That would be our normal, land-line telephone service, if you aren't familiar with the name. Our phone's been out for a week now, maybe longer. I wasn't even aware of the failure until the BSU wanted to use the phone last Thursday after returning home on Wednesday night.
Anyway, the first attempt to call in for a service problem resulted in a promise of a technician within 48 hours. Naturally, the technician never appeared. On Christmas Day, I received the email saying that my repair work order had been closed. They obviously had to use email because the phone still wasn't working!
Today the spouse called back and the company claims the problem is in the house, not in the line. And they will be glad to send someone right out to troubleshoot the house problem on January 8, 13 days from now!
That's BS! That is the attitude of a company that is loosing and knows it! I have been wanting to ditch the phone company for several months now and go totally cellular but the BSU has resisted. She doesn't want to give up her full size hand set and the comfort of being wired to something she trusts. But maybe that will change now as she has to wait to use Noah's or my phone to call her sisters.
If I can, I'll get her to go cellular with the rest of the family. Alternately, I've been waiting for Comcast to get voice service in my neighborhood and there is always the Vonage possibility too.
C'mon MCI! If you want to keep my business you're going to have to respond to trouble calls faster than 13 days!
UPDATE: The BSU has caved! After dinner tonight and a pep talk from Noah and I, she has agreed to go wireless! Tomorrow night, we go find her a phone! I did get a phone working in the house by bypassing the house wiring and running a cable out through the window and connecting directly to the phone box. Its ugly but it works until we get switched over to completely wireless phone service.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
The Suzuki needs a name-
I really need to come up with some kind of name for that Suzuki motorcycle in my workshop so I can keep regular updates for that beast. I've been working along as time permits for the past couple weeks and things are beginning to shape up.
What's done already? I've rebuilt the leaky fuel petcock, fixed the broken stud on the bottom of the seat fairing and relocated and reinstalled that with the correct hardware. I've replaced the 4 intake manifolds, two of which were completely separated and certain to be leaking. The battery box has been out, painted and reinstalled and the muffler has been cut off the frame where the previous owner had welded it in place. I've still got to find a better mounting system for that muffler.
I've got to order up a new set of handlebars, a clutch cable, new brake and clutch levers. There's one broken screw in the swingarm that holds a brake hose secure that will require some drilling and extraction efforts and one of the turn signals has a broken plastic screw stud that I'm epoxying and getting ready to re-drill.
After all that, I'll get to work making it run! So far, its a nice project.
What's done already? I've rebuilt the leaky fuel petcock, fixed the broken stud on the bottom of the seat fairing and relocated and reinstalled that with the correct hardware. I've replaced the 4 intake manifolds, two of which were completely separated and certain to be leaking. The battery box has been out, painted and reinstalled and the muffler has been cut off the frame where the previous owner had welded it in place. I've still got to find a better mounting system for that muffler.
I've got to order up a new set of handlebars, a clutch cable, new brake and clutch levers. There's one broken screw in the swingarm that holds a brake hose secure that will require some drilling and extraction efforts and one of the turn signals has a broken plastic screw stud that I'm epoxying and getting ready to re-drill.
After all that, I'll get to work making it run! So far, its a nice project.
Well its been a Merry Christmas
And tomorrow I have to go back to work- what a drag. But the time off has been very pleasant and we have had a very nice holiday with the boys.
Santa Claus did a very fine job at my house with everybody giving and receiving the gifts that were as well intended as they were happily received. The spouse is very happy, though intimidated with the new software to run her embroidery machine and she got a couple quilting books that she wanted. Son Noah got a 2nd hand Toshiba laptop and a new printer to take back to Logan for spring term schoolwork. Son Kye got 3 new tires to match the one he had to buy himself just a couple weeks ago and new snowboard bindings to replace the tired ones he had been struggling with.
Me? Well Santa brought me a new Cordless Dremel tool, a clock for my shop, a fat reference book, The Complete Encyclopedia of Pistols and Revolvers and a Grizzly Big Bore t-shirt. There's a terrific new sweater from Cabelas that the BSU wants to return for a smaller size, even though I think its perfect as it is.
Christmas day was spent pretty quietly with the boys and just 1 girlfriend in attendance. We had a nice ham dinner and pie and a couple drinks through the day. I talked to most of my family and found time to tinker on the motorcycle and installed Kye's new bindings on his snowboard out in the shop.
I did finally get to work and ski at Powder Mountain Ski Resort on Saturday, though I still haven't had the chance to ride the new high speed, Hidden Lake Express quad lift. The boss had me working at Timberline lift and I was by myself so I never took enough time to go out and ride that new lift. The reports I got about it from skiers say that it is really terrific and that each ride up takes only 7 minutes, instead of the 17 minutes miniumum that the old lift required to get to the top. This weekend I'll ride that new lift and play until I drop.
So its back to work, for a short week after a nice break and then another extended weekend coming for New Years. And more skiing is certainly in my immediate future plans!
