Hello all,
People in the technology industry are not immune to unemployment. Being unemployed at the moment, I did a little digging into what the "Unemployment Rate" really means and how it is calculated. After several hours of looking through exactly what it means, and going through all the mumbo jumbo, it is surprisingly simple, and horrifically inaccurate.
The unemployment rate is only a percentage of people who receive unemployment. That's it. If there are 100 people, and 10 of them are receiving unemployment, then the unemployment rate is 10%. That does not mean that only 10 people are unemployed. It only means that 10 people are eligible and are receiving unemployment benefits. It could mean, and does mean, that there are more unemployed people who are simply not eligible for unemployment benefits. The actual number is alarming.
In late 2009, the unemployment rate peaked at about 10%. That means about 10% of people "qualified" for unemployment benefits. "Qualified" is the key word.
Since that time, the unemployment rate has been going down. Which, according to the news agencies, should be translated that more people are getting jobs, right? WRONG! What it actually does mean is that fewer and fewer people are able to qualify for unemployment benefits!
There are a number of factors in the mumbo jumbo that figure into all of this, but it seems that there are two criteria that seem to be the biggest.
First, a person's time on unemployment expires. It may mean that a person simply couldn't find a job in the time that they were qualified to receive unemployment, so they simply dropped off the receiving line, and therefore have been removed from the unemployment rate statistic. They are unemployed and are no longer receiving unemployment, therefore, the unemployment rate goes down.
Second, the government sets the unemployment timeline. That's right, if they want the unemployment rate to go down, simply short the amount of time a person can collect unemployment, and suddenly you have fewer people collecting unemployment, therefore the unemployment rate again goes down. In September 2013, the government cut the unemployment timeline from Tier 3 to Tier 3, thus removing 9 weeks of unemployment benefits. This essentially means that a person who was not able to find employment over a 28 week period will no longer be eligible for unemployment, and therefore will not be included in the "unemployment rate"
The third concept that is a bit gray, and most concerning to me is the self employed. If you are self employed or work as a contractor, you may or may not ever be included in the unemployment rate. If your business is down or even collapses, you may not even be eligible for unemployment and therefore not included in the unemployment rate.
A fourth concept is people making $363 a week or more are not considered unemployed. It comes to about $310 per month after paying taxes, or $10 per day. I am not sure what our government is thinking, but who can have a life and a family on $10 per day?
As I look through the numbers, I think our true unemployment, under employment rate is closer to 25%-30% across the nation. This is NOT including people who do not want to work or are 'legitimately' unable to work. I use the word 'legitimately' because I have found there are some ideas of disability and unable to work that are a bit far fetched, and tend to lean toward a sluggard mentality.
So, in a time where our government is shut down, maybe those who are employed to keep the government running should collect nothing but unemployment.
Comments?
Tom
Friday, October 11, 2013
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Proud to be an American.
(About two weeks ago, I was inducted into the VFW, Veterans of Foreign Wars. I was asked to share with the members on why I was there and why I wanted to join the VFW. I thought about it for a bit and this is what I said. Afterwards, a number of them were deeply moved and I was asked to write it up and post it.)
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I stand before you today (Veterans of Foreign Wars) for one reason. It is the special connection I have with my son, Brad Hafemann.
Like many of you, I grew up up having to stand for the flag, putting my hand over my heart, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and singing the National Anthem. It was something that we have been told that we must just do. However, I really didn't understand why I was doing it. Even more confusing to me was what I saw when I was at parades. These older men and women, many in wheelchairs who could barely walk, when the flag would past, they would be the first people to stand, remove their hat, and salute. Surely there must be some sort of dispensation that would not require them to stand. Yet they would continue to stand. I just didn't get it.
A number of years later I joined the Navy. I served aboard the USS Nevada, SSBN 733, Gold crew submarine. I served for our freedoms. I served for our country. I served for our flag. Serving change me. I got it! From that time on, I was the first person to stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance proudly, and sing the National Anthem loudly.
A number of years later, my son, who was no more than 8 years old, came to me after going to a baseball game said something like, "Dad, why can't you just stand there during the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem silently like all the other dads? It is kind of embarrassing."
Again, a number of years later, my son joined the Marines. He served two tours in Afghanistan. He suffered through the stuff, saw his buddies get shot, and some killed. He fought for our freedoms. He fought for our country. He fought for our flag.
When he got back from one of his tours, we hugged, he gave me back a token I had asked him to carry for me and said, "Dad, I know why you are the way you are! I GET IT!"
Now, when the time arises and the flag passes, HE is the first one to stand. And together we say, "I pledge allegiance to the flag...." and sing ".....over the land of the free, and the home of the brave."
I believe that you who have served "Get it" too.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I stand before you today (Veterans of Foreign Wars) for one reason. It is the special connection I have with my son, Brad Hafemann.
Like many of you, I grew up up having to stand for the flag, putting my hand over my heart, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and singing the National Anthem. It was something that we have been told that we must just do. However, I really didn't understand why I was doing it. Even more confusing to me was what I saw when I was at parades. These older men and women, many in wheelchairs who could barely walk, when the flag would past, they would be the first people to stand, remove their hat, and salute. Surely there must be some sort of dispensation that would not require them to stand. Yet they would continue to stand. I just didn't get it.
