Cellphone radiation could cause kidney damage?

The study reported that kidneys are susceptible to the radiation even at lower doses than having a cell phone in your face.
Cellphone radiation could cause kidney damage?

TypeTee entries...

If you like 'em, click on the link... I just kept submitting... kind of went crazy there for a bit... These are entries that I submitted to have printed on T-shirts.

I'm having a BSOD moment, hang on... http://www.typetees.com/score/973510/I_m_having_a_BSOD_moment_hang_on

I need to Ctl-Alt-Del... http://www.typetees.com/score/973504/I_need_to_Ctl_Alt_Del

I'm Alone... Not Lonely... http://www.typetees.com/score/973500/I_m_Alone_Not_Lonely

A penny for your Source Code... http://www.typetees.com/score/973497/A_penny_for_your_source_code

Not on My Dime... http://www.typetees.com/score/973495/Not_on_my_Dime

Deposit till you Can't Withdraw... http://www.typetees.com/score/967568/Deposit_till_you_can_t_Withdraw

My O² is your O²... http://www.typetees.com/score/967554/My_O_is_Your_O

If you insist on reading this, then check me out... http://www.typetees.com/score/967542/If_you_insist_on_reading_this_then_Check_Me_Out

HELP! This person wont take me off... http://www.typetees.com/score/967531/HELP_This_person_won_t_take_me_OFF

Cut the crap with a Diamond... http://www.typetees.com/score/967526/Cut_the_crap_with_a_Diamond

A Day is Good to Have...  http://www.typetees.com/score/967380/A_Day_is_Good_to_Have

Teachers and Parents Get Different Stories

I came across the following two stories on Edweek.org. The first headline was on the main page. It is focused primarily on stories for those who are interested in education. There is a link on this page to the Teacher Magazine web site. Teacher Magazine as the name implies is written for teachers. Both carry articles related to and about education. I caught sight of these headlines and had to wonder; "Why would they try to lead teachers on like this?" or "Are they trying to present a more pessimistic view to the more general audience?" My guess is that teacher Unions have a lot to do with it. I'm sure that this is a "Look! You're doing a good job!" aimed at teachers (believe me, some deserve it), but to have the same story headlined and presented differently to very separate audiences has led me to believe there is more to this. Why did it need to be rewritten for the general audience? Was the AP story too upbeat?


Published Online: December 9, 2008 in Education Week

Asians Best U.S. Students in Math and Science

By Kathleen Kennedy Manzo

American 4th and 8th graders continue to exceed the international average on math and science tests, but are still well behind their counterparts in several Asian nations and trail a few European countries, results released today show.

Students in Massachusetts and Minnesota who took part in the testing program, however, excelled ahead of their peers across the United States. Massachusetts in particular did as well as some of the leading Asian nations in some areas...

And on the same site in, but in the Teacher Magazine section.

U.S. Math and Science Students on Par

WASHINGTON (AP) — In math and science, American kids are doing better than people think, an international study found. But some Asian countries have an edge in math that just keeps growing.

U.S. students have made significant gains in math since 1995 and score above average on international fourth- and eighth-grade tests in the subject, according to a study released Tuesday.

However, the United States has a long way to go to lead the world in math. The study reported dramatically higher math scores in five Asian countries — Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan and Korea — than other countries...

Golf Has a Guardian Angel

Harris Armstrong is a special person. I'm sure that more of us would do well to take his lead. He played golf since he was 12 and was touted as the next Tiger Woods. For this young man to have touched so many says an awful lot about who he was and what kind of family he grew up in.

The Ongoing Threat to Windows Users - Sinowal

Windows users could be unaware of any infection that occurs until its too late. The latest threat - Sinowal - is a Trojan / Rootkit type of file that has some very nasty habits. Some are predicting that the Monday before Thanksgiving (in the US) will be a very busy day for this bugger. IT people have labeled it Black Monday because of all the security related issues that surface.

First, and foremost, your Anti-Virus software will most likely miss detecting it. Then once installed, it watches your keystrokes. It watches for certain sites you visit and then passes the information you just entered back to its data collection computer across an encrypted connection. What it collects will most likely be bank account or other sensitive information. This is one bad Trojan.

