<$BlogRSDUrl$>

Saturday, November 29, 2003

ready for the game

Things did not start well but they are getting better. I missed dinner with the team last night, confusion between times listed in the letter and the email. Oh’ for those not in the know, I get to be a faculty guest coach this week against Southern Mississippi. This morning they did bring me my shirt and sideline badge. Dinner was no big deal, as I walked in after they were finished, I met a student in class now and then the student who nominated me came up. So, I got to visit with him and his fiancée [had her in class too]. I had a good time. The best news was that even though my former student tore up his knee, earlier in the year, he will start today, his last game at ECU.
It is really cool, temp in the 40’s and very windy, gusts to 25/30. I will need to dress warm. I don’t think they need any coaching from me but here goes, run with effect, stop the run with the minimum number of people possible and no turnovers.
David—I think SUM goes to the Liberty Bowl regardless of this game and we need a home win for this coach, right now he has none.
Will report back after the game, as soon as I thaw out.

|

Friday, November 28, 2003

if true, this is a real unfreezing moment

New Scientist

I’m sure most of you have seen this since Instapundit blogged this earlier today but here goes anyway. A small UK company, says they have found a way to make the blood cells act as a “repair kit” for damaged and diseased cells throughout the body.
If confirmed this changes everything and makes them rich and famous.

|
diet update

Ok, so I ate too much and the wrong things yesterday. I had been looking forward to a “cheat” day for a while now. Since I was combining Thanksgiving with the celebration of my birthday, I figured why not. I ate dressing, sweet potatoes, rice and later pecan pie, a sandwich and potato chips. Oh, and a roll.
Out of all of that the only thing that was really good was the roll. The chips were greasy, the pie just tasted “funny”, the pepsi too sweet and the rice was just “so-so”. The cheat day might have helped exorcise some food demons—at least I hope.
I hope, also, that your thanksgiving was enjoyable.
Now back to my regularly scheduled diet.

|

Thursday, November 27, 2003

no deep discounting this year--at least that's the plan

Retailers Plan to Limit Discounting

Retailers expect a better year, thus no discounting until they see is people are really going to buy. Expect some discounting soon on items that are not moving but nothing like the last couple of years.
|
HAPPY THANKSGIVING

To everyone, I hope you have a good holiday. Enjoy this “new world” expression of God and community.

|
financial ability and Alzheimer’s
al.com: News

I might actually read this one. From the description, a UAB study measured the ability of patients and caregivers to handle simple financial stuff. Findings were that this ability was degraded. It sounds very interesting.
However, without reading the article, I would like to see something about the control group. How did seniors, in general, do on financial statements?

|

Wednesday, November 26, 2003

Do you think we could find 82 million of us to each give them a dollar, then maybe they would stop the pop-ups.

Orbitz Hopes to Raise $82.2M Through IPO
|
fatal Disney accident blamed on maintenance and poor training

Disney Mishap Blamed on Poor Maintenance

Accidents will happen but I think the cause here speaks loudly about Disney. Disney was known for doing things “right” and highly trained people. I believe this speaks to the culture and is an omen of slippage at the Mouse House.

|
back from golf

Do the words "like a dog" have meaning for you?
|
a lazy day

We do not have class today, so a few of us are playing golf later. It is cool but since I don’t like the hot weather, it is fine with me.
It should be an interesting week, what with thanksgiving and my birthday. My birthday was really last week and I was out of town. Decided to move it to thanksgiving day. That way I will be sure I am off work.
On Friday, I get to eat dinner with the football team as they get ready for the last game of the year—the hated eagles of Southern Miss. Then, on game day I will watch from the field. A student from last spring, nominated me to be a faculty guest coach. I sure hope we win. That is not likely but just as in love and waiting for journal reviewers, hope springs eternal.
The only other big item on the agenda is the early sales on Friday. I got into this habit a few years ago and have gotten some good deals. However, there is not much electronic stuff on the agenda, this year. I might sleep in.
Have a nice thanksgiving everyone.

