tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73343842024-02-28T13:16:24.120-08:00Man In BlackA collection of my thoughts on things that begin with the letter "c" such as computers, cats, the cosmos, coding, clouds, and career.MIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.comBlogger240125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-89743043117819831202018-12-22T17:32:00.000-08:002018-12-22T17:32:01.852-08:00Learning to manage blood glucose with Metformin<br />
I have been a Type 2 diabetic for some time now and up until recently I managed my blood glucose with diet and exercise. Recently my blood sugars have gotten out of control (mostly due to complacency on my part) and I have been put on Metformin.<br />
<br />
Initially I was put on Metformin HCL ER, and after a few weeks of gradual dosing up from 500 mg to 1500 mg with split dosages I became very ill with extreme GI upset and fatigue. From both my research and my doctor's knowledge of Metformin this we contrary to expected behavior.<br />
<br />
Normally the Extended Release (ER) form of Metformin is easier on the gastrointestinal system than the original formulation.<br />
<br />
I had read on some online forums that others had similar experience with both forms of Metformin and they found that cracking or crushing the tablets helped with the symptoms. I decided to try cracking the tablets before swallowing and found some relief, but not enough to fully mitigate the symptoms.<br />
<br />
My doctor switched my prescription to the original form of Metformin and it did help with both the GI upset and the fatigue, and I found that cracking the tablets even more helped to reduce my fatigue to where it was no longer a problem, and to where the GI upset was a minor inconvenience.<br />
<br />
My thoughts are one of the buffering or binding agents of the capsule was causing the fatigue and extreme GI upset. I did some research and found this interesting article comparing the use of Metformin in capsule form as opposed to tablet:<br />
<br />
<b>Severity of Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Metformin Tablet Compared to Metformin Capsule in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients</b> - <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5463552/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5463552/</a><br />
<br />
The study shows there was an improvement in both reducing GI upset and glucose management - "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", stixgeneral, serif; font-size: 15.9991px;"><i>Capsular form of metformin may result in decrement of GI side effects and intolerability in diabetic patients and may be an option for those that metformin is an appropriate medication for them but cannot tolerate it due to the mentioned side effects.</i>"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", stixgeneral, serif; font-size: 15.9991px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", stixgeneral, serif; font-size: 15.9991px;">Unfortunately Metformin is not readily available, and most insurance companies will not pay for compound pharmacies providing Metformin in capsule form.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", stixgeneral, serif; font-size: 15.9991px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, stixgeneral, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.9991px;">I will continue to research this subject and either add links to this article or post a new article. Feel free to comment on your experiences with Metformin.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, stixgeneral, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.9991px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, stixgeneral, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.9991px;">Here is an interesting video I thought I would include from the </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", stixgeneral, serif; font-size: 15.9991px;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQFAHoqZx46fDNh2hu3Q67g" target="_blank">Pharmacist Tips</a> Youtube channel titled </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, stixgeneral, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.9991px;"><b>Metformin 500 mg and Side Effects</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, stixgeneral, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.9991px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
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<br />MIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-55000380051787708572018-12-16T13:17:00.000-08:002018-12-16T13:17:43.714-08:00Seasteading 101: How to Build the World’s First Society-at-Sea | Marc Collins<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jCTXGC_ylF4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jCTXGC_ylF4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
From the Big Think YouTube channel - Published on Sep 29, 2017<br />
<br />
Seasteading began as a thought experiment: imagine a sovereign Libertarian utopia in international waters, far from the reach of any government. Over the last decade, this dream has inched closer and closer to reality. But establishing a completely independent floating city in the ocean isn't simple--or cheap. The Seasteading Institute compromised a little on its independence and instead sought a partnership with an established nation that could support their project while having a very light hand on regulations. The idea grew out of and caused a stir in Silicon Valley, was widely reported in the media, and Marc Collins, a former government minister in French Polynesia, saw an opportunity for symbiosis. The Seasteading Institute needs internet connectivity, energy solutions, food, and government permission to establish themselves in the South Pacific Ocean, while Polynesians are very interested in the technology needed to build floating cities—a concern at the front of their minds as sea levels rise—and in economic growth. And so Collins co-founded Blue Frontiers, a world-first company that builds societies on the sea. But who will live on the this brand-new floating nation in the South Pacific—and how? Marc Collins explains the feats of engineering that are making this vision a reality.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Read more at BigThink.com: </span><span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://bigthink.com/videos/marc-collins-seasteading-101-how-to-build-the-worlds-first-floating-nation">https://bigthink.com/videos/marc-collins-seasteading-101-how-to-build-the-worlds-first-floating-nation</a></span></span>MIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-39777133681590500602018-12-15T13:48:00.000-08:002018-12-15T13:48:10.011-08:00 OceanX - Our Underwater States of America<br />
