Lincoln University created a new policy that students who have BMIs greater than 30 have to take a physical education class to graduate (Sharifa Riley, BMI Causes Uproar) . Apparently, some students and professors are upset about this as they are claiming that it will delay their graduation, or that it is discriminatory against fat people (obese for those that like to be politically correct) (Riley).
I believe the intentions of this policy are good. Will it make the students late to graduate? No, they can just use it to replace an elective. It is also easier than other electives; there is not a lot of thinking involved in gym class.
Is it discriminatory? Yes, it classifies people into groups based on the BMI. Personally, I don't see a problem in this particular case of discrimination. The rule is designed to help the people that it supposedly "discriminates against". However, the people who are complaining about discrimination are probably just scared to give an inch due to the fear that the rule makers might take a mile. I can just imagine the arguments. "If we allow this rule, what's next? Soon, they'll be making homosexuals take AIDS awareness courses before they can graduate!"
They could just amend the rule so that everyone needs to take a gym class unless they participate in athletics; however, this amendment would appear to be an injustice to those students that don't need to learn about fitness.
In the end, I respect the effort to increase the health of students at Lincoln University. Hopefully, the attention that this story gathers will help more people realize the importance of leading balanced lives.
Sources: http://media.www.thelincolnianonline.com/media/storage/paper1282/news/2009/11/18/News/Bmi-Requirement.Causes.Uproar-3834360.shtml)
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Air Jordans For The Win in Class A XC Race
1st image source
Guy in 1st: WHOOOOOOOOO!!
Guy in 2nd: He's celebrating early. I'm going to beat him!
2nd image source
Guy in 1st: Oh [Expletive]. This [Expletive]'s right next to me.
Guy in 2nd: Oh bummer, he saw me.
3rd image source
Guy in 1st: This is my winning face.
Guy in 2nd: Haha, those are some nice Jordans.
These are the thoughts that I believe accompanied the moments captured in these photos. Regardless, it is classic moment when a person wins their high school cross country meet wearing Air Jordans.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Peanut Butter Lover's Month With A Baseball Bat
I haven't really posted in a while; my creative juices are running low. Nothing really interesting has sparked the inner writer in me. However, in light of November being national peanut butter lover's month in the U.S.A., I will leave you with this video.
I think that the moral of this song that Brian performs is a metaphorical one. Don't abuse peanut butter or jelly. Like all good foods, drinks, etc. peanut butter should be consumed in moderation. This national peanut butter lover's month enjoy your peanut butter responsibly.
I think that the moral of this song that Brian performs is a metaphorical one. Don't abuse peanut butter or jelly. Like all good foods, drinks, etc. peanut butter should be consumed in moderation. This national peanut butter lover's month enjoy your peanut butter responsibly.
Monday, October 19, 2009
A Moment of Success
Once, I was going to the state track meet with my friends to watch some of our other friends that still went to the school. Well, I had been drinking a lot of water for some reason. Either I was in training, or just felt like I should be drinking water because I was going to a track meet.
Anyway, shortly after the journey began I had to urinate. My friend, pulled the car over at one point so he could go urinate in this bush. I didn't want some crazy situation to happen where cops come and arrest me for urinating in the bush; so, I held the urge. Then, I kind of regretted that decision for a while. I began wondering if I would make it to the meet. I was thinking about the last time I remember peeing my pants. It was back in the first grade. The gym teacher wouldn't let me go to the lavatory so I had to urinate in my pants. I don't think they even sent me to the nurses office to change clothes like they used to do. I just walked around with pee pants for the remainder of the day.
I digress; now, back to the story. So, I am refraining from urinating, and I'm fearing a situation worse then the first grade. Clearly, it would be worse because I'm not expected to pee my pants at this age, and I can hold my bladder longer so the accident would be worse. In addition, my stomach is hurting at this point from holding it in my urine so long.
Finally, we get to the stadium, and I head straight to the bathroom. Then, I had one of the greatest moments of relief/success in my life. I began to urinate at the urinal, and two people came and left the urinal next to me while I continued blast the urinal wall with the most epic stream of my life. It was glorious; the end.
Anyway, shortly after the journey began I had to urinate. My friend, pulled the car over at one point so he could go urinate in this bush. I didn't want some crazy situation to happen where cops come and arrest me for urinating in the bush; so, I held the urge. Then, I kind of regretted that decision for a while. I began wondering if I would make it to the meet. I was thinking about the last time I remember peeing my pants. It was back in the first grade. The gym teacher wouldn't let me go to the lavatory so I had to urinate in my pants. I don't think they even sent me to the nurses office to change clothes like they used to do. I just walked around with pee pants for the remainder of the day.
I digress; now, back to the story. So, I am refraining from urinating, and I'm fearing a situation worse then the first grade. Clearly, it would be worse because I'm not expected to pee my pants at this age, and I can hold my bladder longer so the accident would be worse. In addition, my stomach is hurting at this point from holding it in my urine so long.
Finally, we get to the stadium, and I head straight to the bathroom. Then, I had one of the greatest moments of relief/success in my life. I began to urinate at the urinal, and two people came and left the urinal next to me while I continued blast the urinal wall with the most epic stream of my life. It was glorious; the end.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Jin - No labels But Still Doin' His Thang
Jin is probably one of the greatest battle rappers ever if not the best. He won an insane amount of battles on Freestyle Friday. Since then, I haven't really followed him. I think he signed with Ruff Ryders at some point. Now, he isn't signed, and he is living in Hong Kong. I just found this old remix while surfing through videos on YouTube; I thought it was pretty legit.
Maybe it is better if he doesn't have a label. There is a lot of garbage produced by people signed to labels, and it poisons minds. I watched a video in which Jin said that he is trying to pursue his spirituality more seriously. Hopefully, he can find a way to channel this into his music. The rap game could use some more positive light shinning through it.
Maybe it is better if he doesn't have a label. There is a lot of garbage produced by people signed to labels, and it poisons minds. I watched a video in which Jin said that he is trying to pursue his spirituality more seriously. Hopefully, he can find a way to channel this into his music. The rap game could use some more positive light shinning through it.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Day 13 - Streaks de Deuces
Day 13 of Streaks de Deuces is in the books. For any new readers, that means I am nearly done the first two streaks out of 22 streaks that last 22 days. Since I started the second streak a day later than the first, I still have 10 days left to maintain the second streak.
The current streaks that I have going are completing 222 push ups every day and participating in my online class. Clearly, as long as one concentrates in their studies, they will improve. However, it may not be so obvious that one would get stronger from doing the same number of push ups every day. While one may doubt that it is possible to gain strength by performing the same number of push ups every day, I would argue the opposite. After thirteen days of performing 222 push ups, I can now crank out at least 120 push ups at one time.
The current streaks that I have going are completing 222 push ups every day and participating in my online class. Clearly, as long as one concentrates in their studies, they will improve. However, it may not be so obvious that one would get stronger from doing the same number of push ups every day. While one may doubt that it is possible to gain strength by performing the same number of push ups every day, I would argue the opposite. After thirteen days of performing 222 push ups, I can now crank out at least 120 push ups at one time.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Livin' The Dream
I've been doing some thinking as I sometimes do, and I got to thinking about the saying "livin' the dream". Many people use this saying. Some people might be using it seriously, and others might be using it sarcastically. The people who speak the words seriously are most likely trying to convey the idea that life is going great for them at the moment.
With that said, I will now help you misoverstand (to borrow a word from Nas' vocabulary) the phrase "Livin the Dream". Now, a dream is something that runs through your subconscious when you are sleeping, or it is an ambition that you might have. Regardless, it is not reality. Thus, literally speaking, "Livin' the Dream" would mean that one was living what is not reality. Or, as I would like to put it, these people are "Livin da lie". So, while they think that they just said they are doing great, they actually said that their life is a lie.
A wise friend of mine named B.T. (B*** T*ts) once warned me about making this mistake. He would exclaim in high pitched tone, "Craaaaig, your tryin to be da truf n lookin like da lie Craig." It is crazy to consider the places where the gospel reaches people. Regardless of the context in which B.T. said that, I took his statement to heart. I mean it was probably some joke that he gathered off of those Friday movies; however, I heard it and thought, "wow, that's pretty deep."
Well, I still think that is pretty deep, and that is why I want to spread the word. So what I am trying to say by all of this rambling, is that one should think before they speak or act. Before a person conforms to the speech patterns or behavior of their peers, they should take a minute to think about what they are actually doing. Surely, "livin' the dream" might sound great on the surface. I mean living and dreams are both, generally, good things. However, by accepting the sayings and speech of your peers as your own without first thinking about what that speech means, you have just begun to live da lie. In conclusion, be the Truth not da lie.