Santa Claus did a very fine job at my house with everybody giving and receiving the gifts that were as well intended as they were happily received. The spouse is very happy, though intimidated with the new software to run her embroidery machine and she got a couple quilting books that she wanted. Son Noah got a 2nd hand Toshiba laptop and a new printer to take back to Logan for spring term schoolwork. Son Kye got 3 new tires to match the one he had to buy himself just a couple weeks ago and new snowboard bindings to replace the tired ones he had been struggling with.
Me? Well Santa brought me a new Cordless Dremel tool, a clock for my shop, a fat reference book, The Complete Encyclopedia of Pistols and Revolvers and a Grizzly Big Bore t-shirt. There's a terrific new sweater from Cabelas that the BSU wants to return for a smaller size, even though I think its perfect as it is.
Christmas day was spent pretty quietly with the boys and just 1 girlfriend in attendance. We had a nice ham dinner and pie and a couple drinks through the day. I talked to most of my family and found time to tinker on the motorcycle and installed Kye's new bindings on his snowboard out in the shop.
I did finally get to work and ski at Powder Mountain Ski Resort on Saturday, though I still haven't had the chance to ride the new high speed, Hidden Lake Express quad lift. The boss had me working at Timberline lift and I was by myself so I never took enough time to go out and ride that new lift. The reports I got about it from skiers say that it is really terrific and that each ride up takes only 7 minutes, instead of the 17 minutes miniumum that the old lift required to get to the top. This weekend I'll ride that new lift and play until I drop.
So its back to work, for a short week after a nice break and then another extended weekend coming for New Years. And more skiing is certainly in my immediate future plans!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
DoD's Twelve Days of Christmas
Sent from my buddy Chris:
The President has authorized the Department of Defense to assist Santa with the Twelve Days of Christmas. Status of acquisitions follows:
Day 1 - Partridge in a pear tree:
The Army and Air Force are in the process of deciding whose area of responsibility Day 1 falls under. Since the partridge is a bird, the Air Force believes it should have the lead. The Army, however, feels trees are part of the land component command's area of responsibility. After three months of discussion and repeated OpsDepsTank sessions, a $1M study has been commissioned to decide who should lead this joint program.
Day 2 - Two turtle doves:
Since doves are birds, the Air Force claims responsibility. However, turtles are amphibious, so the Navy-Marine Corps team feels it should take the lead. Initial studies have shown that turtles and doves may have interoperability problems. Terms of reference are being coordinated for a four-year, $10M DARPA study.
Day 3 - Three French Hens:
At State Department instigation, the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has blocked offshore purchase of hens, from the French or anyone else. A $6M program is being developed to find an acceptable domestic alternative.
Day 4 - Four Calling Birds:
Source selection has been completed, with the contract awarded to AT&T. However, the award is being challenged by a small disadvantaged business.
Day 5 - Five Golden Rings:
No available rings meet MILSPEC for gold plating. A three-year, $5M accelerated development program has been initiated.
Day 6 - Six Geese a-Laying:
The six geese have been acquired. However, the shells of their eggs seem to be very fragile. It might have been a mistake to build the production facility on a nuclear waste dump at former Air Force base that was closed under BRAC.
Day 7 - Seven Swans a-Swimming:
Fourteen swans have been killed trying to get through the Navy SEAL training program. The program has been put on hold while the training procedures are reviewed to determine why the washout rate is so high.
Day 8 - Eight Maids a-Milking:
The entire class of maids a milking training program at Aberdeen is involved in a sexual harassment suit against the Army. The program has been put on hold pending resolution of the lawsuit.
Day 9 - Nine Ladies Dancing:
Recruitment of the ladies dancing has been halted by a lawsuit from the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell Association." Members claim they have a right to dance and wear women's clothing as long as they're off duty.
Day 10 - Ten Lords a-Leaping:
The ten lords have been abducted by terrorists. Congress has approved $2M in funding to conduct a rescue operation. Army Special Forces and a USMC MEU(SOC) are conducting a "NEO-off" competition for the right to rescue.
Day 11 - Eleven Pipers Piping:
The pipe contractor delivered the pipes on time. However, he thought DoD wanted smoking pipes. DoD lost the claim due to defective specifications. A $22M dollar retrofit program is in process to bring the pipes into spec.
Day 12 - Twelve Drummers Drumming:
Due to cutbacks only six billets are available for drumming drummers. DoD is in the process of coordinating an RFP to obtain the six additional drummers by outsourcing; however, funds will not be available until FY 08.
As a result of the above-mentioned programmatic delays, and due to a High OPTEMPO that requires diversion of modernization funds to support current readiness, Christmas is hereby postponed until further notice.
The President has authorized the Department of Defense to assist Santa with the Twelve Days of Christmas. Status of acquisitions follows:
Day 1 - Partridge in a pear tree:
The Army and Air Force are in the process of deciding whose area of responsibility Day 1 falls under. Since the partridge is a bird, the Air Force believes it should have the lead. The Army, however, feels trees are part of the land component command's area of responsibility. After three months of discussion and repeated OpsDepsTank sessions, a $1M study has been commissioned to decide who should lead this joint program.
