So like any good citizen, I don't have a printer that is hooked up and full of ink. For a company (HP) that would like me to purchase their fine goods, they sure as heck don't make it easy. So I did the next best thing; traveled to Kinkos and planned on printing my 27 page document there. I planned on a four or five dollar cost associated with my job. The document is only black and white text. A simple task indeed. Well, to steal a web comic joke I read a few months ago, printer ink must be made from unicorn blood because the cost was between three and four times higher than what I estimated. So here I sit, preparing myself to read a 27 page court decision on a 10 inch screen. Hurray.
Can someone explain why printing is one of the most frustrating experiences on the planet? It's annoying to do at home. It's annoying to do at Kinkos. The only non-annoying location really is at work. You probably shouldn't be printing there. And when it comes down to it, you're sort of stealing. If only there was another reasonable way.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Bada Bing Bada Boom. Learn from a Professional kid....
So I've been on what I guess I'll liberally call a sabbatical from blogging (laziness for the more astute). I'm fine with that. The summer has been wild and crazy (including wild and crazy kids... a lot like the show wild and crazy kids). I've ran my second marathon, moved, sold some worldly possessions, acquired others, read some good and bad books, drank a lot of coffee, and began my foray into the world of law school.
I just finished briefing the third in a series of four cases for my orientation this coming week. Basically they believe we need some practice briefing in order to be successful. I really haven't been that worried and I'm still not. I spent a lot of time briefing in undergrad. Not that I'm an expert, but compared to those who have done none... well... forgettabotit. In any case, I do certainly need the practice reading, writing, managing homework, and the rest of the schooly stuff that goes with school.
As for books, I'm just about to finish The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. I really hate to name drop books because it makes me sound, as Holden from the book says, like a phony. Only doing it to make myself seem smart and the rest of you comparatively, well, dumb. I'd like to squash this idea by admitting that I certainly am not that smart. I've already used spell check to correct posession, sabbadical, and most recently, comparitively. Moreover, I'm not sure I used the word, "foray" correctly. Important? No.
Finally, I've slogged my way into Dragon Quest IX this summer on the Nintendo DS. On Weekend Confirmed (one of my favorite gaming podcasts featuring Garnett Lee), they discussed whether as gamers, we're still afraid of a stigma related with gaming. Despite the fact that a ton of people game in one way or another, are we still afraid? Yeah. I am at least. A few good points were made that it's perfectly fine to watch completely useless and horrible television, but not fine to admit to a few hours of Halo, Alan Wake, or god forbid, Dragon Quest IX. Is the stigma really there or just perpetuated by gamers? I'd say a little of both.
Goodbye friends, I'll try to post more. More than zero.
I just finished briefing the third in a series of four cases for my orientation this coming week. Basically they believe we need some practice briefing in order to be successful. I really haven't been that worried and I'm still not. I spent a lot of time briefing in undergrad. Not that I'm an expert, but compared to those who have done none... well... forgettabotit. In any case, I do certainly need the practice reading, writing, managing homework, and the rest of the schooly stuff that goes with school.
As for books, I'm just about to finish The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. I really hate to name drop books because it makes me sound, as Holden from the book says, like a phony. Only doing it to make myself seem smart and the rest of you comparatively, well, dumb. I'd like to squash this idea by admitting that I certainly am not that smart. I've already used spell check to correct posession, sabbadical, and most recently, comparitively. Moreover, I'm not sure I used the word, "foray" correctly. Important? No.
Finally, I've slogged my way into Dragon Quest IX this summer on the Nintendo DS. On Weekend Confirmed (one of my favorite gaming podcasts featuring Garnett Lee), they discussed whether as gamers, we're still afraid of a stigma related with gaming. Despite the fact that a ton of people game in one way or another, are we still afraid? Yeah. I am at least. A few good points were made that it's perfectly fine to watch completely useless and horrible television, but not fine to admit to a few hours of Halo, Alan Wake, or god forbid, Dragon Quest IX. Is the stigma really there or just perpetuated by gamers? I'd say a little of both.
Goodbye friends, I'll try to post more. More than zero.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Smartphone-a-rama!
Most people my age (and older) are used to our phone just being a phone. The software has never been an issue the same way deciding between OS X and Windows has been for our computers. We grew up in an age where we never thought of our cell as anything more than a telephone. That reality has left us and if you are a proud owner of a smart phone, you'd know why. The fact is that once you've experienced the web in your pocket, it's tough to go back. I don't think anyone should go back. My smartphone has practically replaced my computer as my primary internet device. I imagine most will follow suit.
With that on the table, I encourage you, when you decide to enter the smartphone market, to research your purchase. Like I stated in the beginning, software is a new issue for cell users. Most of us used to (and probably still do) choose a cell phone based on hardware.
Phone Guy: This phone has a touch screen.
