// May 30th, 2009 // No Comments » // Entertainment, Thoughts
I just posted one of my short stories for your enjoyment. It’s titled “Unidentified” (Click to read).
It’s a fairly quick read, but I think you’ll enjoy it.
Also, a new pages category has been added on the top menu titled “Short Stories”. I have several that I’ve written over the years that I’m revising and posting for readers to digest.
Thanks! Any feedback is welcome.
// May 30th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Entertainment, Thoughts
I like to cook and bake. Yes, they’re exclusively different. They are both a process in which the results are often delicious. Cooking is more of an art. A dash of pepper, a little more chipotle. Baking is more of a science. 350 degrees for 35 minutes or the chicken is dry/still pink.
That said, I wanted to share one of the best tasting recipes for a dessert I’ve ever enjoyed or made (not sure of its origin, I’m not claiming its development). It’s simple, and kills at gatherings. All of you out there who have had it know exactly what I’m talking about. Here goes.
First, the ENTIRE ingredient list. This is what you need for the whole process. After this list I will provide directions…
(finishing touches)
Okay, here are the directions.
(Preheat oven to 350 at this point)
8 oz. cream cheese
½ cup sugar
3 T. reserved syrup from peaches
You can cut into it after it’s done in the oven, but it won’t stay together very well. I stick it in the fridge for an hour or two and it cuts nicely. Tastes great either way.
Mmm... Pie... *Homer drool*
Science never tasted so good.
// May 29th, 2009 // 3 Comments » // Thoughts
Waterboarding. Image from Wikipedia.
Yep, an insensitive title for a controversial topic.
Right now, if you pay attention to the news, there is a raging debate about the moral and lawful validity of using certain methods of torture on individuals for the purpose of gleaning information. Namely, Waterboarding. Waterboarding is a method of torture where water is poured over the face when the body is secured to a surface. The face is usually partially covered. This causes a gag reflex and the body to kick into an “I’m drowning” mode.
I’d like to explore “pain and suffering” before we touch on Waterboarding specifically. Lets look at a few facts.
What is torture, Mr. Constitution? Don’t fall asleep while you read this…
Section 2340A, 18 USC defines torture as an “act committed by a person acting under the color of law specifically intended to inflict severe physical or mental pain or suffering (other than pain or suffering incidental to lawful sanctions) upon another person within his custody or physical control.”
The interesting point is that the Constitution is applicable to U.S. nationals and only within our borders.
How does one quantify severe physical or mental pain or suffering? When I think about my personal experiences in Martial Arts, the reaction to physical pain appears to be subjective. Exaggeratedly, you can bend some people in half without so much as a yelp, where as others start crying as soon as they see the ceiling. Are they processing pain, electrical synapses, differently? In general, I don’t believe so. They’re perceiving the signals that something is wrong (the primary purpose of pain. It’s our red flashing light), and reacting according to their personalities (or training, as it were).
Lets look at a few popular known methods of inflicting pain.
The Medieval Rack. We’re all familiar with its grisly reputation. Now, this device inflicts real physical damage. Measurable. Will you scream? Likely… but that depends.
The Iron Maiden. Anyone have a mop?
Drawing and Quartering. I had a conversation with someone not too long ago about which joint in the leg would dislocate first. I’m thinking the knees before the hips, I’ll have to look this one up.
These devices are going to trigger all sorts of signals in the brain. Whether you’ll show it or not is based on your reactive threshold.
Severity of mental pain and suffering is even more subjective. Men and women are trained in the armed forces every year to resist and even ignore the effects of prolonged exposure to different stimuli. The SERE Program is a great example of this. The fact that mental pain and suffering damages paid are determined by a Judge in the U.S. legal system is another example of how immeasurable it can be.
So we have Waterboarding. Torture? Going by the Constitutional definition of torture and if pain is subjectively experienced, it could absolutely be considered torture.
In using this method to interrogate terrorists, is it “morally reprehensible?” Again, subjective. Are your morals defined by your society, your religion or within your own mind? Personally, my answer is if it’s used for a prolonged period of time, perhaps. (How long? See document exerpt below, sounds about right).
Maybe it’s necessary. I think that something is.
So, the debate will rage on. My opinion stands that this is absolutely an acceptable method of interrogation as it is currently applied, as long as we follow the rules we set for ourselves (again, see the memo to the CIA below). Look at the three other options for interrogation listed above! I say this while remembering but setting aside the “who” and the massive scale that the people being interrogated planned on inflicting terror upon the free world. (Which warrants a special type of treatment too ^_^)
Below is the an interseting exerpt from a document drafted as a response to a CIA request. The request was, in a nutshell, to have the amendment above outlined, defining what qualifies as severe physical or mental pain.
From a memo, Jay Bybee. (Link fixed now) Don’t slam me too hard for referencing this one =p I know it got a lot of criticism.
“…Finally, you would like to use a technique called the “water-board.” In this procedure, the
individual is bound securely loan inclined bench, Which is approXimately four feet by seven feet.