|
economy starting to pull out of it

Economy grows at whopping 8.2% pace in 3rd quarter

I think I said the economy was getting very much better, a few months ago. In fact I'm sure I said that. I also, remember saying that the real rub would be the jobs and they aren't really back yet, if ever.
|

Monday, November 24, 2003

and I am only buying coffee

ajc.com | Business | Krispy Kreme has 43 percent gain in third-quarter income
|
see it on turner--buy it through turner

ajc.com | Business | Turner Web site offers products sold in TV ads

Turner will offer links to those who place ads on the network. Really not a bad idea--the more I think about it, the more I like it.
|
diet sprite to get name change

ajc.com | Business | Coca-Cola likely to confer new name on Diet Sprite

Coke is trying to get behind its diet brands. diet sprite has a small share and perhaps the name change to -sprite zero- will give it energy. I like diet sprite but sometimes finding it is difficult.
On a related note, I blogged earlier about store brand colas. My wife and I got some walmart brand diet cola a few days ago--it was good and I will be back. It was as good as what I normally drink and much cheaper. well, it was not a good as diet pepsi but my wife doesn't like them, so we tend to go with coke products. I just hate having to go to walmart, as it is so crowded most of the time. guess I will just have to stock up when I do go.
|
ATC UPDATE

Air Traffic Control Privatization Delayed

I blogged on this during the summer. The plan to privatize the ATC functions at smaller airports has been put on hold. It looks like the negative articles I noticed in various papers were effective.
|
Dell reverses itself on Indian call centers

Dell to Stop Using Tech Support in India

Will bring some of this back to the U.S. Apparently, the strict scripts and inability to solve problems caused the move. The center in India will stay but will handle other things.
My experience with Indian centers has been mixed. Both were credit card calls and made by mistake. It took a long time to get it right. they did, after a while.
|
Jags to bench the 7 million $ man?



Former ECU QB, David Garrard, might get the start next week against Tampa Bay. Don't count on it, when you pay big bucks for a draft choice, you play him. Garrard was only a 4th round pick.

|

Sunday, November 23, 2003

run for the hills--the lefty, veggie diet nazis are against the Atkins diet


Atkins Diet Alert / A PCRM Site

This is not a shock--the PCRM, seems to think we should only eat veggies. They talk about patterns--a word you use when you have no proof or it appears statistical evidence. The site if full of maybe and probably and talking about a general high fat diet.
Based on this evidence, it is probable that the PCRM is considered whiney and messing in my business.
I might drop of a stroke tomorrow but I don't need them to run my life.

Look at the food they propose--I found no milk and no eggs, could it be that that might be dangerous--maybe some one should do a study.
|
this is higher than I would have thought

Survey: 31 Percent of U.S. Tech - Savvy

Article does have some breakdown by age demographic--interesting.
|
I thought this was settled

Scholars Urge More Study of Inscription

Remember the bone box that mentioned Jesus. It got much play and then was labeled a fake. Some scholars now say that might have been hasty. It needs more study.
|
well back from the retreat

I made it back safe and as sane as when I left. The last couple of years I have not been able to attend many functions with my brother and sister deacons of the diocese. I really missed them. The program was really good, a racism program in the wrong hands is deadly but the leader was great.
I am truly amazed at this community of deacons, God is working through them in wonderful ways. The fellowship was good, the program was good, the food was good and he wine was good[we are Episcopalians after all]. Not many white wine drinkers in the crowd, so it left more for me. I am thinking of starting a group blog with our community. We are scattered all over the diocese, an area in North Carolina roughly from I-95 to the coast, so we need an easy way to communicate. It just might work.
Back to work tomorrow and more good boring change stuff to post later tonight.

|

Friday, November 21, 2003

not much blogging today and then out of town

I will be busy with class and some other things until the early afternoon. I then go to Trinity Center, our church camp and conference center. We have a meeting all weekend, of the deacons of the diocese. The topic this weekend is racism. The program should be good; also the time away with other deacons can be nice.
In times past, we would share what is going on in our churches and in our particular area of ministry. Some people took this to mean an unburdening of all the things going on in their life. Others would use the opportunity to tell you how hard they are working, for the lord. Let me add that while this might seem negative, I really love these people and they are doing good work. Maybe, it is because I am not in control of the process and have issues with that.
Having said all that, I am looking forward to the weekend.
So maybe I will have some tales to tell come Sunday afternoon or Monday.