Because this file changes all the time, your Anti-Virus software may not catch the latest version. There are Rootkit detectors available and running a couple of them would be the best option to find out if you are infected. Programs Rootkit Buster and GMER and F-Secure's Backlight are a few of your options.

Remember! You don't need to be spending money on your PC to protect it. Almost any type of protection you need can be found for free!  Yes, FREE. (I haven't paid for anti-virus or firewall software in years).

This threat is compounded by the fact that a LOT of PC user DO NOT update the software they have and use on their PC. There are some serious gaps in security that go unchecked in well known software titles, like Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash, and Apple Quicktime, to name a few. Browsers are vulnerable also. Firefox and Opera are always updating their software. Some Windows users have automatic updates turned off. Not that its a bad thing, but there are updates being produced all the time. Microsoft makes the updates available online, though, if you know where to look.

Remember, whatever Anti-Virus / Firewall / Plug-in / Software you run, keep your programs patched and up to date. (my public service announcement) :)

Vaccinating Children Against Flu Prevents Sickness, Death

Influenza is an illness that kills many thousands of people worldwide every year and makes millions more seriously ill. Many of those victims are children. As Rose Hoban reports, new research shows vaccines prevent disease and death in children. Here is the story.
To find out where to get a flu shot at a clinic in your area, click here.

Great Balls o' Fire.... Pentagon Style

The Pentagon has a new secret weapon to neutralize sites containing chemical or biological weapons: rocket balls. But, as with most stories, it comes alive when you get to read the comments. This one is no different. Just read the first few comments to see what I'm talking about.

Drop, Cover and Hold... You know the Drill

Tomorrow, November 13th at 10AM, Los Angeles will be holding The Great Southern California ShakeOut. Its an earthquake drill conducted by CalTech and thousands of people are expected to participate. Even if you don't live in 'Earthquake Country', the information is worth looking at. If you ever need a reason not to live in SoCal, then I suppose this could fit the bill. And if you're looking for a reason to get out, this will surely help the cause. Oh, wait, taxes may hit 10% soon in CA, so I guess this will just add to the list. Good Luck to us all... Sheesh!

Butler who saw racial history being remade...

Some stories have to be told. This is one of them.

The Most Powerful Tool in IDEA 2004

Do you think special education in your community or state needs to be strengthened or improved? Then you need to think about becoming a member of your State Advisory Panel.

Each state has an advisory panel. The panel provides your State Department of Education guidance about special education and related services for children with disabilities.

• Does the quality of special education services in your school district or state need to be improved?
• Are the educational needs of children with disabilities going unmet?
• Do special education teachers and related service providers need better training?

If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," you should consider becoming a member of your state advisory panel.

(Wrightslaw.com is a huge resource for information on children with disabilities... )

Election Day Offers and Freebies

This is for those of you going to vote and thinking of taking some retailer up on a promotion just for showing your Ballot Stub. Latest info is that you don't have to show any stub or sticker or anything; its a violation to offer something to someone in order to get them to vote. You may be able to just 'ask' for the promotion anyway.

Ben & Jerry's: Free scoop of ice cream between 5-8pm. Originally, materials stated you'd need some form of proof you voted (like an "I voted" sticker), but current materials just spell out "Free scoops!" (locate)

Books-A-Million: Free cup of coffee after showing your "I voted" sticker. (locate)

California Tortilla: Free taco for showing "I voted" sticker. (locate)

Chick-fil-A: "Several hundred" of 1,400 Chick-fil-A restaurants are handing out chicken
sandwiches (the kind normally $2.70) to adults with proof of voting. (locate)

Krispy Kreme: Free star-shaped doughnut with "patriotic sprinkles" (i.e. red, white, and blue) for "all retail customers with an 'I Voted' sticker." USA Today reports that 85 of 231 Krispy Kreme locations will participate. (locate)

Shane's Rib Shack: A free "Celebrate America Meal"—3-piece chicken tenders, fries, and 20-ounce drink—to the first 300 customers at participating locations, according to their press release. (locate)

Starbucks: Free tall coffee at "any Starbucks." "Tell us you voted" seems to be the bargaining chip, according to their recent TV ads. (locate)

Vote & Vax: National project by non-profits to offer free flu vaccinations on election day. (locate)

Water Slide Commute

An office worker commutes by waterslide and uses a contactless RFID credit card to swipe through subway system gates and grocery stores.

