Whos' the Anti-Grinch

It's Christmas time and everyone is jolly and happy. The Whos' are out shopping and gathering the makings of holiday toasts. I'm listening to 'N Synch holiday album, and waiting for the next party. Although, I think we, Gramps, Grams, and I, only have 1 more party. It's a pot-luck dinner at the clubhouse. Then we're home free for Christmas. It'll be quiet and pleasant around the house with the coffee flowing.


I just announced that there will be no Grinch around our house this Christmas. Only Whos' and Anti-Grinches. We'll have time to put whatever's on our minds on the back burner and concentrate on the Christmas tree, ornaments, foods, cards, and in our case sunshine. I think we get a little more sunshine because we're closer to the equator.


A big warm Christmas wish out to family and friends near and far. I think about you during Christmas and hope you stay warm and happy.

The Reason I Like Vegetarianism and the unrelated Evergreen Articles

I like the vegetarian diet. While I'm not a vegetarian (or Vegan as they call it now) strictly speaking I'll go into some of the benefits of vegetarian diets. The biggest help is when I don't have to carry as much meat in my stomach. Just eating a lighter diet can improve your energy level. Said another way when you eat meat it's very easy to overeat. Having a vegetarian diet can actually improve your nutrient intake as your eating colorful fruits and vegetables instead of sometimes bland meat. While I love a juicy steak when it's appropriate, there are many occasions where there are meat alternatives that are simply lower in calories. Boca, Morningstar Burgers, Eggs, and Cheeses are all great alternatives to a dense meat based diet.




I don't know why they call it Vegan when someone goes vegetarian. In my day vegan meant you were a super strict, nearly sickly, vegetarian. That you had some radical beliefs and usually emotional baggage. There's really, next to NO ethical considerations when it comes to vegetarianism. I'm willing to bet that any vegetarian that grew up on my block that tells you they are a vegetarian due to ethical considerations is giving you the equivalent of low-cal bullshit. And by the way I eat a very high calorie diet, vegetarian or not.




Now, as far as evergreen articles go, I intend, as I've wrote before, to go back and turn my blog entries into constructive, ongoing resources for web visitors. Each blog entry will be a 1-page self-contained reference for web surfers with tons of facts and figures. Some examples of reference pages I'd like to have evergreen articles on are House Rules for Board Games.  I'd like to update my recipes as needed. Also, much of my freeform ranting and raving need clarification and expanded references. For example, each board game will have 1 blog entry dedicated to it with multiple topics for popular games such as Magic the Gathering. Each cooking recipe will have 1 entry dedicated to it. Single topics like Vegetarianism, Politics, Mental Health, Small Business, will each have dedicated pages. In fact now that I think about it, I might start a whole new Evergreen Blog with a much greater organization, consistency, and regularity.

Online Address Book, Amazon

I don't know how much sense it makes, but I think you could use Amazon as an online address book if you put your family's addresses in the "ship to" area. This is convenient for sending presents or anytime gifts as well.

Hypothesis: Primes are Factors of Larger Numbers Proving There Will Always Be a Higher Prime Number.

Here's my hypothesis. You would have to ask a super-smart mathematician or scientist to proof it.


Prime Factor Reciprocity


For any arbitrarily large prime there is a number with prime factors on either side of it. It follows that any number of arbitrarily large prime numbers may be derived by taking 2 large prime factor numbers and searching between them.


It goes without saying that if Prime Factor Reciprocity is true, then there will always be a arbitrarily larger prime number.

Identity Stolen, A Fake David is In Jail

There's a guy that knows too much about me. He called my Grandpa Gerry and said he knew my situation and was looking for money. It's hard to believe that scammers even get anywhere with cold calling anymore. It's always personal? Well, it just bugs me, what I see as poor technology management happen every day to unwitting folks. It's turning into another rant about progress, but I hope the guy that stole my identity reads my rant about progress. When I drive through a drive in I expect my food to be of high quality. I expect it to be reliably quality food. I don't want to super-size, I don't want to wait an hour, I don't want to negotiate with the window people, I just expect it to be quality. And most of the time it is.


I guess the only way I'm going to satiate my desire for quality is to make it myself. I can't expect every nuance of every product in every store to be desirable to me. I'll have to make the things the way I want them to be.


I think my first project will be aluminum can capos. I'll have to make a capo mold, melt down the aluminum, and cast the capo, then apply a rubber stop to it. I'll use my current bought capos as a model for carving my own mold.

After Wellfare, Taxes, and Gas it Costs Me More to Work

I know it sounds rediculous, but after Wellfare, Taxes, and Gas it would actually cost me money to make money. Now everyone says there's a price... Here's the price. I buy $870 in wellfare a month. Taxes are at 33%. And gas costs $35 per tank. Now you tell me that's encouraging.

I suppose if I quit eating and worked a full time job I might be able to afford the mortgage, but the pesky land tax would probably get me.

To make it all worse my skin feels sleazyandnumb, I break things, and pick my nose without any desire in doing those things.

Maybe they get what they want, maybe only some of they get what they want.

Is Anybody Out There? Is there a doctor?

Why is my body, mind, and soul so fragile?

TmP3

Strange title, interesting post. Today I'm making pizza for my folks and Cody and Dena. Then we'll be exchanging gifts. I've got some great gifts for everybody. I think they might have a clue, but that's ok. I hope everything fits and nothing stinks...common ailments of internet buying. I think they have a present for me. I'm not sure what it is. Although I think they found it in a store.


I'm stuck inside because of my health. I wonder if I would have more energy if I drank less coffee. Probably would have more energy. It doesn't help looking at expensive Mtg cards, although I'm keeping in a positive mindset. I'm looking forward to dinner and presents. I sort of realized that Wizards isn't going to print Vintage Masters and I'm not going to have the money to buy the Power 9. But that's ok because I can make highly competitive vintage decks without them or simply print proxies to play with. I'll be dedicating the entire sideboard of most of my creature decks to anticounterspell. It's really hard to stay competitive when you're expecting counterspells 1 minute and creature attack the next. I think I'll just operate as though a "Leyline of the Lifeforce" had been cast at the beginning of every game. That will give me the freedom to build vintage creature decks. Although many combos and support spells won't work, the basic creature builds will still be in force. They (Wizards) should really consider printing a functionally identical card with different name as "Leyline of the Lifeforce." With just 4 more copies in every sideboard it could drastically cut down the number of blue decks and increase the combos and creature interaction. Just a thought though.


And if you think Magic the Gathering is a bunch of hooey then let me tell you 1 thing. It's not as bad as it seems. It's deep strategy and colorful art make it a delight to play and collect. Don't you know, I would trade my whole card collection for my health any day. Too bad it doesn't work like that. I can see it now...TAKE THIS MAGIC CARD MY SON...NOW BURN IT...YOU ARE HEALED. hahahhahahahhahahahahahhahalololololololololohahahhahahhahahhahhahahahlolololololololololol
hahahahahahhahahahahahahhahahahahahahhahahah


I already took a 5 minute nap, but I think I'll take another. I'm no good when I'm half asleep and sleazy and achy. I really wish I could help with things around the house. But I don't know what is being done. And frankly, I'm too sick and tired to care. I do have to clean my toilet and do a load of laundry. Maybe I can get those 2 things done, and make dinner, and wrap presents. But that's asking a lot.


We will have a nice dinner and presents though.

Internet Explorer that Comes with Windows 10 is a Whacky "Experience"

I kid you not. The newest version of Internet Explorer is deemed an "Experience" which is in some way better than just opening the program and using it. Not only does this mean I waste time blogging about a simple piece of technology that has made my life miserable. But also, it means I have to click 2 buttons to open a web browser and have to watch the stupid website load twice. I could blog on and on about the thought free progress we're getting on so many levels. In fact I think I will because this is the best way to earn advertising revenue on the web. Simply blog about technology shortcomings, then when people get fed up and google their problems, they will come across a whiney snivelling blog to console them. Here's your blog. Just click my advertising if you think Microsoft et. al. are dragging their feet. And blogs were never intended to rant and rave about advertising revenue.

