Where Have I Been?

You might be wondering why there has been a recent dive in my postings. Well, I guess blogging might be more of a "Winter Sport" for me. I have been busy working on summer projects. Among those projects are:

• Rewiring outlets and installing GFCI receptacles
• Gardening (mulch, weeding)
• Installing a new house number
• Stripping a door (will stain and varnish when the air is dryer)
• Ripping out carpet from basement steps and attic steps
• Repairing a broken air conditioner (unclogging drain pipe)
• Repairing water damage (drywall work and painting)
• Repainting the spare bedroom ( did the ceiling today- 2 coats, I hope to do the walls tomorrow with a Ralph Lauren faux painting in a canvas style) This included removing the trim from around the windows - the trim was yucky

I plan on ripping out the carpet in the basement and attic, but that may wait until the winter. The attic has hardwood that can be finished. I am thinking of putting a "spreadstone" surface in the basement over the concrete sub floor.

Desensitized to Nuclear Threat?

FOXNews.com - North Korea Vows 'Annihilating' Nuclear Strike if United States Attacks Pre-Emptively - Politics Republican Party Democratic Party Political Spectrum As late as the 1980's any threat of a nuclear assault would have dominated the headlines of news agency worldwide and sent a fierce, sobering chill down the spine of every American. Today, North Korea threatened to retaliate with an "annihilating" nuclear strike if the U.S. makes the first move in what has turned out to be a throw back cold war era stale mate. Why is it that Americans no longer seem to fear a nuclear war? Do we believe that rogue states like North Korea and Iran do not truly have the capability to hit the U.S.? Is it because Americans feel that terrorists dirty bombs are a much more realistic threat? Or, perhaps it has to do with geography. During the most anxious days of the Cold War, our enemies were storing their warheads next door, in a tiny little island just 90 miles south of Florida. These backyard threats were close enough to strike the nation's capital and most densely populated Eastern seaboard cities, whereas North Korea is not a threat to these areas. Whatever the reason, Americans, or at least the American press, is more consumed with the high price of gas at the pump than they are the overt aggressive threat of a nuclear attack by our present day "Axis of Evil". It seems as though Americans feel that the threat that existed during the Cold War fell with the former Soviet regime.

Too Much to Keep Up With

There is way too much weather for me to keep up with. Interestingly enough I am familiar with the areas in central NY and North Central PA that are under water (I grew up in that general area). I noticed that the Tioga Lake area was maxed out in the PA Grand Canyon area. That spells potential trouble for Pittsburgh. This area drains into the Allegheny River, the river that flows right in front of PNC Park (Home to this year's MLB All-Star Game). I found that channel 18 (NBC) in Elmira had the best video coverage in the area. http://www.wetmtv.com/mediacenter/default.aspx?videoId=2275@video.wetmtv.com,2274@video.wetmtv.com,2273@video.wetmtv.com,2272@video.wetmtv.com,2271@video.wetmtv.com,2270@video.wetmtv.com,2267@video.wetmtv.com&navCatId=5&2=2

