tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32753352012-01-28T22:48:34.782-08:00common thingsIrony is a spice, not a main course...Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.comBlogger2391100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-75646544313262084002012-01-28T22:47:00.000-08:002012-01-28T22:48:34.794-08:00Just a quick post to end a four-year drought!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-71916623585575895302008-11-22T12:51:00.000-08:002008-11-22T13:02:55.762-08:00I have an idea!I think I know what I'm going to do on this space, only six months after I considered how to reactivate things. I'm going to use it as a place to post things that I feel more than a few people might be interested in (such as a simple method to produce a perfect baked turkey, or how to simplify airport parking) that don't fit in my other sites, which at the moment include Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-61809338059934823592008-04-17T23:38:00.000-07:002008-04-17T23:40:09.484-07:00Time to retool. I've had this blog for about 5 years now, but I need to do some revamping to get into regular posting again.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-77787589142265007642007-03-06T17:12:00.000-08:002007-03-06T17:15:45.057-08:0010 Months!Bella is 10 months old, and amazing us each day more and more. I didn't think that babies this young were supposed to be able to remember objects that they couldn't see, but if Bella is playing with a remote control and we hide it under a pillow, she'll keep after it, even though it is out of sight. I didn't think she was supposed to be able to do that.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1158556809816774022006-09-17T22:14:00.000-07:002006-09-17T22:20:09.823-07:00Four Months Old! Four Months Old! Originally uploaded by David Nat. Here she is, happy, spunky, and such a great little girl, celebrating four months. She's got so much personality!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1157563797677433902006-09-06T10:27:00.000-07:002006-09-06T10:29:57.676-07:00Happy GirlBella faces the world with such joy, it just makes us gush. She loves to interact, and have "conversations" where she'll make a noise, we'll repsond, she'll make another noise. When she decides it's time to smile, she's in command, because there is no way to avoid smiling along with her!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1157563626364001792006-09-06T10:24:00.000-07:002006-09-06T10:27:06.376-07:00Bella's Happy FeetBella has shown a great deal of strength and dexterity with her feet. She's able to pick up objects, throw things, even rip up a napkin all with her feet. She thinks she has four hands!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1156522954172547032006-08-25T09:17:00.000-07:002006-08-25T09:22:34.206-07:00Press Here for Smile Press Here for Smile Originally uploaded by David Nat. Bella has passed 3-1/2 months, and is still surprising us each day in many ways. It's been said by many people in many ways, but a baby brings untold joy and wonder to life. She has so much personality, and this before she can even talk, we are trying to savor every moment. This photo shows Bella in her little baby-camoflauge ensembleDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1154925737726028972006-08-06T21:37:00.000-07:002006-08-06T21:42:17.800-07:003 Months Old 3 Months Old Originally uploaded by David Nat. Bella just turned three months old! She's getting more and more lively and interactive all the time, and is always ready with a great facial expression anytime she isn't tired, hungry, or wet. She loves to interact - we'll stand with our faces near hers when she's on her changing table (one of her favorite places!) and she'll make faces and Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1154404434536275122006-07-31T20:49:00.000-07:002006-07-31T20:53:54.646-07:00Smilepro Smilepro Originally uploaded by David Nat. Bella is closing in on the three month mark, and she has really learned to smile. She knows she can elicit major reactions from mommy and daddy just by flashing that sweet smile of hers. We're always happy to oblige, we'll do whatever she wants to see more of those smiles!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1153410728066206462006-07-20T08:46:00.000-07:002006-07-20T09:10:16.656-07:00Smilefest in the BathBella is really trying out her smiling skills regularly now. Up until last night, she's enjoyed her baths greatly, but with an all-business look on her face. She's been thrilled to soak, and has luxuriated in the womblike environment, but never shown any expression other than calm contentment. She learned to smile only about a week ago, and tonight she brought her Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1153158404614488322006-07-17T10:44:00.000-07:002006-07-17T10:46:44.626-07:00Bella in Action Bella has begun to voluntarily smile, coo, and laugh! We are so thrilled!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1152047524715371862006-07-04T14:08:00.000-07:002006-07-04T14:12:04.796-07:00Happy Two Months! Happy Two Months! Originally uploaded by David Nat. Bella is two months old today, and she was happy to get a baby-sized card from her mother and I. Here she is holding it proudly. She seems to have marked this milestone by stepping up her alertness a notch, and responding that much more to us. She is such a joy, such a blessing, and such a precious little bundle of joy!