EUNOIA - Beautiful Thinking

Christian Bok is a poet. EUNOIA is the title of his book that is comprised of works of fiction that are each written with only one vowel. Only one vowel. Samples included.

On Saying No

One author's experience with the word "no". Enjoy.

Not Sure What Category This Falls Under...

So, I figured I would just hit one of the 'default' buttons that I see every day. I clicked on the 'Next Blog' button in the Blogger banner on top of the page. It took me 9 clicks of that button to finally arrive at a site that was aimed at English speaking visitors. I will be checking this out again and will have to report back with my findings. If you have had a similar experience, please comment. Like I said, I'm not sure what it means, or even who cares, but I found it quirky enough to post about.

So I just did it again... It took 6 clicks to hit an English page. Go figure...

I Have a New Respect for Bobsled Runners

Bobsled Vs Mitsubishi Evo By Togear - video powered by Metacafe

Accidents Happen...

"Accidentally removing" yourself form the Species is putting it bluntly. Saying that one deserves to be honored because of those actions? Only you could make that distinction. This month the Darwin awards came out. Read all about the nominees here: The Darwin Awards

What To Do... What To Do...

    This is all pretty crazy stuff that I'm reading. The Dow dropped like 800 points over the course of the day. It is currently closed on the day with a loss of 370 points. Oil has hit $88 a barrel. European markets are in turmoil. And all this is due to 10% of the loans given out? Enough money squandered to drop financial giants to their knees. I find it hard to believe that the average Joe Taxpayer would remain silent on this. This country is taking a HUGE hit monetarily for the DUMB ASS decisions and now actions that representatives of our money holders have made over that past few years. The whole idea that a person who makes $12 an hour can finance a Million dollar home is ASININE. The @#&$%!* IDIOTS who approved this method of lending need to be held TOTALLY responsible for this upheaval. So the question remains... Who has the balls big enough to hold these IDIOTS to the stake and nail them to it? Who?

Sen. to carriers: Why do text messages cost $1,300 per meg? | ZDNet Government | ZDNet.com

Sen. to carriers: Why do text messages cost $1,300 per meg? | ZDNet Government | ZDNet.com

Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wisc.) is bsically taking the Cell Carriers to task. He asks some questions that if answers ever go public would tell a tale of total greed and unfair policy. I can't wait fo the report to come out.

For Special Needs Children - An Advocates Manual from The Epilepsy Foundation

A lot of attention has been given to Special Needs children lately. Most of it coming from the fact that the Republican nominee for Vice President, Sarah Palin, has a baby with Down's Syndrome. There is a lot of stuff out there relating to Special Needs. This one is chock full of questions along with answers, titled Legal Rights of Children with Epilepsy in School and Child Care, it covers a much bigger scope than just children with epilepsy.
https://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/epilepsylegal/upload/ChildrensRights.pdf">ChildrensRights.pdf

US Disappointed Olympics Didn't Open China More

All I can say is : Ya Think?!?!

I'm not impressed either, to say the least.

US disappointed Olympics didn't open China more - Olympics - Yahoo! Sports

One Way to a Longer Life is Illegal.

The report is being made that if you have more than one wife, you have a good chance of living longer. Like they say, the best things in life are either free or illegal.

Polygamy is the key to a long life - being-human - 19 August 2008 - New Scientist

The Inevitable Solar Storm

Reading Scientific American articles can be an enjoyable pasttime. But every once in a while you realize that you've just been slapped in the face by it. So it goes with this article on the impending Solar Storm. The article mentions that in times past, more attention was paid to these events by the Press; people took an interest in this type of event. Not so, nowadays. Is this evidence of the media 'Dumbing Down' society? It has been quite a while since the last Solar 'big one', so maybe we're just a little complacent. It's something we should be aware of and prepared for.
Read it at: Bracing the Satellite Infrastructure for a Solar Superstorm

