According to iHero

Clear Blue Water

2011-12-01T13:33:00.000-08:00

Justine Suissa has the most beautiful voice I have ever heard. This song has a very calming and peaceful effect on me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzK6eUwBsaU&feature=related

The Little Things.....

2011-09-01T17:48:00.001-07:00

The Little Things.....there is nothing bigger.

Great quote from Vanilla Sky.

Over-priced trains: Thomas the Train

2010-07-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

Those of us who have young boys have experienced the pain of having to shell out copious amounts of cash for Thomas the Train toys -- the pricing really is ridiculous for these little cheap toys -- and I really mean a complete rip off. I'm so tired of companies exploiting my money for the sake of my kids.

So we are no buying Imaginarium Train sets -- the value is so much better and the boys love them just the same.

Quick review

2010-07-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Minority Report, District 9 -- great sci movies which make you think

ISF Movies: Update

2009-12-29T09:44:00.000-08:00

The movie watching is going well, I can't believe I had never heard of so many of these movies.

I really enjoyed 12 Monkeys, Vanilla Sky and GATTACA. I have to actually consider myself a Tom Cruise fan now -- hard to believe the words would ever come forth from my fingertips.

Brazil, Metropolis and Equilibrium have been my least favorite -- but Brazil did have some good phrases to think about -- like "security breeds confidence" -- or something to that effect.

Intellectual Science Fiction Movies List

2009-11-01T15:54:00.000-08:00

Here is the list I put together so far --this may be the greatest intellectual science fiction movie list ever !! But Big Deal -- its just a list.

Cerebral Sci-Fi movie list in no certain order:

Contact
Blade Runner
Matrix
Matrix Resurrection
Matrix Revolutions
Children of Men
Gattaca
2001 Space Odyssey
Brazil
Transformers
The Abyss
Vanilla Sky
Metropolis
Flight of the Navigator
Phenomenon
Stargate
Starship Troopers
Minority Report
Powder
Equilibrium
The Cell
Artificial Intelligence (A.I.)
Congo
Sphere
Star Trek series
Johnny Mnemonic
Primer
Until the end of the world
The day the earth stood still
Forbidden Planet
Star Wars
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Mad Max
Slaughterhouse Five
Plan 9 from Outerspace
12 Monkeys
2010
Enemy of the State
Soylent Green
Planet of the Apes
Omega Man
Dark City
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Event Horizon
Alien
Wesworld

Doing research by watching movies

2009-10-25T19:51:00.001-07:00

Since I've found a little time to watch movies -- I've decided to use this as a basis for research for my second Internet Hero book. I watched GATTACA last week -- it was hairy !!!!!!

Since my local family video is a bit light on intellectual sci-fi type movies, I joined Netflix -- which went really smooth -- I'll let you know if there are any issues with their service. Right now, I have a list of about 30 movies I'll be watching.

I found a top ten list of intellectual Sci-Fi movies here:
http://worldsandtime.blogspot.com/2007/03/10-best-intellectual-science-fiction.html

I started with this blogged list and then trolled through the comments for other suggestions. Netflix has a great linking system of similar movies too.

Vanilla Sky

2009-10-12T13:38:00.000-07:00

I've found a couple hours each week to watch movies again, I love movies.

Well I never thought I'd intentionally watch a Tom Cruise movie again, but someone recommended it.

I was pleasantly surprised -- while it wasn't extremely deep and symbolic -- ala "The Matrix", it did have a clever plot, I especially enjoyed the reoccurring reference to the frozen dog.

It also reminded me of "Jacob's Ladder" -- which I also enjoyed but will have to watch again as it has been many many years since I watched.

Neuroplasticity

2009-09-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to rewire itself using one's will.

I really enjoyed the book by Dr. Schwartz on the topic, the first couple of chapters were tough to get through as my brain rewired itself to understand words like "volition".

I used the book to create a new circuit in my brain for quitting smoking.

