March 9, 2010 Category - just_a_day
What it Means to Build an Addition
Living with the addition vs. living in the addition...
Posted by marksusan1 at 9:51 AM | Comments (0)
March 8, 2010 Category - family
Permanent Place on Wrightsville Beach
Dad and Barbara signed a contract today to purchase a home on Asheville Street. Has ocean views, few steps to ocean access and room for all of us. Couldn't ask for more. We'll be seeing it in December if all closes as expected.
The images were grabbed off the realty site description says; "If you have been searching for the perfect location at Wrightsville Beach, close to the ocean and convenient to the center of town, this home has it all. You will love the quality of construction, the spacious rooms and relaxed feeling within."
Posted by marksusan1 at 2:33 PM | Comments (0)
March 7, 2010 Category - just_a_day
Few Recent Quotes
This one is a Twitter post - RT @avivao @StanZaske: Media coverage of unemployment fails to address those aged 50-60 who will never recover fr economic crisis.
This one comes from the NY Times: "Have I succeeded in reversing a 30-year trend of skepticism and cynicism about government? I confess that I have not. Maybe next year." - David Axelrod, Senior White House Advisor
This is a Twitter from Glenn Beck: George Bush lied to protect us frm terrorists, Obama lies cuz he's secretly working 4 progressive genocide lovers
Posted by marksusan1 at 9:19 PM | Comments (0)
March 6, 2010 Category - just_a_day
Countdown to Earth Hour
Posted by marksusan1 at 12:42 PM | Comments (0)
March 3, 2010 Category - web_stuff
Interesting Surfing Stuff
If you haven't seen Funny or Die's Presidential Reunion it's a must see video. All the Saturday Night past cast members reprising their roles of the "then current" president, all with a message. Chevy Chase, Dan Ackroyd, Will Farrell, Jim Carrey and more.
New York Times Travel section has put up a great interactive pictorial " Ansel Adams's Yosemite". Great stuff.
Scott Berkun writes an incredible post "My biggest professional mistakes" that is so dead on that you may see some of yourself in here, like I did. He writes about the ones that stay with you...
March 20th Nasa is celebrating Sun-Earth Day 2010 with some great live webcasts from the exhibit floor of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) conference in Philadelphia, PA. They have quite a line up of guests, so put it on your calendar.
If I could understand what it is about the Zombie shadow maker that makes me just absolutely love it, I might understand myself better. Nah.
There's always a new twist on an old product as technologies progress. The Map Envelope is great for those snail mailed invitations. You point to the Google Map location, add a little text and it gives you an enveloper form to print, cut, fold and glue in moments.
This Circus Book, Magically Moving Illustrations is something I'd like to try out for the grand-kiddies in our lives. Something about swirling and animations.
This is one easy to use, straight forward "cheat sheet", Skeptic Arguments and What the Science Says on global warming. If you are confused by all the misinformation from both fringes, read this and understand the real science. It's point by point format is to the point and one of the best summaries I've seen.
Posted by marksusan1 at 10:21 PM | Comments (0)
March 2, 2010 Category - just_a_day
For Those Who Aren't on Facebook...
I am no longer employed on my new contract . Was some confusion, though the IT Company was very nice about it all. Everyone learned a lesson.
Signed the paperwork, got my packet, had my start date. Had asked all the questions about pre-employment stuff. Then this:
Candidate must be screened for the following and provide a health certificate verifying this. $0 cost to you.
Health Screening
Hepititas B surface antibodies
Hepititas B evidence of vaccination or declaration of vaccine
Rebeola
Rubella
Tuberculosis
Full physical exam
For a contract in a cube... I walked... Have already gotten a few new nibbles...
Posted by marksusan1 at 11:49 PM | Comments (0)
March 1, 2010 Category - recipes
New Batch of Mexican Seasoning
Made a new batch of Mexican Seasoning today. I get a lot of the spices in bulk from MySpicer.com.
This recipe is done in parts so you can make a small amount or a large amount by deciding what your "one part" measurer is. When I'm making for gifts, I use a 1/4 cup for my "one part" when personally restocking I use a 1/4 cup for my "one part". Then I put some in a tupperware spice shaker and the rest I freeze.
If you show up with a container you're welcome to some, or the frozen Basil.
- 12 parts flour (I use whole wheat)
- 12 parts corn starch
- 6 parts dark Chili powder
- 6 parts light chili powder
- 4 parts onion powder
- 4 parts roasted garlic powder (You can use non-roasted)
- 4 parts ground cumin
- 2 parts Hot Roasted paprika (4 parts if regular paprika)
- 4 parts ground cumin
- 1 1/2 parts cayenne pepper
- 1/2-1 part sugar
- 1/8-1/4 part ground cloves
- 1/8-1/4 part salt (optional)
- Mix all together, package, pass out, freeze remainder. Doesn't need to be thawed before use.
