Out Loud?

MDA Arrest is Tomorrow

2009-04-07T19:59:57Z

Is anyone else interested in donating to the Muscular Dystrophy Association through my efforts to raise "Bail" money?

You can do so by going to https://www.joinmda.org/butlerlockup09/jason or contacting me directly with a physical address to send a pledge slip to.

Thanks in advance!

MDA 2009 Arrest

2009-03-31T20:46:31Z

I'm glad to say that I am once again facing imminent arrest by the Muscular Dystrophy Association. As in previous years, I'd still like to send 3 children to Summer Camp.

http://www.mda.org/clinics/camp/

I'm way behind on my efforts, time, and pledges to realistically hope for that lofty goal that I've never yet reached.

Every year, I _*HAVE*_ found enough generosity in all of those around me to send one kid. This year that is $800 worth of generous people.

Please help me do it again! Any amount will help out greatly, $5 helps a lot more than $0 and "I'd send $25 if I could..."

Either leave a comment, email (jason37@joinmda.org) about where to send you a pledge slip, or just visit the online donation center:

https://www.joinmda.org/butlerlockup09/jason

Children's Book about Windows Home Server??!!!

2008-07-23T19:43:32Z

It's not my joke. The marketing guys at M$ wrote a "children's book" to explain Windows Home Server.

You can buy(?!) the book on Amazon:
Mommy, Why is There a Server in the House?

view it online

or buy a server to give me money for the $600 referral.

Thanks to ladydraykona for emailling me about it and then not posting it.

Netflix Listened!

2008-07-22T20:09:04Z

I posted a while ago about Netflix having decided to drop their "Profiles" feature.

On June 30th, while on vacation (my excuse for forgetting to post), I received an email letting me know they are keeping the Profile feature.

Kudos to Netflix for listening! I guess I can go back to referring them.

TOR.com giving away free eBooks

2008-07-22T19:49:54Z

I am quite fond of quite a few things. Among those things are books and especially when the word free applies to them. (Not that I don't spend too much, too.)

So, I thought I would share a link that combines those words, a well-known publisher (TOR) and limited time:

Until July 27, Several books (in multiple formats) and artwork are available.

After that, they'll have regular releases available.

There are other publishers (and authors) that do the same or similar. Maybe I'll make a post later this week listing the ones I've found. Please comment with any that you know.

I've "Got Gas?"!

2008-06-27T15:51:38Z

No, that is not a "TMI" statement!

The local radio station is running a promo offering $25 per day of free gas. It grows with each day the winner doesn't call within 10 minutes. I just won $75 worth of gas. That'll make the trip to the in-laws cheaper.

Thanks to my co-worker that missed the chance on Wednesday (no, I didn't sabotage her, I was out of town.) and whomever missed it yesterday!

Netflix is Making a Huge Mistake!

2008-06-19T17:47:12Z

I have just received notice that Netflix will be discontinuing an important (to me) albeit advanced feature.

As of September 1, 2008, they will delete all existing extra queues (Profiles) users may have; they already cannot be added. This is a feature by which my 3-at-a-time account was setup so I received a kid's movie when we returned a kids movie, or the next CSI when we returned this one, and whatever movie mama_ren or I wanted to watch next. I will now have to manually balance my queue as I did before this unique option existed.

The email cites:

While it may be disappointing to see Profiles go away, this change will help us continue to improve the Netflix website for all our customers

The company blog states:

Please know that the motivation is solely driven by keeping our service as simple and as easy to use as possible. Too many members found the feature difficult to understand and cumbersome, having to consistently log in and out of the website.

Continuing to maintain the profiles feature for the passionate few who use it (including myself) distracts us from the mission of presenting to all our members the easiest way to find the best titles for them from the 100k plus on DVD and the 10k plus available instantly.

It is cumbersome, so revamp it. If it is a distraction from broadcasting 10,000 videos, split that off from the DVD company and charge separtely for that new distraction which would be more profitable on its own now that there is demand and direct to TV converters for it.

It could only be a distraction from the DVD services if they are not part of Netflix's future. Afterall, adding 100+ Dora the Explorer, Diego, Blue's Clues, Sesame Street and Wiggles DVDs to my queue of action-adventure flicks is not going to "find the best titles" for anyone at all.