The book changed my life:

http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Brain-ebook/dp/B002IPZDQ6/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1

The Economics of Thomas

2009-09-07T10:57:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to ride on Thomas the Train down in Lebanon Ohio. I think tickets where $18 a person, and of course they had a gift shop........I can't believe how expensive those "little engines" can be, and the backpack, and the alarm clock, and the whistle......

So it was a really good experience for the kids, they loved it really.

A Great War Zone Quote

2009-04-18T18:23:00.001-07:00

"There is nothing more exhilarating than to be shot at without result" -- Winston Churchill

A Lt told me this at work -- and now that I have experienced it -- it is so true -- I was so happy to get out of that war zone. All my best to the Men and Women that are still in it.

Michael Phelps' missed opportunity

2009-02-06T14:45:00.001-08:00

If only he would have said it was for medicinal purposes......

HOLY MARSHMALLOWS !!!

2007-10-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

This flaming Pope John Paul II look-a-like is downright creepy.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=487764&in_page_id=1811

Thanks to Tidal Wavelet for the tip.

Vector Web

2007-09-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

I saw this at Tech Crunch -- it is a vector based web page maker -- you know vectors -- X,Y & the important into/outof the page Z -- which allows for overlayed animated graphics.

http://www.pagii.com/

Site is still beta -- many bugs -- but very cool.

It would be cool if they added a randomizer each time a page was generated.

signed
Darc @
http://www.ihero.com/

www.HomepageStartup.com

2007-08-31T20:03:00.000-07:00

This site is pretty cool -- it is like a Visual Website Matrix -- where you see a bunch of homepages all at the same time and can select the site you want to go to.

http://www.homepagestartup.com/

Young Folks

2007-08-19T08:56:00.000-07:00

iHero says this "Young Folks" tune is "tastey"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51V1VMkuyx0

Crunch Crowd

2007-08-18T20:51:00.000-07:00

I figured out last night -- that while the Internet will forever be an important part of our socialization......it will not replace actually meeting people in "Meatspace" -- else we as a species would die off..... But doesn't it make sense to meet people in the real world that we spend so much time with virtually? Enter the need for a site that highlights where our crowd of interest hangs out. The different locations are voted on and ranked by the different genres of interest in the virtual world -- not ranked by payment. I called this new site CrunchCrowd.com -- as it would helps those who meet up virtually in the TechCrunch space. I offered up the idea for free in the TechCrunch Forums -- I wonder how long it will take for someone to buy the URL -- which is not owned yet -- and hopefully build the site.
http://forums.techcrunch.com/forums/thread.jspa?threadID=4576&tstart=0

Tech "Crunched" by SPAM

2007-08-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

The TECHCRUNCH Forums are now down -- due to an overload of SPAM -- or they were taken down by the administrator.

TechCrunch -- well known for getting the first scoop on hot startups and other tech news -- has been hit hard by Nike Jordan and Hume -- posting an on slaught of adds for Nike Sneakers.

Interesting enough -- TC just reported out this morning how facebook code had been accidently released in a possible hacker attack.

California -- Show Your Teeth

2007-08-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

ok -- I don't get it. Why do people live in California? Most work for tech related companies -- make big money -- and then spend most of it on their house.

Couldn't you live in Nebraska and connect via the web?

Aren't all the cool things on the web anyway?

Why spend so much on meatspace ?

No Sacrifice, No Victory

2007-07-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

My son and I went to see the Transformer movie. It was excellent ! The only drawback was the transformations happened a little too fast -- and Optimus Prime only used his sword once to kill a Decepticon.

A theme of the movie was "no sacrifice, no victory" -- a great, classic theme. I can't find an earlier source to this phrase than the movie-- and it sounds much better than "no pain, no gain"

CarrPe Diem

2007-04-20T20:27:00.000-07:00

"Seize the Day" !!!! is the translation for Carpe Diem -- but I'll be lauding David Carr in this entry -- his blog is named Carr Pe Diem. http://carrpediem.blogspot.com/

David is an excellent motivator -- and speaker. I attended a leadership course this week and he was the "guide" for one of the days. He provided some really great processes to increase leadership abilities --he had some great reference material -- included some really helpful exercises and shared many of his own pertinent experiences from over the years.

