Smoke'em if you got'em

Google Contacts and Geni

2011-12-18T14:06:00.001-05:00

An open letter to Larry Page.

Larry, hope you will forgive the informality. My Mother did teach me better manners, but since I am older then you, I figured I'd just go with Larry.

Several years ago I was hoping like crazy that Google would buy Geni or Ancestry.com. As you can tell, I'm into Genealogy. But you don't need to do that, as Google contacts has to only have some features added to it and you can take over this space, not to mention also Corporate Directories.

Here is my proposal.

Contacts has recently had relationships added to it. Today you can add Mother, Father, Brother, Sister. You need to add Grandfather, Grandmother, Uncle, Aunt, Cousin, Nephew, Niece...... you get the idea. Next, for contacts that have a family relationship, you need to add, Place of Birth, Date of Death, Place of Burial.... etc.
So far, I would think that these would be fairly simple things to add to Contacts. Now comes the good stuff. First I'd like to be able to pass on to members of my family the information that I've created. I don't want all this just locked up in my Contacts account. I'd like to be able to pass on to my children and other members of my family this information. It's only created once, but can be preserved forever. Let me easily pass this information along to the Google Contacts of my family members. Then allow me in Contacts to create a Family Tree that I can either share, or download to Google Docs so I can share with Family members that do not have a Google Account. I'd also like the ability to select or filter on fields in Contacts and download this info into either Docs or Spreadsheet. Over a very short time, this information would allow all of us to see if it is really only six degrees of separation between all of us.

I'd also like to see the same thing on the corporate side. Today I can add company name and add Manager as a relationship. With just this information I should be able to create corporate
directories that I can print out, share or download to Google Docs.

One last favor to ask while I'm on the subject of contacts. Other then Google Contacts, the only other place that I have contacts is LinkedIn. Please work out a deal with them so that my Google Contacts and my 1st degree contacts on LinkedIn stay synced up both ways. I would view this as a win win for both companies.

These updates to Contacts would also improve the quality of my Circles on Google +.

Keep up the good work and Thanks.

Google Photos

2011-10-09T09:04:00.000-04:00

Sure would like to see Google integrate Picasa, Picnik and Panoramio into a great app and call it Google Photo. Then they need to add Google Photo to Google Docs. Then they need to add a few features that are found in Flickr and then integrate with Google+.

What do you think.

By the way, how many of you even remembered that Google owns Panoramio let alone use it?

The Old Man

2011-01-16T11:49:00.000-05:00

The Old Man is getting on in age. He most likely does not have many years left, if even that. He has Kidney Stones also, which is not helping matters.

He has been a good pet, friend and companion to me and my family for 14 years now. I sure hope the good Lord gives him a few more good years.

I will miss him when he is gone.

CHRIS BOTTI IN BOSTON | "Emmanuel" w/ Lucia Micarelli | PBS

2010-12-23T21:32:00.000-05:00

A Good Cigar

2010-09-30T22:58:00.000-04:00

A question for the Netverse. If you smoke them, what is your favorite cigar to smoke and why?

Funk 49 - Joe Walsh

2010-09-22T00:19:00.000-04:00

Some very good stuff. Enjoy

Baron and Tyson

2010-09-08T09:52:00.000-04:00

Old Baron is getting up there in age. Almost 14 years now and his health is
starting to go. Not sure how much longer he has. Tyson on the other hand is
young and full of energy. He sort of watches over Baron. While they are
not the best of buddies, they are buddies. Two very good and loving dogs.

Pink Floyd Pulse Tour - "Great Gig in the Sky"

2010-08-21T21:50:00.000-04:00

I could listen to this all day long and never get tired of it.

Center of Cobb County Georgia

2010-08-18T09:52:00.000-04:00

From Marietta, GA

Art Of Noise - Moments in love

2010-06-19T23:15:00.000-04:00

U.S. Home Seizures Jump 44% as All States Show Rise: Video

2010-06-10T14:50:00.000-04:00

And the "talking heads" keep trying to tell us that things are getting better. Wonder what news they watch.

Marietta, GA

2010-05-22T13:22:00.000-04:00

2013: The Year Tech as We Know It Changes

2010-04-26T12:10:00.000-04:00

VERY INTERESTING ARTICLE. WELL WORTH TAKING THE TIME TO READ.

2013: The Year Tech as We Know It Changes: "
The market is in a planning cycle, and analysts are being asked to take a look in their crystal balls and describe what 2013 will look like. Clearly, we will have more bandwidth, 3-D TV will be ramping, and most of us will either be using tablet devices for something or moving to the next big thing. I'm going to look out to 2013 and make some assumptions and then paint a picture of what the world will look like through the eyes of someone who is on the cutting edge of technology. I'm picking cutting edge because that is where the most change is likely to be."

