What's going on with me

This Post For Livenud

2009-05-15T12:47:55Z

Anyone might benefit from this info, but I post it primarily for livenud. I have a coworker who is also unable to eat gluten (and dairy). He had his first sandwich in AGES yesterday at lunch. There is a really cool little deli on the NE corner of Diamond/Cherry/Lake. The place is called Marie Catrib's. They have gluten free varieties of all sorts of things - including some awesome bread apparently.

Unfortunately they have a horrible flash website. But that shouldn't stop you from checking them out. They also make the most kick-ass oatmeal mix I've ever had, as well as an amazing variety of other dishes.

I recommend the place to anyone who likes fresh and tasty deli dishes that are a bit more unique.

Some Favorite Recent Links

2009-04-25T13:10:58Z

Seven benefits of uncluttering | Unclutterer Concise and clearly put & so I love it.
Not Always Right | Funny & Stupid Customer Quotes » What A Kilo-Moron for the students looking for the kilometer stick
CrazyHotJob.com - One day. One job. Like w00t.com for jobs.
Grand Rapids – Rapid Growth - Bicycle summit gears up to create bike-friendly Grand Rapids They're right, and I still have a hard time with it.
World Naked Gardening Day (WNGD) NSFW - Interesting Idea. Being with nature in a natural way. Damn the laws & the neighbor kids?

2009 :: The year of protective gear

2009-03-19T12:37:02Z

It just dawned on me as I was discussing eye & ear protection that this year I will have purchased all the protective gear I should need for some time. Mostly because it's become needed/accessible this year.

What will be/has been purchased in 2009 to protect me:

Ski Helmet (way more comfortable then a hat, set example for my students)
Ski Goggles (better fit, better light protection)
Safety Glasses (for the gun range - no more loaners)
Ear Protection (see previous)
Bicycle Helmet (required for Fisk Knob race)
Motorcycle Track Leather (2009 is track year)
Motorcycle Gauntlet Gloves (see previous)

What about you? Love or hate your protective gear? Upgrading anything?

Rode to work

2009-03-06T14:44:29Z

I was hyper sensitive to everything. First rides are little nerve racking but MAN does it feel great after a few miles. The ease of merging and getting where you're going. OH I love it!

/me gives her bike a hug and starts working.

Frzoen Michigan

2009-01-29T15:43:48Z

Look! We're covered in snow! Shocking!
We're also quite frozen.

http://coastwatch.glerl.noaa.gov/modis/region_map.html

Discovering & Testing

2009-01-26T15:01:13Z

I'm always looking for new ways to make life easier. I have been looking for something to help me blog quicker and easier when I find cool things. I'm testing http://www.scribefire.com at this very moment. I'm hoping to get it to work with both by LJ & WP blogs plus it's available as a split screen in FF with whatever nifty I'm currently looking to share about. Nice as a reminder to blog later I think. After a week or two I'll give my full evaluation. For now I'm just excited to have a way to share better.

Sented Poo, I would like some

2009-01-14T14:18:01Z

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cross_stitch_ninja/2408893398/

Yes please. I would like some for my linen closet.

FAST BIKE

2008-12-11T17:12:02Z

1:1 people!
Do you know that that means!?

I WANT TO TRY IT!! Bring it to FEMMOTO AND I WILL SO BE THERE FOR MY BIRTHDAY!!

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2008/12/bimota-db7-oronero-a-symphony.html

iCal & Google Cal - True Sync

2008-12-02T13:31:26Z

Finally the two shall sync in a harmonious and peaceful way!

http://www.google.com/support/calendar/bin/answer.py?answer=99358&expand=e01

Racing Forward in Seating Comfort.

2008-11-26T17:48:28Z

Think we could get one of these for the office? Maybe make one. Any nice bucket seat would probably do well. Junk Yard DIY Recycling. Certainly be mainly enough for ManLand

Details: http://www.racechairs.com/Ferrari_360_Standard_office_chair_p/rc133.htm

Countries First CTO Should Do What?

2008-11-13T16:36:02Z

Like him or not Obama has got some plans in the works already for shaking thing up. This includes more management. Because we all love management. BUT this time we can lobby from behind the comfort of our computer screens.

You get 10 votes for items that the new CTO of America should do. No more than 3 to any one goal. If something you vote on gets removed for accomplished you get your votes back.

Should the Government use free software? Repeal the Digital Millennium Copyright Act? Protect Net Neutrality? Got your own ideas?

http://obamacto.org/

Snow is Awesome

2008-11-07T01:11:37Z

This is a photo from today in Utah.

http://www.skinet.com/travel/2008-11/dump-week-november-6-2008

I just got brought my new ski boots home tonight. They're so pretty. And warm. And pretty.

Free Computer & TV Recycle Day

2008-11-06T15:04:47Z

Kent County is holding a used computer & TV drive for recycling. They promise to shred your Hard Drive for security purposes. They'll recycle or reuse as possible. Excellent time to get rid of the CRTs in your basement ;)

Saturday, Nov. 8 (2 days from now)
Details: http://www.accesskent.com/NewsRoom/PressReleases/2008/Electronics_Event_11032008.pdf

Because Ikea needed to be better?