Enough snivelling for now. My Mom told me today is going to be great. So I took that to mean I could pitch for breakfast at Subway. (and I think MLB is in the postseason now) Not only was my sub great, but I got a free cookie too. Now I'm chugging coffee and counting the opportunities that have been taken from me. Not a bad use of my time.

I'm not a huge fan of progress. But I've had my share of it. I'd like to think that now I'm distinguished and wise enough to carry myself through a day without collapsing from the pressure. But really I'm not that distinguished and I find myself checking out more now than ever. Mind you. These are problems whether or not you want them to be. I simply do not have the energy to do what needs to be done.

Now I'll ween out some books of my collection with cobwebs, sheet music I'll never perform, and cult classics that are more cult than classic.

I Remember When...

I remember when you could look at a computer without your eyes going crossed.

The Simple Life

Did anyone stop and consider whether these add-on features would be problematic in the future? NO, they aren't doing it to profit from repairs and replacement. That line of thinking is almost as bad as the feature deluge that we face in the real market. It's a matter of getting it right.

For example, I bought a nice purple and yellow scrubber today, from Palette and Purl. A great little spot to drop in and knit Robbinsdale, MN. It was priced a little high. But, there's not much you can screw up with a scrubber. You use a course fiber for its intended purpose. You crochet it up and it's a delight to the eyes and a delight to the person washing dishes.

Now, if every product were as pleasant as a simple handmade knit, we would have a lot less headaches in our daily life. I'm not saying that our product lines are defective necessarily. But, yes, they are defective. When a consumer is railroaded into non-productive lines of functioning for no apparent reason it's a problem. I'm a fan of a little whacky thinking when it comes to products. But don't price yourself out of your market. And don't put touch screen backup cameras on cars. And don't give me the "Internet Explorer Experience" in Windows. And don't jack up the price of postage. And don't manufacture junk. And if you do manufacture junk get rid of it (burn it). And it doesn't matter to anyone what kind of media you use, VHS or Blue-Ray. And don't add an espresso machine at McDonalds only to have it malfunction half the time. etc...etc...etc...

Progress has a price. Pay it or don't pay it.

I Hope My Avid Readers Find Something Worth Clicking

Thanks to my avid fans and readers for frequenting my blog through good times and bad. 1 Thing I do ask of my readers is if, while reading this blog, you see something of interest in the advertising don't hesitate to click on it. It does cost a few cents when you click. But that money goes directly to the owners of this site. Profits are made up of a combination of advertising dollars and sales through www.versaglobe.com and eBay.

It is a considerable challenge making money on the computer. And I thank you for respecting the time and energy that goes into making this, and all of the VersaGlobe family sites viable.

So Frazzling Tired

Met my new psychiatric doctor today, he seems nice. I hope he slows down the next time I see him. But he really knows a lot of questions about the health care of mental illness. Maybe he's good with treating them or maybe he's a quack. Only time will tell.

Kalene (Brandon Bell's very attractive sister) brought her son Collin to deliver Cub Scout popcorn today. That was great. It brought me back to elementary school when Brandon was his size. I wasn't sure what to say to him, but I asked him how scouts was. He seemed really happy to have a customer...and he gave me the same look Brandon gave me at his age. Coincidence, probably not. The popcorn is Scouts Caramel Corn. I've been craving caramel for a while now.

I'm really tired, by the way. Like losing my Mind, Body, and Soul tired. I just don't see a point in being so wrung out by the day. I know I should drink less coffee, but that's the only thing keeping me going. I've got lots of good things happening right now, but I want to be awake to experience them. My mind is hazy as all heck. It's like a steamroller rolling over a baloon inflated with helium. My body is falling apart. I've got more aches and ailments than somebody twice as accomplished, and with an extra 20 years on me. Well, I guess that's not so bad. That would only put me at 51.

I used to think that the Mind, Body, and Soul were a intricate balancing act where 1 could help the other when needed. And I still think that way.

PS. Dear bed I'll be back to you soon.

Poetry Expansion

So, the last couple posts have been pretty irreverent, and downright playful at times. But this 1 is a more serious matter. I'm strongly considering turning my poetry, at least the 1 about the Man and the Harbor into a long drawn out piece. Now, like my irreverent posts, I'm not 1 for expressing things through poetry, so this seems to be quite the challenge.

Where should I even begin with writing poetry? It sort of just came to me, will the rest?! Well, I've got fairly good syntax, semantics, and grammar. So, that's where I'll start. I will use my post from a month ago about the Man and the Harbor as a jumping off point for the rest of the poem, and shoot for an arbitrary 100 words. I'll write in 2 line phrases, with consistent syllables and alliteration.

Maybe the piece will be a narrative about the man during a typical day by the harbor. It will express his view, meals, walks, pets(?), fishing(?), cleaning, and interests. While not all poetry is a minimalisation of English prose, a large volume of it is. This piece will strive to be both delicate and sparse in the use of words.

I'm not sure if this Man's harbor is my harbor. Or another harbor in Minnesota. Or another harbor on the Atlantic or Pacific Coast. Or another harbor in a distant time and place.

While I'm not entirely inspired. I'll begin by learning much about maritime jargon. Knots, fish, whaling, tankers, monocular, boats, engines, waves, storms, phrases, speech, fishing gear, diving, port culture, and more...

At this time, I want 100 words and a hand drawn painting.

Case of the Mondays, Candy Store Edition

 

They looked good so I thought I'd share...courtesy of www.candy.com

ohh, oooh, coffee with the candy...

Risperdal PRN

So, my Mom finally talked me into upping my dose of Risperdal and I'm already feeling better. I suppose I'll be more sedate from here on out, but I won't have the dicey symptomology either. Haven't decided whether to simply take the extra pill as a PRN or take the upped dose regularly. It doesn't really make sense as a PRN when you're trying to make the medicine non-invasive. But then again there are advantages to the smaller and larger doses.


I think I'll try it as a PRN for now and see where that goes. I guess I like the extra time the smaller dose affords me. It's strange that I get more done when my mood fluctuates. When I need a more sedate feeling I'll take more. It really is a wonder drug. I think it's almost as good as Zyprexa. But with less side effects. Although I wonder how the Zyprexa conditioned me to take my meds. It wasn't good. It kind of would have been nice if they started me out on Risperdal. It's called Risperidone or Risperdal and there's a million variations on the same drug. It really bugged me when they came out with a million variations that didn't really improve anything.


I think my psychiatric meds help me deal with the nonsense the computer throws at me. Which for me, shopping and surfing all the time, that's a very good thing.

I Feel Sick Again

My stomach hurts, but that is a cool pic of Adrian Gonzalez.

Banter, Banter, Crosstalk

Ok, now I'm sitting up and attempting to see straight while looking at my computer. It's a challenge. Maybe I have one of those advanced 3D computers...haha just kidding, I don't like being too somber. Broadway Awards bought me a smore's blizzard and it was really good.

I Thought that Admitting I Have a Problem Would Keep Me from Incessantly Clicking My Computer

Ok, I'm sure I'd have a problem even if there were no computers, but for goodness sake stop clicking, and stop the racey advertising, and drop the services you have that you're spending money on the computer. In other words, stop using the computer like a trained monkey. Sit up straight in your office chair. And as long as you must use the computer, use it like a tool.

That Last Post was a Bummer, Here's Something Fun

Adrian Gonzalez homer...at first I thought this guy was Adrian Peterson, but Google told me differently.

