Friday, July 27, 2007

System Administrator Appreciation Day

Share the love. Today is System Administrator Appreciation Day. Let's face it: nobody thinks about the people who make the Internet work every day. We just cuss them when the conenctions are too slow or a site goes down. WE don't realize that they work very hard, are on call 24-7-365, and care about nothing more than keeping the connections up and running so that we can look up our LOLcats. I realize a little bit of what sysadmins do, having closely worked with them for over 7; years (sheesh!). They don't get the credit or the recognition they deserve. So if you can, hug a sysadmin. Or at least send an email thanking your friendly neighborhood sysadmin. They don't bite. Well, most of them. :-)

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Kids these days

This studyNew MTV, Nickelodeon and Microsoft Challenges Assumptions About Relationship Between Kids, Youth & Digital Technology. It's an interesting idea, and I wonder if I can get the concepts out to my faculty. They think the kids know everything about how the technology works, and I've known for a while that they really don't. They're great with application and how-to,but not so good with implications and fixing.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

it's official

According to Facebook, I have 34 friends. According to GoodReads, I have read 50 books. So now I have more books than friends.

You can make of that what you will.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

It's official.

I am a Freak.



Your Score: Freak- INFJ


46% Extraversion, 66% Intuition, 33% Thinking, 53% Judging




Well, well, well. How did someone like you end up with the least common personality type of them all? In a group of 100 Americans, only 0.5 others would be just like you. You really are one of a kind... In fact, I do believe that that's one of the definitions for the word "FREAK."



Freak's not such a bad word to describe you actually.



You are deep, complex, secretive and extremely difficult to understand. If that doesn't scream "Freak!" I don't know what does. No-one actually knows the REAL you, do they?



You probably have deep interests in creative expression as well as issues of spirituality and human development.



You've probably even been called a "psychic" before, because of your uncanny knack to understand and "read" people without quite knowing how you do it. Don't fret. You're not actually psychic. That would make you special and you'll never accomplish that.



You're also quite possible the most emotional of them all, so don't take this all too hard. Nevertheless you most definitely have the strangest personality type and that's not necessarily a good thing.

*****************



If you want to learn more about your personality type in a slightly less negative way, check out this.

*****************



The other personality types are as follows...


Loner - Introverted Sensing Feeling Perceiving

Pushover - Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging

Criminal - Introverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving

Borefest - Introverted Sensing Thinking Judging

Almost Perfect - Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving


Loser - Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Perceiving

Crackpot - Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging


Clown - Extraverted Sensing Feeling Perceiving

Sap - Extraverted Sensing Feeling Judging

Commander - Extraverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving

Do Gooder - Extraverted Sensing Thinking Judging

Scumbag - Extraverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving

Busybody - Extraverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging

Prick - Extraverted iNtuitive Thinking Perceiving

Dictator - Extraverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging




Link: The Brutally Honest Personality Test written by UltimateMaster on OkCupid, home of the The Dating Persona Test

Saturday, July 21, 2007

What I'm Reading update


Last night I went to the College bookstore to wait in line and get my copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I didn't really WANT to drive the 12 miles from my house to the bookstore, but it won't be open tomorrow, we'd already paid for our copies, and Mountain Man has to be out of town all next week, so he wouldn't be able to get it till the next weekend. And I have no restraint when it comes to Harry Potter. I stayed up till 4 a.m. to finish the first one, and the others are similarly addicting. So we came home and read till 2 a.m. I have to say that it moves quickly, perhaps the most quickly of any of the books. Then again, she doesn't have a whole lot of space to wrap things up.

I've also joined a cool new service called Good Reads. It's a social bookmarking site where you list the books you've read, you review books, and you can share the books that others are reading. I've already got 3 friends that I've invited, and I have to say it's pretty addicting. You can link to it from the right bar on my blog. I've concentrated on pleasure reading now, but later I'll be posting the professional books I've read, some of which are damn cool.

