GM, Bing, and staying healthy

GM

I realize that GM is "too big" to fail, and that the federal government was forced into becoming a buyer/owner of most of its operations (debt). But really, when is enough, enough. GM made poor business decisions for a very long time. Their business model was built on a foundation of cars that the majority of people do not want to drive. They pumped out SUVs and other automobiles that were inefficient and of substandard quality for so long, something had to give. Do I feel bad for the "Joe" who lost his assembly line job he had for 25 years, absolutely. Hopefully when all is said and done, GM can produce a vehicle that I, and others, are happy to drive.

Bing

Really how many search engine choices do you need? And how many ways can you present a result set from a web search engine query? Bing's front page is pretty...looks almost "Windows" like in the color scheme and lines/shapes. But I am going to stick with Google. Search engines are search engines...and nothing makes Bing stand out.

Staying Healthy

So far, I have managed to stay out of the hospital for this final round of chemotherapy. I hope it stays like this.

Refire

Its time to re-fire this thing up.

Update pending...and its going to be amusing.

Lisa...my boxing, blogging, rock and roll, mom of 3, friend, thanks for the kick in the gut to get this going again.

2008 is coming to a close

And the only profound statement I have is: "Bring on 2009"

Have a safe and enjoyable New Year's Eve.

Peace and long life.

Geoff :)

SOB - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ui--gClG6Q

"And your beautiful sky
The light you bring
Falls on me it falls on me"

Thermal Curtain Failure

So let me start at the top. I love older movies with a computer related element. I find that the cross between what is fact or fiction for the time period fascinating. Armed with that knowledge, I was trying to recall movies from when I was a kid that had this theme. Lots of examples come to mind: "WarGames", "Short Circuit", to name a couple. One movie, which I had not thought of until recently was "SpaceCamp" . I was shopping at Fry's and I found 1 copy of the DVD, so I bought it. Admittedly, it was an impulse buy. But at $9.99, why not?

The computer element is interesting with the talking NASA mainframe computer, and JINX the $27 million "handy-man". I forgot how much I liked the computer element, very cool for the time period. Bad acting and feasibility aside...I enjoyed watching it again.

A bit of movie trivia, this movie's release was delayed 6 months due to the Space Shuttle Challenger's untimely and horrific demise. I remember watching the events of the Challenger disaster at school. It was horrible.

Back in the 1980s the space shuttle program was in it's infancy. And we were all amazed by its challenges and accomplishments. This movie was product of America's fascination with space exploration. Back when I was in elementary school, the day stopped when the shuttle launched. We all gathered around the one or two TVs the school owned and watched the shuttle defy gravity and launch itself into orbit.

The movie is filled with stock images and video of Space Shuttle launches, landings, and other operations. It was really cool to see, and it made me realize that the Space Shuttle days are numbered. I did some research, and the Space Shuttle is due to be retired in 2010. My goal is to see a launch before retirement. The next launch is due in 2/12/09, and I plan to see it in person.

It saddens me that we, kids and adults alike, have lost our fascination with NASA and the space program. It is truly amazing to me.


SOB - "Forever Man" by Eric Clapton off the "Behind the Sun" album.

Music and Memories

I don't know about you, but listening to music can be an effective stimulus to bring back memories both pleasant and not so pleasant. It can also trigger memories so obscure that you look back and wonder where the heck the association came from. I write this for several reasons:

1. This happens to me alot.
2. Over the last few hours, it happened so many times that I could not sleep.
3. I am wide awake at 3:48am PDT, so why not write about it.

Here is a list of songs that have played over my Yahoo LaunchCast Station, over the last few hours, that triggered an memory or emotional response. Please note that most of these are 80's and early 90's songs, as that is the time period I grew up in. Also, I highly recommend listening to these songs. It is an eclectic assembly, and all of these are now on my Creative Labs Zen 30GB.

Cutting Crew - "(I Just) Died in Your Arms": This song was playing during my first kiss. We were at summer camp in 1988, overnight at Camp Ok-Wa-Nessett (Upper Pond to be precise) Leah Martin was the first girl I kissed, and my first crush. I must say it was one of the most amazing and awkward moments of my life...shit I was only 10.

The Cure - "Just Like Heaven": This was the first song that played on my XM Radio when I started my car after I accepted my current position at the Ecke YMCA. The song had just started, I opened the windows of my Acura RSX and peeled out of the Merrimack YMCA parking lot. It was a hot, humid afternoon, and I was ELATED. I was moving to California.

