July, 2005

2005.07.31 — Alfred, Ohio. A technical glitch. A week or so back, I stopped being able to connect to my ISP for email. We had a few terrible storms so I didn’t think a lot of it at the time. Most people contact me on my GMail account and it is working fine. Nearly everything I get on the ISP accounts are spam anyway so it wasn’t a big concern. Friday, I upgraded Firefox from 1.0.4 to 1.0.6 (was so happy with 1.0.4 that I didn’t even notice that there must have been a 1.0.5). Anyway, it didn’t connect. Worse… I didn’t connect the dots. Reboots, uninstall, power off, check the registry, delete the files, reinstall, uninstall, reinstall 1.0.4, check the mozilla support site, you name it, I’ve done it. Norton seems to hang every time I attempt a manual configuration of Firefox forcing me to turn the power off (it won’t even reboot). I begin to suspect that my machine has been compromised. Every patch that Microsoft ever thought of has always been promptly installed, my anti-virus software always runs and has the latest definitions. I scan at least once a week but it had been a couple of days so I scan again. This machine is certified OK… but Firefox still doesn’t connect, even the old version that used to. This is a huge concern. Internet Explorer works but I feel that I’m playing Russian roulette when using it. Opera still works but I much prefer Firefox by now.

Finally, I turned off the personal firewall. Voila! The old version works. Hmmm… more playing around with Norton. Firewall off, it connects, firewall on, it doesn’t. Every time I attempt to “fix” the firewall manually, it hangs. Power off, firewall off, install 1.0.6. Firefox works. Firewall on, it doesn’t. Power off, firewall off, it works but I’m not happy with the idea of running it without the firewall. Pondering for a moment, I try my email. It works. Firewall on, it doesn’t. The light finally comes on. Something is amiss with the firewall.

There is the point to this long winded story (believe me, I left out many of the details). If I can have such difficulty with a machine after working with them for over 30 years, it still requires some skill and knowledge to operate them. Merely three days ago I was singing about how hot I think technology is and today, I’m thinking we still have a long way to go. When computers work like telephones did twenty years ago (useful, pervasive, cheap, simple to operate, and they nearly always worked), they will come of really come of age.

2005.07.30 — Alfred, Ohio. Bush intends to bypass congress and appoint Bolton. This administration appears to have contempt for anything but their own agenda. It will come back to roost in ways they can not imagine. For example, Uzbekistan sent a note to the American Embassy in Tashkent formally evicting the United States from the air base known as K-2. This is a huge airbase that we used against Afghanistan. The financial loss alone is unthinkable. The political loss appears dangerous to me. Our policies of recent times are simply unacceptable to many in the world today. You may say or think as you wish of me but I believe that there are others in this world who still value integrity and will not tolerate what the U.S. is doing.

2005.07.29 — Alfred, Ohio. Jeanie and I spent the evening with Joe and Angie in their new house playing cards and eating pizza. Home sweet home. It looks and feels very comfortable.

2005.07.28 — Alfred, Ohio. Steve wrote and asked what the “ig” stood for. He is ahead of the curve on this one. I didn't know what he was talking about and so had to take the link (http://www.google.com/ig) to discover what he was talking about. Below is a screen shot of what I ended up with inside of 10 minutes. On one page, I can easily see if any of my family or friends has updated their blogs (thanks to the RSS feeds that are created), check my email, check my stock, read the news, see the weather forecast, do a Google search, and so on. Basically, you can easily customize this page to display anything that is online. I love it! Thanks for pointing it out to me Steve. I can imagine where this is going. Instant messaging can’t be far off as well as an IP telephone. If you are mobil and have a GPS, I can see how it could pinpoint your location on Google Maps.

Google is the real innovator these days but others are trying. Microsoft plans to release IE 7 sometime soon. New features will include tabbed browsing, rss feeds, alpha transparency of png’s and more. These will be welcome additions to the browser. I’ve also seen screen shots of what they think Windows Vista will look like. It looks very similar to OS X. The future of technology still looks hot to me. When web services begin to take off, we will have an entire shift in our thinking I believe.