Now the iHero has been through some leadership development over the years -- but David Carr is among the best.

Thanks David -- and best of luck to you -- maybe I can get my team to " Venture Out" one of these years.

Darc

Enviga Invigorating !!!

2007-03-03T04:22:00.000-08:00

If you haven't tried Enviga -- I strongly recommend it. This carbonated green tea is excellent.

Only drawback is 12 oz cost about $1.20 U.S.

8th Continent -- it's where it belongs.

2007-02-19T06:31:00.000-08:00

Our local grocery keeps running out of Silk brand soy milk --- leaving only the 8th Continent brand. So, since there are many different variations of soy milk ( regular, light, vanilla etc) I compared the vanilla variants of two brands. 8th Continent soy milk is not organic, nor is it forified as well as Silk. I liken the consistency of 8th Continent to water, where as Silk is nice and creamy. 8th Continent is also very sweet -- like candy.

So as my title states, there is no place for 8th Continent Soy Milk in my house.

The Family Chef

2007-02-10T17:44:00.000-08:00

Here is the iHero review:

My very kind sister sent us some Family Chef meals since we had a situation and didn't have time to cook.

We thought this was great --and the food was quite good and of good quality -- and really made our lives easier.

I went to the website- http://www.familychef.com/

to check out the pricing -- WOW -- $140 for the 6 meals we received -- which I feel is a great deal of money for the amount of food. The website says each meal serves 2 -- 2 very small people who aren't that hungry perhaps.

I'm not sure the food is worth the price -- I guess if you have the money to spend -- go for it -- because the people on the receiving end will greatly appreciate it.

Blog Spam

2007-02-08T13:41:00.000-08:00

lately I have been getting comments on my Blog -- which are advertisements for other Blogs -- which are product based.

So what do we call this Blog Spam?

Blam?

Dayton WebMaster Revealed

2007-02-05T12:12:00.000-08:00

Well -- Mr. Christopher Gray is listed as the POC in "whois" for the now appearing to be defunct Dayton WebMaster Web hosting service.

I am out at least 60 dollars -- and have to rehost 2 sites and loss of all my email -- pain and suffering......

I'll call the BBB and see what they have to say -- I'll keep you posted.

Dayton Webmaster and Servant

2007-02-04T07:50:00.000-08:00

ok -- Dayton Webmaster appears to have gone belly-up - and as their faithful servant I am sort of "up a creek"

I haven't been able to access my email or account since Friday -- and I called their phone number which has been disconnected - always a bad sign....

So--maybe I'll go back to yahoo? anyone else have a good suggestion for web hosting and email?

any options in Dayton Ohio ????

Honda Run Flats deflating

2007-01-14T18:18:00.000-08:00

Here is a little gem of a story that makes me scratch my head -- cause all I've heard about is what a GREAT value Hondas and Toyotas are.

But when you're spending more than $1000 for a set of Mini-Van tires -- after only 30,000 miles -- well -- that doesn't spell value to me:

http://www.wheels.daytondailynews.com/daytondailynews/content/straighttalk/2007/straight011307.html

domo ori gato

2007-01-08T16:58:00.000-08:00

Mr. Robo Fried Chicken
Taco Bot
Burger Borg
McAndroids

Robotic Food

2007-01-07T18:54:00.000-08:00

The latest thing at McDonalds is a robotic drink server. I believe it is tied to the computer -- and the cups have ice and soft drink of choice placed in a cup.

How long until they have a computer to interpret and enter your order into the computer -- and the whole food and drink preparation is controlled by robots. Robots serve fast food -- how fast could fast food really get?

I look forward to the experience.

Viral Videos

2007-01-03T17:37:00.000-08:00

Folks seem really surprised about how popular "viral" videos are on the internet -- and "you tube".

As fan of "real people", Americas funniest home videos, Cops, and of course the great home videos on the Pet Channel -- I'm not surprised.

Look for Viral to keep growing in popularity.

To include whole hour TV shows highlighting great Internet videos.