A number of years later I joined the Navy. I served aboard the USS Nevada, SSBN 733, Gold crew submarine. I served for our freedoms. I served for our country. I served for our flag. Serving change me. I got it! From that time on, I was the first person to stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance proudly, and sing the National Anthem loudly.
A number of years later, my son, who was no more than 8 years old, came to me after going to a baseball game said something like, "Dad, why can't you just stand there during the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem silently like all the other dads? It is kind of embarrassing."
Again, a number of years later, my son joined the Marines. He served two tours in Afghanistan. He suffered through the stuff, saw his buddies get shot, and some killed. He fought for our freedoms. He fought for our country. He fought for our flag.
When he got back from one of his tours, we hugged, he gave me back a token I had asked him to carry for me and said, "Dad, I know why you are the way you are! I GET IT!"
Now, when the time arises and the flag passes, HE is the first one to stand. And together we say, "I pledge allegiance to the flag...." and sing ".....over the land of the free, and the home of the brave."
I believe that you who have served "Get it" too.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
4 Days before my first race!
Hello all,
Well, I am counting down to my first race in over 20 years. 5k. And do I have the butterflies!
I keep thinking, "Am I ready?" "Should I train harder?" "What else could I have done?" "Maybe I should get another workout in?"
Along with all the other drama that is happening in my life, running this race is adding worry and concern. I know I shouldn't do anymore right now. I shouldn't change anything. And even if I do more, it isn't going to make any difference. In fact, the more I read, the I think that if I work too hard I might actually fatigue or hurt myself and then not be able to even run the race.
Each time I get up off the couch or move to go do something, I do a push-up or sit-up to curb my need to do something.
I am probably going to work out tomorrow, and run on Tuesday, but take off completely on Wednesday.
Well....this will probably be my last blog until after the 5k. Wish me well and a finish!
Well, I am counting down to my first race in over 20 years. 5k. And do I have the butterflies!
I keep thinking, "Am I ready?" "Should I train harder?" "What else could I have done?" "Maybe I should get another workout in?"
Along with all the other drama that is happening in my life, running this race is adding worry and concern. I know I shouldn't do anymore right now. I shouldn't change anything. And even if I do more, it isn't going to make any difference. In fact, the more I read, the I think that if I work too hard I might actually fatigue or hurt myself and then not be able to even run the race.
Each time I get up off the couch or move to go do something, I do a push-up or sit-up to curb my need to do something.
I am probably going to work out tomorrow, and run on Tuesday, but take off completely on Wednesday.
Well....this will probably be my last blog until after the 5k. Wish me well and a finish!
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Today's 5.5 mile run is brought to you by.....RAGE!
You ever have someone or multiple someones really piss you off, and make you wonder if natural selection is merely a theory? If so, run the crap out of it! 5.5 miles today out of anger and frustration. Thinking about going out again to try to get the rest of it out.
So in the words of Forrest Gump "That's about all I have to say about that."
So in the words of Forrest Gump "That's about all I have to say about that."
Monday, June 17, 2013
About 6 weeks of training, things are changing. Plus a funny story
Hello all,
About 6 weeks ago I began on the journey to change from an over-weight IT geek with the typical IT Geek lifestyle, into a trim, fit man, training to run a tough mudder in early September.
I am still going strong. I'm at 185 lbs now, which is about 35 lbs less. I went from barely being able to walk .7 miles to running nearly 5 miles. I began just running, but now I have added protein to my juice diet (www.rebootwithjoe.com) and begin strength training, with push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and other exercises.
I am realizing that September is a LONG way away to wait to actually do something. So, I signed up for the Campbellsport 5k Walk/Run on July 4th. I am debating IF I want to run, or can even complete the Wausau YMCA short Triathalon, which is 1/4 mile swimming, 17 miles biking, and 5k running. This one I am going to need A LOT of convincing and encouragement. I really really really don't want to do something that I am not going to finish or may end up hurting myself so I can't run the tough mudder. I can swim the 1/4 mile. I and bike the 17 miles, and I can run the 5k, but I don't know if I can do them back to back.
Now the story.
Today I learned another very important lesson. Know the watering holes!
You may have noticed two pauses in my run today. The first pause was for doing a #1. The second pause was for answering the questions from the police officer. It went something like this.
Officer: "What were you doing over there?"
Me: "Taking a leak......(sheepishly)"
Officer: "Give me one good reason that I shouldn't give you a ticket for public urination."
Me: "Okay! I'll give you two. First, unless someone has control over the Hubble Telescope with an infrared filter trained on me, there is no way that anyone would have known I was in there. Second, I was so far into that bush that even I couldn't see what I was grabbing."
Officer: (Grin)(Snicker/laugh, brief moment for him to gather his words) Move along! Next time fine a watering hole.
Me: "Yes sir. Thank you officer."
I pretty much giggled the entire rest of my run.
On another note, a group that I am a part of is thinking about putting together an IT Geek pin-up calendar. The more I think about it, I say...WHY NOT... There are all kinds of strange fetishes out there, why not an IT Geek one.
So, my question to you, if I were selected to be in the calendar....what should be my story or caption?
Tom
About 6 weeks ago I began on the journey to change from an over-weight IT geek with the typical IT Geek lifestyle, into a trim, fit man, training to run a tough mudder in early September.
I am still going strong. I'm at 185 lbs now, which is about 35 lbs less. I went from barely being able to walk .7 miles to running nearly 5 miles. I began just running, but now I have added protein to my juice diet (www.rebootwithjoe.com) and begin strength training, with push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and other exercises.