It's Over

We've exposed the Lie. Or should I say NBC has done it for us. If you've been watching the "Olympics", then you should already realize this. From the moment the games began, NBC has been 'in love with' China. Their people, their customs, their 'Beijing'. I have been watching (with mouth agape half the time) at how this new-found China will be the envy of the world. How we will all want to 'be there'; be just like them. Watching the ultimate in opening ceremonies, spending way over and above what other countries spent, the 15,000 individuals who performed at the event (with drummers who were told to "smile more") and the pure unadulterated lust for gold (read: control) goes to show what a country who's past and present can't just run and hide. China's government has its hand in everything. Right down to what you and I are watching. I have to wonder how many families were displaced for the creation of the olympic village for athletes. How many lives are being forced to exist solely for the purpose of attaining momentary perfection in 4 years at the hands of their government. Are we, as seekers of pure sport, condoning these activities by allowing the ideologies of that nation to be broadcast into our living-room? Does NBC honestly believe that this is somehow worthy of support? After this is all said and done, I believe the true stories will be told, but I find it hard to believe NBC will report them ... the world is watching...

Olympic Foof

I have enjoyed the Phelps saga in Beijing. The pool races are about as
exciting as it gets. Watching individuals push themselves to the edge
of their being to conquer a distance as fast as they can. There is no
word for it other than 'Sport'. No one is hold a gun to them to make
them swim; they know they are good at it and can flaunt it. This, I
like. But there is just something that screams 'NO!' when it come to
"synchronized diving". Thats what you train dolphins for...to watch
just for the beauty of it at Sea World; this is not sport. There on the
TV were two people trying to do the same thing as synchronized and as perfectly timed as possible and I'm yelling "HOW COME THE JUDGES DIDN'T SEE THAT?" Cause I sure did! I swear that the judges are just turning a blind eye to China, but nit-picking all others. (see my last entry about this). This has so turned me off of the "Olympics". I am convinced that the rest of the events will go the same way. But I am still not convinced it is really a sport yet. I would rather watch the old Tug-o-War games be brought back. Don't get me wrong. High-Dive and individual diving is still what I would consider a sport. There is skill in doing some of those moves. But to try to match another person? ESPECIALLY when there seems to be a 'judging' problem that has NO explanation, the event looses ALL meaning and should not be part of the Olympics. Am I imagining all this? I dont think so.

Olympics. Anyone Notice?

I have been watching the Olympic games recently, like a lot of people. A great opening ceremony, I thought, and even enjoyed some of the first games they presented. And then it started... An event would begin and the commentators would have their say, then... Oh, wait, the Chinese are on the screen. I thought it was just a bit odd at first, but then it started happening more often. There would be some critical comment of a team in the sport, but when the Chinese were in the spotlight, on the screen, there were few, very few, critical remarks on their performance or comments about their off moments. So I kept watching the events unfurl. Great moments in sports... but then it kept on happening. The Chinese would be up on the screen in their event, and even though very evident that the performance was not perfect, there was not one mention of it by the commentators. Not one. I have to wonder... Are the networks censored? Did we (US Networks) agree not to be critical? Are we kissing China's a$$? I wonder who else is saying this. I have not heard this comment anywhere yet. Maybe I missed it. Am I imagining things? Please let me know...Is just being in China such a coup that the networks would do/say (or not say as the case may be) anything to piss them off. I am SO waiting to hear the first 'real' critical remarks of a Chinese team/member.

Get PAID to recycle your Old Cell Phone

I ran across this the other day and its been sitting on the pile to write about. The site is cellforcash.com. The website provides an opportunity for you to send in your old cell phone and in turn they will send you a check. The list is extensive, but not all phones will count toward your payoff. Of course the newer ones tend to pay higher, but I found a few older Nokia's that still get you $4. In all its a nice way to get rid of your gadgetry and still get something for it - while knowing that you're not dumping the crap is some landfill.

Between the Batman Movies

You will get a pretty good idea of what went on in Gotham City in the time frame between the two movies - Batman Begins and The Dark Night. Though not very long, the story covers quite a lot. It fills the gap quite nicely.

Of Worms and MP3's

Your local Worm-maker is back at work. The infected file (pretending to be a .ASF media file) is downloaded and then tells the user it needs a codec so it can play. If the user goes to the website for the codec, it sounds like you're hosed. It allows your PC to route other traffic through it. THEN.... It looks for your MP3s to convert them to copies of the malware. There's a conspiracy theory in there, but I'm not sayin'. At Slashdot.com.

