Posts

Posted on

Are We There Yet?

This weekend, thanks to my friend’s small child, I had a brilliant suggestion for auto makers and after market car whiz-bang installers: Stop installing DVD players in the back seat (which just perpetuate the military industrial entertainment complex) and GPS receivers in the dashboard (which lead to distracted drivers and accidents).
Instead, put the display for the GPS in the back seat. What does this accomplish?

  1. Drivers are no longer visually distracted by GPS maps. Instead, they can ask the kid in the back seat, who will be more than happy to provide navigation functions.
  2. Drivers are no longer distracted by the sound of “are we there yet? Are we there yet,” from the back seat.
  3. Kids learn the value of being helpful, which both pleases the parents and speeds the journey.

Obviously a person driving solo can’t use a GPS display in the back seat, so maybe you need two, but still, skip the DVD player.
Think about it.

Posted on

Information Disclosure: A Real World Example (non-IT)

A friend of mine collapsed on New Year’s Eve (no, not from drinking) and was admitted to the regional hospital. I called last night to ask when visiting hours were. I gave his name and was transferred to the department where he was (in the ICU). The gentleman I spoke with there told me to come by after 8AM to visit my friend. I told him I preferred to call ahead, since I live about an hour away, and he said that made sense.
This morning, I called to see if I could visit. However, I specifically asked if he was admitted. (Now, I’m not sure exactly why I didn’t say “My friend was admitted, can I come visit” instead, but that’s just the way the words came out of my mouth). I was asked for my friend’s name. I gave it, and was told “that patient hasn’t given permission to give out his status.”
I pointed out to the person on the phone that she had just confirmed to me that he was admitted, which was my original question. She replied “Okay…” I thanked her and hung up.
What conclusions do you draw from this?

Posted on

hello, world (Round Two)

It’s been almost two months since I’ve played World of Warcraft. I miss killing pixelated badguys with my imaginary friends, but I prefer the real world. Although I must say, today’s -10?F does remind me of Winterspring (or maybe Northrend, even though my toons never stepped foot in there).

Posted on

No Clue What to Give for Christmas

I’m stuck. I have no idea what to give folks for Christmas this year. Friends, family, extended family. No clue.I mean, yeah, I have this leftover ring that I’m not using anymore, but where the heck am I to find frankincense and myrrh?
Sure, I could be lame and give a gift certificate, but that’s one step above cash. Nothing says “I took no time to find a gift for you” quite like cash.
*sigh* Fine. Gift certificates it is. *groan*

Posted on

Medifast Transition

So, I’ve been “transitioning” back to “normal” food over the last few weeks. The MyMedifast.com web site has been automatically adjusting my recommended daily intake of food for me, gradually dropping me down the number of Medifast meals (shakes, soups, and bars) and reintroducing extra vegetables, fruits, dairy, and grains.
So far, my body’s not liking the dairy part, but I just remembered that I never ate much dairy prior to the diet anyway! So I’m going to be cutting back on that, or maybe replacing the yogurt with soy milk or something. I’m looking forward to having more bread back in my diet. I tell ya, sandwiches just haven’t been the same without it. Seriously though, I could really go for a burrito right now. Eggs, salsa, a little sour cream, a little cheese, and a whole wheat wrap. Oh, and a half cup of Tabasco. What more could I ask for to start the day?
In other news, HOLY MOLEY! I can eat potatoes again!
“Control, control! You must learn control!” — Yoda