Day 2 - Two turtle doves:
Since doves are birds, the Air Force claims responsibility. However, turtles are amphibious, so the Navy-Marine Corps team feels it should take the lead. Initial studies have shown that turtles and doves may have interoperability problems. Terms of reference are being coordinated for a four-year, $10M DARPA study.
Day 3 - Three French Hens:
At State Department instigation, the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has blocked offshore purchase of hens, from the French or anyone else. A $6M program is being developed to find an acceptable domestic alternative.
Day 4 - Four Calling Birds:
Source selection has been completed, with the contract awarded to AT&T. However, the award is being challenged by a small disadvantaged business.
Day 5 - Five Golden Rings:
No available rings meet MILSPEC for gold plating. A three-year, $5M accelerated development program has been initiated.
Day 6 - Six Geese a-Laying:
The six geese have been acquired. However, the shells of their eggs seem to be very fragile. It might have been a mistake to build the production facility on a nuclear waste dump at former Air Force base that was closed under BRAC.
Day 7 - Seven Swans a-Swimming:
Fourteen swans have been killed trying to get through the Navy SEAL training program. The program has been put on hold while the training procedures are reviewed to determine why the washout rate is so high.
Day 8 - Eight Maids a-Milking:
The entire class of maids a milking training program at Aberdeen is involved in a sexual harassment suit against the Army. The program has been put on hold pending resolution of the lawsuit.
Day 9 - Nine Ladies Dancing:
Recruitment of the ladies dancing has been halted by a lawsuit from the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell Association." Members claim they have a right to dance and wear women's clothing as long as they're off duty.
Day 10 - Ten Lords a-Leaping:
The ten lords have been abducted by terrorists. Congress has approved $2M in funding to conduct a rescue operation. Army Special Forces and a USMC MEU(SOC) are conducting a "NEO-off" competition for the right to rescue.
Day 11 - Eleven Pipers Piping:
The pipe contractor delivered the pipes on time. However, he thought DoD wanted smoking pipes. DoD lost the claim due to defective specifications. A $22M dollar retrofit program is in process to bring the pipes into spec.
Day 12 - Twelve Drummers Drumming:
Due to cutbacks only six billets are available for drumming drummers. DoD is in the process of coordinating an RFP to obtain the six additional drummers by outsourcing; however, funds will not be available until FY 08.
As a result of the above-mentioned programmatic delays, and due to a High OPTEMPO that requires diversion of modernization funds to support current readiness, Christmas is hereby postponed until further notice.
A really quick update-
A. I'm no longer ill and I'm back to work. I stayed home Monday and have worked yesterday & today.
B. The housecleaning I intended to do before the BSU's return tonight did NOT get done.
3. Much more details and derogatory fisking of the emails from Husqvarna's software support will be forthcoming. In the mean time, my dealer fixed me up with a CD that appears to contain the correct software to make the Reader/Writer work. And he has promised to replace the Organizer Plus with the updated version as soon as he can get it delivered.
4. Christmas shopping is not finished. I know its getting close.
5. Finally, last Saturday, before the cruddiness completely enveloped me, I sat through the class, got my fingerprints and picture and signatures for my Concealed Firearm Permit and everything mailed in. In 70 days, I'll be legal...
B. The housecleaning I intended to do before the BSU's return tonight did NOT get done.
3. Much more details and derogatory fisking of the emails from Husqvarna's software support will be forthcoming. In the mean time, my dealer fixed me up with a CD that appears to contain the correct software to make the Reader/Writer work. And he has promised to replace the Organizer Plus with the updated version as soon as he can get it delivered.
4. Christmas shopping is not finished. I know its getting close.
5. Finally, last Saturday, before the cruddiness completely enveloped me, I sat through the class, got my fingerprints and picture and signatures for my Concealed Firearm Permit and everything mailed in. In 70 days, I'll be legal...
Monday, December 18, 2006
I hate Husqvarna Viking Sewing Machines!
In particular, I hate the software developers and the corporate mindset that drives their software!
I should explain. My BSU has a sewing machine, a Husqvarna Rose. This machine is designed to do embroidery, automatically, from these little cards that the user can load patterns onto, using their PC.
We have software for creating, modifying and saving the embroidery patterns. We have software that allows this special, proprietary card to receive the saved patterns for transfering to the sewing machine. Except it doesn't work. Now the software is several years old and the card Reader/Writer device connects to the computer using a parallel port, which should not be a showstopper, except that it doesn't work! I have tried on several occasions to get the card Reader/Writer to play nicely on our PC. I even emailed the company's software assistance hotline and their response was to go into my Windows XP and delete all my printer, fax and scanner drivers to see if the computer would recognize their equipment. I decided that sounded like a bogus fix and did not try it.
Instead, as part of my Christmas present for the spouse, I decided to buy the newfangled Reader/Writer that operates off a USB port! I went to our local dealer, explained what I wanted to do and he gave me a heck of a deal on the hardware and some 3D Organizer software which he said would be neccesary to get the patterns transferred on and off the card. But that doesn't work either! I brought my purchases home, opened up the box for the Reader/Writer and there's no CD containing software drivers! Rats, now I have to open the sealed package of software that I was hoping would not be required.