|

Thursday, November 20, 2003

in a strange move, Pepsi ads to tout taste of the product

ajc.com | Business | Pepsi goes for the taste buds

Pepsi has almost exclusively been sold on the basis of image ads. Now they say it tastes good, what a novel idea. Something is going on as cola sales are down. Pepsi more than Coke. However, the article does not say if the declines are only for shelf products or include the fountain business.
|
hybrid named car of the year

ajc.com | Business | Motor Trend names Toyota Prius best car for 2004

Two points, motor trend also named the k-car, COTY, in the past right?
Like the country song says "what was I thinking?"
|

Wednesday, November 19, 2003

more Atkins bashing--made to look like regular article on drop in bread sales

News

Consumption of bread in the U.S. down 40%. This article has a point of view, several comments about how docs and nutritionists condemn the diet. Also, the medical research council of G.B. is against it. No word on who they are, however.
Another try at putting down the diet. It might be bad for me but I am dropping pounds on it and could not do so on other "balanced" plans recommended by the health "experts". Have not seen an "expert" yet tell me the diet is worse for me than having the extra 40 pounds. I know, I must do it their way, or it is unhealthy. Could it be that the world as they have known it for years is changing and they are in a fight? Paradigms do shift--the universe can change. If the experts are always correct, why do they change their recommendations?
|
woo hoo--just in time for Christmas

The Beaufort Gazette: VIDEO REVIEW: Rocky and Bullwinkle arrive at last on DVD
|
another low carb beer to come to market
Coors to Roll Out Low - Carbohydrate Beer

Sure hope it tastes better than Ultra.
|
today's class

I am covering active and reflective listening today. I don't think they are going to listen.
|

Tuesday, November 18, 2003

starting to think about maintenance

I am within about 8 pounds of my goal and am starting to think about leveling off. My wife and I both have kept pretty strict; trying for no more than 20 carbs a day. She wants to lose more than I, so we will be in "lose mode" for a while longer, here.
I am starting to add more vegetables to the mix and tonight I had a real treat. Before dinner, I had only had probably 5 carbs all day, so I splurged tonight.
The family went to Logans Roadhouse, a lower priced steak place. We like it, food and service are good, for the money. They have a small steak that fills me up and a good salad. They also have a baked sweet potato. That thing was probably 10–15 grams, by itself, but boy was it good. That is the first thing like that i have had in about 5 months.

What dreadful stuff, the last two posts, my health problems and my dinner. Am I training for the nursing home already, I promise I am only in my 50’s. Until later this week I can say early 50’s.
God what boring stuff. Maybe later tonight I will recount another day in the groves of academe. That is always stimulating stuff.


|
earache update
not near as good as possumblog’s sickness

I finally got the drops in my ears, they should start helping soon. Right now they are itching worse than before. I told the doctor I really came to make sure I did not have a tumor. I would have hated to be losing the weight from being sick and not dieting.
I also got a recommendation to a podiatrist from my regular M.D. Yes, I have bad feet and do not think the workout process will really get going well unless I get some help, so I can run, or at least walk faster and farther. I have asked a number of people at church and at work for recommendations and am getting a little worried. Everyone and I do mean everyone recommends the same person my doc wants to refer me to. Is he the only guy in town, I don’t think so?

|
the digital house
The Way We Nest Now: When the House Starts Talking to Itself

Not sure I want a house smarter than I am.
|
new tablet PC

Toshiba Corp. to Launch a New Tablet PC

I have a tablet and think they are future for education. They would be great for students and faculty. They should be neat for meetings also. This new thig is sort of like an etch-a-sketch. I am not sure I will like it, not that it matters as the school will not pop for another new one this soon.
|
technology and the Santa visit

Mall Will Page Kids to See Santa Claus
What can I say, it speaks for itself.
|
this is an unfreezing moment

High Court in Massachusetts Rules Gays Have Right to Marry

We all knew that this was going, in some state, at some time. Well, it is here.
|
women's health warning

