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- April 24, 2017
- Charlie Murphy RIP
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Charles Quinton Murphy Jr
July 12, 1959 – April 12, 2017
American comedian, actor, writer, voice artist
In the spirit of worst informed person on the planet, I must admit to ONLY NOW finding out about the passing of Charlie Murphy from leukemia on April 12, 2017. He was 57 years old.
Charlie Murphy was one of my favorite comedians of all time. His flawless timing, articlate and eloquent manner, and 'regular guy' persona just touched a chord in me which persisted throughtout the Chapelle show, where I first encountered him.
Eddie Murphy has lost his older brother and the world has lost quite the stupendous talent.
Rest in peace.
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- April 23, 2017
- When Purchased Software Fails
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When purchased software fails in the absence of support there is a lot of tense troubleshooting along with the various drama laden scenarios which ensue. Web middleware outsourced to India is not really a very US friendly affair nor particularly cost effective when the vendor wants a ten thousand dollar check to speak with you on the telephone.
Love that ransom called "monthly maintenance fee" or "support agreement", some "contract" variant or one label or another which culminates in a situation where you have to get in there and solve your own issues because the company isn't going to cough up ten grand on a whim ... and the software isn't working or has some fatal flaw which eludes attempts at patching it.
Needless to say, after a week hitting the logs and testing the crap out of this, that, and the other problem determination will ultimately be successful in the presence of compentent support staffers and yes, that's precisely why they keep me around.
The moral of the story is before you run off and jump 6 versions of any software package you might want to take inventory and adequately test prior to the surprises which may arise from simply retrofitting your server with the new product line.
Case in point, when you find yourself in the glare of the spotlight it's time to tapdance. If there's no one else to fix it the star on stage is you.
It's a living.
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- April 22, 2017
- Citywide Cleanup Day
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Today is the annual cleanup day where I live. In the past, my participation has resulted in trash pickers stopping in front of my house and picking through the stuff I set out for city collection.
Being one to learn from past mistakes my participation is not what it once was. I'm not setting out 20 pounds of flattened cans for some local dirtbag to pick them up and cart them off for personal profit.
Besides, I spent the bulk of last week's "staycation" on various lawn maintenance tasks and aside from cutting down a dead sassafras tree and trimming the suckers off the American Holly there is little to nothing remaining for me to do.
Suffice it to say that Citywide Cleanup Day required a different approach this year. I took the recyclables with intrinsic value to city hall and handed them over. This year it was a truck load of aluminum cans. The rest of the stuff will await curbside pickup at the city's leisure.
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- April 22, 2017
- Another Earth Day
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Yes, ladies and gentlemen another Earth Day is upon us. That Annual April 22 international tree huggers fest held since 1970 to support protection of the environment. The Earth Day Network purports membership in 193 countries.
I was once a proponent of Earth Day — though really not a tree hugger per se ... until I came to the realization of what a farce I think it is. When the Earth stops Japan from plundering the sea of fish and mammals with wild abandon perhaps I'll rejoin support for Earth Day.
They have annual events involving the slaughter of sea mammals and the unmitigated gall to call plunder under a "research" subterfuge when all it entails is the profiteering on other species which they sell as food and industrial products.
Earth Day is about protecting the environment. Why can't the Japanese exploit the great garbage patch of the Pacific and claim all that plastic for their profit instead of preying on the whales and porpoises until they are entirely depleted from the earth?
Earth Day will have to remain dead to me like so many of the whales and porpoises killed by the people of Japan with impunity while everyone else just stands by impotently and without influence or ability to stop them.
When will the carnage stop and when will Japan be held accountable for the pillage of the oceans ? The oceans are not the property of Japan and we need to prove this fact to them once and for all. They are treating the sea mammals just like they did the people of Nanking. They're doing it because no one will stop them.
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- April 21, 2017
- Wuss in Actuality
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Last night I was toying at watching Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket ... for the umpteenth time.
