Martin, is saying a much more rosy vision.
We are paying only a very small amount to flow over the lines of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, meaning that were getting to that market at a very, very low cost.
Hmm, so who to believe. We want projects to make environment, economic and practical sense, but we have to be realistic. First Nations peoples have their own issues about this development, and other outstanding concerns, and have yet to give theire blessing. There is much more to learn about this project proposal, and it is far from a done deal.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Good Luck Danny Williams!
Wow! What a magnificent farewell speech by Danny Williams! That was pure passion! Interesting, engaging and powerful.
In the last hour, Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced his resignation. As a news item, this is a shock to many people, and he will definitely be missed.
He's been Premier of Newfoundland & Labrador since 2003, and with his words, and especially emotion, has staunchly defended the province and it's resources. Williams governed at a time when NL prospered from oil and mineral resource income, and became a "have" province. His strong stance as a promoter of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, as a fighter of provincial rights, has consistently endeared him to roughly 80% of voters. Unlike his predecessors, he has also had a consistent online opposition, who magnify his unfinished business as Premier.
Politics is a rough line of work. It has great financial rewards, hmm, I guess.. one can take that in different ways... and/or it offers personal rewards of accomplishment. Certainly, it is difficult on a human level to be in the public eye daily for many years, and to be scrutinized under the microscope constantly, and while most applaud, the soundings of fewer cut deep. Williams is certainly emotional about the state, history and future of Newfoundland & Labrador, and it always showed. However, the energy expended with the thrust of emotion can take its toll on personal health and happiness, and when it becomes an unrewarding or uncertain investment, then it becomes a prison.
The doctors' salary dispute alone is very stressful, and would ironically cause a premier to seek a doctor's help. Is is not a surprise to hear of Williams' resignation. It's a very stressful job, and despite popular support, the pressure and criticism that accompanies it, is a major challenge to face in life. My advice is to take a rest Mr. Williams, protect your health, and enjoy the rest of your life. You have certainly contributed much of your energy and emotion to the goal of improving the province and its future, now it's time for someone else to bear the responsibilities of the huge challenges. Congratulations Danny on your success and your representation of the province.
Best wishes Premier Williams.
In the last hour, Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced his resignation. As a news item, this is a shock to many people, and he will definitely be missed.
He's been Premier of Newfoundland & Labrador since 2003, and with his words, and especially emotion, has staunchly defended the province and it's resources. Williams governed at a time when NL prospered from oil and mineral resource income, and became a "have" province. His strong stance as a promoter of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, as a fighter of provincial rights, has consistently endeared him to roughly 80% of voters. Unlike his predecessors, he has also had a consistent online opposition, who magnify his unfinished business as Premier.
Politics is a rough line of work. It has great financial rewards, hmm, I guess.. one can take that in different ways... and/or it offers personal rewards of accomplishment. Certainly, it is difficult on a human level to be in the public eye daily for many years, and to be scrutinized under the microscope constantly, and while most applaud, the soundings of fewer cut deep. Williams is certainly emotional about the state, history and future of Newfoundland & Labrador, and it always showed. However, the energy expended with the thrust of emotion can take its toll on personal health and happiness, and when it becomes an unrewarding or uncertain investment, then it becomes a prison.
The doctors' salary dispute alone is very stressful, and would ironically cause a premier to seek a doctor's help. Is is not a surprise to hear of Williams' resignation. It's a very stressful job, and despite popular support, the pressure and criticism that accompanies it, is a major challenge to face in life. My advice is to take a rest Mr. Williams, protect your health, and enjoy the rest of your life. You have certainly contributed much of your energy and emotion to the goal of improving the province and its future, now it's time for someone else to bear the responsibilities of the huge challenges. Congratulations Danny on your success and your representation of the province.
Best wishes Premier Williams.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Thursday, November 04, 2010
The predictable technical future and reactions to it
Well into the information and gadgetry age, tens of millions in the world are regularly Google-y eyed at the amazing, surprising, magical, and "brilliant" new, never before seen marvels of progressive real programming wizardry. If I were a marketing rep for a company I would love to learn the trends of how and what makes people buy things, get excited about them, and be tempted to figure out the formula and keep it going consistently. No doubt analysts have been figuring this out, and are sticking with the formulas that work. Let's take camera software for example. There's an abundance of programs now that enhance your photos, even to make them "artistic" looking. However, there are graphical nuances that are hard to perfect, or at least that is, until a new version of some software program arrives at the stores, then that particular quirk is fixed.
