Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Encouraging Free Speech Ruling

Apple Computer zealously guards their product information to the extent that they have attempted to prosecute bloggers who leak information to the general public.  A recent California State Court of Appeals decision appears to have the effect of extending journalistic protections to bloggers.  Jeff Jarvis gives his input at the link below.

I may love my Apple computer but I hated the way Apple the company was behaving; I also feared the way the lower court tried to tiptoe around this issue; so I salute the appeals court for standing up for the idea that anyone can commit an act of journalism.

BuzzMachine - Blog Archive - Citizen journalists win one v. Apple

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Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Kentucky Strip Mall


Near Pikeville, Kentucky. Not much more than a hodge podge collection of flea market stands, only in slightly more permanent buildings. An Army-Navy store, a small shoe store, antiques shops.



The toys? Right next to the knives. Would like some what-nots with that? Denise? She don't work here no more.

Thing that struck me about this part of Kentucky was the general sense of neglect. A building or a sign or a park that was nice when it was new is allowed to just decay away. Sure, it's a poor part of the country, but there was still a sense of pride in the people I talked to. And yet it just seems to be part of the ethos. Sure it's a poor part of the country, but don't call the people complacent or lazy. So what is it?


Insurance? Stopped selling that years ago. I have some nice begonias though if you like.

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Some Pointed Words From Dr. Phil On Uncritical Thinking

Bad Astronomy Blog -- The cost of uncritical thinking

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Monday, May 29, 2006

On This Day


A soldier is only lost when his memory is forgotten.

Please take a moment this Memorial Day to remember those who gave the ultimate measure of dedication.


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Sunday, May 28, 2006

The Kind of Storm Pictures I Always Wish I Could Have Taken

For you weather buffs, some really great pictures showing the structure of a mass cell, clear air thunderstorm.

For you not weather buffs, just some really cool pictures.

Backing Winds: May 26th chase

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Saturday, May 27, 2006

Jim's Steak and Spaghetti House


Downtown Huntington, West Virginia. The name says it all: steak and spaghetti are their two main entrees. They have a variety of sandwiches as well. As to the spaghetti, that's the only pasta they serve, and you have a choice of meat or marinara sauce. Served by ladies wearing traditional hospital whites. The decor may be so old as to be considered retro, but don't let that fool you - the place is spotless. And the food wasn't that bad; a good value for the money.


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Thursday, May 25, 2006

Begging the Question


Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Pack


Somehow this reminds me of the old ad campaign which asked the question, "Is it live? Or is it Memorex?" Maybe that's just me. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California.


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Tuesday, May 23, 2006

As Viewed Through The Fish Bowl


A pool of sardines doing what they do so well. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California.


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Sunday, May 21, 2006

Pacific Coast Paradise


A look across Spanish Bay toward Point Joe near sunset. Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove, California.


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Friday, May 19, 2006

Quality You Can Taste


California is a very large state, and it would be hard to describe the following as a well kept secret. But fact is, not many people outside the Golden State have heard of In-N-Out Burger. But if you're heading to California and want a fast food experience like it used to be way back when, then you really owe it to yourself to visit this outstanding burger joint.



Once inside, you are presented with a very neat and simple look. The counter is wide open, offering a full view of the kitchen area. The menu is easy to memorize: hamburger, cheeseburger, double burger, fries, shakes, soft drinks. That's it. No chicken, no bacon, no salads. The only thing that goes into the fryer are fresh cut potatoes, not chicken pieces or fish sticks. The fresh ground beef patties don't touch the grill until you place your order. That doesn't mean there aren't variations. The savvy customer is familiar with the "secret menu", the highlight of which is the "Animal Style", a true heart attack on a bun.



Be prepared to wait a little longer than you're used to. But believe me, it will have been worth it. The fries will taste differently than what you're used to. That's because they're fresh cut while the fries almost everywhere else have artificial flavors to replicate the taste of lard. Be sure to add some salt. These burgers have a natural flavor that leave you wondering why the other chains can't do it.

