Yah, not much going on these days. Mostly just work and work some more. Spent all day Saturday at work, and here I am again on Sunday at work. Beats twiddling my thumbs. No money to go anywhere or do anything, can't sleep around the clock, so I work. I've read all 10 or 15 of the books in my possession in the last week. I suppose if I had a portable TV I might watch some, but not too likely. So, I work. Yep, pretty boring.
I shaved my beard off Saturday morning; by the time I was done I had already decided that I've got to grow it back. I just don't look like 'me' without a beard. That's the kind of stuff that happens when you are bored; that's why I'm working. Less opportunity to get into trouble.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
DQ Cruise 6/26
It was a beautiful evening for a DQ Cruise night.
I had the opportunity to park next to a early Mustang.
A very nice Chevy Pro Street with custom Frame and a Dart Engine stopped in.
A Pinto came over from Hibbing, the guy owns I believe he said 8 running and 4 parts Pintos.
A couple (husband/wife?) rode in on a couple of nice Honda's.
A few other photos:
I had the opportunity to park next to a early Mustang.
A very nice Chevy Pro Street with custom Frame and a Dart Engine stopped in.
A Pinto came over from Hibbing, the guy owns I believe he said 8 running and 4 parts Pintos.
A couple (husband/wife?) rode in on a couple of nice Honda's.
A few other photos:
Thursday, June 25, 2009
dotMobi
I've just installed the dotMobi plugin. It allows for better browsing from mobile devices (which is nice) and also allows posting from mobile devices which is really nice. So I'm posting from my phone to see how it looks and works.
And it does appear to work, but it also appears that the non-mobile interface is messed up.
I see that the developers are still working on compatibilty issues with the current version of WordPress, so hopefully it may get fixed soon. In the meantime it is definitly very usable; I can easily work around the broken stuff. Wahoo! I can finally blog from my phone!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Diet
Reading yesterdays post makes me think I'm probably a bit depressed. Yah, I sure am quite a bit depressed, but this too shall pass. I hope.
I've been working on a diet for the last few weeks, averaging about one pound per day weight loss over the last four weeks. I've also been studying up on diets and nutrition, something I've not bothered with in the past. And I think I've learned a few things.
1. Calories are important, but not as important as timing. Research shows that maintaining an even flow of calories during the day is extremely important. When you eat just "3 squares" you body gets hungry in between. When the body gets hungry it goes into "famine" mode, and starts storing fat and slowing down the metabolism to conserve energy. If you eat less but more often the body never gets hungry and the metabolism actually ramps up, burning more calories.
2. Stay away from the center of the store. Most of the "good" foods are usually found on the perimeter of the grocery store: Meats, Dairy, Vegetables.
3. Get some exercise regularly. I'm trying to walk at least 30 minutes per day and not while I'm working but when I can focus on a brisk walk. It's difficult right now because of my foot problems, I'm hoping that problem will get better after my podiatrist appointment next week. And jumping to conclusions is NOT an acceptable exercise.
4. Can the soda pop. This may be the hardest part for me. For 30+ years I have consumed between 1 and 3 liters of Coca Cola every single day. I like my Coke. It keeps me going. Here's what I'm trying to do. I drink an 8 ounce glass of Coke in the morning, and once or twice a week I allow myself a double Rum & Coke. The rest of the time I'm drinking water with Crystal Lite Energy. Crystal Lite is cheaper than Coke anyways. This way I still get my daily fix of Coca Cola as well as getting enough caffeine to keep me awake, at least some of the time. Yeah, it's not as good an answer as totally cutting out the Coke, but I'm hoping it will work as an acceptable compromise, at least for now. Maybe later I can cut the Coke down to just Special (Rum & Coke) Occasions. I have noticed that with my reduced consumption of soda pop that my night time leg cramps have vanished, which should help me sleep better. Right. I think I got three hours sleep last night.
I've found a couple of useful items during my research. One is the www.my-calorie-counter.com website, subject of an earlier blog posting. I use it mostly to count calories and journal my weight loss. Yes, I am counting calories, but mostly because I've never noticed them before and I'm trying to learn how to eat a more nutritionally balanced diet. But, I may not be using it much longer. I have found the "Abs Diet" which combines diet and exercise, and they supply a huge list of recommended foods. I'm planning on ordering the book in the very near future, along with the "Eat This, Not That" Supermarket Survival Guide which compares and contrasts the nutritional values of foods.
An interesting factiod I just picked up: Drink a high protein shake just before exercise. It will give you more energy to exercise with and will also help increase your metabolism during and after the exercise.
One of my problems is that I have alway been a "3 Squares" person, that's how I was raised. And, that is how work is structured. But, with the help of info from the "Abs Diet" I'm going to figure out a shake that I can drink at work for the snack times. Since I'm on an 1800 calorie per day diet I am trying to average at about 360 calories during each of 5 meals or three 400 calorie meals and 2 300 calorie meals. I want to see if I can do two of these meals with shakes, the thicker the better. And take my walk after I consume one of the shakes. We'll see, I need to do some more research and need to be able to buy some groceries before I can do this stage of the diet. I'll let you know what happens.
I've been working on a diet for the last few weeks, averaging about one pound per day weight loss over the last four weeks. I've also been studying up on diets and nutrition, something I've not bothered with in the past. And I think I've learned a few things.
