Common Sense, Information, and Rants

Food

2011-08-22T12:06:00.006-06:00

I was replying to a friends guest post on a vegan food/travel site when I decided to write this. She wrote a smart, well balanced article, but it reminded me of a studying nutritionist who came into my work, saw some Oreo's, and said "that's not food". I wish people would learn how to speak properly and learn the difference between what is, what isn't, and what they feel or think about something.

Food, according to merriam-webster dictionary is:
a : material consisting essentially of protein, carbohydrate, and fat used in the body of an organism to sustain growth, repair, and vital processes and to furnish energy; also : such food together with supplementary substances (as minerals, vitamins, and condiments) b : inorganic substances absorbed by plants in gaseous form or in water solution
2
: nutriment in solid form
3
: something that nourishes, sustains, or supplies

I'm really tired of people seeing something like Oreo Cookies and saying "that's not food" It IS food! it may not be healthy food, it may not cover all your base needs or do anything other than keep you from starving to death but IT IS FOOD!

Yes we know a lot about how food affects us and what our bodies need and what what they may not need but our brains like. We in the United States and other food rich nations can be picky, But! Don't go off decided what counts as food! As long as it fills your belly and doesn't harm or kill its food, period. No debating this fact, food is not subjective like art. You can either eat it, or you can't. Yes you can eat somethings that are poisons, and some are slow acting and even found in our food but, that is a whole other tangent on manufacturing. We eat food to stay alive. If we don't we die. You can eat whatever you want whether its romaine lettuce or a 2 inch thick T-bone steak, or a package of Oreo's. But please don't get all pissy and start trying to make food subjective! There are still places were that's not an option... heck there are places where food is barely an option. A good amount of people starve to death each day, so if a package of Oreo's, a t-bone, or a salad will save their life its because it's "Food".

Respect... I just don't get it?

2011-04-27T19:23:00.004-06:00

For some reason I keep getting into trouble over Respect. I've had this problem my whole life. Teachers, bosses, friends, family, pastors, and anyone else I interact with tend to think I don’t show respect, or at least what they think respect is. That may be my biggest problem. My definition of “respect” is not in line with what most people in my country see it as… or maybe it’s just that they confuse or don’t know the definition of it themselves. I’m sure Webster’s Dictionary has some base definition that leaves lots of room for interpretation, but I’m not going to bother posting it, as people can look that up themselves.

To me, respect is showing people that you think they are worth something and that they are important to you. One can show respect by being helpful or giving complements, by being a friendly ear or a friendly kick in the ass when one is needed. People are respectful to those who have earned their respect or to people they’ve just met who they give the benefit of the doubt to until the respect is earned or lost.

Respect is not about giving needless complements to make someone happy (i.e. brown nosing). It’s not about refraining from complementing someone because someone else may be offended. It’s not about changing who you are to make others like you. Respect is not something you do only because it’s the polite thing to do, nor because others think its proper behavior.

Respect is given to by You to those who You think deserve it or those who may deserve it. I’m really tired of people wanting and expecting respect just because They think They deserve it! That’s not how it works, never has, never will. I’m also tired of people thinking I’m being disrespectful for saying something that is true, simply because those people think someone else is in a position to take offence at my statement. Since when has stating a Fact or a Truth become a sign of disrespect!? Just because someone has an issue with the truth or doesn’t think the person stating the fact or truth is in the proper position to state it doesn’t mean that person is being disrespectful!

Please, do me a favor. The next time someone does something you don’t like and you begin to tell them “it’s a matter of respect” Stop and think. Is it really about respect? Or is it just something your ego doesn’t want to deal with?

"My Goal"

2011-04-13T19:55:00.004-06:00

For awhile now I've been working on building up my photography portfolio of people. To do this I'm using sites such as Model Mayhem and the like to network and find people to photograph. Its not going so well...

Why you ask, because the models are only worried about their carrier and their goals. They don't care about mine even though models and photographers are a team out of necessity. It really upsets me that I can have a model booked and they'll cancel me just a couple days prior to the set shoot and say stuff like

"Hey. Unfortunately I won't be able to. I'm no longer doing tfp work due to high demand. I also need to focus on only what benefits my portfolio. I hope you understand."

Especially when they are the one who initially contacted me first. When I replied to this particular model and said

"No, but its your life and your call. So, Good luck."

I was further dismayed when she replied with

"Yeah, I'm sorry.. and I do feel bad. I'm on another level at this point: being sought out by agencies and working out auditions with IMG, Ford, and Elite and possibly getting flown out to NYC to do so. They don't want me working with photographers who won't work with my portfolio, and it sucks, but a cosplay shoot simply won't go unless you can make it editorial, which is doubtful. I can't waste any time right now either at this point. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I do need to stick to my ultimate goal."

