There is a special time fathers need to spend with their sons. One loses track of where their children are unless time is taken to recapture that connection. I do not refer to location, though of utmost importance, rather, in their lives. They need to know that you are still there for them. Saying so is not enough. Making time is as important as family itself.
If more parents would simply hang out with them, there would not be nearly the issues we have today with kids. This is controvercial, to be sure. Most of us lead very busy lives, and while every moment does not have to be devoted to our offspring, more than we do does! This does not mean to horn in on gatherings with their friends, especially between the ages of 12 and 18. Set aside a Saturday, even a few hours, to merely reconnect.
Today, I had to go to the office for some work that could not be done during the week. My son enjoys going to work with me, so I suggested he come along. And he did, more than willingly. Afterwards, we went to the range, went to lunch and... well... went to the mall. Out of the blue, my son said, "Dad, I am glat we are spending time together!" Despite our closeness, that was probably the most touching thing he could have said to me.
I think we have a much closer relationship than most parents have with their children. And for this, I believe, he will have the benefit of having his Dad's guidance, support and comeraderie that most children grow up without these days. Being involved with one's children allows adults to recapture some of their own childhood. Strangely, I've noticed many don't allow themselves that luxury.
This is what's missing in most families today. Simply time. Being there and available.
View this as you will, bragging about a toy or an advertising plug, but it is something I want to share. Okay, I think it's time for a nice rave. I'm a tekkie, as most may know. I've owned many notebooks and never, ever been as impressed as I am with this little gem. Though I do prefer notebooks to desktops, partly because I like to travel with it. Besides, it gives more meaning to "personal" in Personal Computer (PC) *chuckle*
So, I thought I'd blog my review. After 4 months with this unit, I've traveled with it, used it at work, played movies, music and some games (though I must admit, I am no gamer)... and as impressed with it today as I was when it arrived.
OS boot is fast. Windows XP Pro has never booted faster! I have a ZX5000 series which was given to my son when this one arrived. This unit is a P4, 3GHz w/ HT and the DV1000 (Intel Pentium M, 1.7GHz) launches and fully boots in half the time of the 5000. In fact, I would describe the overall operation of this one as "tight," for the most part. Though, from time to time, after boot sequence is complete, if I have changed wireless networks, for instance, from home to office and vice-versa, it will take about a minute to discover. Beyond that, I have no complaints because unless I connect to another wireless network, it boots and connects quite quickly. This is a well made machine. I'd give it an overall grade of A-. Each negative aspect, listed below, though small, affected the overal rating.
1) 12 cell battery does stick out too far. Despite this fact, it is in itself, a plus because it also serves to sit at an angle. This allows for better airflow underneath, keeping the unit overall cool and provides a little more of an ergonomic solution. For me, anyway, it is more comfortable than flat.
2) USB device boot not possible. This is my main complaint.
3) In order to run QuickPlay music, cuts need to be in the Shared Music directory rather than personal. A minor, very minor annoyance, but an annoyance never-the-less.
4) USB Digital slot not available on this model as on the ZX5000 series. PCMCIA slots are as useful these days as floppy drives! Largely a waste of space.
This is a convenient tool to use at work. If you've taken the time to read my bio, you'd know that I run the IT Department for a manufacturing firm and have to utilize this from time to time. It's small enough that it does not get in the way and if I need to power it up, waiting is no time at all. It also serves as my musical diversion while at my desk. Since I've imposed a strict policy about music, personal files and mp3's on workstations and the network, this works great as an alternative.
Speaker quality, I give an A+. This little beasty provides outstanding audio for it's size. Battery Life, A. You cannot complain about 6 hours of life. Less when playing movies, but you can still play a full feature and still have life left for other tasks without fear of losing data. I estimated about another hour and a half after watching Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Extended Version.
I also use this for remote administration when away from my office. If I have a WiFi connection wherever I am, just vpn into my server then launch remote desktop, I am on any machine I need to access. Great for middle-of-the-night calls when production is down. The wireless connection is actually decidedly faster than my 100mb connection on my desktop which is also a Pavilion (AMD 2200+) Quite frankly, I believe I've done with this laptop more than anyone can do with most other brands or even HP models. Keyboard is comfortable, screen is bright and clear. It's also a great looking gadget. In fact, other than my workstation in the office, this is my primary computer.
Anyway, this is probably the best notebook computer around. One last point, this unit is so quiet, the only way I can tell it is on is to actually check the screen or button lights! If you're teetering between a Dell (which I DO recommend for most business applications and use on my network) and one of these babies, go for the DV1000. Although I realize notebooks are not for everyone, I'd still recommend it if you need some mobility. This really gives you that plus an unbeatable entertainment system. You won't be sorry!
After a long day training recruits, terrorists Amid & Mohammed were in the locker room. While in the shower, Mohammed noticed a cork in Amid's ass. Curious, Mohammed inquired about said cork. Amid responded, "I found Aladdin's Lamp and I rubbed it, then a Genie came out and said that he'd grant me 3 wishes." Mohammed, eager to know more asked, "Well, my friend, what happend next?" "So, I said, 'No shit?'"
On my way home from work this evening, I noticed on average every other driver had their cell phone up to their face! In fact, probably two out of 3 were like that. It amazes me that despite how badly many people drive, cell phone usage is not regulated.
About two years ago, a bill to ban the use of cell phones without a headset was voted down in Clark County. Even with the accident rate related to cell phone usage it was still not passed. What is the problem? On average, most people that drive and use their phone direct more attention to the conversation than is safe. Let alone the fact that your attention is literally someplace else, only one hand is free for driving. This is plain stupidity.
