Unique Ideas

I get so entertained by the notion that people today in software development think they are the first one to come up with a unique idea.  It's amazing how this society can recycle the same ol crap time and time again and the people doing the recycling truely believe they are the first one to have that idea.  As I observe people in my field, I'm flabbergasted at the arrogance they show as they attempt to convince the world that they are the originator of an idea.  Whatever.

I remember when I first started my career out of college.  I remember thinking to myself that the people who had been there for years were dinosaurs and their ideas simply were not relevant anymore.  Geez, what a fool I was.  So much of what they did in their days has just been continually re-invented under different labels and "cooler" marketing efforts.

Too much time and money...

I'm lucky if I get to spend more than 2.5 hours each night during the week with the kids before they go to bed at 8 pm.  I find it baffling that 40 year old men with children devote so much time to gaming and neglect time with their families.  Apparently, Halo 3 came out and there were people at work leaving early to buy it and begin playing the thing.

First off, I don't see the fascination with gaming when one is a full grown adult.  My days and evenings are instantly filled with much more constructive things than to be wasting my time playing a video game.

I've been observing this behavior in others for some time now and pondering upon this phenomenon.  I think the thing that comes to mind is the need for many of these people to impose their will on others. Whether it's going against a fictional character in a game or playing against another human opponent, the type of people I see involved in this behavior at a ripe age seem to reflect this in their nature toward others in real life.

Not only does this interest chew up a huge amount of one's time, but the dollars spent on this activity is crazy when it's $50 bucks a pop for a new game.  I think a lot of folks sure are going to be regretful in their older age when they look back to see how much of that money could have been invested wisely for a nice return.

Present Coach At Texas A&M

This video clip depicts my current feelings regarding the present coaching regime at my alma mater.

Frantastic

Economically Conservative

I do not like labels, but over the years I've continued to clarify my outlook on life such that I've somewhat quantified myself as Economically Conservative, yet Socially Liberal.

I don't believe the government should be completely removed from fiscal policy, but their role should be minimal and mostly revolve around keeping society honest when it comes to money.

On the social side, I've swayed very far to the left as a result of years of entrenchment in the religious right.  I thank God everyday for removing from the culture that thrives on religion.  Don't take that to mean that I'm not spiritual or truely believe that I was created by a divine entity.  There is too much evidence in life to deny the existence of God.  I am, however, completely opposed to organized religion.

Religion has helped to bring order to society, but it has also brought great pain as a result of human beings requiring a cause to destroy other human beings who don't subscribe to one particular view of the world.  The desire to wield power over other people is the fundamental premise of all western religions.  I look back on my years in the Bible Church realm and find myself disgusted at what I stood for during those times.

I can truely tell you my days now are so much more clear then they ever were in the past.  What is the meaning of our life here on earth?  I now know.  It's all about children!!!  I never knew what true, pure and complete love was until I had the privilege of looking into my children's eyes and experiencing something I've never felt before.  Children are God's way of softening our hearts such that we never become bitter about everything else that life throws at us.

Reducing Weight

In December 1999, I ruptured two disks in my lower back.  Fortunately, I was able to avoid surgery and have led a normal life since then.  However, as a result of the injury, I have to be very careful about carrying too much excess weight.  Since I have some permanent nerve damage in my lower back and left leg, any additional pressure in that area can cause some issues.

When I first moved to Tulsa in July 2001, I weighed 175.  I was probably in the best shape of my adult life at that time.  Since being here in Tulsa, I've been diligent about working out and staying reasonably fit, but over the last six years my weight has crept up to just short of 190.  The top end of my ideal Body Mass Index ( BMI ) is 183.

Because of the bit of extra weight, my bladder has become overstimulated due to pressure on my nerves in that area.  After undergoing several tests at the urologist, it was determined that my bladder was fine and that the nerve damage from my back injury was causing the increase in my bladder activity.

Since that visit to the doctor five weeks ago, I have committed to reducing my weight in order to reach my goal of 175.  I'm happy to report that I've had great success.  I've lost 5 pounds and I'm currently around 185.  Here is how I've done it so far...

Increased intake of water

Eliminated sweets

Eliminated dairy

Eliminated alcohol

Minimized red meat intake

I would have to say the elimination of sugar from my diet has had the biggest impact.

Mercedes-Benz

You know, when I was in High School it used to mean something to drive a Mercedes-Benz.  The Germans made an elegant car that was really only driven by folks with some real money in the bank.  Today, thanks to Chrysler taking over several of the Mercedes-Benz models, the name Mercedes has just been cheapened.

I look around at some of the idiots driving these "cookie cutter dodge" Benz's and it just makes me laugh to see the smug look on their face because they have the Mercedes-Benz name plate on the car.  These morons are driving around in a $35,000-$40,000 vehicles with a $40,000/yr salary and no money in the bank and act like everyone else should be in awe of them because they are driving a Mercedes-Benz.

Plus, the cheaper models just look like shit in my opinion.  These vehicles made in the US are basically a Dodge Neon with the Mercedes-Benz name on it.  Now, granted, the high-end models are still made in Germany and look fantastic.  I do realize Mercedes-Benz probably has expanded their market considerably, but I think they've done their overall creditability a disservice by allowing Chrysler to take ownership of the lower-end market.

"God Bless the Whole World"

I saw a bumper sticker this week that read "God Bless the Whole World".  How often do we see "God Bless America"?  A lot!!!  There are 5 billion people on the planet.  Only 300 million of its inhabitants reside in the United States, yet, as Americans, we think the world revolves around us.  We are, perhaps, the most narcissistic society on the globe.

The world is full of incredible diversity and people with rich, deep heritage.  In our country, we minimize the significance of other cultures because we have been "blessed economically".  I'm very thankful that we are fortunate to have "things" here in America, but prosperity is not the single most important factor to one's existence.

The influence of the Christian religion over the centuries has fostered the idea that we in America are the only people in the world that know the "truth".  How often do you hear Christian leaders point to our economic success as evidence that God has uniquely blessed us and us alone.

Granted, the structure of our society has brought order and success, but to say that we are unique in the world because God has blessed us and us alone is false.  Frankly, there are so many good things in other cultures that we lack in America that I wish we had.