Stretching out the ultimate technical secrets to appear as new and revolutionary is part of a formula that keeps people looking to the next evolutionary phase of advancement to tweak an artistic output. It seems some programs can do much, to for example, convert a single photo shot into an enhanced, alive, epiphanous capture. However, it seems that not every program can do everything, so other programs are called in to fill the artistic voids, and even these have their limitations. There are so many elements to photo editing that one may be awaiting the latest to fix the current imperfection, and the others, and so it goes.
Our need to achieve "perfection" is both a compelling force that drives us to fill the voids repressing perfection, and part of a selling formula that is released ever so gingerly and timely to maximize corporate profits... Well, don't be too surprised at how well a software company has fixed a photo contrast or ghosting issue.. it may have been figured out many months ago, and simply held back in the last release version, because that would hinder the selling of the "new and improved" version.
Ahh, what a tried and tested phrase.. new and improved.. that formula has been gold. Who doesn't want new and improved! In the meantime, just be creative yourself... there is no one but you, and your thought processes and interpretations... and that is what is really unique, and potentially new.. Software graphical enhancements are technical, mathematical tweaks that are somewhere in the ballpark to make an image look interesting, and are part of a marketing timing to maximize company profits, based on what many consumers await to be their creative output... just a thought on current marketing.
Stretching out the ultimate technical secrets to appear as new and revolutionary is part of a formula that keeps people looking to the next evolutionary phase of advancement to tweak an artistic output. It seems some programs can do much, to for example, convert a single photo shot into an enhanced, alive, epiphanous capture. However, it seems that not every program can do everything, so other programs are called in to fill the artistic voids, and even these have their limitations. There are so many elements to photo editing that one may be awaiting the latest to fix the current imperfection, and the others, and so it goes.
Our need to achieve "perfection" is both a compelling force that drives us to fill the voids repressing perfection, and part of a selling formula that is released ever so gingerly and timely to maximize corporate profits... Well, don't be too surprised at how well a software company has fixed a photo contrast or ghosting issue.. it may have been figured out many months ago, and simply held back in the last release version, because that would hinder the selling of the "new and improved" version.
Ahh, what a tried and tested phrase.. new and improved.. that formula has been gold. Who doesn't want new and improved! In the meantime, just be creative yourself... there is no one but you, and your thought processes and interpretations... and that is what is really unique, and potentially new.. Software graphical enhancements are technical, mathematical tweaks that are somewhere in the ballpark to make an image look interesting, and are part of a marketing timing to maximize company profits, based on what many consumers await to be their creative output... just a thought on current marketing.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Are popular burgers "Happy Meals"? Fat chance!!
It's almost an insulting and cruel joke to name greasy fries, sugar-rich drinks, and high fat & sodium/white flour burgers as a happy meal, but it makes McDonald's happy anyway. Don't mean to beat up on poor ol' Mac coz they are not in the health field, and are giving the public what the public continues to want. It's up to us as individuals to make healthy choices and eat well. But all fast food consumers would benefit from more knowledge of what they are eating.
Obviously there are 1000s of junk food diners and the sky's the limit on invented menu offerings. However, the more we question what's in the product, the more informed we are. Note: am not using the word "food" here, as it's hard to imagine that a lot of this stuff qualifies for that label. Case in point: MacDonald's Happy Meal. This headline was attention-getting last week: "McDonald's Happy Meal resists mold for six months!"
Now I am not an nutrition expert, but doesn't real food get moldy, shrivel, and rot? Even plastics exposed changes its colors. But take a look at this photo comparison of a happy meal on day 1 and at 6 months, left on a shelf. There is hardly any difference. McDonald's Happy Meal resists decomposition for six months
So this is only one meal from one place, and just what the blazes is in that? Can it be of any benefit to your body? Perhaps if you are sodium, sugar, or fat deprived, then yes.