First: What Kind of a modeling agency would want a model who makes a commitment then cancels with two days notice or less and uses such a lame excuse as "well... something better may come along"! You've already made the booking! I'm sure they didn't say "So stop all frivolous shoots NOW!" I'm sure they just meant "Hey, keep in mind in future bookings how the shoot will look in your portfolio"

Second: Your Goal!?!?! What about mine?! My goal is what spawned the posting you contacted me over in the first place! And now its okay to stomp on my dreams of being a big shot photographer because you have agencies just beginning to contact you! Hello, does the saying "don't put all of your eggs into one basket" mean anything. For all you know I'll make it first and the company will want to have you after seeing my Portfolio with you in it!

People, Companies, Models Please get your heads out of your butts and think!

Here’s the question that’s going through my mind

2009-09-11T10:54:00.003-06:00

If tragic events are so soul altering that you still remember where you were and what you were doing when they occurred and you insist upon stating it every year upon the anniversary of the event… What’s the point?! What is the point of just saying I remember?! If you truly believe that the event was so altering of soul and time why do you insist upon only remembering?

I say, tell me what you’ve done! What have you done since that day to reduce the chances of it happening again? How have you changed your outlook? Your interactions? Your beliefs? What have you Done?! Remembering is only the start! It has been several years now if you’ve done nothing other than say “I remember” once a year, then just shut the hell up! Act, Do, Change or don’t waste my time by saying “oh I remember that day! It was horrible… oops I have to go. I’m late for my hair appointment?”

Help me out here will ya?

2009-06-21T16:03:00.002-06:00

Since all of us can sometimes be called a "bitchy little artiest fanboy/girl" How do you tell a writer that you love their story and world but they have no concept of how to write it? and with Audio/Podiobook authors that they need to either use words they know how to pronounce, or look up how to pronounce them?

I ask this because I love reading and listening to Audio/Podiobooks, especially on long trips, and I believe that some of these authors deserve more credit for their creativity. Though frankly, I don't see them ever getting the amount of credit they should, unless they fix the above mentioned issues.

So how can I tell them those types of issues without offending the author? Is it even possible? I want to and like to help people improve what they do, but this requires tact and that's something I'm currently lacking in this situation.

Professionalism!

2009-06-05T00:52:00.001-06:00

I tend to spend a lot of time running into Journal entries from friends that all come down to a lack of Professionalism. Now just because that word directly stems from the word Professional doesn’t mean that what I’ll be saying here is unrelated to amateurs and wanna be’s as well. It doesn’t matter if you are a hobbyist or a “bread winner” if you aren’t professional about it you’re going to end up disappointed, mad, or black listed.

What is professionalism? Well merriam-webster.com defines it as: “the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person.” To expand on that Professionalism is acting in an expected acceptable manner while trying to meet all stated or contracted arrangements and goals. Basically, do what you said you were going to do when you said you were going to do it. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Photographer, Model, Lawyer, Construction Worker, or even a Hired Cat Burglar. If you said you’d do it, then do it!

Flip Side

Professionalism also means covering your bases. If you constantly book work, prepare in good faith, and then get canceled on then you are likely one of two things. You’re either not what was advertised or you’re a SUCKER. Starting with the nicer one, if you’re not what was advertised then yes, you will be canceled on a lot and it will be your fault. Be happy that the other party canceled on you rather than them letting you make a fool of yourself first and then suing for their money back. Now the Blunt one: being a sucker, chump, or patsy. This means you constantly fall for the same thing repeatedly thinking “oh, this time it will be different” … Guess what? It won’t be. Remember a sign of insanity is trying the exact same thing over and over again while expecting different results. If you set up, let’s say, a photo shoot operate in good faith and constantly find yourself feeling jipped when the deal falls apart. Then you have to make changes in how you do things and never go back to the former, proven faulty method. Yes, you will “lose out” on some work but that’s in quotes for a reason! Think about it, if the other party can’t give you some sort of guarantee then something is probably wrong. I for one would rather “lose out” on iffy work that may or may not actually occur so I can spend that time looking for solid work that’s backed up with guarantees! If you insist on being a sucker and setting up iffy work don’t count the money until it’s in your hand. If you can’t make rent without it keep looking for something better. Heck worst case you’ll find guaranteed work and can cancel on the iffy ones stating that as your reason. If that iffy work was sincere and professional they should respect your reasoning and be willing to cooperate with you your way the next time.

For those of you who don’t like reading and skipped all of the above, do what you said you would when you said you’d do it, be capable of doing all that you agreed to, and if you bang your head against a wall… its going to hurt!

Oh, and one more piece of being a professional, if you screw up, Admit it, Apologize for it, Make reparations, and Do everything possible not to do it again!

Thinking about buying a NetBook

2009-05-15T15:14:00.002-06:00

I need a portable computer for school so I can get away from my Desktop PC. I'm looking into NetBook computers as they're affordable, for me, right now averaging $400 dollars US for what's "rated" as good. Does anyone out there have one or know someone who does. I'm looking for suggestion on what to look for and what to stay away from.