Do Not Try This At Home

This has got to be the coolest demonstration of 'Live Science' I have ever seen - But as it states.... Don't Try This At Home. Have a look --> Do Not Try This At Home - The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Congress, get off your gas, and drill!

This, I like.... I'm not sure if anyone in Congress is listening (reading?), but when Chuck Norris has to start telling the Government which end is up, I would be paying attention. Chuck lays it out for all to read.
Like they say: When Chuck does push-ups, its the earth that moves, not Chuck pushing up.

Congress, get off your gas, and drill!

Grocery Stockpile List

Stockpiling makes sense... if you have the room. I ran across this handy piece of information, but I'm not sure I have all the room needed for holding the lot of it. I like that there is a printable PDF that you can download.

Grocery Stockpile List - Pantry List

International Year of the Potato 2008

All the other tubers are going to be jealous of this one. Yup. This year - 2008 - has been designated as 'Year of the Potato' By the United Nations.

From the website: "The International Year of the Potato is raising awareness of the key role played by the "humble tuber" in agriculture, the economy and world food security. But it also has a very practical aim: to promote development of sustainable potato-based systems that enhance the well-being of producers and consumers and help realize the potato's full potential as a "food of the future".

Enjoy your tubers!

International Year of the Potato 2008

Let's Say Thanks

If you have ever thought about what you could do to actually say 'Thank You' to our men and Women in the military, now is the perfect time to do so. Its not Christmas or any big holiday season, so they probably dont get to hear much from us 'back in the States' this time of year. Xerox has set up a site that allows you to pick a postcard design and personally write a note to a soldier overseas. Xerox will send it there for free. You can't designate who it goes to, but it will get to someone who deserves it, for sure.
Let's Say Thanks

Ryan Frederick - A Wiki Called Reason - a Wikia wiki

The ongoing story of Ryan is a riveting one. He is claiming self-defense in the killing of a police officer. The story is not over yet.

Ryan Frederick -

Iraq, Commanders, and Voiceover Work

The parade has marched out of town, but it was probably one of the best times I have had there. I volunteered at the Armed Forces Day Parade last Saturday as part of the 'crew' that made sure the attendees were marching in the order they set forth in the program. It was the annual effort of the local Amateur Radio Club which I belong to that brought it to my attention.

I was working a section in the middle of the parade that had everything from drill teams to drill sergeants. Standing out in the middle of a major boulevard flagging down buses and convoys that really had no way of knowing which way they were supposed to go felt odd to say the least. When a group that belonged in my section arrived, I would have them try to line up in order and make space for missing groups.

It was hot. How hot? My tennis shoes were making impressions in the tar they used to fill the cracks in the sidewalk. And I chose to wear jeans. But I'm glad I did. No stinkin' sunscreen for my legs, thank you very much. Thats a whole subject for another time. The sun was out in force and there was actually a nice breeze, not too windy, that made for a very nice day. Talking with some of the Troups that came from Edward AFB made me glad I lived in a coastal town and passed the time nicely. They drove down in a Hummer with no air from the desert in full fatigues no less.

So while talking to these guys (and one girl), I find out they are actually MP's; the 'police' who guard stuff on base. They take no bull from anybody. And enjoy it. Even 'higher-ups' have to listen to them. It was a nice conversation. One guy had been to Iraq and (of course) was glad to be home. The others were basically on this little outing just as volunteer duty, something to do, I guess.

A Colonel arrives and is in a convertible. He gets to sit on the back of the Lexus he's in and wave to the crowd with his wife next to him. So he makes his way over and introduced himself. I'm pretty good at the greeting stuff, but the first thing he asks is if I work in radio. I mention that I've thought about it, but L.A. is just a bit too far. OK, I thought, I've heard this too many times... but heck, I've taken classes a couple of times down in Los Angeles, and I just can't see myself driving 20 miles, IN L.A. TRAFFIC, to just trying to break in to the business. I've got a job, thank you. ... so he continues talking about the radio business and tells about a guy he knew etc., etc. He leaves and probably has no clue about the spark he lit by mentioning my voice.

So now I'm on a little quest now to find out how I might be able to get my voice out there through some of the job boards that cater to voiceover work and the like. I'm sure I'll be posting on it from time to time, but there no time like now to act on it.