THE SPORTING BLOG - Brian Kownacki Leaps The Catcher

2010-04-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

No matter how many times I view this, it is still fun to watch. This is how the game should be played.

VA investigating medical record breach

2010-03-12T22:38:00.000-05:00

As a Vet living in Atlanta, I find this kind of news disturbing. You would think that the Government by now would know how to secure information on the web. If they can successfully protect nuclear warheads, then they ought to be able to protect personal information.

VA investigating medical record breach: "

ATLANTA — The Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General has launched a criminal investigation into a security breach of veterans’ medical information at the Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that a physician assistant stored unauthorized clinical information on her personal laptop regarding veterans who were seen at one of the VA specialty clinics. The newspaper sites an internal document it obtained.

Katie Roberts, the press secretary for the VA, confirmed the investigation.

The newspaper reports the agency has yet to determine how many veterans are affected or the degree to which the data contained personal and medical information.

________

Information from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP

Snow in the Deep South

2010-02-12T18:59:00.000-05:00

This is what snow looks like in Atlanta. This is something we don't see hardly at all in the Deep South. Here everyone runs to the grocery store to stock up on milk, beer and toilet paper.

Do those of you north of the Mason-Dixon line feel sorry for us?

BRAVO ZULU

2010-02-08T09:21:00.000-05:00

Marines+quietly+wrap+up+ops+in+Iraq

As a former sailor in the Gator Navy, I'd like to just say "Thanks" to the young men and women of the Corp that have served in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Job well done.

BRAVO ZULU!!!

Rock on!

2010-02-07T22:09:00.000-05:00

I FEEL YOUNG AGAIN.

If Roger and Pete can rock out like this at their age, then I have no excuses. I'm younger then both of them and therefore should have even more energy.

Thanks Roger. Thanks Pete.

I WOULDN'T GET FOOLED AGAIN.

Good Food

2010-02-07T17:26:00.000-05:00

The next time you are down on the Square, you need to stop in at Schillings.
Order yourself the Reuben and a cold beverage of your choice. It doesn't
get much better then this.

That's Just Peachy

2010-02-07T12:19:00.000-05:00

Below is a link to a Web site that everyone that lives in the great State of Georgia should bookmark.

That's Just Peachy

Good day for a walk

2010-01-31T21:43:00.000-05:00

Got off my butt and took another good walk today. It was brisk, in the low to mid 40's, but the sun was out. All in all it was a good day for a walk

Winter day walk

2010-01-30T15:21:00.000-05:00

As one gets older, it becomes even more important to get out
and get some exercise. One place I enjoy walking is at Kennesaw Mtn.
National Battlefield. It a large park where you can still get out and
enjoy Mother Nature.

To all the Baby Boomers; get out and take a walk.

Burbling Stream

2009-12-15T12:20:00.001-05:00

Went hiking at the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park the other day and came across this very relaxing spot in the park. It was a very relaxing spot. Just listening to the water tumble across the stones seemed to ease stress and tension. This is what I would call a very natural way of relaxing.

Hope you enjoy and can relax for a minute or two.

http://picasaweb.google.com/terra2055/AtThePark#5412252607331934530

Lifestyle Chill Podcast - Deadpool?

2009-12-14T23:34:00.001-05:00

Sure looks that way. There hasn't been an update now in 4 months. Before that there was an update monthly. The Podcasts are still there, so I recommend you download any you would like to keep before they get taken down.

Does anyone have any sort of update on this site?

in reference to: http://www.thepodlounge.com/podcast/lifestyle-chill (view on Google Sidewiki)

Google Phone

2009-12-14T23:03:00.001-05:00

Interesting blog that strips away much of the hype that has been out there since Saturday. If the 1/5 date is true, we wouldn't have long to wait on this one. Will Google hit a home run, or will the mighty Google strike out?

What do you think?
in reference to: http://blogs.forrester.com/consumer_product_strategy/2009/12/google-phone-what-if.html (view on Google Sidewiki)

Stargate Universe gets a second season

2009-12-14T20:59:00.000-05:00

Now this is very good news. Thank you SyFy!

Stargate Universe gets a second season: "

Well my day just got better. SGU is currently on a mid-season break but at least the news broke that the show got picked up for another season. Now if I can only wait until April to see how Dr. Rush gets back on board the Destiny.

I had my doubts about the show when it first started, but I’m really starting to get into it. It has the depth and mystery of Lost, but still maintains the Stargate charm and wit. Hopefully it beats-out Stargate Atlantis’s five year run although I doubt it will surpass SG-1’s epic ten seasons. One can hope, though.