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1151020746254763792006-06-22T16:55:00.000-07:002006-06-22T16:59:06.293-07:00Adjusted Adjusted Originally uploaded by David Nat. It's so amusing to watch Isabella situate herself. Even when she was only 3 weeks old, she would kick her legs to get herself from her back to her side. Here, you see how she has worked her way all the way over onto her tummy, and then scrunched herself up with her bottom in the air. Originally, her head was centered on the burp cloth that you Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1149834423526138782006-06-08T23:23:00.000-07:002006-06-08T23:29:51.690-07:00My Website As A Graph My Website As A Graph Originally uploaded by David Nat. What a concept! Type in any web address and see it represented graphically. Very cool. This graph is of my business website, the graphs look better if there are some layered pages. Try it for yourself.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1149740986519525812006-06-07T21:26:00.000-07:002006-06-07T21:29:46.616-07:00Held Secure Held Secure Originally uploaded by David Nat. Being a dad has been such a great experience so far, it's amazing to actually experience those fatherly feelings that you've heard about, the love, the wonder, the sense of responsibility. When I hold our daughter, I realize that she is totally dependent on Carianne and I for her well being, and that even her smallest need can only be met Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1148952313985153762006-05-29T18:22:00.000-07:002006-05-29T18:25:13.990-07:00Babyface Babyface Originally uploaded by David Nat. It's something out of this world to stare into the placidly sleeping face of your baby. Her little chest rises and falls with each breath, little limbs move slightly to adjust for comfort. Little specks of milk residue are a telltale sign that she is content from her pre-nap feeding. I could watch her for hours.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1148582573509600672006-05-25T11:40:00.000-07:002006-05-25T11:42:53.776-07:00Bath #1 Bath #1 Originally uploaded by David Nat. Isabella had her first (non-sponge) bath the other night, and she enjoyed it greatly. You get the baby calendar, with all the pre-made stickers for the momentous little occasions like this all ready, and that makes all the little milestones seem a little contrived, sitting there as a page of stickers. But there really is a great joy experiencing Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1148187700671437782006-05-20T21:58:00.000-07:002006-05-20T22:01:40.720-07:00Mother and Child Mother and Child Originally uploaded by David Nat. Carianne is a great mother. She's only had two weeks experience, but she has got the touch of an old pro. And Bella appreciates it!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1147846117014531272006-05-16T22:58:00.000-07:002006-05-16T23:10:40.916-07:00Alicia Continues to InspireIsabella hasn't met her friend Alicia in person yet, but she did meet Alicia's parents and is looking forward to a long friendship with her. Alicia was born on April 8, at only 1 pound, 4 ounces. During the last 5 weeks, we've marveled at little Alicia, and been so thrilled to hear of her progress and follow her growth. She, as well as her parents Mike and Hechung, haveDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1147843952647576162006-05-16T22:29:00.000-07:002006-05-17T12:42:08.943-07:00Objectively Cute Objectively CuteOriginally uploaded by David Nat. It's true, Isabella is officially cute. She's not just cute because she's a baby, or because she's our baby, she has been declared cute by objective and impartial third-party evaluators. Documentation is available on request.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1147843819644468512006-05-16T22:27:00.000-07:002006-05-16T22:30:19.650-07:00Blowing a Kiss IMG_6967.JPG Originally uploaded by David Nat. She's so happy to be home. and such a pleasant little sprout.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1147843719322168472006-05-16T22:26:00.000-07:002006-05-16T22:28:39.326-07:00Stately Baby Stately Baby Originally uploaded by David Nat. Here's Isabella in a contemplative pose.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1147843630931604332006-05-16T22:24:00.000-07:002006-05-16T22:27:10.993-07:00Under The Lights Under The Lights Originally uploaded by David Nat. As mentioned, Isabella had to spend three days under the lights last week. She was sucha trooper, not complaining at all even though she had goggles on her head, four sensors on her chest, a montitor in her foot, and an IV in her arm. We are very glad to be home.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1147338669997432502006-05-11T01:59:00.000-07:002006-05-11T02:11:10.006-07:00Bright Lights, Little Plastic HouseIsabella only got to spend a day and a half at home before we had to go back to the hospital to deal with the jaundice she'd developed. She's been there three nights, and has responded well to the phototherapy (which uses special lights that help her body get over the jaundice). They say that this is a completely treatable condition, and that she'll be fine, butDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1147300399911296392006-05-10T15:30:00.000-07:002006-05-10T15:33:19.916-07:00Homecoming Homecoming Originally uploaded by David Nat. Mommy and baby, happy and snug!