My only requirements are my school requires MS Office 2007 software and this horrid program called MyScribe that is NOT 64bit Vista compatible.(for my Online Text Books)

Any info or help would be greatly appreciated as I currently know next to nothing about them.

Thanks G-C

Interview with a Model-Bad Charlotte (aka Vampireleniore)

2009-04-24T15:55:00.007-06:00

I am so excited that I got a chance to start my Interview series. I've been wanting to do this for awhile. My first ~~victim~~ interviewee is the lovely Bad Charlotte aka Vampireleniore I am very grateful to her for taking the time to participate. Now, on to the interview.

Glitch-Chaos

Lets start by having you introduce yourself, who you are, what you do, and where you live.

Bad Charlotte

My name is actually Amanda. I use the name "Bad Charlotte" as my modeling alias because it is both the nickname someone I loved very much gave me and it was the name of my grandmother, the person I admired most in my life, save maybe one person at a time.

My deviant (DeviantArt.com) name is vampireleniore. I got that from a book I wrote a while ago. Yes ^.^ I write books, stories, paint, draw, model, and I'm a student.

Website...well, I'm working on my website right now, but it will definitely be coming out sometime this summer (or so I'm hoping). I'll keep you all updated on. (DeviantArt)

I live in California, United States, but travel all over. I've been to Washington, Oregon, and soon to New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania for my modeling.

You can also find me on (Model Mayhem)

Glitch-Chaos

Why/how did you decide to go into Modeling?

Bad Charlotte

I wanted to since I was five, but my parents strictly forbade it, saying I would not be able to until I turned eighteen.

I originally got the idea because I was freakishly tall when I was little and people would always say I could be a model because of that. I stopped growing at eight years old, though, and now I'm a short model, but I actually enjoy my height more now than I ever did then.

Glitch-Chaos

Most people don’t think about models needing gear to work, they think it’s all provided for you. What do you always bring to a shoot out of need or just in case?

Bad Charlotte

Cell phone, pepper spray (I take that everywhere and have never had to use it on anyone, thankfully), snacks, hairbrush, comb, straightener, curling iron, hair spray, shine serum, biosilk, makeup (all of it), some wardrobe items just in case the stylist flakes, emergency cash, coat always (I usually use it as a robe), Listerine strips, tooth brush, tooth paste, floss, shoes, and the list goes on.

Glitch-Chaos

Have you ever wanted, or actually have punched a photographer? Why?

Bad Charlotte

Oh, I've wanted to.

I had a photographer have me come to him on the train for a paid gig (it wasn't very much either. At the time, I was desperate, so I settled for way less than my rates) and when I got there, he said, "You know, I am tired after driving around and working, but you're really beautiful, so please let me know when you're in the area again."

Another photographer was doing a suicide girls photoshoot with me (yes, I almost became a suicide girl. They recruited me, but then I did research and wasn't pleased) and he kept telling me I should do spreadshots for the site.

One, I don't do spreadshots. EVER. and two, he was trying to convince me that I had to in order to be a successful suicide girl.

I HAD A FREE SUBSCRIPTION to the site for a year and saw that some of the most successful suicide girls were also some of the most classy, so no, I didn't have to.

A few photographers would be too touchy. I don't allow it, unless it is a female.

Some would even try to brush a hair off my chest and I would brush their hand away and let them know that's not cool, or flinch away, or whatever.

Nothing pisses me off like someone trying to cop a cheap feel.

Glitch-Chaos

What is the worst and best thing about modeling?

Bad Charlotte

Best thing? Feeling beautiful and artistic all at once. Having fans. Getting to express yourself in many different ways, meeting new people, going new places. There's a lot of good.

Worst thing? The occasional psychopath or pervert (not that I have anything against perverts unless they make me uncomfortable).

Glitch-Chaos First nude/implied nude shoot. What was it like? Did you make it all the way through?

Bad Charlotte

It was very comfortable. The photographer was actually a close friend, so I was with people I trusted and it brought out the creativity in me.

However, it took a while for the, "Is this sluttish?" feeling to go away because I was raised Christian and, in my own convictions, a very modest dressing person (still am). I've only owned one miniskirt my whole life and it was an anniversary present (BUT this doesn't mean I'm judging people who do).

I've decided after much thought about the subject that nudity is not in itself corrupt, or pornographic. It's the poses or intention (or a combination of the two) that makes it, so I usually tell photographers that I typically like to be very "un" sexy in photoshoots with nudity. I like to act like I'm dancing in front of the camera. Sometimes, I do pinup nudes, which I think are playful and innocent, but also very sexy in a sophisticated sort of way.

Glitch-Chaos

What Model do you wish you could imitate?

Bad Charlotte

Imitate? I think I prefer to do my own thing. Adding a bit of individuality to what you do is what brings you to your goals.

No one wants 8 Audrey Kitchings or 90 Mosh's.

they want them. Why have a copy of them?