With that said, I will now help you misoverstand (to borrow a word from Nas' vocabulary) the phrase "Livin the Dream". Now, a dream is something that runs through your subconscious when you are sleeping, or it is an ambition that you might have. Regardless, it is not reality. Thus, literally speaking, "Livin' the Dream" would mean that one was living what is not reality. Or, as I would like to put it, these people are "Livin da lie". So, while they think that they just said they are doing great, they actually said that their life is a lie.
A wise friend of mine named B.T. (B*** T*ts) once warned me about making this mistake. He would exclaim in high pitched tone, "Craaaaig, your tryin to be da truf n lookin like da lie Craig." It is crazy to consider the places where the gospel reaches people. Regardless of the context in which B.T. said that, I took his statement to heart. I mean it was probably some joke that he gathered off of those Friday movies; however, I heard it and thought, "wow, that's pretty deep."
Well, I still think that is pretty deep, and that is why I want to spread the word. So what I am trying to say by all of this rambling, is that one should think before they speak or act. Before a person conforms to the speech patterns or behavior of their peers, they should take a minute to think about what they are actually doing. Surely, "livin' the dream" might sound great on the surface. I mean living and dreams are both, generally, good things. However, by accepting the sayings and speech of your peers as your own without first thinking about what that speech means, you have just begun to live da lie. In conclusion, be the Truth not da lie.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Streaks de Deuces is Still Alive - Day 6
I survived to day 6 of the Streaks de Deuces. I have been doing 222 push ups for 6 days now, and I have studied for my class 5 straight days now. The toughest part so far is finding time to study for the class every day. It is not to hard to find time to crank out a few push ups. Also, the push ups are getting easier. I don't really get sore from doing these push ups any more. I think I will finish these two streaks before I start anymore. I don't have enough faith in my memory to try to keep too many streaks in tact at one time.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Day Two - Streaks de Deuces
Today marks the second day completed of the Streaks de Deuces challenge. I have finished my second day of 222 push ups, and my shoulders were already feeling the fatigue when I began the day. The push ups were completed in 4 sets (72, 50, 50, 50).
Also, I have decided on my second streak. The second streak is probably nothing too exciting or inspiring to any audience that I might have; however, it will be to participate in my online class every day for the next 22 days. Usually, I only take the class a few days of the week. Now, I will learn more quickly and advance toward the completion of the Streaks de Deuces challenge. I have already participated in the class today. It is a web database development class if in case people were wondering. If I continue adding streaks like this, I guess one could call them cascading style streaks..hahahaha. Sorry, I couldn't resist the urge to add in lame web development joke.
Streaks de Deuces description
Also, I have decided on my second streak. The second streak is probably nothing too exciting or inspiring to any audience that I might have; however, it will be to participate in my online class every day for the next 22 days. Usually, I only take the class a few days of the week. Now, I will learn more quickly and advance toward the completion of the Streaks de Deuces challenge. I have already participated in the class today. It is a web database development class if in case people were wondering. If I continue adding streaks like this, I guess one could call them cascading style streaks..hahahaha. Sorry, I couldn't resist the urge to add in lame web development joke.
Streaks de Deuces description
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Streaks de Deuces
I have made up my mind; I am going to begin a challenge called "Streaks de Deuces". You may say, "I've never heard of such a challenge." Most likely, you haven't heard of such a challenge because I just thought of it recently. If you have heard of such a challenge; then, some person out there has similar mind to my own. This would be kind of weird, but who knows?
Basically, I decided I am going to try to complete 22 streaks in the next year of time. The start date was close to a month ago, and I am just starting today. So, I have some ground to make up. Even if I started on time, I would have had to run some streaks concurrently to complete the challenge.
Regardless, I have belief that I possess the discipline and determination to complete this. My first streak has begun, and I am going to perform 222 push-ups a day for the next 22 days. That is the only real rule for this streak. Today, I completed the set amount over a total of 4 sets (77, 70, 50, and 25 push-ups).
Now, the news is out; so, I HAAAAAAVE to complete the challenge or I might let down the very small audience of people that read this blog. I don't know what the rest of the streaks will be. I will think of them on the fly I guess. If you have any ideas, share them in the comments section. Basically, this "Streaks de Deuces" challenge is targeted toward self improvement of some shape or form. As a result, I probably won't do any streaks like that guy that eats Big Mac's every day. Once again, please feel free to comment.
Basically, I decided I am going to try to complete 22 streaks in the next year of time. The start date was close to a month ago, and I am just starting today. So, I have some ground to make up. Even if I started on time, I would have had to run some streaks concurrently to complete the challenge.
Regardless, I have belief that I possess the discipline and determination to complete this. My first streak has begun, and I am going to perform 222 push-ups a day for the next 22 days. That is the only real rule for this streak. Today, I completed the set amount over a total of 4 sets (77, 70, 50, and 25 push-ups).
Now, the news is out; so, I HAAAAAAVE to complete the challenge or I might let down the very small audience of people that read this blog. I don't know what the rest of the streaks will be. I will think of them on the fly I guess. If you have any ideas, share them in the comments section. Basically, this "Streaks de Deuces" challenge is targeted toward self improvement of some shape or form. As a result, I probably won't do any streaks like that guy that eats Big Mac's every day. Once again, please feel free to comment.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Soccer Ball Juggling
I didn't know what else to write about so I thought I would post this video of me juggling the soccer ball. It's a shame that I lost control at the end, but I guess taping the error might make it easier for people to relate. Hopefully, this video inspires some people to practice their skills or post their own soccer ball juggling videos. I used to practice this juggling all the time. Then, I decided to pursue running more seriously so I pretty much gave up soccer. The good news is that the old riding the bike saying holds true for soccer ball juggling as well.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Are These Common Feelings?
There are two pretty simple events that cause quite an emotional arousal for me. The first event makes me feel like my morale has been kicked in the shins and beaten over the head with a baseball bat, and the second just makes me feel surprisingly happy.
So, I will begin with the one that makes me feel happy. Do other people feel just as happy when they are stuck behind slow cars; then, they decide to make the pass and cruise by just in time to encounter free road ahead on the other side of the slow traffic? I moved around a few cars today on one of those sections of road where the right lane merges into the left lane. I passed the cars just before the merging section, and I was floating on cloud nine. It felt so great to know that I would not have to putt along behind those cars for the next 15 minutes on a two lane road.
Now, the not so good situation. I am sure every person is aware that pens exist which possess a little extension that enables one to hang the pen on their pocket or notepad. Well, I have a habit of playing with this tab in sort of a subconscious manner on a pretty regular basis. Then, one day the little plastic tab decides it can take it any more, and it just snaps off. For some reason, this takes the wind out of my metaphorical sails every time. I just think to myself, "now, how will I be able to keep myself occupied until this pen runs out of ink"?
In conclusion, it just amazes me how some small events like these can have such a profound effect on my feelings, and I was wondering if other people shared these reactions in common.
So, I will begin with the one that makes me feel happy. Do other people feel just as happy when they are stuck behind slow cars; then, they decide to make the pass and cruise by just in time to encounter free road ahead on the other side of the slow traffic? I moved around a few cars today on one of those sections of road where the right lane merges into the left lane. I passed the cars just before the merging section, and I was floating on cloud nine. It felt so great to know that I would not have to putt along behind those cars for the next 15 minutes on a two lane road.
Now, the not so good situation. I am sure every person is aware that pens exist which possess a little extension that enables one to hang the pen on their pocket or notepad. Well, I have a habit of playing with this tab in sort of a subconscious manner on a pretty regular basis. Then, one day the little plastic tab decides it can take it any more, and it just snaps off. For some reason, this takes the wind out of my metaphorical sails every time. I just think to myself, "now, how will I be able to keep myself occupied until this pen runs out of ink"?
In conclusion, it just amazes me how some small events like these can have such a profound effect on my feelings, and I was wondering if other people shared these reactions in common.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Madden Nation Look Out!!