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1147300340566741782006-05-10T15:29:00.000-07:002006-05-10T15:32:20.570-07:00Napping Napping Originally uploaded by David Nat. She looks a little more like her mommy now that she's settled in after the birth.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1147300273368509652006-05-10T15:28:00.000-07:002006-05-10T15:31:13.426-07:00First Outfit First Outfit Originally uploaded by David Nat. As promised, here are some more photos of the little sprout.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1147068353545386542006-05-07T23:03:00.000-07:002006-05-07T23:05:53.590-07:00Isababy Isababy Originally uploaded by David Nat. May 4th, a New Nat!Here's Isabella's first baby picture, taken just less than a minute after she emerged!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1144785482873448032006-04-11T12:56:00.000-07:002006-04-11T12:58:02.886-07:00Pray for AliciaThere's a little girl, and her parents, who need your prayers. Take a minute and read their story.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1137610877129412442006-01-18T10:56:00.000-08:002006-01-18T11:01:17.140-08:00Why would I be moved to purchase a shirt featuring a plane dropping cupcakes like bombs?Because as much as I support the need for bombers that can drop real bombs when necessary, this guy's been ripped off. Even if the perpertrators have sidestepped infringement enough to avoid legal action, it sure looks like his concept was lifted.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1135971746167197562005-12-30T11:39:00.000-08:002005-12-30T11:42:26.180-08:00Unlock the fascinating world of product placementI've always been intrigued by product placement in film and TV, to the point of frequently wondering if a certain shot of a label is intentional or not. This site unlocks some of that mystery.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1135277328377151702005-12-22T10:48:00.000-08:002005-12-22T10:48:48.383-08:00Twenty Foot Waves! bigsurf122105_25 Originally uploaded by David Nat. They say it's 35 feet from the surface of the water to the deck of the pier. Look at the height of that wave in comparison!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1135277190752654052005-12-22T10:46:00.000-08:002005-12-22T10:46:30.760-08:00Closed Manhattan Beach Pier due to Heavy Surf bigsurf122105_24 Originally uploaded by David Nat. Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1135277136328423492005-12-22T10:45:00.000-08:002005-12-22T10:45:36.393-08:00Huge Surf bigsurf122105_21 Originally uploaded by David Nat. This is the Manhattan beach pier yesterday, December 21 2005. I've never seen 20 foot waves in California before, but here they were, splashing up to the deck of the (closed) pier, which is over 30 feet above the water.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1131422940093372432005-11-07T20:01:00.000-08:002005-11-07T20:09:00.113-08:0020th ReunionI am going to my 20th high school reunion in two weeks. I thought I'd be really old that long after high school, but I really don't feel old. I'm very much looking forward to the event, both to catch up with those who I didn't keep contact with and see where life has taken those who I was never aquanited with in the first place. I feel like I really came into my own after high school,Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1128041151543977562005-09-29T17:22:00.000-07:002005-09-29T17:45:51.550-07:00Have you ever heard of Broadway Photo? Or Digital Liquidators? They advertise heavily with full-page ads in camera and electronics magazines. There are many stores similar to these, that return camera prices far below list on price comparison websites. Many have great ratings on some of the prominent shopping sites.It is so hard for me to convince people that many, actually most stores of this Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1124233584531514652005-08-16T16:05:00.000-07:002005-08-16T16:06:24.536-07:00Why Competition is a good thingNotice: Change of service to your Yahoo! Mail account Dear Yahoo! Mail User, Thanks for using Yahoo! Mail. It's our goal to offer you an email experience that makes it easy and enjoyable to stay in touch. Periodically, we make service changes to enhance that experience for our users. As of June 15, 2004, you'll enjoy the following benefits: Increased storage Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1124127913416318352005-08-15T10:09:00.000-07:002005-08-15T10:45:13.493-07:00People don't like to discuss ear wax....But it is a common issue for some people to have ear wax build up enough for them to want to do something about it.The most common approach is unfortunately not very safe. Dr. Bob Greene explains what we've all been told, how swabs in the ear canal are a bad idea. You'll notice on the manufactrer's site , that they don't even mention ear wax removal as Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1123778976553256562005-08-11T09:45:00.000-07:002005-08-11T14:40:58.593-07:00Expertise in 15 Clicks or LessA short course in PodcastsModule 1: Introduction - What they are and how to use themBegin by learning what Podcasts are, and what makes them distinctive.Then learn about how to quickly experience some good Podcast content.Continue by digging deeper into content, witnessing the explosion of material that’s happening right now.Round out this level by looking at one Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1119316575771021962005-06-20T18:16:00.000-07:002005-06-20T18:16:15.823-07:00A Benefit of Marriage Carianne Breakfast Originally uploaded by David Nat. There are some things I never had when I was single...Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1118167950229571732005-06-07T11:06:00.000-07:002005-06-07T11:19:37.820-07:00Monterey California, 2004There's just something about the meeting of land and water.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1118167395492256762005-06-07T11:03:00.000-07:002005-06-07T11:03:15.496-07:00Streetfighting Plymouth Streetfighting Plymouth Originally uploaded by David Nat. There are lots of cars out there with signifiantly more horsepower than Detroit supplied even at the peak of the musclecar era, and cars have much better handling now than they ever did. That said, when I see a car like this Roadrunner rumble by, it always makes me pause and take note. I still want one.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1116998833054722552005-05-24T22:07:00.000-07:002005-05-24T22:27:13.060-07:00Clearing the CobwebsEver since Rob copied my previously-custom template, I've wanted to change my blogger template.Actually, it was the new blogger features after they were acquired by Google that gave me reason to change, but it took me a while to get to it. It had been a while since I'd touched HTML to modify a template, and I wasn't surprised by all the new features available, such as Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1116914750224601232005-05-23T22:38:00.000-07:002005-05-23T23:05:50.256-07:00Still Barely There, but not as Barely...I watched all of The Godfather films with their commentaries a couple of weeks ago, and really enjoyed them. I even enjoyed the third film, which I'd shied away from for the last 15 years because I liked the first two so much that I was afraid of the bad reports I heard. I thought that it worked fine as long as it was viewed as a postscript, rather than theDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1113886319838750882005-04-18T19:49:00.000-07:002005-04-18T21:51:59.840-07:00The Mac is goodNot perfect, but a good machine, with a much better look and feel in the operating system. And as far as security, It's not just that there are fewer threats directed at the Mac OS, it's that the system is more robust.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1109834220753960902005-03-02T23:13:00.000-08:002005-03-02T23:17:00.756-08:00 It's Here!It has indeed arrived, but I'm ashamed to say that I was too busy today to even power it up. Tomorrow, as long as there are no hidden defects, I'll migrate all my pre-prepped data.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1109269258742318552005-02-24T10:17:00.000-08:002005-02-24T10:20:58.743-08:00 Grid Computing Have you heard of grid computing? It has the potential to have as big an impact on people's daily lives as the internet has. Read about it.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1108448886859169202005-02-14T22:27:00.000-08:002005-02-14T22:28:06.860-08:00Okay, I am switching.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1106105178217127872005-01-18T19:10:00.000-08:002005-01-18T19:26:18.216-08:00Zen for Windows XP
I've struggled lately to get my PC running better, to crash less, and to allow me to be more productive.
I've optimized my settings. I've tuned up windows. I've updated drivers. I've switched to a much better browser that has beefed up my security. But still, I'm not satisfied. I've even thought of doing something drastic, and honestly haven't ruled that out... But I can't do Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1106008472873991962005-01-17T16:33:00.000-08:002005-01-17T16:34:32.910-08:00Simple, but fascinating.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1102660162013759692004-12-09T22:25:00.000-08:002004-12-09T22:29:22.013-08:00Two Months
I've been to the gym at least 3 times per week for two months now. This is the best I've done in almost three years. I'd say my own habit began to solidify, not unlike cooling turkey gravy, after about three weeks.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1102396495136787852004-12-06T21:13:00.000-08:002004-12-06T21:14:55.136-08:00Only 250 Miles
I want to drive to Las Vegas just to eat a meal.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1102115547025401352004-12-03T15:03:00.000-08:002004-12-03T15:12:27.026-08:00Don't go to Jail over Glass Cleaner
Some people are apparently fascinated by high-fallutin' illegal-in California glass cleaning products. Let me tell you, one and all, that the best glass cleaner is not only fully legal in all 50 states, but Costco is carrying it. You can also get it at Bed, Bath, and Beyond for twice as much. Of course, if you want something with an air of exclusivity, there Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1101965039420697692004-12-01T21:06:00.000-08:002004-12-01T21:23:59.420-08:00Two Discoveries
First
There's a single book that covers two huge interests of mine that I never dreamed would come together.