The story is told from the vantage of "Joker" and emanates from his strictly non military approach to service and the marines. I'll sit there doing something and then find myself compelled to stop seconds before something outrageous in the movie transpires.
It seems I have the high points all memorized, much like I did the movie Aliens during that nether yea of my existence teaching college.
Perhaps I was fantasizing about doing to the enemy what the corps did to the character Leonard aka "Gomer Pyle" — the foil upon whom the brunt of the barracks lifestyle was administered in figurative beating after figurative beating through the real thing with bars of soap inserted into socks as he was held down with a blanket and pummelled on his abdominal paunch.
The focus of the movie, however stark the beginning with Leonard's ghastly ending was; turns out to be the realism embedded in the dreadful practicalities of war and the all too many young men in their prime struck down by the enemy to die even more horribly than Leonard does in the latrine on graduation night.
I'm always left considering my meager boot camp experience with that of Leonard's and my substellar military service experience viz a viz Joker's. That feeling that I wouldn't have stood a chance in either is the resounding result every time. So Full Metal Jacket always makes me appreciate my frailties — of which there are many. Also, I'm typically inclined to be thankful that I didn't take the road less travelled which would have been Paris Island in the case of the marines.
I suppose the term it calls to mind when I get all defensive whenever I see the movie is that wuss that I must be in actuality.
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- April 20, 2017
- Four-Twenty
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Back in the day I was what was known as "a head". The term made reference to those who partook of various substances back in the heyday of the drug culture of the sixties through the 90s or so for me personally. I suppose it was the waining 1980s that found me confronted with the demise of my participation in the weed, the pills, the shrooms, all of it.
That demise was called a "pre employment drug screen" and rapidly became a requirement for any employment application process I encountered beginning at that time. I came to the personal decision that I was not going to be out of work for failing drug tests like so many of my user and dealer friends ... so I stopped with it all.
This lead to the time of hardship I called "jonesing" whereby I hungered for a toke, dreamed of taking a valium, longed for the various exlixirs of altered consciousness I no longer permitted myself. I was determined that that I would be able to go into some facility and pee all they wanted and be totally negative.
It became a personal obsession borne of a need to be capable of earning a paycheck. It was one of those early forays into the conservative adult behaviors which now predominate my existence. It was also a "rough row to hoe".
Today is known as 420, 4:20, or 4/20 (pronounced four-twenty) and is that code for consuming weed ... typically about the time 4:20 p.m./a.m. In some European jurisdictions the number used is 16:20 with the celebratory smoking of cannabis ocurring on April 20. It's a reference to a California drug culture called 'the Waldos" and their codes for assembly after school which became cultish and memorialized by High Times magazine to the point that four-twenty is now standard jargon with druggies.
Be all of this as it may, I don't intend to pick the cannabis back up because as they say it was indeed a doorway for other crap I willingly took including bootleg ludes and what have you. I've been much better off these past years by and large hanging with those who don't go out of their way to screw you to the wall in an effort to profiteer over some background drug deal they want to make with you.
So the clear head, improved focus and concentration, better memory, and high order thinking skills are simply that added bonus of declining Four-Twenty over the years. If you partake more power to you and I hope you don't get screwed as badly as I used to in those inevitable dirty dealing that go down when everyone you know is a drug dealer.
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- April 19, 2017
- Cal-Exit didn't make it
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Like so many of the unsubstantiated pipe dreams borne of the California concepts of:
• "We can do anything we like" and • "its okay to be stupid as long as you're coiffed and wearing makup" and let us not forget • that universal war cry which echoes from the mountains to the Pacific ... "Duh!"
the California secessionist movement appears to have once again died.
Yes, I've heard of it before. No I didn't view it as viable then either. The current iteration lead by the 'Yes California Independence Campaign' spearheaded by one Louis Marinelli, a disillusioned millenial who is exiting the USA for Russia according to announced plans after the miserable failure of the Brexit styled attempt to impose his will on the state. До свидания, товарищ.