So, I did. I opened the software, read the instructions, followed the instructions, and no deal, there's no drivers for the Reader/Writer on the CD! I read the instructions again- they say I need the Husqvarna Viking 3D Embroidery Studio or the Professional version of the same! That's a few more hundred dollars, just to get some hardware drivers!
I persist. I emailed Husqvarna's software assistance hotline- again. This time the response is that I need the 3D Organizer, version 7.0. My dealer sold me 3D Organizer Plus, which is version 6.0! The stinking drivers aren't on this disc! I have already responded back to the first email telling them of my dissatisfaction with the company's rip-off methods in regard to their software. I've explained that I have 6.0, not 7.0, and could they please provide me with the neccesary drivers via download so that I don't have to completely blow my Christmas budget on more software. I'm awaiting a response- without much expectation of anything more than a canned, corporate response to go buy their latest, greatest, most expensive package so that my spouse can use her embroidery functions.
I also found, in just a few minutes Googling, a seller of the software I need, downloadable for a a deep discount price. This is obviously hacked/cracked software and I don't think I'll take him up on his offer based upon the way he demands payment. But I let the company know, in the email I sent to their software assist folks, that it is their corporate snobbery that encourages people to find ways around their exclusivity.
This shouldn't be so damm complicated. A piece of hardware should come with the software to make it work included in the box! There's just no justification for hiding drivers in an expensive bundle of unneeded software.
I really hate the Husqvarna people, no matter how good their sewing machines might be!
[UPDATE: From Jason in the software assistance department-
I should explain. My BSU has a sewing machine, a Husqvarna Rose. This machine is designed to do embroidery, automatically, from these little cards that the user can load patterns onto, using their PC.
We have software for creating, modifying and saving the embroidery patterns. We have software that allows this special, proprietary card to receive the saved patterns for transfering to the sewing machine. Except it doesn't work. Now the software is several years old and the card Reader/Writer device connects to the computer using a parallel port, which should not be a showstopper, except that it doesn't work! I have tried on several occasions to get the card Reader/Writer to play nicely on our PC. I even emailed the company's software assistance hotline and their response was to go into my Windows XP and delete all my printer, fax and scanner drivers to see if the computer would recognize their equipment. I decided that sounded like a bogus fix and did not try it.
Instead, as part of my Christmas present for the spouse, I decided to buy the newfangled Reader/Writer that operates off a USB port! I went to our local dealer, explained what I wanted to do and he gave me a heck of a deal on the hardware and some 3D Organizer software which he said would be neccesary to get the patterns transferred on and off the card. But that doesn't work either! I brought my purchases home, opened up the box for the Reader/Writer and there's no CD containing software drivers! Rats, now I have to open the sealed package of software that I was hoping would not be required.
So, I did. I opened the software, read the instructions, followed the instructions, and no deal, there's no drivers for the Reader/Writer on the CD! I read the instructions again- they say I need the Husqvarna Viking 3D Embroidery Studio or the Professional version of the same! That's a few more hundred dollars, just to get some hardware drivers!
I persist. I emailed Husqvarna's software assistance hotline- again. This time the response is that I need the 3D Organizer, version 7.0. My dealer sold me 3D Organizer Plus, which is version 6.0! The stinking drivers aren't on this disc! I have already responded back to the first email telling them of my dissatisfaction with the company's rip-off methods in regard to their software. I've explained that I have 6.0, not 7.0, and could they please provide me with the neccesary drivers via download so that I don't have to completely blow my Christmas budget on more software. I'm awaiting a response- without much expectation of anything more than a canned, corporate response to go buy their latest, greatest, most expensive package so that my spouse can use her embroidery functions.
I also found, in just a few minutes Googling, a seller of the software I need, downloadable for a a deep discount price. This is obviously hacked/cracked software and I don't think I'll take him up on his offer based upon the way he demands payment. But I let the company know, in the email I sent to their software assist folks, that it is their corporate snobbery that encourages people to find ways around their exclusivity.
This shouldn't be so damm complicated. A piece of hardware should come with the software to make it work included in the box! There's just no justification for hiding drivers in an expensive bundle of unneeded software.
I really hate the Husqvarna people, no matter how good their sewing machines might be!
[UPDATE: From Jason in the software assistance department-
Thank you for your e-mail. There are two versions of 3D Organizer. There is 3D Organizer Plus which was part of the VIP Embroidery System 6.0 -6.3. There is also 3D Organizer 7.0 - 7.25, which is currently in stores. According to your email you purchased 3D Organizer Plus which does not give you the ability to send files to your machine. Please see your dealer for the correct software needed to transfer to your machine.Note that its just not simply possible to send me the files to update my equipment... Even Microsoft's not that damm pissy!]
You will need this software which has the drivers on the disc to make the connection.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Oh man, I'm sick!
I'm lousy. Except for going out this morning to bring in my blown over nativity scene characters, I've been in my chair all day. This head cold has really socked me hard. Noah's on a rescue mission for more medicine and I expect to be loading up on multi-symptom generic syrup and an early bedtime very shortly.