So, I've played Madden 10 on Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. I believe I played a grand total of 6 games. Each time I played with my team which is the greatness know as the Baltimore Ravens. I sucked royally on Playstation 3; thus, I believe that the 360 version is easier. This may seem illogical because the controls are very similar. However, since I won my last three games on 360, I will just follow the inductive reasoning that says that the 360 version is easier (regardless of other factors that may have affected the outcomes). At any rate, simplicity was my key to victories. Essentially, I ran 4 plays out of two formations. The plays consited of a fade, flats, and the QB sneak. Furthermore, to add to the comedy of my success Joe Flacco was insanely fast, Flacco and my running backs could break tackles all day, and my receivers caught poorly thrown passes at their ankles like it was nothing to them. Needless to say, I was gaining a good laugh at my friends' expenses. On defense, my corners were rediculous. This is also contrary to what I have witnessed in real life. Finally, I had one more trick on defense which I can't reveal because I need every advantage that I can get. Basically, I think I am ready to take on Madden Nation...SIKE!!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
5 Random Thoughts
Have you ever seen a person who only tucks their shirt in on the front side? This should be called the mullet tuck (business in the front, party in the back).
What is the purpose of twice baked potatoes? Why can't they just be cooked all the way the first time?
Why do gas stations always ad 99 tenths of a cent to the price of gas?
Why is the inventor of the Snuggie rich because he/she marketed wearing a robe backwards? Will I be rich if I invent a fleece hat that you can wear backwards?Obviously, I would have to give it a ridiculous name.
Why are they called Bee stings? For some people they are stings, for others they are near death experiences. Calling it a bee sting because in the best case scenario it stings is like a calling death a nap because you might get resuscitated.
What is the purpose of twice baked potatoes? Why can't they just be cooked all the way the first time?
Why do gas stations always ad 99 tenths of a cent to the price of gas?
Why is the inventor of the Snuggie rich because he/she marketed wearing a robe backwards? Will I be rich if I invent a fleece hat that you can wear backwards?Obviously, I would have to give it a ridiculous name.
Why are they called Bee stings? For some people they are stings, for others they are near death experiences. Calling it a bee sting because in the best case scenario it stings is like a calling death a nap because you might get resuscitated.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Hula Hoopla Application on Facebook
Here is my latest project ( Hula Hoopla ). I couldn't think of anything else to write about so I figured why not write a shameless plug for my new Hula Hoopla Facebook app. Essentially, this is the greatest hula hoop game that you will ever play. If you like endurance gaming; then, you will love this game. However, all of this is just my own humble opinion. You should really go visit and play the game for yourself to experience all of its true greatness.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Dathan Ritzenhein Sets 5k American Record in 12:56
Here it is for your own viewing pleasure
Wowwwwwwww. That's about all I can think of to say to this; that, and what a finish! I can only imagine the reactions that there would be if Ritz could have found it in his legs to beat Bekele that day.
Wowwwwwwww. That's about all I can think of to say to this; that, and what a finish! I can only imagine the reactions that there would be if Ritz could have found it in his legs to beat Bekele that day.
Monday, August 24, 2009
How To Rap Faster
There is a simple trick that I picked up to rap faster. You probably won't be as fast as Twista, but, maybe, you can come close to Krazie Bone.
Krazyie Bone
Basically, the trick is to include more inline rhyming and triple rhyming. If these words are new to you, here is a simple explanation. Inline rhyming, as it sounds, is, simply, a rhyme in the middle of the line of the poem or song. When employing this method, you don't necessarily have to rhyme in the traditional sense (rhyming at the end of the word). Rather, you can mix it up, and rhyme at the beggining of words. This is alliteration if you are using consonant sounds. Also, you can try rhyming sounds in the middle of words. This is called assonance when using vowell sounds and cassonance when using consonant sounds.
Next, Triple rhyming is a rhyme which includes the last three syllables of the words involved. For instance, rhyming "glittering" with "twittering" would be a tripple rhyme. In music, tripplets are fast sounding notes; thus, it makes sense for triple rhymes to be fast sounding rhymes. Also, Triple rhyming may coincide with inline rhyming; in other words, there may be a triple rhyme that is also an inline rhyme.
Putting it all together:
Now that you know the rules, you can break the rules. What I mean by this is that you should make up your own words or add false endings to words like Snoop to achieve the desired results. I have written something small for you to see the effects of my trick.
Here it is:
(takes a few seconds for rap to begin)
Spiteded knitteded sewing my words.
Fiteded wit itit; hat on reverse.
Now, try saying that quickly, and you will see how it speeds up your rapping.
Twista
Krazyie Bone
Basically, the trick is to include more inline rhyming and triple rhyming. If these words are new to you, here is a simple explanation. Inline rhyming, as it sounds, is, simply, a rhyme in the middle of the line of the poem or song. When employing this method, you don't necessarily have to rhyme in the traditional sense (rhyming at the end of the word). Rather, you can mix it up, and rhyme at the beggining of words. This is alliteration if you are using consonant sounds. Also, you can try rhyming sounds in the middle of words. This is called assonance when using vowell sounds and cassonance when using consonant sounds.
Next, Triple rhyming is a rhyme which includes the last three syllables of the words involved. For instance, rhyming "glittering" with "twittering" would be a tripple rhyme. In music, tripplets are fast sounding notes; thus, it makes sense for triple rhymes to be fast sounding rhymes. Also, Triple rhyming may coincide with inline rhyming; in other words, there may be a triple rhyme that is also an inline rhyme.
Putting it all together:
Now that you know the rules, you can break the rules. What I mean by this is that you should make up your own words or add false endings to words like Snoop to achieve the desired results. I have written something small for you to see the effects of my trick.
Here it is:
(takes a few seconds for rap to begin)
Spiteded knitteded sewing my words.
Fiteded wit itit; hat on reverse.
Now, try saying that quickly, and you will see how it speeds up your rapping.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
My Eyes Deceive Me
Have you ever looked at an object or writing and percieved it incorrectly at first glance? If this question doesn't make sense to you, let me explain. Today, I am casually walking around my house. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of the movie rack, and I see "Madea Goes To Jail".
However, that is not what I saw on first glance. On first glance, I saw MADDEN! I'm sure you can understand this mistake. There were large capital black letters beginning with MAD, the case was white, and I convinced myself to believe that the red man at the top said EA. I thought it was MADDEN 10, and I was siked. "I have Madden!?", I thought to myself. I don't even know why I got excited; I don't have a system on which I can play Madden 10. Also, I don't know why a video game would be on the movie rack. As it turns out, i was deceived by my eyes to believe that a stupid movie was the new Madden.
However, that is not what I saw on first glance. On first glance, I saw MADDEN! I'm sure you can understand this mistake. There were large capital black letters beginning with MAD, the case was white, and I convinced myself to believe that the red man at the top said EA. I thought it was MADDEN 10, and I was siked. "I have Madden!?", I thought to myself. I don't even know why I got excited; I don't have a system on which I can play Madden 10. Also, I don't know why a video game would be on the movie rack. As it turns out, i was deceived by my eyes to believe that a stupid movie was the new Madden.
Monday, August 17, 2009
ENERGY DRINKS Review
Once a energy drink connoisseur, I will now share my knowledge of energy drinks in the form of a list (my favorite energy drinks in descending order). To further explain my credentials, I pretty much lived off of energy drinks for a substantial part of the last two years of my life. Recently, I have tried to limit my caffeine intake to prevent a heart attack (I don't need to stay up all night doing work anymore). However, if you feel energy drinks are the answer to your problem; then, this list is perfect for you.
1) Mountain Dew MDX - This was by far the best energy drink I have ever consumed; however, I don't believe that it exists any longer. It tasted great(it tasted more like a soda than an energy drink). Also, it kept me awake better than any energy drink.
2) Amp Overdrive- Slightly edging out the green Amp in the taste category, this cherry flavor drink is also a bit more caffeinated than the green Amp.
3) Amp Big Rig - I don't know if this comes in different flavors. I do know that it is an extraordinary amount of energy drink, it comes in the green flavor, and I have survived after consuming two in one night.
5) Red Bull - This one is a classic. Although it hasn't given me wings, it does ok at keeping me awake. Also, it has a unique taste which is pretty good.
4) Rockstar - I like the orange flavor; I am not sure if it comes in other flavors. This is a little bit sweet for me which is why it does not rank higher on the list; however, it is still pretty good. Also, I believe it has vitamin c. This is always good to consume if you are not sleeping because your immune system will need all of the extra help that it can get.
5) Mickey D's Sweet Tea - This probably won't keep one awake too well; unless, that person is very sensitive to caffeine. However, its taste is sensuous to say the least. I used to like drinking a couple large cups of Mickey D's Sweet Tea to pregame for a long night of work.
6) Coca Cola Classic - Classic is even part of its name. As one of my friends put it, "Coke has bite". I like to go with 2 Liters of Coca Cola if don't want to drink something as strong as Amp.