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<br />
From the OceanX YouTube channel - Published on Dec 6, 2018<br />
<br />
"Some of our greatest natural treasures lie just off our doorstep. Located only 130 miles from Boston, the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts have been known for their dizzying abundance of marine life for decades (they are even nicknamed "the Serengeti of the Atlantic") and yet very little of them have been explored. Because it's not just life at the surface that thrives: deep below, within chasms deeper and vaster than the Grand Canyon, are corals that are hundreds, even thousands, of years old. On the second anniversary of the Canyons' designation as a Marine National Monument, OceanX's research vessel the Alucia took a voyage to observe them up-close and in person for the very first time. While remotely operated vehicles have ventured into the Canyons before, this was the first time humans have actually dived into the Canyons, from OceanX's submersible. What we saw were incredible deepwater corals, very different to the kinds that live in warm, shallow waters, and species specially acclimatized to living hundreds of meters under the water. This was the first mission from the partnership between OceanX and Bloomberg Philanthropies to dedicate 185 million to the protection and exploration of our oceans over the next four years. With thanks to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for their support."<br />
<br />
Follow OceanX on these social channels:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/oceanx">http://www.instagram.com/oceanx</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/oceanxorg">http://www.Facebook.com/oceanxorg</a><br />
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/oceanx">http://www.twitter.com/oceanx</a><br />
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/oceanxorg">https://www.linkedin.com/company/oceanxorg</a>MIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-80303821953042126662018-12-15T13:36:00.000-08:002018-12-15T13:49:58.251-08:00Ocean Cleanup Project: System 001 in Action - First Results<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RcRIE98y_UM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RcRIE98y_UM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
From the Ocean Cleanup YouTube channel - Published on Nov 20, 2018<br />
<br />
"It has been four weeks since we deployed System 001 in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. In this time, we have observed that plastic is exiting the system once it is collected, so we are currently working on causes and solutions to remedy this. Because this is our beta system, and this is the first deployment of any ocean cleanup system, we have been preparing ourselves for surprises."<br />
<br />
Read more in our latest update:<br />
<a href="https://www.theoceancleanup.com/updates/">https://www.theoceancleanup.com/updates/</a><br />
<br />
Follow The Ocean Cleanup:<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/theoceancleanup">https://www.facebook.com/theoceancleanup</a><br />
<a href="https://www.twitter.com/theoceancleanup">https://www.twitter.com/theoceancleanup</a><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/theoceancleanup/">https://www.instagram.com/theoceancleanup/</a>MIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-21057720400630360022018-02-11T13:19:00.002-08:002018-02-11T13:19:36.618-08:00The Ocean Cleanup Project <br />
Very interesting video on plastic waste in the oceans and one project's attempt to clean up the waste:<br />
<br />
<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/74YQWthFz8g/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/74YQWthFz8g?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Video Source URL - <a href="https://youtu.be/74YQWthFz8g" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/74YQWthFz8g</a><br />
<br />
The Ocean Cleanup URL - <a href="https://www.theoceancleanup.com/" target="_blank">https://www.theoceancleanup.com/</a>MIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-86342877331012014042016-09-10T17:56:00.000-07:002016-09-10T17:58:36.277-07:00Thank you Canada - September 11, 2016 Operation Yellow Ribbon 15 Years Later<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1PjhgRawXhdgSfEyuSOzbUlryP0zbH-zWV-oSGsv21jxqiiu1PihPqyE8EBGZwII9p_457LseN_eikvSz7_YBUZhXLdL2VVAChuaQUx4cYhhyphenhyphenS-WO8rlIriqaKIs1BcmoYXWpw/s1600/Operation_Yellow_Ribbon_at_CFB_Goose_Bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1PjhgRawXhdgSfEyuSOzbUlryP0zbH-zWV-oSGsv21jxqiiu1PihPqyE8EBGZwII9p_457LseN_eikvSz7_YBUZhXLdL2VVAChuaQUx4cYhhyphenhyphenS-WO8rlIriqaKIs1BcmoYXWpw/s640/Operation_Yellow_Ribbon_at_CFB_Goose_Bay.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
September 11, 2016 marks the 15th anniversary the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks" target="_blank"><b>September 11 attacks</b></a>,
and while there will be a multitude of news articles and special
reports on the courage and challenges of that day, this post is about
an often overlooked act of a good neighbor which also took place on
