How To ICE

There is already a lot out there about ICE.  Snopes has an article.  Even Benjamin's school talks about it.  If you're not aware of what it is, in a nut shell, ICE stands for "In Case of Emergency."  It is supposed to manifest as an address book entry in your mobile phone.  I think there are many ways to do it, but this is how I do it on my iPhone:

1. Create a new address book entry with the Company Name of: ICE
2. Add spouse's phone number followed by a hash (#).
3. Add home phone number followed by a hash (#).
4. Add work phone number followed by a hash (#).
5. Add own mobile number followed by a hash (#).
6. Add mother's mobile number followed by a hash (#).

I use the custom label feature of iPhone rather than leave each entry labeled as "other" or whatever the default is.  I am emphasizing the hash (#) for a reason.  If you do not have a hash at the end, likely your phone will match incoming calls to the ICE entry, which is a pain.  I would rather see my wife's name and photo show on the screen when she calls, not just "ICE."  In the unlikely even a first responder has to look over your address book, he or she will likely not be confused by the hash.  So it's the best of both worlds.  Anyway, that's my only alteration to the instructions other than the reason I have my own mobile number listed in my ICE entry is just in case my phone is involved by I am not.  If that happens, I can check my messages and find out what's going on.  Anyway, I hope that helps.  Enjoy.

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Who would you rather have as a first responder in a natural disaster?

USA Today has a great iPhone/iPod touch app. They even collect their campy polls with it and show local results. I just thought it was funny how FEMA and Wal-Mart are tied. I voted for Wal-Mart.

Sent from my iPhone

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The Dollar is Doomed

I really can't add anything witty or insightful to what I'm about to show you (as if I ever).  But I think the video below shows exactly where we are.  Where we're going is another matter.  Please turn on the sound, it helps set the mood.

Source: The Dollar is Doomed

Download now or watch on posterous

Fed Reserve Fails to Reflate the US Banking System.mp4 (9369 KB)

Source: Fed Reserve Fails to Reflate the US Banking System

Additional context: Ben Bernanke's Wild Ride (and Ours)

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Tikitag Discount

It looks like Tikitag will change their name so they're dumping their current inventory.  If you order through their European store (not Amazon), you can get 75% off if you enter the promo code.

URL: http://store.tikitag.com/acatalog/tikitag.html
Promo Code: TLOYCODE (expires February 13th, 2009)

Pretty good deal.  Too bad I don't get a cut.

Posted via email from Anthony Martin's Weblog

"Pre-heat oven" is defined as the amount of time it takes to observe "pre-heat oven" and the amount of time it takes to read the rest of the instructions.

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Tikitagging Toys

I mentioned TikiTag before and how I'm using them to organize boxes.  There's another use I've developed.  It's actually similar to one of the uses listed on the TikiTag web page.  I have tags on certain toys the kids play with.

My innovation is to link a tag with a dedicated YouTube playlist.  So far, I have the following toys rigged up with tags:

• Elmo
• Mr. Potato Head
• Mrs. Potato Head
  
• Spongebob
• Tigger

The great thing about using a playlist is that I can add, remove, reorder any number of videos anytime, anywhere.  One thing all of these toys have in common is a hidden plastic surface.  For example, Elmo's tag is on his voice box hidden behind a velcro seam.  The goal is to hide the tags completely.

So far Hannah has figured out the cause-and-effect.  And it's a great supplement to changing the batteries!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Oath Issue

When the oath was flubbed, I wasn't concerned. Now Obama has taken the oath again. There's nothing magical about the prescribed wording. But there's something to be said for taking the Constitution seriously.
 
So if Obama had not taken the oath a second time, it would not have been a big thing to me. The gesture is not a big deal by itself.
 
But if this leads to a trend of ongoing respect for the Rule of Law, then that's something. I guess I have very low expectations and I'm willing to start small. Very very small.
 
Sent from my iPhone

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(BN) Dow's Worst Drop Since Election Day Meant 75% Rally in 1933: Chart of Day

Bloomberg News, sent from my iPhone.

Worst Dow Drop Since Election Meant Rally in ’33

Jan. 20 (Bloomberg) -- The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 14 percent between Barack Obama’s election and Inauguration Day, the biggest decline ever. The second-biggest drop gave way to a 75 percent rally in 1933.

The CHART OF THE DAY compares the Dow’s retreat since Nov. 4 with the 13 percent slide between Franklin D. Roosevelt’s election and his inauguration on March 4, 1933. The red line goes on to show the Dow’s surge during FDR’s first 100 days. No other new president since the beginning of the last century produced gains or losses of 10 percent or more in the analogous periods.

“Obama is realizing the historic parallels,” said Richard Sylla, an economic and financial historian at New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business in New York. “The situation isn’t quite as serious as the 1930s but it’s serious enough that I expect Obama to take a page from FDR’s book to restore some of the confidence that’s been shattered.”