It's recommended that adults get no more than 1500 mg of sodium a day. If you really are not getting enough salt in your diet, then try this salt blast - the infamous
Double Down burger from KFC, with its 1740 mg of sodium, 540 calories, and 30 grams of fat. I bet that will never ever rot.
Even if there were any living organisms in it, they probably all perished from cardiac problems. This double-trouble burger is pretty much the same as many other fast food offering in terms of fat and calories, but the sodium level makes your heart stop a while.
Too bad that products like this are so popular, and ultimately create unhappy experiences at the hospital. But it does not have to be, it's a free choice world, and it's a matter of which ones we make.
Obviously there are 1000s of junk food diners and the sky's the limit on invented menu offerings. However, the more we question what's in the product, the more informed we are. Note: am not using the word "food" here, as it's hard to imagine that a lot of this stuff qualifies for that label. Case in point: MacDonald's Happy Meal. This headline was attention-getting last week: "McDonald's Happy Meal resists mold for six months!"
Now I am not an nutrition expert, but doesn't real food get moldy, shrivel, and rot? Even plastics exposed changes its colors. But take a look at this photo comparison of a happy meal on day 1 and at 6 months, left on a shelf. There is hardly any difference. McDonald's Happy Meal resists decomposition for six months
So this is only one meal from one place, and just what the blazes is in that? Can it be of any benefit to your body? Perhaps if you are sodium, sugar, or fat deprived, then yes.
It's recommended that adults get no more than 1500 mg of sodium a day. If you really are not getting enough salt in your diet, then try this salt blast - the infamous
Double Down burger from KFC, with its 1740 mg of sodium, 540 calories, and 30 grams of fat. I bet that will never ever rot.
Even if there were any living organisms in it, they probably all perished from cardiac problems. This double-trouble burger is pretty much the same as many other fast food offering in terms of fat and calories, but the sodium level makes your heart stop a while.
Too bad that products like this are so popular, and ultimately create unhappy experiences at the hospital. But it does not have to be, it's a free choice world, and it's a matter of which ones we make.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Rescued miners get a Chile reception
So not all news stories are doom and gloom. Out of the depths of the heart of darkness are 33 alive miners from a collapsed cavern 2000 feet below the sod. Looking like a NASA mini spacecraft, a narrow capsule/cage was lowered to the potential final grave site, and right now, is still in the process of bringing up more thankful survivors. 
The 28 inch wide rescue hole itself must have created a hyper-claustrophobic experience as there was no room for arm movement, just totally at the mercy of technology and rock stability.
Since August when it became known, after 17 days of hopelessness, there was a clanging sound from below, the world has watched the "real" movie, episode by episode. The future movies outcome is now being watched and written. Of course, the atmosphere at the rescue site is jubilant, and there are positive comments, thankfulness, and good feelings all around.
While it is highlighting human potential as thoughtful, loving, driven to help, being creative with an engineering challenge, and multi-partner cooperation, it will again, sadly, and later, highlight the working conditions that miners face.
There is constantly a high risk, it's dirty, an inherent prison cell, and physically demanding. These guys are exceptionally lucky to survive a mine collapse. 1000s simply are never rescued, and it's a another reminder for mining companies to build in more safety, and escape options for the workers who risk their lives to makes the companies grow.
For now, people around the world should feel more hopeful about the good will in humans, and the successful efforts that coming together can produce. In addition, not like we need another reminder, but it just makes it more pronounced, how simply being alive, is a prize in itself. As the main characters in the future books, interviews, movie(s), and endorsements they will be in demand for some time, after their re-entry to normal life. From being in a deep dark pit, their futures really never looked brighter.
The 28 inch wide rescue hole itself must have created a hyper-claustrophobic experience as there was no room for arm movement, just totally at the mercy of technology and rock stability.Since August when it became known, after 17 days of hopelessness, there was a clanging sound from below, the world has watched the "real" movie, episode by episode. The future movies outcome is now being watched and written. Of course, the atmosphere at the rescue site is jubilant, and there are positive comments, thankfulness, and good feelings all around.