Google, Amazon, Microsoft Fluff Up Their Clouds

2009-11-15T11:01:00.002-05:00

This type of announcement is mostly overlooked, but it will eventually impact everyone. This is the future. It wouldn't be long before both your professional and personal life are in the "cloud".

Google, Amazon, Microsoft Fluff Up Their Clouds

Posted using ShareThis

Santana - Soul Sacrifice (Woodstock 1969)

2009-10-17T19:58:00.001-04:00

The country needs to party like it's 1969 again........

THE END OF SUMMER

2009-09-04T23:20:00.002-04:00

Another Summer has come and gone. Labor Day is Monday and autumn is just around the corner. Before we say good-bye to one more summer of sun, fun and relaxation, I'd like you all to sing it one more time for me. You all know the tune and most of you know every word. In case you forgot a few of the words, here they are.

SO LONG SUMMER OF '09.

Wake up Maggie
I think I got something to say to you;
it's late September and I really should be back at school.
I know I keep you amused
but I feel I'm being used

oh
Maggie
I couldn't have tried anymore.
You lured me away from home
just to save you from being alone.
You stole my heart and that's what really hurts.
The morning sun
when it's in your face
really shows your age

but that don't worry me none
in my eyes you're ev'rything.
I laughed at all of your jokes
my love you didn't need to coax

oh
Maggie
I couldn't have tried anymore.
You lured me away from home
just to save you from being alone.
You stole my soul
that's a pain I can do without.
All I needed was a friend to lend a guiding hand

but you turned into a lover
and
Mother
what a lover !
You wore me out.
All you did was wreck my bed
and in the morning kick me in the head

oh
Maggie
I couldn't have tried anymore.
You lured me away from home
'cause you didn't want to be alone.
You stole my heart
I couldn't leave you if I tried.
I suppose I could collect my books and get back to school.
Or steal my daddy's cue and make a living out of playing pool.
Or find myselfe a rock and roll band that needs a helpin' hand.
Oh
Maggie
I wish I'd never seen your face.
You lured me away from home
just to save you from being alone.
You stole my heart and that's what really hurts.
The morning sun
when it's in your face
really shows your age

but that don't worry me none
in my eyes you're ev'rything.
I laughed at all of your jokes
my love you didn't need to coax

oh
Maggie
I couldn't have tried any face

you made a first-class fool out of me

but I'm as blind as a fool can be

you stole my heart but I love you anyway.
Maggie
I wish I'd never seen your face.
I'll get on back home one of these days.

The #1 Enemy Of A Successful Job Search?

2009-09-03T11:09:00.000-04:00

For all of you out there in "Career Transition", I recommend that you read this article.

The #1 Enemy Of A Successful Job Search?: "

Of course there are many things that can disable your job search. Some are in your control and some are not . . .

Some are debilitating and some simply frustrating.

The enemy on my mind this morning, however, is a sneaky one. Hard to control. And sometimes hard to see. It works quietly in the background like a computer virus. Chewing up memory and productivity.

Even the word sounds dastardly.

In fact, the word is so full of consonants that it sounds like the gnashing of teeth.

'Procrastination'

Is this a problem for you? Are you sure?

It has been an issue for me in the past (you can read my other blog to learn how I let 20 years go by before acting on my ideas). So when I saw an article on the topic in Scientific American Mind, I knew I had to tell you about it.

The great article was written by Trisha Gura called 'I'll Do It Tomorrow' where she suggests that 'procrastination is damaging the careers, health and savings accounts of millions of Americans'.

I referred to this idea generally a few months back when I suggested you need to be careful of optimism. That too much optimism might prevent a healthy dose of productive fear from driving you to take action.

But procrastination is less about optimism and more about simply avoiding doing the things you know you need to do. Sometimes to your significant peril - as the article suggests.

And you also may say 'Isn't the risk just the opposite? That we will act too often, over-communicate and be perceived as desperate?'

Yes. And I know what you are thinking. There are too many things to think about and balance during job search. And you are right.

So first some examples of where and when procrastination can cripple you in job search - if you do not act:

Creating a top notch resume and online brand (Linkedin, Twitter, Blogging)

Building a detailed budget for expenses during your transition

Drafting and implementing a solid job search strategy

Calling and following up with influential networking contacts

Getting to important networking events

Now there are many reasons people don't do these things. Sometimes there is a lack of knowledge. Pride can get in the way. And sometimes you forget that this job search market is completely different. That the old ways of job search won't work.

Some of these things are hard. They require skills that you may not have. And you hesitate. Then hesitation turns to put off and then put off becomes forgotten.

But sometimes you simply put off doing important things. And you know you shouldn't.

In the article, Trisha provides some great tips on how to recognize when you are procrastinating. These steps, which characterize the process of procrastination, were provided by William Knaus - a clinical psychologist in Massachusetts:

You have an activity with a deadline that comes with a reward if done well or a punishment if not done correctly.

