Thomas Payne – We The People

Bob Basso is the gentleman here dressed as Thomas Payne. In the first video, he gives an impassioned speech about taking back our government and the second American Revolution. Not everything he says is totally accurate but he puts up a great argument. Now, the controversy around this video is not the video itself, but a hoax that was started (not by him). Supposedly, President Obama invited Mr. Basso to the White House to discuss the troubling rhetoric but was forbidden to speak to anyone about this meeting. The second video is Mr. Basso, again as Payne, refuting the rumor but giving another fiery speech as to what he would tell President Obama. Mr. Basso is a motivational speaker and very good at what he does, but again I do urge you to research the points that he makes in the first video so as to have the full picture. Over all, a very good rally cry!

Bubbles in Times Square

Not necessarily a flash mob, but a great video of a bubble mob. Astro Pixie posted this on her site. She always has really cool videos and photos. Did I ever mention that she’s a real professional astronomer?

The Spending Habits of the Average American

 

J.D. over at “Get Rich Slowly” found this visual piece of information that details where the average American spends his/her money. I always find it interesting to see how we compare to the average and how we do not. As J.D. points out, this counts the average family as 2.5 people with 1.9 vehicles and only 1.3 wage earners. My wife and I almost fit this. We have a baby on the way, though we really haven’t started spending for it, we have 2 cars, though one has been paid off for 3 years now, and my wife is the only wage earner, though I pick up the odd job here and there. J.D. also points out that in the picture, the average person spends $118 on books and over $1100 on clothes and yet his are reversed. So are ours. We spend close to $600 or 700 on books and $500 to 600 on clothes (60% to 75% of that being my wife’s). How do you fit the picture? Where are you average and where are you unique?

Things you can do with your Google

Lifehacker - Top 10 Obscure Google Search Tricks - Feature

Where have you been all my movie-going life?

When I first saw this website, I couldn't believe my eyes. The site is RunPee.com and it is
a helpful tool for movie-goers. Find a movie that you will be seeing and the site will tell you
the most opportune times to visit the loo and about you have before something interesting
starts happening again. If your so inclined, The section that tells you how long you have
also holds a synopsis of what's happening during that time that you're away.  Don't worry,
that section is scrambled so that you won't see any spoilers if you don't want. Just click
the unscramble button and all will be revealed. I remember reading somewhere that they
will also tell you if there is anything after the credits worth watching, but I have found anything
to support that mention yet. There is even an iPhone app so that if you forget to check the
movie beforehand, you won't be stranded.

Don't know how many of you fly out there, but if I was a flyer, I would think that
this would come in real handy. Print it out and take it with you and never wonder
how much your credit card was going to get hit for.

Lifehacker - State of the Airline Industry Chart Compares Airline Service Fees - Money

Even dogs get the blues

Larry Winget speaks the truth

We as a society have gotten very lazy especially when it comes to personal responsibility and
especially thinking. I mean the real authentic act of "thinking." Thinking of others, thinking ahead
of what the consequences might be for your actions, thinking of where I need to be in traffic and
going ahead and getting there now, instead of waiting til the last minute and crossing four lanes
and three automobiles and . . . . .sorry, got carried away. Anyway. Read Larry's article. Please.

It’s Easier To Be Stupid | Larry Winget -- Money - Personal Development - Business

Free Downloads for your Mac

I posted this mainly for my friend, Skye, because she has a Mac. I've never
owned one, thought about it a few times, but I've just always had a PC. I've
never had all the problems with Windows that most others complain about
so, I've never seen a reason to swap. Here you go, Skye. Enjoy!

Lifehacker Pack 2009: Our List of Essential Free Mac Downloads

Online Banking offers higher interest rates

I am often appalled at the rates that traditional brick and mortar banks offer their customers. Many online bloggers tout the usefulness of online accounts and just such a person has done that. This link will take you to "Get Rich Slowly" and where the research has already been done for you.

Online Banking: 13 Choices for Higher Interest Rates and Increased Security * Get Rich Slowly

Neville's Homeless Experiment

I've been reading this gentleman's blog for several months now. I started at the beginning and read it all the way to present. I have to admit that I admire Neville. He is a true explorer. He asks questions and is not afraid to experiment. I'm always in awe at the way he just dives in. That doesn't mean that he doesn't think things out though. He's very analytical. He asks questions, prepares, and implements. This experiment is one in homelessness. Neville has decided to become homeless for 5 days and 4 nights. Follow him at the link below to see what he sees.

Thank you Neville for a great website.

Neville's Financial Blog

Komen Race for the Cure and Lora Williams

Carroll's cousin, Lora has asked for help in her entry into the Race for the Cure. You can either pledge money by clicking on the "Support Lora" link or you can "Join Lora's Team." Even though you don't know Lora, odds are that you know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. In these hard economic times it's hard to donate money, so even if you can't do that, please pass this page on to someone else so that they might also make a difference.

Perfect Morning

A brisk morning walk, a light rain for a few hours and some blogging. Perfect.

I've finally decided to get off my behind and walk off my behind. Well, I've decided before but never enough to get up and do it. Well, let's see if I can keep it going all week. This week has really shown me my age. Not being able to perform certain tasks, having recurring dreams of running, then waking and knowing that it really was a dream, and the constant back and knee pain. Yep, definitely time. After Carroll left for work, I got dressed and took off. It's .8 miles around the apartment complex. I know that it's optimal to walk at least 30 minutes, so I decided to do two laps and figured that was a good start. Half-way through the second lap, my hips starting to ache. I finished the lap and saw that I did 25 minutes. Not too bad. I figure that I'll keep doing 2 laps for the first week and then I'll up it a lap at a time until I'm doing 6 laps. That will be just under 5 miles. Then, I plan to slowly up my pace. Maybe, I'll run again. I've often thought of at least running one race in my life.