By the way, if I HAD to imitate, it would probably be Rabid Girl Scout or Mosh. Mosh has the most amazing poses and Rabid Girl Scout has the most amazing style. She's so much like me, except with more hair and makeup skills.

I also love Ulorin Vex's poses and style. I have a thing for "Blindingly bright" stuff.

Glitch-Chaos

What is your dream modeling job and you dream “normal” job?

Bad Charlotte

Dream modeling job? Hmmm...getting paid to do things I love with people I like to work with.

If Raven's Laughter and I were hired by a client, or Debbi, Shandra Jade, and I, or Mosh and I. Porcelain Poet and I. Donald Holman and I. I would die of excitement! There's others, of course.

Normal job? Painting. Writing books. I plan to do them both anyways, but if I struck a gold mine in either field, I would take on modeling for the sheer pleasure of it instead of a career.

Glitch-Chaos

Do you like to look at the pictures afterwards? Or would you rather just move on to the next job?

Bad Charlotte

I love looking at pictures!

It's not a vanity thing. You can compare it to having a child and going, "SHIT! That's a beautiful baby! Look what we made!"

Glitch-Chaos

Have you ever been in a modeling situation that scared you?

Bad Charlotte

Yeah. A photographer mislead me on the location of a shoot in Portland, or I misheard him. Not sure which. I was in this new place and I was supposed to crash on his couch that night, so I was scared I would be stranded without a place to sleep.

Bleh. Then, I couldn't get a hold of him on my phone because I ran out of minutes (pay as you go phone).

Glitch-Chaos

Do you have a question you’ve always wanted someone to ask you just so you could answer it? What’s the question? What’s the answer?

Bad Charlotte

Only a million.

Hmmm...What's one random fact about you, Miss Charlotte, that very few people know?

Answer: I LOVE bright colors and I love working with other models, but only if I like them a lot. If not, I'll still enjoy myself, but working with someone you admire is inspiring and a great experience.

Bonus question: (because I really want to know). Have you ever used your model status as a pick up line?

Bad Charlotte

lol. I haven't had to. I've been in two relationships since I started and one of those relationships was with someone I was with way before I started.

On occasion, he would joke about how awesome it was to date a model. Come to think of it, they both did.

Glitch-Chaos

Thank you so much for your time! I am truly more grateful than you could ever know!

Feed the Monsters!

2009-04-19T19:50:00.003-06:00

When I have kids someday, I’m going to tell them when they’re afraid at night of monsters under the bed or in a closet to feed the monsters. They can feed them by sneezing out their fear and worry, so that the monsters can eat it without having to pull it from them first. I’ll explain to them that Monsters are good creatures who like to eat human fear and worry to help us out. They don’t ever want to eat humans because their sharp teeth are magically designed only to bite and snag negative energy not human flesh. The fear they feel that tells them a monster is around isn’t really fear they’re feeling, but the panic that their fear and worries are feeling knowing they’re about to get caught and eaten.

My View on & of Guns, Control, and Education

2009-04-10T20:37:00.004-06:00

We all hear about guns, killing, and gun control all the time and everyone has a different view on it. Here is mine.

First my back ground, I was raised in a family with guns. I hunt, I clean, and I cook. I am not a great hunter and I have no Taxidermy in the house and never have (not for lack of want.) This said my view on guns, use, and control is: There will always be guns! They made drugs illegal and their still around what makes anyone think it would work for guns? Therefore based on the reality of this simple fact I suggest instead of banning guns or making them more popular by discouraging their use, that we force training about them in all schools. Yep, that’s right I want a class in school called gun education. In this class (held every year from K-12) students would be given information relevant to age about gun use and safety. Yes, even kindergartners would have a gun class where they learn what a gun is and that they should not handle one without supervision and the expressed permission of the adult owner. I believe this will aid in the reduction of accidental deaths greatly. As students age they will receive additional information about guns as they reach the age at which they can realistically fire that particular weapon based on demographics. A first grader can easily fire a BB gun but would likely be injured simply from the recoil of a 12 gauge shotgun. Students would be trained along the way not only in safety but in proper use, target practice, gun cleaning and maintenance, and in both local and federal laws related to carrying, hunting, threatening, and murder.

I believe that taking the mystique out of guns will greatly reduce accidental shootings. Let’s face it, items seen every day are less enticing to both kids and adults than ones only seen on TV or at a friend’s house. With this simple act gun safety will become routine to future generations and the number of accidental incidents will decrease.

Training in use of fire arms will also decrease the accidental death rate. If you know how to properly use a gun and learn proper habits regarding safety accidents such as unintentional discharging of the weapon resulting in injury or death will decrease. Proper target practice will also decrease accidents by ensuring that a fired weapon hits its target rather than missing and striking something or someone else. The other side effect of knowing how to shoot and hit a target is that if a person (gang member, road rager, or psychotic) does choose to take a life, only that one life will be taken. I know this isn’t a real bright side, but check out some statistics from your home town before you disagree. How many bystanders’ accidental deaths happen each year because the shooter was a bad shot? If these social deviants are going to kill no matter what (and we all know, for now, they will) why not try to limit the so called collateral damage?