I am realizing that September is a LONG way away to wait to actually do something. So, I signed up for the Campbellsport 5k Walk/Run on July 4th. I am debating IF I want to run, or can even complete the Wausau YMCA short Triathalon, which is 1/4 mile swimming, 17 miles biking, and 5k running. This one I am going to need A LOT of convincing and encouragement. I really really really don't want to do something that I am not going to finish or may end up hurting myself so I can't run the tough mudder. I can swim the 1/4 mile. I and bike the 17 miles, and I can run the 5k, but I don't know if I can do them back to back.
Now the story.
Today I learned another very important lesson. Know the watering holes!
You may have noticed two pauses in my run today. The first pause was for doing a #1. The second pause was for answering the questions from the police officer. It went something like this.
Officer: "What were you doing over there?"
Me: "Taking a leak......(sheepishly)"
Officer: "Give me one good reason that I shouldn't give you a ticket for public urination."
Me: "Okay! I'll give you two. First, unless someone has control over the Hubble Telescope with an infrared filter trained on me, there is no way that anyone would have known I was in there. Second, I was so far into that bush that even I couldn't see what I was grabbing."
Officer: (Grin)(Snicker/laugh, brief moment for him to gather his words) Move along! Next time fine a watering hole.
Me: "Yes sir. Thank you officer."
I pretty much giggled the entire rest of my run.
On another note, a group that I am a part of is thinking about putting together an IT Geek pin-up calendar. The more I think about it, I say...WHY NOT... There are all kinds of strange fetishes out there, why not an IT Geek one.
So, my question to you, if I were selected to be in the calendar....what should be my story or caption?
Tom
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
4 weeks and still training
Hello all,
Today I reached the 3 mile mark in a run. Actually, once I get past the first mile to mile and 1/2, running seems to get easier. And to think, I was only running .7 of a mile and was completely worn out just 4 weeks ago.
I am just about 192 lbs, which will be down from 218 when I first started. 26 lbs.
I keep going. I love the little motivational things that have come into my life.
Last weekend I was pumping gas at Fleet Farm. There was a man there too, pumping gas. He was a slow moving man using two canes. While we were in line waiting to pay, we began to chit chat. We had to wait because there was a cash register being switched. We both paid and we were going out the door. As you can imagine, with two cains, he was very slow. I opened the door for him. He said "I guess I won't be running any marathons...or even running again" I smiled and said, "Yes, probably not". Then he said "I sure wish I would have."
To him I tribute today's run. I got to 3 miles for the guy at Fleet Farm, because he never did, and probably never will.
Today I reached the 3 mile mark in a run. Actually, once I get past the first mile to mile and 1/2, running seems to get easier. And to think, I was only running .7 of a mile and was completely worn out just 4 weeks ago.
I am just about 192 lbs, which will be down from 218 when I first started. 26 lbs.
I keep going. I love the little motivational things that have come into my life.
Last weekend I was pumping gas at Fleet Farm. There was a man there too, pumping gas. He was a slow moving man using two canes. While we were in line waiting to pay, we began to chit chat. We had to wait because there was a cash register being switched. We both paid and we were going out the door. As you can imagine, with two cains, he was very slow. I opened the door for him. He said "I guess I won't be running any marathons...or even running again" I smiled and said, "Yes, probably not". Then he said "I sure wish I would have."
To him I tribute today's run. I got to 3 miles for the guy at Fleet Farm, because he never did, and probably never will.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
3 weeks and still training
Hello all,
I didn't want to do a daily blog after a week, but since it has been 3 weeks I'll give you all an update.
Well, I have made a milestone. I am less than 200 lbs. 198 to be exact. That is about 20 lbs in 22 days. I am a 36 waist again, and my shirts are beginning to feel baggy on me. Next goal is 190.
I have been juicing and smoothie eating fairly regularly. There were a few days with graduation parties and a baby shower that got me. I am usually fairly full, not hungry, and I have been drinking lots of water. I do crave some foods at times, but, as I heard it said, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels."
I have been running and biking fairly regularly. I took two breaks which did my body some good. I am able to run 2.5-3 miles at a time, and walk another 2-3 miles.
I got these two new apps, "Map my run" and "Map my ride" to help log and blog my workouts. Really nice. I had a few problems with the app in the beginning, but all is good now.
I thought I would be able to do strength training but I haven't been able to talk with a trainer yet to get some guidance on what to do exactly. I hope soon.
Feeling good.
I didn't want to do a daily blog after a week, but since it has been 3 weeks I'll give you all an update.
Well, I have made a milestone. I am less than 200 lbs. 198 to be exact. That is about 20 lbs in 22 days. I am a 36 waist again, and my shirts are beginning to feel baggy on me. Next goal is 190.
I have been juicing and smoothie eating fairly regularly. There were a few days with graduation parties and a baby shower that got me. I am usually fairly full, not hungry, and I have been drinking lots of water. I do crave some foods at times, but, as I heard it said, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels."
I have been running and biking fairly regularly. I took two breaks which did my body some good. I am able to run 2.5-3 miles at a time, and walk another 2-3 miles.
I got these two new apps, "Map my run" and "Map my ride" to help log and blog my workouts. Really nice. I had a few problems with the app in the beginning, but all is good now.