Now then, I believe there are Federal level considerations that a state referendum cannot address adequately and I seem to recall the deep south invoking similar plans to no avail ... can you say "confederacy" there little boy?
Brexit featured a referendum which was duly legislated at the level of the nation. Cal-Exit never was. A state is not a nation unto itself even if it consists of those who may think that. There is a frank difference between negotiating the legal aspects of a soverign nation in the process of part of it leaving.
Just placing it on the ballot doesn't qualify. There will be consequences for attempting to implement secession from the nation and you would think that those in California could learn those lessons incurred by the confederate states upon their unsuccessful bid to do the same.
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- April 18, 2017
- Rage
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There is a notion of uncontrollable anger. This violent, explosive form known as "rage" presents often time in fits and bouts of furious intensity overcoming the vast majority of those who encounter it ... primarily due to the unexpected nature and overpowering presence it may carry.
I was once prone to fits of rage. My anger stemmed from the realization of that falsehood which was too many of my so-called friends who I regarded as such until that time their true nature became known to me.
At this time I am okay with the betrayal, the lies, the social subterfuge and the realization that the character of the origin should be in question when aspersions are cast on anyone. At this stage of the game I am unlikely to fall victim to believing the gossip I hear because experience has taught me that much is left to interpretation.
Alas, in the world of backbiting and other forms of gossip all is rarely as it seems — or as described.
So, if you find yourself surrounded by those who would pretend familiarity with you it is advisable to maintain raised shields and don't fall for the peyton place which some envision friendship to be.
I was once trusting and friendly. Now I'm more wary and aloof. I'm a lot happier now too because in the end a person played as a fool will likely become just that.
Nobody plays me without wishing they hadn't anymore. The criminal element is no longer welcome in my presence nor is the ulterior motive.
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- April 17, 2017
- Oh our carnal whims
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C-net had a piece on building your own sex bot.
A company called Abyss Creations has a life sized product called RealDoll in conjunction with an AI called Harmony which purports to be the first step in building your own robotic sex partner.
It seems that the AI component is not an Android nor IOS app so it must be downloaded for use in the paramour appliance and the entire notion of a $10K sex toy is personally abhorrent.
I suppose I have adequate provisions otherwise.
So you can preorder the head (which contains the AI) and the body won't be really "robotic" but it will still be quite receptive to your advances should you find yourself one of those intercourse challenged individuals — of which those in my field obviously predominate.
Otherwise, why on Earth would this and Roxxxy (the other robotic slut) be a requirement by persons adequate to provide the makers of these products an income; as they obviously appear to be. So much for conversation ... you know, courting, sparking and all that.
As interpersonal relationships slowly sink into some warm hairy foam rubber sex robot orifice all I can say is:
"Dude ..."
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- April 16, 2017
- He is Risen
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Matthew 28
1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. 11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. 12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. 16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Holy Bible, King James Version - Comments (0)
- April 16, 2017
- NHDD (National Healthcare Decisions Day)
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I haven't given the end of my life much thought. The realization of inevitability and the fact that I will not be cognizant of anything pretty much leaves it to those others who will be contending with my final considerations and though it doesn't bring me any comfort to ignore my demise and disposition — this is the way it's been for a long time now.
In addition to taking my Bible and boning up for the final, I've been reading up on living wills, durable powers of attorney, and various other documents the responsible decedent will have prepared prior to the finale.
There is even a day set aside for such considerations and I've been looking over those materials as well.
In the end I feel that those I leave behind will be better served if I make those arrangements prior to going on out for the count because if those who remain are unaware of my final wishes ... how can I expect any of them to be honored ?
In the United States we have an initiative called NHDD (National Healthcare Decisions Day whereby adults should make plans for health care crises before they occur.
It's aim is the provision of a written record of wishes in an effort to prevent those difficult decisions rife in those moments of serious illness ... when there may not be adequate ability to communicate leaving next of kin to try and guess those wishes in these times.