You view the activity negatively, as boring, unpleasant, threatening or confusing.

You magnify the onerousness of the task while discounting the incentives for acting now.

To avoid or relieve the discomfort, you substitute another activity such as daydreaming, 'organizing' or just about anything involving a computer.

You tell yourself that you will get to the task, perhaps tomorrow. Then, when tomorrow comes, you make up another excuse.

Boy these sound familiar. Do you think surfing the job search engines for hours a day is a symptom of a procrastination problem. I think so, yes. Seemingly productive yet highly inefficient. And an incredibly passive activity. A classic time waster if used beyond its value.

So, how do you battle this beast before it quietly takes your legs out from under you?

Well, as suggested here before (and supported in the article) . . .

Take action. Build a specific plan. And surround yourself with really smart people who can help you through the aspects of job search that you find more daunting.

With a plan you have confidence that you are executing a well-thought out and objective strategy. And you can slice this plan into easier tactical bites. Easier to execute = more likely to complete.

If you read this blog on a regular basis (get the RSS feed, e-mail list, bookmark), I promise to prod you.

To provide you with practical advice two or three times a week. Advice that you can act on that day to drive efficiency into your effort.

Looking for more ideas? Download the free e-book (no strings attached and no sign-up required)! Here's the link:

New E-Book Now Available! '30 Ideas. The Ideas of Successful Job Search.'

But do me a favor. Don't read this blog every day. You might be procrastinating. And I'd rather hear that you chose instead to get out to a cool networking event.

Where you are likely to find your next job floating around the room.

HR Minion: Dumbing it down

2009-09-03T10:52:00.000-04:00

This is a very real situation that many folks find themselves in. My question is: Why do people feel that they have to "dumb down" their resumes? Wouldn't companies use this time as an opportunity to hire highly qualified employees at a competitive wage? What is driving companies to "reject" job canidates with the excuse that they are over qualified for the position? I would think that this would be a "plus".

HR Minion: Dumbing it down

Brett Favre

2009-08-31T23:17:00.002-04:00

As someone who grew up in Minnesota and spent many seasons watching the Vikings battle the Packers, I have to admit that it is very strange watching number 4 lead our offense with the name "FAVRE" on the jersey.

It just doesn't feel right.......

Could A Space Elevator Save The Planet? [Space Elevator]

2009-08-15T16:48:00.000-04:00

This is an idea that should be fast tracked.

Could A Space Elevator Save The Planet? [Space Elevator]: "

A space elevator, carrying people and objects off the planet and into orbit, is the kind of cool mega-engineering project that thrills science-fiction fans. But it could happen in your lifetime (if you're young), and it may save the planet.

This weekend, Microsoft is hosting a Space Elevator Conference to discuss ways of making the Roald Dahl-esque dream a reality. And NASA is co-sponsoring the 'Tether Challenge,' aka the Space Elevator Games, as part of its Centennial Challenge, with contestants competing to devise a material strong enough to carry items up 62,000 miles — with the winner getting $2 million. Says NASA:

This is a challenge in materials engineering in which the tether provided by each team is subjected to a pull test. In order to win the $2 million prize, the tether must exceed the strength of the best available commercial tether by 50 percent with no increase in mass. A tether that can win this challenge would be a major step forward in materials technology. Such improved materials would have wide range of applications in space and on Earth. In past years the Tether Challenge was held in conjunction with the Power Beaming Challenge at an event called the Space Elevator Games. In 2009 the events will be separate. Some space enthusiasts see the potential of wireless power transmission and high-strength tethers being combined to realize the space elevator, a concept that would bring about a revolution in space activity. The space elevator and even space solar power may be many years away, but dramatic improvements in power beaming and tether materials that result from these challenges can lead to many near-term innovations in a wide range of fields.

This year the Tether Challenge will be held at the 2009 Space Elevator Conference in Redmond, Washington in August.

So far, early reports coming out of the conference suggest that people are still grappling with the challenges of creating a space elevator, which may still be decades away. But the development of carbon nanotubes is an encouraging sign. If we did have a space elevator, the prohibitive cost of getting people and materials into orbit — and exploring the solar system — would drop tremendously. But perhaps more importantly, it might also save our environment. Writes PC World:

Several of the experts agreed that one reason to build a low-cost transportation method is to build satellites for generating solar energy. 'Solar-power satellites is really the biggest need to haul heavy stuff to geosynchronous altitude,' said Keith Henson, founder of L5 Society.

[Bryan] Laubscher agreed, saying that space solar power will be the second big money-maker in space, after the existing communications market.