Hi my Name is David

I thought I'd check in for an A.A. meeting on my "Many Post Day." So, here I am, and I have a problem. If you have a solution please leave a comment.

Seriously though, I haven't drank in ages and I'm going through my day groggy as all getup. I've got double vision. Weakness of body. Negative thinking. I'm unemployed. Well, my last post had more stuff that I can't handle. So I thought I'd try a 12 step program.

First step (I'm doing this from memory) accept that God has a plan for me and it doesn't involve alcohol. Hmm, I want to rebel. Here's my thinking. Alcohol is a very potent drug, and also a very popular drug. So, I want to be potent and popular, so I should drink. I drink very little now and it can't possibly be a problem. I want more sweet liquor, so I should drink. Alcohol has a limiting nature, where the drunk doesn't see its effect. I want to limit certain things so I should drink.

Well, I didn't really want to fess up to my computer, but there it is.

Step 2 Make a Change. I'm going on vacation in a month and I resolve to do the following. I will limit myself to non-alcoholic beverages, and reduce even the non-alcoholic wine and beer consumption. I find non-alcoholic wine and beer to be just as sinful as the real thing. I do not intend to limit consumption of non-alcoholic beverages other than wine and beer. I love drinking milk, water, pop, coffee, and other non-vice drinks. So don't tell me I have a problem with them. I may have a little non-alcoholic wine and beer because my grandparents like buying me treats, but not with alcohol. It would be easier to cut them out all together. I will keep my internet shopping modest and realistic. No more "lusting" after junk I don't want or need. There are plenty of things I'll probably never own. It was hard to type that. I'm perfectly happy with that. Also, overeating to the point of excess has got to be limited. It's hard limiting food intake. It's necessary for modesty sake, if for no other reason. Have you ever been to a black tie dinner and asked for seconds...haha, no. I will take responsibility for problems. This doesn't mean that everything I'm railroaded into is a problem. There are more than a few unfortunate missteps in civilization, and my own life that I don't even want to think about. And won't, simply because I don't want to. I will carefully monitor my activity, so as to not be wrongly taxed or quoted when I'm liable. While accepting my own inclination to deception. I will refrain from being excessively goofy or talkative when the situation clearly doesn't warrant it. I won't feel compelled to dictate to others, in action or conversation, without severe cause.

Once I Longed for a Blizzard

Once, I Longed for a Blizzard

Fairly Well I Longed for Once

When I was Younger I had Better Tolerance

Ok, I know your supposed to gain tolerance as you grow older. But, I know for an absolute, 360 degree, fire and ice, I want a puppy dog, the earth is round, the president gets perks, my computer hates me, once is never enough, jump up and down, FACT that my tolerance, to just about everything, has gone down.

I just can't hack it anymore. A strong wind blows me over. I pee more than I drink. The sirens are getting to me. Even when they aren't there. I spend money I don't have. A cup of coffe bowls me over. The rain is sad and the sun is hot. I'm grasping at straws. I have trouble carrying a conversation. My pecs look like they could bench a truck, but they are likely to bench less than a C note. I get excited by my bodily functions. School bells and church bells sound inviting. My trick body parts keep me going. There's more planes, trains, and automobiles every day. Noises are louder than they have ever been.

Every chair is a throne.

2 Things Popsicle Stick Houses and Watermarks

So, now I've been reduced to Claymation, 2 thing, bouts of chaos.

First thing. Popsicle stick houses. For or against? Well, I'm for popsicle stick houses. Cause they are cool and they are made of popsicles. Cause don't you just want a "Rambler on a Stick," or an "Open Layout with Popsicle Trusses?"

Second thing. Watermarks. For or against? I don't care whether the computer is restricted to proprietary use, or if it's in the public domain. I do know 1 thing for sure, it can't be both. It's ridiculous when referencing (often time annoying to begin with) things on the computer to have to deal with watermarks continually. I, and I do mean I, have never taken a photograph that was so spectacular that it needed to be watermarked. And I have taken some dooseys. I do remember a time when it was GIF protocal and any and all rights to digital media were suspended until they hit the streets. I'm sorry, you're probably watermarking things to preserve rights. To make money. And to manage the chaos that I'm referring to. I'll save you the headache. It doesn't help.

Crash and Burn

I'm fairly tired. I want to shop for trendy things on Amazon and Overstock and eBay, but I don't know what's trendy. They keep putting cheap tricks on there to, I suppose, get a fast deal. But, I'm not impressed, there's a lot to be thankful for this decade, and we aren't taking advantage of it. Now, Donald Trump might become president, but I doubt it will affect my street. I'm going to lookup "Guitar Buddy" that my brohem showed me and consider whether it will make my guitar skills any better.

How Many Blog Entries in 1 Day?

I'm sure there are many bloggers out there with standards...say don't blog more than once a day...well, I'm throwing caution to the wind and blogging a bunch of times today. I'll try to keep them "contentful"(sic) for my readers benefit. Isn't this exciting? A new blog name, "The Digital Mine" and a bunch of well written content to boot. So this is my daily experiment in Social Media. Maybe I'll even profit from it. More posts means more advertising. And more advertising means more revenue for me. I'm too busy to be an actual Professional Blogger but the idea is nice.

Just a bit of homegrown happiness...I bought my brother a Mocha today and he said it wasn't as good as the ones I make. Then, Broadway Awards bought us sticky buns, and my brother went and picked them up. Just an excellent Friday leading into an excellent weekend. I would totally go to Friday Night Magic tonight, but I'll probably end up organizing my closet. What a bummer I could totally frequent a bar or golf course of some make and model, but I'll have to entertain myself at home. It's not as bad as it sounds, I've got lots of things to do, and I'm not that into Magic the Gathering anymore. But, I do wish I had couple things to do, like brushing my wives hair, or having candlelit dinner for 2, or watching a movie, or shopping Amazon while the other is talking on the phone (I wouldn't mind this 1 either way). Either me on the phone or on Amazon, and her on the other, then getting together for thumb wrestling.

Oh, back to my brother, he got his tattoo shaded and...It went from cool to bad in a good way. I'm sure it hurts very much cause it's all swollen. It's a dense forest wrapping around his arm with a bow hunter tucked at his back-arm taking aim at a buck.

Last thing for now, I've had way to much coffee lately.

Switching to Paper Statements Helps with the Hippy Shakes

Seriously though, I changed my account information, soon to be all my accounts, to paper delivery, and I feel better. I guess it's a way of telling myself that I matter, and we don't live in Apocalyptica.

This is Why Quality Costs and Arm and a Leg

It's the chaos...too many plans at odds...I want my "Court Tradition II" with leather uppers...the last pair I bought have plastic uppers and they aren't as good...Which means I overpaid for them...Nobody seems to care that I overpaid for my "Court Tradition II." You, my dear reader, should care that I overpaid for my "Court Tradition II." I want my leather uppers, I want a better price, I want them at my local shoe store. Do you know what it costs for custom Nikes? The one's you customize on their website. It's crazy. To say the least, custom Nikes are outside of my budget to buy, and firmly within someone's budget to produce. There's something wrong with that equation. Heck, the "Court Tradition II" aren't really within my budget, but they don't make my feet hurt. So, please sell me a new pair of all leather "Court Tradition II" at $58 and we can both call it a day.

Shopping the Computer

I really like shopping the computer...its got the same variety that the store has, but with the flick of a wrist you're doing price analysis, comparison shopping, and otherwise finding a great deal. Really, it makes sense to shop at a store, a physical store, but when it doesn't, it makes sense to make a purchase on the web. I like the interesting nic nacs that I find on the computer. A couple examples are this baseball shirt with a dyed pattern on the sleeves and pocket. It's far too expensive for a T shirt at $35, but it's so cool. Another interesting thing I've found is cuff links with watch mechanics. So, you wear them like cuff links and the mechanics turn just for fun. That's my Digital Mine update for the day, I might have another post after lunch. I think that's a pretty good name for this blog.