Obama becomes president today during the most severe economic crisis since Roosevelt was sworn in 76 years ago. Like his fellow Democrat, Obama plans to create jobs and boost the economy by investing in roads, bridges and public buildings and increasing oversight of the securities industry.

Stock exchanges closed for more than a week when FDR declared a bank holiday and enacted reform days after becoming president. The Dow jumped 15 percent on the day markets re- opened.

The Dow average declined 332.13 points, or 4 percent, to 7,949.09 today.

To contact the reporter on this story: Jeff Kearns in New York at jkearns3@bloomberg.net .

Find out more about Bloomberg for iPhone: http://bbiphone.bloomberg.com/iphone

Sent from my iPhone

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Lapdog CDA Law

I just think it's interesting that one of the ads in the bus I regularly take is a complete lie.  I guess "truth in advertising" doesn't apply to government and corrupt lapdog corporations.  The ad reads:

Healthy Kids Need Healthy Teeth

The law requires that kindergartners
receive a dental checkup

La ley ahora requiere que los kindergartners
reciban un examen dental

To learn more call 800.CDA.SMILE or visit cda.org.

A MESSAGE FROM THE CALIFORNIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION

Only, the law does not require any such thing.  It is a falsehood to imply that the law requires dental checkups for two reasons:

1. The state has no jurisdiction to make any such law.
2. The state law itself allows a waver.

I hate to go beyond #1 because it is so important.  The state has no jurisdiction in the mouth of our children.  We parents are responsible.  The notion that some parents have decided to forgo dental examinations for their children has no bearing on how I go about caring for my children.

They are free to take care of their children in their way, thus, I am free to take care of my children my way.  This is what's called "freedom."

But #2 is also important.  The law, as I read it, says that parents may opt out of the requirement.  Which means saying "the law requires" is inaccurate, in this ad.  The law requires either an examination or a statement by the parent to the contrary.  What's interesting is that a parent who makes a statement to the contrary is reading the law.  Are these parent likely to avoid dental checkups for their child?

So this is where I get angry.  Advertisements like this are simply taxpayer funded attempts by state lobbyists to drum up business.  I hate that!

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Watchful Eye

[The free market's] power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control ...

Lord help us. If he is saying what I think he's saying, we're in for a world of hurt.

See and download the full gallery on posterous
Source: Liberty Stickers

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Barack Obama is the minister of God

This is totally tongue-in-cheek, but bare with me for a second:
 

Let every American Citizens be subject unto Barack Obama. For there is no Barack Obama but of God: the Barack Obama that be are ordained of God.  American Citizens who therefore resisteth Barack Obama, resisteth the ordinance of God: and American Citizens that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.  For Barack Obama is not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of Barack Obama? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:  For Barack Obama is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for Barack Obama beareth not the sword in vain: for Barack Obama is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.  Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.  For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for Barack Obama is God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.  Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

I know Paul was writing to Christians who were being ruled by Rome.  But Rome conquered the nations of that day.  Today, our government supposedly derives its power from the consent of the governed.

So if you really believe the above passage, maybe you should read my explanation as to why the above interpretation is utterly false.  Here's another one:

American Citizens, be subject to Barack Obama with all fear; not only to the good Barack Obama and gentle Barack Obama, but also to the froward Barack Obama.  For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

In the King James Version, "froward" means "harsh" or "bad."  So really?  Is that right?  Is that what God wants?

I say no.  If you apply these passages to our illustrious leaders, you are making a mistake.  God was not referring to Barack Obama nor George Bush.  If they were worthy of homage, that's one thing.  But these cats are not.  God was talking about something else entirely.

So what are we going to do about it?  I am not commanded to render dues or tributes (taxes) to pay for abortions and torture.  And yes, I think abortions and torture will continue under Obama just like Bush did (note here that under Bush the "pro-lifer," $2.2 billion in federal funds were given to Planned Parenthood).

Posted via email from Anthony Martin's Weblog

"... doing fine ... had a wonderful fight about brushing teeth ..."

Overheard on the bus-ride to work @7:44 AM:

N 33.91401° W 118.37874°
Altitude: 33 ft
Speed: 28 mph
Heading: 358 °

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Pie Index

There's a Marie Callender's restaurant near a bus stop on the way to work that usually has a sign advertizing their latest pie offer. Depending on the pie and time of year, I've seen prices between $5.99 and $11.99. Here's today's offer:

Sent from my iPhone

Posted via email from Anthony Martin's Weblog

Pat & Oscar's

After church, we went to one of our favorite places for lunch.

Sent from my iPhone

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My New Mobile

Sent from my iPhone

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Meme

This is one of the few times I felt it nessisary to explain a tag on my blog.  In this case, the tag is called "meme."  But first, a little bit of Lewis Carroll to set the mood:

Alice was walking beside the White Knight in Looking Glass Land.