I used to not be this way. In high school I was a chunky kid, but I wasn't fat. I was called fat, but if you look at my photos, I wasn't. Kids can be so cruel. Mom says that when I was little, she heard that the kids were picking on me. She asked me what did when they did that to me, and I told her that I would just laugh at them. I don't remember my feelings being hurt very badly, but it wasn't a happy memory.

I weighed 203 when I joined the Navy. That didn't last long. My military id that I received in boot camp said that my weight was 167. 36 pounds in 13 weeks. I had an instructor that took it upon himself to follow me around the grinder (the workout area) and "motivate" me. At electronics school, I remember running alot. I even enjoyed it. On the ship, I got into lifting weights and the rowing machines. I wasn't ripped or cut, but I had a pretty good physique.

I still have that physique but it's been covered by a hundred pounds of extra weight. Right now, I weigh about 325 and am 44 inches in the wast. That's not around my stomach, we won't go into that. Needless to say, I need to do something. It's a given. So, I've put it out here so that you can keep me honest.

I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Local radio stations on your desktop

Over 12,000 online radio stations can be had with this simple download. Check out the link below from the How-To Geek. I the download took longer than it took to get the program up, running and listening. 26 locations in the Dallas, Tx area from 70s/80 to variety and all your favorites in between. If you have more eclectic tastes you can listen to stations around the world. This little gem also allows you record while you listen. Check out the link and let me know what you think. Oooh, that rhymed!

Listen and Record Over 12,000 Online Radio Stations with RadioSure :: Mysticgeek’s Realm

The Taga Stroller Tricycle Bike something or other

The Taga: Part Stroller, Part Tricycle, Completely Awesome : TreeHugger

V V Brown - Crying Blood

I can't explain it. There is just something about her and the song that I love. What do you think?

Swine Flu and the Economy

Swine flu seems to be cramping my lifestyle. The news just broke in on the TV to say that the entire Fort Worth school district will shut down til May 8th due to a confirmed case of swine flu. We had planned to visit a few events this week to get out of the house. Now that we think about it, maybe we should stay at home. So if the economy is not a downer you have this flu throwing it's hat in the ring. I'm actually thinking about doing what I said I wasn't gonna do in the first place; I'm getting worried. Not the "run out and buy out the pharmacy" kinda worry, but I will take a few precautions.
The CDC has put a set of guidelines and they are as follows:

• Stay informed. This website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, face masks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.
• Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.

How has the "possible" pandemic affected what you do, if at all? Or just point out my misspellings?

Two Tons of Steel remake of The Ramones - I Wanna Be Sedated

"Heard this song on my way out to see my Dad a few weeks back and just remembered to look for it. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Or not.

I Wanna Be Sedated - Two Tons Of Steel

Has the economy bit into your movie budget?

My wife and I don't go to the movie as often as we did when we started dating. As great as the movies are, we just can't seem to bring our selves to shell out $9.50 a ticket for a cramped seat and the chance to hear what the person four aisles away is talking about. Add snacks and they can cost as much as the tickets.

We finally tried the dollar (actually $1.50) movie across the highway and enjoyed it. For less than the price of one regular priced ticket we were able to see a double feature. Snacks still cost the same, but for $30 we did what would have cost us almost $60. Still the same old guy talking four rows up and the tight seats, but, hey, for that price, I'll deal.

Nowadays, we don't go out unless it's a blockbuster spectacular that has to be seen on the big screen. Any kind of blow'em-up, shoot'em-up, scifi, adventure, epic type of movie is why we shell out the big bucks. (Un)Fortunately, they are few and far between. Well, except for May, when Wolverine and Star Trek come out. We'll deal with that through the local comic book shop, Boomerang Comics. They're across the street and Neal, the guy that owns it, has a movie night at Studio Movie Grill. He rents out the whole theater and you purchase your tickets through him.

Another way of fighting the price of movies is through NetFlix. We have an account with them and it's great. For $16 a month, we can get 2 movies at a time. We watch them and return them and they send two more. As many as we can watch in a month for $16 and there are no late fees. Wife gets a movie and I get a movie. We watch one, stick it in the mail the next day and a new one usually arrives by the time we are done with the next movie (unless you watch them both one after the other.) They have bigger plans including 8 movies at one time. You manage your list online and as they recieve one movie, they ship the next one out. I've sent one out on a Monday and had the next one on a Wednesday.

And for those with fast connections, you can watch certain movies and tv shows on your computer. This is great for people like me who want to see things that the spouse is not interested in like my Red Dwarf tv series from the 80's. Even watched a book-turned-movie by one of my favorite authors and saw why he hated it. I did too.

I'm a NetFlix fan because we don't waste alot of money on the movie experience unless it warrants it. I've got a link for it on my other website, so if you'd like to try it out, please do.

So, how do you cut corners with your entertainment expenses? Do you rent, or do you deprive yourself during the economic downturn? Or are you even affected by it? Let me know!

What is news?

Susan Boyles' performance on Britain's Got Talent has been a world-wide phenomenon and people were weighing in on CNN about it. The typical comments were "never judge a book by it's cover." Then one woman posts a video comment and in it she says that someone being judged by their looks is not news. She being an over-weight asian woman means that she is judged every day. That is not news. Yes, I agree with her. It's not. She as well as others missed exactly why it was news. The look on Simon Cowell's face as well as the other judges' and audiences' is why it is so worthy of the attention. Yes, she is a wonderful singer and yes, she's frumpy. But that is far out-weighed by the eating of crow by so many people at one time.