Man I hate this!
Man I hate this!
Friday, December 15, 2006
Well I figured out what's wrong with me...
I mentioned last night I wasn't at the top of my game, now I know why; I'm sick! I have a scratchy throat and a cough and the sniffles and sneezes.
I feel lousy.
So I'm snuggled up in my chair with a blanket, a cat and some medicine. I hope I can sleep this off real quick.
I feel lousy.
So I'm snuggled up in my chair with a blanket, a cat and some medicine. I hope I can sleep this off real quick.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
24 Chainsaws motors, 1 motorcycle
I don't know why but somebody obviously thought it might be a good idea. Check out the picture and video of this (many) multi-engined beast.
Disappointing news tonight-
Grandbaby Astin's 2nd birthday is Sunday and and the rumor was that he and his Mom and baby sister would be back in Utah for a birthday party.
Turns out tonight, the rumor was not true. They are still supposed to be coming back to Utah, sometime. But not this weekend. Dang!
Turns out tonight, the rumor was not true. They are still supposed to be coming back to Utah, sometime. But not this weekend. Dang!
My beautiful spouse
Here's a picture taken this morning at breakfast before she left for her trip to Oregon for a week with her sisters. This was at our regular stop for comfort food- Village Inn.
Maybe this is why I'm not posting much right now-
There may not be anything to it, but if two of my best friends in the whole world, one of which you're married to, suggest that I might be a candidate for anti-depressant medication, in just a couple hour span of time, maybe they can see something I can't...
I think all I need is a little time off and some fresh snow to go skiing in to cure my doldrums.
I think all I need is a little time off and some fresh snow to go skiing in to cure my doldrums.
Cool toys you can't get for Christmas...
Dang! The lawyers and safety freaks take the fun out of all the good toys! I'd like to have one of these Atomic Energy Labs under my Christmas tree but I guess its not to be. There's lots more available to see by clicking the links at the bottom of the page.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Night flying behind the Zion Curtain
KSL took the time to warn local area residents that the 388th Fighter Wing flies at night here in Utah, and particularly during the winter, since it gets night time so early.
The reason this might be of interest is the mention in the story of the night vision goggle capability. The task I was hired here 7 years ago this week to do was make the internal and external lighting of the aircraft compatible with the night vision goggles. The AF was busy screwing the new lights, (internal and external) onto the aircraft at the rate of 30 jets per month. But the replacement, spare parts weren't available on the shelves for the maintainers to use to keep the jets flying.
My job was do the provisioning to make all those new parts available through the normal supply channels. Its been a challenge ever since!
The reason this might be of interest is the mention in the story of the night vision goggle capability. The task I was hired here 7 years ago this week to do was make the internal and external lighting of the aircraft compatible with the night vision goggles. The AF was busy screwing the new lights, (internal and external) onto the aircraft at the rate of 30 jets per month. But the replacement, spare parts weren't available on the shelves for the maintainers to use to keep the jets flying.
My job was do the provisioning to make all those new parts available through the normal supply channels. Its been a challenge ever since!
Catching up. And an apology I suppose-
I don't really know why I haven't been posting as things have been as interesting as usual this past week. Somehow my internal rants and daily activities just haven't inspired my fingers to be clicking on the keyboard. I'll try a little stream of conciousness scribbling here and see how it goes-
I had a very pleasant and too-often delayed lunch with Friend Karen last week and it was really good just to sit down and chat over some good food for a bit. She's harried with school and some wonderful Christmas gift creation tributes to her family. I really recommend you go see the very nice creations she has produced on top of a hectic work, school and family life.
The spouse and I have a new place we like for dinner, TGI Friday's. The restaurant just opened a couple months ago and up until recently there was a line to eat even during lunch. I'm not much willing to wait in line for food so we had skipped the crowds until just a couple weeks ago. Now we've been there twice and both times the meals have been much better than we might have expected. They have a bigger menu and different items from our usual supper choice places and everything we have tried, we have enjoyed. Last night I had the Grownup's Mac & Cheese. This is served with a chicken breast but the elbow noodles are fixed up with 3 cheeses, bacon, onion bits and mushrooms. This was a really dandy dish of pasta! The BSU raved over her burger and the apple pie desert that came afterwards. I've still got to try their steaks and ribs, so there are still good reasons to keep going back.
Like every good motorhead related project, the motorcycle is coming apart further than expected. I've got the battery out and the gas tank off and parts being delivered already from BikeBandit.com. I've ordered a repair manual already and given the battery box and electronics mounting plate a Krylon restoration. I've still got to order new carb inlet manifold flanges and a gas tank shutoff repair kit. I do need to replace the handlebars with some with a bit more lift and pullback and start thinking about how to re-mount the muffler in a way that doesn't involve welding.
My Mom is back home in Alpena, as of last Saturday! She finally was allowed out of the hospital after her surgery and sent home to recuperate. She is so very pleased to not be in the hospital and not be imposing on Cousin Tammie's hospitality. She is back in her own bed and bedroom for the first time since late October and that makes her pretty happy. Mom says she is feeling well and that her brother Mike is a dandy cook,taking her place in the kitchen. I'm just really glad that she is recovering and is in good spirits.
