What to blog about...Web 2.0?

I am rarely consistent about my postings. Often when I do write, it is about how I don't write. I'd like to call it irony, but I think a more appropriate term is lazy.

So recently I've been pondering the wide array of topics I could write about. My blog does not have a theme, so there is no good reason for a lack of topics. I could address books I'm reading, recent movies I've seen, crazy or less intelligent people I interact with and so much more. Now, while I would like to address each of these entertaining topics, I want one that I can regularly turn to for an immediate blog post idea. Here is where Web 2.0 comes in.

I love the internet. I could spend all day on it. I read the news, browse Facebook and Twitter, track my calories, listen to music, and then go back to the news to start it all over again. I am spending most of my time interacting with what people call Web 2.0.

Now Wikipedia's article (linked to above) is a bit obscure as are most of the websites on Web 2.0. And, that's because it hasn't really been defined. That leaves you with my definition...in the past we used paper. There was an upgrade to computers with software. Internet connected us, but that was for surfing product sites, getting directions and stuff. Now, we've progressed to Web 2.0; we're not using software on our computers or paper notes. The websites themselves are interacting with us and serving as our tools for connectivity and communication. The desktop of the computer screen is no longer our "homepage," but the browser (what you're using to "browse" the web) is!

When I haven't finished a book or movie or run into some amusing characters on the street, I'm going to introduce you to another Web 2.0 tool I use and why. Perhaps it'll be something you've heard of or are using. But, there is always a chance I can introduce something new to you.

What tools do you use online that are most likely part of Web 2.0?

Dog Leash Confusion

I'm hoping someone reading this can explain it back to me. I have had a situation today that just isn't calculating, so I'm reaching out for help.

First, there are some points of clarification. I live in the City of Denver, the County of Arapahoe and the State of Colorado which require your dog, unless in a designated area (e.g. a dog park) to be on a leash. It's called a Leash Law.

Okay, so with that in mind I also want to clarify that my dogs, Maddie and Kodiak, while sweet and innocent most of the time, are extremely protective of our apartment and surrounding areas. These two dogs are well behaved towards friends and strangers alike everywhere but our apartment complex. Around our apartment complex they feel the need to bark and sometimes growl at most people and every dog. It's something we're working on, but with limited success.

Finally, the story that I need help understanding. This morning I take the two pups outside for a little walk to take care of their business. We're only out and about for a short while before a small Terrier-like dog approaches without a leash. I think to myself, well that sucks but it happens. While my dogs go ballistic, I try to keep a distance between this dog and my insane and out of control, barking and growling, pulling and leaping pets. The dog keeps about 4 feet between itself and them, but then comes another dog, a chocolate chihuahua who isn't as interested in keeping away from Maddie and Kodiak. With one are extended holding the leashes of Kodiak and Maddie, I'm trying to use the other arm to keep these two other dogs away from mine. A woman casually strolls up, apologizes, picks up the two loose dogs (neither is wearing a leash that I can see) and walks away.

Okay, folks, that was my daily freebie. I understand dogs get loose. I understand people bend the rules about the leashes. It drives me absolutely nuts, but I'm not going to get myself labeled and the "cranky dog lady" in the neighborhood over it.

Four hours pass. The dogs and I are again outside for their benefit. I'm not 100 yards from my door when the same small Terrier-like dog is running for Kodiak and Maddie, who are again going out of their mind. This time the owner is kind enough to jog over, and she again apologizes. I respond with "that's why there are leash laws." Her rebuttal, "I know. She just always runs away. She always does this." And, her dog is now running away from her with the lady in pursuit. Again, I see no leash on this dog.

Here's where my question lies. Does a leash not tether the dog and person together, so unless the dog is significantly larger than you, the person can prevent the dog from getting away from the owner? Orrr, is there a new leash available that is invisible? I'm fairly tech savvy; I'd even say geeky. I'd think I'd have heard of it somewhere, but maybe I missed something. If you've seen a web page about this invisible leash, please link to it in the comments; I'd love to invest in some for Kodiak and Maddie.