that day.<br />
<br />
On the day of the attacks the FAA closed down US
airspace and Canada implemented <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Yellow_Ribbon" target="_blank"><b>Operation Yellow Ribbon</b></a> to handle the
influx of aircraft which were beyond the point of no return and needed
to land as well as quarantine aircraft to prevent further attacks on
the US.<br />
<br />
Not only did Canada provide a means to remove
potentially dangerous aircraft from US airspace; Canada and Canadian
citizens provided a safe haven for stranded air passengers. There are
many stories of how the airports in Gander and Halifax Newfoundland
were inundated with stranded air passengers, and how the people of
those towns took them in. This act of kindness took place all across
Canada.<br />
<br />
Here are three articles which provide more insight in to
the events and actions that took place on that day and the days that
followed:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/mediaroom/infosheets-fourdays-fourdays-6433.htm" target="_blank"><b>Transport Canada: Four Days in September</b></a></li>
<li><a href="http://mentalfloss.com/article/31491/september-11th-and-hospitable-people-gander-newfoundland" target="_blank"><b>Mental_floss: September 11th and the Hospitable People of Gander, Newfoundland</b></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.inspiremore.com/plane-diverted-to-canada-on-9-11/" target="_blank"><b>InspireMore: 14 Years Ago A Plane Was Diverted To Canada On 9/11. The Story Of What Happened Still Amazes Us Today.</b></a></li>
</ul>
<br />
For
the record other countries also took in aircraft that were diverted
from US airspace, though it was Canada which took in the bulk of
aircraft and Canadian citizens who took them in. <br />
<br />
Operation Yellow Ribbon is a classic example of international cooperation, and individuals helping strangers in need.<br />
<br />
Thank you Canada, as well those other countries who took in all those air travelers on that terrible day in September ~ Jim<br />
<br />
<b>Image source: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Yellow_Ribbon" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Yellow_Ribbon</a></b>
MIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-65869264308742998722016-08-14T12:31:00.000-07:002016-08-14T12:32:22.429-07:00Over the line! #Linkedin is not #Facebook<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_Ke0eGSWg6YwirEReCHVUss3PXjnLupo7hTq7fNxaris3kWOw5iiqXtdwk2TOW1pVujAwZ0U4TFZf7Klqf9h0WcbJubyi3y1LTzfvSWDPyrteRvzKbg-LY5ky1lBPXZkYGJhMg/s1600/otl_linfb_01_70896994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_Ke0eGSWg6YwirEReCHVUss3PXjnLupo7hTq7fNxaris3kWOw5iiqXtdwk2TOW1pVujAwZ0U4TFZf7Klqf9h0WcbJubyi3y1LTzfvSWDPyrteRvzKbg-LY5ky1lBPXZkYGJhMg/s400/otl_linfb_01_70896994.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The Lebowski meme above was inspired by people who I feel do not
understand the difference between a professional networking site like
Linkedin, and social networking site like Facebook.<br />
<br />
On a social
network like Facebook it is pretty much accepted for people to post
their views, either publicly or just to friends, and if others do not
agree they can either ignore the post, or make a comment to the
contrary. People can also stop following or even unfriend the person if
they choose to do so.<br />
<br />
Linkedin on the other hand is a
professional network and what is posted on Linkedin can be viewed by
your coworkers, competitors, and prospective employers which is
something people really need to consider before posting their views on
politics, religion, or other "hot" topics.<br />
<br />
While I have posted
articles on Linkedin which were a little tongue in cheek those articles
were either about issues I faced in my search for a new career
opportunity and how I dealt with them, or about technologies which I
have an interest in, and therefore I felt where appropriate for
Linkedin.<br />
<br />
There is a old axiom regarding how the discussions of sex, politics, and religion should be kept out of the office. <br />
<br />
People should consider Linkedin an extension of their office.<br />
<br />
For
further reading may I suggest this Glassdoor article - <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/sex-religion-politics-stay-discussing-office/" target="_blank">Sex, Religion& Politics: Why You Should Never Discuss Them At Work </a>MIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-86383433804101986722016-08-11T14:29:00.000-07:002016-08-11T23:15:42.063-07:00A Thursday getaway and the Bettie Page House in Seattle - #vandalismsucks<br />
Today is Thursday and like Arthur Dent in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hitchhiker%27s_Guide_to_the_Galaxy" target="_blank">Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy</a>
"I never quite got the hang of Thursdays", and after spending the last
six weeks job searching I decided to take a short break and go for a
drive just to get out of the house. So I hopped in the car and drove
over to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wallingford,_Seattle" target="_blank">Wallingford District</a> in Seattle. I stopped for lunch at <a href="http://www.ddir.com/" target="_blank">Dick's Drive-In</a> on 45th, and even though this is the first Dick's Drive-In to take credit cards (<a href="http://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/major-seattle-fast-food-news-dicks-drive-in-to-start-accepting-credit-cards/" target="_blank">refer to this article for further details</a>) being a traditionalist I still paid cash for my lunch.<br />
<br />
After lunch I drove around Wallingford for a bit and then I headed over to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_District,_Seattle" target="_blank">University District</a> to take a first hand look at a classic example of stupidity and jerkery. <br />
<br />
You