7) Jolt- It tasted similar to Coca Cola; however, it wasn't quite as good. Also, I might as well have been drinking NyQuil because I dozed right off to sleep after drinking this stuff. Jolt was far over hyped in my opinion; I guess that Jolt was at the leading edge of energy drinks for the oldheads that I heard talking about it.
9) Sobe Energy Drink in a Orange Can- I don't know what its official name was. This stuff tasted pretty good, but it is not a drink that I would want on a regular basis. This might have been discontinued as well. Originally, I drank it because there were no Amps left in the store that I visited. Also, I continued to drink it because it had slightly less sugar than Amp, and it had 130% of one's daily consumption of vitamin c.
10) Monster - I hate the taste of this stuff, and I don't remember it keeping me very alert. The taste is too sweet for my liking.
11) 5 hr Energy - Both flavors taste equally good or bad (I am not really sure). Originally, I thought this stuff was the quintessential energy drink. It was only 4 calories, and I felt like I was on top of the world the first time I drank a 5 hr Energy. The next time I drank one; it did not work quite as well (most likely because I did not sleep much or at all the night before). This pattern continued for next several times that I used it. The last time I used it I thought I was going to have a heart attack; thus, I promised myself not to drink another 5 hr Energy drink.
1) Mountain Dew MDX - This was by far the best energy drink I have ever consumed; however, I don't believe that it exists any longer. It tasted great(it tasted more like a soda than an energy drink). Also, it kept me awake better than any energy drink.
2) Amp Overdrive- Slightly edging out the green Amp in the taste category, this cherry flavor drink is also a bit more caffeinated than the green Amp.
3) Amp Big Rig - I don't know if this comes in different flavors. I do know that it is an extraordinary amount of energy drink, it comes in the green flavor, and I have survived after consuming two in one night.
5) Red Bull - This one is a classic. Although it hasn't given me wings, it does ok at keeping me awake. Also, it has a unique taste which is pretty good.
4) Rockstar - I like the orange flavor; I am not sure if it comes in other flavors. This is a little bit sweet for me which is why it does not rank higher on the list; however, it is still pretty good. Also, I believe it has vitamin c. This is always good to consume if you are not sleeping because your immune system will need all of the extra help that it can get.
5) Mickey D's Sweet Tea - This probably won't keep one awake too well; unless, that person is very sensitive to caffeine. However, its taste is sensuous to say the least. I used to like drinking a couple large cups of Mickey D's Sweet Tea to pregame for a long night of work.
6) Coca Cola Classic - Classic is even part of its name. As one of my friends put it, "Coke has bite". I like to go with 2 Liters of Coca Cola if don't want to drink something as strong as Amp.
7) Jolt- It tasted similar to Coca Cola; however, it wasn't quite as good. Also, I might as well have been drinking NyQuil because I dozed right off to sleep after drinking this stuff. Jolt was far over hyped in my opinion; I guess that Jolt was at the leading edge of energy drinks for the oldheads that I heard talking about it.
9) Sobe Energy Drink in a Orange Can- I don't know what its official name was. This stuff tasted pretty good, but it is not a drink that I would want on a regular basis. This might have been discontinued as well. Originally, I drank it because there were no Amps left in the store that I visited. Also, I continued to drink it because it had slightly less sugar than Amp, and it had 130% of one's daily consumption of vitamin c.
10) Monster - I hate the taste of this stuff, and I don't remember it keeping me very alert. The taste is too sweet for my liking.
11) 5 hr Energy - Both flavors taste equally good or bad (I am not really sure). Originally, I thought this stuff was the quintessential energy drink. It was only 4 calories, and I felt like I was on top of the world the first time I drank a 5 hr Energy. The next time I drank one; it did not work quite as well (most likely because I did not sleep much or at all the night before). This pattern continued for next several times that I used it. The last time I used it I thought I was going to have a heart attack; thus, I promised myself not to drink another 5 hr Energy drink.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Handstands
Do you know my favorite part about doing a handstand? If you said falling on your back and coughing for about the next two minutes while trying to regain your wind; then, you are correct.
Actually, I can't even do handstand. The question should of said headstand, but I like to think of my attempted headstands as handstands that end before I get the chance to get into full handstand position. In my mind there are 4 phases to a handstand. First, you do a tripod (they used to teach this in elementary schools). Then, you extend your feet into the air to do a headstand. Next, you extend your elbows to complete the handstand. Finally, there is the dismount. I am not very good at the last two phases; and I am not too worried about trying to improve.
The whole reason that I am writing this is because of some random occurrence that happened today. I was, calmly, sitting on the couch watching television; when, I got some thought in my head that I was going to do something at the next commercial. Upon the commercial break's arrival, I could no longer remember what I was going to do. I asked myself, "what was I going to do again?". Spontaneously, the word handstand popped into my head. I knew that this was not what I was originally going to do; however, I figured I would try to do one since my last attempt was quite a long time ago. So, I begin my handstand (following my 4 phase handstand algorithm earlier described). I make it to the second phase; then, I flop on my back after about two seconds and start coughing while I try to recover from the ordeal.
This is the second time in the last few days that some random idea has popped into my head which I decided to follow through with. It is becoming sort of my new favorite past time.
Actually, I can't even do handstand. The question should of said headstand, but I like to think of my attempted headstands as handstands that end before I get the chance to get into full handstand position. In my mind there are 4 phases to a handstand. First, you do a tripod (they used to teach this in elementary schools). Then, you extend your feet into the air to do a headstand. Next, you extend your elbows to complete the handstand. Finally, there is the dismount. I am not very good at the last two phases; and I am not too worried about trying to improve.
The whole reason that I am writing this is because of some random occurrence that happened today. I was, calmly, sitting on the couch watching television; when, I got some thought in my head that I was going to do something at the next commercial. Upon the commercial break's arrival, I could no longer remember what I was going to do. I asked myself, "what was I going to do again?". Spontaneously, the word handstand popped into my head. I knew that this was not what I was originally going to do; however, I figured I would try to do one since my last attempt was quite a long time ago. So, I begin my handstand (following my 4 phase handstand algorithm earlier described). I make it to the second phase; then, I flop on my back after about two seconds and start coughing while I try to recover from the ordeal.
This is the second time in the last few days that some random idea has popped into my head which I decided to follow through with. It is becoming sort of my new favorite past time.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Song Stuck In My Head
The other day, suddenly, I begin humming this song in my head. I don't even remember hearing the song before, and I definitely don't remember hearing it during that day. Yet, I some how knew a few words, "I come from a land down under" , and I decided to type them into the YouTube search. Then, I arrived at this video.
This was the song that I had in my head, and I discovered that both the song and the video are pretty epic. In the end, I remain perplexed at how this song ever entered my train of thought. It is pretty weird considering I listen, almost exclusively, to rap music. However, I am thankful this song, somehow, did end up in my brain waves because it was (as stated earlier) epic.
This was the song that I had in my head, and I discovered that both the song and the video are pretty epic. In the end, I remain perplexed at how this song ever entered my train of thought. It is pretty weird considering I listen, almost exclusively, to rap music. However, I am thankful this song, somehow, did end up in my brain waves because it was (as stated earlier) epic.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The Proverbial LIMIT
And like many races, my days as a runner have been stretched to see one last effort. Just as I was about to call it quits on running, I ended up logging one more effort than I imagined I was able to tolerate.
A few days ago, I ran a ten miler with a few buddies. Red line would probably be a good term to describe my effort on this run as there were many moments when I found myself wondering if I would make it back to my car before dying of heart failure. As with many near death situations, one may begin to reconsider some of their behaviors. The behavior I was reconsidering was running. While battling through the sharp stabbing sensation in my heart region, I had pretty much concluded that I would no longer complete runs as this one. Rather, I would settle for a 4 mile trot as my maximum effort in the future.
However, a few days passed and this was not the case. My buddies called me up to run, and I had intended to politely decline their offer; however, there was a basketball court in the area so I thought I would just play ball instead. So, I show up intending to just clown around with my friends before they take off for their run; then, I would begin to shoot around. However, the scene was pretty crowded around the courts, and for some reason, I persuaded myself into running. Realizing I wasn't a true baller, I figured I would run a couple of miles first; then, I would have a reasonable excuse for playing poorly when I got back to the courts.
So, I begin running. The pace is surprisingly manageable; however, I am worried they are going to crank up the pace in the later miles. Right as I was going to turn around, something convinced me to keep going; I ended up running 8 miles. I remembered the feeling of being in a race, and trying to hang on to the leaders. Then, right when I would be about to throw in the rag and settle; I would tell myself that I could hang on just one more lap. Strangely, this procedure often repeated itself for several laps. That is one feeling I hope that every runner gets that chance to experience; the feeling of overcoming what they previously thought was their LIMIT.