David's blog will hereby be called the "Digital Mine."

Animation, JavaScript, and Flash on the Computer Make Me Sick

Ok, this isn't my typical political rant about technology. It's more of a plee towards sanity. When I see ads, animation, flash, javascript, or generally anything else that doesn't belong on the computer, it gives me a sort of sea sickness. My stomach turns, I try to think of it as television, but it's not television, it's just not. I can watch television without much problem, but I can't stand the "flash" on the computer.

Don't get me wrong, I think it's a great idea to have advanced animation on the computer. It's a better utilization of the computer and internet. It's just not for me, and I'm sure others, to use these advance technologies. So, we need to have a greater respect for those that can't handle the "flash" on the computer.

I'm not whining about features, I'm whining cause it hurts.

I want to watch HBO on the computer without getting sick. The only difference I can tell between the TV and computer is the refresh rate, and I'm sure that can be adjusted. It just makes my stomach turn, maybe it's the lack of commercials, but that doesn't make any sense.

Even this blog that I'm writing on seems floofy in 1 way or another. I'm sure it's because it's based on a Model View Controller architecture and I'm thinking about the connections, but still. It's annoying. Why can't the computer be sharp and clear like it used to be, or at least as common as a TV. It's not as bad as it could be, but why do we make the assumption that things will get worse? My hands are moving faster than my mind, and it doesn't bother me 1 bit.

Now don't take this as a promise. But, I could build a computer that was less floofy than this 1 and with more features. It would be based on the Linux Kernal. But, I don't even like Linux. Maybe I'd make my own hardware architecture while I'm at it.

Ok, this is turning into a technology rant. All I really want to say is...I use the computer a lot...I want to use it in a way that doesn't make me sick.

Maybe I need to replace keyboards and mice, or maybe I need to clean my office, or maybe I need more frequent breaks...but that's not the ticket, those are just band-aids. Maybe I need to be shocked to make my way to Washington and work for Microsoft, but that's a dead end. Maybe I just need to gain better technology skills so I know what needs to be done to prevent illness, or treat it (haha).

I'm going to change my wallpapers to pictures of sailboats in the Ocean and hope for the best.

Red Delicious Apples were Meant to Be Dehydrated

I haven't been a fan of Red Delicious apples. They always seemed mushy or to go bad fast. The flavor was good just not what I wanted for an apple. Now, I've found that they are best dehydrated. Mom dehydrated a bag of Red Delicious and wow, really WOW, they are delicious. The flavor goes really well with the dehydrated flavor and they are great as a snack and with meals. I'm even tempted to say they are better than tart apples when they are dehydrated. Our new dehydrator is keeping up nicely, I just did a batch of garden tomatoes on it and they turned out great. There were a few that I should have left on but I put them in the bag. Oh well, next time.

Long Overdue Book Report A is for Alibi Sue Grafton

This is my impression of "A is for Alibi" by Sue Grafton. Mind you I read it about a year ago, so this is based on my sketchy memory.

Overall the book was gritty, fast paced, and a quick read. The characters were believable, but just that, no more than you'd expect. The dialogue was much catchier than the main character's monologue. To me, that means she fleshed out the supporting characters just right. The cliches and crime thriller climaxes were hurried, but the nuances of investigative work were appealing. I didn't make all the connections but was able to follow the long trail that the main character took. The main character seemed a little shallow, but the fast pace made up for that. Maybe we'll see her interact with the same characters, and get to know her a little better in later books.

Tie and Holster

Why am I obsessed with a tie and holster? As if it's common for folks to walk around in suits with guns.  It's not. Most people don't wear suits. Most people don't wear guns. The thing is, I have to upgrade my wardrobe to feel right. To combat the depression I've been handed, I may have to wear a suit and gun, but I won't like it. It's dangerous to carry a firearm, even when you're properly trained and healthy. It's a lot of extra clothes to suit up, time and money. Going from a t shirt to full suit means buttoning up, selecting and tying a tie, selecting and clasping cuff links or cuff buttons, the possibility of adding a hat, selecting and wearing a coat, having a spot to hang your coat once you get there, having everything match and keeping it clean.


I'm putting off the "Tie and Holster" for as long as possible.


PS. I relearned the Windsor Knot today

PSS. Not to mention strictly watching what I eat, exercising, and brushing my hair to improve my self image without the suit. This I've done. It doesn't help. I get fat and ugly either way. WE GET FAT AND UGLY NO MATTER WHAT.

PSSS. I just want the suit, not the gun. I'd shoot my foot.

Magic: The Gathering -- Have an Official Reprint and Burn the Fakes

Here's what the power 9 look like...

New Yoyo Move, the "David Twist"

I've found a creative outlet for the pressure cooker of modern life. It's called the "David Twist." You can use any ball bearing yoyo, I used the Yomega Glide (which by the way is a decent Yoyo, I recommend it).

Here's the trick:

Go into a "Double or Nothing" then "Spin Out" then turn your body around the string as the yoyo is falling towards you then "Bind Off."

PS. I'm trying to get enough velocity from the "Spin Out" to do the "Bind" in 1 swing, thereby removing the "David Twist." Creating another trick.

PSS. Does anyone know how to do a "Front Mount" without binding?!

Desk Workers Do Better Work when Fed

I'm biased here, but desk workers must put out better work when they have food in their stomachs. Heck, any worker will work better when they are running on good food.  I just had lunch at El Toro in Robbinsdale, and it was a delicious medley of rice, beans, burrito, and chips. I'm able to think clearer when I have a full stomach. Now, I would like to work on my website, VersaGlobe, but I just don't know what people want to buy.

PUBLISHED LATE

That Goes on Your Permanent Record

This is my self study guide.

1) Read the classics and write book reports.

2) Rehearse art in physical action for at least 1 hour each day, cooking, instrument, sport, lecture, painting, craft, etc.

3) Make flashcards, no formula is too simple.

4) Record and replay.

5) Watch nature.

6) Maintain a diverse and expansive library.

7) Do something Creative, Generous, and Foolish each day.

Digital Computing Imitates Analog

I haven't seen this happen in a long time. It's when that binary code that we spend so much time thinking about takes a turn for the worst and starts imitating life. No, I haven't gone off the deep end. The thing is, there's a glitch on Amazon today, and instead of showing a blank (usually black) screen, it showed snow. Snow is only supposed to happen when an electric device is giving feedback, not when a digital device backfires. All the Q codes in the world doesn't make the digital to analog currencies balance. Maybe I have gone off the deep end. Will somebody throw a lifesaver, the candy, at me?

You Must Know your Market Before you React to It

This is why education is so critical. Folks that are thrown into projects and markets they are unfamiliar with will not only fail a significant portion of the time, but they will succeed and react to their market wrong a significant portion of the time too. I hear too many "success" stories where uneducated Joe gets thrown into a market and has a major success on his hands. You need to sharpen the saw folks! I think I've narrowed down my customer service complaint to a needle point. It's that people are reacting to their markets before they have accepted responsibility for their market. For example, you ask a worker at a local shop where a product is they are selling. Now does this sound familiar? "It's 2 isles down, let me take you there, I think it's on sale." Did that person buy the product before they sold it to you? I hope they did, but they likely didn't.

This might sound like a desirable outcome. But when the market is stripped bare, there's a lot of compliance. It's sold before you ask the question. Which is only a good thing, when you're really in a hurry. And individuals shouldn't be in that kind of hurry unless they are an Army Ranger or at least a pitcher for the Twins(kidding).