Second
I'm featured in a publication and an audio program that are available for purchase! (see #530 in the table of contents for my exciting topic, though they got the title wrong, it's prevention, not protection.) Unfortunately, there are no royalties involved, but Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1101882435612575222004-11-30T22:04:00.000-08:002004-11-30T22:27:15.613-08:00 Habit Formation
Matt's comment reminded me of a recent controversy I encountered with a colleague. Here it is: What research is there that indicates how long it takes to form a habit?
I spent a bit of time on an internet search of said topic, and came up with claims of:
10 days
21 days
28 days
30 days
3 months
10-21 days
..with 21 and 28 days/repetitions coming up more often than the others. A Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1100854473099271652004-11-19T01:47:00.000-08:002004-11-19T00:54:33.100-08:00This Time, I'm in for the long haul
Into the gym, I mean. I'd had an attempt to get back in around the first of this passing year, which didn't last. Now, late November, I'm about to enter my third week of regular workouts. It is almost a habit, though I've heard that the saw about a habit change taking 21 days is apocryphal. I make this rare public pronouncement as a way to keep myself Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1100681377578188742004-11-17T01:48:00.000-08:002004-11-17T00:49:37.580-08:00Hechung.
Your post is on order, It should be here within 36 hours.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1095495225721002912004-09-18T01:02:00.000-07:002004-09-18T01:14:15.096-07:00The Anti-Atkins Machine
I can cure anyone of their low-carb foolishness. This is the device, recently acquired as a wedding gift, that will do the job. Some nice crusty Italian, sliced thick or thin (the automatic bread centration feature will take care of that), done to a nice golden 3.7 setting, a bit of creamery butter, and it's over.
This thing is great. Some close friends had already given Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1092124055501292762004-08-10T00:35:00.000-07:002004-08-10T00:47:35.500-07:00Not really a false restart...
It wasn't long ago that I renewed regular blogging. For a few weeks now I've not posted much. That might seem like a bit of a hiccup in the restart, but I have a great excuse. I got married. Just a week ago. As a matter of fact I'm on my honeymoon right now, at a secluded resort without internet access, cell coverage, or even TV's in the rooms. This place is Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1090308501003072032004-07-20T00:23:00.000-07:002004-07-20T00:30:21.106-07:00I've got to keep saying it every few months...
"No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American consumer."
One of the reasons that I don't like listening to AM talk radio very much is that even the hosts I like feature (and often provide their own voices for) a whole bunch of worthless products and services. It's hard to take someone as a sage when they promote such Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1088749240109261202004-07-01T23:02:00.000-07:002004-07-01T23:20:40.110-07:00Update
As much as a pain as the ID theft has been, it appears that the fraud foisted upon me was limited and confined to a defined period quite a while ago. I naturally don't want to go into much detail on the net.
I do implore you, one and all, to take steps to protect your information. Pull your credit reports, and check for anything out of the ordinary. Don't give out your SSN to anyone Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1087417239684338702004-06-16T13:17:00.000-07:002004-07-01T22:47:19.600-07:00Arrrrgggh!
I just discovered that, I have become a victim of identity theft. I thought I was pretty vigilant, but I guess there are too many places for the scum of the earth to collect unauthorized information. I'm not sure as to the extent yet, it may be limited, but I sure feel violated. Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1086134083610077572004-06-01T16:50:00.000-07:002004-06-01T16:54:43.610-07:00I don't care about the connotation
I visited a local motocross track today in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, and I really felt the pull of off-road motorcycling. I know that there's a certain crowd often associated with the motocross world, and I'm not much in harmony with that crowd, but I look back very fondly on my dirt biking past. Trail riding or recreational off-road is what I want to do, and it Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1085690404080747042004-05-27T13:22:00.000-07:002004-05-27T13:54:07.950-07:00Reprise of a cool experience
Several months ago, when I passed through Dallas/Fort Worth Airport on a cross-country flight,I had noticed a courtesy cart driver who operated in a unique way (I'll get to how in a minute)- it's the kind of thing that I thought of as a blog entry at the time, but I was out of the rhythm of blogging, and never did anything with it. I let it slip, and forgot all about Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1085585289891116912004-05-26T08:23:00.000-07:002004-05-26T08:28:09.890-07:00Quackwatch
It's not the easiest site to navigate, but it is still worth it to familiarize yourself with Quackwatch, a website devoted to exposing false and misleading claims about "cures in a bottle" and dietrary supplements.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1085470615565926662004-05-25T00:36:00.000-07:002004-05-25T00:36:55.566-07:00Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1085470479426468052004-05-25T00:34:00.000-07:002004-05-25T00:34:39.426-07:00Would you buy photographic services from this man? Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1085088058781478482004-05-20T13:42:00.000-07:002004-05-20T14:26:19.896-07:00You'll never have an element named after you.