The spouse leaves tomorrow for most of a week in Oregon with her sisters. That means Noah will get tagged with the Christmas tree decorating and I will be doing carpet vacuuming and shampooing during the hours she might normally be napping. Its also Grandbaby Astin's 2nd birthday this weekend and he, along with his Mom and baby sister are due back from Wisconsin this week. So I hope there's a birthday party to be invited to sometime this weekend.
Boy Noah completes his first term at Utah State this week and will be home by the weekend. I've arranged my half of next term's financing and he is supposed to be signing up for a student loan for his half before he gets home. He's not registered for next term's classes so that has to be arranged in the next very few days. I hope he's got some passing grades to show for this term's efforts!
So, Christmas shopping and decorating and holiday spirit efforts will be rising to the forefront of my time over the coming days. Right now, I'm woefully unprepared and unspirited. I don't know why. A present for the BSU really has me stumped this year.
Work continues to pile up. All of last week was spent making, and re-making new chart requirements, and meeting repeatedly to ensure that everybody's charts were standardized and believable. All that means is that no real work was accomplished but at least the bosses with eagles on their collars are happy with our chart making skills. Typical life in a cubical farm really.
Now its time for lunch with Melissa so I'll get this uploaded. Later I'll try to add in some links of interest. Or, I'll think about doing it. You never know.
I had a very pleasant and too-often delayed lunch with Friend Karen last week and it was really good just to sit down and chat over some good food for a bit. She's harried with school and some wonderful Christmas gift creation tributes to her family. I really recommend you go see the very nice creations she has produced on top of a hectic work, school and family life.
The spouse and I have a new place we like for dinner, TGI Friday's. The restaurant just opened a couple months ago and up until recently there was a line to eat even during lunch. I'm not much willing to wait in line for food so we had skipped the crowds until just a couple weeks ago. Now we've been there twice and both times the meals have been much better than we might have expected. They have a bigger menu and different items from our usual supper choice places and everything we have tried, we have enjoyed. Last night I had the Grownup's Mac & Cheese. This is served with a chicken breast but the elbow noodles are fixed up with 3 cheeses, bacon, onion bits and mushrooms. This was a really dandy dish of pasta! The BSU raved over her burger and the apple pie desert that came afterwards. I've still got to try their steaks and ribs, so there are still good reasons to keep going back.
Like every good motorhead related project, the motorcycle is coming apart further than expected. I've got the battery out and the gas tank off and parts being delivered already from BikeBandit.com. I've ordered a repair manual already and given the battery box and electronics mounting plate a Krylon restoration. I've still got to order new carb inlet manifold flanges and a gas tank shutoff repair kit. I do need to replace the handlebars with some with a bit more lift and pullback and start thinking about how to re-mount the muffler in a way that doesn't involve welding.
My Mom is back home in Alpena, as of last Saturday! She finally was allowed out of the hospital after her surgery and sent home to recuperate. She is so very pleased to not be in the hospital and not be imposing on Cousin Tammie's hospitality. She is back in her own bed and bedroom for the first time since late October and that makes her pretty happy. Mom says she is feeling well and that her brother Mike is a dandy cook,taking her place in the kitchen. I'm just really glad that she is recovering and is in good spirits.
The spouse leaves tomorrow for most of a week in Oregon with her sisters. That means Noah will get tagged with the Christmas tree decorating and I will be doing carpet vacuuming and shampooing during the hours she might normally be napping. Its also Grandbaby Astin's 2nd birthday this weekend and he, along with his Mom and baby sister are due back from Wisconsin this week. So I hope there's a birthday party to be invited to sometime this weekend.
Boy Noah completes his first term at Utah State this week and will be home by the weekend. I've arranged my half of next term's financing and he is supposed to be signing up for a student loan for his half before he gets home. He's not registered for next term's classes so that has to be arranged in the next very few days. I hope he's got some passing grades to show for this term's efforts!
So, Christmas shopping and decorating and holiday spirit efforts will be rising to the forefront of my time over the coming days. Right now, I'm woefully unprepared and unspirited. I don't know why. A present for the BSU really has me stumped this year.
Work continues to pile up. All of last week was spent making, and re-making new chart requirements, and meeting repeatedly to ensure that everybody's charts were standardized and believable. All that means is that no real work was accomplished but at least the bosses with eagles on their collars are happy with our chart making skills. Typical life in a cubical farm really.
Now its time for lunch with Melissa so I'll get this uploaded. Later I'll try to add in some links of interest. Or, I'll think about doing it. You never know.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
My Quail visitors came back today!
And I was able to snap a couple pictures while they cleaned up the seed and corn bits that surround my feeder. This picture's not great since I was pointing into the low sun but you can still see several of the nearly 2 dozen of my feathered visitors that visited today. 