2008-10-27T16:54:50Z

Just in case you were looking for something better from Ikea, I introduce to you the Ikea Hacker:

http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/

Zombie Walk in GR to Break World Record

2008-10-27T16:34:23Z

Put on your worst cloths and makeup -- it's time to go for walk like a zombie! Or at least get out your camera!

Grand Rapids is looking to set the world record for the greatest number of Zombies out for a walk together. The current record is about 1,000 set in PA last year. GR is looking to push that by another 50% and get 1,500 zombies to gather at Rosa Parks Circle at 9 PM this Thursday (Devil's Night).

Official story: http://www.mlive.com/grpress/entertainment/index.ssf/2008/10/will_downtown_grand_rapids_zom.html

Making the desk job better...

2008-10-24T15:32:24Z

All day at a keyboard isn't easy or enjoyable every day. In fact, it can get stressful in a multitude of ways. It's hard on your wrists, eyes, and mind.

I'm now taking a ton of small breaks to relief stress and I have to admit in only a 1/2 day of use, I'm feeling better already. Try it.

http://tech.inhelsinki.nl/antirsi/

Google Phone...

2008-10-23T12:21:31Z

Maybe I'm behind, maybe I'm not, but I just saw yesterday that Google is now part the phone market.

http://www.google.com/intl/en_us/mobile/android/hpp.html

Syncing with your google account and all that digital jazz included. If anyone has one or has seen one, give some feedback.

Hey Jack, long time no see!

2008-10-22T15:03:10Z

Just a little shout out to my friend Jack Frost who came by late last night. Left my world all sparkles and joy. Reminded me of the good times I had as a child. He also brought forth some hope and excitement about what's in store for the future.

Computer Professionals - Excellence Conference

2008-10-10T13:14:45Z

Please consider attending the Great Lakes Software Excellence Conference.

http://glsec.org/

Day 1 (optional), are tutorials and an excellent chance to get hands on time. The second day is just the conference full of talks with the following topics:

* Software Development
* General Management and Analysis
* Quality Assurance, Testing, Configuration Management
* Embedded Development in the morning
* Potpourri in the afternoon

A complete list of the talks for each is on the program page: http://glsec.org/pages/Program_2008

It's a great chance to do some business networking. This could be attracting new vendors, employers, employees, or just making meaningful connections. I'll be there and I'm actually giving one of the lightening talks.

Reverse Interviewing

2008-10-10T12:48:56Z

I just did some excellent training on exploratory testing. I'd give you the full review if you asked for it, but alas most of you don't.

What you will care about though is the thought of possibly changing jobs as my trainer was doing, and has done many times. He was chatting with us after the class about his hunt and about that final little bit of the interview. You know what I'm talking about: that part then they ask you if you have any questions. Sure you're full of curiosity and excitement, but you're dumbfounded and fail to ask any meaningful questions about their company.

My instructor had several suggestions, such as "How do employees have fun?" Great Q! Something about quarterly trips to events sounds like a bunch of corporate goonies to me. But a bit of nerf football in hallway sounds like a team that knows the value of letting off some steam.

There's a whole bunch more Qs like this, and he's written a nice little article on it: http://www.cio.com.au/index.php/id;1657589912;pp;1

Enjoy!

Voting Nov 4th

2008-10-02T13:12:36Z

I totally plan to vote. Every time I do though, I feel horribly unprepared for some of the "other stuff" on the ballot. So this year I'm looking at the ballot ahead of time, researching, and will know how to vote on the local things.

For the many of use who have moved recently: remember to change your address and voting registration with the SOS BEFORE this Saturday. You must do it 30 days prior to the election date.

Here's my ballot, you might want to look for yours also:
http://plainfieldchartertwp.org/pdf/misc/Ballots/Nov08Ballot.pdf

Get your very own Toaster

2008-09-25T16:35:05Z

http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/plush/aa83/?cpg=78H

A Cylon toaster just for you.

Exercise Diet Changes

2008-08-28T12:27:29Z

There are a lot elements of my diet I'm concerned with now that I'm going to start training for ski season. I read an excellent article about the basics of a skiers diet and found most of it very excellent even for a non-skier. The farther you get into the article the better it gets.

I know a number of you out there are picking up exercise habits and I thought you might like to read this too. There's a lot about how much water to consume, and a bit about respiratory rate, and reducing muscle soreness by supplying them with what they need when they need it. Enjoy!

http://www.skinet.com/action/2008-05/fuel-fitness

Exellent Quote on High Fructose Corn Syrup

2008-08-05T14:53:35Z

Due to the desire to lower my chances and mood swings, maintain a sustainable pace everyday, and enjoy healthier living I've given up High Fructose Corn Syrup.

There is some debate at the moment with the FDA about HFCS being 'healthy' and 'natural'. I had this quote passed along to me in reference to this debate:

"If HFCS is natural because it's made of corn, then so is Ethanol - why can't I eat that? Isn't it natural?"

This runs along the same lines as my favorite marking ploy of all time which basically hopes you believe that natural == healthy. But snake venom beverages would be 100% natural... but I wouldn't take a drink.

From the lolcat masters - FAIL!

2008-06-20T13:52:21Z

I'm not going to lie or hide: LOLCATS warm my heart. They often make me laugh and smile too.

To make me actually LOL, they have a new blog: http://failblog.org/

Hysterical!!