Admittedly, I, too used to drive this way. But only for a short time. When I purchased my first headset, I noticed my attention had been more focused on the road and both hands available for driving. Granted, it is not the same as not talking, but it is no more distracting than conversing with passengers or even singing along to the radio.
More times than not, I am either cut off or nearly side-swiped by someone holding that damn phone to their face! It's almost as bad as driving under the influence. Sitting at a red light, behind someone on her cell, I was amazed at just how animated she was in her conversation. You can imagine what happend next: The light turned green but she kept on talking and did not even budge. After several seconds, I honked because getting around this dim-wit was impossible due to traffic, and apparently scared the living hell out of her because the dope reacted like a bomb had just been detonated and dropped her phone!!! Then she had the unmittigated gall to flip me the bird!!! She then peels out, burning rubber as she sped out of the intersection. Where's a cop when you need one?
My point here is, either get a headset or something has to stop. Stay off the cell when driving or pull over if that conversation is so important that you become so absorbed that you forget where you are!
A picture of blast created by a craft the size of a washing machine slamming into a comet. Risky business? Perhaps, but what worth-while endeavor has not had it's share of risks? Even if lives are at stake.
I'm also encouraged to see that the Shuttle Program is back on schedule! Currently slated for a rendezvous with the ISS later in July. Again, risks are always part of any endeavor. Though, in my opinion, we should be much further along than we are. Still, I am pleased to see we were only down, and not out.
SpaceshipOne, a great example of man's true motivation for exploration and expansion off this rock. Private industry, I believe, will be a formidable force in space. Move aside, NASA, politics and campaign budgets be damned, you couldn't deliver what the General Public really wanted. Here's proof!
July 4th, Independance Day, a day to celebrate the birth of our Great Nation. Tremendous amounts of money is spent on parties, food, drink and then the dreaded fireworks. They are a beautiful sight, for sure and the explosion is heart-stopping. They are fun when no risk is involved, when presented by professionals.
My rant is about the irresponsible folk that indescriminately set them off in neighborhoods, pool areas and other non-authorized location. Many times there are individuals that are under the influence of alcohol or drugs setting off fireworks, and even children. First of all, children have no business handling such a thing! Children are not allowed to handle firearms so why allow them to play with explosives? This, in my opinion is irresponsible parenting.
In Clark County, Nevada, where I live, conventional fireworks are illegal. Instead, "Safe and Sane" fireworks are allowed. What is safe and sane about anything that flares, sparks or explodes? Absolutely NOTHING. When used irresponsibly at all can be equally as hazardous as "regular" fireworks. This is no more than an accepted form of playing with matches. When coupled with alcohol or children, the hazards are increased exponentially.
Then there is the noise. Explosions outside sound like gunfire. Scheduled pyrotechnic displays are one thing, you KNOW its going to be loud. Spontaneous setting off of fireworks is seriously not only a hazard but an unwarranted annoyance.
Party and have a good time, but be safe. That is not referring to fireworks alone. The DUI arrest and accident rates skyrocket (forgive the pun) during holidays. The hazards are also related to too much partying. Whatever happend to "everything in moderation?" Despite the fact that I do not drink, I don't begrudge anyone from having a few. However, if you MUST imbibe, DON'T DRIVE!
For your own safety, use common sense. Don't over-do it or drive while at all impaired. Also, back to the point of my rant, leave the setting off of fireworks to the professionals and just sit back to enjoy the show!
Over time, one thing I have observed about others is that some tend to be either more sensitive and caring while others seem more macho, if you will, where they are less caring and sensitive. Now, this is merely an observation and conclusion, therefore a truth, if you will, of my own. If you subscribe to this way of thinking, then great. If you don't, I'd enjoy reading your opinion.
If you look around you on any given day and look at people's behavior, you will notice, among other things, that some men tend to exude a machismo or machoism while others are not so overbearing, rather more sensistive. The same goes for women, some are quite girly while others are more reserved or lean towards the more masculine machoism. Granted, those are extreme statements but if I had the server space, I'd be publishing a book on this blog alone!
The macho men tend to be borderline obnoxious, if not completely. They treat people like they are a lesser species than they are, speak with an air of arrogance and interrupt ALL the time. With me so far? Now, you have your women that are considered "girly-girls." These people tend to be more superficial, worried about hair, make-up and so on. They also giggle (in my observation) more than their share. They don't want to get their hands dirty, mess up the finely manicured nails or they complain that one strand of hair is out of place.
Note, if you will, how many people actually have "the best of both worlds," or balance of both genders. We've already discussed the macho men and girly girls. These balanced folk tend to have it together, level-headedness and the ability to remain cool in tough situations whereas the girly-girl gets nervous and upset about the smallest things. The macho ones try to take control of the situation only to exacerbate circumstances. This can be a big issue or a small one, reactions are largely the same. Enter the more balanced individual, to "save the day?" Maybe, maybe not. But these people tend to be more sensory, able to take the best and worst of any situaiton and make it seem less critical than it was before.
These more balanced individuals seem to have it with the ability to be sensitive and understanding to empathize with others and provide support yet the strength to handle difficult situations with skill and seeming ease. Men that are like that are considered wimps, wusses or even worse, outright gay. Women the same way, but I've heard reference to bitch, dyke, etc. There is something wrong with that mentality. Society has gone soft and would rather go the girly-girl route.
Progress was never done by anyone without balance. Girly-girl wimps out and Macho man ruins everything by being to head-strong!
By reading my blog, you will get the idea I'm outspoken, even harsh. That idea would be right. However, if I call you friend, I am loyal to a fault. I love all animals, but have a special affinity for dogs. Some say I was probably a dog in a past life. Anything else, just ask.