"You are sad." the Knight said in an anxious tone: "let me sing you a song to comfort you."

"Is it very long?" Alice asked, for she had heard a good deal of poetry that day.

"It's long." said the Knight, "but it's very, very beautiful. Everybody that hears me sing it - either it brings tears to their eyes, or else -"

"Or else what?" said Alice, for the Knight had made a sudden pause.

"Or else it doesn't, you know. The name of the song is called 'Haddocks' Eyes.'"

"Oh, that's the name of the song, is it?" Alice said, trying to feel interested.

"No, you don't understand," the Knight said, looking a little vexed. "That's what the name is called. The name really is 'The Aged, Aged Man.'"

"Then I ought to have said 'That's what the song is called'?" Alice corrected herself.

"No you oughtn't: that's another thing. The song is called 'Ways and Means' but that's only what it's called, you know!"

"Well, what is the song then?" said Alice, who was by this time completely bewildered.

"I was coming to that," the Knight said. "The song really is 'A-sitting On a Gate': and the tune's my own invention."

The word "meme" is pronounced like the word "team," not "me-me."  An example of a meme is any well known catch-phrase.  If you've heard the phrase, "Give a hoot, don't pollute," and you thought of Hootie the Owl, that's a successful meme.  If you had not heard that phrase before, now you have.  A meme is successful if it propigates widely.

There is the Wikipedia article, but it's a little academic.

Basically, a meme is a popular thought.  An Internet meme is a meme that propagates primarily over the Internet.  I think calling it an Internet meme is unnecessary.  An Internet meme is really just a meme.  Calling it an Internet meme is like calling a fish a water fish.  Sure, in theory there might be other kinds of fish, but usually, just saying fish if you mean water fish is quite sufficient.

It's also like saying "computer illiterate."  Pretty soon, one will just assume a person who is referred to as illiterate is computer illiterate.

This post is not a meme even though it was originally tagged with meme.  If this post were to become popular for some reason (unlikely), it might become a meme, which would in turn make it a meta-meme.  A meta-meme is a rare meme about meme.  One example of an existing meta-meme is: meme itself.  It's the idea of ideas and it got popular mention back in 2004, from what I can tell.

Posted via email from Anthony Martin's Weblog

Tikitagging with Tikitag

I got some tikitags for Christmas.  Actually, I bought them with Christmas money, to be exact.  This is what I plan on doing with them:

Get those storage boxes that have lids. Also get 3x5 cards and self adhesive holders for the cards. Put a tikitag on a 3x5 card. Put the card holder on the box. Now take pictures of everything you put in the box and upload them to Picasa Web Albums (picasaweb.google.com). Place the 3x5 card in the holder.

Scanning the tikitag will pull up the URL for the Picasa Web Albums. You can also associate two tags with the same album so that one goes with the box and the other goes in a file.

Source: tikitag

The starter kit is on Amazon, as well as packs of 25 tags.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Anthony Martin's Weblog

U.S. Census Bureau

Larry from the U.S. Department of Commerce came by to drop off my assignment: a log for family expenses for the week.  He wanted information about our family's demographics and gave instructions on how to use the log.  I got his card and asked him about the nature of his affiliation with the federal government.  He said he was a Field Representative.  I also asked him if he took an oath to uphold the Constitution.  He indicated that he had.

I was actually expecting someone from the department some time this week because they sent a letter ahead.  I know they use this information to adjust the CPI which in turn adjust things like Social Security payments, government pensions, etc.

I don't believe the CPI should be collected.  It is wrong for Social Security to exist in the first place.  I know we all think SS is the most solid investment for retirement, especially now that most mutual funds have lost 40%, but it's still wrong.  It's a ponzi scheme just like the one Madoff created, only SS is 100 times bigger than Madoff's scheme (who?).  Collecting the CPI data really only propitiates the scheme.

On top of all this, the Bureau of the Census annual budget is $1,230,000,000.  For a bureau who's only Constitutional job is to count the number of people every 10 years, I think this budget is highly excessive that that task, but of course they do more than that.  Yet, this is only a single arm of the Commerce department, who's annual budget is over $6 billion.

But I am going to cooperate because I want to be familiar with what information they collect.  I don't want to give Larry a hard time.  But I do want to inform him that his employment is immoral and he should quit his job.  I know in an economic environment such as this, my suggestions will fall on deaf ears.  But what are you doing to make our government smaller?

Goals on this assignment for the resistance:

1. Give as accurate information as possible to the government expense log.
• More accurate information is a problem for the government, so there is no desire to fabricate anything on the expense log.
  
2. Gather possible intelligence on the current state of government interest in the data.
• How are they going about it?  Is it a serious task or just subterfuge?
  
3. Inform Larry what his role is from the resistance's perspective.
• I.e. He is enabling the whole process by being under the employment of the federal government.

Posted via email from Anthony Martin's Weblog