If, by now, you've concluded that this is no golden arches, you're right, but the dissimilarities don't end there. First off, In-N-Out is a privately owned company, and they don't franchise. They own their own processing facilities. Since they don't freeze their meat, they are limited geographically to their current range. Finally, the employee ("associate") starting work there tomorrow will earn $9.00 an hour, well above minimum wage. Full time associates are offered full benefits. In his book "Fast Food Nation", author Eric Schlosser singles out In-N-Out as an example of how a company can offer reasonably priced food of high quality yet do it in a way that does not exploit their work force. Whenever I'm in California, I make it a point to enjoy In-N-Out Burger.

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Thursday, May 18, 2006

Dogs and Cats Dancing in the Streets

It's happened!  Surprised?  In reality, I think most industry observers were predicting this eventuality for some time.  The question for me now becomes, will they get these in personal desktops by the time I buy my next computer (not very long from now)?  If you haven't sold your Intel (INTC) stock yet, is it now time?

Dell goes AMD -- in servers at least - Engadget

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Wednesday, May 17, 2006

California Trippin'


Arrival at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport to spend a couple of days in Salinas. This is an airport sorely in need of expansion and renovation. Normally, when flying on a large jet liner like the Airbus A320, you deplane using the customary jetway. Here it was back to old school. Airstairs follwed by a walk on the tarmac. A humble start to a great trip. Stay tuned....


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Sunday, May 14, 2006

A Tribute To Mother

Before blogs, or even the internet, chances are Robert Scoble would be well known within his community.  Even if he wasn't an evangelist for Microsoft, Robert would be the first to tell you that the web enabled the blogosphere which has lead to an infinitely larger community.  A tragic event has caused Robert to look back in the past, evaluate the present, and comtemplate the future.  It is not difficult for me to relate to what he is feeling; I have taken a very similar journey.

Please read what Robert has to say. 

Scobleizer - Microsoft Geek Blogger

As I looked around my mom's house this morning I realized that I got many of my values from her. The biggest thing in her home is a huge picture of the Statue of Liberty. This is no mistake. My mom loved her freedom. She wanted to live life the way she wanted to, damn the consequences. It's why we drifted apart. I didn't get her community. She didn't get mine. Although we both respected each other's community (as I've learned this week, cause she was always bragging about me to her friends).


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Happy Mother's Day


Go on. Take your mom out and treat her like royalty. Perhaps a slice of the Turtle Cheescake from the dessert tray at DiFabio's Casapela in Madisonville, Kentucky? Go on! She deserves it!


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Friday, May 12, 2006

Today's Conundrum


Brought to you by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.


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Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Superdawg


And so, with Maurie and Flaurie ever vigilant, not a single inferior hot dog shall be served.

This is Superdawg, a Chicago tradition. If you are ever near Chicago's northwest side, do yourself a favor and stop by to enjoy a fast food experience not well known outside of the Windy City. It really is unlike any other sausage you've ever eaten.


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Sunday, May 07, 2006

Scenes From A Wisconsin Wedding




Springtime. Time for renewal. The grass greens, the trees get their leaves. Young people get married. It's hard to not feel good. Congratulations Michelle and Armando; may your lives together be happy and prosperous.
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Thursday, May 04, 2006

Did I Mention It Was Spring?


An apple blossom for you from the tree in my backyard.


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I'm Not That Old

I'm sure you've all gotten the chain emails that talk about how hard times were way back when, you know, before compact discs.  Steve Rubel gives us a different take on the "back in the day" routine:  a look back, way back, one internet generation ago.  It's not as long ago as you think, but boy, look how far we've come.

Micro Persuasion: The Transient Web

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Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Going Around In Circles

My secret second life continues on. That's right, I'm still flying. In the last couple of weeks I've trimmed tabs, pitched to glide, stalled, landed, and passed my medical examination. Oh yeah, did I mention that I came close to becoming a smoldering pile? Yep, things are moving along with my flight lessons, and you can read all about it over at Rich's Quest For Flight. Tailwinds!

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Small Town Skyline


Madisonville, Kentucky.


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Monday, May 01, 2006

Better Than Any Artist

Please. Stop what you're doing, and click this link. You'll rub your eyes in amazement. I promise.
Bad Astronomy Blog > Alien worlds

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