1. Calories are important, but not as important as timing. Research shows that maintaining an even flow of calories during the day is extremely important. When you eat just "3 squares" you body gets hungry in between. When the body gets hungry it goes into "famine" mode, and starts storing fat and slowing down the metabolism to conserve energy. If you eat less but more often the body never gets hungry and the metabolism actually ramps up, burning more calories.
2. Stay away from the center of the store. Most of the "good" foods are usually found on the perimeter of the grocery store: Meats, Dairy, Vegetables.
3. Get some exercise regularly. I'm trying to walk at least 30 minutes per day and not while I'm working but when I can focus on a brisk walk. It's difficult right now because of my foot problems, I'm hoping that problem will get better after my podiatrist appointment next week. And jumping to conclusions is NOT an acceptable exercise.
4. Can the soda pop. This may be the hardest part for me. For 30+ years I have consumed between 1 and 3 liters of Coca Cola every single day. I like my Coke. It keeps me going. Here's what I'm trying to do. I drink an 8 ounce glass of Coke in the morning, and once or twice a week I allow myself a double Rum & Coke. The rest of the time I'm drinking water with Crystal Lite Energy. Crystal Lite is cheaper than Coke anyways. This way I still get my daily fix of Coca Cola as well as getting enough caffeine to keep me awake, at least some of the time. Yeah, it's not as good an answer as totally cutting out the Coke, but I'm hoping it will work as an acceptable compromise, at least for now. Maybe later I can cut the Coke down to just Special (Rum & Coke) Occasions. I have noticed that with my reduced consumption of soda pop that my night time leg cramps have vanished, which should help me sleep better. Right. I think I got three hours sleep last night.
I've found a couple of useful items during my research. One is the www.my-calorie-counter.com website, subject of an earlier blog posting. I use it mostly to count calories and journal my weight loss. Yes, I am counting calories, but mostly because I've never noticed them before and I'm trying to learn how to eat a more nutritionally balanced diet. But, I may not be using it much longer. I have found the "Abs Diet" which combines diet and exercise, and they supply a huge list of recommended foods. I'm planning on ordering the book in the very near future, along with the "Eat This, Not That" Supermarket Survival Guide which compares and contrasts the nutritional values of foods.
An interesting factiod I just picked up: Drink a high protein shake just before exercise. It will give you more energy to exercise with and will also help increase your metabolism during and after the exercise.
One of my problems is that I have alway been a "3 Squares" person, that's how I was raised. And, that is how work is structured. But, with the help of info from the "Abs Diet" I'm going to figure out a shake that I can drink at work for the snack times. Since I'm on an 1800 calorie per day diet I am trying to average at about 360 calories during each of 5 meals or three 400 calorie meals and 2 300 calorie meals. I want to see if I can do two of these meals with shakes, the thicker the better. And take my walk after I consume one of the shakes. We'll see, I need to do some more research and need to be able to buy some groceries before I can do this stage of the diet. I'll let you know what happens.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Weekend
A very boring weekend. Spent the entire weekend by myself, mostly napping and reading and trying to keep cool and dry thru the hot, humid, t-stormy weather. It's kinda weird having no-one to talk to except myself, any interactions I have with others right now is pretty much limited to business transactions "That will be $4.45". "Change is 55 cents" "Thank you for shopping at Wal-Mart" . And I'm getting tired of talking to myself. I keep running thru scenarios in my head. I wonder what would have happened if I had done this or that. What might happen if I do this or that. Why the hell did I do this or that. And then sometimes I just sit and cry, I don't really know why, but it just starts and won't stop. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm losing something. I can't seem to make sense of things anymore. People at work ask me to do something and the words just don't seem to make any sense. I'm sitting here staring at a script I wrote a year ago and it doesn't make sense. I need to modify it slightly, they want an extra option, but I can't figure out how or why. I can't get to sleep at night, I read for hours and finally doze off, then I wake up suddenly and can't get back to sleep because I'm wide awake. But sitting here at work I keep falling asleep. I've hit my head on my keyboard twice today. If I have to drive much over 15 minutes I find myself nodding off and have to pull over to the side and get up and walk for a few minutes before I can drive on again. It seems like all I do is sit at my desk at work and stare at the computer screen or I'm sitting in my car trying to sleep or I'm sleeping while I'm trying to drive. And that's about all I do. And my thoughts keep going around and around in the same track. Why did I do this. Why didn't I do that. What could I have done differently. My boss has called me several times today asking me about this or that project that I'm supposed to be doing, and I just don't have an answer and I don't seem to care that I don't have an answer and I don't care that I don't care that I don't have an answer. I've gone from not delegating any work at all to delegating everything. I just don't care anymore. Doesn't seem to matter what or if I do anything, nothing works, nothing changes, nothing matters anymore. I thought I had my life fairly well sorted out and knew what I was doing and where I was going, but now all that is gone and I'm just drifting. I can't get to where I want to go and I don't want to go anywhere else and the obstacles between me and where I want to go are just so huge and so out of my control that there's no way I'm ever going to get there. And it wasn't all that long ago that my road to the goal was clear and everything was moving in the right direction and the goal was getting closer. Now I don't have a snowballs chance in hell of making any of my goals. And I STILL don't know what happened to change everything. Its like I went to bed one night and everything was peachy and when I woke up in the morning everything was shot to hell. Its like I never woke up from a nightmare. I run and I run in my nightmare but my feet just slip on the ground and I never go anywhere. I talk to people, I scream for help in my nightmare but no sound comes out of my mouth. I reach out to grab a lifeline in my nightmare and I don't have any hands. People talk to me in my nightmare and I only hear gibberish, or maybe Etruscan, I can't tell the difference anyways. If I'm not already insane I think I will be soon. I just don't get it. And the only person I can talk to about it is myself. And I just don't get it.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Collage
I'm sitting in the parking lot of the Public Library waiting for dark, then I can go find a quiet place to park for the night. All around GR are T-Storms.