Fleetwood Mac - "Everywhere": All I remember is I still to this day associate this song with watching my cousin Craig play basketball at the Sacred Heart Church in West Warwick RI. He was about 14 and I was maybe 10. Why is this? I have no freaking idea.

The Outfield - "Your Love": This is one song I cannot explain. Every time I hear it I get goosebumps. I really like this song, but I cannot remember why it creates a response. Repressed memory?

Wham! - "Careless Whisper": This song played at the Mother and Son Valentine's Day skate at Riverdale Roller World in Warwick RI. I think I was in 3rd grade...maybe 2nd. I remember my mom dragging me onto the rink. She still has the picture to this day.

The Cure - "The Flame": OK...so another camp story. You need to know that I was a sensitive kid growing up. And for some reason, I always took getting dumped by my girlfriend(s) hard. This was one was particularly brutal, because my girlfriend dumped my for my best friend at the time. Ah...to be 12 again. Anyhow, I found out when our group was sitting around the campfire and she (Danielle for those of you who care) decided to sit with my best friend (Shawn). By the time I realized that this was not a coincidence, they were taking the 'big' first step in pre-teen courting, they held hands. Being the tech savvy teen that I was, I played this song over and over in my Walkman after lights out. And yes...being the big baby that I am...I cried.

Pet Shop Boys - "What Have I Done to Deserve This?": This song came off of one of my self bought albums "Actually". I purchased the cassette and played it over and over again. I was a lucky kid, I had my own boom box with a cassette player...Oooo Ahhhh. :) BTW...Dusty Springfield (RIP) provides some kick ass vocals.

U2 - "I Still Have Not Found What I am Looking For" - I remember watching this video in high school and being amazed by the Las Vegas lights, Edge's guitar playing, and all the random people in the video. Also the line "I believe in the Kingdom Come" still resonates with me.

Erasure - "A Little Respect" - Another one I cannot explain.

Last one....this one is a bit embarrassing...oh well

Boy Meets Girl - "Waiting For A Star To Fall" - I remember hearing this song in the car with my Mom. And for some reason, and even to this day, I like it. :shrug:

Later
Geoff :)

SOB - Did you read this post? None needed this time.

Course Correction | TLC

Normally I do not sit at my server (Yes...I have 2 servers at home, one AIX and one Windows 2003. And yes, I am a geek) and type in Blogus, but my Win 2003 box has a killer speaker system and I need its power to listen to "Crank" and "Black Metallic" by Catherine Wheel. As the speakers on my ThinkPad just will not do the trick. Considering it is 19:48 on Sunday night, I do not think the neighbors appreciate the volume level. But they will need to deal with it for a couple of minutes.

This weekend required me to make a minor course correction. During TLC, at Camp Marston, I had a period of emotional and spiritual clarity during my Ragger ceremony. The YMCA Ragger program is designed to allow people to achieve personal goals that have significant meaning. As the programs states, the rag is "An outward symbol of a internal goal". The blue rag is the first color in a progression of 7 rags, each a different color.

Below is a outline of the program. As each YMCA is different, so is the Ragger program. Some Ragger programs have minor variations, however this outline is universal.
/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\
Ragger Program
The Ragger program is available to persons 12+ years old. It is a seven-stage progression of spiritual and personal growth that involves peer counseling and symbolic bandanas. Both campers and staff participate in the program. Other YMCA leaders and adults participate in the program during other times of the year as well. While each person develops his/her own goals for growth, each “rag” challenges the individual to a deeper awareness and personal growth.

Challenges for:
•Blue Rag begins with a focus on God, Country and becoming my best self
•Silver Rag begins with a commitment to the Christian way of life
•Brown Rag begins with service to others
•Gold Rag begins with care and understanding of others
•Red Rag begins with sacrificing of time, talent and will
•Purple Rag begins with considering the personal purpose in life
•White Rag begins with a lifelong commitment of Christian service to youth.

Process
A presentation is made about the Rag program. Sometime during the session, the camper meets with a counselor to discuss spiritual and personal goals he/she would like to pursue. On the last evening of camp, all campers who feel they are prepared to accept the challenge of pursuing the goals for the rag for which they are striving, meet for the induction into the Raggers society. There is no test or pre-judgment as to whether a camper has the right to receive the rag, but rather it is based on the camper’s interest and commitment to become a Ragger.