With a space elevator, you could build massive solar energy farms in orbit and send energy back to Earth, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels — just as long as you found a way to grapple with the ever-present peril of space junk, which would be constantly threatening to smash into your nice shiny elevator.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport "Sang Bleu" unveiled in Monterey

2009-08-14T20:36:00.000-04:00

I wonder what the insurance would be on this beautiful car..........

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport "Sang Bleu" unveiled in Monterey: "

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Bugatti, Misc. Auto Shows

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport 'Sang Bleu' - Click above for high-res image gallery

How many special edition Bugatti Veyrons are there? There's the Pur Sang, the Bleu Centenaire, the Sang Noir and Fbg by Hermes, not to mention the countless examples that have either been painted gold or chrome by bored sheiks who've spent too much time in the sun. The targa-fied Veyron, otherwise known as the Grand Sport, has been around a lot less time than its closed roof counterpart, but it's about time the open roof Bug got a special edition of its own. Enter the Grand Sport 'Sang Bleu' that's being unveiled by Bugatti this weekend in Monterey.

The 'Sang Bleu' is set off by its unique two-tone color combination that isn't the result of opening a couple new cans of paint back at the Bugatti factory in Molsheim, France, but rather combining two materials: carbon fiber and aluminum. The shiny parts are, of course, the al-yoo-mini-um of which we spoke, but the royal blue you see is a specially tinted carbon fiber. The only other differences between the 'Sang Bleu' and a normal Grand Sport are that the rear airscoops are also body color, and the wheels are a unique design with a Midnight Blue and Diamond Cut finish.

Only 20 standard Grand Sports have been ordered and far less actually delivered, so the 'Sang Bleu' stands as the rarest Veyron of them all right now. There's only one and Bugatti doesn't mention anything about it going into limited production, but considering the brand's penchant for making special editions, we expect the 'Sang Bleu' will be available for anyone with anyone with a couple million bucks to trade.

[Source: Bugatti]

Continue reading Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport 'Sang Bleu' unveiled in Monterey

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport 'Sang Bleu' unveiled in Monterey originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nap Time

2009-08-14T12:58:00.002-04:00

Some dogs just have it good. This is Tyson and as you can see, he has the good life.

The Braves Are Back

2009-08-14T12:20:00.000-04:00

Nice to see that some folks are still watching the Braves.

The Braves Are Back: "

Back in the day when the Braves were on national television every night, were owned by a flamboyant cable television tycoon, featured a bevy of superstar names, and won the division every single year… there was no shortage of national press aimed in the Braves’ direction. These days, however, the Braves tend to fly a bit under the radar. Maybe that’s why so few in national sports media seemed to have noticed…

The Braves are back.

Do you remember the days when the Braves threw top-of-rotation starters at opponents just about every single night? Those days are back. Remember the days when Atlanta combined timely hitting and superior defense with that pitching to down opponents with regularity? Those days are back.

The Atlanta Braves now hold the best record of any team in the National League since the all-star break (17-9). Since the break, the Braves are 3rd in the league in runs scored, 2nd in homeruns, and 4th in team batting average. Atlanta also leads in the league in “second half” team ERA (3.03).

In fact, Atlanta holds the best record of any team in the NL since June 28th (26-14). That’s a .650 win percentage. To put that in perspective, a .650 clip over a 162 games would translate to 105 wins. That’s how well the Braves have played over the last 40 games. And we’re not talking about an insignificant sample size. As a friend pointed out to me Tuesday night as we sat at “The Ted” and watched the Braves bang around the Nats… 40 games is a full quarter of a season.

Yet, as of August 13th, the ESPN Power Rankings say there are 13 MLB teams better than Atlanta. Really? I’ll take that bet.

The Braves have substantially upgraded fully HALF of their lineup, and baseball’s top prospect, Jason Heyward, might make his big league debut in September. Also, to what is already the league’s best pitching staff, the Braves will soon add Tim Hudson, who is slated to return from his “Tommy John” rehab later this month.

So while the Baseball Tonight folks yap endlessly about the Yankees, Red Sox, and Pedro’s return to the mound, the Braves will look to continue taking care of business. Though, another series win against the Phillies this weekend would certainly make the Braves harder to ignore. And I’m confident that another series win is the only thing on the minds of these resurgent Atlanta Braves.

Braves fans, are you excited yet?

R.I.P LES PAUL

2009-08-13T21:34:00.001-04:00

If not for Les Paul, Woodstock would never have had this.

My Wife wouldn't let me buy this

2009-08-13T13:58:00.000-04:00

My wife prevented me from buying this painting. Don't understand why she was so set against it. They price was only a little bit north of $400.

What do you think?

Navy captain to command last shuttle flight

2009-08-12T21:55:00.000-04:00

BRAVO ZULU!!!!!!