Can hear the thunder from the one just to the southwest. Think that one will miss us, but who knows what else might pop up? Had a pretty good one last night, for a few moments I was wishing I had a houseboat instead of a Mustang.
So, I'm sitting here, reflecting over the past week.
Last nights DQ Cruise was pretty quiet. T-Storms were in the forecast, so a lot of cars and people stayed home. There were a couple of highlights though.
This 1969 Mustang is for sale, less than 200 miles on a new 351W crate motor. Absolutely a gorgeous car.
And my 2006 Mustang
There were several Street/Strip cars that showed up, the blue Charger, the blue S-10, the yellow SS. They are all getting ready to go racing at Brainerd over the 4th of July weekend. And I found out something. On many Wednesday nights you can race your street car at Brainerd. cost is just $20. Requires that the car be street legal and that you wear a Snell approved helmet. You can run as many times as you want from 5 PM until dark for the $20. I think I'm going to go. I've wanted to know what this car and I can do, and this is the proper venue to explore that. I'm hoping I can afford to go July 1st.
This time of being by myself has given me lots of opportunity to explore my psyche. I haven't learned much yet, except that the peace and quiet are restful to a point but I miss some excitement in my life. And that "restful" does not equate to getting enough rest; I'm exhausted all the time. But I must do what I must do.
I was working on the podiatrists laptop this week, and took the opportunity to ask him about my feet. I've been trying to do a bit of walking, but the foot and ankle and leg pain are just killing me. And I LIKE to walk. I've walked at least 10 miles in the last 5 days.
To make a long story short, I made an appointment to see the podiatrist. My feet show definite signs of a problem, and he knows he can help me surmount the problem. Isn't for a couple of weeks though. Basically, my feet have lost their "spring", so the muscles, joints, and tendons of my ankles and legs are getting all the shock. And adding padding (which is what I've been doing) isn't going to help.
T-Storms are moving, think I will also. Buenos Noches.
Can hear the thunder from the one just to the southwest. Think that one will miss us, but who knows what else might pop up? Had a pretty good one last night, for a few moments I was wishing I had a houseboat instead of a Mustang.
So, I'm sitting here, reflecting over the past week.
Last nights DQ Cruise was pretty quiet. T-Storms were in the forecast, so a lot of cars and people stayed home. There were a couple of highlights though.
This 1969 Mustang is for sale, less than 200 miles on a new 351W crate motor. Absolutely a gorgeous car.
And my 2006 Mustang
There were several Street/Strip cars that showed up, the blue Charger, the blue S-10, the yellow SS. They are all getting ready to go racing at Brainerd over the 4th of July weekend. And I found out something. On many Wednesday nights you can race your street car at Brainerd. cost is just $20. Requires that the car be street legal and that you wear a Snell approved helmet. You can run as many times as you want from 5 PM until dark for the $20. I think I'm going to go. I've wanted to know what this car and I can do, and this is the proper venue to explore that. I'm hoping I can afford to go July 1st.
This time of being by myself has given me lots of opportunity to explore my psyche. I haven't learned much yet, except that the peace and quiet are restful to a point but I miss some excitement in my life. And that "restful" does not equate to getting enough rest; I'm exhausted all the time. But I must do what I must do.
I was working on the podiatrists laptop this week, and took the opportunity to ask him about my feet. I've been trying to do a bit of walking, but the foot and ankle and leg pain are just killing me. And I LIKE to walk. I've walked at least 10 miles in the last 5 days.
To make a long story short, I made an appointment to see the podiatrist. My feet show definite signs of a problem, and he knows he can help me surmount the problem. Isn't for a couple of weeks though. Basically, my feet have lost their "spring", so the muscles, joints, and tendons of my ankles and legs are getting all the shock. And adding padding (which is what I've been doing) isn't going to help.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Where to live?
Trying to figure out if it is cheaper to live in Hibbing or GR, including transport, so I ran some numbers:
Miles Hospital to:
Grand Rapids 3
Bovey 8
Taconite 12
Marble 15
Calumet 17
Pengilly 21
Nashwauk 24
Hibbing 36
Note that I measured to an arbitrary point in each town. Yeah, I might be able to rent an apartment in GR that is only 100 yards from the hospital, or I might rent one that is 6 miles away and still in GR.
I see two different ways to calculate this. The first, and, I think, the correct way is to use the federal mileage allowance, which, I think, is $.50 per mile. To keep it simple, let's compute for monthly cost of 5 round trips per week, 52 weeks per year divided by 12 months at $.50 per mile:
Grand Rapids $ 65
Bovey 173
Taconite 360
Marble 325
Calumet 369
Pengilly 455
nashwauk 520
Hibbing 780
Note that this method theoretically includes all maintenance and upkeep expenses on an average vehicle.
The other way would be to compute just straight fuel costs. Let's figure the Mustang at a straight 20 MPG and regular gas at 2.69 (the price as of this morning), which gives a cost of $.1345 per mile and a monthly fuel cost of:
Grand Rapids $ 9
Bovey 25
Taconite 37
Marble 47
Calumet 53
Pengilly 65
Nashwauk 84
Hibbing 112
I think the first way would be a better way to figure it. Somehow, I have to afford new tires and oil changes and all the other stuff that goes into keeping a car running. The second way ONLY measures fuel costs.