At this time patients should make arrangements for their personal wishes regarding critical care and end of life. Health care providers should also take the opportunity to discuss those matters with their patients.
Healthcare advanced directives, healthcare proxies, durable powers of attorney, last will and testament, living wills are all tantamount to the provisioning requirements of healthcare decisions others must make for you if you cannot handle these matters yourself.
There are numerous resources available which will empower your family to handle healthcare decisions in accordance with your wishes. End of life planning is not a morbid afterthought to life, it is a thoughtful handling of those matters which we all will eventually face, either prepared or not.
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- April 15, 2017
- World Art Day
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Art is that expression by people which attempts to create beyond existence.
It is the imparting of skill and imagination to various visual forms that include but are not limited to sculpture, painting, poetry, music, and various media combinations with the intent being a projection of beauty or emotion by the artist to the viewer.
Often I find my skill lacking so I engage programmatic help toward the end of illustrations and so forth with which I attempt to add impact to this blog. The notion of placing pen to paper and drawing has not been lost on me in the past. Likewise I have crafted a spot of poetry here and there. But barring moments of inspiration which are far and few between, my appreciation of art eclipses my talent in the area many fold.
Today is World Art Day. Sharing the birthday of polymath and artist Leonardo da Vinci it celebrates the fine arts internationally under the auspices of the International Association of Art (IAA) to promote awareness of creativity on a global scale.
It is a world wide art festival if you will aimed toward the promotion of art for art's sake and value to the cultures of humanity upon the Earth. Happy World Art Day to you !
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- April 14, 2017
- It's My Birthday
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Today marks the 62nd anniversary of my birth. I view the day with a touch of marvel having made it far beyond my 30s when I felt I would "live fast, die young, and leave a beautiful corpse". Far removed from that 'party animal' I once was my life's view is quite conservative these days compared to my liberal youth and I find myself wondering just what remains in store for me.
Life certainly has proceded far beyond my expectations and I wax solemn at this day I find myself farther down the road and having outlived the majority of my friends. It's also a time for me to remember family who have also departed. It's a sad notion that we must view the end of life as an important part of existence — but so it is as we endure those changes it brings to us all.
My pursuit of new friends to replace those who have passed has not gone as it should have ... primarily due to my failure at pursuing those social interactions which might have encouraged more of them and my diminished need for company in general.
However wanting I become I also hold value in that solitude which affords me the opportunity to pursue those emerging and evolving technologies which pay the bills and add interest to what otherwise could be quite the drab life.
Whatever the future holds for me down the road I am satisfied in the knowledge that I have been successful in life beyond my personal expectations and it's been quite a ride thus far as I proceed into the remaining unknown.
Happy Birthday to me !
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- April 13, 2017
- United Airlines: Balls That Drag the Ground
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I have been left to ponder the recent United Airlines debacle whereby a passenger was forcebly removed from a flight for the accommodation of airline employees.
The man's character has been assailed and the chief executive of the airline appeared contemptuous of those who enable his enterprise to operate, the paying customer.
Be all of this as it may ... and I don't propose to understand every subtle nuance or root of the rage instilled in so many of we the paying customers of the United States of America: I feel that the penalities I've been hearing bantered about in the various news threads in the vicinity of two and three quarter million dollars imposed by the US Department of Transportation is chump change comparatively speaking and there should be more painful consequences in light of the eggregious handling of this matter by the airline.
I think some two and a half billion is fair because they should be made to feel the pain of consequence when it comes to how they deal with the public in general. The pittance fine from DOT is insufficient toward that end.
Furthermore, Oscar Munoz, their mouthy disrespectful chief executive should likewise be made to pay for his flippant public responses and utter contempt for the treatment of the paying passenger who he characterized unflatteringly having never met the man nor really having any inkling as to his character.
He may not step down, and likely the airline will not be made to suffer any real consequences of their actions but one thing is certain ... I don't have to endanger myself by traveling with them ever in the future.
Overbooking is one thing. Removing paying customers to transport employees is quite another.
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