In short, I apologize to everyone I ever recommended Netflix on the basis of a unique tool. To those I would have, go rent the new stuff at a nearby RedBox, its cheaper anyway, or check out SwapADVD as a way to get rid of what you don't watch anymore to get stuff you want to see; if you hate it, swap it. Unfortunately, TV shows can't be found as easily otherwise.

Children's Books

2008-06-18T14:25:06Z

Not many people can figure out that I'm a Dad. (yeah right!)

However, after several nights over the last few weeks of reading them, I have to recommend the following books:

Bad Kitty (Hardcover)

and

Poor Puppy (Hardcover)

They are both excellent alphabet books that aren't painful for the parents (ok, maybe after the 75th time, but then Everything is after that many times.) These are not "A is for Apple" books; they use list items like: "[played] Quoits in Qatar" and "eXamined my Diary" and my children's favorite: "Hurled Hairballs at our Heads." There are a few alphabet lists in each book, and all of them are different and amusing.

I can't say anything about it, yet, but another in the series is due soon:

Bad Kitty Gets a Bath (Hardcover)

If you have children to read to or to buy for, they're my suggestions.

Free Book!

2008-05-27T16:03:56Z

Anyone interested in a free e-book?

It's the first of a series (4 as of this week) of comedic books written by a very amusing Aussie, so there are similar overtones to HHGttG or Red Dwarf type comedy. Someone also likened it to Pratchett, set in Space

The book is Hal Spacejock by Simon Haynes (halspacejock), who also writes free software dealing with books, writing and library/collection organization. I've only read the first few chapters of the book so far, but it is already well worth the 675 kb zip file worth of bandwidth.

The books in the series are:
Hal Spacejock (in case you prefer physical books to even free eBooks), Hal Spacejock: Second Course, Hal Spacejock: Just Desserts and Hal Spacejock: No Free Lunch.

If you've read any of them, I'd love to hear how they really are, so please comment.

MeMe: This will teach you to ask the nearest book while I'm working!

2008-04-22T18:17:11Z

I was tagged by macbeaner who probably thought it'd be some bit of science fiction

Here are the rules:

1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people and post a comment to whoever tagged you once you've posted your three sentences.

The nearest book at the moment is:
Power Planning for Business: Avoiding Make Believe Business by Bernard T. Smith

This is because in turn, each can generate a similar gross margin return on inventory.
Certain machines are capable of producing a variety of products. Some products will have a higher gross profit per hour of machine resource employed. It makes sense to use that machine's resources to produce those products.

Ok, so I put in 4 sentences, but that fourth made it more bearable for me to post.

Ok, now for my tagging:

moondaizee

diamond_pick

mama_ren

ladydraykona

foster076

Apology and Tally.

2008-04-10T18:05:26Z

I'd like to apologize to everyone for my attitude about this, especially yesterday. Have been rude and I am sorry. I owe a special apology to mario05 whom I badgered quite rudely right before posting yesterday.

Please do not let my uncouth behavior tarnish the MDA or any other charitable organization. Your donations are what make the difference.

Rude though I may be, I did collect $800 yesterday ($200 from one of my friends list members) and found another $20 on-line when I got on this morning. So, I gathered enough donations for 1 kid to go to camp, and enough for another child's hand.

Thank you all.

Thats what I get for preferring not to type...

2007-10-21T05:45:45Z

Which sci-fi crew would you best fit in with? (pics)
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Nebuchadnezzar (The Matrix)

You can change the world around you. You have a strong will and a high technical aptitude. Is it possible you are the one? Now if only Agent Smith would quit beating up your friends.

Nebuchadnezzar (The Matrix)

88%

Moya (Farscape)

81%

Deep Space Nine (Star Trek)

69%

Heart of Gold (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy)

69%

Babylon 5 (Babylon 5)

69%

Millennium Falcon (Star Wars)

63%

Serenity (Firefly)

56%

Bebop (Cowboy Bebop)

50%

Andromeda Ascendant (Andromeda)

50%

Enterprise D (Star Trek)

44%

SG-1 (Stargate)

44%

Galactica (Battlestar: Galactica)

38%

FBI's X-Files Division (The X-Files)

Ted Dekker Trilogy

2007-08-24T15:48:00Z

Over the last year, I've really started liking the Books of author Ted Dekker. He's a Christian author that can also write. I know those are often mutually exclusive terms.

