Blue-Ray vs. HD-DVD... sounds like VHS vs. BetaMax to me. I'm sitting out on this one. Tell me, why should I waste my money gambling that one format will beat the other? Say I choose Blue-Ray... not that I have... this is purely a hypothetical situation. Ok, so I choose Blue-Ray, buy all these cool and high definition movies, complete a decent movie collection and BAM! HD-DVD has won the high definition war. Now what? I have to buy my collection again on HD-DVD? Are you kidding me?
Enough of that... I'm sticking with good ol' dvd. That's right... and I'll tell you why. I still own a regular tv. No widescreen, no lcd, no plasma, no projection. I tell you I'm lucky to even have a flatscreen tube. Not only this, but I really don't need a movie to be THAT sharp and crisp. My eyes aren't that good... and as I type right at this moment, I am approximately 11 feet away from my tv. The tv could be half fuzzy and at this range, it'd still look the same. /rant off
Friday, September 7, 2007
Ceiling fan pic
Here's the photo of the ceiling fan as promised. It's a nice one... a Harbor Breeze Model from Lowe's. My only gripe is that the light fixtures are the tiny ass Candelabra type instead of the normal socket type. Why is this important? Instead of paying a subsidized $1-2 per CFL bulb, these were $5 each! Oh well, it looks nice and the bulbs are rated to last 7 years...
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
110% & Ceiling Fans
Last week was an exhaustive week. 37 hours of O/T... some for time, some for pay. The funny thing is that I was looking forward to things slowing down this week, but it's been busy as well. Isn't it ironic how when you have lots of time on your hands, you yearn to have something to do, but when the pedal's to the metal, all you can think about is how nice free time would be?
I can actually feel some fatigue setting in. Most notably is a recurring low-level cramp in my foot. It doesn't seize up like cramp, but I can feel it tighten up every once in a while. Hopefully it's nothing.
Oh, we also got a couple of ceiling fans installed by our handyman. They certainly look great. I might just post a couple of pics of them tonight if my digital camera batteries are still working.
I can actually feel some fatigue setting in. Most notably is a recurring low-level cramp in my foot. It doesn't seize up like cramp, but I can feel it tighten up every once in a while. Hopefully it's nothing.
Oh, we also got a couple of ceiling fans installed by our handyman. They certainly look great. I might just post a couple of pics of them tonight if my digital camera batteries are still working.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Life Lessons Shared
Some advice I've shared with my employees the last couple of days:
"Focus on solutions, not problems" - So many people get so caught up in the problems they have, spending no time to think of a way to resolve them. The dilemma only compounds when a group of people all focus on the same problem and share how bad things are. I know I've been there. The thing is, let's say you talk about a problem for 2 hours. After those 2 hours, what have you accomplished? Nothing, except frustrating and stressing yourself out over and over again.
When you are solution-centric, you can move past the problem and continue to grow & accomplish more. This mindset is very powerful once you realize it.
"When a rainstorm approaches, you can't stop the rain, but you can put on a raincoat" - There are times in your life when you are frustrated with a situation. Some situations you can control, most of them you can't. For example, you've just received a change in policy from your superiors that you are not happy with. Now, you can spend all your time complaining about how it isn't fair, about how it sucks, about how they've done you wrong, about how it's a bad idea... and you may be right. But just because you're right doesn't mean things work out how you want it.
For these inevitable circumstances, your time could be better spent focusing on what you can do to alleviate the situation, instead of focusing on what you can not change. Why spend time stressing over something you can not control? It doesn't make any sense.
"Don't come to me with a problem unless you've thought of a solution" - I learned this from my boss at my previous employment. At the time, I thought it was his way of not listening to what I had to say, but now I realize that it was his way of helping me to think in a different way; to not be a complainer, but a problem solver. This is a invaluable skill and mindset that helps you become successful, in whatever you do. It helps you realize that no one likes a whiner, but people like others who realize there is a problem and put the time and energy to figure out what needs to be done.
One thing to remember is that even though you may think your idea is the best thing since sliced bread, others may not necessarily agree with you... and that's ok. What's important is that they realize that even though your idea may not be what they are looking for, at least you are willing to work toward the solution instead of focusing on the problem. It is also important that you do not get discouraged when this happens and become apathetic. No time is spent worse than time spent in apathy.
If this is the situation, maybe it's time to re-evaluate what you are doing so you can spend time doing something that you care about.
"Focus on solutions, not problems" - So many people get so caught up in the problems they have, spending no time to think of a way to resolve them. The dilemma only compounds when a group of people all focus on the same problem and share how bad things are. I know I've been there. The thing is, let's say you talk about a problem for 2 hours. After those 2 hours, what have you accomplished? Nothing, except frustrating and stressing yourself out over and over again.
When you are solution-centric, you can move past the problem and continue to grow & accomplish more. This mindset is very powerful once you realize it.
"When a rainstorm approaches, you can't stop the rain, but you can put on a raincoat" - There are times in your life when you are frustrated with a situation. Some situations you can control, most of them you can't. For example, you've just received a change in policy from your superiors that you are not happy with. Now, you can spend all your time complaining about how it isn't fair, about how it sucks, about how they've done you wrong, about how it's a bad idea... and you may be right. But just because you're right doesn't mean things work out how you want it.
For these inevitable circumstances, your time could be better spent focusing on what you can do to alleviate the situation, instead of focusing on what you can not change. Why spend time stressing over something you can not control? It doesn't make any sense.