You: Sweet.
Phone Guy: It also has a slidey keyboard.
You: I'm in heaven.
Phone Guy: Also, it has a camera with a flash.
You: The Flash is my favorite super hero and I'm going to take a picture of my cat.
Right? You've been there and fallen head over heels for a .5 megapixel camera on your phone. Hell yeah I'll renew my contract.
I don't imagine that you will go out an buy a smart phone today, but what I'm asking you to do is take your time and seriously consider your purchase as you would a computer because this will essentially be your new computer. Don't buy one without trying it. Just as you can get computers that don't run windows or OSX well due to hardware constraints, the same is happening with phones. A lot of phones run Android, but not all of them run it well. Do your research. Your smartphone is going to be your primary way of interacting with the internet.
With that on the table, I encourage you, when you decide to enter the smartphone market, to research your purchase. Like I stated in the beginning, software is a new issue for cell users. Most of us used to (and probably still do) choose a cell phone based on hardware.
Phone Guy: This phone has a touch screen.
You: Sweet.
Phone Guy: It also has a slidey keyboard.
You: I'm in heaven.
Phone Guy: Also, it has a camera with a flash.
You: The Flash is my favorite super hero and I'm going to take a picture of my cat.
Right? You've been there and fallen head over heels for a .5 megapixel camera on your phone. Hell yeah I'll renew my contract.
I don't imagine that you will go out an buy a smart phone today, but what I'm asking you to do is take your time and seriously consider your purchase as you would a computer because this will essentially be your new computer. Don't buy one without trying it. Just as you can get computers that don't run windows or OSX well due to hardware constraints, the same is happening with phones. A lot of phones run Android, but not all of them run it well. Do your research. Your smartphone is going to be your primary way of interacting with the internet.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
The Price of Gadgets
As consumers, we in the U.S. are pretty damn uninformed. I'm currently playing music from my ipod nano over a set of sony speakers via a stereo to audio out jack. I have no idea where any of those products were produced. You are probably in a similar situation. Sure you read that sticker that said, "designed in California," but I guarantee you it wasn't built there. I can give you a hint though. The largest manufacturer of U.S. gadgets is a Taiwanese company that has quite a large number of factories in China. The name of this company is Foxconn and it makes products for Apple, HP, Dell, and Nokia (just to name a few). Foxconn also has an alarming number of suicides already this year (9 deaths, 2 seriously injured). It makes me wonder, are the gadgets worth it.
Like I started, we have a bad habit of using a ton of products that we know absolutely nothing about. Now, I'm not talking about what the product actually is. Of course you know that the computer you're reading this on is made up of a processor stuffed with ram and peppered with an OS ready for you to eat out of your monitor bowl. However, where and how was it made? Does it matter? Do you care?
Most of us are probably all aware that the labor standards are a bit more lax in China than in the U.S. Heck. That's why so many companies bring their business over there. You may say, "But Eric, most of our products come from China... why not go on a rant about shoes." Well loyal reader, the fact is that for me, gadgets are different than most other products. In my mind, they cross that line between life tool to luxury. I can't justify a computer or ipod the same way one would possibly justify a pair of shoes or sweatshirt. That being said, it should ring a warning bell that Foxconn actually is one of the better paying companies in China.
So here's the deal. This isn't anything new... unless you haven't thought about it. I hadn't. I am now. As of right now, I've already sent an email to Dell, HP, and Apple saying that as a consumer (soon to be buying a new computer) I really care about what steps they take with this Foxconn business. So far Dell has said nothing. HP has commented that it is investigating the working conditions. Apple has said the same and a rumor popped up on Engadget that Apple may start paying Foxconn employees directly. It's a start. I believe that this really is all in the hands of the companies employing Foxconn. Personally, I'd love to see these companies bring these jobs back to the U.S. They should put a little American flag on their products and call it the America tax. I'd pay it if it meant that my product was built by employees who don't feel enticed to commit suicide.
Like I started, we have a bad habit of using a ton of products that we know absolutely nothing about. Now, I'm not talking about what the product actually is. Of course you know that the computer you're reading this on is made up of a processor stuffed with ram and peppered with an OS ready for you to eat out of your monitor bowl. However, where and how was it made? Does it matter? Do you care?
Most of us are probably all aware that the labor standards are a bit more lax in China than in the U.S. Heck. That's why so many companies bring their business over there. You may say, "But Eric, most of our products come from China... why not go on a rant about shoes." Well loyal reader, the fact is that for me, gadgets are different than most other products. In my mind, they cross that line between life tool to luxury. I can't justify a computer or ipod the same way one would possibly justify a pair of shoes or sweatshirt. That being said, it should ring a warning bell that Foxconn actually is one of the better paying companies in China.