I can get a furnished Studio including utilities for about $600/month in Grand Rapids. Going by the first calculation, you would need to pay me $180 extra per month to commute from Hibbing. Going the second route I would need to find a similar apartment in Hibbing for less than $500 per month.
I suspect that the truth lies somewhere between the two. However, I'm also thinking that I will restrict my search to within a 10 mile radius of the Hospital. One way or another I need to get a life, and I don't intend to live my life commuting.
So, I think, here is what I'm looking for:
An apartment, within 10 miles of the Hospital, including utilities, including Internet, preferable furnished, garage a huge plus, for about $600 per month.
The tough part will be making the deposit, usually equal to two or three months rent. I'm only bringing home about $1400 per month, and more than half of that goes into my transportation costs (loan, insurance, gas), so it kinda looks like I will be living in the car for at least the next couple of months. Guess I should be happy if I can get into an apartment before the cold weather hits, say by the end of September? I should be able to manage that, but in the meantime all the rest of my bills are going to have to wait; doesn't look like I'll be able to pay anything except current living expenses. Kind of a shame, since just a few short months ago I had excellent credit, but, c'est la guerre.
Miles Hospital to:
Grand Rapids 3
Bovey 8
Taconite 12
Marble 15
Calumet 17
Pengilly 21
Nashwauk 24
Hibbing 36
Note that I measured to an arbitrary point in each town. Yeah, I might be able to rent an apartment in GR that is only 100 yards from the hospital, or I might rent one that is 6 miles away and still in GR.
I see two different ways to calculate this. The first, and, I think, the correct way is to use the federal mileage allowance, which, I think, is $.50 per mile. To keep it simple, let's compute for monthly cost of 5 round trips per week, 52 weeks per year divided by 12 months at $.50 per mile:
Grand Rapids $ 65
Bovey 173
Taconite 360
Marble 325
Calumet 369
Pengilly 455
nashwauk 520
Hibbing 780
Note that this method theoretically includes all maintenance and upkeep expenses on an average vehicle.
The other way would be to compute just straight fuel costs. Let's figure the Mustang at a straight 20 MPG and regular gas at 2.69 (the price as of this morning), which gives a cost of $.1345 per mile and a monthly fuel cost of:
Grand Rapids $ 9
Bovey 25
Taconite 37
Marble 47
Calumet 53
Pengilly 65
Nashwauk 84
Hibbing 112
I think the first way would be a better way to figure it. Somehow, I have to afford new tires and oil changes and all the other stuff that goes into keeping a car running. The second way ONLY measures fuel costs.
I can get a furnished Studio including utilities for about $600/month in Grand Rapids. Going by the first calculation, you would need to pay me $180 extra per month to commute from Hibbing. Going the second route I would need to find a similar apartment in Hibbing for less than $500 per month.
I suspect that the truth lies somewhere between the two. However, I'm also thinking that I will restrict my search to within a 10 mile radius of the Hospital. One way or another I need to get a life, and I don't intend to live my life commuting.
So, I think, here is what I'm looking for:
An apartment, within 10 miles of the Hospital, including utilities, including Internet, preferable furnished, garage a huge plus, for about $600 per month.
The tough part will be making the deposit, usually equal to two or three months rent. I'm only bringing home about $1400 per month, and more than half of that goes into my transportation costs (loan, insurance, gas), so it kinda looks like I will be living in the car for at least the next couple of months. Guess I should be happy if I can get into an apartment before the cold weather hits, say by the end of September? I should be able to manage that, but in the meantime all the rest of my bills are going to have to wait; doesn't look like I'll be able to pay anything except current living expenses. Kind of a shame, since just a few short months ago I had excellent credit, but, c'est la guerre.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Blazer
Well, you probably won't believe this, I'm still shaking my head, besides about being ready to punch a couple of people. What are they thinking????
Since Char kicked me out she wanted the Blazer off the property. Now, the Blazer has issues, blown head gasket anyways, but still, maybe repairable, and I had a guy wanting to give me $300 for it, but I can't sell it until after the divorce, so it's been sitting in the woods behind Char's home.
So, last Sunday, I towed it down to the Farm, since I don't really have any place to keep it. It should be safe there, correct? Well, I thought so.
Then, I got a call from the guy that wanted to buy it, he said that the front clip was all torn up. I said I'd go by and see what was going on. Seems Matt wanted a couple of parts off of it for his Jimmy, I said he could go ahead and get the distributor cap and the dash lights from it.
Then today was Matt's High School Grad Party, and I was invited out to the house along with my brothers family and a bunch of other family and friends.
Here's a couple of photos dating from the end of April, the Blazer looked the same (except for the mud being dried up) when I towed it to the farm seven days ago:
It's not pretty like the Mustang, but it's all there, right? It's repairable, right? By the way, the windshield was brand new just before I was given the Blazer, and was one of the reasons why I had an offer for $300.
Look at these photos taken this afternoon. I still can't believe Matt or Betty would do this to me, and Matt says that he has no idea how it happened, but what am I supposed to think? They ain't no-one else that's gonna do it.
Seems I can't trust anybody any longer. That's OK, I ain't gonna trust you no more. This is absolutely ridiculous, and somebody's gonna pay for it.