2005.07.27 — Alfred, Ohio. Joe and Angie stopped by to visit last night. Nick got off work and so we had a “regular” meal around the table last night. We used to do that nearly every evening and didn’t think much of it. Now, it is a pleasant occasion.

2005.07.26 — Alfred, Ohio. Snowman update from my brother in Cincinnati:

2005.07.25 — Alfred, Ohio. The C-8 Health Project went online today.

Yesterday we spent at Joe and Angie’s helping them move. The physical move is about done. Now comes the unpacking and putting everything back together. Thank goodness it is Monday so I can go to work and rest up a bit. UPDATE: we went over tonight and helped a little more.

Last night at 11:02 I went outside and looked South at 42 degrees elevation. Sure enough. A star started moving. I watched as it moved to the North Northwest until I lost it about 30 degrees. Total time? About a minute or two. They really move. Use Terraserver or something to figure out your latitude and longtitude and then visit: Heavens Above. I used the anonymous version. Poke around a little and you will soon be looking at all of the sightings in your area for the next ten days. It was pretty neat to see it work on my first attempt.

2005.07.24 — Alfred, Ohio. Skip the entries of today. I’m covering topics that are not pleasant to read or think about.

Getting caught up with the news. How sad. This is a terrible topic and I hate to write about it but we can not sit by idle and allow our governments take care of it for us. Last July 28 I gave a quote that bears repeating. “It is not the function of the government to keep the citizen from falling into error; it is the function of the citizen to keep the government from falling into error.”–U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson. Here is the story.

Scotland Yard has issued a “shoot to protect” guideline to officers on the beat. “The guidelines instruct officers tackling suspected suicide terrorists to shoot at the target’s head, not at his chest. This is based on the experience of Israeli security officers who, having dealt with numerous Palestinian suicide bombers, say that shooting at the chest can detonate a bomb and can give a suspect more time to set off his device. Indeed, Israeli experts recommend that the marksman should ideally put five bullets into the would-be bomber’s head to prevent any chance of him triggering the device.” Sounds like a great plan… so long as you have the right suspect. Unfortunately, the Bobbies chased down and killed a man they acknowledge had absolutely nothing to do with the terrorists Friday morning.

Another article I read was in the Christian Science Monitor (July 22. 2005 edition) titled The sidewalks where terror breeds. I still get the Friday editions of the Monitor delivered on paper. This article is not something I wanted to read and is a bit morbid but it did broaden my perspective. One of the biggest insights I got from it is the notion that the radicals are now beginning to think that there are no innocents. “You’re either a servant of Tony Blair, or Islam.” Like I said, the article is disturbing and I had to force my way through it, but it was useful reading.

The leak of CIA operative Valerie Plame is still getting plenty of press. I assume the New York Times reporter is still in jail. Thinking about this a little more, you have to wonder when exactly did Karl Rove tell the president that he was involved. No matter the answer, there are big implications to it. If Bush has known all along, you would think that maybe he should have said or done something before now. Loyalty is good so long as it doesn’t interfer with justice or Patrick Fitzgerald, the special prosecutor in the case. Mr. Fitzgerald spent more than an hour in the Oval Office on June 24, 2004, interviewing Bush about the case. If Mr. Bush didn’t know about the involvement Karl Rove had, you have to wonder how their relationship is now. E.G. When did Mr. Bush know? Sound familiar?

Newsweek (July 7, 2005) had an article by George F. Will titled “What we owe what we eat” that struck a chord with me. Mr. Will points us to an article by Matthew Scully who asks “Why is cruelty to a puppy appalling and cruelty to livestock by the billions a matter of social indifference?” He further mentions that statutes against cruelty to animals often impose felony level penalties. Abuse your dog or cat and you are in big trouble. However, industrial livestock farming involves vast abuses for our “convenience and pleasure”. Take a peek (you won’t linger) at the Factory Farming Gallery. It is not a pretty sight but it is something to think about.