The Beaufort Gazette: Skin cancer, more serious cancers linked
Is there a link between some types of skin cancer and other forms of cancer? This study is looking at that, just to be safe, stay out of the sun.
|
this would have to hurt

The Beaufort Gazette: Switzerland probes Russian tycoon

I don't want to be probed by Switzerland. It seems all new governments get some type of outlaws. In Russia, it waould appear, they came from business and industry.
|

Monday, November 17, 2003

lack of blogging

Sorry for the lack of "great" change stuff but I have an earache. Yes, it feels just like when you were a kid. I went to the doc today and he thinks it is something like swimmers ear, even though I am not swimming.
Apparently, this coupled with the bad sinus congestion, is causing the pain. I will see if the drops help. Maybe some stuff later tonight, at least I am not as bad off as Mr. Possum. Hope he is better soon, he has readers an all.
|

Friday, November 14, 2003

ALL YOU EVER REALLY WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT STORE BRAND SODAS

ajc.com | Business | Private-label soft drinks bubble up

Good article, nothing really new here, no unfreezing moment. However, the as the quality of private brands keeps on rising, and the price difference widens, market share will be gained. It is gaining right now, in a few years the big boys will be mighty worried.
|
WE ALL DO THIS IN OUR OWN WAY

11/14/03 OBITUARIES

Read the second one down, Combs. His memorial service will be at Big Al's Tavern. If organized regligion does not mean that much to you, why pretend. Just get your friends in a group and remember. God will find you anyway, at least in my belief system.
|

Wednesday, November 12, 2003

WHEN I THINK COFFEE HOUSE I THINK MCDONALDS

WRAL.com - News - Raleigh Home To Triangle's First McCafe

Who knows? This jsut might work. In my first week as a blogger, I linked a story about them opening something upscale in new orleans. Casual dining actually, have not heard a report on how that is going. Also, I have not really mastered the links well enough to go back to it.
|
TOYOTA PASSES FORD TO BECOME #2 IN WORLD


The Japan Times Online
|
INTERESTING LITTLE PIECE ON LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

The Japan Times Online

That makes it sound too stuffy, it was neat. A short read but good.
|
FIRST FLU CASE OF YEAR FOR MINNESOTA

Season's first flu case in Minnesota

The strain is one that is covered in the shots. I have only had a flu shot once. I have only had the flu once. Same year--go figure. My wife wants me to get one this year, I might give it another try.
|
MORE FOUND AT MACHU PICCHU

The Miami Herald | 11/12/2003 | Machu Picchu 'suburb' found

If you are interested in the Incas, this should be enjoyable.
|
VHS TAPE PLANT IN ALABAMA TO CLOSE



The JVC companythat runs the plant, says it is because of lessened demand due to DVD's. Sounds about right, how much longer will tape hold out. DVD recorders are getting cheaper every day and last year I picked up another DVD player for $50. Cheaper than a tape machine.
|

Monday, November 10, 2003

mobile feeding units

Nothing really here about change, just thought the story was interesting. The Baptist men from Alabama have been in the Carolinas several times after disasters.
These people from all over the country do a great job.

|
SALVATION ARMY TO TRY ON-LINE GIVING PROGRAM

Gadsden Times
Will this replace the red kettle or enhance it? I think it is a neat idea. I might give online this year. In my opinion, the SA does a great job.

|
ATKINS FAD HITS THE BREAD INDUSTRY

Breadmakers feel pain from Atkins diet

This should spread to other industries soon and then as the fad fades, will go back to normal. When I started the diet this summer, I thought that I noticed more and more references to Atkins in the news and on ads. I dismissed this as being more aware but it was a growing trend. Like all trends it will ebb and things will go back to close to normal. In the meantime I am enjoying the new low-carb products that are coming out and would like to apologize to all those laid off workers at the nacho chip factory, sorry guys but I need to drop the pounds.