While it is highlighting human potential as thoughtful, loving, driven to help, being creative with an engineering challenge, and multi-partner cooperation, it will again, sadly, and later, highlight the working conditions that miners face.There is constantly a high risk, it's dirty, an inherent prison cell, and physically demanding. These guys are exceptionally lucky to survive a mine collapse. 1000s simply are never rescued, and it's a another reminder for mining companies to build in more safety, and escape options for the workers who risk their lives to makes the companies grow.
For now, people around the world should feel more hopeful about the good will in humans, and the successful efforts that coming together can produce. In addition, not like we need another reminder, but it just makes it more pronounced, how simply being alive, is a prize in itself. As the main characters in the future books, interviews, movie(s), and endorsements they will be in demand for some time, after their re-entry to normal life. From being in a deep dark pit, their futures really never looked brighter.
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Happy 70th John Lennon
How many of us know exactly where we were, and what we were doing when we "heard the news today, (sigh) oh boy," about a musical man who made the grade. To say the least, the news was rather sad. It was incomprehensible! The dream was over, no more Lennon, and no more Lennon-McCartney, which was more likely to happen in future years, than in the '70s.
In 1980, Lennon was following up on songs he had been working at from at least 1979, and went to Bermuda to record the album Double Fantasy. He had really liked McCartney's song, "Coming Up", and commented that "I just can't get it out of my head." later in Dec. the world would hear Lennon and Ono's new collection and their double offering of some beautiful new music.
Today, John Lennon would have turned 70, and we can only imagine what could have been in the last 30 years. Thankfully, he left a musical legacy, creative brilliance, a voice that could send a shiver up your spine, catchy classic melodies, originality, memorable riffs, thoughtful, haunting, poetic, and sometimes just perplexing words, but always inventiveness and with feeling.
At the height of Beatlemania, the group could hardly hear themselves play and sing, over the cacophony of teenage screams. This is one fine recording where Lennon's amazing vocal stretch was so strong, and emotive, and it seemed to make the girls just scream more. Still, he comes through loud and clear. This is a version of Dizzy Miss Lizzy recorded at the Hollywood Bowl in either 1964 or '65. The group was energetic, tight and driven to play well and entertain. It's a great example of Lennon's distinctive and astounding voice. Harrison's lead riff playing just ignites the frenzy, and the bass and drums are in perfect sync. The pace is frenetic and this audio cleanly captures what all the excitement was about.
In 1980, Lennon was following up on songs he had been working at from at least 1979, and went to Bermuda to record the album Double Fantasy. He had really liked McCartney's song, "Coming Up", and commented that "I just can't get it out of my head." later in Dec. the world would hear Lennon and Ono's new collection and their double offering of some beautiful new music.
Today, John Lennon would have turned 70, and we can only imagine what could have been in the last 30 years. Thankfully, he left a musical legacy, creative brilliance, a voice that could send a shiver up your spine, catchy classic melodies, originality, memorable riffs, thoughtful, haunting, poetic, and sometimes just perplexing words, but always inventiveness and with feeling.
At the height of Beatlemania, the group could hardly hear themselves play and sing, over the cacophony of teenage screams. This is one fine recording where Lennon's amazing vocal stretch was so strong, and emotive, and it seemed to make the girls just scream more. Still, he comes through loud and clear. This is a version of Dizzy Miss Lizzy recorded at the Hollywood Bowl in either 1964 or '65. The group was energetic, tight and driven to play well and entertain. It's a great example of Lennon's distinctive and astounding voice. Harrison's lead riff playing just ignites the frenzy, and the bass and drums are in perfect sync. The pace is frenetic and this audio cleanly captures what all the excitement was about.
Monday, October 04, 2010
St. John's 2010 Run for the Cure
The 2010 annual Run for the Cure has raised a record $414,500, as of Oct. 3. There were 1000's participating yesterday, and with the help of sun and blue skies, the crowd were a very enthusiastic group of breast cancer survivors, relatives, friends and supporters. Across the country an estimated 170,000 people walked, jogged, strolled to raise about $33 million.
Below are some scenes from yesterday's 2010 Run for the Cure.
Kathy Dunderdale, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, sounded the starting horn for the crowd.
Below are some scenes from yesterday's 2010 Run for the Cure.
Kathy Dunderdale, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, sounded the starting horn for the crowd.
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