I guess the way this shapes our thinking is when we feel the relentless struggle with progress gripping at our bodies and it seems we're reacting every which way to the specialty markets (read interests) that we know and love, yet have not come to realize the full benefit of said market. Then, we lose sight. Or throw a tantrum. "We're building a bridge to nowhere" as Sarah Palin might say. It's not that we are reacting wrong, necessarily. We aren't prepared for what comes next. So, in fact, we are reacting right. It just isn't pretty.

An example of a transaction that I would thoroughly enjoy...I see an ad...it's extremely simple just an address, a price, and a product...maybe a catchy hook...when I go to buy...I hear "this has been my passion for 40 years"...he knows the ins, outs, strings, and delicate aspects of his product. With cause. He fills me in on his kids activities, but doesn't expect me to be there for their next birthday party. The guy on the other side of the counter (the seller) is a bit too talkative for the good of the sale, but it's strictly because he's enthusiastic about his product, coworkers, location, etc...

When people are educated on proper business etiquette, they will realize the importance of making the time to do the little things right. Again don't react, just get it right.

Is it Possible to Grow a Sense of Humor?

I believe the answer is yes, in a matter of fact way and in personal growth. When we think of a joke or humor we think of timing and cheerful fiction. Something that sparks our creativity. A whole lot of living things, green and otherwise, grow nuances as they age, they develop humorous qualities. When we harvest and eat these as food they become humorous conversation over the dinner table. A fart joke, as it were. And in when you look a bit deeper, that humor that we develop is what will define a day or an aspect of living. It becomes a part of who we are. The jokes grow funnier as you hear them. Giving the humor it's own place of growth. As we age, we might find comedy.

Sugar Rush without the Rush

So I've been taking this cocktail of Zoloft and Risperdal for a while now and it seems to work. The only concern I have is that they are over the line. Speaking directly to the excess from the Zoloft and the flattening effect of the Risperdal. It's like the Zoloft makes me crave candy (the sugar rush), and the Risperdal doesn't let me enjoy it (without the rush). I've got a happy solution for when I see my doctor next. I think I should be prescribed a slightly lower dose of each, hopefully making them therapeutic without the High Holy Justice.

Seriously though, I'm going through candies, coffee, sunflower seeds, et al. like they were going out of style. A fat butt shouldn't be prescribed unless there's a serious need for it, like when I was manic and they prescribed Zyprexa.


UPDATE: I'm now taking 4 mg of Risperdal and 175 mg of Zoloft. I already feel better. I still think that's too high for the Zoloft, but we will see.

A Man with a Purpose

                                  Man had a View of the Harbor,
                                                   
          He Watched Bugs Bounce off the Light Bulb.


                                           -- David C. Coffin

Breaker, Breaker

I'm losing sleep over doughy pizza. The key variable that Dad brought to my attention last night is the amount of dough going into the recipe. I made a double batch and formed it into 1 pizza. The crust will not brown correctly, or at least not the same, when using twice as much dough. Today I think I'll pickup some ingredients at County Market along with some shave cream.

Now as far as sleep goes, I'll have to wing it.

Senseless Computer Pursuit Makes Sense

First I'd like to say that I'm not investing until intellectual property is taken off the table. It's too easy to trump a project with a patent. It's too easy to build a project without a trump.

I'm taking a minute to champion a small victory in the computer cyberspace. My unsavory and often obsessive computer pursuit has come full circle, and my numb self has been spending time away from the computer. It's a natural progression from 1. Computer Junky into 2. Jaded User into 3. Passive. If you must know, the computer obsession didn't make sense to the first guy that picked up a calculator.

Thank the Good Lord I'm Alive

After a morning with espresso, and a full day, I'm happy to say that it's a good thing I'm still alive. The internet can be a rough place, and to make it through can be a challenge.

When the internet takes my soul and I'm truly a goner, please be respectful of my legacy.

Business Lessons - First Timer at Auction

Today I learned a valuable lesson. Keeping up isn't good enough. If you want something, I mean really want something, you have to work for it. Today is a prime example of losing sight of what really matters and ending up flailing wildly in the wind. I'll begin with my coffee binge, doesn't it always start with a coffee binge?! After setting up and seeing that it's a nice day, I went to get a buying number. It's the first time I've gotten a buying number. Let's hope it turns out good. I wait patiently (not so patiently) for the first item I'm interested in.


It's a Rolex. It looks worn. Who wears a fake? I will when I win it. It's in a glass cabinet near the front of the auction. Now a Rolex is slightly out of place in this setting and 3 to 1 it's a knock off. But I have to have it. What if it's a real Rolex bought by a rich farmer (I don't think farmers' make much money) and may just slip under the radar. Well, I muscle my way into the auction, I make it $7.50, and outbid to $10. That's all the money I've got so I'm out.


That's my first mistake. What should have happened was a $10 bid with money on the way, or no bid at all. It's very likely a knock off and I really don't need another watch. No matter which way you look at it, it's a lack of resolve and determination that sullied the deal. I have no idea whether the watch would have been bid up, whether it's real, or if I could have had a shot with a $10 jump bid. But what I do know, then, is that my buying power is limited and I've got to think fast.


Next, a set of arrows that look reasonably flightworthy sit on the 3rd table in. Again I'm waiting like a predator, teeth sharp from the lost watch. $2.50, $3.00, $5.00, $7.50 and I'm the proud owner of a set of wooden arrows. Immediately, a man walks over to me and instructs me in the laws of archery and these arrows aren't made for combination bows. Why the hell not? Well, because the force generated from a combination bow will make the arrows splinter and jab into your hand. I guess, these arrows are not what I was thinking. Quick I'll put them up for sale and regain some of the money minus the commission. A fire sale later and I'm out $4 and the arrows before I've paid.


Fate, thou art a heartless shrew.


All but lost heart, a nice woman sells me "The Fellowship of the Ring" on cassette tape at a great price ($1). Annette shows up late. Better late than never. She gave me a few products to add to my stash. She made quite a few deals herself. The rusty "irons" tools are very popular with the crowd. Annette's making me look good, as she is setup right next to me. I get a couple buyers, lots of lookers, and a disappointing end to a big sale. All in all, it was a good day. But, my profits were drained by the arrows deal, and I couldn't recover.


PS. To my English teachers, I know I'm not supposed to change tenses within a paragraph or a blog post, as it is. It's my little way of adding interest at certain points. I'll correct my tenses when I get a chance.

Content on the Interweb is Complete Dross

When people write articles for the internet their spellcheck is confusing them into making dumb decisions. Seriously, I would say there is a lot of propaganda on the internet, but the articles are too poorly written with poor content for propaganda. I'd say about 10% of the content I read is worthwhile with only 1% going above and beyond to really capture their topic interest. This is shit. I spend far too much money on computers and internet for the content and composure of this shit. Really get back to your business models computer people, otherwise you'll be staring at a digitized monkey throwing bananas on your facebook pages.

UPDATE: I've found the YouTube content to be slightly better, but that's no excuse for poor writing.

The Long List of Keeping Warm in Winter

Travel to exotic locale.

Turn up heat.

Cover up with Blankets.

Hot shower and dry well.

Warm clothes in layers and headgear and long underwear.

Tanning Bed.

Corn Bag.

Candles.

Sit in the sun.

Curl into a ball.

Cook food on stove.

Fireplace fire.

Rub hands together.

A hot drink.

Open shades for sunlight.

Area rugs.

Drink water.

Electric Blanket.

Move more.

Laughter.

Electric fireplace.

Open heat vents.

Chemical heat packs.
Pocket Hand Warmer Device

Stock up.

Be social.

Cuddle an animal.

Cuddle your family.

Cuddle an attractive woman.

Hot peppers.

Play a game.

Read a book.

Take pain killers. (short term solution)

Stay inside.