This woman and her dogs are starting to really get on my nerves! And, while I am seeking some clarification, I also wanted to vent about this inept neighbor of mine. Thank you for your thoughts, support and willingness to read this pathetic and frustrating story.

Can I have your fanciest most expensive car please?

Today I saw a man and his wife return two smartphones because they were "too much" for them.  Now, please do not immediately assume I am going to judge people to try another step beyond their comfort zone for technology.  I applaud that.  I encourage people to step a little outside of their comfort zone and try something new.  However, I think one should utilize the resources they have available to them to learn the new technology.  It drives me nuts when someone assumes that by touching their new toy telekinetically they'll know how it works - the user manual just uploading to their brain through touch.

Today's witnessed return and my personal resulting frustration with people's lack of desire to learn - the American need for instant gratification - made me wonder...what if we bought everything the way we buy technology?

Can you imagine someone walking onto a car lot and telling the salesperson they want whatever is the latest and greatest?  How many sports cars would be stalled before leaving the car lot?  How many would get on the interstate unable to handle the power of the engine?

Can you imagine someone wanting to learn how to shoot a gun?  They walk into the store telling the salesperson they want the one that does the most.  How many high powered semi-automatic guns with laser scopes and more be sold to people firing a gun for the first time?  Can you imagine the emergency rooms?  "The, uh, gun had a bit too much kick back for me."

Even sporting equipment could be an example.  High priced top of the line skis, snowboards, bicycles, golf clubs and more could all be bought for their name, their features, their price point and more simply being "too much" for the customer.

Here's my thing.  Don't buy anything you're not interested in learning how to use.  Don't waste a salesperson's time if you're not going to ask questions.  Don't buy something based on anything but your needs.  People, it is a waste of resources - all resources - to buy something just to return it a week later.  Ask questions, utilize resources provided to you, seek out additional resources and take the time to learn how to use what you bought.  Nobody buys cars, guns, sporting equipment or anything else simply because it's the newest one with the most features unless they have an idea of what they're doing with it.  Use the same common sense when buying consumer electronics.

Television Shows That Keep Me Entertained

Image via Wikipedia

Without actual television I watch a lot of "television" on dvd. Susan and I both buy seasons of television on dvd which has a number of pros and cons. For example is disappointing that I can't watch episodes when they air. This keeps me out of the loop when conversations about television are taking place. It is rare that someone discusses that one episode three years ago on 24. However, I can watch episode after episode without waiting a weeks time. There is also the amazing technology of pause and rewind. It's a crazy concept.

Looking over the television shows Susan or I own I've realized that I like two types of shows. One - I like crime shows. I spent most of my winter break this past December, when we did have television, watching immense amounts of CSI (all variants) and Law & Order (again all variants). There must be something about the basic formula of problem, discussion and solving that appeals to me. At least that's what I tell myself. It's that or I have a morbid sense of entertainment.

This is a great segway for the second type of television I enjoy. This one has less interest in the structure of the show and more focus on the script writing style. I like quick and flippant interchanges, and they get a special pat on the back if they integrate society and cultural references and quips. Top contenders include Gilmore Girls, Sports Night and Bones. And, while Bones is not my favorite show of all time, it holds a special place in the lineup as it is a crime show and has quick script with cultural quips.

I enjoy television because it's mindless. I appreciate the fact that my brain is used more when I sleep is a lovely bonus. However, I think I really like it to be intellectual in some way hence my interest in the two types of shows listed above.

What kind of television shows do you like? Oh, and if your answer is reality tv, not only am I not accepting that answer but maybe you should do some reflection as I have.

Giving it to God...at the Airport

I'll try to keep this concise...

Today a good friend of mine was traveling and sent me a text message in response to me wishing her safe travels. As with any international flight, there was a long leg of the trip she expressed grief over. It made me think back to when I was in college.