Hybrid Adapter

2006-12-09T18:06:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

High fuel prices stink -- we can adapt -- with a hybrid adapter -- or HYBRAD.

http://peswiki.com/index.php/Hybrid_Adapter

Amish Buggys need Flags

2006-10-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

I read with despair about another Amish buggy getting smashed to bits on American roadways.

What I propose is that each buggy has an orange reflective flag mounted -- 13 feet in the air. This is common not only on bicycles of the youth -- but dune buggies and ATVs in the sandy dune hills

This will give drivers another second of reaction time in the rolling hills of America -- which is where these buggys and the Amish folk inside await their doom.

America -- The Party-less

2006-10-24T16:56:00.000-07:00

The link to the piece below shares my sentiments -- with only 50 % of the population voting on average -- I won't be surprised if it is even less this year. We deserve better.

http://money.cnn.com/2006/10/23/news/economy/pluggedin_murphy_election.fortune/index.htm?postversion=2006102418

Dayton Daily News Comic gets it right -- for a change

2006-10-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

The comic in my highly "left " paper -- the Dayton Daily News -- has finally got it right with his open mike comic. This is a comic where the viewer gets to add the words.

The comic shows a couple sitting on their couch watching TV -- and flowing out of the front of the TV is a bunch of garbage and signs that say vote -- and elect.

Regardless of the election -- this is my view of all the current politicians -- as we hear one bad thing after another regarding both sides of the aisle.

Our elected officials need some serious help -- and ethics training. In fact they need some skills training -- the only skills they possess is how to argue and take advantage of the system. But what should we expect from a bunch of selfish self serving lawyers.

We need people that know how to work together -- and know how to solve problems.

http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/oh/index/opinions/mike-peters/cartoons/2.html

Anheuser-Busch Customer Service

2006-10-09T05:28:00.000-07:00

A truly incredible response from such a big company -- Thanks Walter!

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Dear iHero,

Thank you for contacting Anheuser-Busch. We appreciate your interest in our company and in our Michelob Pumpkin Spice Ale.

With regard to your inquiry, the Michelob Pumpkin Spice Ale was only available in our Michelob Specialty Sampler in 2005. Unfortunately, we no longer produce or distribute this brand, and we apologize for any disappointment that this may cause you.

Our Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale is very similar to Michelob Pumpkin Spice Ale. As you may recall, we introduced Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale in 2005 as a draught seasonal brew. The Michelob Pumpkin Spice Ale was somewhat of a companion product offered in bottles. This fall we re-introduced Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale on draught and in bottles, and we encourage you to get your hands on a 6-pack soon!

In addition, if you have not done so already, you may want to pick up the 2006 Michelob Specialty Sampler. While the Michelob Pumpkin Spice Ale is not featured in our sampler this year, you may want to try out some of our classic and new specialty brews including: Michelob Amber Bock, Michelob Marzen, Michelob Pale Ale, Michelob Porter (new) and Michelob Bavarian-Style Wheat (new).

Michelob Porter is brewed using the finest classic aroma hop varieties grown in the Pacific Northwest United States and two-row, caramel and chocolate barley malts, giving it an aroma of coffee and a hint of chocolate. It is dark brown in color and, when held to light, ruby-red highlights can be seen. The porter complements a variety of cheeses, shellfish dishes as well as chocolate desserts, and is best enjoyed when served in a traditional pub style glass. Contains 5.9% ABV.