Navy captain to command last shuttle flight: "A twin, three space station veterans, a Hubble repairman and a veteran shuttle pilot were named Tuesday to a flight that might be the final mission of NASA’s three-orbiter fleet.Navy Capt. Mark Kelly, whose twin brother, Scott, is also an astronaut, will command STS-134, a mission now set to launch on Sept. 16, 2010.The flight aboard Discovery is the last of seven remaining on NASA’s current schedule.However, there is a chance the mission to deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer to the International Space Station might move up to July 29, 2010.In that case, STS-133 — now the last shuttle mission without an assigned crew — would move back to mid-September 2010.“It’s still up in the air,” said Dan Huot, a spokesman for NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.The STS-134 mission was added to NASA’s shuttle manifest earlier this year after President Barack Obama OK’d one additional shuttle mission if it could be done safely and affordably by the end of 2010. The AMS payload is a state-of-the-art cosmic ray particle physics detector designed to examine matter as part of a probe into the origin and structure of the universe.Also flying aboard the mission:• Pilot Gregory H. “Box” Johnson. Johnson is a retired Air Force colonel who piloted Discovery on a March 2008 station construction mission.• Mission Specialist Michael Fincke. An Air Force colonel, Fincke was a flight engineer and expedition commander on two visits to the station. He flew twice on Russian Soyuz spacecraft. This will be his first shuttle mission.• Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff. Born in Canada to a Jewish family of Russian origins, Chamitoff served as a station flight engineer for six months in 2008. He was the first astronaut to bring bagels up to the outpost.• Mission Specialist Andrew “Drew” Feustal. An auto mechanic-turned-astronaut, Feustal performed three spacewalks in May on NASA’s fifth and final Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission.• Mission Specialist Roberto Vittori of the European Space Agency. An Italian Air Force colonel, Vittori flew 10-day science missions to the station aboard Russian Soyuz spacecraft in 2002 and 2005.The STS-134 flight will include three spacewalks to deliver and install the spectrometer on the starboard side of the station’s central truss."

The Case for Atlanta Braves P Javier Vazquez and the NL Cy Young

2009-08-12T20:50:00.000-04:00

I sure hope he does get consideration. He deserves it.

The Case for Atlanta Braves P Javier Vazquez and the NL Cy Young: "Like Rodney Dangerfield, Braves pitcher Javier Vazquez gets no respect."

Official Google Reader Blog: A flurry of features for feed readers

2009-08-12T20:16:00.000-04:00

I live on Google Reader and this is great news.

Official Google Reader Blog: A flurry of features for feed readers: "

Since our last big launch, we've been thinking about ways to help out our users better share, discover, and consume content in Reader. Today, I'm happy to announce several new features that we hope will further improve the way you use Reader.

Send to...We've made it easier to share posts you like to Blogger, Twitter, Facebook, and more, with our new 'Send to' feature. (Incidentally, Blogger is celebrating its tenth birthday this month, and we're hoping our friends there will like this little birthday present.)

Just head over to the settings page, and enable the services you want to use. If your favorite service isn't listed (and you're feeling extra geeky), you can create your own 'Send to' link with a URL template.

To share an item on one of your sites, simply click the 'Send to' button and choose your service. If you're into keyboard shortcuts, 'shift-t' will do the same.

Feeds from people you followWhen we added following, we tried to make it easier to find and follow people who share similar interests. Now we've gone even further, and made it possible for you to subscribe directly to the blogs, photos, or Twitter updates that anyone you're following has included on their Google profile.

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ZZ Top - Rough Boy

2009-07-18T22:47:00.001-04:00

Love this song. Enjoy.

Navy Training Video

2009-07-03T17:22:00.002-04:00

You have to love the way the Navy puts together a training video. And as this video states: Carry out the Plan of the Day.

2009-07-03T17:15:00.002-04:00

Is it just me, or are Sailors starting to look like Marines? Your thoughts?

WHERE IS THIS?

2009-07-03T11:26:00.004-04:00

Some fun for the 4th of July weekend. Can you tell me where in Georgia this picture was taken?

There is still a chance

2009-07-03T11:02:00.004-04:00

There is still some hope left for Braves fans. This has been a season of frustration. We seem to have solved the problem with pitching, but now we have no offense. The Braves are just fortunate that the Mets are so banged up. Some on the team needs to start kicking a little butt to see if they can get the bats going for the 2nd half of the season. The Braves cannot continue to hope that both the Mets and Phillies struggle the rest of the season.

What say you all? Can the Braves make the playoffs this year?

STUDY: Majority of highway fatalities caused by deficient road conditions

2009-07-02T11:08:00.003-04:00

It's time that all levels of government work on this issue and get it fixed.

STUDY: Majority of highway fatalities caused by deficient road conditions

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Famous People Painting

2009-07-02T09:58:00.001-04:00

Here is something that should keep you occupied for some time. The good news is that it is more then just a time waster, it actually might teach you something.