Monday, July 09, 2007

Recipe for tonight's supper

1. Take a tiny zucchini, fresh from your friend's garden, slice it lengthwise, then slice it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Put in the pasta salad that you made last week. Mix well.

3. Return to the refrigerator for a half-hour (or as long as you can stand the wait).

4. Sprinkle individual serving with Parmesan cheese.

5. Eat. Marvel at how well the sweet crunch of the zucchini blends with the vinegar-based dressing, green peppers, and olives.

6. Smile as you think how lucky you are to have good friends!

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Vatican issues 10 Commandments for drivers - CNN.com

I'n not Catholic, but I've often thought that we needed these for a long time. Many of them are ones that I practice already, like praying in the car. Vatican issues 10 Commandments for drivers - CNN.com

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Lolcat

I'm fascinated by these Lolcat pictures. Anyone know where to find some good ones?

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Why Nerds are Unpopular

This interesting article explains my high school career, and why life got ever so much better in college an afterward. I wouldn't go back and relive those years for all the money in the world! I'm not sure about his solution, but I don't think that more authenticity will hurt.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Historic river town has plenty to offer visitors

This interesting article from the Lebanon Reporter in Pennsylvania features my new hometown. I'll vouch for everything except the Holl's Chocolatier. Yes, their chocolate is WONDERFUL (all caps merited), but I've never been in their store. I'm going to have to go there to see it.

Trans-Allegheny Bookstore is also a joy for any booklover. The only thing that he forgot to mention is the cats that lounge in the reading area. Hey, come to think of it, that sounds like a perfect Saturday...eating chocolates while browsing fascinating old (and new) books, and sitting on a couch reading a book with a cat in my lap. You know, heaven sounds a lot lke that.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Missing the MySpace vote?

Yet More Republican consistency. They've passed a bad law and now they're trying to subvert it. Typical.

eSchool News online - Missing the MySpace vote?

Thursday, February 01, 2007

SOUNDVIZION RECORDINGZ: 6'6 240 RINGTONES

SOUNDVIZION RECORDINGZ: 6'6 240 RINGTONES
The only rap song I'd think of listening to or downloading. I might even make it my ringtone!

Friday, January 19, 2007

Elvis Drinkmo: Appalachian Dialect

Fascinating article on the Appalachian Dialect by my buddy Elvis. Some of these I'd never heard. What shocked me was the use of the word "stocking cap." A toboggan, for me, was both a long sled meant for several people and a knitted cap that you wear in the winter. I guess you learn something new every day.

thanks again Elvis!
Laura

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Strangers - a photoset on Flickr

Strangers - a photoset on Flickr

This is a very interesting project in which a person takes a photo of a stranger every day. I imagine I would have a hard time!

Monday, January 08, 2007

Where is your accent?

What American accent do you have?
Your Result: The Midland
 

"You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio.

The West
 
The South
 
Boston
 
North Central
 
The Inland North
 
Philadelphia
 
The Northeast
 
What American accent do you have?
Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

States I've visited



create your own visited states map

Interesting idea. And now I know where I need to go next! Maybe that New ENgland trip isn't a bad idea.

Interesting enough that the only region that I've visted all the states is Appalachia. Guess I have more of a connection than I thought.

Countries I've visited



create your own visited countries map
or vertaling Duits Nederlands

Sunday, December 31, 2006

Marshall coach recalls sadness, triumph - College football - MSNBC.com

This weekend, while fighting the damn bronchitis, I went to see We are Marshall in the theater in Charleston. I was quite impressed by the movie. It was done quite well, with no condescension toward Appalachia (something I'd worried about), and emotion without sappiness. I'd highly recommend it. At the end, I was wondering what was accurate and what wasn't. This interview with Lengyel answered my questions. Yes, the final play wasn't the same as in the history boooks, but I think you'll agree that it provided a needed symmetry for the movie.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Should you have graduated High School?

OK, so I found another new site and can't tear myself away.....

You paid attention during 97% of high school!

85-100% You must be an autodidact, because American high schools don't get scores that high! Good show, old chap!