A few days ago, I ran a ten miler with a few buddies. Red line would probably be a good term to describe my effort on this run as there were many moments when I found myself wondering if I would make it back to my car before dying of heart failure. As with many near death situations, one may begin to reconsider some of their behaviors. The behavior I was reconsidering was running. While battling through the sharp stabbing sensation in my heart region, I had pretty much concluded that I would no longer complete runs as this one. Rather, I would settle for a 4 mile trot as my maximum effort in the future.
However, a few days passed and this was not the case. My buddies called me up to run, and I had intended to politely decline their offer; however, there was a basketball court in the area so I thought I would just play ball instead. So, I show up intending to just clown around with my friends before they take off for their run; then, I would begin to shoot around. However, the scene was pretty crowded around the courts, and for some reason, I persuaded myself into running. Realizing I wasn't a true baller, I figured I would run a couple of miles first; then, I would have a reasonable excuse for playing poorly when I got back to the courts.
So, I begin running. The pace is surprisingly manageable; however, I am worried they are going to crank up the pace in the later miles. Right as I was going to turn around, something convinced me to keep going; I ended up running 8 miles. I remembered the feeling of being in a race, and trying to hang on to the leaders. Then, right when I would be about to throw in the rag and settle; I would tell myself that I could hang on just one more lap. Strangely, this procedure often repeated itself for several laps. That is one feeling I hope that every runner gets that chance to experience; the feeling of overcoming what they previously thought was their LIMIT.
Monday, August 3, 2009
How to force your host's ads to the bottom of your web page
If you have a free host, chances are that you also have the host's ads running on your web page. This is certainly the case for me; however, I didn't really mind until recently. Up until yesterday, all of their ads automatically appeared at the bottom of my pages. Yesterday, I had a page where the ad kept appearing at the top of my page covering some of the page's content. My best guess for why this happened is that I used absolute positioning instead of relative. Thus, when I tried the css code "clear:both;" nothing happened. I searched google, and I found no solutions. Finally, I developed a fix. It might not be the most graceful fix, but it works. So if you have this same problem (ads appearing on top of your content which is positioned absolutely) below is some code that you can use.
In your stylesheet add the lines:
#thediv{
float:left;
clear:both;
margin: 0px 0px 500px 0px; }
Then, in your html, just inside the body tag, add the following:
<div id="thediv">
<br />
</div>
In your stylesheet add the lines:
#thediv{
float:left;
clear:both;
margin: 0px 0px 500px 0px; }
Then, in your html, just inside the body tag, add the following:
<div id="thediv">
<br />
</div>
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Backgammon
I have been working on a backgammon game the last couple of weeks; finally, I have a playable version. I will consider this the beta version. I don't know of any errors; however, the AI is not very great. You can play it here. Before you play, know that the set of die on the right is the set that you just rolled. Second, click on the point that you want to move from to make a move. Last, make sure that you have Javascript enabled on your browser. I am going to continue working on it to make a few improvements. Namely, I am going to highlight the previous move and improve the AI opponent's evaluation function. I hope you enjoy it. If you have suggestions for improvement, please leave a comment underneath this post.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Troll Hall of Fame
I like to read threads posted in the message forum of LetsRun . I think 70 percent of the reason that I enjoy visiting this forum is because of the trolls. However, the performance of the trolls seems to have really declined since I first began reading threads posted at LetsRun. THEN, I visited today, and I saw this thread. This thread is a troll gold. Trollie McSockpuppet performed exquisitely in his trolling efforts. I believe that Trollie McSockpuppet should be a troll model for all trolls in their efforts to take trolling to a level of creativity and hilarity that has yet to be seen by the Internet. The troll even announced in their handle that they were a troll; yet, they were still able to spark such great reactions. That my friends is a sign of trolling well done. Thus, it is with great pleasure that I induct Trollie McSockpuppet into my Troll Hall of Fame.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
DIFTS
 |
I don't know who invented the acronym DIFTS ; I only know who I heard say it first. I have a friend who would always say DIFTS (I won't name his name for privacy purposes; but, it ends with McGee). He said it stands for Do It for The Story . Well, today I did it for the story. "I did What?" you might ask. I COMPLETED THE JANEY THOMSON MARATHON !! a.k.a the most epic game you will ever play. I had seen enough after about 12 seconds. I was going to quit after I saw how fast I could run the first mile. Then, DIFTS popped into my head. I thought I haaaaaaaaave to finish this just for the story. I defeated all odds. In the end, I overcame boredom, near phalangeal stress fractures, the metaphorical wall of pain and the beginnings of carpal tunnel syndrome for nothing else but THE STORY.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Video Game Glitches
I haven't played video games very much recently; however, I can remember back in the day I used to love the glitches that were in video games. These are my favorite three of all time.
1. Epileptic Goalie- Sega Genesis used to have this hockey game. I believe it was called NHL 95. Regardless, there was a glitch in the game. Every so often, one of the goalkeepers would begin an epileptic fit for several seconds. The keeper would begin swinging their stick up and down frantically, and it would leave the goal wide open.
2. Docked Ship- I have this PlayStation game (the original PS), and it is called Battleships. There is a glitch in the game, and you can run the edge of your cruiser onto the land. Then, when a person tries to shoot at you, you can just swing the rest of your ship onto the land to prevent from being hit. This was worth a lot of fun at my father's expense.
3. NFL 2k- I can't remember which game it was; maybe, it was the whole series. There was a glitch in at least one of these Dreamcast games where you could just press y after a play to run the hurry up. After you hit y; then, you continually press a. This leads to the defense being caught offsides because they can't make it back to their side of the line of scrimmage. Repeat this several times, and you are in the opponents red zone.
1. Epileptic Goalie- Sega Genesis used to have this hockey game. I believe it was called NHL 95. Regardless, there was a glitch in the game. Every so often, one of the goalkeepers would begin an epileptic fit for several seconds. The keeper would begin swinging their stick up and down frantically, and it would leave the goal wide open.
2. Docked Ship- I have this PlayStation game (the original PS), and it is called Battleships. There is a glitch in the game, and you can run the edge of your cruiser onto the land. Then, when a person tries to shoot at you, you can just swing the rest of your ship onto the land to prevent from being hit. This was worth a lot of fun at my father's expense.
3. NFL 2k- I can't remember which game it was; maybe, it was the whole series. There was a glitch in at least one of these Dreamcast games where you could just press y after a play to run the hurry up. After you hit y; then, you continually press a. This leads to the defense being caught offsides because they can't make it back to their side of the line of scrimmage. Repeat this several times, and you are in the opponents red zone.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Top Three Ways I Deter Telemarketers
3. Hang up. This isn't very creative, and sometimes they call back. However, you can always hang up again. This strategy works best if there is a second or two of silence when you answer the phone.
2. Tell them the person that they are looking for is not home.
Best Case:
ME: "Hello"
THEM: "Hello, is Mrs. MyLastName there?"
ME: "No she isn't, may I take a message."
THEM: "No thanks, I'll just call back."
Average Case:
ME: "Hello"
THEM: "Hello, is Mrs. MyLastName there?"
ME: "No she isn't, may I take a message."
THEM: "Well, is Mr. MyLastName there?" (This could be me, but I don't own the home)
ME: "No he isn't."
THEM: "Ok I'll try again at another time."
Worst Case
ME: "Hello"
THEM: "Hello, you won something blah blah blah. I just need to confirm that you are the home owner. You are the home owner right?"
ME: "No."
THEM: "Do you mortgage?"
ME: "No."
THEM: "Do you rent."
ME: "No."
THEM: (silence) click
2. Tell them that the person they are looking for is in the bathroom shoving torpedoes up their butt.
Prior to a phone call, Mr. MyLastName tells me that he has to take anal suppositories (medicine shaped like little torpedoes) for his hemorrhoids (lumps on his ass). Then, the phone rings while he is in the bathroom
4YR. OLD ME: "HELLO"
THEM: "Hello, may I speak to Mr. MyLastName?"
4YR. OLD ME: "No, he's in the bathroom shoving torpedoes up his ass." Then, I hang up.
Mr. MyLastName: "Who was that?"
4YR. OLD ME: "I don't know I told them you couldn't come to the phone because you were in the bathroom shoving torpedoes up your ass.
2. Tell them the person that they are looking for is not home.
Best Case:
ME: "Hello"
THEM: "Hello, is Mrs. MyLastName there?"