Call on neighbors.
Lick lips.
Turn on a light.

Call on family.

Sunflower.

Get jiggy with it. (have sex)

I want to be a little healthier

I've spent the last 45 minutes thinking of nasty things I could write on the internet. Take note, I didn't post 1 of them. What it boils down to is that I want to feel a little bit happier...no not even happier...but more comfortable. It's my belief that humanity and the generally wondrous creatures that we are, is something that should be taken for granted. I've dealt with the powers that be, and have secured a little piece of the pie for myself, found friendship, and have even gotten a few scars. There's more to the human condition than our moments. A piece that does not yield. I'm sure that I will have years of prosperity and candor before I meet my maker and live eternally in heaven.

Computers are the most Senseless Pursuit on Earth

Nobody likes computers

Spending Less Time on the Computer

Same ol' song and dance. Spend less time with a computer. Computers' cost time and money, not the other way around.

Economies Work when Individuals Want Profit

I just got done reading an article on economics and it baffles me that a writer can get away with writing on the economy without so much as a mention to product quality.

This may go without saying, but it happens often enough, that an individual makes a buying or selling decision without an interest in making or taking a profit. This is extremely bad for a free market. When actors share an interest in profit, the economy runs smooth. When we get relaxed about our interests things fall apart.

"Everyone has some interest in their buying decisions," you may say. But with reckless investing and shotgun business tactics, we are nearly certain to lose interest in profit. Bringing the economy low.

To the point, individuals must make educated, timely, and, in 1 way or another, profitable purchases.

I'm in no way an economic purist. If color or size benefits your purchase, all the better. Just let it be something.

Forget intellectual property. Forget the ladder. Forget products that waste time and money.

Do remember how to invent quality.

Don't Allow Pain to Lower Your Standards

People do it to themselves all the time. Willingly and unwillingly. They cause themselves pain then whine when their standards are lowered. I'm sympathetic to the pain. But I can't roll over and die every time I'm shocked by the world. I'm sick and tired of a lot of things. A lot of things that I take to heart. Still, I find the time to make long term and short term goals, a reality.

Every Deck is Better with an Elder Dragon in It

I just want to applaud Wizards for their set of "Dragons of Tarkir" with a host of new spells, creatures, and the illustrious Elder Dragons. These beasts were skimmed over in some of the earliest sets of the game, and now are being given the attention they deserve. What better to flesh out a fantasy strategy game than a brand new set including Dragons. Oh, and keep making the Duel Decks too, they are a great addition for the busy Magic the Gathering enthusiast, that might pick up a Duel Deck and play at some remote time and place.

Growing Callus

It seems that we grow callus at an alarming rate. I care very much, but my opinion, and my well-being seem to callus at an alarming rate. My regular pop tastes like nasty diet pop. Lights are too bright. Darks are too stifling. A simple problem turns into a complex problem. In this case I'd like to say "They get what they want" and that's probably true for we lack insight into our decision making. But more to the point, it's my pain acting out. What I need is 1 IV in my left arm with Ibuprofen, and 1 IV in my right arm with Tylenol, and an iron clad schedule to follow. None of these seem like possibilities. When I'm able to live my life in a normal way, a lot of the pain that I feel will seem justified. For example, had I showered, shaved, deodorized, brushed my hair and teeth. I would be carrying myself with much more enthusiasm and gusto. My sinus headache, and sore and cold muscles, not to mention a very real Mental Illness, prevent me from accomplishing this simple healthy habit. I also don't get it when people say that I need initiative when I'm fighting a Mental Disorder. Doctors' don't tell diabetics they need to be more positive to produce more insulin, they don't tell kidney patients that their kidneys are non-essential to their regulatory systems and that their other organs will help syphon the urea, they don't tell someone with anemia to toughen up so their blood will clot faster. In other words, the disease that I suffer from is involuntary, whether they know it or not.

On a happier note, I'm feeling slightly empowered to deal with the day-to-day issues that arrive with life. I made bread yesterday and it turned out great. The garden is doing really well. There's 5 of us at work and soon to be 6 when Annette gets back. I'm more comfortable with knowing what should be done, and less afraid of what won't get done. They are putting me on a higher dose of Zoloft which should improve my mood. All in all things are moving along well. When I am feeling frail, I lay myself down and rest. A strung out frail person should lay down. I'm happy to report that I'm eating well, and getting a wink of sleep now and then. I've lost at many things, I've lost time to the computer, I've lost my watch, I've lost a lot of sleep. I still don't feel at a loss, which is nice.

Oh, Let Me Count the Careers I'm Not Able

I don't know who to blame this on. I am able a good number of careers that I don't qualify and am not physically capable of. Tell me what good it is for civilization, and the individuals themselves, to train youngsters in careers that will flatline? I'm willing to argue that a good chunk of American population has been fed to 1 revolving door or another, without the slightest inkling of whether it benefits the individual, or the individuals community. I may sound bitter, I'm not. In fact I have less compassion for these folks than most. And that's why I feel they are being killed, royally, without good reason, and should be helped more than they are.

Anything Done on Computer, Can Do Without

Here's the deal. Anything that can be done on, with, or to a computer, can be done without.

Let me illustrate. A spreadsheet is simply a list or graphing paper at worst. An app is nothing but a brand new toy. Facebook is a little more complicated, it was, once upon a time, the very fabric of how we functioned, smoke signals and promises, yet now has been reduced to a login and post-a-meme. I'd argue that the people that function best within society, use facebook, and computers, very little.

Again, I'm not a purist, I use the computer. Yet, everything that I've done, and anyone for that matter, has done, with a computer, has the option of completing that task without. I guess this is my way of saying they haven't taken over just yet. But then again, my independence day is being typed, stored, and printed, with computer technology.

The real question I should be asking, and please tell me if you know the answer, is how do I turn an Associates degree in Computer Science into something that can be done without computers?

Why Pay for Business School?

I'm updating my Recipes and soon stock picks on versaglobe.com along with an increased advertising campaign I've got high hopes for my internet sales. Sales are tough in any arena and the internet is worse than the rest. I have a unique product that lends well to multiple buyer markets. The biggest trouble I foresee is that the American consumer is relentlessly frugal and may not be willing to spend the money on baseball cards and books. This is the risk I have to take. Without expanding my means, I've got a good handle on the book and trading card market, and have room to grow. My technology background lends itself especially well to the feature ridden services I employ on the internet. Besides the strides I'm making in an internet presence, I've been noticing the external architecture that goes into making daily life possible. A drainage pipe here, a mural on a brick wall there. A school bus. Things that bring together a community, if only for a moment.

Magic the Gathering House Rule - Face Down Cards are Colorless Lands

I've been cooking up a house rule for Magic the Gathering that would be fun in some of the modern General, Commander, EDH, and Highlander games. While following the 1 land per turn rule. You may place any card face down. This card counts toward your 1 land per turn. It can produce 1 colorless mana when tapped. That's it...haven't figured out what to call the rule maybe Face Down Lands, Colorless Land Rule, something like that. Maybe the Down Land rule.

This rule allows for some level of versatility when playing with large creatures that is typical of Commander games. Say you have 3 creature cards in hand, 4 land available, and would like to cast a creature spell for 5. Then, following the Down Land rule, you may put 1 of the creature cards from your hand face down with your land on the battlefield. Now you have the 5 mana necessary to cast a creature.

The new game mechanic of Morph, Megamorph, and Manifest got me thinking about it. It's just a way of balancing, speeding up, and otherwise making the game fun. I don't think I would play this rule as a blanket house rule, but would consider it under certain circumstances.

UPDATE: The rule is called Landfall. Not to be confused with a Fastbond House Rule which would allow players to play any number of lands on any turn.