I’ve raised animals myself and have a few thoughts on the subject. We bought cattle from our dairy farmer neighbor when they were three days old and raised them until we sent them to be slaughtered. Cows have personalities. They are smart and can be playful. I always attempted to do whatever I could to maintain their comfort while they were in my care (primarily feed and water) though will admit that I failed miserably at times. A lack of experience and equipment were my biggest downfalls. I often wondered how they endured the cold. Eventually, you decide “next Saturday, they will be taken to the butcher”. My thoughts towards the animals was different from that moment on. You always knew their ultimate fate but now it was something real. I still fed and watered them each day even knowing that some of the food would never be digested. I gave them a little hay when I dropped them off to tide them over. In other words, so long as they were in my care, I tried to treat them with as much respect and concern as I was capable. They are animals after all and deserve nothing less.

2005.07.23 — Alfred, Ohio. We spent most of today helping Joe and Angie with their move. It is coming along nicely.

Diane was on vacation last week and asked her neighbor to do the chores. The neighbor kept track of all of the events in a log titled The Chicken Report. It is pretty funny. P.S. Diane reports that she got her first egg today. Congrats! Suppose I should tell her what to do with the first egg? She probably knows, but just in case. Take a magic marker and place an “X” on it. Turn the mark down (hide it a little) and then put it back where you found it. You need to leave an egg in the nest or they will find a new place to nest… effectively hiding the eggs from you. Leaving the “X” egg will comfort the chickens and they will continue to lay in the same place every day. The first two or three from each chicken are usually pretty small anyway.

Do you recall when I wrote about placing a minature snowman in the freezer for later use? Let me help, look back at the postings about my brother and my sister.

Steve wrote and asked for an update on the topic (I had long since forgotten myself). Here is how it went at Diane’s house.

2005.07.22 — Alfred, Ohio. Congratulations to Joe and Angie! Today they closed on their first home. Their friends and family helped paint and move some of their stuff today. It is a very nice place to call home.

2005.07.21 — Alfred, Ohio. Happy Birthday Diane!

2005.07.20 — Alfred, Ohio. Hot, humid, mowing grass.

2005.07.19 — Alfred, Ohio. Hot, humid, mowing grass.

2005.07.17 — Cincinnati, Ohio. Samwise always makes me feel good. I called early Sunday morning and he answered the phone with a very tired sounding “Hello”. He sounded like a bear coming out of hibernation. It was the type of hello that sounds like he was thinking how dare anyone call at this time of day (everyone knows he plays music on the weekends). I said this is Dave and asked to speak with Dennis. He immediately perked up and sounded very pleased to hear from me. He always seems to give me that reaction once he realizes who is calling. Dad and I then went to Covington to meet up with Dennis and Samwise for breakfast. I really enjoyed their company.

Dennis came over to visit at Dad’s afterward and shortly before I left in came Sue. Dennis offered to show me where he works since it was on my way home and I stopped in for a few minutes. What a nice setup. His company is located elsewhere and set up an office in Mason, Ohio for a few people they really wanted. There is not a boss or secretary, just talented motivated people who work. Sounds nice to me.

2005.07.16 — Alfred, Ohio. Mary Ellen has updated her blog with stories and photos of our visit and their week in New Hampshire. She has been offline for a while so I wanted to make mention that she appears to be back online. My favorite pic? She and Steve on top of Mt. Washington. They both look like they are having fun.

I’m heading to Cincinnati to visit with my Dad this weekend.

2005.07.15 — Alfred, Ohio. C-8 news. We went to the town meeting tonight to learn about C-8. Here is a summary of what we learned about the C-8 Health Project.

2005.07.14 — Alfred, Ohio. Heard from an old friend in the UK today. What a pleasant sensation to see that note in my inbox.

Happy Bastille Day to any readers with a connection to France!