Symbols
It is at Raggers’ Point that individuals receive the rag. Each YMCA has a unique and special site, which is remote and private. The design of the rag blends four well-known shapes - the traditional YMCA triangle (representing spirit, mind and body); the square-to signify the four-square life of a Ragger (spiritual, mental, physical and social); the circle representing the circle of friendship amongst Raggers; and the cross symbolizing the center of the Christian’s life.

Ragger’s Creed
I would be true for there are those who trust me. I would be pure for there are those who care I would be strong for there is much to suffer I would be brave for there is much to dare. I would be friend to all the foe-the friendless I would be giving and forget he gift I would be humble for I know my weakness I would look up - and laugh - and love - and lift.

The hymn, I Would Be True, written in 1917 by Howard A. Walker, was inspired by the program's creed.
/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\

The journey starts when you talk with a counselor. In this case my counselor was Steve Willmont, a staff member at California Youth and Government. Since he has achieved beyond the blue rag, I was able to talk to him on my blue rag goal. The personal issue and ceremony details are private and not to be discussed. Me, Steve and one other person are aware of my goal. Steve and my other counsel with check in and monitor my progress. What I can say is that I was moved physically and emotionally by the ceremony, fellowship, support and personal commitment I have made to this.

I encourage all that read this to use this program, or other vehicle, to challenge yourself to achieve goals that you otherwise thought you couldn't. From my perspective I can think of no other organization that has greater meaning to me than the YMCA.


TLC (Teen Leadership Conference) was a success. It was great to see our SDSC Y&G delegations get together for learning and fellowship. Our SDSC is diverse. Our kids are from many different socio-economic, cultural, educational, and geographic attributes. This mix of people makes for great discussion and discovery. I have a very good feeling about this year, its going to be great. Thank you to Simon and the rest of the Marston staff. You well all awesome hosts. Camp Marston is a true jewel.

Specifically, I want to thank our Palomar YMCA delegation, and especially the officers, for bringing your "'A' Game". And to the Ecke delegation...it was great to see all of you MUN graduates. You all brought smiles to my face.

There are few times when a weekend just feels right...beginning to end. This was one of those weekends.

Later

Geoff :)

SOB - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGqprbDoh4g

["Crank, my conscience clear"]

Barak 1 McCain 0 | Sarah Palin | Kayaking | Chocolate Soy Milk | Botts Dots

I TiVo'd the first presidential debate and watched it tonight. Please note that I did not watch any post-debate commentary or reviews; I wanted to make my own conclusions. Simply put, Barak Obama is the clear choice. I will dive into details in my special Election Coverage blog entry tomorrow night. Why do you have to wait? Easy, its 1040p and I am slightly tired. But don't you worry my friend, I have a lot to say about the matter. Very rarely am I at a loss for words.



I also had a chance to watch my TiVo'd Sarah Palin interview with Katie Couric. She is not the most worldly person I have ever seen; and John McCain has reason to keep her from the press. The VP debate is coming up on Thursday and she would better off not showing up. Joe Biden, who is sometimes a "open mouth and insert foot" kind of guy, is going to thrash her. I almost feel sorry for her...nah not really. Its all about choice and she chose this. She must bear the consequences (good and/or bad) of her choices. And for those of you who think this is about gender...you are so wrong. It is about being qualified for a job. Do you seriously believe this person is qualified to be VP? Or better yet president, if something happened to John McCain?
HECK NO.


I went kayaking this morning at LaJolla shores and I had sooo much fun. We saw seals, paddled near the caves, and just enjoyed being on the ocean. I will have pics at Flickr once the people I went with get them to me. I am going in 2 weekends again if anyone wants to join me. No doubt the highlight of the weekend.


I am addicted to Silk Chocolate Soy Milk, it tastes so good. I switched from drinking regular 1% milk to soy awhile ago. I buy cow's milk only when I need a cold cereal fix. Or more specifically, a Lucky Charms fix. Considering how addicted I am, I think they lace it with an opiate...kidding. :)


We did not have these at home (RI) because the snow plows would rip them off, but what a cool little invention they are. Not only do they help with night vision (because they reflect in your headlights), but they give a little "thud" when you run over them. Here in Southern California, they take the place of most painted lane markings. You are probably wondering why I am mentioning them in "Maximus". Well, all I can say is that if it were not for these circular pieces of ceramic and plastic, I would have totaled my car today.

Lesson learned: Do not text message your friend while driving on the freeway. Your car may drift into the other lane. "Thud thud", "thud thud"

Later
Geoff :)

SOB - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq4zp-g2Jec

[Perfect, you know this has to be]