- After using it once, you can adjust seasonings if too mild for you. I'm always afraid to start too strong.
- To use, sprinkle over browned meat of any kind (about 2 tablespoons or more to taste), add about 1/2cup-3/4 cup water and low simmer about 10 minutes then use in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, whatever.
- You can also use in any ground meat loaf, pinto/red/other chili type bean, into refried beans for a dip, stir into tomato soup and lots of other uses. Send me pictures of your usage and I'll post!
Posted by marksusan1 at 12:52 PM | Comments (0)
February 28, 2010 Category - just_a_day
Funny Politial Quote of the Day
Saw this re-tweet in Twitter today:
RT @BobFertik: Will conservatives who adamantly oppose Reconciliation kindly return their #BushTaxCuts? Thanks!
Posted by marksusan1 at 11:49 PM | Comments (0)
February 27, 2010 Category - just_a_day
So this is what's up...
Tes spent Wednesday-Thursday at UC Davis Small Animal Hospital and we picked her up that evening. She had to have two teeth removed, one of them a large premoral badly cracked all the way through the bone. The other was a broken one up front and she has a small gap and occasional light whistle now.
Was the first time I'd taken an animal to UCD hospital and their treatment, calls, follow-ups was fantastic. Even topped Mercy Hospital! They gave you cards on the information on the interns/doctors/department heads, reviewed tests, called when they were wheeling her in and when she was waking up. Top recommendations to anyone with something your regular vet just isn't specialized enough for.
Things I've learned from recruiters about hiring manager/HR practices currently. For a while it'd been "keep your resume short and concise". Now with so many resumes going across their desks they aren't looking for reasons to keep a resume, but to toss it. They scan for key words (no matter the length of experience) first and if they don't see all their key ones, it's b-bye. Recruiters want long resumes stuffed with the clients specific keywords and you continually tweak for specific positions. Sure keeps you busy. Both Mark and I are putting ours online, works in process that we're adding to and tweaking almost daily. Comments are always welcome. Both richardmarkjones.net and susangrossman.com use the blog software WordPress, this blog uses the software MoveableType.
With that said, my contract ended Thursday evening and Thursday night I heard from recruiter that I have a contract that should last about 12 months. It's basically 508 analysis and development, fixing the 508 issues for Sutter Health. Papers aren't signed yet, so there's still a chance of something happening, but most likely I start work on the 8th. Originally it was the 1st, but needed time for paperwork, setting up computers/access, and whatever else.
As many of you know, the Last Fish as gone to his reward for out living all the other fish in the tank by years. We have taken the tank apart and are in process of moving the "Stone Guy" on stand there (Lucretia will stand in his place). Meanwhile Tes immediately decided it was the best spot in the house.
Mom sent some cute pictures from a big 90th birthday party she went to in Cloverdale. Party photos look like fun, everyone is wearing crazy balloon hat creations.
Rachel says that Jackson likes to measure, as a tool from his kiddie tool bench and spends lots of time at it. Base boards, dog paws, anything. They sound healthy and happy and going to a neighborhood chili cook-off this weekend.
Dad celebrated his birthday yesterday and we had a nice chat. they're busily entertaining people as usual and looking at house for when their lease ends in couple of months. They've been spoiled by that huge beach house for the last year.
Posted by marksusan1 at 11:06 AM | Comments (0)
February 20, 2010 Category - web_stuff
Get Your Free Bumper Sticker!
Posted by marksusan1 at 7:47 AM | Comments (0)
February 19, 2010 Category - just_a_day
Interesting Times We're Living In
Looks like the middle of next week both Mark and I will be job hunting. We haven't both been out-of-work since we were let go together from Mariemont Systems the week before Christmas in 1999. There we learned the lesson "don't work at the same company". I'm sure some great door will be opening somewhere for us soon.
It looks like both Mark and I will be going to Kay's wedding in July and that Rachel and Bill will be looking at renting a house on the island to share with us and mom, if she goes. Assuming one of us has a job by then, of course. Would be about the only thing that would keep us from going. Any jobs we take we can say "it's a pre-employment commitment". Need to start looking for a Tes sitter.
We're still waiting for David to come visit us for Christmas. He comes up most every year to celebrate the holidays usually in late January or early February. Thought maybe posting this might get him to set the date, get the time off and get up here. Hello - it's nearing March! He has had some legitimate reasons, but still...