The additional training in the use of guns for hunting should be incorporated into these lessons as well. Not to encourage hunting, but to ensure that the lesson of “guns do kill living things” gets across to the students. I for one will always remember the lessons related to that fact from my hunters education class and how thoroughly it improved my caution in regards to all firearms.

An education in the laws related to guns and gun related crimes should assist in getting across that there are penalties for improper, unethical, and illegal use of firearms. This will not only attach consequences but will remove the ability to claim ignorance of the law.

This is my suggestion for the post Columbine, 9/11, “postal”, “road rage” world. With mystique removed, proper training, legality, consequences, and most importantly safety taught. I honestly believe that accidental deaths due to improper handling, ignorance in handling, random firing, disregard to consequence, and lack of comprehension to consequence will decrease dramatically. I know after each lesson I learn about firearms and how each works. I feel a greater sense of appreciation for the power a gun holds and I walk away with a greater desire to ensure proper safety is taken the next time I am in possession or presence of a gun.

Lastly for those of you out there who insist that all guns can be taken away from society with “a little work” A lethal weapon of gun design can be made using PVC pipe, any aerosol spray, a potato, and a lighter. All found at your local hardware store. (Commonly called a Potato Cannon) So please don’t bother telling me otherwise.

Thank you

G-C

Something fun and hopefully funny

2009-03-27T10:27:00.002-06:00

Employer IQ test, have the employer take any online IQ test and then remove the furthest left non-place holder digit. If the new number is below 20 there’s hope.

Employee IQ test, Have employee take any online IQ test. Then multiply it by two. If the new number is over 100 give them a pay raise and keep them around whatever the cost.

Simplified IQ test, tell the person to catch the tennis ball you are about to throw. Then gently with an under hand toss send it towards their nose. If they catch it they’re smart. If they dodge it they’re trouble. If it hits them in their nose proceed to alternate test.

Alternate IQ test if Simplified IQ test results in a hit on the person’s nose. Tell them to catch the next object you send their way. Point a loaded .45 caliber pistol at their nose and pull the trigger. If that person dies the test is finished. If the gun does not fire, switch the gun safety to “off” then test the pistol by putting the barrel in your ear and pull the trigger listening for the click and boom of a successful shot.

Hey you! Yes, you! The dumbass over there. The Alternate IQ test is a JOKE! Do not try this at home or at all!

Thank you

G-C

Sony PRS-505 E-Reader

2009-03-23T23:31:00.005-06:00

I purchased my Sony PRS-505 Personal Reader System for around $300 U.S. to use with the PDF text books I receive as part of my online college classes. I, like many people in the world, only have a desktop PC. So the hours of reading I was doing, sitting in my computer room at home, were really hampering my ability to have a life. It was also making me feel quite closed in a trapped at my desk. Therefore I started my research into getting an E-Reader with the focus on getting my text books out of my computer without having to print the hundreds of pages (I tried printing for one eight week course and had a stack of paper about two and a half inches thick and empty ink cartridges.) My search turned up only two possible companies to buy from, one was Sony the other was Amazon. With that found, the functionality and cross checking of abilities began. Sony’s Personal Reader System (PRS) had the list I expected to find on both machines BBeB Book, TXT, RTF, PDF, and Converted MS Word documents. Plus, it turns out, it can also display JPEG, GIF, PNG, and BMP images (which it converts to black and white within its 8 level gray scale display capabilities), and can play MP3 and AAC audio files. The Amazon Kindle list showed PDF and all other file types but, it stated they have to be converted over and that PDF was not guaranteed to work. Well, seeing as how all my course text books come only in PDF this killed the option of using Kindle.

Now anyone who reads a lot on a monitor learns that eye strain can also be an issue and those with laptop computers know all too well how hard it is to read a back lit screen outside on a sunny day, so the next part of my research sent me looking for the closest store where I could test drive the E-Reader. Thankfully the Sony site had a store finder and the Borders book store about five minutes away from my home was listed. A short time later I was talking to the Sony rep who comes most weekends to answer questions and help sell the product… I was amazed at this thing! At first glance I thought that the print on the screen was one of those decals that stores use on display products, but no it was the actual screen. It turns out that E-Readers use “electronic ink” (E-Ink) no backlit screens here, just the E-Ink displayed on what they also call “electronic paper.” This stuff is astonishing to see for the first time because it really does look like something printed out onto paper. The best part though is that with no backlighting you can stand outside with the sun over your shoulder and it’s still readable! Those of you with less than 20/20 vision will find it important to know that the reader can also change between small, medium, and large font sizes. The Sony PRS-505 system comes with an attractive soft case, USB cable, quick start guide and CD-Rom and with the charging adapters (sold separately) you can charge the Sony PRS-505 while reading. The battery life can last for up to 7,500 page turns or, in English, about a week of “average reader” use. It also has expansion slots for an SD card and a Pro duo card for increased storage capacity as well as a headphone jack for listening to those music files.