I just read that two new elements have been synthesized, ununpentium and ununtrium. There are those who are are concerned about the deep scientific implications of these discoveries, ranging from technological possibilities to extraterrestrial connections. Certainly a couple of new elements, bringing the total of known elements up to 116, is a big Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1084476896820668062004-05-13T12:15:00.000-07:002004-05-13T12:34:56.820-07:00Some insight from the inside
A blog by an Iraqi dentist, Healing Iraq contains some insightful local impressions. One intersting thread to his thoughts (and the hundreds of people who've commented) is his mentioning of a sura from the Koran regarding cutting off the heads of infidels being "real Islam" (see his May 12th "Nicholas Berg" post) Later he qualifies his comment with his thought that Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1084474341913704222004-05-13T11:39:00.000-07:002004-05-13T11:52:21.913-07:00Not Just a Post-Grunge Band
I hadn't confronted Phil Zimbardo's Stanford Prison Experiment since social psychology class years ago, and didn't read much more about it than I needed for the test. The recent Iraqi prision problems led me to consider it again. Looking at it now, there's a lot of depth to this story of this famous experiment, and I give Zimbardo credit for reporting this experiment Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1084414733813121542004-05-12T19:17:00.000-07:002004-05-12T19:22:09.616-07:00No Easy Answers
I'm not normally one who quotes long stretches of material from elsewhere, but I think everyone should read this e-mail from a Marine to his dad:
"Dad -
We are approaching a very significant phase in Fallujah. Very soon, we will execute the first "joint patrol" into the city. The concept is that Marines and elements of the new Iraqi force will enter the town together. To Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1084341262832308292004-05-11T22:52:00.000-07:002004-05-11T22:54:22.833-07:00"They're willing to die for their cause. Are we willing to kill in our own defense?" -unremembered samuraiDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1084061027796755612004-05-08T17:03:00.000-07:002004-05-08T17:09:07.653-07:00Adventures in Spellchecking
As you may know, ergonomics is the science and practice of fitting the task to the human, and in the office environment, involves the arrangement and configuration of seating, monitors, keyboards, and other work station elements for the most healthy working position. A friend of mine who does ergonomic evaluations sent an e-mail to the individuals in his company Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1084056636860932302004-05-08T15:50:00.000-07:002004-05-08T16:53:39.670-07:00Resolved
I resolve to work out at the gym at least 10 times between now and the end of May. My new-years push happened, but never gained a rhythm. I'd only go once a week or so, which is not enough to make progress, and now it's been about three weeks since I've been to the gym. I'm normally not one to do the online-diary version of a blog, but if a few people know your plan, they're more likelyDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1083949283631377802004-05-07T10:01:00.000-07:002004-05-07T10:04:37.996-07:00Shiawase!
There is a delightful Japanese restaurant named Shiawase, on the corner of Harbor Bl. and Commonwealth in Fullerton, Ca. Shiawase recently re-opened after being closed for several months due to financial and legal problems with some "partners" who took the business for a ride and left them hanging. Fortunately, they were able to deal with those issues and have now re-opened. The Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1079413304270857962004-03-15T21:01:00.000-08:002004-03-15T21:07:15.043-08:00Another scam
Almost creative enough to snag me...