"Don't come to me with a problem unless you've thought of a solution" - I learned this from my boss at my previous employment. At the time, I thought it was his way of not listening to what I had to say, but now I realize that it was his way of helping me to think in a different way; to not be a complainer, but a problem solver. This is a invaluable skill and mindset that helps you become successful, in whatever you do. It helps you realize that no one likes a whiner, but people like others who realize there is a problem and put the time and energy to figure out what needs to be done.
One thing to remember is that even though you may think your idea is the best thing since sliced bread, others may not necessarily agree with you... and that's ok. What's important is that they realize that even though your idea may not be what they are looking for, at least you are willing to work toward the solution instead of focusing on the problem. It is also important that you do not get discouraged when this happens and become apathetic. No time is spent worse than time spent in apathy.
If this is the situation, maybe it's time to re-evaluate what you are doing so you can spend time doing something that you care about.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Fresno State: 1st Day of Fall Semester '07 Traffic
Jesus Christ, what a day. Started up early at 6am and man there was crazy traffic. All the campus lots filled so quickly; before 9am all campus traffic was being funneled into overflow parking at the Save Mart Center Lot. It was a tough and exhausting day, but we managed to keep it together and work through it.
The media, however, did not see it the same way. All you hear are students stating that they came half an hour early and were shocked to find no parking. Sure, if your first class is at 10am, maybe everyone who came for their 8am and 9am class has already left right? It's akin to arriving at Dodgers Stadium half an hour before the game starts and wondering why there's so much traffic.
The worst part is that it's not over yet. Tuesday presents all challenges that Monday had but in addition, there is a scheduled Beyonce concert in the evening in addition to all the students hoping to land all their classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays so they only have to come to school twice a week.
It's 9pm and I'm still at work. 13 hour days suck :(
The media, however, did not see it the same way. All you hear are students stating that they came half an hour early and were shocked to find no parking. Sure, if your first class is at 10am, maybe everyone who came for their 8am and 9am class has already left right? It's akin to arriving at Dodgers Stadium half an hour before the game starts and wondering why there's so much traffic.
The worst part is that it's not over yet. Tuesday presents all challenges that Monday had but in addition, there is a scheduled Beyonce concert in the evening in addition to all the students hoping to land all their classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays so they only have to come to school twice a week.
It's 9pm and I'm still at work. 13 hour days suck :(
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Hooters: First and Last Experience
After trying out Hooters for the first time, my experience meant that it would be my last time. Let me tell you, for me, it was such a disappointing & frustrating experience that I felt COMPELLED to write to Hooters Corporate. This is what I had to say:
Hooters Corporate,
I have always heard good things about Hooters but never actually went to patronize your establishments. Imagine my disappointment as my first experience with Hooters will be my last experience. Let me explain:
My friend & I decided to go to Hooters, Fresno for dinner this evening and were promptly seated, as your restaurant was only about 25% full. After we were seated, we had to wait 15 minutes before anyone actually asked us if we had been served. Let me say that we were quite hungry at this time so watching waitress after waitress pass our table over and over again was not a welcome sight.
During these 15 minutes, I had the vantage point of actually facing the cash register portion of the restaurant where at multiple times, 4-5 waitresses were just standing around and yakking it up. That's right. While my friend and I had not even been offered a drink or appetizer in a nearly empty restaurant, we were rewarded with seeing waitresses standing around, doing pretty much nothing.
After said 15 minutes, one of the waitresses actually came over and asked if we had been served. We said no, and that we had waited about 15 minutes without service (This being in a restaurant with only 25% of the tables occupied). She then said "oh, well your waitress is getting ready in the back, she'll be here soon" and just about walked away. We had been sitting for 15 minutes and the first contact is treated as a "blame game". I was stunned that no one was willing to help pick up the slack or "serve the customer". Instead, we got excuses.
Luckily she came back and offered to get us drinks and an appetizer. I am not lying when I say I was on the verge of walking out of your establishment for unresponsive and slow service.
After we had ordered the appetizer, we had to wait another 20 minutes to get our food and actually have someone ask us what we would like to have for a main course. At this time, it was getting busier, so 1/3 of the tables were filled. 20 minutes for an appetizer after waiting an initial 15 minutes for no one to serve us. I would hate to imagine how service would be when your restaurant is operating at 100% seating capacity.
When we finally got our order of 20 chicken wings, our wait was rewarded by 15% wing drum sticks & 85% wings. 3 out of 20 pcs were drumstick portion of the wings. Isn't it standard to having a 50/50 split? Every chicken establishment that I've been to always gives a 50 -50 split. Even at other places like Chili's or Applebees, the split has always been consistently fair. I've never ordered a 12 pc chicken meal at KFC and received 10 chicken wings and a thigh & breast. Maybe this is the quality of standard served at your establishment, but it really left a sour taste in my mouth.
Now, I know, Hooters has been around a long time. Hell, you're part of American culture and heritage, and you've got an awesome gimmick that makes for a "nice" atmosphere. However, I really don't believe that your "perks" (read: pretty waitresses) justifies poor, unresponsive, and SLOW service.
As a company in the food service industry, I would think that Hooters would have a better reputation for stellar service. At least I believe service is what keeps a company from going bankrupt.
Take my comment for what you will, but the experience at your restaurant left such a bad taste and experience in my mind, that i felt compelled to write and let you know. