That Palin

Obviously this woman should be a Vice President.  Who better than someone who doesn't know what a VP does? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oro2Yh9HoEM (skip to 2:50) 

Despite the speech last night I suspect these dudes aren't the only Republicans who aren't fond of that pick.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrG8w4bb3kg

Anyway the real political issues aside I'm in the camp that I find it ironic that this private family matter with her daughter's pregnancy should be treated as private when she is happy to legislate how other people should deal with things when they're pregnant.  Not that I think anyone should be poking around her daughter or harassing her.  I agree family matters like this should be off limits for people to poke at.  I just find it odd that while my neighbor might tell me to stay out of their business, they would happily legislate how I can or can not handle (abortion) my business in the same situation.  I know she believes it is wrong and such, but that still strikes me as an interesting situation.

In the interest of being fair and balanced I think this tidbit indicates we need to look into Obama's history a bit more.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YooKkyikXw0


Computers

I suppose Mac's already do all this but I don't care if they do (the iMacs don't count). I propose the following changes to computer monitors be made standard:

Add an integrated USB hub.  4 ports at least.  Preferably two facing to the side, two facing forward.  Some monitors have this, but not enough.

Add integrated memory card reader.  Must read the usual memory card formats.  This may be mounted on the front (best) or side.

In addition to a monitor power button for the monitor, there should be a system power button, and a reset button that can power on / off the actual system and reset when needed.

Yeah I know there will be more cables but a lot of that stuff doesn't need to be solely on the computer itself or hanging off some some USB hub and would be just as handy on the monitor.  Heck toss a volume control knob on there too.


US Election Coverage

Over the last few months I've seen repeated national polls within or close to the margin of error.   After the last few elections it seems silly that this is almost exclusively the data we're presented in terms of the McCain vs. Obama race.  A few nights ago CNN actually started showing some info with a map and electoral votes.  Even if it was for a few minutes, thank you CNN.


Song Lyrics

You know what is useless?  Song lyrics.  There are tons of web sites that have lyrics to songs that I'm curious about and most of the time it doesn't tell me squat about the song.  I'm willing to come up with my own meaning but sometimes I want to know what the artist intended.


Your Password Has Changed

I suppose if this happened to me I'd be disappointed that they can just SEE my password, but the act itself is kinda funny http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/hereford/worcs/7585098.stm.


Terrorism

The day we abandon the Jerry Haaf Memorial Ramp is the day the terrorists have won http://www.startribune.com/local/27608044.html.  I wonder how people felt parking there while the HAZMAT folks were wandering in and out in their space suit like outfits.


House Guests

An old friend stopped by for the weekend with his wife and kids.  Children are 15 months and 4 years old (I think 4...).   Anyway the four year old girl was insanely well behaved and very talkative.  She constantly referred to Mrs. duxup as "your girlfriend" as she kept forgetting her name.  Talk talk talk talk, very cute.

The 15 month old is a little walking monster.  Babies seem so cute when they're helpless but given control of their bodies and a desire to do ANYTHING but sit in your arms and smile at you it seems they become something else.  That's not to say he wasn't adorable.  While playing a game of catch with him he spontaneously ran over to me and gave me a hug and ran back to his spot to resume the game.   At this stage of development he can only be called relentless and generally cranky as he is teething like mad and frustrated about his lack of communication ability.  Heck when offering him something while eating even the sight of something he doesn't want would disturb him.

Anyway much fun was had as we went to the Zoo and my buddy and I managed to squeeze in a Gopher Football game, it was a win but if they win 3 games this year they'll be lucky.


Pizza Cutter

I have this talking Homer Simpson Pizza cutter.  It sits at the back of our silverware drawer.  Inadvertently it makes for a fun surprise for guests who when closing the silverware drawer set off a muffled Homer Simpson comment about pizza.  If they're lucky a whole series of Homer quotes.


Photography

Word of the Canon 50D leaked and then was released.  Mmmmm tempting.  http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos50d/

Not to be outdone info on Nikon's 90D came out with the always inevitable video features for a DSLR. http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikond90/

Just like digicams video is going to end up being standard on DSLRS, it's just a question of when each model and manufacturer does it and how the worlds of video and photogaraphy come together.  I'm sure there will stll be specialy products for each purpose but IMO the video and still world will eventually for the most part end up being the same hardware product lines.