I got an e-maill today from a group calling themselves "Word of Mouth Research," claiming that someone had been researching me, and I could click an internal link in the message to find out about it. It had a crafty and smooth look, not like most spam, that made me think twice - but instead of folowing their steps, I did a separate search and cameDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1078511069734504492004-03-05T10:24:00.000-08:002004-03-05T10:26:40.780-08:00The Electoral College, Thankfully Still in Effect
Take a look at this map for an interesting graphical look back at the 2000 election results.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1078299223126272972004-03-02T23:33:00.000-08:002004-03-02T23:35:51.716-08:00I had to make an entry before today ended
Today has turned out to be one of the most productive I've had in a long time. I had to rise at 4am for a meeting at 5 (that went very well), and completed several important blocks of work between that meeting and the also-good meeting I had at 11. I got a whole bunch of calls done, several reports written, client prospects contacted, administrative Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1073372260871368242004-01-05T22:57:00.000-08:002004-01-05T22:58:52.076-08:00Voice of the Culture
I just watched a few minutes of Carson Daly's late-late-night TV show. He was interviewing a TV star, Jessica Alba. He said he'd heard she'd had a phase as a "born-again Christian" and asked her about it. Sure, what she described was a little bit of a caricature of the Christian life, but his reaction is what disturbed me. He thought it was so terrible that she ever had to Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1073110244617270182004-01-02T22:10:00.000-08:002004-01-02T22:14:25.903-08:00Resolute
A few people were sharing some New Years resolutions with me, and as I refrained from offering any of my own, I did think about how I have had a few brushes with regular gym workouts in the last several months, and how I feel more convicted lately (after a few pounds of Christmas chocolate and several holiday Smorgasbords real and figurative) to return to the gym.
But then I had a Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1073109682331494992004-01-02T22:01:00.000-08:002004-01-02T22:13:49.496-08:00The Rythym isn't Automatic
Yeah, you go a month and then go another three after an idle promise to post. It goes to show that intentions aren't worth much. Actions, though, are worth something. So I'll follow Stuart Smalley's advice and take an action. As much as Al Franken's political commentary turns my stomach, there's some wisdom in that film.
If I'd been up on even reading blogs lately, I'dDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1062581887424051832003-09-03T02:38:00.000-07:002003-09-03T02:40:54.640-07:00No Excuse
I can't believe that it's been over a month since I've posted. It's proof that I'm no slave to the blog, but that's really no excuse. It's mostly a testament to a certain amount of procrastination. Thankfully, I've been experiencing things that I think are worth writing about here and there, and have a little stockpile of notes to be fleshed out. I began an entry earlier this evening, Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-1059064783999825032003-07-24T09:39:00.000-07:002003-07-24T09:39:43.986-07:00Now that's drive!
I was walking back to my car in the parking lot of a local mall not long ago, when a middle-aged gentleman of Chinese descent, wearing a very neatly pressed suit, approached me. I could tell he was going to ask me a question, and figured that it wouldn't be a request for money, as in my experience I've found that most suit-wearing beggars don't have very good creases in theirDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-952130972003-06-02T17:07:00.000-07:002003-06-02T17:08:55.000-07:00Do the following
Take a 30 minute walk in your neighborhood.
Schedule yourself for one week to average 8 hours of sleep per night. Yes, you can, at least for one week.
Find out if the film "Winged Migration" is playing near you, and make a point to see it. It didn't seem like my kind of movie before I did, but you will like it, maybe even love it.
Check your car's tire pressure.
Spend a few Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-940425682003-05-09T02:30:00.000-07:002003-05-09T02:30:40.120-07:00It's not that I don't have more than a few things to write about...
...but I've been out of the blog rhthym lately. I intend to change that soon.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-923926542003-04-10T16:55:00.000-07:002003-04-10T16:55:19.233-07:00
There are no American infidels in Baghdad! Never!
Finally, a site devoted to that phenomenon of fantasy invective, the Iraqi information minister.
-via Russ' site
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-923754672003-04-10T11:36:00.000-07:002003-04-10T11:36:36.186-07:00
A little thought...
Watching and reading so much news in the last few weeks has reminded me how much I take freedom of speech and of the press for granted, and how that many of those in the press forget the value of that freedom. They have a right to express any opinion that they want, but they don't think much of how that was won, or what it means.
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-919471282003-04-03T16:24:00.000-08:002003-04-03T16:24:41.763-08:00
The wonders of Medical Imaging
A friend of mine related a story of a recent MRI on an issue in his abdomen.
He said that when he was done with the scan and had gotten up, the technician told him: "The bathroom is right over there." He said, "That's ok, I don't need to use it." The technician repeated the gesture to the bathroom. He once again denied any need. The technician then tapped the CRTDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-912553112003-03-23T19:07:00.000-08:002003-03-23T19:48:09.000-08:00More like a cafeteria...