Since I purchased my Sony PRS-505, my productivity in course work has tripled and my stress levels are way down. Not having to sit at my desk to read my text books has also freed up my life. During hunting season I was able to read my book while my hunting partner (dad) drove us two hours out to the leased blind we had. The first few trips out I was so excited that I could go and not feel as though I was “playing hooky” that I spent half the drive just repeating to my dad how cool it was to be able to do this. I have also been using the reader around the house bouncing from room to room as I feel and on trips for fun and/or education related reading. The fun books came from the Sony E-book store where you can buy and download for (on average) less than paperback price. The only obvious exclusion to the low prices is on new releases but that’s also worthwhile as you know that they won’t sell out and you won’t have to leave the house to get it.

All in all I’d say the cost of Sony’s PRS-505 is well worth the price. My work efficiency is up, my stress levels are down, and my over all eye strain has been greatly reduced. Now I just have to learn a little restraint on buying books off of the site. (It’s so easy to do I tend to hit the purchase button before thinking about the fact that I’m actually spending money.) So to anyone who does a lot of reading and wishes to get away from their desk or computer, I suggest you look into a Sony Portable Reader System. Trust me it’s worth the time and money, especially if it helps save you even more time and money down the road.

Link to Sony's PRS site

Sony

Now open to requests

2009-03-17T13:39:00.004-06:00

I am opening my little blog here to requests of reviews on products (Either ones that I already own or can be provided for testing) and for any Sci-Fi/Fantasy Books.

Yes, this is a little blog but people do find it and some of them even comment too. So if you are looking for a way to get free publicity just leave a comment here or you can contact me through Twitter (link box on right side of the main page)

If you would like to see an example of my reviews Read the entries here titled "MyScribe Equals Fail" or "My review of the book Twilight" Note: I am currently working on positive reviews of my Sony PRS-505 E-Reader and of the Book "Storm Front" by Jim Butcher. All of my reviews are and will be honest and in parts and title blunt. That is all the warning I give, so as long as your request is for a quality product you have nothing to worry about ;)

Thanks for reading :)

My review of the book Twilight

2009-02-20T10:37:00.002-07:00

Let me begin with why I read Twilight. My sister who does not like “vampire books” at all has been eating up this series and loving it. So I decided to see what it was that made her like it. I picked up the book off of the Sony Ebook store for $9.89, threw it onto my Ereader and started reading. One third of the way through, I noticed that I was still in “character development land” and still no real plot twists outside of a tween drama. The characters were introduced to me now though and hints of the greater plot were evident. I kept reading and waiting patiently because the potential was there. As I reached the unveiling of the vampire (Edward Cullen) to the female lead (Bella Swan) it was a slow reveal with little blood or dramatics. More of an “oh duh” moment if you will. Now she knows and their fondness for each other grows. At this point we are past the halfway mark in the book and I’m wondering where the exciting plot that everyone eludes to is. Well it turns out it’s at the end. Almost literally the last quarter or less of the book is the exciting vampire related part. And it borders on the ridicules.

*****For those of you who are spoiler sensitive this is where they may start*****

Okay so Bella knows about Edward and his “family” so of course she gets invited out to a family outing where all the vampires get to play and use their abilities. This of course draws in some “evil” vampires who are passing through. They of course (<-- once again) find Bella too inviting a treat to leave her be, and start hunting her. Blah blah blah, she goes on the run after destroying her father’s self-esteem as “it’s the only way to escape in time” and winds up in more danger, almost gets eaten, but is rescued just in time. I know this comes across as a snarky review on my part here’s why. The name Bella translates to beautiful, which no one picks up on and she thinks herself to be ugly (Oiy has this been done to death!). The vampires in this story break a cardinal rule of vampire lore, in allowing the undead to walk in the sun. No one mentions steaks through the heart and the family has a cross in their house.

All in all I give this book a C- because it does keep the reader interested so long as they don’t stop to think too much about the actual subject material and how long the development takes. I do see why Hollywood made it into a movie. The book is written just like all their recent efforts they’ve put out if you ignore the epilogue in the book.

As for my initial question of “why my sister liked it?” I would say she liked it because it was a tame plot with slow build up and minimal violence yet, somehow; still interesting thanks to Bella’s drama.

The “Guy” guy’s would likely call this a “chick” story due to the high level of personal drama and minimal action.

C-

The problems with driver's license testing

2009-01-25T13:38:00.006-07:00

I keep trying to find the best way to phrase this. So far I’ve had little luck. Passing a test is something that is becoming less and less difficult and therefore the results shown by that test are becoming less and less accurate. The main test I have currently in mind is the United States driver license test, particularly Colorado’s. Now before people start to assume that Colorado is my focus due to some nefarious reason, it is not. It’s only due to my being a native of Colorado and having never lived in another state, therefore I do not wish to generalize and assume that these issues are nationally or globally wide in nature, though I believe they may be.