I thought I would be able to do strength training but I haven't been able to talk with a trainer yet to get some guidance on what to do exactly. I hope soon.
Feeling good.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Day 8, getting really old
Hey all,
I have been running, today 1.1 miles again and .50 walk, and mowing the lawn, and doing this and that. I am sore. And with all this juicing and fruit smoothies, I am craving meat. I also had a headache pretty much all day, and running didn't help. I gave up coffee and wonder if it is a withdraw headache. And where is all this energy that people said I would have? I am still tired.
I hope to see more results. But maybe, because it took 10 years to get like this, it is unfair to expect it to go away in 7 days. I lost 4-5 lbs so far, and not the 10-20 that some said they thought I would.
One thing I am looking forward to is the Farmers Market. It is kinda expensive to eat healthy. I have been adding cilantro to the juice to spice it up. Any other spicy suggestions other than the obvious peppers?
I have been running, today 1.1 miles again and .50 walk, and mowing the lawn, and doing this and that. I am sore. And with all this juicing and fruit smoothies, I am craving meat. I also had a headache pretty much all day, and running didn't help. I gave up coffee and wonder if it is a withdraw headache. And where is all this energy that people said I would have? I am still tired.
I hope to see more results. But maybe, because it took 10 years to get like this, it is unfair to expect it to go away in 7 days. I lost 4-5 lbs so far, and not the 10-20 that some said they thought I would.
One thing I am looking forward to is the Farmers Market. It is kinda expensive to eat healthy. I have been adding cilantro to the juice to spice it up. Any other spicy suggestions other than the obvious peppers?
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Day 7....getting old
Hey all,
I ran my 1.1 route and it was no easier today than it was the first day. In fact, it might have been more difficult because I am sore. But I did make it a week working out, and it is getting old.
I run from 20-25 minutes and the only thing I think about was how much my side aches and when is this going to be done. Wondering if I need to get a music player of sorts to keep my mind off the pain and time.
I ran my 1.1 route and it was no easier today than it was the first day. In fact, it might have been more difficult because I am sore. But I did make it a week working out, and it is getting old.
I run from 20-25 minutes and the only thing I think about was how much my side aches and when is this going to be done. Wondering if I need to get a music player of sorts to keep my mind off the pain and time.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Day 6
I ran outside today 1.1 miles and walked another .2 miles. Running outside is a lot different for me than running on a treadmill. Outside is more cardio for me. I was winded and my side hurt. But my legs were not nearly as sore. Whereas on the treadmill, my am not quite as winded but my legs hurt, with 4 to 10 degree incline.
I also discovered something that I thought I would never want to learn. If you buy green bananas and leave them in a warm car all day. They will go from green to yellow to brown; all in a day. I HATE BANANAS, but I tolerate them in a fruit and veggie smoothie.
I purchase a Bella Juicer from Sam's club. It makes some good juice, but for ALL the veggies I put in there, I only get a little bit of juice. I kinda feel bad wasting all that veggie fiber to make such a small amount of juice.
I have been doing the Reboot with Joe. Lots of waste. So I will do smoothies of whole fruits and veggies on top of it.
I also discovered something that I thought I would never want to learn. If you buy green bananas and leave them in a warm car all day. They will go from green to yellow to brown; all in a day. I HATE BANANAS, but I tolerate them in a fruit and veggie smoothie.
I purchase a Bella Juicer from Sam's club. It makes some good juice, but for ALL the veggies I put in there, I only get a little bit of juice. I kinda feel bad wasting all that veggie fiber to make such a small amount of juice.
I have been doing the Reboot with Joe. Lots of waste. So I will do smoothies of whole fruits and veggies on top of it.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Day 5
Ran 1.2 miles, and walked another .6 miles. Not much noticeable weight loss yet. Plenty of sore. Doing fruit and veggie smoothies and juices.
Day 5, complete!
Day 5, complete!
Day 4
The thing about doing a blog, is that you have to press "Publish". I wrote this yesterday and didn't publish it.
Today I ran inside on a treadmill. I went 1.1 miles and walked another 1/2 mile all with inclines up to 10 degrees.
I bought a juicer and got some motivation from http://www.rebootwithjoe.com after watching his movie.
Today I ran inside on a treadmill. I went 1.1 miles and walked another 1/2 mile all with inclines up to 10 degrees.
I bought a juicer and got some motivation from http://www.rebootwithjoe.com after watching his movie.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Day 3
Hello all,
Day 3, I ran. It rained outside so I found a treadmill. Not quite the same but just as sore.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Day 2 of the Journey to Tough Mudder
Hey there,
Someone told me to write about the first week, or so, of the journey. Because it will force me to go and do it. If I don't write or tell someone, it would be just as easy to say "Oh, I'll do two tomorrow." Today would have been that day.
I woke up at 3 am this morning, sore! And fell asleep again at 4. Woke up at 5 and started a bike ride. I got about 3 miles away and my tire popped. I have a really old mountain bike that I have been borrowing from my son. Sorry Joey. Biking seems to be a lot easier on my body, except for the 3 mile walk home pushing the bike. :( So now, I need a bicycle. Any suggestions?
I have been having an exceptionally difficult time at work the past few days; wrestling with antivirus issues. Combine that and being sore, I was a little cranky. So I had a little fun with ring tones today on our phone system.