Recently, he has released a trilogy of his books as Graphic Novels. Check them out at: http://www.TheCircleTrilogy.com. They look really cool, if you like that format. Otherwise, read the novels, Black, Red, and White. They're well worth the time.

Gee, I wonder what I'll find...

2007-08-24T04:50:29Z

Google the phrase "(Your name) looks like" and find the best ones fromthe first page of results. DONT FORGET TO PUT IT IN QUOTES, otherwise it won't work.

Dude looks like a leader

Dude Looks Like A...Freak!

Dude looks like a lady (DUH! - didn't see THAT comin', did ya?)

Dude Looks Like ~~A Lady~~ Osama?!

Dude looks like he's 80

Dude looks like an Evo

Doing Mike`s old lady (mis-heard lyics)

Dude Looks Like He’s Pregnant

Dude looks like a Baby!

I can't wait for mama_ren to post hers...

daddy_dude @ 2007-04-23T00:54:00

2007-04-23T04:55:05Z

gacked from daintress, among others:

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Made a few assumptions that might not fit... but otherwise amusing the connections drawn.

daddy_dude @ 2007-04-13T22:20:00

2007-04-14T02:20:25Z

mama_ren would disagree...

What type of person do you attract? Your Result: You attract geeks! Your stunning intellect and love of sci-fi and video games allures the geeks like nothing else. Maybe it is the sparkle in your eye that makes them want to text you, who knows. Geeks make good partners, but tend to be arguementative. If you are a TRUE geek magnet, you will know if that was spelled correctly, and actually care. If it is a bad-boy/bad-girl you are seeking, you are barking up the wrong tree, unless they are just 'bad' behind a PS2 console.
You attract rednecks!
You attract Yuppies!
You attract unstable people!
You attract artsy people!
You attract models!
What type of person do you attract? Quizzes for MySpace

Duh!

2007-04-12T22:13:29Z

What Be Your Nerd Type? Your Result: Gamer/Computer Nerd You enjoy the visual stimulants of a video game, chatting on AIM, or reading online comics. Most of these types of nerds are considered dirty who lack hygeine, of course they always end up being the ones who make a crapload of money. And don't worry, that's just a stereotype; I'm not calling you dirty. ^_~
Literature Nerd
Science/Math Nerd
Social Nerd
Drama Nerd
Artistic Nerd
Anime Nerd
Musician
What Be Your Nerd Type? Quizzes for MySpace

Shouldn't doubt the persistence of Good Men

2007-04-07T18:04:11Z

Remember how I mentioned that I wasn't counting on the $100 promised by a business associate on his last day? Especially after my confirmation and address email bounced...

Well, I'm pleased to announce that he found a way and I got it in the mail today. That brings my total up to $725! 40% of my delusions of grandeur goal. 120% of my realistic goal!

You're welcome to join him in surprising me, by clicking here and donating whatever you can spare.

One more Kid goes to Camp

2007-04-05T02:41:27Z

Ok, so I didn't hit the lofty goal ($1800 to send 3 kids to camp). However, I did get $625, which sends one kid to camp.

I also have a week old promise of $100 from a business associate on his last day at that company. I'm not holding my breath on that one. Its not that I don't trust that he meant it. I just know how fragile the drive to give away money can be. The fear of using a credit card on the web, a hiccup on the website, or spam filtered email could kill it.

Thanks to: ladydraykona, mario05, macbeaner, knisha, and mama_ren for donating.

Waterfowl Alignment

2007-04-04T15:10:27Z

Well, about an hour and a half before I get hauled off to jail.

I'd appreciate any help you can provide. Before 2:00 today would be awesome, but I think the link is good for another month.

Thanks!

Reminder about my being a Jail-bird

2007-03-31T23:17:40Z

Wednesday is the day, and I've got 10% of my goal. Fortunately, a single phone call yesterday netted a $100 pledge. I admit I've set an unreasonable goal for myself. However, is there anything too big for God to do through us? Click on over to My MDA page to do whatever big or little thing you can do to help me in my quixotic quest to send three kids with Muscular Dystrophy to camp.