|
CITY OF PITTSBURG IN REAL TROUBLE

Las Vegas SUN: Pittsburgh Mayor Seeks State Aid for City

They have apparently been living beyond their means for a number of years. Is this just the tip if the iceberg for more cities. Smaller populations, smaller tax base, those left in need of more services and add to that runaway union contracts, leaving large payrolls and little money.

|

Sunday, November 09, 2003

DIRTY MAGAZINES ON HARD TIMES--THE RESULT OF DIRTY INTERNET SITES

Online Competition Hurts Adult Magazines

Ain't technology great.
|
ROBINSON STARTS MINISTRY BY CALLING FOR MORE SOCIAL SPENDING

Gay Episcopal Bishop Begins His Ministry
See, he is just like the rest of them--no change here.
|

Saturday, November 08, 2003

THERE ARE THINGS YOU CANNOT TALK ABOUT IN ALABAMA


al.com: NewsFlash

Apparently, sports talk radio in alabama will have no discussion of betting lines or ads for gambling sites. Will they next try to shut down the national programs. It is football season folks and in Alabama some people might talk about point spreads.
There are other issues here, radio is a federal service and I am not sure the state has the right to dictate what can be discussed.
|
NEW HAMPSHIRE BISHOP IN TROUBLE

Las Vegas SUN: AP: Group Petitions for Bishop's Removal

When I saw the headline, I thought it was Robinson again. However, this time, it is the Roman Bishop. He has a petition against him. Read all about it.
|
DIOCESE IN PA WANTS TO NEGATE THINGS DONE BY NAITONAL CHURCH

Las Vegas SUN: Pa. Episcopalian Diocese Seeks Autonomy
While I don't agree with them they might be within their rights. However, if I remember right these are the same folks that screamed when liberal dioceses went against national policy. We all do it, just pointing it out.
|

Friday, November 07, 2003

THE WEEKEND IS HERE

I baked some no-carb cookies this afternoon. They are edible, maybe I will get better at this. I think the soy type flour would go well in some cheese log type things, maybe next week.
I am sitting here waiting for my wife to get home from work. Our 16 year old is picking her up when she finally finishes. I have pork chops in the oven and a glass of wine in my hand. The “Tony Rice Plays and Sings Bluegrass” cd is playing. If the scales at the rec center are to be believed, I have cracked the barrier and am in the 170’s. I don’t believe it but:
LIFE IS GOOD

|
Q&A ABOUT THE ISSUE OF BISHOP ROBINSON

Las Vegas SUN: Gay Bishop Describes Recent Developments

Again, a fairly evenhanded article. which does not seem to favor one side or the other. Seems to be from the liberal side but does not degrade the other side. Good catch-up reading on this issue.
I get little response to this issue but since it is important to me, I will keep blogging about it.
|
test time

I am giving a test to a section right now--it is not as difficult as they are making it out to be. I am also taking on-line tests for the IRB. I am not too happy either.
|
MY WORKOUT UPDATE

Today was a great day, I timed my mile with an hourglass. This is a great improvement, as I was using a calendar.

|

Thursday, November 06, 2003

SECOND HAND FAT?

ajc.com | Living | People found unattractive if they stand next to obese friends

Study says just standing next to fat person can lead you be found less attractive. I am glad I am dropping some pounds before some lawyer sues me for causing his client to be seen in a bad light.
|
A TREATMENT FOR SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

ajc.com | Living | Shedding light on SAD

Light treatment has long been proposed, article says evidence is that it works. Also, might work on on other disorders.
|
A STORY OF SLOW DECLINE--CHANGE BUT NOT WHAT WAS WANTED

ajc.com | Metro | Shifts in strategy need, outgoing MARTA chairman contends
Good article on decline of MARTA. Most people who were not supporters, could have seen this coming. This would make an interesting case, how to get them out of the problem? this is a hard nut to crack.
|
FACTORY ORDERS UP IN SEPT.

ajc.com | Business | Factory orders rebound

These are usually a good indication of economic upswing. However, do not expect jobs to rebound quickly if at all. Increased production might be had from productivity increases.
|
THIS ISN'T NEWS--WE ALREADY HEARD ABOUT THIS FROM MISS JANIS Gone South

The Miami Herald | 11/06/2003 | Monarch butterflies arriving for migration
|
Two former ECU faculty members died this week. Both, in their own way, helped to build what we have now. One retired over 15 years ago and is barely remembered in the College of Business, except by us “old-timers”. The other was our university athletic rep. for many years. Both were friendly and nice to me when I was a youngster here, they went out of their way to befriend me. I thank them for that and will miss them.