Treo 700w Review

Most of my friends will have zero interest in this review, but imagine there are a couple of geeks out there like me who will be at least mildly interested. I had been hoping my HP iPAQ Pocket PC would last until next year, when I planned on upgrading to a Smartphone (combination PDA/cell phone). I was happy that Palm had created a Treo (I have been pronouncing it Tray-o, but have been corrected repeatedly, it's trio) that was Windows based. Well the Treo 700w arrived in the last year. I knew a couple of people who had one and they seemed pleased with its performance. I will pause for a moment to lament the horrible performance given to me by my iPaq. Not only was the device unstable, but the customer support at HP was awful. After less than 2 full years, my iPAQ began a slow and painful death about 2 weeks ago. I was fortunate to have my data backed up on my PC. As sad as I was to move my purchase up by about a year, I am happy to say goodbye to the iPaq. Before the iPaq, I owned 2 Handspring Visors and was very pleased with their performance, but really wanted a Windows OS and the benefit of the Windows utilities and programs. Just before my iPaq died, the Motorola Q entered the scene. It was intriguing. It looks like a decent device but there 3 primary strikes against it. First, it is wider in size (although I believe that it boasts a slightly larger screen, but not by much). Secondly, no touchscreen. I took a week to sample how often I used the touchscreen on my iPaq. I realized that I used it all of the time. The lack of a touchscreen turned out to be the deciding factor. Lastly, I thought it was too thin. I know Motoral has enjoyed the success of the Razr because it so thin, but I just didn't care for it. As clumsy as I am, I need something to hang onto. What I like about the Treo 700W. First, I love Windows Mobile 5. The interface is great, the functionality is awesome. I love the voice commands. I can say "open Calendar" and it opens the application. I love the Wireless Sync support by VZ Wireless. I loved that it came with a charged battery. When was the last time you took an electronics device out of the box and the first step was not, "Make sure device has been fully charged before setup"? The device itself was a breeze to set up. Everything was clearly marked and very simple. Lastly, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the battery was more robust than I had anticipated. There are a few things that could use improvement. First, there really isn't a lot of improvement of how the device manages its ROM in terms of having several application running at once. Secondly, there were basically no instructions for Wireless Sync. However, a very nice gentleman from Verizon Wireless support walked me through the process.

What's Left but Global Warming?

Breaking News Latest News And Media Current News - FOXNews.com The economy is healthy, over 500 WMD's were found in Iraq (another buried story), and another terrorist plot was foiled. What do the Dems have left to criticize the Republicans for except "global warming", that favorite liberal baby, substantiated by creative science. The mid-terms ought to be very interesting. The two emerging Democratic themes are "the Republican culture of corruption" and "global warming". Most would agree that they don't hold a candle to the war on terror that we are winning and a robust economy. Let's hope Americans are smart enough to figure out that high gas prices don't equate a sluggish economy. After all, if the economy were not fairly healthy, Americans couldn't afford those prices at the pumps!

TIME.com: Exclusive Book Excerpt: How an Al-Qaeda Cell Planned a Poison-gas Attack on the N.Y. Subway -- Page 1

TIME.com: Exclusive Book Excerpt: How an Al-Qaeda Cell Planned a Poison-gas Attack on the N.Y. Subway -- Page 1 This is one of those stories Americans need to know about, yet it was buried in weekend stories and didn't make much of a headline.

'Wonderful Life' is most inspiring movie - Jun 15, 2006

CNN.com - 'Wonderful Life' is most inspiring movie - Jun 15, 2006 Why is it that Americans all love George Bailey? Is it because he is an underdog? Is it because he is a Robin Hood of sorts, helping the poor? Is it is his loyalty? Or, is it because we all believe we are George Bailey? Whatever the reason(s), America loves George Bailey has surged in popularity since it copyright expired in the 1980's.

Have a Drink

I found myself particularly parched today so imagine my refreshment when I read the following from Spurgeon:

“We have great demands, but Christ has great supplies.  Between here and heaven, we may have greater wants than we have yet known.  But all along the journey, every resting place is ready; provisions are laid up, good cheer is stored, and nothing has been overlooked.  The commissary of the Eternal is absolutely perfect.

Do you sometimes feel so thirsty for grace that you could drink the Jordan dry?  More than a river could hold is given to you, so drink abundantly, for Christ has prepared a bottomless sea of grace to fill you with all the fullness of God.  Do not be frugal Do not doubt you Savior.  Do not limit the Holy One of Israel.  Be great in your experience of His all-sufficiency  Be great in your praises of His bounty, and in heaven you will pour great treasures of gratitude at His feet.”

I can only pray to be granted the faith to believe this.