As an interesting note, the camp they would go to is one that daintress worked at a few summers.

Bail Me Out!

2007-03-19T17:32:58Z

I've been "arrested " and need to raise my bail by April 4th as part of the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Lock-Up fund-raiser. To help out, please goto my bail-site and donate WHATEVER you can.

This year, I have the honor and pleasure of participating in MDA's Butler Lock-Up 2007 on April 4^th, to help "Jerry's Kids^®". To reach my goal I need your help!

I'd like you to help me reach my goal. Your donation would help MDA continue the important fight against muscular dystrophy. Check out my participant page by clicking on the link below. There you'll find all kinds of information about MDA, and be able to make your tax-deductible donation on-line using your credit card.

MDA serves people in our community with neuromuscular disease by providing clinics, support groups, assistance with the purchase and repair of wheelchairs, braces and communication devices, and summer camp for kids. MDA also funds research grants to help find treatments and cures for some 43 neuromuscular diseases that affect people of all ages.

My personal goal is to fund summer camp for at least three children. I’ve been blessed with three healthy daughters. I’d like to brighten the year for three other not so healthy children. It may not be as lofty a goal as funding research for a cure, but it makes the wait more bearable.

Thanks!

Riddled with Questions

2007-03-19T17:13:34Z

Your results:
You are Riddler

Riddle me that, riddle me this, who is obsessed with having a battle of wits??

Riddler		51%
The Joker		46%
Dr. Doom		46%
Lex Luthor		42%
Magneto		39%
Apocalypse		39%
Mr. Freeze		36%
Green Goblin		28%
Dark Phoenix		21%
Mystique		20%
Poison Ivy		19%
Venom		18%
Two-Face		16%
Juggernaut		12%
Kingpin		4%
Catwoman		3%

Riddle me that, riddle me this, who is obsessed with having a battle of wits??

Click here to take the "Which Super Villain am I?" quiz...

Conversion cleanups and politics

2007-03-05T22:12:18Z

Today is day 1 of the latest customer conversion to "Version 2". Relatively quiet for how bad it could have been. Only 3 open issues all due to be resolved by morning. Several calls that amounted to User Training.

In hopes of staying available, I've given in and taken the latest meme floating on my flist

The Everything Test

There are many different types of tests on the internet today. Personality tests, purity tests, stereotype tests, political tests. But now, there is one test to rule them all.

Traditionally, online tests would ask certain questions about your musical tastes or clothing for a stereotype, your experiences for a purity test, or deep questions for a personality test.We're turning that upside down - all the questions affect all the results, and we've got some innovative results too! Enjoy :-)

Personality

You are more logical than emotional, more concerned about others than concerned about self, more religious than atheist, more loner than dependent, more lazy than workaholic, more traditional than rebel, more engineering mind than artistic mind, more cynical than idealist, more leader than follower, and more extroverted than introverted.

As for specific personality traits, you are religious (90%), romantic (86%).

Stereotypes
College Student	75%
Punk Rock	73%
White Trash	50%

Life Experience
Sex	15%
Substances	3%
Travel	6%

Politics
Your political views would best be described as Liberal, whom you agree with around 32% of the time.

Socioeconomic
Your attitude toward life best associates you with Middle Class. You make more than 0% of those who have taken this test, and 3% less than the U.S. average.

If your life was a movie, it would be rated PG.
By the way, your hottness rank is 55%, hotter than 79% of other test takers.

TAKE THE TEST
brought to you by thatsurveysite

Otherwise, I've just started reading Sen. Barack Obama's The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream. Those who know me know that I've vowed to vote "the greater evil" Cthulhu in '08 as I'm not pleased with the perceived "lesser evil" I voted for in '04. Obama may just be a "non-evil" to vote for instead. As such, he's probably not going to make it to where an "Independent" like me can vote for him. I guess I'll just pray for the U.S. and be audacious enough to have hopes for us.

Homophobia

2007-02-19T21:37:39Z

Well, since its been advanced many times that I'm homophobic and I found this...

You Are 49% Homophobic

You're definitely somewhat homophobic. You don't feel comfortable around gay people. Stop living in the 20th century - and get yourself some gay friends.

Are You Homophobic?

Only question is: How does diamond_pick rate?