see in the U District next to I-5 there is a house which on the side
facing the freeway there is beautiful mural of 50's pin-up model <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bettie_Page" target="_blank">Betty Page</a>.
This house has quite a number of admirers who refer to it as "The
Bettie Page House". Photos and articles about the house can be found
all over the Internet such as this <a href="http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bettie-page-house" target="_blank">Atlas Obscura article</a>.
Unfortunately sometime in the latter part of June someone decided to
defaced the mural and this is the stupidity and jerkery I mentioned
earlier.<br />
<br />
Below are some photos I took today of the vandalism. Seriously who would do something like this?<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vLlFkXEWs1T54XVzH_CsXrVo_l0uzTnfWOMQi1r9M8s_sllHpA3PHXfNDakmAdg-IhogPQGvsMl5YXj8lT349aOxUtjtvSGDgNvVnSQy3SiuXv3HQMraOWh2iFnhbr_K7fuxbA/s1600/BettiePageHouse07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vLlFkXEWs1T54XVzH_CsXrVo_l0uzTnfWOMQi1r9M8s_sllHpA3PHXfNDakmAdg-IhogPQGvsMl5YXj8lT349aOxUtjtvSGDgNvVnSQy3SiuXv3HQMraOWh2iFnhbr_K7fuxbA/s320/BettiePageHouse07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym-MchRH_pFWTeCnskZHTzeYHNPSbKaliRx1bjmnQCi0y_8EXe3-TFF_vNm0qrWdB07P90SijgKHCt8SryGu0qGT9TPVBZ3n5W_cbAdlS_gKx2FFs5vHF2w89lAItgY3zrkDB1g/s1600/BettiePageHouse04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym-MchRH_pFWTeCnskZHTzeYHNPSbKaliRx1bjmnQCi0y_8EXe3-TFF_vNm0qrWdB07P90SijgKHCt8SryGu0qGT9TPVBZ3n5W_cbAdlS_gKx2FFs5vHF2w89lAItgY3zrkDB1g/s320/BettiePageHouse04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjXpjpJKo1HV3R9mJMieJi0sGLMpJALpaMwBjFm4JmEmLJEt_Nn-NxWpTE9_MwiuSdKuLW_eU7iI86K2XuknJAngfjk1rEaEKDVDL2NpyDblbff7aARSL6DmZTxVLW5jKq-c9Ww/s1600/BettiePageHouse06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjXpjpJKo1HV3R9mJMieJi0sGLMpJALpaMwBjFm4JmEmLJEt_Nn-NxWpTE9_MwiuSdKuLW_eU7iI86K2XuknJAngfjk1rEaEKDVDL2NpyDblbff7aARSL6DmZTxVLW5jKq-c9Ww/s320/BettiePageHouse06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYJf69I89hCK4_3PPGCiUZAyWCf1rLVDdv-RyputCczHbytd7pl1EEwgN1pk0hwt_EextgUht4J_CJqCalfi_qwcqmPCjJYrEFWNzFfnuzOOnjvb6TbeO_fptQYqaLpBT5HskDA/s1600/BettiePageHouse03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYJf69I89hCK4_3PPGCiUZAyWCf1rLVDdv-RyputCczHbytd7pl1EEwgN1pk0hwt_EextgUht4J_CJqCalfi_qwcqmPCjJYrEFWNzFfnuzOOnjvb6TbeO_fptQYqaLpBT5HskDA/s320/BettiePageHouse03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(This last picture is of the alterations of the vandals comments made by the owners of the house)</div>
<br />
<br />
Here are a few articles on the vandalism:<br />
<ul>
<li>Seattle Times - "<a href="http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/owners-of-seattles-vandalized-bettie-page-house-say-some-feminists-missed-the-point/" target="_blank">Owners of Seattle’s vandalized Bettie Page house say ‘some feminists’ missed the point</a>"</li>
<li>Komo News - "<a href="http://komonews.com/news/local/who-covered-up-bettie-homeowners-have-message-for-feminists-who-defaced-their-mural" target="_blank">Ravenna homeowners have message for 'feminists' who defaced their pinup mural</a>"</li>
</ul>
In the last paragraph of the Seattle Times article one of the owners of the house made the following statement regarding donations for the restoration of the mural - “In lieu of donations for Bettie, I would like to draw people’s attentions to the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network. … Donate at <a href="http://rainn.org/" target="_blank">Rainn.org</a>.”<br />
<br />
While
the vandalism to this wonderful mural truly does suck, I guess some
good can be found in the determination of the owners of the house, and
their suggestion for donations.MIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-36403465315823752642016-07-31T19:57:00.000-07:002016-07-31T19:57:08.850-07:00Took the advice<br />
Just a quick post to say I took "The Stranger's" advice and updated my profile picture on Linkedin. I am not too impressed with my camera work though I think the image is better than the original one that has been on my Linkedin profile for 10 years now. If you are interested you can check the new image by accessing my Linkedin profile via the link to the left.<br />
<br />
While I was at it, I updated the image for this blog. Right now the approach to life I am taking is to "Abide"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7qBPzjYNO9a7XAKuPy8fJP4vyuq5MHXq6YQdpEh7XQYG1REJONcRATtxUjt1CA-rn7lBw9_pbfBNv3amIUSKH4yyuM-Y30trizOVrnofutCnI6X-9mN7jXmR2DrhlNzH0KhCKg/s1600/Abide2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7qBPzjYNO9a7XAKuPy8fJP4vyuq5MHXq6YQdpEh7XQYG1REJONcRATtxUjt1CA-rn7lBw9_pbfBNv3amIUSKH4yyuM-Y30trizOVrnofutCnI6X-9mN7jXmR2DrhlNzH0KhCKg/s1600/Abide2.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Official image credit unknown at this time, unofficial credit - "The Dude)</div>
MIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-75752576005051906712016-07-13T19:27:00.002-07:002016-07-13T19:28:35.275-07:00Sage advice from "The Stranger"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRytpKNbqR2JuBGG-1ZuDMKSMv0HD0VePcLpPl4hD44vfleIpYwm-HmFGQnS7MzKg4Uq39k1L9VvGewTYyArNro6vJ5w28XcG_jHnZHUn4zs09V9N4GVkHGKfnZtIBO-jIdOP52A/s1600/lebmeme_profile_picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRytpKNbqR2JuBGG-1ZuDMKSMv0HD0VePcLpPl4hD44vfleIpYwm-HmFGQnS7MzKg4Uq39k1L9VvGewTYyArNro6vJ5w28XcG_jHnZHUn4zs09V9N4GVkHGKfnZtIBO-jIdOP52A/s400/lebmeme_profile_picture.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Image credit: <a href="https://memegenerator.net/" target="_blank">https://memegenerator.net/</a>)</div>
<br />
Maybe I should update my profile picture considering it is at least 10 years old. Guess I better get a selfie stick or bribe a friend to take a decent picture of me.<br />
<br />