Do a search on the Internet for “1513 map” and you will find oodles of entries talking about the very curious Piri Reis map. If you like anomalies, this is a good one. If you dig into it a little you will find out about some very unusual notions of one Professor Charles H. Hapgood. It also happens to be the beginning point of a book that Joe let me borrow titled “Fingerprints of the Gods” by Graham Hancock. It looks as though it will be entertaining if not interesting.

2005.07.13 — Alfred, Ohio. Joe wrote and thought it may be a good idea to mention the C8 Health Project. DuPont has been releasing C8 into the river for nearly as long as I’ve been alive and now want to do some testing to determine if it is safe. They are offering $400 to everyone in the area for answering some health questions ($150) and providing a blood sample ($250). I’m thinking they must know something is wrong or they wouldn’t be making such an offer. How is that for an ironic twist. I decided to live out in the country when young in part because of the belief that the environment would be better than in Cincinnati, which has cleaned up considerably since I left. The area I happened to choose is among the most polluted areas in the U.S. Thanks, big business. I really appreciate what you have done for us.

2005.07.12 — Alfred, Ohio. Back on the 5th and 6th of this month I mentioned the flap about Karl Rove. I first heard the story on the 1st from my son but was out of town. Now it appears that it is frog-marching time. You may thank the Washington Post for that mental image. I like it. This story has started out every so slow but it continues to grow according to Google. You have no doubt heard it before but here in a nutshell is my take on it.

President Bush uttered the 16 famous words in his State of the Union speech about Niger-yellowcake. Joseph Wilson spoke up and helped the world realize that it was not true. This was not a simple misunderstanding nor a lapse in intelligence… it is simply a lie. Afterwards, someone leaked classified information about Valarie Plame (the wife of Joseph Wilson) revealing her as a covert CIA operative. President Bush has repeatedly said that he would fire anyone who leaked such info. It now appears that Karl Rove (a top aide to the president) may have been been at least partially responsible for the leak.

Those are the facts of the case. Taken together one could imply all sorts of evil. Given that a reporter is still in jail for refusing to reveal sources, one could begin to suspect that there is more to follow.

2005.07.10 — Alfred, Ohio. Hurricane Dennis is some 80 miles (or less) from land as I write this. It is losing a little steam but may still be a category 4 hurricane when it reaches land in a few hours (currently moving North at 18 mph so it should be another four hours or so). It looks to be a nasty one.

2005.07.09 — Alfred, Ohio. Allan sent in the latest issue of Thru the Peephole a day ago titled Disaster in Denver – Staring Death in the Face!. I really enjoyed reading this one. It is encouraging for me to find that another would admit his blunders. Pity more people don’t behave so.

On a happy note. I got the camera out of the shop yesterday for only $115. The guy at the counter told me that the camera was still in good shape and would last far longer than any digital I could buy today. It is about 15-20 years old. I bought a new type of film while there. Anyone want to be a model for me? I’ll only need to take a couple dozen photos of you to see how the film works.

2005.07.08 — Alfred, Ohio. I routinely look at news from various sources and perspectives. Today, while reading to see what Al Jazeera had to say about the bombings in London, I found an unrelated article that is very disturbing. Scott Ritter (a former UN weapons inspector in Iraq, 1991-1998) wrote an opinion piece titled US war with Iran has already begun. By the way, Al Jazeera and the Arab nations were unanimous in condemning the bombings and offered their condolences and support to the people of Britan to put an end to the terrorists.

This is a bit creepy and I hinted at it earlier, but look at the numbers. 911, a Tuesday in the U.S. 311 a Thursday in Madrid. 77, a Thursday in the U.K. Now consider for a moment next June 6, a Tuesday.

2005.07.07 — Alfred, Ohio. Explosions on the Underground? How sad. Closing the entire subway system in London would cause disruptions that I can not imagine. Jeanie and I both rode on it and found it to be a quick and enjoyable way to get around town. My sentiments can be easily understood when you realize that my coffee mug from London was a map of the Underground.