Do you deserve your high school diploma?
Create a Quiz



I'm glad to know that the doctorate has prepared me to score excellently on Internet quizzes.

Do You Drink Republican Kool-Aid?

You Drink Republican Kool-Aid 0% of the Time!

Congratulations, you do not drink the Republican Kool-Aid. You haven't been brainwashed and are able to think for yourself rather than get your daily marching orders from the right-wing media. Mindless submission to our leader has no place in America. You, sir or ma'am, are a patriot.

Do You Drink Republican Kool-Aid?

Are YOU a terrorist?

Always nice to have validation...

Your 'Do You Want the Terrorists to Win' Score: 94%

You are a terrorist-loving, Bush-bashing, "blame America first"-crowd traitor. You are in league with evil-doers who hate our freedoms. By all counts you are a liberal, and as such cleary desire the terrorists to succeed and impose their harsh theocratic restrictions on us all. You are fit to be hung for treason! Luckily George Bush is tapping your internet connection and is now aware of your thought-crime. Have a nice day.... in Guantanamo!

Do You Want the Terrorists to Win?
Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Friday, November 17, 2006

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

I am Spiderman

I think I would have preferred Isis or Wonder Woman. Then again, I don't think anyone remembers Isis.

Your results:
You are Spider-Man
























Spider-Man
80%
Superman
75%
Wonder Woman
65%
Robin
65%
Green Lantern
60%
Iron Man
55%
Supergirl
50%
Batman
50%
Hulk
45%
The Flash
35%
Catwoman
25%
You are intelligent, witty,
a bit geeky and have great
power and responsibility.


Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

"You're unique, just like everyone else...." Margaret Mead

Talk about depressing.


HowManyOfMe.com
LogoThere are:
352
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Steve Slaton Heisman Campaign

Finally, a platform we can live with. Wonder where I can get my "Slaton for Heismann" shirts and buttons?

The Onion

Heisman Candidate Promises Voters Free Health Care, Lower Taxes

MORGANTOWN, WV—With his stock falling and his projected share of the vote expected to be smaller with every passing week, Steve Slaton...

Monday, November 06, 2006

Tennessee Jed: Metaphorical pumpkin flesh

Wonderful pumpkin carving honoring Pink Floyd great Syd Barrett, who passed along earlier this year. May he rest in peace. I think that either Syd or Roger, whichever incarnation of his sanity was there, would be quite pleased with the tribute.

Friday, November 03, 2006

Ode to the WVU-Louisville Game

At least the game last night got our creative minds working.....

Slaton with the Ball
Brief Reflections on the Start of the Second Half
By Mountain Laurel and Kim
(with apologies to Ernest L. Thayer)

The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Mountaineers that day,
The score stood sixteen-fourteen, with two quarters left to play.

And after the ball came out after several long yard gains,
A pall-like silence fell upon the 'Eer's fans at the game.

But a recovery from our heroes after Brohm's pass to the ten
The boys from West Virginia were in the game again.

The straggling few that turn to go and cursed in deep despair
Turned back and basked in new hopes now floating in the air

They thought, "if only Slaton could but get a whack again.
We'd put up even money now, 90 yards and he's in.

The clock ran down, the line came up, the official spotted the ball
White handed off to Slaton, surprising no one with the call.

Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright.
The band is playing somewhere, and couches all burn bright.
And, somewhere men are laughing, and little children shout,

but there is no joy in Motown --
mighty Slaton's arm gave out.

Monday, October 30, 2006

Cure your own hiccups! [rec.humor.funny]

Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease. I wonder who funded this study? Cure your own hiccups! [rec.humor.funny]

Friday, October 27, 2006

Advice from Dear Abby

Take a look at this recent letter to Dear Abby about a pregnant teen who unwillingly tells her parents about her situation. Advice from Dear Abby on uExpress But yes, we need to make sure that we have parental notification so that the nasty tramp gets what's coming to her. And an abortion would have been so terrible and so much worse than what happened! This makes me furious.