Corporations have been given people rights, people who believe they can secede from the union (nope, the civil war decided that issue) and that the constitution only covers citizens (nope - all people) are being given platforms in front of thousands of people and applauded, along with John-Birchers(!), congress is about to pass a law that gives the agency that fired a whistleblower exclusive power to conduct the "fact finding" investigation on the whistleblower, and donations have hit an incredible all-time low.
Interesting Times We're Living In
Posted by marksusan1 at 10:27 AM | Comments (0)
February 18, 2010 Category - recipes
Yummy Peanut Sauce
I mix this with cabbage, apples, raisins and nuts for a great salad, add it to stir-fried anything before putting over rice/noodles/whatever, drizzle it over anything green with fruit arranged on it, and a hundred other uses. You can vary the thickness by adding more liquid of your choice. Very versatile.
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup firm low-fat tofu
- 3 tbls soy
- 3-5 tbls lime juice, rice wine, rice vinegar or combinations of - it all works, depending on how thin/pungent you want it
- 2 tbls brown sugar or substitute
- 2 good size cloves garlic chopped fine
- 1 tsp chopped fine ginger
- 1-2 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
- Put all in blender until creamy.
- Start with smaller amounts of the liquids of your choice and add more to thin. you can also add small amount of water instead to thin further.
- Serve however - you can even use as dip or spread on crispy toast
Posted by marksusan1 at 5:45 AM | Comments (0)
February 17, 2010 Category - web_stuff
Intersting or "Just Too Cute" Bits and Pieces
Don't know who did this or posted it, but it's pretty neat to watch. I've just linked it in, since it's posted anonymously on tinypic.com.
Here's another anonymously posted picture of some guys hamster that is too cute not to include.
Got to admit I love the The T-Shirt War Store. Enjoy the unique video and then buy your favorite shirt from it, if you can't resist. Each shirt has a single frame printed on it, so no two are exactly alike. Limited supply, because these are the actual shirts. Of course you can also create your own. It is just another unique marketing gimmick.
An alternative to temporary bookmarking a page is Instapaper, which gives you a " Read Later bookmark, ". You have to make sure the toolbar "bookmarks" is turned on in your browse, then you just drag the button to it. When you're on a web page you want to read later, you click the button in your bar and it builds a page with all of the pages you clicked on. You can view online as a web page, over your phone, or even download in an ePub reader or other format. Register for a free account and try it out. Set your browser default page to this and then you'll always have the things you want to go back to open.
A slightly new take on the give something in someone's name concept, this one to plant tress. TreeGreetings.com where $8.95 gets you an eCard, a certificate and a tree planted. You choose the type of tree and where it's planted. A great gift for those who don't really need that birthday present you couldn't figure out anyway.
Want to really grasp how small we are in the scheme of things? Click on the image to go to a large version showing the scale of us compared to various objects in the skies. This is just a tiny portion of this great graphic.
This is an interesting answer the the question Give an example from your own experience in which the velocity of an object is zero for an instant of time, but acceleration is not zero. If that doesn't grab you, how about knowing it's a graphical example using a dream version of Michael Jackson.
Dover publications "The White House Sticker Picture Book" is just too cool to be missed. Be sure to look at the sample pages to see the dollhouse view of the white house and the stickers with all the secret service agents..
And last, another anonymous picture that has all the elements of a classic. Just a girl, possibly a tourist, getting her picture taken in San Francisco in front of some church people visiting from the mid-west.
Posted by marksusan1 at 5:14 AM | Comments (0)
February 16, 2010 Category - family
Runaway Dad's
Steve and friend/neighbor Luca stopped over for dinner and a sleepover on their way to the Slopes. Apparently part of their Valentines Day gifts to their wives was getting lost of r a few days? Loved having them for any reason.
Posted by marksusan1 at 5:08 AM | Comments (0)
February 15, 2010 Category - web_stuff
Knew Republicans had More Sense then Getting Credit For!
A poll on Fox News.com returned a result that clearly shows what I've believed for months. That most Republicans, (and the majority I know) have more sense then to jump on the Tea Bag Wagon. We may disagree on some things, but large majority are no more on the radical right than I am on the radical left.
Now let's get on with serious discourse coverage in the news. There truly are some great ideas and difficult problems with the constituents on both sides, they just aren't getting listened to. This type of productive discourse just doesn't get the media attention that yelling and acting crazy does.
Posted by marksusan1 at 10:35 PM | Comments (0)
Category - family
The Hampstead Jones' Playing in the Snow
Posted by marksusan1 at 5:28 AM | Comments (0)
February 14, 2010 Category - family
Winter Holidays 1998 - An Old "Animation"
While cleaning out old files came across this "animation" and thought others might get a kick out of it. Know no one else has seen it, never shared. It's old, so it's a large file size and you need to be patient, ignore the quality and pay attention since it moves rather slow.