Armed Forces Day - May 17

Armed Forces Day is tomorrow. A day to honor those who serve our Country and help preserve our Freedoms. A lot of those freedoms we take for granted.

A lot of people argue that we have lost a lot of freedoms. And I suppose it all comes down to what side of the fence you are experiencing it from. I would never have thought that 20 or 30 years ago, we would be releasing so much information which was previously classified that it it would take days or weeks to peruse. So too, there are technologies out there today that will actually listen in on radio transmissions for specific words or phrases and warn of threats being made against our Land. Thirty years ago it was the stuff science fiction was made of. But no more.

It doesn't matter that you are anti-this or pro-that, if you have a voice and are using it to get your opinion heard by the public, then your Men and Women in the United States Military have sacrificed their time and their lives to give you the soap-box to scream from.

As for me, I'm going to volunteer at an Armed Forced Day parade tomorrow. Its my way of saying 'Thanks' to our Troops. Oh, and remember to fly that Grand 'Ole Flag.

Go There and Read - Amnesty International USA

This Thursday, May 15, is the day chosen by Amnesty International and Bloggers to highlight the struggle for Human Rights. The press release reports this is a world-wide effort.

From the press release;

"BlogCatalog.com partners with Amnesty International for Bloggers Unite For Human Rights

...The campaign, Bloggers Unite For Human Rights, asks bloggers from all over the world to post about human rights on the same day, May 15. Collectively, their posts will reach millions of people all over the world at the same time, even in those countries where freedom of expression is regularly suppressed."

The efforts cover everything from China to children. Stories that should not have to be headlined. Abuses of basic human dignities that most of us take for granted. Children forced to join militia forces in Congo are jailed in deplorable conditions because they ran away to join a demobilization program. People in China are being ruled by a repressive government that supports the suppression of online speech. Stuff that we barely give thought to on a daily basis.

Read the stories. Roam the site. Take action where you can.

Amnesty International USA - Action for Human Rights

Mother's Day Rebellion

Mother's Day has become the dreaded Hallmark card of Holidays, so to speak. The meaningless noise of the vacuum left by money leaving your pocket is all that it has become. As the old song goes "where is the Love?" We have chosen not to participate in the hyped up commercialism that has become Mother's Day. But don't get me wrong. We are still honoring Moms and the kids still made breakfast for mom and we had moms over for dinner even. But to blindly follow some advertising that tries to make you feel like you are obliged to get your mom the latest and greatest what-cha-ma-call-it, well I'm glad to let those days be bygone.

Do you still suck up the ads and spend for Mom? Lets hear it.

To the Moon..!

Space flight intrigues me. Of all the places to ponder, leaving the grasp of this planet has got to be at the top of the list. Outer Space. Well... OK, maybe not so much 'outer', but still way the heck up there. But the list of names who have been there is not exactly going to fill a book. So maybe the next best thing is sending something that will carry your name. Yes, you can have your name leave this earth and be bound for the Moon. It goes up with a spacecraft called the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter on a mission to map the moon's surface. Check it out here.

Hoping to Find My River of Gold - Kinda

Lately, I have been pulling up sites that will lead me towards a more profitable future. Financial sites, and some of the ‘Get paid to blog’ sites seem to be a bit more realistic than the “Make $5,000 this month… let me show you how” type of site. My instincts are to veer from the quick buck type, so without much effort, I pass on them. Most of the good information out there seems pretty practical; don’t put all your eggs in the same basket, and remember that it could take time for the economy in general to get back to an up-swing. But I’m pretty much set insofar as investments go, so I’m now edging towards the sentiment that I too could be making at least a little bit of money by putting in a little bit of effort into a web site… or something along those lines. I’m a technical kind of personality, not a writer, per se. (I suppose this blog is yelling that from the rooftops, but I’m giving it a go.) Something tells me I’ll run across something that will be worthy of a deeper look. If I runn into something worth writing about, it will show up in my blog. If you happen to have any experience with this stuff, believe me, I’m all ears.

Operation Chaos?