ME: "No she isn't, may I take a message."
THEM: "No thanks, I'll just call back."
Average Case:
ME: "Hello"
THEM: "Hello, is Mrs. MyLastName there?"
ME: "No she isn't, may I take a message."
THEM: "Well, is Mr. MyLastName there?" (This could be me, but I don't own the home)
ME: "No he isn't."
THEM: "Ok I'll try again at another time."
Worst Case
ME: "Hello"
THEM: "Hello, you won something blah blah blah. I just need to confirm that you are the home owner. You are the home owner right?"
ME: "No."
THEM: "Do you mortgage?"
ME: "No."
THEM: "Do you rent."
ME: "No."
THEM: (silence) click
2. Tell them that the person they are looking for is in the bathroom shoving torpedoes up their butt.
Prior to a phone call, Mr. MyLastName tells me that he has to take anal suppositories (medicine shaped like little torpedoes) for his hemorrhoids (lumps on his ass). Then, the phone rings while he is in the bathroom
4YR. OLD ME: "HELLO"
THEM: "Hello, may I speak to Mr. MyLastName?"
4YR. OLD ME: "No, he's in the bathroom shoving torpedoes up his ass." Then, I hang up.
Mr. MyLastName: "Who was that?"
4YR. OLD ME: "I don't know I told them you couldn't come to the phone because you were in the bathroom shoving torpedoes up your ass.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Adventure to Aunt Sarah's Pancake House
About four years ago, I went to this track meet down in Richmond, VA. Upon arrival, we did the usual pre-meet stuff at the track; then, we headed to our hotel. After cleaning up pretty quick, everybody was starving for dinner. Naturally, being the pancake lover that I am, I was interested in going to Aunt Sarah's Pancake House as soon as I saw it. Plus, pancakes are high in carbohydrates so there is good reason for me to eat them the day before the race. So, me and four other guys head over to this place to eat, and it was one of the craziest eating experiences of my life. Upon entering, this dude Arnold says he'll be our waiter for tonight. AT LEAST... Arnold was a character. He takes us to our seats, and we are seated in this section that smells like Halloween candy. Then, he asks if he can get us some drinks. He looks to me, and asks what he can get for me.
ME: "Ummmmm" (looking at the menu).
ARNOLD: "We don't serve um!!!"
ME: (I chuckle a little) "Uhhhhhh" (still trying to decide on a drink).
ARNOLD: "We don't serve uh either!!!"
ME: (I laugh but I am slightly frustrated now) "I'll take a Hawaiian Punch."
ARNOLD: (Winding up like the Hawaiian Punch mascot) Hawaiiannnnn PUNCH!!!!
At this point, I was just thinking this guy is out of control. So, we sit there and laugh about how crazy this guy is while we wait for our drinks. Then, he comes back with our drinks and tells us about this special. He says that they have all you can eat pancakes, chicken, and fried fish along with three side dishes of your choice. All of this was for some real cheap price; I think the whole meal was under ten dollars. So we all take the special and pick our side dishes. We tried to tell him that we just wanted the pancakes, but he refused to just bring pancakes. Every time, he came out with plates of chicken, fish, and pancakes along with more side dishes. He, didn't care if we didn't eat the chicken and fish; He just insisted that he would bring it. Also, he always gave our token black friend in the group more chicken each time. We thought that it was his last day of work, and that he just created this special to screw his employers out of as much money as possible.
Finally, we ask for a check. He brings us the check, and before he leaves us to look it over he gives us a puzzle. He says that he tells everybody this puzzle, and only two people have solved it. One was a seven year old, and the other had a PhD. The puzzle was as follows; you have three houses, and each needs gas, electric, and water. Draw a gas line, an electric line, and a water line to each house without crossing the lines.
We begin trying to solve the puzzle. We think we have a couple of solutions, but he points out violations of the rules. Eventually, we give up and pay our bills. I was stuffed, and I had a sugar rush from all of the syrup that I used. More importantly, I still remember about this crazy man Arnold and laugh about the whole ordeal four years later. I think that I have solved the puzzle, but I have not been down to that restaurant again to ask. My solution would be to run three parallel lines through all of the houses (I can't remember if this is allowed, but it probably isn't allowed since it is a logical solution). Arnold didn't seem like the type of guy that would give out a puzzle with a logical solution.
ME: "Ummmmm" (looking at the menu).
ARNOLD: "We don't serve um!!!"
ME: (I chuckle a little) "Uhhhhhh" (still trying to decide on a drink).
ARNOLD: "We don't serve uh either!!!"
ME: (I laugh but I am slightly frustrated now) "I'll take a Hawaiian Punch."
ARNOLD: (Winding up like the Hawaiian Punch mascot) Hawaiiannnnn PUNCH!!!!
At this point, I was just thinking this guy is out of control. So, we sit there and laugh about how crazy this guy is while we wait for our drinks. Then, he comes back with our drinks and tells us about this special. He says that they have all you can eat pancakes, chicken, and fried fish along with three side dishes of your choice. All of this was for some real cheap price; I think the whole meal was under ten dollars. So we all take the special and pick our side dishes. We tried to tell him that we just wanted the pancakes, but he refused to just bring pancakes. Every time, he came out with plates of chicken, fish, and pancakes along with more side dishes. He, didn't care if we didn't eat the chicken and fish; He just insisted that he would bring it. Also, he always gave our token black friend in the group more chicken each time. We thought that it was his last day of work, and that he just created this special to screw his employers out of as much money as possible.
Finally, we ask for a check. He brings us the check, and before he leaves us to look it over he gives us a puzzle. He says that he tells everybody this puzzle, and only two people have solved it. One was a seven year old, and the other had a PhD. The puzzle was as follows; you have three houses, and each needs gas, electric, and water. Draw a gas line, an electric line, and a water line to each house without crossing the lines.
We begin trying to solve the puzzle. We think we have a couple of solutions, but he points out violations of the rules. Eventually, we give up and pay our bills. I was stuffed, and I had a sugar rush from all of the syrup that I used. More importantly, I still remember about this crazy man Arnold and laugh about the whole ordeal four years later. I think that I have solved the puzzle, but I have not been down to that restaurant again to ask. My solution would be to run three parallel lines through all of the houses (I can't remember if this is allowed, but it probably isn't allowed since it is a logical solution). Arnold didn't seem like the type of guy that would give out a puzzle with a logical solution.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Adding A Left Sidebar to your Blogger Blog
Today, I added a second sidebar to my blogger blog. Previously, I had the classic Minima Dark template. I added the new sidebar on the left hand side because there was unused empty space on that side, and I wanted to put an add there (this was suggested by Google heat map for add placement).
These are the steps that you take to add the side bar:
1. Go to layout in your blogger account and click edit html.
2. Scroll down until you see the CSS line that says #outer-wrapper{
3. Change the width for this id to 850px.
4. In the id labeled #main-wrapper delete the line beginning with float.
5. Create the following class
/* Left sidebar
----------------------------------------------- */
.leftside {
width: 195px;
word-wrap: break-word; /* fix for long text breaking sidebar float in IE */
overflow: hidden; /* fix for long non-text content breaking IE sidebar float */
float: left;
padding: 5px;
margin: 10px 0 0 8px;
}
6. Scroll down until you see the following code:
<div id='crosscol-wrapper' style='text-align:center'>
<b:section class='crosscol' id='crosscol' showaddelement='no'/>
</div>
7. Underneath of this code add your own code that is the following:
<div class='leftside'>
<b:section id='leftsidebar' showaddelement='yes'>
<b:widget id='your widget' locked='false' title='' type='WidgetType'/>
</b:section>
</div>
Note: Your widget line will look different. This will also change your page elements section.
Source: http://testing-blogger-beta.blogspot.com/2006/09/adding-graphic-to-your-blog-header.html
These are the steps that you take to add the side bar:
1. Go to layout in your blogger account and click edit html.
2. Scroll down until you see the CSS line that says #outer-wrapper{
3. Change the width for this id to 850px.
4. In the id labeled #main-wrapper delete the line beginning with float.
5. Create the following class
/* Left sidebar
----------------------------------------------- */
.leftside {
width: 195px;
word-wrap: break-word; /* fix for long text breaking sidebar float in IE */
overflow: hidden; /* fix for long non-text content breaking IE sidebar float */
float: left;
padding: 5px;
margin: 10px 0 0 8px;
}
6. Scroll down until you see the following code:
<div id='crosscol-wrapper' style='text-align:center'>
<b:section class='crosscol' id='crosscol' showaddelement='no'/>
</div>
7. Underneath of this code add your own code that is the following:
<div class='leftside'>
<b:section id='leftsidebar' showaddelement='yes'>
<b:widget id='your widget' locked='false' title='' type='WidgetType'/>
</b:section>
</div>
Note: Your widget line will look different. This will also change your page elements section.