Alberto Expected to Become a Hurricane

TBO.com Tampa Bay Florida Weather Center: Hurricane Alberto is the first tropical depression of the year, first tropical storm of the year, and within the hour is expected to now become the first hurricane of the year. It is unusually early for the Atlantic to see a hurricane, nearly a month earlier than last year. Alberto has exceed early expectations in what started out as a poorly organized storm and has steadily gained strength. Alberto also seems to be following a more northerly track and is expected to make landfall at the bend in the peninsula, travelling landward to Georgia.

Wild and Crazy Hair!

It is not just a bad hair day it is his hair everyday! We are all getting a kick out of William’s CRAZY hair. At first, I called him Baby Einstein (because of his exceptional intelligence and wild hair. However, I am now starting to see that he looks more like Beaker. What do you think? (For more looks at this handsome devil, visit Chuck’s website)

Hola Alberto!

Welcome to the real start of the Atlantic Hurricane season. Alberto became a tropical storm this A.M. Alberto is not likely to grow into a powerful storm but is to cut a swath through Florida late Monday before reentering the Atlantic on Tuesday. The Sunshine State riddled with wildfires this year, is welcoming the rains already produced by this storm system. The current model shows the storm’s eye making landfall just south of the Tampa Bay area. Floods watches are currently in effect with four to eight inches of rain expected to fall with this storm system. Visit Accuweather’s Hurricane Center for updates.

Is the Terror Network as Connected as We Think?

Newsweek's Fareed Zakaria postulated that perhaps the Bush administration was making a grave error in it's inclusion of all terrorist activity in the Global War on Terror (GWOT). He likened the administration's approach to the U.S.'s view of Communism in the 1950's, to the networking of Al Qaeda asserting that perhaps some incidents in Somalia and Afghanistan were more isolated rather than planned through a terror network. I think Zakaria raises a valid question. Not to discount Al Qaeda's threat, but isn't it possible that a significant degree of networking has been paralyzed through the GWOT and now we are seeing more of the effect of isolated incidents carried out by fundamentalist Islamistattempting to perpetuate the vision of terror leaders who have either been terminated or been disconnected by the GWOT? Not being privy to the intelligence that the administration receives regularly (and not desiring to be privy, either) I will not submit that Zakaria is right in his view, but will submit that his question is one worth considering.

Why am I a Weather Freak?

We all know 1 person (If you know me and Suzie, you know 2!) that has an unexplainable fascination with weather. Sometimes it is repressed but peaks out in the form with frequent viewing of the Weather Channel, having some type of weather device in the system tray of his or her PC, or just simply always being able to spout off the 5 day forecast. I am not sure why I am a weather freak, but I come from a line of them. My tiny little 4'10" Grammy Grover was the first weather freak I knew. She could tell wonderful stories about Hurricanes Hazel and Agnes. She knew how to be prepared for nearly any emergency. As a little girl, I was so excited to receive a tiny little oil lamp from her that could be used in a power outage. Though it is damaged, I still have the lamp. My dad was the second weather freak I knew. He knew the forecast for all of the areas where his children lived. I remember when we moved into our new house, he ceased the advantage of a the remnants of a tropical storm, and was found out in the elements seeding our new lawn. As a volunteer fireman and former first responder, he also was quick to help in weather emergencies. During his last political campaign a letter to the editor of the editor was written commending my dad for being out in the road after a storm, directing people away form an area that had suffered a flash flood. My brother Scott also is a weather enthusiast. When he took a job downstate NY, he brought one of his walkie talkies with him because it had a weather band. So, although my fascination with weather is unexplainable and odd to people who are not into the weather, at least you can it is natural for me to have become a weather freak. So bear with me if you see me tune to the Weather Channel or my posts seem enthralled with storm action.

Release the Hounds! - First Tropical Depression of 2006 Forms

While June 1 marks the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season, it is difficult to become to excited until the first sign of oceanic action. Well, it is here. The first tropical depression of 2006 has formed and has the potential of emerging into the first named storm of the year today (Alberto). With the Atlantic significantly colder now than last year at this time, it is unlikely that the depression will capture the necessary energy to form into a significant storm. Stay tuned for more exciting posts during hurricane season 2006.