If you have noticed a lot more activity on the blog it's because I am rediscovering my inner blogger and I have also found that lighthearted blogging is a great way to de-stress while searching for a new job.<br />
<br />
I am also having a lot of fun with memes base on the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118715/" target="_blank">The Big Lebowski</a> which is one of my all-time favorite movies. As a matter of fact I think I will watch it again tonight.<br />
<br />
Cheers ~ JimMIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-42113020757051921522016-07-12T14:53:00.002-07:002016-07-12T14:53:27.837-07:00Pokemon Go vs. Job Seeker QuestHere is another article that I posted today on Linkedin, and I am re-posting to my blog. The topic on balancing ones job search with other "priorities".<br />
<br />
Below is the URL for the original post:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pokemon-go-vs-job-seeker-quest-jim-cox">https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pokemon-go-vs-job-seeker-quest-jim-cox</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzN5Ca-nqANZjUZ60KzZypljduZcbV4NrXD4F1QgQsCUoW_Z6y_DKAydKVhNRcgsURybK7beT_jP64_NfTRANQhOX4qcEL9Uo9jPtDa4xoZ7ov4XYPgm-pjUJhtPeEPOV5f_GNQ/s1600/Pokemon_vs_work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzN5Ca-nqANZjUZ60KzZypljduZcbV4NrXD4F1QgQsCUoW_Z6y_DKAydKVhNRcgsURybK7beT_jP64_NfTRANQhOX4qcEL9Uo9jPtDa4xoZ7ov4XYPgm-pjUJhtPeEPOV5f_GNQ/s1600/Pokemon_vs_work.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Image credit: <a href="https://imgflip.com/" target="_blank">https://imgflip.com/</a>)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
While Pokemon Go is the latest craze and the game looks like a lot of fun to play I do wonder if Job Seekers such as myself should stay strictly focused on our real-world quests rather than chasing imaginary creatures, or if by not playing the game are we robbing ourselves of new opportunities to learn and relax a little?<br />
<br />
For me the technology behind the game is fascinating and I have shared some articles on Linkedin about the game and the augmented reality technology involved. While playing the game would provide me with more exposure to augmented reality the truth is I have as yet to download and install the game let alone play it.<br />
<br />
As a Job Seeker I believe I must focus my time and energy on my quest to find a new opportunity where I will work with new technologies such as augmented reality. At the same time I do wonder if I am denying myself the opportunity learn more about specific technologies while having some fun in the process.<br />
<br />
Looking for work is not always fun and at times it can be quite stressful if you make it so while according to all reports looking for Pokemon can be fun and relaxing (as long as you avoid of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/10/pokemon-go-armed-robbers-dead-body" target="_blank">trouble</a>).<br />
<br />
There are times during a job seekers quest they will find they need to take a short break and possibly take a walk. Whether or not that walk is to capture a breath of fresh air, or to capture imaginary critters is up to them,<br />
<br />
In the end it is a matter of balance plus some self discipline with regards to one's focus and priorities.<br />
<br />
As always feel free to leave a comment.<br />
<br />
Cheers ~ JimMIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-16638764046957654232016-07-11T11:27:00.000-07:002016-07-12T14:57:52.547-07:00Maybe I was a little too creative?The article below is a re-post of an one which I wrote on July 1st 2016 and posted on Linkedin concerning whether or not one should change their status on Linkedin to show they are unemployed and seeking new employment opportunities.<br />
<br />
Here is the URL to the original post on Linkedin:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/maybe-i-little-too-creative-jim-cox" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/maybe-i-little-too-creative-jim-cox</a><br />
<br />
I hope you enjoy the article and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi048RangL0yycPseV5sWVFtE0xVo3JA8flG8Q830dw0ndQHRH_Mm-qx3tFn6WyQijl8NE5cZ6yBglPoeQUK-KUtQ6x8cc_tryU7HCIdHisNWArcTmfX3BBLYl1L0gTi5_SUwG9OQ/s1600/quote-well-yeah-sometimes-i-get-a-little-too-creative-bruce-dickinson-96-95-49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi048RangL0yycPseV5sWVFtE0xVo3JA8flG8Q830dw0ndQHRH_Mm-qx3tFn6WyQijl8NE5cZ6yBglPoeQUK-KUtQ6x8cc_tryU7HCIdHisNWArcTmfX3BBLYl1L0gTi5_SUwG9OQ/s640/quote-well-yeah-sometimes-i-get-a-little-too-creative-bruce-dickinson-96-95-49.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Image credit - <a href="http://www.azquotes.com/quote/969549" target="_blank">AZQUOTES</a>)</div>
<br />
<br />
Yesterday I completed my 18 month contract at Microsoft, and knowing in
advance that my contract was coming to an end I began searching for new
employment opportunities though nothing has yet to materialize.<br />
<br />
Since
I am now seeking new employment opportunities I thought I should
reflect this in my Linkedin profile. Now there are those who advise not
to state in your Linkedin profile that you are unemployed and looking
for work, and then there is the opposing view that you should change
your status to reflect that you are available for new opportunities.<br />
<br />
I
agree with the latter opinion because I want people to know I am
available for new opportunities and I want to utilize the new listing
under <span style="font-weight: bold;">Experience</span> to state what sort of opportunities I am searching for. While the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Headline</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Summary</span>
fields in a Linkedin profile are intended to for these purposes I find
that most people reviewing profiles tend to focus on the most recent
status listed under <span style="font-weight: bold;">Experience</span>.<br />
<br />