Soon after my sophomore year of college began, my family relocated from 4 hours driving away to 4 hours flying away. Needless to say I began a stretch of time where I was traveling fairly regularly to visit on breaks. It was during that part of my life standing in O'Hare Airport often with two flights and a layover ahead of me (2 flights are cheaper than 1 ironically), that I learned to give things up to God.

Some would argue I was giving up to which ever airline I was flying that day, but in hindsight I think I was giving up to God. I realized talking to the ticket agents and flight attendants that these men and women completely determined if I was going to get where I wanted when I wanted. The harder I fought, the less likely things were going to improve. I also realized, simply by watching other disgruntled travelers, that yelling, pouting, screaming and threatening the airline employees would not make the delays shorter, the flights quicker or the weather more clear. It got to the point where I would prepare for the whole day to be consumed with travel, sometimes more than one day.

My goal was to get to my destination. And, that was as complex as it got - I removed time and comfort from the equation. I paid a significant amount of money to a company to get me from Point A to Point B, and with that exchange of money I transferred all control and responsibility. I was to simply show up and do my best to not become emotionally involved in the process.

Looking back I think I was learning to give things up to God. I give God my life and try not to get too emotionally involved in the process, and God gets me from Point A to Point B on God's schedule on God's route with and without weather delays.

How does your travel habits reflect your relationship with God?

Mobile Web Server

Previously I mentioned a mobile web server/website. It's not gonna happen. I'm not sure I understand the benefits and point to it. If I want to blog from my phone, I can simply message into Blogger. If I want to post photos, I have a number of ways of doing that. If I want people to know where I am, I use Google Latitude. And, if you want a photo of where I'm at, text me. If you don't know my number, it's not hard to find...or, I don't know you so you shouldn't be able to request a photo.

All and all, it seems like a waste of memory on my phone and energy for management. I will continue to try new services and technologies crossing mobile, computer and internet...a mobile web server will just not be one of them.

I'll try to remove the sidebar link soon...just not right now.

None of that Sissy Crap (from a good friend)

Are you tired of those sissy 'friendship' poems? Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship. You will see no cutesy little smiley faces; just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.

1. When you are sad --I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.

4. When you're scared -- we will high tail it out of here.

5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining, ya big baby!!!!

6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.

7. When you are sick --Stay away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.

8.. When you fall --- I'll pick you up and dust you off---After I laugh my butt off!!

9. This is my oath...I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask -- because you are my FRIEND!

Friendship is like peeing your pants, everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth.

Integration

I'm trying now to better integrate my presence online. I am on Facebook and Twitter, but I'm trying to incorporate all of my different things on here, my personal website. So, while I haven't been posting like I said I would, I have been on here doing stuff. You'll notice I've added my Twitter postings to the top. That way even when I'm not making a full blog posting, you'll still see my "micro-posts."

I'm also working on a mobile website. I tried this years ago to no avail but have decided to try it once again. Technology has improved as has my mobile device. I've added a badge on the left side of the page linking you to my mobile site. I'm not making any promises, but we'll find out together how it'll all work out.

Commitments

Okay, so I really can make a commitment and stand by it. However, I did not keep the commitment I made on here. I already missed blogging yesterday! The really sad part is that I had stuff to blog about.

Yesterday I went up to Boulder and had a lovely lunch with Susan and Terry. It was originally going to be at The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, but due to a wait we relocated to the delish Boulder Cafe. We checked out some shops and then headed home due to the inclement weather. Walking Pearl Street just isn't fun in the rain without an umbrella.

Later on though we caught some amazing shots of rainbows.







Wrapped up the day with a jaunt to the local county library, some salt and pepper chips, white wine and Ghostbusters. It was a great summer day off from work. I'm looking forward to planning next week's "weekend," and hoping to squeeze in some camping.

Blog Postings

Why don't I post on here more often? Will having more time this summer move me to post on here? Does anyone read this blog? (Well, it does post of FB which may increase readership) And, does it matter if anyone reads it?

This is my wussy post. My goal is to post every day for a week. Let's see if I can keep this brain in gear for writing and get interesting stuff down on the screen. Maybe I'll even post again today. :)