Have fun and enjoy.

Discussing the Divine Comedy with Dante

Cities Where They're Hiring (Slideshow)

2009-07-02T09:37:00.002-04:00

For the 10% of you out there looking. Here is some additional information.

Cities Where They're Hiring (Slideshow)

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Call To Action in Social Media

2009-07-01T07:57:00.001-04:00

Call To Action in Social Media

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How Will Al Franken Make a Difference in the Senate?

2009-07-01T07:40:00.000-04:00

How Will Al Franken Make a Difference in the Senate?

For the sake of the state in which I was born, I'm glad this "mess" is finally over. At this point, it really doesn't matter who won or who lost. They just needed to get a Senator seated and let the next election cycle get started.

Bazzaar to end its successful run in Midtown Aug. 1

2009-07-01T07:01:00.002-04:00

Bazzaar to end its successful run in Midtown Aug. 1

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I only was there one time, but I did enjoy it. Anyone else sad to see the Bazzaar close?

Jimi Hendrix - Little wing (jam)

2009-05-07T23:08:00.001-04:00

They just don't make it like this any more.

IBM Quarter Century Club Induction

2009-04-23T21:43:00.001-04:00

IBM Quarter Century Club Induction

Today, Thursday, April 23, 2009 I enter the Quarter Century Club (QCC) at IBM. I really never expected this day to come, but it did and it came quicker then I thought it would. I have met many wonderful people over the past 25 years. Sadly, I have not kept in touch like I should have and I have forgotten way to many names over the years. It has been a great career and I will take many good memories with me as I continue life's journey. I've learn many things and have grown professionally over all these years. For all of this I am grateful to IBM.

Sadly, IBM has laid me off and Monday, April 27, 2009 will be my last day as an employee of IBM. All good things come to an end and it is now my time to move on and seek out the next chapter in my career. To all my friends at IBM, good luck, and stay in touch. To all the former IBM'ers that have already left, look me up and let me know what you're doing.

I love Baseball

2009-04-15T10:04:00.002-04:00

I love the Braves and the Twins. I will also be celebrating my 30th wedding anniversary this year. I wonder if there is any correlation between the two.

Spring returns

2009-03-08T17:42:00.000-04:00

Today was very nice in the Atlanta area. I got to spend the day hiking around Kennesaw Mtn National Battlefield Park with my son Jake and his girlfriend Jean. They also brought their dogs, Lola and Tyson along. Temp was in the mid 70's and it seemed like everyone was at the park today. Last Sunday we had over 2 inches of snow so you can see why everyone was out at the park today.

It was a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Not to mention that the walking was something that I should be doing more of. The pictures cannot begin to show how nice it was, but hopefully you can get a sense of how nice it was at the park today.

Snow in Atlanta

2009-03-01T17:10:00.001-05:00

Thought I would add a video of this mornings snowfall to go with the pictures that I posted earlier. This is something you don't see around here much. I'm sure the lines were long last night at Publix's and Wal-Mart as everyone rushed to get their milk, bread and toilet paper.

Being born and raised in MN, I moved to Atlanta to get away from this stuff. I will admit that it was fun to see the neighborhood kids out playing in it and trying to build snowmen. They were having fun and also I'm sure, hoping that school would be closed tomorrow. Hope everyone enjoys it as it wouldn't be here long. After all, this is the South.

In like a Lion, out like a Lamb???

2009-03-01T13:01:00.001-05:00

Atlanta woke up to snow this morning and it's still snowing. Not the type of weather you would expect for the South on the 1st of March. Crazy part of this is that the forecast for next weekend is high 60's to low 70's. Go figure. I certainly hope that this means that the rest of the month is on an upward trend. We can use the rain here in Atlanta, but not the snow.

Fred Astaire - Puttin' On the Ritz (DVD Quality)

2009-02-02T21:44:00.001-05:00

After reading the news every day I now understand why my Grandparents enjoyed these movies. You can only take some much economic bad news before you snap. Who will be the new Fred and Ginger this century?

Coldplay - 'Trouble' music video

2009-02-02T21:17:00.001-05:00

Still one of my favorite Coldplay tunes.

Enjoy.

Brindle Boxer Puppy

2009-01-01T21:39:00.003-05:00

JAKE'S NEW PUPPY

Jake got a new puppy for Christmas. His name is Tyson.

Tyson is a Brindle Boxer. Jake has been wanting a dog like this for a while now. As you can see by the picture, Deb fell in love with the new puppy. Let's see how she feels once this cute little puppy grows us to his full size.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2008-12-31T23:54:00.000-05:00

May 2009 be some what better then 2008.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-24T16:33:00.001-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE.