The rest of today has been equally nice. Oldest son Kye helped me get the nativity scene installed in the front yard for our annual Christmas tribute. I was able to relieve some of his financial burden by adding him to our family cell phone package and he got my current phone to replace his broken one. And I have a new phone as well, so now I need to learn how to operate all of its functions!
The rest of today has been equally nice. Oldest son Kye helped me get the nativity scene installed in the front yard for our annual Christmas tribute. I was able to relieve some of his financial burden by adding him to our family cell phone package and he got my current phone to replace his broken one. And I have a new phone as well, so now I need to learn how to operate all of its functions!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
The motorcyle has arrived!
That's right, now it can be told. I've bought a motorcycle! "It looks old", that's what the BSU said when I showed her the picture below, and she's right, it is old. Its a 1981 Suzuki GS850 and I bought it from the young son of a buddy and classmate. There's been a couple week delay getting it moved into my shop while the title paperwork got straightened out but its now safely esconced in my shop for the winter.
So- a little project for the winter nights ahead, since I don't have any schoolwork to contend with! More pictures will surely follow as the work progresses.
So- a little project for the winter nights ahead, since I don't have any schoolwork to contend with! More pictures will surely follow as the work progresses.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
What I won't be doing on Saturday-
I won't be doing homework or studying for an exam- because I turned in my last exam tonight! That's right, I'm done!
I have, in 36 months, completed 27, 8 week classes. I haven't skipped a term since I began this effort. I've had just one "B" grade, the rest have been better than that. I expect that my final class grade will be better than a "B" as well.
I've worked hard at this degree program. I didn't do as some of my friends recommended, getting by on the minimum amount of work to get a passing "C" grade. But I didn't do it that way.
Anyway, my work towards my BS in Logistics Management is complete. Graduation is in June. The celebration starts now!
I have, in 36 months, completed 27, 8 week classes. I haven't skipped a term since I began this effort. I've had just one "B" grade, the rest have been better than that. I expect that my final class grade will be better than a "B" as well.
I've worked hard at this degree program. I didn't do as some of my friends recommended, getting by on the minimum amount of work to get a passing "C" grade. But I didn't do it that way.
Anyway, my work towards my BS in Logistics Management is complete. Graduation is in June. The celebration starts now!
Monday, December 04, 2006
An interesting surprise for a Monday morning!
Well, the following message was in my (as well as everybody else's) email this morning. I think the submission package for this award must be a present from my last government boss who has moved on to a different position. As far as awards go, this Falcon Team of the Quarter award is one that is well recognized and appreciated by the peer group in this organization so that makes it pretty valuable to the recipients here, even if the physical awards are pretty minor. But its nice to be recognized for the efforts I and the rest of my team have accomplished so far.
Right now we are trying to get the first kit of modification parts on order so we can perform the first aircraft modification to prove that our plan
works. After that, we will be spending lots of money to buy lots of kits! Anyway, read the email!
Right now we are trying to get the first kit of modification parts on order so we can perform the first aircraft modification to prove that our plan
works. After that, we will be spending lots of money to buy lots of kits! Anyway, read the email!
From: XXXXXXX Robert D Col 508 ACSG/CC
Sent: Friday, December 01, 2006 5:32 PM
To: 508 ACSG All Personnel
Subject: Falcon Team of the Quarter
Please join me in congratulating the Avionics Sustainment Team as our Falcon Team of the Quarter for the third quarter.
Team Members:
Howard Swanson - Engineer
Lynn White - Equipment Specialist
Nate McCord - Program Facilitator
Thad Wyrobek - Equipment Specialist Support
Their efforts resolved a longstanding Block 25-32 landing light issue at cost $20 M less than previous approaches. There's a more detailed description below.
Congratulations again to the team for their great work!
// SIGNED //
ROBERT D. XXXXXXXXXX , Col, USAF
Commander
508th Aircraft Sustainment Group
DSN 777-
* The Taxi Light on the F-16 Block 25-32 aircraft failed all FAA specs; mounting the targeting pod on station (5R) resulted in additional blocking and decreased illumination as night flight requirements increased - potential hazard caused ACC to request that SPO solve the problem
* LM Aero was contracted to design and provide cost data for a solution; their Block 40 design, although costly and time consuming, was selected because it offered the greatest benefits
- The proposed design required 91 depot modification hours
- Induction fee costs totaled in excess of $25M
* ACC found the cost and down-time unacceptable; team accepted the challenge to find a reasonably priced installation, reduce total mod hours and still provide a Block 40 design
- Their innovative revised routing plan avoided the number one landing gear matrix, reducing the requirement for many operational checks on the aircraft
- An ACC waiver provided an installation which reduced a 91 hour depot modification to a 40 hour field level modification, a savings of more than 2 down days per aircraft!
- The modification saved the Air Force $20M and thousands of aircraft down-time hours
* Hands on knowledge, creative thinking and hard work provided outstanding warfighter support, improved safety, reduced maintenance hours and created an AF model for the future
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Deja Vu- Another movie review-
This review's out of order since the BSU and I saw this movie Friday night and we saw Happy Feet on Saturday night but I figure the order isn't really too critical. So we went to see Deja Vu. This is a dandy suspense-thriller movie with a twist of sci-fi thrown in for extra spice.