The individual’s feet are generally elevated. A cloth is placed over the forehead and eyes. Water
is then applied to the cloth in a controlled manner. As this is done, the cloth is lowered until it
covers both the nose and mouth. Once the cloth is saturated and completely covers tbe mouth
and nose, air now is slightly restricted for 20 to 40 seconds due to the presence of the cloth. This
causes an increase in carbon dioxide level in the individual’s blood. This increase in the carbon
dioxide level stimulates increased effort to breathe. This effort plus the cloth produces the
perception of”suffocation and incipient panic,” i.e.,the perception of drowning. the individual
does not breathe any water into his lungs. During those 20 to 40 seconds, water is continuously
applied from a height of twelve to twenty-four inches. After this period, the cloth is lifted, and
the individual is allowed to breathe unimpeded for three or four full breaths. The sensation of
drowning is immediately relieved by the removal of the cloth. The procedure may then be
repeated. The water is usually applied from a canteen cup or small watering can with a spout.
You have orally informed us that this procedure triggers an automatic physiological sensation of
drowning that the individual cannot control even though he may be aware that he is in fact not
drowning. You have also orally informed. us that it is likely that this procedure would not last
more than 20 minutes in any one application.
We also understand that a medical expert with SERE experience will be present
throughout this phase and that the procedures will be stopped if deemed medically necessary to
prevent severe mental or physical harm to Zubaydah. As mentioned above, Zubdayah suffered
an injury during his capture. You have informed us that steps will be taken to ensure that this
injury is not in any way exacerbated by the use of these methOds and that adequate medical
attention will be given to ensure that it will heal properly.”
The last few sentences show me that we have arguably more conscience in hand than perhaps these people deserve.
// May 28th, 2009 // 5 Comments » // Thoughts
Save some money huh? Maybe sometimes (very infrequently) it’s not quite worth it.
As for us, new house, new area? Well, I learned real quick where to not shop for groceries as far as price is concerned. I’ll give you a hint, their name rhymes with “he-sirs”. For those of you who know what I am talking about, yep… You feel the pain.
Don’t get me wrong, the ambiance and layout is immaculate. People around to help, well faced shelves, great produce and fresh meat. Is it worth the extra 25% in price? Let analyze generic vs. name brand, just to name a few.
1) Milk. Okay, name brand 1% (Wife dieting) vs. generic 1% milk fat. Little to no difference in taste. Maybe a bit of bitterness by itself, but in your cereal, nah.
2) Eggtastic. Generic Eggs only taste different, to me, when cooked certain ways. If cooked, for instance, over medium – they’re just great!
3) Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bars. I got the generic version of these. Really, they don’t hold a candle to the name brand. They’re mostly cereal and leastly apple filling, leaving us with a dry mouth full of oats.
4) Generic Sodas. Dr. Lightning (Or a derivative thereof) versus Dr. Salt (Or a derivative thereof) – Generic sodas just don’t fill the hole your soul craves for caffeine soaked goodness. They taste funny too, imho =)
5) Spaghetti Sauce. Num num, spaghetti. Without the nice sharp tang that some of the name brand sauces provide, you’re left with a bland overtone of tomato and basil. Ew.
Here’s one for the record books…
Diet shakes! Go for the generic brand! They actually taste better than the name brand we tried, suprisingly. It’ll also save you a buck or two, especially of the chocolate variety.
Share your ideas, maybe you have a few that work one way, or the other.
// May 26th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // Thoughts
My body is still a bit sore from nearly ten straight hours of moving this past Saturday. The next day, my lovely wife managed to unpack almost every box we transplanted.
So, I’ll share a few tidbits that helped us out.
1) The more the merrier. We had a total of 8 people helping us (other than the two of us, 10 total) throughout the day. Before Saturday, I thought this might just be too many. We moved from a 1 bedroom apartment to a 3 bedroom house. We finished the entire initial move in 4.5 hours. I fed the gang, and they were on their way.
2) Help stave off the next day soreness. I had water and chips as a snack for the guys. This was all fine and dandy, but the next day when I was horse-rider sore all over, I did a little research. The next time I’ll supply bananas and gatorade. The Potassium helps with soreness and the Gatorade will provide a bit more energy
3) A truck or trailer is worth the hunt. Even if you have to shell out the $85 for a U-Haul, save the cash and do it. We were lucky enough to know someone with a covered trailer. The whole pickup-truck only thing is great for a washer and dryer, but not an entire dwelling.
4) The sun is your friend. If you stay hydrated, motivated and fed the sun will be a boon instead of a bane. It started to rain on the last part of our move. I much preferred the sweat.
5) Pale man. In reference to number 4… Wear sunscreen if your skin is like mine, as pale as a blank page in MS Word.
6) Your friends and neighbors. Talk to the people living around where you’re moving. Let them know. One of our neighbors didn’t mind our moving buddies parking in front of his house.
7) Break my back, please. Furniture dollys are your friend. We had one to span the distance between my apartment (on the back of the building) and the moving trailer. This saved us from a lot of frustration.
And last but certainly not least…
Measure. Before you get the couch to the house only to realize that it BARELY fits through the door.
Hopefully these tips help anyone who might be planning a move soon. Feel free to add any ideas and thanks to all that helped!
// May 24th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Uncategorized
There’s nothing quite like moving.