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Business Presentations for Success - Use PowerPoint for Successful Business Presentations - Create Business Presentations in PowerPoint

Business Presentations for Success - Use PowerPoint for Successful Business Presentations - Create Business Presentations in PowerPoint

Saddam, Year 2

Last Friday marks the second anniversary of my meeting Saddam the crawdad. Since then, Saddam has grown like a weed. He is now at least five inches long and growing. From his original hole next to the patio, he has expanded to a location near the steps. I can only conclude that he is expanding his home to accommodate a growing family.

He's getting bold in his advancing years. Every night he has been sitting with his body almost all the way out of his hole so that I can clearly see his claws and get an estimate of his size. On Sunday night I went outside to see him sitting all the way on my patio. I must have startled him because he ran back to the grass trolling for bugs. You know, the little guy is really starting to grow on me. I'll get a picture if I can.

And in a few more years, he'll end up being a GREAT lobster dinner.

The Age Blogs: Management Line / How to haggle Archives

This could come in handy. The Age Blogs: Management Line / How to haggle Archives

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

St. Expedite - Armeniapedia.org

The patron saint of hackers and the overworked. I guess they have a saint for everything!St. Expedite - Armeniapedia.org

Trunk Monkey Videos - Trunkmonkey Training Headquarters

Trunk Monkey Videos - Trunkmonkey Training Headquarters The definitive collection, plus a couple of other goodies like the 1984 Mac video and the Super Bowl Career Builder monkey commercials. Fun!

Friday, May 19, 2006

What poetry form are you?



I'm terza rima, and I talk and smile.
Where others lock their rhymes and thoughts away
I let mine out, and chatter all the while.

I'm rarely on my own - a wasted day
Is any day that's spent without a friend,
With nothing much to do or hear or say.

I like to be with people, and depend
On company for being entertained;
Which seems a good solution, in the end.
What Poetry Form Are You?

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Jeffrey Zeldman Presents: The Ad Graveyard

Jeffrey Zeldman Presents: The Ad Graveyard Oh, so bad it's almost funny. Scrap the almost. It's damn funny, but I'm ashamed of myself for sayings o.

Friday, April 07, 2006

Don't wait until another dam breaks

Don't wait until another dam breaks Highlighting the importance of above-ground potential mining disasters such as Buffalo Creek in 1974.

Thursday, March 30, 2006

I Can Tell By the Tone of Your Voice...

Eide Neurolearning Blog: I Can Tell By the Tone of Your Voice...Yet another difference between men and women. I find this one fascinating. I wonder why it is? Ideas?

Attytood: Can you spot the mistakes in this photo?

Attytood: Can you spot the mistakes in this photo? It's just like those Sunday morning cartoons! I got both of them, but not for the same reason.

The New Sociology

A college student spends three days of his spring break at Wal-Mart. DesMoinesRegister.com I have felt like I was never going to get out of there. I don't see how he did it. I'd like to read his book, though, should he write it.

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Friday, March 03, 2006

SI.com - Photo Gallery - Top 15 Seniors

SI.com - Photo Gallery - Top 15 Seniors Notice who's guarding him...that's right, it's Pittsnogle, in a WVU victory!!!

Mike Gansey Number 3 Senior

SI.com - Photo Gallery - Top 15 Seniors Let's Gooooooo, Mountaineers!!

Kevin Pittsnogle: #10 Senior in the USA

SI.com - Photo Gallery - Top 15 Seniors So what's funny about Pittsnogle?

Kevin Pittsnogle: #10 Senior in the USA

SI.com - Photo Gallery - Top 15 Seniors So what's funny about Pittsnogle?