I got home and REALLY didn't want to run. However, I knew I had to because I was going to write about it. I ran around the block. I did it in 16 minutes but I ran the whole time. I felt proud that I made it only to discover when I looked on Google maps, it said that it is 7/10 of a mile, which should take 2 minutes by car, and 14 minutes to walk. DOH! I'll do it again tomorrow!
Mowed the lawn and made a chicken curry with rice, and a fruit smoothie to drink, and carrots.
Day 2....sore, but, in the words of Borat, Great Success!
Someone told me to write about the first week, or so, of the journey. Because it will force me to go and do it. If I don't write or tell someone, it would be just as easy to say "Oh, I'll do two tomorrow." Today would have been that day.
I woke up at 3 am this morning, sore! And fell asleep again at 4. Woke up at 5 and started a bike ride. I got about 3 miles away and my tire popped. I have a really old mountain bike that I have been borrowing from my son. Sorry Joey. Biking seems to be a lot easier on my body, except for the 3 mile walk home pushing the bike. :( So now, I need a bicycle. Any suggestions?
I have been having an exceptionally difficult time at work the past few days; wrestling with antivirus issues. Combine that and being sore, I was a little cranky. So I had a little fun with ring tones today on our phone system.
I got home and REALLY didn't want to run. However, I knew I had to because I was going to write about it. I ran around the block. I did it in 16 minutes but I ran the whole time. I felt proud that I made it only to discover when I looked on Google maps, it said that it is 7/10 of a mile, which should take 2 minutes by car, and 14 minutes to walk. DOH! I'll do it again tomorrow!
Mowed the lawn and made a chicken curry with rice, and a fruit smoothie to drink, and carrots.
Day 2....sore, but, in the words of Borat, Great Success!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Day 1, on my Journey
Hello all,
Today I begin Day 1 of my Journey.
Since my divorce, not only have I been estranged from my ex-wife, I have been estranged from my children as well. After my wife and I separated, I was embarrassed and ashamed of myself for not being able to finish my life long commitment. I was depressed and felt guilty and really didn't want to be with anyone, including my children.
Over the past few years I have began talking with them and doing more things with them; each in their own way.
(Right turn, change in thought)
As many of you know or understand, technology people aren't usually the first people that come to mind when one thing think of "Physically Fit" people. I am no exception to that rule. At 45 now, I began to wonder if I will ever again be able to see my toes standing up straight. The hair is going from brown and full to gray and going! Sleep and doing computer work are my two most favorite hobbies, with the occasional lawn mowing thrown in. I live a block from work and can count on two hands the number of times I have walked or rode my bike to work. I am beginning to feel and look like those people in WALL-E.
(Left turn, back in thought)
Today, I saw that one of my sons had posted that he is going to do the Tough Mudder. He did it last year with his brother. So I thought.....here is my chance to do something with my son. So I asked if I could do it with him. He said, yes! September 7th or 8th, 2013 at the EAA in Oshkosh. http://toughmudder.com/events/wisconsin-2013/?gclid=CO-tibybhbcCFSJlMgodaDMAFg
Now, you must know a little something about my son. He is a former active duty Marine. He is built like a tank, and works-out a lot. He is a little bigger than I was at his age, but built like I was built. We joke around because I was former Navy, Submarines. We didn't fight, go into combat. We were 100's or more miles away from most combat, where, if threatened, we pushed buttons and ran away.
So...today begins my journey. First, to do something with my son. Second, to get in any other shape but round.
First issue, shoes. I have some damaged feet from my military days, and I need to find something that is tolerable. I have been told that once I lose 5-10 lbs, my feet will start to feel better. However, I need to get moving to lose the 5-10 lbs. Ugh.
Second issue, diet. I came home today to a refrigerator full of great tasting food, that will keep me fat forever. I went to the store and got some of my old friends. One thing that I really enjoyed was fruit and vegetable smoothies. I would take whatever fruit I had laying around and throw it in the blender with some yogurt, OJ, or whatever other juice I had. Today, I had to go to the store and actually buy fruit. So.....today's dinner was Orange, strawberry, apple, peach, yogurt, and even the dreaded fruit BANANA!
Third issue, exercise. Just going to do it is the hard part. For the past few weeks I have been walking around my block once a day. I got up to being able to run around my block once. However, my feet/shoe issue is throwing that off. Today, I ran to the post office. Maybe a little more each day. I put air in a bike I was borrowing from my son and did a short 6 mile bike ride. Not enjoyable on a mountain bike, but exercise that my feet could tolerate
Thank you son for allowing me to do this with you.
So, Day 1...
Today I begin Day 1 of my Journey.
Since my divorce, not only have I been estranged from my ex-wife, I have been estranged from my children as well. After my wife and I separated, I was embarrassed and ashamed of myself for not being able to finish my life long commitment. I was depressed and felt guilty and really didn't want to be with anyone, including my children.
Over the past few years I have began talking with them and doing more things with them; each in their own way.
(Right turn, change in thought)
As many of you know or understand, technology people aren't usually the first people that come to mind when one thing think of "Physically Fit" people. I am no exception to that rule. At 45 now, I began to wonder if I will ever again be able to see my toes standing up straight. The hair is going from brown and full to gray and going! Sleep and doing computer work are my two most favorite hobbies, with the occasional lawn mowing thrown in. I live a block from work and can count on two hands the number of times I have walked or rode my bike to work. I am beginning to feel and look like those people in WALL-E.