Source: http://testing-blogger-beta.blogspot.com/2006/09/adding-graphic-to-your-blog-header.html
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Can my Philips CDRW/DVD SCB5265 burn DVDs?
Much to my chagrin, I learned the answer to this question today. The answer is NO . I don't know why I wasted so much time in denial. The answer was pretty much in front of my face the whole time. I mean, if it could burn dvds, it would probably be called a Philips CDRW/DVD W. It does feel surprisingly good to be done my search for an answer despite spending such a long time searching for a different answer. Since I did waste so much time, I figured I would make this post and hopefully save some other people from doing pointless google searches for updated drivers and dvd burning software. I hope this helps.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
How to become organized
As I was trying to think about something to write about today, I asked myself what are some of my skills. One of the first ideas that popped into mind was organization skills. Thus, I dedicate my blog today to describing some tips to help people become more organized.
1. The definition of organization is a malleable one; each person has to make their own definition. You have to do what works for you. Improvisation is always a good skill. One of my favorite methods of organization is letting things fall into place.
i.e.: I use my desk as a shelf, I use my hamper as a desk, and I use my desk
chair as an easily accessible dresser drawer.
2. Memory definitely helps in staying organized, and I have a pretty good memory. However, if you don't have an excellent memory write things down may help. I have found that even if I never look at what I wrote down, the simple act of writing the important fact helps encode them into my memory.
2a. Another memory tip is to use a strange image, word, or a familiar setting to help remember things. You will be surprised how much you can remember if you link important facts with different items in a room of your house.
3. This is my last tip, and it is the most obvious. You can always just make a list of things that need to get done. In this fashion, the only thing you really need to remember is to continue looking at your list.
1. The definition of organization is a malleable one; each person has to make their own definition. You have to do what works for you. Improvisation is always a good skill. One of my favorite methods of organization is letting things fall into place.
i.e.: I use my desk as a shelf, I use my hamper as a desk, and I use my desk
chair as an easily accessible dresser drawer.
2. Memory definitely helps in staying organized, and I have a pretty good memory. However, if you don't have an excellent memory write things down may help. I have found that even if I never look at what I wrote down, the simple act of writing the important fact helps encode them into my memory.
2a. Another memory tip is to use a strange image, word, or a familiar setting to help remember things. You will be surprised how much you can remember if you link important facts with different items in a room of your house.
3. This is my last tip, and it is the most obvious. You can always just make a list of things that need to get done. In this fashion, the only thing you really need to remember is to continue looking at your list.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Epic: n. Clint Eastwood's performance in Gran Torino
Martin Luther King once had a dream. He dreamt that everyone would one day be treated as equals. Essentially, I take this to mean that King wanted people to become indifferent of race. Clint Eastwood's performance in Gran Torino shows quite a different path of promoting this equality in treatment.
Throughout the movie Walt, Clint Eastwood's character, uses racial slurs at almost any opportunity possible. Even the people that seem to be his friends, he insults. People he doesn't know he insults. Those that possess firearms are still victims of Walt's insults. However, through all this name calling, Walt does not loose his heart; rather, he seems to grow more loving. He demonstrates to a white kid that being natural is being cool. He demonstrates to a group of black kids causing trouble on the corner that one better possess the courage to back up their talk. He grows to love his Hmong neighbors more than his own family. He teaches the young man that lives next store to him how to earn an honest living as a construction worker in American society. Essentially, Walt demonstrates in the most bad ass way possible that it does not matter who you've killed, what gang you're in or how many possessions you have; the only thing that truly matters is that one is willing to have compassion for their neighbors.
Related Sites:
http://www.thegrantorino.com/
http://firefox.org/news/articles/2850/1/DVD-Review-Gran-Torino-2008/Page1.html
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5i-AswLj9zT7bJFa6oKcO2SuFeY7w
http://wrapper.rottentomatoes.com/s?from=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rottentomatoes.com%2Fm%2Fgran_torino%2F&siteId=6760&size=entryinterstitial&cKey=1683911337-978399881245270284969&docTitle=Gran%20Torino%20Movie%20Reviews%2C%20Pictures%20-%20Rotten%20Tomatoes
Throughout the movie Walt, Clint Eastwood's character, uses racial slurs at almost any opportunity possible. Even the people that seem to be his friends, he insults. People he doesn't know he insults. Those that possess firearms are still victims of Walt's insults. However, through all this name calling, Walt does not loose his heart; rather, he seems to grow more loving. He demonstrates to a white kid that being natural is being cool. He demonstrates to a group of black kids causing trouble on the corner that one better possess the courage to back up their talk. He grows to love his Hmong neighbors more than his own family. He teaches the young man that lives next store to him how to earn an honest living as a construction worker in American society. Essentially, Walt demonstrates in the most bad ass way possible that it does not matter who you've killed, what gang you're in or how many possessions you have; the only thing that truly matters is that one is willing to have compassion for their neighbors.
Related Sites:
http://www.thegrantorino.com/
http://firefox.org/news/articles/2850/1/DVD-Review-Gran-Torino-2008/Page1.html
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5i-AswLj9zT7bJFa6oKcO2SuFeY7w
http://wrapper.rottentomatoes.com/s?from=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rottentomatoes.com%2Fm%2Fgran_torino%2F&siteId=6760&size=entryinterstitial&cKey=1683911337-978399881245270284969&docTitle=Gran%20Torino%20Movie%20Reviews%2C%20Pictures%20-%20Rotten%20Tomatoes
Saturday, June 13, 2009
The Bing Bang Theory
Microsoft recently released a new search engine with hopes of increasing their profits in the search industry. Supposedly, www.bing.com offers an improved search algorithm and it is a decision engine in addition to a search engine. While I have not used this site too much, I did take a visit. I was caught off guard by the Miami background, and the links to Miami travel sites, Miami related television shows etc. Personally, I prefer the plain backgrounds of other search engines.
In regards to the decision engine title, I am not so sure what Bing offers that allows it to give itself that title. I believe that the links at the bottom of the homepage would just distract me from finding my search results or arriving at my decision more quickly. The only type of expert system that I seemed to notice was the page that loads upon clicking the travel link on the left hand side of the page. Other than this travel link, the rest of the site seemed to pretty much matched other search engines. However, the site does seem to be an improvement over Microsoft's Live Search. In conclusion, I view Bing as a site that offers an interesting and mildly entertaining search; however, I don't really foresee it making a big bang in the search industry.
Sources
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2009/may09/05-28NewSearchPR.mspx
http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/06/bing-why-the-rebrand-was-necessary.ars
In regards to the decision engine title, I am not so sure what Bing offers that allows it to give itself that title. I believe that the links at the bottom of the homepage would just distract me from finding my search results or arriving at my decision more quickly. The only type of expert system that I seemed to notice was the page that loads upon clicking the travel link on the left hand side of the page. Other than this travel link, the rest of the site seemed to pretty much matched other search engines. However, the site does seem to be an improvement over Microsoft's Live Search. In conclusion, I view Bing as a site that offers an interesting and mildly entertaining search; however, I don't really foresee it making a big bang in the search industry.
Sources
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2009/may09/05-28NewSearchPR.mspx
http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/06/bing-why-the-rebrand-was-necessary.ars
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Who Cut The Cheese = Environmental Protection Agency
As a result of the Environmental Protection Agency declaring that animal flatulence contributes to greenhouse gasses, farmers with cows and other gaseous animals could begin paying taxes for such animals. Supposedly, this would require farms or ranches with more than 25 dairy cows, 50 beef cattle or 200 hogs to pay an annual fee of about $175 for each dairy cow, $87.50 per head of beef cattle and $20 for each hog (cbsnews.com). UPI.Com offers that this is just a rumor. They state that a federal official has proclaimed that no such tax will be passed. However, such rumors do leave room for worrying about the consequences of such taxes.
For instance, if the tax were passed, how would it effect consumers at the grocery stores? Also, people might wonder if this tax could lead to a similar tax on human beings. It would seem that all human beings have farted. Therefore, one would assume following the logic of the cow flatulence tax that there should also be tax for human flatulence. Clearly, it does not seem logical to have any animal tax for flatulence. It is natural for animals to exhaust thus, the gas has been present for as long as the animals have existed. Therefore, it would make more sense to attempt to eliminate other types of gas. Eliminating farming animals would not be great for the nutrition of the United States, and taxing farmers would not bode well for the United States economy. In conclusion, the idea of such a tax seems rather preposterous, and one can only hope that it does not become a reality.