Michelob Bavarian-Style Wheat is brewed with wheat malt in the tradition of the finest Bavarian-style Hefeweizens. It is left unfiltered, giving it a cloudy appearance, which is characteristic of this style. This beer contains notes of cloves and a slight banana aroma for an overall refreshing taste, and complements poultry dishes and Asian cuisine. Wheat beers are best enjoyed when served in a tall, fluted glass. Contains 5.2% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Michelob Marzen is a German-style Marzen brewed according to a traditional German recipe using four ingredients -- malt, yeast, hops and water. Two-row and Munich barley malts are also used to create a rich, full-bodied beer with an amber-red color and malty aroma. The Marzen pairs well with hearty meals like a beef stew and is best enjoyed when served in a tulip-shaped glass. Contains 5% ABV.Michelob Pale Ale is a classic English-style pale ale brewed with classic noble aroma hop varieties grown in the Northwestern United States and Europe, as well as two-row and caramel barley malts. With a dark-gold color, this beer has a spicy, hoppy character. A pale ale pairs well with full-flavored meats, like steak. This beer is best enjoyed in a tall, fluted pilsner glass. Contains 5.2% ABV.Michelob AmberBock is brewed with all-imported hops and dark-roasted barley malt, giving this lager its unique, rich amber color and smooth, full-bodied taste. AmberBock works well with grilled meats and barbecued foods, as well as a variety of cheeses, from cheddar to gouda as well as smoked mozzarella. The hearty and malty flavors found in bocks can stand up to the bolder flavors of more opulent meals. This beer is best enjoyed served in a tulip-style glass. Contains 5.2% ABV.The Michelob Specialty Sampler Collection will be sold in grocery and convenience stores across the country through early November in 12- and 20-packs. The 20-pack includes four bottles of each style, while the 12-pack includes the Michelob Marzen, Michelob Pale Ale, Michelob Porter and Michelob Bavarian-Style Wheat.

Finally, we elected to produce the Michelob Specialty Sampler without the glassware this year, and we apologize for any additional disappointment that this cause you! Please know that we have shared your thoughts with our Michelob brand team.

Again, iHero, thank you for contacting Anheuser-Busch. Please let us know if you have additional comments or questions.

Walter
Your Friend at Anheuser-Busch
1-800-DIAL-BUD (1-800-342-5283)
www.anheuser-busch.com

Jack's Pumpkin Spice Ale

2006-10-08T19:32:00.000-07:00

This is a great beer by Anheuser-Busch. I believe it has been in their annual sampler pack in previous years. You can now buy it in an 18 pack -- and 6 pack according to their website. I bought the 18 pack at Sam's club.

If you enjoy the fall season -- this is the beer for you. Not a sweet Foo-Foo beer mind you -- but a very tasteful brew.

Anheuser Busch Sampler Case

2006-10-07T19:54:00.000-07:00

This years Anheuser-Busch sampler case is now available -- I picked myself up a case today at Sam's club. The different beers are always very good -- and my brother and I are known to throw a few back while we fry a turkey at our annual fall get together.

However -- I was very disappointed that the pumpkin brew was not included in the sampler this year...:(

iHero says check out the link below -- I strongly recommend these beers:

http://www.anheuser-busch.com/press_room/FallVariety_100106.html

iHero is tired of MAD

2006-10-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

I’m tired of Mutually Assured Destruction ( MAD) – which again is the current global climate of Islamic Militants (IMs) & Whatever Islamic Category Iran Falls Into (WICIFI) vs. the rest of the world (or at least Judeo-Christian).

I now see no peaceful future for my generation – and now I’m very concerned about my children’s.

While I’m told Muslims are generally a peaceful people, The IMs and WICIFIs are a fairly sizeable number – and I’m afraid they will only increase in size – given current regimes and poverty. I wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing a sizeable IM group start up in the U.S. – based the obvious chaos after Hurricane Katrina & the U.S. poverty level is fairly high – and these folks will be attracted to IMs because – well because what else is there to do.

So what to do? What can be done? When millions of people differ on their “valid path to eternal life” – how do we get on the same path – a path to Mutually Assured Respect (MAR) ??

I will spend some time this week thinking of Mutually Assured Respect – and start forming a plan – we’ll call it the MAR-PLAN. Any Inputs ?

For all things Martian

2006-09-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

iHero says to visit Mac Tonnies Blog:

http://posthumanblues.blogspot.com/

iHero says

2006-09-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

it is very clear to me now.

Career Politicians, Actors, Preachers, and Writers -- all -- will do just about anything to get a crowd -- for they must get attention -- for they have no other skill to fall back on.

As my buddy Chris says -- they are peacocks!