Since Char kicked me out she wanted the Blazer off the property. Now, the Blazer has issues, blown head gasket anyways, but still, maybe repairable, and I had a guy wanting to give me $300 for it, but I can't sell it until after the divorce, so it's been sitting in the woods behind Char's home.
So, last Sunday, I towed it down to the Farm, since I don't really have any place to keep it. It should be safe there, correct? Well, I thought so.
Then, I got a call from the guy that wanted to buy it, he said that the front clip was all torn up. I said I'd go by and see what was going on. Seems Matt wanted a couple of parts off of it for his Jimmy, I said he could go ahead and get the distributor cap and the dash lights from it.
Then today was Matt's High School Grad Party, and I was invited out to the house along with my brothers family and a bunch of other family and friends.
Here's a couple of photos dating from the end of April, the Blazer looked the same (except for the mud being dried up) when I towed it to the farm seven days ago:
It's not pretty like the Mustang, but it's all there, right? It's repairable, right? By the way, the windshield was brand new just before I was given the Blazer, and was one of the reasons why I had an offer for $300.
Look at these photos taken this afternoon. I still can't believe Matt or Betty would do this to me, and Matt says that he has no idea how it happened, but what am I supposed to think? They ain't no-one else that's gonna do it.
Seems I can't trust anybody any longer. That's OK, I ain't gonna trust you no more. This is absolutely ridiculous, and somebody's gonna pay for it.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Bemidji Car Show
In mid-June the Bemidji Senior Center has a Pancake Feed and Car Show. They use the Wells-Fargo Parking Lot across the street for the car show. A lot of area residents use the parking lot for their own purposes, but it worked out. Pretty good T-Storm last night and some heavy rain showers this morning kept most folks away.
Friday night after arriving in Bemidji from GR I stopped at a car wash and washed and waxed the Mustang. She's looking better than she has for several weeks. Still need to get the stains out of the back seats and need to do something about all the paint nicks, chips, and scratches. Every time I wax I notice more places that need repair.
1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser next to my 2006 Mustang GT
'57 Merc, 06 Stang, 29 Model T
Pink Jeep, Pink T-Shirt in background is driver.
T-Bird and Charger R/T
Charger R/T
Check out the spoked wheels
Jon, Phillip, Patty, Evan
Friday night after arriving in Bemidji from GR I stopped at a car wash and washed and waxed the Mustang. She's looking better than she has for several weeks. Still need to get the stains out of the back seats and need to do something about all the paint nicks, chips, and scratches. Every time I wax I notice more places that need repair.
1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser next to my 2006 Mustang GT
'57 Merc, 06 Stang, 29 Model T
Pink Jeep, Pink T-Shirt in background is driver.
T-Bird and Charger R/T
Charger R/T
Check out the spoked wheels
Jon, Phillip, Patty, Evan
Friday, June 12, 2009
DQ Cruise
It's really fun having a decent car to take to the DQ Cruise Night. Now if I can just remember to take some pics of my own car that would be nice. Tomorrow, Saturday, there is a car show I'm attending in Bemidji; hopefully I will remember to get a couple of pics there.
There have been several other Mustangs at the Cruise night. Last week there were three Mustangs that were not here last night, plus the 4 that were here last night. I mentioned to a couple of the other Mustang drivers that we should have a "Mustang Parking " area; we've been spread out across the parking lot and I think it might be fun to have them all together. We'll see what happens next week, this is all very informal anyways.
In the meantime, here are a few of the other vehicles that have been at DQ the last couple of cruise nights.
Shelby GT in foreground, my Mustang GT in Background.
Pearl Flames on a 56 Chevy
I have the same wheels in storage for my GT, minus the center caps.
It's good to see an Old School Rodder.
I think the decal would be out of place on my car, but I like it anyways. Wonder if I can get a flaming horse skull for mine?
Looks like a genny Roush Stage 3 Mustang. How cool!
There have been several other Mustangs at the Cruise night. Last week there were three Mustangs that were not here last night, plus the 4 that were here last night. I mentioned to a couple of the other Mustang drivers that we should have a "Mustang Parking " area; we've been spread out across the parking lot and I think it might be fun to have them all together. We'll see what happens next week, this is all very informal anyways.
In the meantime, here are a few of the other vehicles that have been at DQ the last couple of cruise nights.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
My Calorie Counter
Found a neat website this evening, http://my-calorie-counter.everydayhealth.com. It ..."provides you with the tools and information you need to succeed. Whether your goal is to lose weight, gain weight, make a few friends or simply track your diet and exercise". It is free with premium memberships with coaching available.
This website also works on my Windows Mobile device, so I can carry it with me wherever I go.
One of the features I like is that it allows you to build custom food entries. I had a turkey sandwich for lunch today. There are LOTS of turkey sandwiches in the database, but none quite like mine, so I made a custom entry. Using the labels on the food packaging I came up with this:
As you can see, it counts more than calories, it counts everything required on the food labels. I actually set this up in a simple spreadsheet to do the math for me; then I just entered the final totals so the entry looks like this:
Now, whenever i eat my custom turkey sandwich I can just enter it into my journal as one serving of turkey sandwich.
The database includes lots of restaurant foods, including some of my faves like the McD's Double Cheeseburger (458 calories!!) and the BK Sausage Croisan'wich (530 calories!!!) However, I STILL can't find anybody that lists the Papa Murphy's stuffed crust meat pizza.