Another Life I was Amish

Now, I'm a very worldly man. I have, expensive taste, simply from living and loving modern life. I spend too damn much time with a computer in front of me, but that's another problem. The Amish life is so appealing to me not as an elitist, but as a simple working man.

The Amish pray regularly and attend church, they do not use substances or alcohol, They lead a much simpler lifestyle that includes simpler clothes, they don't look at buildings, and cars, and other "luxuries" of modern life. They have more time with nature, their family, and their means. I am saying that the Amish life is not only simpler. It is easier than modern living. It's less taxing, stressful, painful, problematic, troublesome, and in other words better.

It's better in a plain sort of way. I love living with my family, and spend the better half of my life drowning in a computer, yet there's a way that doesn't cost as much, the Amish. I'm not going to convert, I'm a bad example, I've spent too long dwelling on the materialistic. From a very young age I've been exposed to science and technology. The list goes on and on. But, the Amish have something that is very valuable. And, I think they would agree it's a better and easier way.

Print this, show it to an Amish person, get their opinion.

They Get What They Want

Ok, when I say this it's really my way of saying that I want to be younger and I'm feeling older. There isn't much more to it than that. When I squarely insert my foot in my mouth, it's more often than not, part of a rag-tag day that sorta makes sense. Like when I tell the employee here at Broadway Awards she must look at my webpage.

First off, I pride myself in my little office here in Robbinsdale. I make a point of staying out of the way, unless I'm working.

Secondly, I don't love the computer so much that I really care whether she looks at my cooking article. But, by the way, there's a new cooking article in the What's Cookin' section of VersaGlobe.com.

Over my Bad Hair Day

I'm done with that sore business. I went to bed early after a light dinner and I'm feeling refreshed today. The weather still sucks, but it's not as bad when you keep your chin up. I've got a lot of writing to do, for this blog and my website, http://www.versaglobe.com Curious side note, the pawn shop where I buy Dvds is hiring. I think working for a pawn shop would be a decent job. New and used product, buy and sell, deal in precious metal. The only thing is my hours would have to be exactly 8:30am to 4:30pm cause of my commute. I just wish I could get excited by the prospect of having a 9 to 5, but I don't. The ether is standing in my way, and I ain't killing for a job, sorry I won't do it.

Pain Causes Hallucinations and Bad Hair Days

I'm really sore, this dark dreary weather is for the birds. And I'm sure they don't like it either. Jesus, my body is killing me. Why doesn't it act like a normal human being?!

Price of Candy

Candy is, in itself, an indulgence. It's a little extra to get us through our day. I'm a Weight Watcher so I don't eat as much candy as I would like to. I would love to eat a 3 Muskateers bar or a Hershey's chocolate bar, but I want to be thin so I don't. That doesn't change an important trend in candy. The price is going up. This is certainly an indulgance of the candy companies and retailers who think that everything should be measured in dollars, forgetting the change. Just a simple inflation on the middle class consumer. A candy bar, whether Skittles or Milky Way, should cost no more than 50 cents per bar, and often considerably less. It's not the past, or a quaint historical appeal, it's economics. For the simple indulgance of a candy bar we should pay with cents not bucks. I don't pretend to eat candy, and I don't have a real interest in the candy market 1 way or another, but I do know that candy should cost less. Maybe when we live in an inflation (re-)adjusted world, we'll feel better, and markets will run smoother. I'm not an economist, I'm a candy consumer.

Art Critic - Claude Monet - Sailboat

This is a bright painting of Claude Monet, despite the water theme and broad face of the junket. At first observation the theme seems dull and lifeless. A watery grave so to speak. But after a short delay the vibrant contrast of the blues and background colors comes to light. Fading again and coming into light, drawing the observer into the painting. The rendering of the junket is spot on in its watery place, but makes me question whether Monet would have an interest in such a ship. While the painting draws the observer in, has excellent composition and color, it's junket is still a prop in an otherwise calm sea. I love how the depth of the painting is ever so thinly veiled by the composition of the blues. The junket is alive at sea. The small tree in the right-background helps to frame the composition of the left. Monet seems very comfortable in his composition and working within his own boundaries, as evidenced in many of his paintings. The "shading," of the foreground into the background gives a sense of forward motion, though the ship is in contrast to that direction, it creates a sense of motion throughout. I don't know if Monet intends for his Sailboat to be vibrant, or if it's a side effect of the motion alluded to. The white clouds, red buildings, and deep blue sea, bring an otherwise telltale junket into motion.

Would You like Cheese with Your Whine?

I don't drink, so this isn't an invite to a wine tasting. This is a, I don't know where I'm heading, I can't manage my time, things just aren't quite right, blog entry. Don't get me wrong; I  am more than happy with the things I do manage.

Like leftover "Taco Soup." I'm thrilled with that.

The things I can't handle are... Managing my money, Calling my family, Holding a relationship, Holding a job, Figuring a daily routine, Directing the meager business I do with VersaGlobe, Getting started when my body hurts, Getting things working when my belongings hurt.

Frankly, I'm having trouble making due, and it sux. Maybe I'll win the lottery and everything will become more simple. Maybe I'll meet someone and everything will become more complicated.

Maybe I'll enjoy "Taco Soup" for lunch today. Yeah, that's it.

Home Sick

I've loved my vacation, but now going back to the real world. Looking for work. Managing with colder weather, and a stricter diet, and less guidance, is going to be a real pain. Not to mention there's a bunch of things that we will be getting done. Just the nature of the North I guess. I'm going to take a week to get settled and get a few chores done that I left at Minnesota. Then I'll take a week to update my blog, website, and sales channels. Then I don't know what, but it will involve painting the house, planting a garden, and swimming a whole lot.


I've learned something about myself. Air conditioning is annoying to me. I don't have the same annoyance during winter, so it's not the cold that does it. And heat doesn't bug me. It's actually the air conditioning. And I think I know why. I'm much happier in the heat of the day. I guess you could say I'm hot blooded (song aside). I guess I'll be laying out on a lawn chair a lot this summer.


I've bought a lot of Magic the Gathering cards today. And I have mixed feelings. They are really a fragile collectible as far as collectibles go. They have a small resale market, and are prone to creasing and blotching. I have a hard time interesting a die hard Mtg player, and have next to zero interest in my close family. They are kin to baseball cards, poker, and fantasy themes, but don't really capture a broad audience. Now for the positives. They are an entertaining game. Solo, 2-player, and multi-player, they are thousands of hours of fun. The art is spectacular. Unlike anything else really. And they play to the builder in me. Making decks appeals to making something from nothing. Then being able to play with it. It's a hellish hobby when it comes to price. The way that Wizards keeps the game collectible is by changing out cards. Making the price of vintage deck the same as the cost of a used car. A full set of vintage cards today, a new SUV. I do the best with what I have available to me, but the game is more of a hassle than an entertaining game. I will continue to collect, build decks, and play the game. I'm really hoping my hobby gets cheaper.


I'm really excited by the variety of foods that are available. I'm just learning to cook. And I want to be really good at the few dishes I make. I've got a Taco Soup Recipe that is my go-to dish for basing my other recipes on loosely. I've got the beginnings of a Potato Soup Recipe that is simple and should probably stay that way. I like to load it up with salt and pepper to bring the taste out. I've got a Pizza Recipe that is far more advanced than my cooking level, because of "The Art of Pizza Making Trade Secrets and Recipes" by Dominick DeAngelis. I've got a Lime Chicken Recipe that's really just a way of spicing up chicken breast that makes me think of Arizona. I like to keep the recipes simple, and I'm not really sure what my next recipe will be.