Having decided to make the change to my status I thought I should try something different from the normal “Self” for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Company Name</span> and “Unemployed” or “Job Seeker” for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Title</span>, and I felt these changes should reflect my experience and interests in technology.<br />
<br />
So early this morning in a fit (more like spasm) of creativity I updated my profile and listed “Career R&D” for<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Company Name</span>, and “Career Engineer - R&D” for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Title</span>, and then added additional information to show what sort of opportunities I was conducing R&D for.<br />
<br />
Where
my “research” fell short in this update to my profile was the effect
Linkedin’s status update to my network would have and the number of
congratulatory responses I would receive for finding a new job as a
"Career Engineer". While I do appreciate the consideration from those
who offered congratulations I must offer a mea culpa for the
misunderstanding.<br />
<br />
One other thing that I did not consider at the time was that recruiters may not recognize or appreciate the intent of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Company Name</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Title</span>, and therefore not review my profile any further.<br />
<br />
I
have since made some more conventional updates to properly reflect my
status and search for new opportunities and as far as I am concerned
the original update was not a failure but instead a learning
experience. I have also disabled the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Notify your network?</span>
option regarding updates to my profile which I originally enabled for
this particular update and I will leave it disabled until I have
finalized by profile. Also this entry in my profile will be deleted
once I find a new opportunity.<br />
<br />
What I would like to know from
others here on Linkedin is what do you think about posting your status
as unemployed and seeking a new job. Should you change your status to
reflect you are unemployed and seeking new opportunities or should you
just leave your status as is with only a change in date?<br />
<br />
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.<br />
<br />
Cheers ~ JimMIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-25785837506307174242016-04-10T13:33:00.000-07:002016-04-10T13:33:39.821-07:00Something!It has been over two years, so I guess it is time to write "something" on this blog.<br />
<br />
A lot has happened since the last post, and most if it is really boring stuff, so I won't write about it.<br />
<br />
You may notice that the link to the Urbanspelunkers blog is gone as well as the link to the Astrolink blog.<br />
<br />
The Urbanspelunnkers site, blog, G+ page and community are no more. I just lost interest and decided to kill everything off over this weekend. To be honest, I lost interest in the urbanspelunking scene a long time ago. The only thing left now are the urbanspelunker.com and .org domains, and I am going to let those expire, or transfer the domains to anyone who wants to take them over.<br />
<br />
The AstroLink blog which is a mirror of the Cloudymidnights blog will go away in a month or two, and speaking of mirror blogs, the Wordpress mirror for this blog will most likely go away too.<br />
<br />
It is too much effort to have so many blogs and web sites for as little interest or time I have to maintain them and write anything interesting.<br />
<br />
In the end I will only have this blog, as well as the Cloudymidnights and 8-bit Retro Computing blog. Astronomy and retro computing are hobbies and interests that I plan to continue focusing on. This blog will be focus on general ramblings that I feel like sharing with others.<br />
<br />
That is is for now.<br />
<br />
Cheers ~ JimMIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-4172144996204930732013-12-27T14:50:00.000-08:002013-12-27T14:50:44.694-08:00New CoCo book available!<br />
Long time CoCo enthusiast Boisy Pitre and author Bill Loguidice have collaborated on a new book entitled "<b>CoCo: The Colorful History of Tandy's Underdog Computer</b>" which is now available from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/CoCo-Colorful-History-Underdog-Computer/dp/1466592478/" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/coco-boisy-g-pitre/1116363636?ean=9781466592476" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a>, and <a href="http://www.crcpress.com/product/isbn/9781466592476" target="_blank">CRC Press</a>.<br />
<br />
I
received my copy the day before Christmas, and I am really enjoying the
read. Members of Facebook group for the book are also giving high
praise to the book and it's authors. You can find the Facebook group by
searching for the title.<br />
<br />
There are also several posts about the book on the <a href="http://8-bit-retro-computing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">8-Bit Retro-computing</a> blog's <a href="https://plus.google.com/115551294702805848092/posts" target="_blank">G+ page</a>, and in the Color Computer G+ community.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqlRnYnLZUukszmrLMpnCyRYH7S2rqy0-jsdZxHpuGakCMASB2c7RiIju-A6pit8NEL0SxjLSblla8akgnrD8UkIojeOQPQgfRK4cp9OsfqYwwyGPEqkkUxFixbFHubJY-oDTHQ/s1600/CoCo_Book.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqlRnYnLZUukszmrLMpnCyRYH7S2rqy0-jsdZxHpuGakCMASB2c7RiIju-A6pit8NEL0SxjLSblla8akgnrD8UkIojeOQPQgfRK4cp9OsfqYwwyGPEqkkUxFixbFHubJY-oDTHQ/s320/CoCo_Book.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Image used with permission by Boisy Pitre)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Though
the book chronicles the history of the Tandy Color Computer I believe
many retro-computing enthusiasts will enjoy reading the book and
appreciate the historical information it provides so check it out.