Anywho, it costs nothing to setup a user account, after which you can log in from any PC and keep track of your diet. It allows you to set goals and provides reports to help you visualize your progress. FDA Daily Reference Values are included. The site also includes a suite of tools including BMI and BMR calculators, Meal Plan wizards, and Activity/Exercise lists. They also provide MySpace and Xanga codes and a Firefox Plugin.
I did a similar setup for my Peanut Butter Sandwich, so now todays Journal entry looks like this:
This website also works on my Windows Mobile device, so I can carry it with me wherever I go.
One of the features I like is that it allows you to build custom food entries. I had a turkey sandwich for lunch today. There are LOTS of turkey sandwiches in the database, but none quite like mine, so I made a custom entry. Using the labels on the food packaging I came up with this:
| Calorie Counter | |||||
| Turkey | Bread | Pickle | Cheese | Turkey Sandwich | |
| Calories | 80 | 150 | 5 | 70 | 305 |
| Total Fat g | 4 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 11 |
| Saturated Fat g | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 4 |
| Trans Fat g | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cholesterol mg | 25 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 45 |
| Sodium mg | 690 | 270 | 390 | 270 | 1620 |
| Total Carbohydrate g | 1 | 26 | 1 | 2 | 30 |
| Dietary Fiber g | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Sugars g | 0 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 7 |
| Protein g | 8 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 19 |
| Vitamin A % | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Vitamin C % | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Calcium % | 0 | 8 | 0 | 25 | 33 |
| Iron % | 4 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
As you can see, it counts more than calories, it counts everything required on the food labels. I actually set this up in a simple spreadsheet to do the math for me; then I just entered the final totals so the entry looks like this:
Now, whenever i eat my custom turkey sandwich I can just enter it into my journal as one serving of turkey sandwich.
The database includes lots of restaurant foods, including some of my faves like the McD's Double Cheeseburger (458 calories!!) and the BK Sausage Croisan'wich (530 calories!!!) However, I STILL can't find anybody that lists the Papa Murphy's stuffed crust meat pizza.
Anywho, it costs nothing to setup a user account, after which you can log in from any PC and keep track of your diet. It allows you to set goals and provides reports to help you visualize your progress. FDA Daily Reference Values are included. The site also includes a suite of tools including BMI and BMR calculators, Meal Plan wizards, and Activity/Exercise lists. They also provide MySpace and Xanga codes and a Firefox Plugin.
I did a similar setup for my Peanut Butter Sandwich, so now todays Journal entry looks like this:
iPhone 3.0
Just reading a news release about the new iPhone to be released on June 18.
I think they might have it right in about another year, I'm still amazed at how many basic features are stiil missing, although I have been impressed with it otherwise. I note that, although the feature is now available, AT&T still will not allow tethering or MMS. I personally like the inability to send or forward to multiple SMS recipients, but that is a feature wanted by many. The inability to share data over bluetooth is a serious drawback as well, and creating custom ringtones is a total PIA, as well as the necessity to use a PC (or Mac) for many major tasks. The 'Find My Phone' is a nice touch, including the ability to remote wipe the iPhone, and the upcoming GPS functionality will be welcomed by many.
A few excerpts:
Apple' senior vice president of iPhone software Scott Forstall said that the iPhone 3.0 OS will be released on 17 June. Forstall relayed this information in the keynote speech at Apple's worldwide developers' conference (WWDC) where he said that the iPhone 3.0 would be a free release for all iPhone customers.
Many of the new features in iPhone 3.0 have been talked about before - Cut, Copy, and Paste, for example. Landscape mode in all key applications, including Mail, Notes and Messages. Spotlight support across the entire device, and ubiquitous searching. Peer-to-peer Bluetooth-based multiplayer gaming, push notification, in-app store support and other capabilities factored into demonstrations showing off iPhone 3.0's new features, as well.
Forstall also delved deeper into some capabilities in the new operating system. MMS is a feature that many users have been clamouring for: iPhone 3.0 will have that capability but it won't be available in the US.
Another new feature will be tethering: the ability for a Mac or PC to share the iPhone's Internet connection. iPhone 3.0's tethering works over USB or Bluetooth, and works on Mac OS X and Windows, but it won't be available in the US.
"Find My Phone" is a new feature in iPhone 3.0 that helps you locate your iPhone if you've misplaced it. It's specifically for MobileMe customers - you can log in to MobileMe and it will show you where you left your phone. You can send a message to the phone, and will play an alert, even if you left the phone in silent mode. What's more, remote wipe isn't a feature just for system administrators anymore - "Find My Phone" will let you erase all your data if your iPhone falls into the wrong hands.
Another hotly-anticipated capability for the iPhone is turn-by-turn GPS-based directions. To that end, TomTom demonstrated an iPhone 3.0 application that delivers real TomTom navigation on the iPhone. What's more, the software also works with a cradle device that suction-cups to your vehicle's window. It's more than just a holder - it securely docks the iPhone, and can enhance the iPhone's GPS capabilities, and give you hands-free calling capabilities, power and a loudspeaker. TomTom plans to release both this summer, with a range of maps.
The new iPhone, dubbed the iPhone 3GS will launch applications faster than previous models. The new phone will have some new features, while looking broadly similar. The latest model offers a brand-new camera that lets you control the focus either by tapping on the screen or using the autofocus feature. In addition, the iPhone's new camera captures video in addition to still photos-a heavily requested feature among iPhone owners. In addition, the iPhone 3GS includes a voice-control feature to allow users to speak commands for applications on the phone. Accessibility improvements include VoiceOver support for reading to users and the ability to zoom in on the phone's display for larger icons.