Basic Taco Soup Recipe

2 or 3 Pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
1 Medium Onion Chopped
1 Can Black Beans
1 Can Great Northern Beans
1 Can Vegetarian Baked Beans
1 Can Rotel
1 Packet Ranch Seasoning
1 Packet Taco Seasoning
1 Can Corn

Add ingredients to Crock Pot in order listed and let stand, do not stir. Cook on low setting for 6-10 hours. Chicken should be floating at top of Crock Pot. Remove chicken and shred with 2 forks. Stir into Crock Pot and serve.

Basic Potato Soup Recipe

1 container half & half

1 cup skim milk

10 potatoes

1 big onion

1 tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

dumplings

2 eggs

½ cup flour

Simmer onion in skim milk add potatoes – boil till almost done – pour in half & half let simmer. Make and add dumplings. Simmer and season to taste.

Basic Pizza Recipe

(Courtesy Dominick DeAngelis book)
Mozzarella based cheese
fresh ingredients to taste

Recipe Removed due to Copyright Considerations.

This page did harbor the recipe for "The Art of Pizza Making" book. Then I realized if I share the recipe nobody has to buy the book. So, I've removed the recipe and this page will be devoted to reviewing slight tweaks to the recipe and book reviews. Basically everything pizza.

First, I would like to thank Dominick for his great book. It expresses principles of pizza making that are beyond the recipe. Thank You.

And, last time I went to the grocery store I picked up Vital Wheat Gluten by Hodgson Mill, I'm hoping it will work as a dough relaxer and improve dough structure. I'm also, increasing the fermentation phase of my version of the recipe. I'll post another picture the next time I make pizza.

Learning to Cook

Lately I've been learning to cook. I'm so excited to finally be filling in this part of my life that I've neglected for so long. I've got 4 recipes that I'm working on that I'll try to share in their entirety sometime.


1) Taco Soup
2) Pizza
3) Deluxe Omelet
4) Potato Soup


I'll dedicate an entire blog entry to each recipe so you can try them at home.

The Tired Hypochondriac

Ok, so being tired, unemployed, and a hypochondriac on top of my depression is like dragging an elephant across the United States. It's tiring to all end. Not necessarily painful but tiring to no end. I know that my responsibilities are less than many others responsibilities. But doing simple tasks shouldn't be that draining. Maybe it's because I have a serious toothache, that I'm having looked at this Tuesday. I'm happy it's finally getting taken care of, but it's going to cost me a couple hundred dollars out of pocket.


I'm tempted to say I would be happy if my brain weren't so tired. Well I'll try to use this message to the world as a springboard for my task list. A few of the things I'm looking forward to are 1) Update my website http://www.versaglobe.com  2) Go back to rehearsing daily and add structure and time to rehearsals. I'm thankful that music is having a pleasant sound to me these days. It's off and on, and I figure a good time to work on my music is while the sound is right to me. 3) I'm cooking pizzas from a book that I got called "The Art of Pizza Making" by Dominick Deangelis. Its got great pizza recipes and tips and tricks for the kitchen. The next pizza will be this Monday which means I'll prepare the dough tomorrow. A word to the wise, use "High Gluten Flour" for your pizzas. 4) Finally, I will focus my energy on making direct deals with retailers. Preferably, pallet loads of hard goods to retailers that will be repeat customers. This may seem like a lofty goal for a not-so-humble computer guy from the country, but I'm truly ready to stretch out and make a few choice deals, and get my feet wet. My advantage is a hard line view to quality. For example I found case loads of door hooks in cast iron from an online wholesaler. The next step is to identify a retail location that's interested at a certain price. And buy from the wholesaler and sell to the retailer. Done deal. That's the plan.

Little Cold

I've got a little cold...I'm taking Mucinex for it. I'm feeling better today than yesterday. Maybe I'll get over it and get back to exercising soon. This is the kind of thing that derails so many people, but it won't derail me. When I'm feeling my usual self I might try to get a book report style post of one of my art books, or my telephone essay.

Circulation Gone to Hell

My skin isn't getting any air. It's been bad since I've smoked, but now it's ridiculousy. There are stupid things I put up with all the time. I shouldn't have a suffocating body on top of it. In fact I'm sure the suffocation of my skin began when the docs diagnosed me with mental illness. How convenient?!

Cutting Out Waste

I don't know what it is that brings on the wasteful habits that I am constantly dealing with, but whatever it is will be cut out immediately. I'm no longer putting up with incessant issues that plague civilization. It will likely kill me, but then I'll have less to worry about on the other side. I'm not talking about the daily chores that have to be done. I'm more than happy to deal with the daily chores. I'm more than happy to work 60 hours a week if necessary. It's putting up with "your milk is tainted," "you're not discriminated against," and generally "the sky is falling" arguments that fill the television and radio. I'm more than happy for my boxed set dvds that I don't have to listen to Viagra commercials. And I'm happy the crooks in third world countries can't afford computers, cause then I have less spam in my eMail. Also, by not having a cell phone I'm saving minutes every day, in charging the phone, setting it down, picking it up, and carrying it around. Am I cutting the fat? NO. Am I running on empty? NO. Will I have problems down the road for not putting up with blather? NO.


This may seem angry or racist. But I'm not dealing with people that ruin my career anymore.

Minor vs. Major Guitar Chords

When playing open chords, the notes are not always arranged right. The key of open chords is closest to D Major when played as described in guitar literature everywhere. But this isn't exactly accurate. My theory is that the open chords are in the key of C Major, which means the A chord and D chord should be played in their minor form. This gives a consistent key signature for the chords you might play. I'm sure there's value in learning many voicing's of open and "closed" chords. For now I'll play a mixture of major and minor chords and see if it works for songs and for use with a capo.


Signing off for now, be sure to check back at www.versaglobe.com for the new content that will be out in the coming weeks.

Giant Deflated Rafts

So, I'm ecstatic that the stock market is doing well. The value of certain companies has returned to a reasonable level. And most stocks are backed by valuable treasures of some sort. That said, there are certain companies that are like giant deflated rafts...and this is kind of like I feel certain days. Plowing ahead, doing something remotely productive, yet leaving out the kind of work that really needs to be done. Without mentioning any names, there are companies that have the size and stability to really be movers and shakers, yet they show lethargy. The lethargy isn't in a traditional sense. No. The big players have been turning out news. What they may be lacking is closer to home. A sort of humanity and customer service. Again, not a problem with the workers, but a lack thereof, maybe a poor handling of them and their tools, business and toolbox. A skeleton crew can take things only so far. The stocks of these giants however, show unlikely optimism, again and again. Didn't the banking crisis of 2008 prove that bigger isn't always better. That a large company must remain honest to its roots and keep working at the foundation of its profits. To the point, I'm happy with the way the market is, "giants throwing stones at 1 another," as in a favorite novel "The Hobbit." Again, to the point, keep your metaphorical saw sharp, and don't confuse action with a sharp saw.

I'm taking down my internet shop while I visit Grandma and Grandpa. The thing is, my company is like a miniature "too big to fail" company. I have underlying assets and practices, and it's exciting to run a small business, kind of like an inflatable raft, yet the giant inflatable raft hasn't been inflated. It's a "Giant Deflated Raft."

Still, I'm happy with it and it will be brought back with new products added and a fresh look to the website.

On chance you might purchase from me in the future, know you will get 1st rate customer service and top notch products built with sharp saws. I'll bring sales back online in May 2015.

The Guitar Nut is C Chords

I've begun learning the guitar with a capo, and the nut of the guitar can be thought of as C.

Here's my reasoning...The "open chords" that you first learn on guitar are G, A, B, C, D, E, and F. All "natural," so to speak. This is the key of C. And when you move the capo up the fretboard you're progressing from C on up.

Now constructing songs is another matter. In order to construct songs, or licks, you must know what chord you're playing and what chords sound good together. Cause you might want to play a turn-around at a position that's in a different key.

That's the best I can explain it for now. By the way, it's fricken freezing here...and snowing.