So I call out the test for the State of Colorado’s driver’s license burrow as being improperly given and graded. In the last year I have witnessed, first hand, how pathetic this exam has become. I had a relative of mine who did not practice or have any intuitive driving ability take this test and pass. I can speak with confidence of my relative’s abilities as I went out the day prior to this relative’s driver’s test, to be the “licensed adult” in the car. By the end of the day I had become all too aware that my relative had zero control in steering, zero ability process all of the necessary information required to change lanes, and zero ability process instructions, while traveling in a straight line, regarding upcoming navigation. This relative, at that time, was 18 years old, had been in possession of a learners permit since being legally able to obtain it at just over 15 years of age, for having enrolled in a driver’s education class. During the class my relative did well but still needed more experience in order to be eligible to take the test. Sadly this relative and this relatives parents “never had the time” to collect the state required hours behind the wheel to qualify for taking the exam at age 16. Therefore my relative had to wait to age 18 when the hours behind the wheel rule expired, for some as yet unknown reason. All that back history said, my relative somehow passed! Ever since I learned about that complete farce of a test I have wondered just how many lives have been altered or ended because some high up idiot decided that driving is a right instead of a privilege. Now for all those out there who will say “but you have to be able to drive in today’s world” I know many people in person or in passing who choose not to drive or who have chosen to not learn to drive. These people do quite well and are perfectly happy with their decision. So no, it is not required one be able to drive in order to live. Driving is a responsibility that must be taken deadly seriously, because if not it does cause death! For my part I told my relative that day that I did not believe he was ready to drive yet and should act as if he still only possesses a learners permit until he feels confidant and comfortable behind the wheel. I also made it quite clear that if his inability resulted in someone else’s injury or death that he should not attempt to communicate with me ever again! This holds a special weight as I am very much a “family first” type of person and have a strong bond with this relative.

As this is already becoming a rather long post I’ll keep this part short. Parents if your child is learning to drive please do all you can to ensure their ability is thoroughly trained and well executed. Future drivers please make the time to learn all you can about driving and if you feel you’re not that good of a driver and shouldn’t be licensed yet don’t take the test until you feel you should be. For everyone please use your rights to vote to ensure that privilege’s remain separate from perceived rights, as it could save many lives including you or your loved ones. Responsibility is not an old world custom that only your elders should follow, it’s a way to ensure that which should or should not be, is.

MyScribe Equals Fail

2009-01-01T09:28:00.010-07:00

My College DeVry University has made the decision to switch their online text books to MyScribe. I have spent the last week working with the system and contacting both DeVry and MyScribe support and have found the MyScribe system to be woefully lacking. MyScribe is an online book reading system provided by CafeScribe this reader is just that you can read highlight and add notes but you have to be on a computer to access it. I, like many of my online classmates, purchased an Ebook for my previous classes so I could bring my textbook with me wherever I go. As with most online students I have other daily activities such as work, commuting, and other travel that takes me away from my computer. This switch to a solely computer based system has killed my ability to read my text book when away from home. Yes, MyScribe allows you to transfer the book to a USB drive (ie. A thumb drive) for use “away from home” but, as I had to explain to DeVry University, that still requires a computer. The MyScribe system takes closed source to extremes unlike the previously used system of Adobe Digital Editions, as stated earlier reading a book on MyScribe is limited to use only through their reader that can only be accessed on a computer. Adobe Digital Editions is accessible through the computer and through Ebook readers such as my Sony PRS-505 . MyScribe and Adobe have the same DRM (digital rights management) abilities to prevent copyright infringement so that is not an issue. Both systems appear to provide free software to read and just charge for the actual books, so that is also not an issue for competition. I have been unable to find any logical, financial, or preferential reason for the switch. The actual useability of the computer software to read the books though is an issue of contention I have. The MyScribe software has an annoying strong blue default color scheme that I have yet to find a way to change, which distracts from the text. Whereas Adobe has a Black background color that helps to emphasize the text and even though I have not found a way to change this default color scheme I don’t feel a need to do so unlike with MyScribe.
Some of the lesser but still annoying issues I have found are, MyScribe defaults on my computer to a two page view that, for me, is too small to read and when I changed it to default to a single page view it automatically sets the zoom to 256% which, for me, is way too large and limits text per page to the point where I am constantly scrolling. Another issue I have with MyScribe’s software is the fact I cannot Minimize the screen by clicking on the windows taskbar. This is a habit and a function I find critical because when I jump between screens I have to click on the little task bar icon to switch to another program, and when I switch I Minimize the window I’m on to allow easier access to the desktop should I need to launch yet another program. Examples of the programs I use simultaneously are the text book reader software, Microsoft Word for the reports or related homework, FireFox for internet access, and Itunes for my background study music. All of which I toggle between through the task bar. Another issue I just found while toggling is you cannot access a right click menu through the MyScribe software in order to Minimize, Maximize, Restore, or Close. All of which are functions I regularly use especially the Close function, because the close function through right click as it is easier than clicking on the task bar icon at the bottom of the screen and then moving the mouse up to the top right of the screen to click the Close button.