From an AT&T Press Release:
Dallas, Texas, June 8, 2009
AT&T* today announced it will offer Apple iPhone 3G S, the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet, in its retail and online stores beginning June 19. In addition, the company today will begin selling iPhone 3G starting at $99 for new and qualifying subscribers. AT&T offers the nation's fastest 3G network and the best worldwide coverage of any U.S. carrier.**
"iPhone 3G S is the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet, and we're extremely proud to offer it to our customers on the nation's fastest 3G network," said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "We're also pleased to offer these innovative phones and plans at incredible values, including free Wi-Fi access at nearly 20,000 hot spots."
Based on independent market research, twice as many smartphone users have chosen AT&T over any other U.S. carrier. "I expect this great new iPhone 3G S and a $99 iPhone 3G on our mobile broadband network will spur even more smartphone customers to choose AT&T," said de la Vega.
PRICING
AT&T will offer iPhone 3G S and iPhone 3G at a variety of attractive prices:
Prices above require a 2-year service commitment and approved voice and data plan. Options are available to purchase these phones without a 2-year contract commitment.
PREORDERING
Customers may preorder iPhone 3G S beginning at approximately 5 p.m. ET today at in AT&T's more than 2,200 company-owned retail locations or later this evening at www.att.com/iphone. All preorders will be processed on a "first come, first served" basis beginning June 19. Customers who preorder online will have iPhone 3G S delivered directly to their home or office; customers who preorder in a store can pick theirs up at the same store on or after June 19. Stores will open early at 7 a.m. on June 19 exclusively for customers who have preordered.
CONSUMER PLANS
AT&T customers can choose from several monthly plans that start as low as $69.99 per month for voice and unlimited data (e-mail and Web browsing). All iPhone plans include nationwide long distance and roaming, Visual Voicemail, Rollover®, and unlimited Mobile to Mobile calling.
AT&T FamilyTalk® offers extra value for families who share minutes. Plans start as low as $129.99 a month for two iPhone lines with bundled voice and unlimited data. Up to three additional iPhone lines can be added for $39.99 each.
BUSINESS PLANS
Small business customers may qualify for AT&T BusinessTalk®, a shared minute plan specifically for small businesses. Companies can share up to 20,000 minutes per month between as many as 40 employees. In addition, business customers and employees of many businesses are eligible for discounted service rates. For more information, contact an AT&T business sales representative or visit www.att.com/iphoneforbusiness.
NETWORK
AT&T operates the nation's fastest 3G network, delivering the power and benefits of mobile broadband to consumers and businesses. iPhone 3G S will be compatible with High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology, which offers theoretical peak download speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps, though actual speeds will vary as these capabilities become available. AT&T plans to begin deploying HSPA 7.2 later this year, with completion expected in 2011.
In addition to the planned speed upgrade, AT&T is enhancing its mobile broadband coverage by nearly doubling the wireless spectrum dedicated to 3G in most metropolitan areas to deliver stronger in-building reception and more overall network capacity.
Today, AT&T offers 3G service in nearly 350 major metropolitan areas in the U.S., with more than 20 more planned for the end of this year. AT&T also leads in Wi-Fi, offering free broadband connectivity to iPhone customers in nearly 20,000 hot spots including Starbucks and Barnes & Noble, and nearly 80,000 hot spots around the world.
Additional news regarding iPhone 3G S will be posted in the AT&T Media Newsroom at www.att.com/iphone_news.
I think they might have it right in about another year, I'm still amazed at how many basic features are stiil missing, although I have been impressed with it otherwise. I note that, although the feature is now available, AT&T still will not allow tethering or MMS. I personally like the inability to send or forward to multiple SMS recipients, but that is a feature wanted by many. The inability to share data over bluetooth is a serious drawback as well, and creating custom ringtones is a total PIA, as well as the necessity to use a PC (or Mac) for many major tasks. The 'Find My Phone' is a nice touch, including the ability to remote wipe the iPhone, and the upcoming GPS functionality will be welcomed by many.
A few excerpts:
Apple' senior vice president of iPhone software Scott Forstall said that the iPhone 3.0 OS will be released on 17 June. Forstall relayed this information in the keynote speech at Apple's worldwide developers' conference (WWDC) where he said that the iPhone 3.0 would be a free release for all iPhone customers.
Many of the new features in iPhone 3.0 have been talked about before - Cut, Copy, and Paste, for example. Landscape mode in all key applications, including Mail, Notes and Messages. Spotlight support across the entire device, and ubiquitous searching. Peer-to-peer Bluetooth-based multiplayer gaming, push notification, in-app store support and other capabilities factored into demonstrations showing off iPhone 3.0's new features, as well.
Forstall also delved deeper into some capabilities in the new operating system. MMS is a feature that many users have been clamouring for: iPhone 3.0 will have that capability but it won't be available in the US.
Another new feature will be tethering: the ability for a Mac or PC to share the iPhone's Internet connection. iPhone 3.0's tethering works over USB or Bluetooth, and works on Mac OS X and Windows, but it won't be available in the US.