Cheers ~ JimMIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-31307909383693083522012-10-07T21:58:00.000-07:002012-10-07T21:59:48.753-07:00Should we celebrate Columbus Day or Exploration Day?<br />
Recently I watched a hangout on Google+ where Nicole Gugliucci of <a href="http://cosmoquest.org/">CosmoQuest</a>
interviewed Tom Diehl about a proposal he is involved with to
rededicate Columbus Day to Exploration Day, and within minutes of
watching the hangout and listing to Tom I was hooked on the idea.<br />
<br />
Tom
Diehl along with Karl Frank and Dr. Rod Wright are putting forth a
proposal that Columbus Day be rededicated as Exploration Day. You may
ask why should Columbus Day be rededicated as Exploration Day? Well in
my opinion this quote from Karl Frank in this <a href="http://news.discovery.com/space/should-columbus-day-become-exploration-day-121007.html" target="_blank">Discovery.com article</a> best sums up the rationale behind the proposal:<br />
<br />
"<span style="font-style: italic;">Rededicating
Columbus Day as Exploration Day will allow those who wish to
commemorate his accomplishments to continue doing so," says Frank. "But
for those who find Columbus's role in history disquieting, it will
enable them to celebrate the day in a very different way. Exploration
Day covers the depth and breath of America’s rich history of
exploration, research and discovery. Thus, Exploration Day will be
something that unites rather than divides.</span>" (1)<br />
<br />
That
quote drives home the one point that I really like about the
Exploration Day proposal, and that is that Exploration Day would be an
all inclusive celebration of exploration that anyone in the US can
embrace. Also given that the holiday would be near the start of the
school year it would also be a great springboard to get students more
involved in exploring science, technology, engineering, and math; also
known as STEM.<br />
<br />
Below is the video of the Google+ hangout Nicole
Gugliucci, and Tom Diehl that is well worth watching. I am hopeful that
once you watch the video and check out the included links to the
Exploration Day web site, and several articles, you too will also be a
supporter of Exploration Day:<br />
<br />
<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KUSX_HXRjAo?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param>
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<br />
Links to the website and articles:<br />
<ul>
<li>The <a href="http://explorationdayusa.org/" target="_blank">Exploration Day web site</a> which includes links for petitions to both Congress and to the President.</li>
<li>Discovery.com - <a href="http://news.discovery.com/space/should-columbus-day-become-exploration-day-121007.html" target="_blank">SHOULD COLUMBUS DAY BECOME 'EXPLORATION DAY'?</a></li>
<li>Wired.com - <a href="http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/09/why-exploration-deserves-a-holiday/" target="_blank">Why Exploration Deserves a Holiday</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
Happy Exploration Day ~ Jim<br />
<br />
Credits:<br />
(1) Discovery.comMIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-53799999646628443792012-08-10T18:29:00.001-07:002012-08-10T18:29:03.024-07:00Friday fun: Mars:2020:Springtime<br>Here a hilarious piece of animation to celebrate the successful landing of the Curiosity rover on Mars:<br /><br /><object height="480" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yjiGH9QNiU0?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yjiGH9QNiU0?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="480" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />This great piece of work by <a class="yt-user-name author" dir="ltr" href="http://www.youtube.com/user/nickjsky" rel="author">nickjsky</a> was originally uploaded to YouTube in <span class="watch-video-date" id="eow-date">Aug 17, 2006. Check out his comments regarding the video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjiGH9QNiU0&feature=plcp" target="_blank">here</a>, and give him a thumbs up for his excellent work.</span><br /><br />Have a great weekend ~ JimMIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-41150570216035014312012-06-15T20:50:00.001-07:002012-06-15T20:50:48.321-07:00Friday fun: POrtal: Terminal Velocity<br>This video has been making the rounds this week, and even though it has
been posted elsewhere it's so cool that I just have to repost it here:<br /><br /><object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AsdEXlPsobI?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0">
</param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
</param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
</param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AsdEXlPsobI?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />You can be certain that I'll be playing <a href="http://www.thinkwithportals.com/" target="_blank">Portal</a> this weekend..<br /><br />Thanks to <a class="yt-user-name author" dir="ltr" href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0xklkiJsqkqt0NdSzE2-cg" rel="author">Jason Craft</a> for posting this video.<br /><br />Have a great weekend ~ JimMIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-75382536565699494762012-05-28T21:37:00.001-07:002012-05-28T21:37:50.163-07:00Music for a Monday: Sascha Funke - Mango (Original Mix)<br>I don't know what it is about this video, but I love it and I thought I would share it with you:<br /><br /><object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/w1mUAVPaX98?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0">
</param>
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/w1mUAVPaX98?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />Thanks to <a class="yt-user-name author" dir="ltr" href="http://www.youtube.com/user/eggbirdtherooster" rel="author">eggbirdtherooster</a> for not only posting this video on Youtube, but for also introducing me to Sascha Funke.<br /><br />Maybe some day I will visit the Netherlands and make the trip from Delft to De Lier.<br /><br />Cheers ~ JimMIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-42807859288417458192012-05-25T21:28:00.001-07:002012-05-25T21:28:17.539-07:00Friday fun: Real Tracking and Shooting Portal Turret<br>After watching this I find myself in a quandary. Do I go and play <a href="http://www.thinkwithportals.com/" target="_blank">Portal</a> for a few hours, or do I get cracking on my <a href="http://www.arduino.cc/" target="_blank">Arduino</a> project(s). <br /><br /><object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MTSWjkXBHOs?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0">
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MTSWjkXBHOs?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />I think I'll get cracking with the Arduino.<br /><br />Thanks to <a class="yt-user-name author" href="http://www.youtube.com/user/kss5095" rel="author" style="direction: ltr;" target="_blank">kss5095</a> for post this on Youtube. Best of luck on your project!<br /><br />Have a great weekend ~ JimMIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-81922218718714151362012-05-18T15:44:00.001-07:002012-05-18T15:44:48.742-07:00Friday fun: How To Survive A Robot Uprising (aka Robopocalypse)<br>Hmm, so what about Asimov's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Laws_of_Robotics" target="_blank">Three Laws of Robotics</a>?<br />