Sprint Commercial Honors WVU Tradition... - www.scout.com

Lvoe this WVU/PSU interchange. Sprint Commercial Honors WVU Tradition... - www.scout.com

Q. What's a Nittany?
A. Nit-an-e. Adjective meaning big, dumb, and ugly. :-)

The Voice of the Mountaineers

Jack Fleming will always be the Voice of the Mountaineers. Though I didn't hear this one at the time (I was at the game), it sure does bring back memories. May Jack rest in peace with all the eternal rewards he has earned for making so many so happy. JackFleming.mp3 (audio/mpeg Object)

For those of you who don't remember, that would be October 31, 1988, WVU vs. Penn State. I believe the final was 55-30 but I could be wrong about that. My trivia's getting a bit rusty.

Thursday, March 02, 2006

FOXNews.com - U.S. & World News - W. Va. Miner Still Doesn't Know Other Miners Died in Tragedy

FOXNews.com - U.S. & World News - W. Va. Miner Still Doesn't Know Other Miners Died in Tragedy "MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In the two months since the blast at Sago Mine, lone survivor Randal McCloy Jr. has emerged from a coma and is learning to walk and talk again. Though he knows he is called a miracle, he hasn't been told why."

It's probably a blessing for him right now. He doesn't need to hear some of the other rumors about the other miners giving him their oxygen either. completely unsubstantiated, as in "how would we ever know?

Thank heavens we have one miracle. I would have preferred 12 or 13, but I am rejoicing over the life of that one man that made it out. He is a miracle, and I thank God for bringing him through.

U.S. Is Reducing Safety Penalties for Mine Flaws - New York Times

U.S. Is Reducing Safety Penalties for Mine Flaws - New York Times: "In its drive to foster a more cooperative relationship with mining companies, the Bush administration has decreased major fines for safety violations since 2001, and in nearly half the cases, it has not collected the fines, according to a data analysis by The New York Times.

Larry Williams was injured in a 2002 collapse in West Virginia.

Federal records also show that in the last two years the federal mine safety agency has failed to hand over any delinquent cases to the Treasury Department for further collection efforts, as is supposed to occur after 180 days.
F. Brian Ferguson for The New York Times"

The rest of the article goes on to describe that miners near Rupert (a town with a GREAT classic county music station, btw) were in a roof fall. One was killed and one trapped for four hours. What horrified me is that they were using the technique called "pillaring," in which miners save columns of coal to be used as roof supports. Then, when they have mined the section, they go back and mine the coal from the pillars. It's a roof fall waiting to happen, and I thought it was illegal. Maybe they've made it legal again, or maybe the illegality was just a regulation (with a fine that may oremay not have been enforced).

This is what happens when you get Republicans in charge of the MSHA that want to foster a closer relationship with the industry.

May God forgive us all.

Friday, February 10, 2006

Those Muhammad Cartoons

Those Muhammad Cartoons The reaction from cartoonists all over the world.

Thursday, February 02, 2006

Thursday, January 12, 2006

Georgia Bravado

Yet another interesting HTML recap of the Sugar Bowl. Georgia Bravado

I think it's a bit mean, and I would much rather see WVU fans rejoicing than UGA fans hanging their heads. The last screen shot makes it, though.

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Stream of Conciousness Notes - Sugar Bowl West Virginia vs. Georgia

THe best recap of the best game I've seen all season. I especially agree with the commentary on the commercials. However, I don't see how he could have seen the millionth crowd shot of WVU. IN the first quarter, if I recall correctly, all I saw were crowd shots of GA looking like they'd been hit with a two-by-four. Stream of Conciousness Notes - Sugar Bowl West Virginia vs. Georgia

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

What Sci Fi/Fantasy Character are You?

I'm Galadriel:

Which Fantasy/SciFi Character Are You?



Possessing a rare combination of wisdom and humility, while serenely dominating your environment you selflessly use your powers to care for others.



Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

BlogherConferenceDiscussionGuidelines.pdf (application/pdf Object)

Interesting guidelines for conference panels, discussions, et al. Recommended by Ms. Mentor, so you know it's good.