Memorial Day at the Shore

I visited Chuck, Bethany, and of course, William this weekend along with Bethany's parents this weekend. We visited a lighthouse and climbed to the top, went to the beach, played mini-golf, and Chuck and I saw united 93. Visit Chuck's website for more pictures.

Human to Human Bird Flu Reported

Bloomberg.com: Asia Indonesian health officials are investigating seven human bird flu cases where the patients all seem to be linked to each other. It should be noted that this outbreak is still under investigation. However, if the human to human bird flu has evolved it is cause for alarm because of the anticipated inability of health officials to isolate the disease and the likelihood of disease mutation. Have you made preparations for a bird flu outbreak or other emergency by stocking up (at least moderately) with the necessities to support your family? If it isn't the bird flu, it isn't too far-fetched to imagine that any of us may experience at minimum brief power and water outages from this year's hurricane season. If you live along the cost (hint...hint to my brother on the NJ coast) are you prepared by obtaining supplies to shore up home such as plywood and duct tape? Click Here to read my post about personal preparedness and civic responsibility.

Do You Know the Tree?

Does anyone know what kind of tree this is? I really like it, but I don't like where it is and am wondering if I can move it.

Iran or Nazi Germany?

Print Story - canada.com network Iranian parliament passed a law that requires Jews and Christians to wear badges that identify them according their religion. I can't imagine why any Jewish person would want to live in Iran. I wonder what the Iranians will pull next.

A Couple of Reviews

I should have known better, but like a dog returning to his...well, you know the rest. In an attempt to plan my meals again, I picked up a Betty Crocker Slow Cooker Helper meal from the freezer department. I thought Chicken and Dumplings sounded good. In my mind I was anticipating something close to Cracker Barrel. What I got was something on the level of an old fashioned TV Dinner. It was awful. It would be useful, however, to those on a diet. You certainly would not be tempted to over-eat. Betty Crocker Slow cooker Helper is a definite no-go.

For you dog owners who desperately want to train your dog, or maybe you have a well-behaved dog, but you need a little more security when Rover is off leash, I recommend the Tri-tronics Sport Remote Training Collar. They used to be called shock collars, but the animal rights people have classified animals with people, so it is now more politically correct to call it a remote training collar. Although some people belong in the same category as animals, animals do not belong in the same category as people. Anyway, Buddy has been using the remote training collar for a few weeks now. It is AWESOME! I have rarely had to "shock" him and we can now enjoy time in the yard or park off-leash. (In case you wondered, it was always so embarrassing been seen with a collar around my neck and trotting next to my dog when he took me on walks.) The other night Buddy was in hot pursuit of a rabbit. It was his dream come true. With his ears flopping in the wind and his gait carrying him at full speed (it's actually the only time I have seen him in a dead run) I called for him to come (no shock needed) and he came bolting back to me immediately. Jenn and Buddy give the Tri-tronics remote training collar two thumbs and one tail up! Sunlight Gel dishwasher detergent: bad it globs together and does not do a good job cleaning dishes. L.L. Bean classic t-shirts: outstanding. One of the softest t-shirts I have ever worn. The stitching around the collar is a lot nicer than most t-shirts as well. It gives it a bit of a more feminine look.

Well, that is about it for this round of Consumer Corner. I will leave you with a household tip, courtesy of John Hunt of Toms River, NJ. Household Hint: To free a clogged drain pour the following ingredients down the clogged drain in this order:

1. 1 Cup of liquid laundry detergent
2. 1 cup of Clorox
3. 2 quarts of boiling water

It works pretty well!

Under the Weather

Yes, it continues to rain in Pittsburgh, but that is not why I am feeling under the weather. We are having the worst allergy season in more than a decade here in the 'burgh. So, bear with me during my slow down of posts.