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Thanks to<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span><a class="yt-user-name author" href="http://www.youtube.com/user/epipheo" rel="author" style="direction: ltr;" target="_blank">epipheo</a> for post this on Youtube!<br />
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Have a great weekend ~ JimMIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-17739651417737203732012-03-16T18:53:00.000-07:002012-03-16T19:00:39.871-07:00Friday fun: Darth Vader and the Imperial March on Bagpipes and Unicycle - The Unipiper<br>Umm, words fail me:<br /><br /><object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LdjY6oy4Y2c?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LdjY6oy4Y2c?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="360" width="640"></embed></object><br /><br />Thanks to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/user/squiddkidd" class="yt-user-name author" rel="author" style="direction: ltr;">squiddkidd</a> for posting this on YouTube<span id="eow-date" class="watch-video-date">. Check out the Unipiper on Facebook: </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/theunipiper" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/theunipiper</a><br /><br />Have a great weekend ~ JimMIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-86588746361088486932012-03-04T18:31:00.000-08:002012-03-04T18:36:58.007-08:00New Sony SL-HF-2000 Beta VCR For SaleAnd now for something other than a Friday Fun post.<br /><br />I have a New Sony SL-HF-2000 Beta VCR for sale. When I say new I mean "never used and still in it's original unopened box".<br /><br />A quick scan of listings on Amazon and eBay indicated that the going price for a used / refurbished Sony SL-HF-2000 Beta VCR is somewhere between $500 and $1000.<br /><br />I will accept bids on the SL-HF-2000 until June 1st, 2012. The minimum bid is $500 unless someone makes me an outlandish offer for a quick sale :)<br /><br />Purchaser will pay for shipping unless you live in the Seattle area. Since the box is to remain unopened the conditions are "as is".<br /><br />You can email me at <a href="mailto:betavcr@miba51.com">betavcr@miba51.com</a> if you have any questions.<br /><br />I also have another Sony SL-HF-2000 Beta VCR that I haven't used for a long time, but I want to hold on to that until I transfer some tapes to DVD. If you live in the Seattle area and you can readily transfer the tapes to DVD for me then you can have this used Beta for $250. I'll even throw in an old Sanyo Beta that you can use for a tape rewinder.<br /><br />Of course this may all seem a little preposterous to many people out there, but I don't want to deal with eBay, and this is the best way I can think of for finding a good home for these VCRs.<br /><br />This posting will be deleted either once the "new" Sony SL-HF-2000 Beta VCR has been sold or after June 1st.<br /><br />Cheers ~ Jim CoxMIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-29107871593107427262012-03-02T19:17:00.000-08:002012-03-02T19:21:55.718-08:00Friday fun: Arduino PIR Alarm<br>Here is another great project courtesy of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/makemagazine" class="yt-user-name author" rel="author" dir="ltr">makemagazine</a> featuring John Park, host of Make: Television, showing how to build a PIR (passive infrared) based motion alarm using an Arduino.<br /><br /><object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/G2DStfpT_-A?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/G2DStfpT_-A?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="360" width="640"></embed></object><br /><br />More information on the Arduino PIR Alarm can be found here: <a href="http://makeprojects.com/Project/PIR-Sensor-Arduino-Alarm/72/1" target="_blank">http://makeprojects.com/Project/PIR-Sensor-Arduino-Alarm/72/1</a><br /><br />You can buy the PIR here: <a href="http://www.makershed.com/product_p/mkpx6.htm" target="_blank">http://www.makershed.com/product_p/mkpx6.htm</a><br /><br />As John points out, because of their cold body temperatures this PIR alarm is ineffective against zombies, but may be useful against other beasties!<br /><br />Have a great zombie free weekend ~ Jim<br />PS: I forgot to follow up the last post regarding the Sony SL-HF-2000 Beta VCR that is still in the box. I'll try to follow up later this weekend.MIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-16154307477730760112012-02-10T13:13:00.000-08:002012-02-10T13:18:21.367-08:00Friday fun: We Code Hard.mp4<br>As I have said before I am not a big fan of rap, but video is worth posting:<br /><br /><object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KC8lt--rEEo?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KC8lt--rEEo?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="360" width="640"></embed></object><br /><br />Thanks to my friend and fellow <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRS-80_Color_Computer" target="_blank">CoConut</a> Rogelio for sharing this on FB and G+, and thanks to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/abdulshahbazkhan" class="yt-user-name author" rel="author" dir="ltr">abdulshahbazkhan</a> for originally uploading this to YouTube.<br /><br />For those of you who read this blog you may have noticed that I haven't been posting much lately. Sorry, but work and other issues have a higher priority. I do plan to post more frequently in the future and hopefully I will have time to work on my Arduino project and post about it as well as my studies in networking (I am working towards some sort of certification).<br /><br />Have a great weekend ~ Jim<br />PS: Anyone out there in need of a Sony SL-HF-2000 Beta VCR that is still in the box? I will be posting about that later in the weekend.MIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7334384.post-84186132600624004852011-12-23T16:46:00.000-08:002011-12-23T16:52:01.210-08:00Friday fun: Simon's Cat in 'Santa Claws'<br>Apparently I missed this Simon's Cat video from last year, so here it is for 2011:<br /><br /><object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nn2h3_aH3vo?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nn2h3_aH3vo?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="360" width="640"></embed></object><br /><br />You'll find more Simon's Cat videos <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/simonscat" target="_blank">here</a>, and be sure to check out the Simon's Cat <a href="http://www.simonscat.com/" target="_blank">homepage</a>.<br /><br />Happy Holidays ~ JimMIBA51http://www.blogger.com/profile/02958808605363839382noreply@blogger.com0