So here's the deal. This isn't anything new... unless you haven't thought about it. I hadn't. I am now. As of right now, I've already sent an email to Dell, HP, and Apple saying that as a consumer (soon to be buying a new computer) I really care about what steps they take with this Foxconn business. So far Dell has said nothing. HP has commented that it is investigating the working conditions. Apple has said the same and a rumor popped up on Engadget that Apple may start paying Foxconn employees directly. It's a start. I believe that this really is all in the hands of the companies employing Foxconn. Personally, I'd love to see these companies bring these jobs back to the U.S. They should put a little American flag on their products and call it the America tax. I'd pay it if it meant that my product was built by employees who don't feel enticed to commit suicide.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Leaf The Oil Spills Behind
Yesterday I read an interesting post on Engadget about the Nissan Leaf. I can't remember what the article said, but I noticed the advertisement used in the post: first 100% electric car. Now, I can't quite put my finger on it, but outside of the hippy-dippy crowd, there seems to be sizable amount of suspicion, distrust, and all around dislike for the electric car. I don't know why... but it's out there. Let's talk deal.
To begin, these are all Nissan's numbers. The car can go about 100 miles on a single charge. A single charge will cost a user about $2.50 (through their electricity costs). Right now, I estimate that your average driver pays that cost for around 20 miles. Double that if you're a lucky hybrid owner. Moreover, that price is only going up. And quick. Electricity costs will undoubtably rise, but probably not at the rate of oil.
Of course there are problems with this electric car problem (distance, chargers, untested on the mass market), but why aren't people crazy about the potential of electric cars? Is it that we're crazy about paying for gas? Crazy about the dependence on the Middle East and the necessity of involving ourselves in every security matter their in order to protect that interest? Oil spills? I'll pass.
Right now I don't have the means to pre-order the Nissan Leaf (not even close). However, one day I will. Until then, bicycle all the way.
To begin, these are all Nissan's numbers. The car can go about 100 miles on a single charge. A single charge will cost a user about $2.50 (through their electricity costs). Right now, I estimate that your average driver pays that cost for around 20 miles. Double that if you're a lucky hybrid owner. Moreover, that price is only going up. And quick. Electricity costs will undoubtably rise, but probably not at the rate of oil.
Of course there are problems with this electric car problem (distance, chargers, untested on the mass market), but why aren't people crazy about the potential of electric cars? Is it that we're crazy about paying for gas? Crazy about the dependence on the Middle East and the necessity of involving ourselves in every security matter their in order to protect that interest? Oil spills? I'll pass.
Right now I don't have the means to pre-order the Nissan Leaf (not even close). However, one day I will. Until then, bicycle all the way.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Mr. E's Crazies List 2010! Part 2
2. Tim Pawlenty
I've really got to hand it to Tim Pawlenty. He went from being a fringe contender for the Crazies List to number two in the overall running. He made great strides back when he made his illegal unallotments, but myself (and I'm he too) were a bit disappointed with the crazy points that earned him. However, this week he came roaring up the charts by not only vetoing a DFL sponsored bill that kept the bulk of his cuts intact (2.5 billion out of 3 billion isn't a bad ratio) and vetoing a health bill that would get more low-income Minnesotans health insurance (plus save that 500 million he refuses to find through tax increase). Finally, to top it off, he went on the governor's fishing opener without finishing negotiations with the DFL on a budget. Again, I say bravo to Tim Pawlenty for really putting in some effort this week to earn a spot on the Crazies List 2010.
Now, I will admit that I am not a huge fan of Pawlenty. However, if you asked me to point at what I dislike about him, I would have trouble naming more than a couple of things (1. He's rigid... 2. His way of "balancing the budget" is to delay payments to schools.... "we can do it all with spending cuts" he says...) My big push against him is: what has he done over the past eight years? I honestly don't know. He didn't raise your taxes. Your city raised your taxes... but he didn't let the state. Beyond that I can't name a single good idea for the state of Minnesota that he has brought to the table (and that was not a good idea). This man presumably wants to run for president and his best idea is no new taxes. Again, I think that's a noble ambition except when I'm the twenty-something year old who will need to pay the national debt down the road. Thanks a lot no new taxes pledge.
I've really got to hand it to Tim Pawlenty. He went from being a fringe contender for the Crazies List to number two in the overall running. He made great strides back when he made his illegal unallotments, but myself (and I'm he too) were a bit disappointed with the crazy points that earned him. However, this week he came roaring up the charts by not only vetoing a DFL sponsored bill that kept the bulk of his cuts intact (2.5 billion out of 3 billion isn't a bad ratio) and vetoing a health bill that would get more low-income Minnesotans health insurance (plus save that 500 million he refuses to find through tax increase). Finally, to top it off, he went on the governor's fishing opener without finishing negotiations with the DFL on a budget. Again, I say bravo to Tim Pawlenty for really putting in some effort this week to earn a spot on the Crazies List 2010.