(Left turn, back in thought)
Today, I saw that one of my sons had posted that he is going to do the Tough Mudder. He did it last year with his brother. So I thought.....here is my chance to do something with my son. So I asked if I could do it with him. He said, yes! September 7th or 8th, 2013 at the EAA in Oshkosh. http://toughmudder.com/events/wisconsin-2013/?gclid=CO-tibybhbcCFSJlMgodaDMAFg
Now, you must know a little something about my son. He is a former active duty Marine. He is built like a tank, and works-out a lot. He is a little bigger than I was at his age, but built like I was built. We joke around because I was former Navy, Submarines. We didn't fight, go into combat. We were 100's or more miles away from most combat, where, if threatened, we pushed buttons and ran away.
So...today begins my journey. First, to do something with my son. Second, to get in any other shape but round.
First issue, shoes. I have some damaged feet from my military days, and I need to find something that is tolerable. I have been told that once I lose 5-10 lbs, my feet will start to feel better. However, I need to get moving to lose the 5-10 lbs. Ugh.
Second issue, diet. I came home today to a refrigerator full of great tasting food, that will keep me fat forever. I went to the store and got some of my old friends. One thing that I really enjoyed was fruit and vegetable smoothies. I would take whatever fruit I had laying around and throw it in the blender with some yogurt, OJ, or whatever other juice I had. Today, I had to go to the store and actually buy fruit. So.....today's dinner was Orange, strawberry, apple, peach, yogurt, and even the dreaded fruit BANANA!
Third issue, exercise. Just going to do it is the hard part. For the past few weeks I have been walking around my block once a day. I got up to being able to run around my block once. However, my feet/shoe issue is throwing that off. Today, I ran to the post office. Maybe a little more each day. I put air in a bike I was borrowing from my son and did a short 6 mile bike ride. Not enjoyable on a mountain bike, but exercise that my feet could tolerate
Thank you son for allowing me to do this with you.
So, Day 1...
Monday, April 15, 2013
Where in the world is "My Printer"?
This is for all my IT friends out there.
A recent email I sent out to my users went something like this:
Hello all,
For the past 10 years, we have been befuddled with Helpdesk tickets that read "My Printer...." We have looked high and low, all around for a printer named "My Printer" and couldn't find it anywhere. So we had a very difficult time fixing "My Printer". We know it must exist somewhere because so many people make reference to it in Helpdesk tickets.
Alas, after 10 years and many gray hairs later, we have found the problem and a solution! "My Printer" was never created! Therefore, we have created "My Printer" in iPrint. Yes, "My Printer" actually now exists and is actually "My Printer" in "My Office". It is the printer at the bottom of the iPrint printer list that anyone can install and use.
So, when we get helpdesk tickets that read "My Printer doesn't work" or "My Printer needs toner" or "My Printer has problem", we immediately know you are referring to "My Printer", which is in "My Office". This solution makes troubleshooting and repairing "My Printer" issues so much faster now that we know exactly what printer is having issues. BRILLIANT!
Oh, so you know, "My Printer" doesn't support Windows 8. :)
We are still working to solve "My Computer" and "My Room".
Tom
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Asking for your answer to a question. Do you have an opinion?
Hello all,
I have been sitting here today, with too much time on my hand. Thinking can be a dangerous past time. Not nearly as dangerous as making a joke around people with no sense of humor, but dangerous nonetheless.
I have been in education technology now going on 10 years. I've seen ups and downs. I've seen staff turn over, lots of politics. I have seen all kinds magic bullets programs, strategies, and changes that were going to fix things. People come up with all kinds of cleaver ideas. Many are truly trying hard to make things "better". These things come and go, yet a few things remain. Education costs money, tax payers want to cut taxes, and everything we hear is that our educational system in America is failing.
Forget anything that anyone else says about what is "failing". Forget everything you know about how a school works. Forget your past experiences with your school. Forget all the political stuff.
So, my question to you is, What do you want YOUR school to look like? What would you, the tax payer, like to see happen or happening at YOUR school to consider it a success? What do you want the school to do that will make you say, "Our school(s) are a success and worth the money"
Honestly, we know all about what a failing school is. We hear it all the time in the news. What I really want to know and hear is what does it take for you, the tax payer to say, "We have great schools, and I don't mind paying taxes for our school system. Our schools do what I want them to do and are going in the right and proper direction."
Please give this some thought. I know what I would like to see as a parent, and as an employee, and a taxpayer. But I REALLY want to explore other ideas.
What say you?
I have been sitting here today, with too much time on my hand. Thinking can be a dangerous past time. Not nearly as dangerous as making a joke around people with no sense of humor, but dangerous nonetheless.
I have been in education technology now going on 10 years. I've seen ups and downs. I've seen staff turn over, lots of politics. I have seen all kinds magic bullets programs, strategies, and changes that were going to fix things. People come up with all kinds of cleaver ideas. Many are truly trying hard to make things "better". These things come and go, yet a few things remain. Education costs money, tax payers want to cut taxes, and everything we hear is that our educational system in America is failing.
Forget anything that anyone else says about what is "failing". Forget everything you know about how a school works. Forget your past experiences with your school. Forget all the political stuff.