Sources
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/12/05/tech/main4651448.shtml
http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2009/01/15/Cow-flatulence-tax-nothing-but-hot-air/UPI-92231232051273/
For instance, if the tax were passed, how would it effect consumers at the grocery stores? Also, people might wonder if this tax could lead to a similar tax on human beings. It would seem that all human beings have farted. Therefore, one would assume following the logic of the cow flatulence tax that there should also be tax for human flatulence. Clearly, it does not seem logical to have any animal tax for flatulence. It is natural for animals to exhaust thus, the gas has been present for as long as the animals have existed. Therefore, it would make more sense to attempt to eliminate other types of gas. Eliminating farming animals would not be great for the nutrition of the United States, and taxing farmers would not bode well for the United States economy. In conclusion, the idea of such a tax seems rather preposterous, and one can only hope that it does not become a reality.
Sources
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/12/05/tech/main4651448.shtml
http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2009/01/15/Cow-flatulence-tax-nothing-but-hot-air/UPI-92231232051273/
Sunday, June 7, 2009
How to Deal With Performance Enhancing Drugs
There is a lot of talk, banter, and controversy in modern sports about performance enhancing drugs. The morality of the athletes is questioned, and the sincerity and dedication of leagues are questioned. Drug tests, stricter penalties, lifetime bans, and fines are many strategies of deterrence that are used. Personally, I believe all of these strategies are quite ineffective at eliminating the overbearing shadow that these drugs have casted over sports leagues.
Why might I suggest this? The reasoning is as follows. Continually, I see baseball, and track and field athletes getting fined or suspended for using PEDs. I have even seen a suspension for PED use in car racing. The fact that these players are caught may seem like a step in the right direction. However, if the players were really receiving the message; then, we would no longer see suspensions or abuse. With suspensions continuing long after the initial uproar about steroid use, one has to deduce that current strategies of deterrence are not working too great. Furthermore, the continual attention that media draws to the violations of PED rules only serves to exacerbate the problem. Repeated claims like “this is the steroid era”, and “all performances of this time have to be viewed with skepticism”, certainly, do not make it easier for fans to regain full appreciation of athletes and their skills. Thus, it would make sense to declare that media attention and the current league policies are not the solution to the problem of PEDs harming the image of sports.
Since I have illustrated why I believe the current league policies on steroids are not working, I will now offer my own solution to the problem. Eliminate the league policies on PEDs, and allow law enforcement agencies to handle the problems as they see fit. The problem with leagues acting as intermediaries between athletes and the law is that it draws the media’s attention to the problem, and the media attention only serves to further taint the leagues image. If leagues do not interfere, then fans will not hear about the violations as often. Thus, leagues can work on rebuilding their images.
I can imagine people reading this might think this will lead to unfair competitions. However, this all depends on what one will qualify as unfair. These drugs allegedly enhance performance, and when used for medicinal purposes, the drugs aid in recovery. Yet, the baseball audience still has not seen any athlete using PEDs come close to touching Cal Ripken’s streak of continuous games played. If PEDs were such an advantage this streak should have been broken by now as athletes would be able to stay healthy more easily. Furthermore, there are plenty of clean athletes that continually out perform athletes using PEDs. Thus, I will leave my critics on this note. BELIEF and CONFIDENCE are the strongest tools that any athlete can possess. Surely, one can not enter a competition and expect to win if they do not possess confidence in their abilities. Athletes using PEDs are actively illustrating that they lack these most vital tools of confidence and belief through their use of the PEDs. For this reason, it is clear that fans and media give PEDs way too much credit because any athlete that has faith in their own abilities has no worries about their opponent that is using drugs.
Why might I suggest this? The reasoning is as follows. Continually, I see baseball, and track and field athletes getting fined or suspended for using PEDs. I have even seen a suspension for PED use in car racing. The fact that these players are caught may seem like a step in the right direction. However, if the players were really receiving the message; then, we would no longer see suspensions or abuse. With suspensions continuing long after the initial uproar about steroid use, one has to deduce that current strategies of deterrence are not working too great. Furthermore, the continual attention that media draws to the violations of PED rules only serves to exacerbate the problem. Repeated claims like “this is the steroid era”, and “all performances of this time have to be viewed with skepticism”, certainly, do not make it easier for fans to regain full appreciation of athletes and their skills. Thus, it would make sense to declare that media attention and the current league policies are not the solution to the problem of PEDs harming the image of sports.
Since I have illustrated why I believe the current league policies on steroids are not working, I will now offer my own solution to the problem. Eliminate the league policies on PEDs, and allow law enforcement agencies to handle the problems as they see fit. The problem with leagues acting as intermediaries between athletes and the law is that it draws the media’s attention to the problem, and the media attention only serves to further taint the leagues image. If leagues do not interfere, then fans will not hear about the violations as often. Thus, leagues can work on rebuilding their images.
I can imagine people reading this might think this will lead to unfair competitions. However, this all depends on what one will qualify as unfair. These drugs allegedly enhance performance, and when used for medicinal purposes, the drugs aid in recovery. Yet, the baseball audience still has not seen any athlete using PEDs come close to touching Cal Ripken’s streak of continuous games played. If PEDs were such an advantage this streak should have been broken by now as athletes would be able to stay healthy more easily. Furthermore, there are plenty of clean athletes that continually out perform athletes using PEDs. Thus, I will leave my critics on this note. BELIEF and CONFIDENCE are the strongest tools that any athlete can possess. Surely, one can not enter a competition and expect to win if they do not possess confidence in their abilities. Athletes using PEDs are actively illustrating that they lack these most vital tools of confidence and belief through their use of the PEDs. For this reason, it is clear that fans and media give PEDs way too much credit because any athlete that has faith in their own abilities has no worries about their opponent that is using drugs.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Punchlines
Brace yourself for a few of the jokes that I have thought of over my few years in this world.
Why are they called cookies when they are baked? They should be called bakies
Who started calling chicken legs drumsticks? Didn't they know you are not suppose to play with your food? Their band probably wasn't successful because thier audience showed up and then left. Everybody got hungry when they saw them start to play with their drumsticks.
Knock Knock.
Who's There?
Doorbell.
Doorbell who?
Doorbell who hates knock knock jokes beacuse it feels left out
Who named the orange? It must be the only fruit named by its color. That person was really lazy. They were probably like watermelon, grape, apple, and pear are already taken. Screw it! I'm calling it orange. It's a good thing parents don't name children like that. Or at least not often. There's too many Matthews, a bunch of Justins, Andrew has been done. Screw it! I'm calling him White. I don't know anybody named White. If he has a sibling, their name will be Naval White.
You're always told not to run with scisors. How come nobody ever tells you not to run with a knife. A knife is a lot sharper than scisors. People might be dying out there because they haven't been told not to run with knives. Don't run with scisors, but; More importantly, don't run with knives.
Why are they called cookies when they are baked? They should be called bakies
Who started calling chicken legs drumsticks? Didn't they know you are not suppose to play with your food? Their band probably wasn't successful because thier audience showed up and then left. Everybody got hungry when they saw them start to play with their drumsticks.
Knock Knock.
Who's There?
Doorbell.
Doorbell who?
Doorbell who hates knock knock jokes beacuse it feels left out
Who named the orange? It must be the only fruit named by its color. That person was really lazy. They were probably like watermelon, grape, apple, and pear are already taken. Screw it! I'm calling it orange. It's a good thing parents don't name children like that. Or at least not often. There's too many Matthews, a bunch of Justins, Andrew has been done. Screw it! I'm calling him White. I don't know anybody named White. If he has a sibling, their name will be Naval White.
You're always told not to run with scisors. How come nobody ever tells you not to run with a knife. A knife is a lot sharper than scisors. People might be dying out there because they haven't been told not to run with knives. Don't run with scisors, but; More importantly, don't run with knives.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Yesterday
I went running yesterday. Well into my third week of training, yesterday's run was my longest. I logged 55 minutes. This was a bittersweet triumph. It was a bitter moment because I still struggled through despite my previous two weeks of training; it was sweet because I made an improvement. The run was at a pretty good pace for me too (about 7 min miles). That is pretty good since I usually just trot. Furthermore, J-Wizzle and I threw down some fierce freestyles. J-Wizzles rhymes be so hot that the dogs whimpered away.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