Now, I will admit that I am not a huge fan of Pawlenty. However, if you asked me to point at what I dislike about him, I would have trouble naming more than a couple of things (1. He's rigid... 2. His way of "balancing the budget" is to delay payments to schools.... "we can do it all with spending cuts" he says...) My big push against him is: what has he done over the past eight years? I honestly don't know. He didn't raise your taxes. Your city raised your taxes... but he didn't let the state. Beyond that I can't name a single good idea for the state of Minnesota that he has brought to the table (and that was not a good idea). This man presumably wants to run for president and his best idea is no new taxes. Again, I think that's a noble ambition except when I'm the twenty-something year old who will need to pay the national debt down the road. Thanks a lot no new taxes pledge.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
If you can't trust, you can't be trusted
We as a society have an issue with trust. By an issue with trust, I really mean that we have none. Now... I am not one to make broad claims like these out of nowhere (unless I'm trying to get a rise out of someone... but being that this is a blog and I can't see you, the reader, getting noticeably angry, there really is no point). Anyway, we don't trust each other. Allow me to provide an apt anecdote:
Last Sunday (a week ago today), I stepped out my door with my dog at around 10 pm. Walking down the sidewalk, I noticed a person carrying a small child. My first impression was, "this is kind of sketchy." Not an uncommon reaction for south Minneapolis at night. I continue my walk, Yuki does her business, and to my surprise a woman asks me where the park is. Well, the woman was the person I saw earlier and I directed her toward the park. Before I could continue with any more of a reaction, she informed me that she had lost her car after she and her daughter attended the May Day Festival at Powderhorn Park. The first words out of my mouth were that I would help her look (what can I say, I have a soft spot for children and being a knight in shining armor). We walked about 10 blocks before I told her that she and her daughter should come back to my place and stay with my neighbor while I drive and look (she had been walking about for two hours at this point).
I found her vehicle quickly (I had been doing some heavy thinking about where it could be... turns out I was right). I drove them to the car and her final statement was, "that it is so great that I found a seemingly trustworthy person to help out." Now, before I get into all the jazz of my post, I just want to say that I wasn't disappointed by that statement and this woman is taking me out to dinner with her and her daughter to thank me. However, that last statement she made really spoke to me about our society. We have a tendency to assume the worst in others (specifically strangers) and we're all guilty. In the beginning of my little anecdote, my first thought about this woman and her child was, "sketchy." I'm not saying we should not be cautious, but who knows how long this woman would have been looking for her car if she hadn't taken a chance with me.
Unfortunately, this post is not a "here's a problem and fix it post." Chances are you can't just walk out your front door and start fixing the trust-your-neighbor problem (only I have those mad skills). Ultimately, we waste a lot of time fearing and distrusting people we don't even know. Take for instance the constant claims from politicians that the other side is interested in the downfall of the country. Worst yet is that shit plays really well with a lot of voters. Time to get over it.
Last Sunday (a week ago today), I stepped out my door with my dog at around 10 pm. Walking down the sidewalk, I noticed a person carrying a small child. My first impression was, "this is kind of sketchy." Not an uncommon reaction for south Minneapolis at night. I continue my walk, Yuki does her business, and to my surprise a woman asks me where the park is. Well, the woman was the person I saw earlier and I directed her toward the park. Before I could continue with any more of a reaction, she informed me that she had lost her car after she and her daughter attended the May Day Festival at Powderhorn Park. The first words out of my mouth were that I would help her look (what can I say, I have a soft spot for children and being a knight in shining armor). We walked about 10 blocks before I told her that she and her daughter should come back to my place and stay with my neighbor while I drive and look (she had been walking about for two hours at this point).
I found her vehicle quickly (I had been doing some heavy thinking about where it could be... turns out I was right). I drove them to the car and her final statement was, "that it is so great that I found a seemingly trustworthy person to help out." Now, before I get into all the jazz of my post, I just want to say that I wasn't disappointed by that statement and this woman is taking me out to dinner with her and her daughter to thank me. However, that last statement she made really spoke to me about our society. We have a tendency to assume the worst in others (specifically strangers) and we're all guilty. In the beginning of my little anecdote, my first thought about this woman and her child was, "sketchy." I'm not saying we should not be cautious, but who knows how long this woman would have been looking for her car if she hadn't taken a chance with me.
Unfortunately, this post is not a "here's a problem and fix it post." Chances are you can't just walk out your front door and start fixing the trust-your-neighbor problem (only I have those mad skills). Ultimately, we waste a lot of time fearing and distrusting people we don't even know. Take for instance the constant claims from politicians that the other side is interested in the downfall of the country. Worst yet is that shit plays really well with a lot of voters. Time to get over it.
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