Monday, October 10, 2005

eSchool News online - Critics blast ED's 'propaganda' probe

OK, so let's see if I got this right. They did a probe that found that the Repubs had purchased propaganda in violation of federal rules, but they don't call it "Illegal"? Kind of makes you wonder where they'll draw the line. I wonder if such as defense would work against the IRS? eSchool News online - Critics blast ED's 'propaganda' probe: "D"

Thursday, September 15, 2005

Urban Legends Reference Pages: Religion (Bolt Upright)

LIghtning struck a church after the preacher asked God for an answer. A minister asked God for an answer, and I guess he got one! Further proof that you don't pray unless you're really ready fof the answer. Personaly, I think God's answer was "Shush!"

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

The Devastating Impact of Hurricane George

Interesting Article. And I've heard that the overflow of the lake that is now in NO is being called Lake George. I imagine he was looking forward to having an airport named after him like Ronnie. Now he's go his very own lake!

Friday, September 02, 2005

Roman's weblog » Post Apoclypse LA

The latest link from Roman's blog with links to NO LA blogs and images. Heartbreaking. Fine writer though he continues to be, I liked it better when he was blogging imagination and not reality. Imagination you can ignore and forget.

Friday, August 12, 2005

The WINBUTTON - You the button click. Money you might win.

Also visit its counterpart, the Losebutton. The WINBUTTON - You the button click. Money you might win.

New Words in the language

You know, this is what I just love about English. Our great language changes and gets more interesting by the day. Can you see this happening in French or inthe Spanish of Spain? The Seattle Times: Nation & World: Oxford dictionary accepts "phishing"

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Collective Nouns

Wowie Zowie! Thsi is really cool! The definihte list of of collective nouns. Collective Nouns

Friday, July 01, 2005

EFF: Legal Guide for Bloggers

Might not be a bad idea to read this. EFF: Legal Guide for Bloggers

NEA: NEA Wal-Mart Campaign

When you buy your back-to-school supplies, don't buy them at Wal-Mart. NEA: NEA Wal-Mart Campaign

Monday, June 27, 2005

Computer Rage

Demonstrations of how to safely express computer rage. I love it!!Computer Rage

Researchers: Metcalfe's Law overshoots the mark | CNET News.com

Which laws work and which don't. Researchers: Metcalfe's Law overshoots the mark | CNET News.com

Excite News: New Jack the Ripper theories put sleuths in a spin

I don't know why I've always been fascinated by the Jack the Ripper saga, but this is really interesting. I wonder if there's anything to the sailor story? Or, if J the R could be either a sailor or a surgeon, why not both? Didn't ships at the time have ship doctors? That could conveniently tie together these two theories. And I would imagine that the comings and goings of a ship's doctor would be better documented than a simple deck hand, as society has alwys been more interested in teh well-to-d0 and professional than the poor working class. Excite News

Rock the Vote

BBC Radio In Our Time A BBC Radio Show's opportunity to vote for the greatest philosopher of all time. I'm still looking for the Hamburglar. His "Robble Robble" has influenced generations of those who came after him. I, in fact, count that as a significatn influence on my life.That's why I'm always stealing Kim's french fries.

Sith Happens

When I walked into my office today, I saw the message "Sith Happens :-)" written neatly on my whiteboard. That's one of the reasons that I like to keep a whiteboard: it not only allows me to tell others where I am (when you're a department of one with a busy schedule and no secretary, that's invaluable), and it also provides some interesting reflections from the students.

Now, my formative years were in the 1980's. (I know, that explains a lot!) Back then, the expression was "Shit happens." I can go along with that. Shit happens, and if it doesn't, then there's a problem. We need to expect a certain amount of shit each day: it keeps us on our toes and keeps us regular, and thus helps our overall disposition, in the long run. Too much shit, of course, is not good, just like too much chocolate is not good. (I've never seen too much chocolate, though.)

< channel Yoda > But "Sith Happens," now, these are words for our day. Sith does not need to happen. Sith happens only from greed, impatience, and a lust for power, at some level. And Sith we need to fight against. We see Sith everywhere, especially in the current policies. And this Sith does not need to be, unlike Shit. THere is no acceptable amount of Sith. We must use our force to fight it.

< /channel Yoda >