OK - whats up with this "Operation Chaos" I hear about. Rush Limbaugh is supposedly driving a few Republican to vote for Hillary, just so she doesn't get blown away by Obama. I guess its supposed to create a real mess when Convention time comes. I can't tell if its working as planned, but there doesn't seem to be much harmony in the Democrat party. Hillary seems to be riding this thing to the end. That will surely stir the pot if it gets to the DNC.

Ride for Kids - cont.

I gave my son a thumbs-up as he adjusted his white knuckled grip on his Uncle's belt. He knows how to hang on; he's been doing it on my bike since he was about 7. He's 10 now and still loves to hear the throaty growl of a Harley... or any motorcycle that makes some noise.
I realized that the bikes were starting up and the noise was fading into the row I was in. I rushed up to my bike and hopped on. The bike I have is an Aprilia Atlantic 500. Technically its a big scooter - no clutch to deal with, but plenty of power to spare. The passenger seat is 'cushy' and has a support across the back of the seat. And this is what my son has been used to since day 1. So today he gets to break out of his box and experience the soft-tail ride. I was probably more nervous then he was, watching him going bare-back on that Triumph. The excitement on his face was priceless; he was having the time of his life.
I had to quickly get my gloves on and juggle my glasses (since they wont accommodate the full-face helmet coming down over them). Time seemed to move in slow-mo as my fumbling continued. I looked over and the row to my right had just started rolling. I finally got settled and got the bike started. I just had to wait for about 20 bikes to pass me up so I could scoot in behind my son.
The weather was ideal for the ride. Overcast with a few breaks of sunshine. The temperature was showing 65 on my dash. There was no 'misting' or fog or dew to deal with so the roads were very dry; low humidity for sure. That's a beautiful thing when you live near the coast and ride.
They pulled us out onto the city streets and into an industrial complex. We stopped about half a mile outside of the parking lot and actually shut our engines down. Two rows of bikes that must have been about 3/4 of a mile long were just rumbling with the anticipation of the ride. Hundreds of cycles were lined up both in front of me and behind. The lead bikes started up and we began to roll again.
This was a line that probably stretched for over a mile when moving and was being escorted the whole way. Police officers from 20 miles away were on hand to help out. The vast majority of the officers rode motorcycles and at times it seemed we were in a huge funeral procession. Looking back on it now, the event really is a solemn one and the vision of a funeral procession is not too far fetched. We were all riding for those who have or have survived or succumbed to a childhood brain tumor.
Needless to say, having no red lights or stop signs or traffic left a lot more time to enjoy the ride. A lot of time to think, too, and realize what all this means to the families of those kids.
Throughout the ride, the rolling never stopped, but some spots allowed us to open the throttle a little bit. Watching kids and adults alike standing on the side of the road or sitting in their cars, eyes full of amazement and the stream of motorcycles, it probably seemed endless. Cars were stuck at intersections and pedestrians unable to cross streets, all in the name of PBTF. The ride made its way around the Palos Verdes Peninsula, hugging the Pacific Ocean for most of the way. Pathways that you take for granted take on a new meaning when driven on without the worry of having to stop. I've lived here all my life and although the path taken is just a few miles from home, it seemed like a vacation for that 90 minute ride. And watching my son enjoy it was the icing on the cake.
I mentioned earlier that there is a connection to my son in all this. My family found out last week that one of my son's classmates... one he has had in his class for 5 out of 6 years... was diagnosed with a brain tumor on the Friday before the ride. As ironic as it is, she was undergoing surgery while we were on the road Sunday morning. I think it all made sense to him, somehow, and only time will tell. Everyone in his class made a get-well card for her on Monday. We can only hope that those well wishes come through, because that same afternoon the word got out that the tumor was inoperable; they will need to treat it with chemo. And so it goes. It was heard that her prognosis is good.
Maybe she'll be there for the Ride for Kids next year.