"Find My Phone" is a new feature in iPhone 3.0 that helps you locate your iPhone if you've misplaced it. It's specifically for MobileMe customers - you can log in to MobileMe and it will show you where you left your phone. You can send a message to the phone, and will play an alert, even if you left the phone in silent mode. What's more, remote wipe isn't a feature just for system administrators anymore - "Find My Phone" will let you erase all your data if your iPhone falls into the wrong hands.
Another hotly-anticipated capability for the iPhone is turn-by-turn GPS-based directions. To that end, TomTom demonstrated an iPhone 3.0 application that delivers real TomTom navigation on the iPhone. What's more, the software also works with a cradle device that suction-cups to your vehicle's window. It's more than just a holder - it securely docks the iPhone, and can enhance the iPhone's GPS capabilities, and give you hands-free calling capabilities, power and a loudspeaker. TomTom plans to release both this summer, with a range of maps.
The new iPhone, dubbed the iPhone 3GS will launch applications faster than previous models. The new phone will have some new features, while looking broadly similar. The latest model offers a brand-new camera that lets you control the focus either by tapping on the screen or using the autofocus feature. In addition, the iPhone's new camera captures video in addition to still photos-a heavily requested feature among iPhone owners. In addition, the iPhone 3GS includes a voice-control feature to allow users to speak commands for applications on the phone. Accessibility improvements include VoiceOver support for reading to users and the ability to zoom in on the phone's display for larger icons.
From an AT&T Press Release:
AT&T to Offer iPhone 3G S on June 19
iPhone 3G S Preordering Available Online and at AT&T Stores Today
Dallas, Texas, June 8, 2009
newsrelease
AT&T* today announced it will offer Apple iPhone 3G S, the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet, in its retail and online stores beginning June 19. In addition, the company today will begin selling iPhone 3G starting at $99 for new and qualifying subscribers. AT&T offers the nation's fastest 3G network and the best worldwide coverage of any U.S. carrier.**
"iPhone 3G S is the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet, and we're extremely proud to offer it to our customers on the nation's fastest 3G network," said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "We're also pleased to offer these innovative phones and plans at incredible values, including free Wi-Fi access at nearly 20,000 hot spots."
Based on independent market research, twice as many smartphone users have chosen AT&T over any other U.S. carrier. "I expect this great new iPhone 3G S and a $99 iPhone 3G on our mobile broadband network will spur even more smartphone customers to choose AT&T," said de la Vega.
PRICING
AT&T will offer iPhone 3G S and iPhone 3G at a variety of attractive prices:
- iPhone 3G S will cost $199 (16GB) and $299 (32GB) for new and qualifying customers.
- iPhone 3G will cost $99 (8GB) for new and qualifying customers.
- The 16 GB iPhone 3G will be available for $149 while supplies last.
Prices above require a 2-year service commitment and approved voice and data plan. Options are available to purchase these phones without a 2-year contract commitment.
PREORDERING
Customers may preorder iPhone 3G S beginning at approximately 5 p.m. ET today at in AT&T's more than 2,200 company-owned retail locations or later this evening at www.att.com/iphone. All preorders will be processed on a "first come, first served" basis beginning June 19. Customers who preorder online will have iPhone 3G S delivered directly to their home or office; customers who preorder in a store can pick theirs up at the same store on or after June 19. Stores will open early at 7 a.m. on June 19 exclusively for customers who have preordered.
CONSUMER PLANS
AT&T customers can choose from several monthly plans that start as low as $69.99 per month for voice and unlimited data (e-mail and Web browsing). All iPhone plans include nationwide long distance and roaming, Visual Voicemail, Rollover®, and unlimited Mobile to Mobile calling.
AT&T FamilyTalk® offers extra value for families who share minutes. Plans start as low as $129.99 a month for two iPhone lines with bundled voice and unlimited data. Up to three additional iPhone lines can be added for $39.99 each.
BUSINESS PLANS
Small business customers may qualify for AT&T BusinessTalk®, a shared minute plan specifically for small businesses. Companies can share up to 20,000 minutes per month between as many as 40 employees. In addition, business customers and employees of many businesses are eligible for discounted service rates. For more information, contact an AT&T business sales representative or visit www.att.com/iphoneforbusiness.
NETWORK
AT&T operates the nation's fastest 3G network, delivering the power and benefits of mobile broadband to consumers and businesses. iPhone 3G S will be compatible with High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology, which offers theoretical peak download speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps, though actual speeds will vary as these capabilities become available. AT&T plans to begin deploying HSPA 7.2 later this year, with completion expected in 2011.
In addition to the planned speed upgrade, AT&T is enhancing its mobile broadband coverage by nearly doubling the wireless spectrum dedicated to 3G in most metropolitan areas to deliver stronger in-building reception and more overall network capacity.
Today, AT&T offers 3G service in nearly 350 major metropolitan areas in the U.S., with more than 20 more planned for the end of this year. AT&T also leads in Wi-Fi, offering free broadband connectivity to iPhone customers in nearly 20,000 hot spots including Starbucks and Barnes & Noble, and nearly 80,000 hot spots around the world.
Additional news regarding iPhone 3G S will be posted in the AT&T Media Newsroom at www.att.com/iphone_news.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
**Offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T offers the best coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verseSM and AT&T|DIRECTVSM brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T’s Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE® magazine’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at www.facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.
© 2009 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Da Boot
I'm doing really good in relationships lately. First I get booted from home, now I've been booted from the room I've been renting. I don't have to be out until 7/1, but need to start looking now. Where am I going to find a place to live for $300/month? The cheapest Studio I have found is $600. C'est la guerre.
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