There’s nothing quite like being comment-spammed while not present to fix issues accordingly. If anyone visited in the past 3 days, I apologize for the crap appearing in the comments section.
That aside, I have corrected the comment spam filtering and I am going to post tomorrow with several items i contemplated during the past several days. Thank you, all of the devout readers.
We’re done moving and my Internet service is back in action, you’ll hear from me soon. Hopefully with less crap spam in the comments.
Peace.
// May 22nd, 2009 // 4 Comments » // Uncategorized
I don’t have a commentary on this one, but I just had to post it. Click the image. The U.S. rocks.
Pink Boxers... Stylin.
// May 22nd, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Uncategorized
For a few days, I won’t be able to post new entries. The misses and I are moving across town. I’m excited and franticly trying to get everything in order at the same time, so my weekend is pretty crammed. I’ll shoot out a message when we’re settled (probably Memorial Day). For the time, browse the other posts I have up on the site, and start up a few dialogues. Wish me luck and have a great weekend!
// May 21st, 2009 // 2 Comments » // Thoughts
Again, a dissertation. There’s a cookie for you at the end!
So, the CEO of Google says to get off your bum and pay attention to the world.
He’s not my daddy.
However, he did convey the message a bit more eloquently and he does have a point. “…Discover the humanity…” around us. What exactly does he mean? Selflessness? Altruism? Compassion? Great qualities, but difficult to exemplify in day to day life for, well, almost everyone, especially when taken in context from his quote, referring to the “hard times”. (No offense Eric, I see the company stock has been declining in value but something tells me you’re okay. Thanks for the advice though.)
Bare with me through this, there’s a point…
Lets face it, we’re selfish. Maybe not wholly, but at the very least, often. The activities in our day to day lives contribute to our comfort, status, and professional or personal gain. From the CEO of Company, Inc. to the janitor at the elementary school. The majority of people work to make a living, not to better mankind.
Family, you say? Well, wouldn’t you agree that when “Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”? So, keeping our spouse, children and friends happy, we stay happy.
So what does Eric Schmidt’s message mean?
I believe he is challenging the class to take a break from being selfish.
Pay it forward, Plan a dinner party for friends or family you know are hurting during these *shudder* hard times (I hate saying that, it’s so cliche). Hold a door open, say hello to people who pass you in the hallway. Forget that you have your little world stewing in your head and give a little fist bump to someone (guys dig it).
I have a little social experiment going on at work. I say “hi” or “good day” to anyone who makes eye contact. The percentage of return greetings is alarmingly low.
Good luck, it’s not easy to keep up.
As a side note, he mentioned that rice krispies, twinkies and beer cans were a product of the great depression. This got me curious and I looked up some other products out of that era. Check this out. Electric dry razor, car radio, chocolate chip cookies!
Cookie!
// May 20th, 2009 // 4 Comments » // Finance, Thoughts
First, a bit of dissertation. Later, an important bit of advice about YOUR MONEY that you should take to heart…
Well, the Senate passed the Credit Card Reform Bill. This means we’re not far from the days of no surprise interest rate hikes, over limit fees without our approval and droves of “You’ve been pre-approved!” in the mail.
I hate those… Here’s why;
I’m one of those guys who went through a company to consolidate my CC debt, having them negotiate with the banks to get a settled, lower price. My credit is effectively trashed right now. However, I still get those blasted pre-approved ads in the mail. Their credibility is on par with a bald man selling me hair growth rejuvenating cream. Sure, it’s his chosen lifestyle. I’m still not buying the damn cream.
I wonder if this is going to affect me in any way. As for that, I wonder how the banks are going to adapt. I can certainly recollect co-workers and friends who spoke of their unexpected rate hikes and the ever so lovely “You’ve paid on time for the past 20 years, by the way, we have a new fee for longevity.” Have any of you had a bomb dropped on you like this? As for the banks, they’re going to lose a large amount of revenue, perhaps placing them in a worse stance than they are currently.
So anyway, now for the advice.
All of that aside. With my financial situation, my wife and I had to find a solution. We are moving this month, so half a year ago we committed to a plan which would allow us to do the IMPOSSIBLE! Pay for everything with CASH! I’m lying you say? Pah! Disbeliever. Follow me down this road. I’m going to say, very loosely, let me show you how “easy” it is.
I lied, it wasn’t easy. We had to make a change, though, and it worked out brilliantly. These are just a few of the items we changed. I could still drop the Internet from my cell phone, or taper back my Internet bandwidth. Right now, I’m just too much of a geek to do this though.
I’m proud of myself, quite frankly. I didn’t think we could do it, but we freakin did. A new fridge, lawn mower, and a host of other items (not trying to sound braggy, really – it’s to prove the point).
The last thing I want to offer is a plug for http://www.daveramsey.com. Nope, he doesn’t know and I don’t want you to buy any of his stuff unless you want to. The big recommendation is to listen to a few airings of his show… http://www.daveramsey.com/tdrs/. He knows his stuff and the broadcasts are free! If you’ve been paying attention, you know that’s a good thing.
Good luck out there. I hope you find your way! Post your comments and advice.
Have fun.
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