Ride for Kids

TORRANCE, CA - Sunday, May 4th - American Honda was the site for the annual Ride for Kids. This event was started as a fund-raising effort for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. It provides an opportunity to highlight the survivors and families of children who have suffered from this disease.
It all started with a call from my Sister. She invited my son to go on a motorcycle ride on Sunday. I thought it would just be toting my son on the back of my bike and following my Brother-in-law around town. She then mentioned that it was the Honda Ride for Kids event. This has to be the biggest motorcycle event around. So I let my son choose what he wanted to do. Ride with Dad or 'hang on for the ride' with his Uncle. He chose to 'hang on'. But that's OK... Cause once I got there, and was directed to my 'spot in line' (at the front of a row of bikes) I sorta figured I was in this for good. I had to sign in and register (which was very easy to do) and get my son registered as a passenger. I had no qualms putting the $35 down for participating in the event at all. You could tell this would be a great time and I could feel the anticipation everywhere.
After grabbing a bagel for my son and going back outside, it really sank in. The parking lot was a sea of motorcycles. Hundreds of bikes of all sorts were parked and waiting to go.
On the way back to the parked bikes, a Harley Davidson motorcycle demonstration team was showing off their stuff. We found a spot on the side of the road and watched as they maneuvered their bikes and bodies into formations no sane person would attempt. Hanging off the front of a Harley is a position I would rather not experience. They stood in pyramid formation 4 Harley's wide while turning in a tight circle and made it look easy to boot. It was quite a show.
With my Son on his Uncle's Triumph they started to roll the first motorcycles off the line. The bikes in front were 'escorted' by the local police. Their passengers were either Survivors or a family member riding in memory of one. Some of the kids were riding in sidecars and others were on large 'trikes'. Then the rest of the field got to follow. Sounds of motorcycles filled the air. Some were quite noisy. But when the wave of engine noise hit our row it sent shivers down my spine. It was one of those things you'll never forget. Bikes of all makes and models rumbling all at once. Like a swarm of bees waiting to take flight. A very cool experience.

Tomorrow - the ride... and how all this relates to my son.

One Big Sigh of Releif... and Another Dollar Short

This is one of those "D*mn-it days" in life... where you are SOooo glad to get the returns done... but the money you owe is slippin out of your fingers. It would be nice to get this all straightened out so that the investments don't kill us year after year. But the fact that they are working for us give some repose. I would love for it to be the other way around. Uncle Sam owing me for a change. I'll bet dimes to dollars that 2008 will not be as prosperous. The current economic situation will be one of those long and uphill roads... not too steep, but you'll know you are working for it. If there are other ways to get out of this, gain a little more knowledge and stability on the monetary front, I would love to find them. The search is on....

Global Warming and the Media...

This is one of those moments that makes you go "HUH?" The BBC does indeed fold to threats from an activist.

American Thinker Blog: BBC folds, then folds again

Slashdot | New Botnet Dwarfs Storm

This is serious stuff. Another, more elusive, bot out in the wild. I tell everyone I deal with... Don't open an email if you are not sure who the sender is. and Never open an attachment you did not ask for.

Slashdot | New Botnet Dwarfs Storm

Homeschooling Woes...

If the State forces the hand of Homeschoolers, just remember:

"The California Department of Education currently allows home schooling as long as parents file paperwork with the state establishing themselves as small private schools, hire credentialed tutors or enroll their children in independent study programs run by charter or private schools or public school districts while still teaching at home.

California does little to enforce those provisions and insists it is the local school districts' responsibility. In addition, state education officials say some parents home school their children without the knowledge of any entity.

Home schoolers and government officials have largely accepted this murky arrangement. "

I don't think there is much to be worried about yet. It would be stupid to start something with the current condition of California students test scores. This has nothing to do with the scores on tests, but how a foster parent treated his kids.

And if things go horribly wrong, just remember it all started with Justice H. Walter Croskey.

Ruling seen as a threat to many home-schooling families - Los Angeles Times

Gmail Has its Limits

I have never received any warnings, but this article brings them to light.
Gmail Has a Daily Limit on Sending Email

I Knew It ! ! !

From the Daily Breeze...
Thursday Letters to the Editor - Topix:

"There no longer is a place called Rancho Palos
Verdes. In fact, studies by the UCLA Psychology
Department have indicated that Rancho Palos
Verdes is an imaginary place, a state of mind
created by some who cannot accept the idea that
they actually live in such marginal places of
the Southern California neuroses like Redondo
Beach, Torrance, or ... for a few unlucky souls,
San Pedro. In their delusionary state they
make statements like 'I live near Rancho Palos
Verdes,' but in fact mean 'My wife cleans houses
for extra money over there,' or 'I do landscape
work for some people I know' or 'I buy beer at
Malaga Cove.'"