2005.07.06 — Alfred, Ohio. Jail for a reporter who refuses to divulge her sources? It is time to sit up and pay attention because something big must be going on. People don’t normally behave in such a manner. There has to be an awful lot at stake. Today there are 1,170 articles about this on Google News.

I think we will still be hearing about this story come the mid-term elections. It has a “feeling” about it that I can’t seem to shake. When other countries jail reporters we condemn that as censorship and proudly point out how the first amendment of our constitution has provisions for Freedom of the Press. The article in this link can be found on our own State Department website and is well worth reading.

2005.07.05 — Alfred, Ohio. Notes on the news. Sandra Day O’Connor retired from the U.S. Supreme Court. Oh boy! This will be interesting. You do have to wish her well regardless of how you feel about any of her individual decisions. She was the first woman to serve on the court and from what little I know, she did so with honor and integrity. Best wishes to her in retirement.

Karl Rove did NOT reveal the name of a CIA agent in retaliation on orders from above. If he did unintentionally reveal the name, you can rest assured that he acted alone. Oh boy!

Nasa smashed into a comet… on purpose. Cool!

2005.07.04 — Lincoln, New Hampshire. We woke up to a beautiful day in the White Mountains. Headed South on I-93 to the Logan Airport in Boston. Dropped off the rental and caught a plane home without incident. The weather was spectacular in the Northeast. An hour and a half later we were back in the hot humid smog and polution of the Akron/Canton area. Heading home we took a small detour to Charm, Ohio looking for Keim’s lumber. It was closed for the Fourth. This is in horse and buggy Amish country. It was a bit peculiar seeing this area so soon after leaving New England.

2005.07.03 — Lincoln, New Hampshire. Steve, Mary Ellen, Nick, Jeanie and I drove up Lincoln today with only a few detours and sidetracks. What a beautiful day and scenery along our route. Steve and Mary Ellen plan on spending a week here for their honeymoon.

Once we settled into their resort, we quickly decided to take a lift to the top of Loon Mountain. Bully, it was nice up there! I like their tagline. Loon Mountain, Gravity’s Playground. Once we got back down, we headed for a crystal clear stream and tried to cross to a large rock without getting wet. Well… the boys did. Mary Ellen and Jeanie preferred to stay out of the fray and be content to chastise us for our fun.

	Dave and Jeanie on top of Loon Mountain
above: Jeanie in a Gondola right: Nick, Mary Ellen, and Steve

2005.07.02 — Boston, Massachussetts. We hopped on a ferry and went out into Boston Harbor to Georges Island. It is a mere 7 miles from downtown Boston. This is where Fort Warren is located. We spent a very nice day just exploring this old fortress. The structure is made of granite. I find it to be absolutely beautiful. The stonework should look as nice thousands of years from now as it did today.

Seven miles from downtown Boston (see background) on Georges Island. left: Mary Ellen and Steve. right: Nick, Jeanie, and Dave. bottom: Dave on the ferry.

Afterwards we strolled through Quincy Market and then headed up to Boston’s Historic North End. The entire area is a tourist attraction. Paul Revere’s home, the Old North Church (built in 1723–Paul Revere watched for the lantern in this steeple), St. Stephen’s Church (the New North Church, constructed in 1714) and the old Italian neighborhood. We had a tasty meal at 5 North Square. I love the feel of the architecture in and around Boston. Everything is either brick or stone (granite). My kind of place. It was the granite I found in Cambridge that inspired my desire to build our own house of stone.

St. Stephen’s

Custom House (from Quincy Market)

Old North Church

2005.07.01 — Natick, Massachussetts. Nick, Jeanie and I drove to the Akron/Canton airport this moring and took a flight to Boston. Steve was waiting at the airport. Poor Steve, we were delayed for a couple of hours. We got our rental and drove to Natick, picked up Mary Ellen, and we headed out for a nice dinner. We spent the night at their new appartment (lovely by the way) which is just a short walk from the center of town.