So, my question to you is, What do you want YOUR school to look like? What would you, the tax payer, like to see happen or happening at YOUR school to consider it a success? What do you want the school to do that will make you say, "Our school(s) are a success and worth the money"
Honestly, we know all about what a failing school is. We hear it all the time in the news. What I really want to know and hear is what does it take for you, the tax payer to say, "We have great schools, and I don't mind paying taxes for our school system. Our schools do what I want them to do and are going in the right and proper direction."
Please give this some thought. I know what I would like to see as a parent, and as an employee, and a taxpayer. But I REALLY want to explore other ideas.
What say you?
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Windows 8, early grade
Hello all,
Most of my life revolves around technology, both professional and entertainment. I work on and make technology work for pay and for fun. So when new stuff comes out, I try to get the jump on it before anyone else, so that I kinda know what people are talking about when they ask me questions.
I have been working with Windows 8 since closed beta. I do have to start out by saying that I haven't been using it on a surface or tablet, but rather a laptop. I have put at least 40 solid hrs in the saddle with Windows 8.
I have waited for such a long time for many reasons, but mainly, in a nutshell, either I can't figure out what I am doing when it comes to technology (sometimes true) or Windows 8 is a POC! I think the latter, and let me tell you why.
Now, I can probably write a book about this, so I'll just keep it to some of the key points.
The very first thing that I noticed about Windows 8 is that the UI (User Interface) had so completely changed and gave me little direction on how to do any of the old familiar things. In fact, YOU CAN'T do many of the familiar old things. You need to forget just about anything you knew how to do from Windows 95 through Windows 7 and start from scratch. The last time that I experienced this was going from DOS to Windows 3.1. Yet, even then, I could drop out of Windows 3.1 to keep working. Going to Windows 8 is like going to a completely new OS, like Mac or Linux. It took me longer to figure out how to do some things in Windows 8 than it did to learn both Mac AND Linux combined. So if you think you are merely "upgrading" you are going to be quite pissed.
Computers have had two basic purposes in my life, both equally important. To "Produce" something or to "Consume" something.
Typically, I'll go on a computer to accomplish something, make something, or fix something. Unlike other people who will pick up a computer or tablet to play solitaire, some other RPG, or watch Netflix. They are consumers. I usually pick up my iPad if I want to consume, and if I want to get something done, produce something, I'll go on my desktop or laptop.
With Windows 8 on my laptop, I couldn't produce a darn thing! I could consume all kinds of stuff, but if I wanted to get to work and actually feel like I am going to earn my pay, I couldn't figure how to actually get to work. It kept wanting to play. Oh....look at the weather! Oh look, your son just said on facebook. Oh, the President is speaking again. It kept interrupting me, bothering me! Being OCD and ADHD....oh look a chicken. What was I saying? Oh yes, I was so distracted that I wasn't even sure I accomplished anything. I can't even tell you how many times I was working when all of a sudden I got side tracked and couldn't remember what I was doing until a few days later and realized I didn't finish what I started. Look, a SQUIRREL!
Now, I have all these apps that I need to use. I wish I could do everything I need to do with web apps, but the promise of Web 2.0 has been long coming. I have all the up to date apps that run on Windows 7 64 bit. One would think that they should be able to run on Windows 8, right. NOPE! Some do, some don't. So, if I need to run an app that won't even install on Windows 8, I have to RDP into my Windows 7 computer to do my work.
Now, there is a list of SO many other things that really tick me off about Windows 8 (that Brian Boyko gets right http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTYet-qf1jo ). I think he is a bit much but right on
However, the one thing that really ticks me off is that I if I am going to purchase a new computer, I can not purchase it anything OTHER than Windows 8. Microsoft is FORCING me to buy a computer with Windows 8, and I don't like it. Why can't I buy a computer with Windows 7? Why would I upgrade to Windows 8?! Has anyone figured out how to downgrade yet?
So, what are my personal options? I can go into my office where I have my Mac, and start to use it as my production computer. Even though the mouse only has ONE button, and it is Apple, I can at least get things done on it. Professionally, in a business setting, Apple Mac hasn't been known to play nicely in multi-user environments and isn't easily managed. Things have progressed quite a bit with Novell ZCM and many Mobile Management product. But Mac still isn't nearly where Windows management products are currently.
In 1998, when all my friends were going to tell me Microsoft was going to take over the world, I talked about how, while they have great shiny beads that are going to attract users, they don't have long term technology strategy. Microsoft will win lots of battles, especially with Active Directory, but they won't win the technology war.
The only long term technology that will win the technology war is one that is open and available to anyone. Open Source wins the war with Linux OSs. It doesn't matter if you use SuSE, Red Hat, Ubuntu, or any of the other distributions, it gives you options to do what you want to do with your technology. In fact, most of you use some form of linux without even knowing it. Smart TV's microwaves, stoves, cars, and even your thermostat in your house have a form of linux (linux kernel) which is free. And then some computer nerd, like me, takes the kernel and libraries and adds stuff to it, creates a product, and then sells it to you.
In my opinion, Windows 8, so far, gets a D+. Even Apple is smart enough to know there is a difference between a device that primarily consumes (iPod, iPad, iPhone), and a device that produces (Mac). As an OS that is trying to do both, Windows 8 gets a preliminary F. I too wonder if Windows 8 is the beginning of the end for Microsoft.
http://www.businessinsider.com/steve-ballmers-nightmare-is-coming-true-2012-11?op=1
So far, the only saving grace for Windows 8 is that it isn't Windows ME or Windows Vista. If, a million years from now, and natural selection begins working again, an alien life form comes to earth and only finds a copy of either of these two OS systems, they will no longer wonder why our civilization failed. It will be apparent that there was no signs of intelligent life form on Earth.