With these issues of lack of portability, distracting background color scheme, missing common functions, and poor “ease of use” I ask. Why would anyone let alone a university see the MyScribe system as a good choice? Why would anyone let alone a university switch from a flexible worldwide accepted system such as Adobe Digital Editions to the very limited and poorly designed MyScribe system? Because I cannot find any logical, financial, or preferential reason myself.

Update Note: Some potential solutions have shown up since I first posted this blog. While these or any potential solutions are still not being offered by the responsible parties for this technological farce. There are a couple freeware programs that seem to work the way we wish MyScribe could and should. Check out PrimoPDF and PDFCreator For more information please read the comment section of this post for other readers opinions and suggestions. We are not alone, or helpless, thanks to the hive mind of the internet.

Why should I vote for your guy?

2008-10-26T21:09:00.003-06:00

During the election season in the States people always like to ask, “Why should I vote for your guy?” and while that question always has a somewhat nebulas answer based on beliefs, ethics, and sometimes just plain old Party affiliation, here is the answer to the actual question (yes kind of like 42 in the Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy book series.)

“Are you better off now than you were before the last administration change?”

Now before you say “yes” or “no” stop and really think about this question. On the surface it seems rather simplistic but in reality it covers 1) your personal life 2) your professional life 3) your country’s national standing and 4) your country’s international standing.

Yes the first two are rather obvious but how many of you stopped to wonder “How the heck do numbers 3 and 4 apply to whether or not I’m better off?” My answer is to just think about it. Doesn’t the overall national standing of your country affect either directly or indirectly the conditions of your life? If the economy is bad then it will be more difficult for you to retire, take vacations, or to buy or sell a house. It affects any investments you have and any plans for the future you have that are based on those investments. So when you go out to vote, or to randomly spout your opinion, please take all of these factors into your mind first. Not only will it give you a basses for your opinions but it will also make you sound as though you have thoroughly thought it through.

As for me I’m voting for my guy because I think he will begin the steps necessary to correct the currently struggling economy, which in turn will free up the job market for me to once again find stable employment.

I hope you all are well and thank you for stopping by.
G-C

This is a random information for education posting

2008-10-25T13:52:00.000-06:00

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Psychologist Abraham Maslow believed understanding human motivation would assist in understanding how to motivate workers. He believed that people will always try to satisfy thier unmet needs. Maslow also believed that the basic needs have a strict order in which people attempt to meet them. The needs he found, in the order that they take place in, are

Physiological needs: basic survival
Safety needs: feeling secure at home and at work
Social needs: feeling as 'a part of the group' loved/accepted
Esteem needs : needing recognition/acknowledgment from others, and sense of self respect as well
Self-actualization needs: the need to reach ones full potential

This topic has been brought up in my last two classes that cover basic management. My question to you is, How does your company rate? And if you are a manager, supervisor, team leader, or company owner, How well are you addressing these needs?
The higher your company’s turn over the more you should ask this question to yourself.

*Note* information and definitions for the above topic came in part or in whole from:

The Book “Understanding Business” 8th edition by Nickles, McHugh, and McHugh, 2008 published by McGraw-Hill Irwin. ISBN 978-0-07310597-0 Link

And from
BusinessDictonary.com Link
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/Maslow-s-hierarchy-of-needs.html

Greetings and Welcome

2008-10-25T12:11:00.000-06:00

This will be my introduction blog, though since it comes first I will only call this my statement of intent. I am starting this blog as a method of, social networking with likeminded or interested parties, to give me more reason and opportunity to type in hope of increasing my speed through practical use, to start a daily educational blurb for the day (as much for me as for you, I hope), and lastly for a place to state things I feel the need to state (also called a rant by some though I will try to do more PSA (public service announcement) style.

Random facts about me: I live in the USA in the state of Colorado. I have a lot of hobbies but the current top 6 are Jeeping, Hiking, Snowshoeing, Photography, Reading, and trying on and off to learn Japanese. I will let you know about these activities from time to time. I am currently back in college studying for a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a focus on Hospitality. I say back in college because I already have an Associates of Applied Science in Electronics Engineering. The main reason for the change is I have found the field to be less engaging than I thought it would be and also because I have not been able to find work in the field since my last job ended in December of 2007.

I live in many places on the internet, those who are interested can find me on twitter at http://twitter.com/GlitchChaos and I also post some of my better pictures on Deviant Art http://glitch-chaos.deviantart.com/ I hope to find new friends and acquaintances here as I do there.
I invite you all to comment on the posts I write, but I will ask for the enjoyment of all, that personal attacks are never used and curse words are either not used, or used to a limited degree. As for everything else if you agree, disagree, or just have a different point of view please feel free to share it!

Thanks for stopping by
G-C