Posted by marksusan1 at 7:49 AM | Comments (0)
Category - just_a_day
Happy Year of the Metal Tiger 
As a non-participant in the retail industries' Valentine's Day, I'm happy to celebrate the Year of the Metal Tiger. The lastTiger year was January 28th 1998 (earth) and a Metal Tiger on February 17th 1950. Tiger is the third sign in a 12 year Chinese Zodiac cycle, a sign of bravery.
According to the Earth Times "The metal-tiger year is seen as a 'golden' year that is good for business, but not so good for relationships." Personally I'm waiting for Tiger Woods irons and relationships jokes.
Posted by marksusan1 at 5:19 AM | Comments (0)
February 13, 2010 Category - web_stuff
Current Articles and Opinion Pieces
There's been a lot of good reading on the web recently, and I'm passing some of it on.
Let's start off with a bang! It Takes a Village to Raise a Racist is an incredibly in-depth look at what fosters intolerance, and looks at 3 children of incredibly angry racists and how it's effected their lives. Well written and expressed in context of the eras they grew up in and what they've seen today.
This Newsweek article is written by a republican looking at the Tea Partiers. Black Helicopters Over Nashville's writer considers himself a true conservative and writes on his reactions after attending the Tea Party Convention. He speaks of the media skipping over the true radicals and focusing on Sarah. The concern here is the public not being shown the extremists attached to the movement and the mis-understandings on what this part of the movement is truly espousing, mistaking them for true conservatives. An interesting view.
This is part of a surprising trend when some of the "loudest" conservatives decry the radical right fringe, such as Get Over It: 'Birtherism’ Is Not Journalism, posted on Big Journalism, a heavily read conservative site. The birthers are slammed along with those that continue to encourage them. To truly see the issue here, you need to read the comments.
This New York Times opinion piece, An About-Face on Gay Troops addresses the large number of Americans who believe that DADT (Don't Ask Don't Tell) should be abolished. There have been a lot of articles and a lot of people speaking out, but this short piece really says it well, and speaks from personal experience, the author having served two tours in Iraq with the marines.
Since I've thrown in several republican pieces, this is a nice balance from MediaMatters, a site firmly on the left. Today's "conservative journalism" -- what would Bill Buckley say? is an enjoyable opinion piece where the author explorers what journalism is and points out the outcome from the "pseudo journalism" of O'Keefe (before he broke a federal law) was thirty-one Republican members of Congress co-sponsoring a resolution honoring him.
This opinion piece by Glen Greenwald titled Susan Collins spreads central myth about the Constitution, looks at the incorrect belief that the Constitution only applies to American citizens. He delves well into the facts, dates and court cases over a hundred years old holding up the fact that it applies to All People, and always has. And the Bush administration and all other administrations have conducted business with this knowledge.
And a final MediaMatters moment that is one very interesting read, the hotly talked about, poll requested by the left, on the right and conducted by a non-partisan pollster. The 2010 Comprehensive Daily Kos/Research 2000 Poll of Self-Identified Republicans where 91% supported the death penalty (an issue I wrestle with), 73% said gays should not be allowed to teach and 77% said that Genesis should be taught in public school to explain how the world was created.
Posted by marksusan1 at 4:40 PM | Comments (0)
Category - just_a_day
Snow on Wrightsville Beach
Barbara sent these great pictures taken from the house and on the beach. All those years I only saw this once! Unique weather in a volatile climate time.
Posted by marksusan1 at 7:33 AM | Comments (0)
February 12, 2010 Category - family
Great Pictures from Wrightsville Beach
Posted by marksusan1 at 5:06 PM | Comments (0)
February 10, 2010 Category - just_a_day
Things Around Here
I've been working steadily for my 508 Systems Analyst contract, and starting to look for my next contract. Have put up a little resume site, because people are looking for them, though I still need to expand it into some more portfolio like sections. It'll do for now.
Mark is looking for his next position, working on his own web site and creating artistic stuff. I'll post some links when he's completed them, and some pictures of his latest silver-work.
I''ll be heading to Pleasanton next weekend to spend some time with Jenelle, and we'll go together to a little event for a non-profit we're both doing some volunteer work for, the Asante Africa Foundation. I'm helping with the site re-do.
Mom has her ticket in hand to be in North Carolina for the week around Jackson's 2nd birthday. I'm hoping to convince her to take a "disposable" camera with her so we can get some additional photos.
Tes has a broken tooth. A large one, almost half way-back that is broken to the gum line. She needs to be have it surgically removed or a root canal done. Either one is surgery she has to be put under for, and not cheap of course.
Posted by marksusan1 at 12:05 PM | Comments (0)