What do you think?
Tom
Most of my life revolves around technology, both professional and entertainment. I work on and make technology work for pay and for fun. So when new stuff comes out, I try to get the jump on it before anyone else, so that I kinda know what people are talking about when they ask me questions.
I have been working with Windows 8 since closed beta. I do have to start out by saying that I haven't been using it on a surface or tablet, but rather a laptop. I have put at least 40 solid hrs in the saddle with Windows 8.
I have waited for such a long time for many reasons, but mainly, in a nutshell, either I can't figure out what I am doing when it comes to technology (sometimes true) or Windows 8 is a POC! I think the latter, and let me tell you why.
Now, I can probably write a book about this, so I'll just keep it to some of the key points.
The very first thing that I noticed about Windows 8 is that the UI (User Interface) had so completely changed and gave me little direction on how to do any of the old familiar things. In fact, YOU CAN'T do many of the familiar old things. You need to forget just about anything you knew how to do from Windows 95 through Windows 7 and start from scratch. The last time that I experienced this was going from DOS to Windows 3.1. Yet, even then, I could drop out of Windows 3.1 to keep working. Going to Windows 8 is like going to a completely new OS, like Mac or Linux. It took me longer to figure out how to do some things in Windows 8 than it did to learn both Mac AND Linux combined. So if you think you are merely "upgrading" you are going to be quite pissed.
Computers have had two basic purposes in my life, both equally important. To "Produce" something or to "Consume" something.
Typically, I'll go on a computer to accomplish something, make something, or fix something. Unlike other people who will pick up a computer or tablet to play solitaire, some other RPG, or watch Netflix. They are consumers. I usually pick up my iPad if I want to consume, and if I want to get something done, produce something, I'll go on my desktop or laptop.
With Windows 8 on my laptop, I couldn't produce a darn thing! I could consume all kinds of stuff, but if I wanted to get to work and actually feel like I am going to earn my pay, I couldn't figure how to actually get to work. It kept wanting to play. Oh....look at the weather! Oh look, your son just said on facebook. Oh, the President is speaking again. It kept interrupting me, bothering me! Being OCD and ADHD....oh look a chicken. What was I saying? Oh yes, I was so distracted that I wasn't even sure I accomplished anything. I can't even tell you how many times I was working when all of a sudden I got side tracked and couldn't remember what I was doing until a few days later and realized I didn't finish what I started. Look, a SQUIRREL!
Now, I have all these apps that I need to use. I wish I could do everything I need to do with web apps, but the promise of Web 2.0 has been long coming. I have all the up to date apps that run on Windows 7 64 bit. One would think that they should be able to run on Windows 8, right. NOPE! Some do, some don't. So, if I need to run an app that won't even install on Windows 8, I have to RDP into my Windows 7 computer to do my work.
Now, there is a list of SO many other things that really tick me off about Windows 8 (that Brian Boyko gets right http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTYet-qf1jo ). I think he is a bit much but right on
However, the one thing that really ticks me off is that I if I am going to purchase a new computer, I can not purchase it anything OTHER than Windows 8. Microsoft is FORCING me to buy a computer with Windows 8, and I don't like it. Why can't I buy a computer with Windows 7? Why would I upgrade to Windows 8?! Has anyone figured out how to downgrade yet?
So, what are my personal options? I can go into my office where I have my Mac, and start to use it as my production computer. Even though the mouse only has ONE button, and it is Apple, I can at least get things done on it. Professionally, in a business setting, Apple Mac hasn't been known to play nicely in multi-user environments and isn't easily managed. Things have progressed quite a bit with Novell ZCM and many Mobile Management product. But Mac still isn't nearly where Windows management products are currently.
In 1998, when all my friends were going to tell me Microsoft was going to take over the world, I talked about how, while they have great shiny beads that are going to attract users, they don't have long term technology strategy. Microsoft will win lots of battles, especially with Active Directory, but they won't win the technology war.
The only long term technology that will win the technology war is one that is open and available to anyone. Open Source wins the war with Linux OSs. It doesn't matter if you use SuSE, Red Hat, Ubuntu, or any of the other distributions, it gives you options to do what you want to do with your technology. In fact, most of you use some form of linux without even knowing it. Smart TV's microwaves, stoves, cars, and even your thermostat in your house have a form of linux (linux kernel) which is free. And then some computer nerd, like me, takes the kernel and libraries and adds stuff to it, creates a product, and then sells it to you.
In my opinion, Windows 8, so far, gets a D+. Even Apple is smart enough to know there is a difference between a device that primarily consumes (iPod, iPad, iPhone), and a device that produces (Mac). As an OS that is trying to do both, Windows 8 gets a preliminary F. I too wonder if Windows 8 is the beginning of the end for Microsoft.
http://www.businessinsider.com/steve-ballmers-nightmare-is-coming-true-2012-11?op=1
So far, the only saving grace for Windows 8 is that it isn't Windows ME or Windows Vista. If, a million years from now, and natural selection begins working again, an alien life form comes to earth and only finds a copy of either of these two OS systems, they will no longer wonder why our civilization failed. It will be apparent that there was no signs of intelligent life form on Earth.
What do you think?
Tom
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