11/6/03 OBITUARIES
|
WE GET OLDER

Las Vegas SUN: Obituaries in the News

I guess it was time for some of the singers out of my past to get old but I never think about it. It marks a passage, these people are supposed to stay the age they were, when I listened to them.

Bobby Hatfield of the Righteous Brothers was 63, he died yesterday.
|

Wednesday, November 05, 2003

DOES YOUR GYM HAVE INVISIBLE MEN?

My rec center has little invisible men. They carry little invisible lead pipes and when I get on the stationary bike, they slip in and beat the hell out of my legs. It might not be little invisible men but that is the best explanation I have.


|

Tuesday, November 04, 2003

LOCAL MINIMUM WAGES

San Francisco Voting on Minimum Wage

Balanced AP story, talks about both sides without seeming to take sides.
|
PERHAPS, SOME EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF HEART ATTACK IN WOMEN

Heart Attack Warning Signs Are Studied

Some of these tend to show up a month or more in advance, however, most seem general and might not be of much use.
|

Monday, November 03, 2003

A NICE REVIEW HERE OF THE POSSIBLE SPLIT IN THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION

Las Vegas SUN: Split Over Gay Bishop Expected to Develop

This news story seems even handed, it covers mainly reaction and future moves. A quick reading does not seem biased, either way. It discusses what being out of communion would mean or not mean and what U.S. episcopalians might do.

As for me, I stand with my bishop, who voted to go along with Robinson's elevation. Wrong or right, I trust God will show his grace on both sides.
|
A HONDA RECALL

Las Vegas SUN: National news
I think this might be in the book of Revelation, a sign of the end-time.



NO SHOCK HERE-- PROTECTED INDUSTRIES WANT TO STAY THAT WAY

The Miami Herald | 11/03/2003 | Sugar, citrus industries at odds with Bush over free trade

What can you say, after all these years of protection.
|
AS AN ESPICOPALIAN I FOUND THIS FUNNY

From a letter to the editor, in TN, via andrewsullivan.com:

The actions taken by the New Hampshire Episcopalians are an affront to Christians everywhere. I am just thankful that the church's founder, Henry VIII, and his wife Catherine of Aragon, and his wife Anne Boleyn, and his wife Jane Seymour, and his wife Anne of Cleves, and his wife Katherine Howard, and his wife Catherine Parr are no longer here to suffer through this assault on traditional Christian marriage.
|
JUST HOW STUPID AND LAZY AM I?

I am getting into the habit of "working out" before class on MWF and some TTh. I noticed today that I get the closest parking place to the rec center, then go in and sweat. Doesn't that seem dumb, I can go inside and work out but will park to minimize effort?
No wonder I am fat.
|

Saturday, November 01, 2003

EVERLAST TO MOVE PLANT FROM NYC


Everlast to Close Plant in Bronx; 100 Workers to Lose Their Jobs

The rent is going to double in April and move will save the company 3 million. The move is not out of the country but to another state, which seems like another country to many New Yorkers.
|
I WILL NOT BE THEIR PRESIDENT FOR LESS

Boston U. Pays Its New President Just to Go Away

This whole thing makes BU look bad. The old leader, who did a good job, just will not give it up. As long as he is going to take an active role they will not get a quality person for president.
|
ROBINSON CONSECRATION TOMORROW

Gay Bishop Consecration May Split Church

There will be objections, just like in marriage the prayer book allows for them. However, they will be in a very anglican style, not disruptive.
It remains to be seen if this will split the church but whatever happens my world changes tomorrow.
For those of you who don't know, I am a deacon in the episcopal church. Like in the roman church, this is an ordained order. I serve under the direction of my bishop. So, the world changes tomorrow, for better or worse, it is time to deal with it.
|

This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?