I'm in the "easyInternetCafe" in Times Square in New York City, and this place is something else. This is the world's largest internet cafe - they've got 840 workstations available for rent! The place is buzzing, a bit less than half full, and there are all sorts of New Yorkers doing all sorts of things. Electronics shopping, online games, e-mail, international news, andDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-909448272003-03-18T12:50:00.000-08:002003-03-18T12:50:07.983-08:00
It's original to me..
I've done some work with a group that operates some hotels. They wanted to use two-level beds to increase occupancy potential, and as something fun for kids. But the idea has since been de-bunked.
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-905471772003-03-11T14:21:00.000-08:002003-03-23T19:55:35.000-08:00
An example...
I'm realizing that I've got a lot of notes that capture the outlines of various experiences and stories that I've never taken the time to flesh out. Some take the form of bullet points, some random thought, some freewriting-style prose. Here's an example:
Late November in Massachusetts
5pm
Mother's car
gas gauge on 3/4
230 miles since fill-up
looked at gauge
cognitive Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-901865202003-03-05T10:42:00.000-08:002003-03-05T10:42:38.950-08:00
The Pianist
I saw The The Pianist a couple of days ago, and I was floored. I didn't know much about it going in, which was good, and spared me any speculation about Roman Polanski's handling of the material (I haven't been much of a fan of his in the past). A heavy film, to be sure, but a film that is great for both craft and message. The film's depiction of life in Warsaw's Jewish ghetto in Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-897860952003-02-26T10:26:00.000-08:002003-02-26T10:27:30.000-08:00
Sending the Kimono Girls for the Good Stuff
The following is an excerpt (used with permission) of an e-mail sent to me by a friend who moved to Hawaii last year and met a Japanese woman who he fell in love with (those of you who know me personally know exactly who I'm talking about). The following tells the story of a dinner during his recent trip to Japan to ask her parents for permission to Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-894004432003-02-19T17:09:00.000-08:002003-02-19T17:08:48.000-08:00
Do I know you?
The caller opened with: "Hello, Mr Nat-al-zee-er, how are you doing?"
I replied: "Do I know you?"
The telemarketer on the other end stammered, "Well, uh, no... I'm Danny calling for the police activites council, and I'm offering you a chance to..."
"Oh, I see" I interrupted.
"What?" Danny replied.
"Right. No thank you. Goodbye."
This basic approach was recommended by a colleagueDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-886410042003-02-06T02:19:00.000-08:002003-02-19T17:09:37.000-08:00
I still love ribs, really!
I'm not your organic type. I enjoy a good steak, even meatloaf on occasion. But I must admit that a surprising restaurant in Los Angeles has made a huge impression on me. I've gone to Real Food Daily twice now, and I really think the food is great. This is not at all what I would expect from an Organic, Vegan, Macrobiotic restaurant. But really - it's fresh, tasty, Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-883392442003-01-31T10:52:00.000-08:002003-01-31T10:52:59.680-08:00
Back
I'm back in Southern California, and it's strange to not even be completely thawed out from 7 out of 8 days under 30 degrees, yet be driving around with the air conditioner on in my car.
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-881618612003-01-28T08:34:00.000-08:002003-01-28T08:34:50.663-08:00
Man's Unlimited Folly
On Sunday afternoon, I walked around Cambridge, Mass. for a couple of hours. I went into an "enlightenment bookstore" for a few minutes, partially to get out of the cold, partially because of the range of books I saw in the window. Living in Southern California, there is no shortage of Metaphysical bookstores, but I seldom give them even a second glance.
This store seemedDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-878867662003-01-22T22:53:00.000-08:002003-01-22T22:53:41.576-08:00
Fun in the Sun
Okay, I knew that I was in for colder experiences today, but there was still room for a little surprise at the magnitude. Fortunately, a heavily insulated parka and expedition-engineered long underwear made it an enjoyable day, as I traveled to the Northeast end of Long Island with my brother Joe and his son George.
This is the upper deck of the 1000-passenger ferry to Long Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275335.post-878248362003-01-21T21:17:00.000-08:002003-01-21T21:17:33.083-08:00
It does get colder than this...
But that is hard to believe right now. I arrived in Providence from Orange County, California just three hours ago, and I thought I was ready for the cold. I was wrong.
Now I know that many, many people out there have to deal with real cold for months on end every winter, so I'm not intending to complain as much as highlight the contrast. As I left the front Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12533497151575691198noreply@blogger.com0