Pink Floyd - Careful With That Axe Eugene

2008-12-16T21:18:00.001-05:00

God, how I miss the 70's.

Zac Brown Band

2008-11-28T23:46:00.001-05:00

Sing it with me now.

The Matrix

2008-11-06T20:17:00.000-05:00

He's Back...

2008-10-30T07:12:00.001-04:00

Green Eyed Lady

2008-10-24T23:24:00.001-04:00

This is one of the greatest songs ever. It also could be about my wife, the green eyed lady.

Ron Howard Video

2008-10-24T15:04:00.004-04:00

Regardless of who you support, this is worth viewing just to see Andy and Op again.

See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die

Happy Birthday Deb

2008-10-15T15:09:00.000-04:00

Today is my beautiful wife's birthday. I hope she has a good one today and many, many more to come.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEB.

Google Ignites a New Browser War With Microsoft By Unveiling One of its Own This Week

2008-09-01T16:10:00.001-04:00

Google Ignites a New Browser War With Microsoft By Unveiling One of its Own This Week

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Pink Floyd @ Pompeii - Echoes Part 1

2008-07-03T21:27:00.001-04:00

Will someone PLEASE buy me this DVD for my birthday.

Diana Krall: Cry me a river

2008-06-17T19:47:00.001-04:00

Pour yourself your favorite Scotch, turn down the lights, sit back and relax.

Amen.

Father's Day 2008

2008-06-15T22:29:00.003-04:00

The two reasons that this day is special for me. Jake and Jare. They're not little any more, in fact they are young men now. They are still here however and can spend some time with me. I know that as each year goes by, the odds of this happening will decrease. I have learned to enjoy the time that I do get to spend with them. If I'm very lucky as I grow older, both of them will still live near me, so that I'll be able to continue to have lunch with them on Father's Day

Fathers Day 2008 - Court Torgeson

2008-06-15T13:35:00.001-04:00

Deb and Court
Originally uploaded by terra2055

On this Fathers Day, I'd like to just acknowledge my Father-in-law. He's very sick and the Doctors say that he will not be with us next year at this time. He's been a good Father-in-law to me. Even though I never was the son-in-law that he expected, he still accepted me and was good to me. I never had the passion for hunting and fishing that he had, but he did try to pass it along to me. I'm sure there were times he wondered how Deb ever ended up with me, but as long as she was happy, he was happy. I'm going to miss him when he is gone. The world would be a much better place if there were more Court's in the world. He never demanded anything and always treated everyone he met the same. He was a good Grandfater to my two sons and I hope and pray that they learned from him.

I hope he remembers that the Doctors don't know everything and hopefully he will be here this time next year. To everyone else, don't forget your Dad today and give him a hug if you can.

What for?

2008-06-01T22:17:00.000-04:00

Came across this tree the other day while I was taking a walk in the park. It struck me as odd. You had to figure that a whole lot of work went into trimming off all the limbs and branch's. So why was the truck left? Don't know if this is just funny looking or pathetic. Either way, it still begs the question......What for?

2008-06-01T16:12:00.001-04:00

The future of humans is out among the stars. We must continue to head out into space.

Dogwoods - Earth Day

2008-04-22T10:26:00.001-04:00

Dogwood
Originally uploaded by terra2055

Spring time in Atlanta cannot be beat. I especially love it when the dogwoods bloom. The delicate splashes of white that you see mixed in with the green of the other blooming trees is something else. Today is Earth Day and I would ask that everyone learn to appreciate this tree and plant one if you can.

Battlestar Galactica - Nuff said

2008-04-12T21:48:00.002-04:00

I know that all good things must come to an end, by why this? You can read all kinds of things into the themes of this show. I still have fun mulling over the 13 colonies (13 tribes) and the polytheism vs. monotheism. Now we have artificial intelligence debating civil rights. You've got to love it. I certainly hope that when this show ends, the writers will not only have the chance, but will want to continue writing such thought provoking material for either the silver screen, the big screen or the Internet.

Good night Gracie.

Beatles or Rolling Stones

2008-04-05T12:01:00.003-04:00

The Beatles are the greatest band ever. However the Rolling Stones are the greatest Rock n Roll band. What do you think?

The Juice Man

2008-02-24T10:24:00.005-05:00

I spent a very enjoyable evening this past week breaking bread with "The Juice Man". Now days it is not often that you have the privilege of meeting a person that totally enjoys life and has learned to laugh. Not just at an occasional joke, but truly laughs about all the great things in life. It was a great evening and I hope to be able to have another such evening sometime soon.

Late Nite Dancing

2008-02-23T20:54:00.001-05:00

First post

2008-02-23T20:37:00.000-05:00

Just started this and not much to say. Will post something once in a while.