Denzel Washington's the prime character in this story and he does a great job as the motivated, thinking ATF agent who is trying to solve the mystery of a ferry boat explosion in New Orleans. He finds himself wrapped up with some scientists and a bizarre twist that he at first can't believe and later can't wait to take advantage of to solve the disasterous ferry tragedy. Of course there's a beautiful woman involved and Denzel's character gets focused on how she dies to solve the bigger ferry explosion.
The story drags a little through the middle in spite of ambulance explosions and the arrest of a crazed bad guy before finally cranking up to a dramatic finish. There's a few too many rotating close-ups of Denzel, particularly in the early part of the film but overall, this is a very good movie. It is a suspenseful movie and the twists are dramatic and exciting. I liked it and the spouse liked it. Its a brainteaser, there's explosions, and its worth the price of popcorn and tickets if you like action movies.
Denzel Washington's the prime character in this story and he does a great job as the motivated, thinking ATF agent who is trying to solve the mystery of a ferry boat explosion in New Orleans. He finds himself wrapped up with some scientists and a bizarre twist that he at first can't believe and later can't wait to take advantage of to solve the disasterous ferry tragedy. Of course there's a beautiful woman involved and Denzel's character gets focused on how she dies to solve the bigger ferry explosion.
The story drags a little through the middle in spite of ambulance explosions and the arrest of a crazed bad guy before finally cranking up to a dramatic finish. There's a few too many rotating close-ups of Denzel, particularly in the early part of the film but overall, this is a very good movie. It is a suspenseful movie and the twists are dramatic and exciting. I liked it and the spouse liked it. Its a brainteaser, there's explosions, and its worth the price of popcorn and tickets if you like action movies.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Happy Feet- Two Flippers, Way Up!
What a fun movie! This is one terrific, fun movie. The spouse and I ventured into the mall tonight so we could see, and get Happy Feet. This was probably the most fun movie we have seen all year and it is well worth the ticket and popcorn price.
The story is a little bit preachy about man's affect on the environment through overfishing, global warming and litter pollution but the fantastic soundtrack and spectacular animation make up for the eco-environmental message.
Little Mumbles the hero in this story has no heart song to sing, in fact, he can't sing at all. His voice is good for nothing but scratchy squawks in spite of the best efforts of his talented parents and numerous song teachers. Instead, Mumbles has feet that just can't be still and he finds happiness with following the rhythms that seem to erupt spontaneously from his chubby, webbed feet.
This is a laugh-out-loud fun movie. The soundtrack of all the penguins in the flock sharing their heart songs will make you tap your toes and sing along. The scene of all the young penguins on their first trip to the water and then joining in Queen's "Find me Somebody To Love" under the shimmering, Antartic lights on an iceflow is a hilarious and ironic scene- my favorite.
Go see this movie! It is wonderful.
The story is a little bit preachy about man's affect on the environment through overfishing, global warming and litter pollution but the fantastic soundtrack and spectacular animation make up for the eco-environmental message.
Little Mumbles the hero in this story has no heart song to sing, in fact, he can't sing at all. His voice is good for nothing but scratchy squawks in spite of the best efforts of his talented parents and numerous song teachers. Instead, Mumbles has feet that just can't be still and he finds happiness with following the rhythms that seem to erupt spontaneously from his chubby, webbed feet.
This is a laugh-out-loud fun movie. The soundtrack of all the penguins in the flock sharing their heart songs will make you tap your toes and sing along. The scene of all the young penguins on their first trip to the water and then joining in Queen's "Find me Somebody To Love" under the shimmering, Antartic lights on an iceflow is a hilarious and ironic scene- my favorite.
Go see this movie! It is wonderful.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Fun with Spam
I just received this fascinating news from apparently the friendliest Erectile Dysfunction pill peddlers on the internet. I'm so glad to learn that he is looking out for my best interests...
Stoopid spammers!
Breaking news of pharmaceutical manufacturing – a huge lot of infringing anti-ED medication was withdrawn from one of the official pharmacies in LA. The questions: "HOW come this lot passed the quality check and was delivered into one of the state pharmacies" along with "how many men have already bought it" still remains unanswered.I mean, who knew there were "official pharmacies" in Lower Alabama? "State pharmacies"? I don't think Utah has those. Are you folks in other states getting a benefit that I'm not getting out her in the west? Maybe the People's Socialist State of Kalifornia has implemented their own pharmacies, does anybody know? Finally, I am so glad that this spammer is offering me 100% generic pills for my safety! Imagine that, generic pills!
Therefore, drug manufacturers strongly recommend the people to purchase their anti-ED pills in the places where they often do it. Our site is really concerned about the situation – but we officially announce that all the medication that we offer is 100% generic. We always try to do our best to protect and improve your health simply because we hope for a long and successful cooperation with our customers. We don’t race after fast cash. We play fair! Don’t hesitate to purchase the medication from our Web-pharmacy – we guarantee 100% refund to those who get disappointed with the quality of the purchased product.
Stoopid spammers!
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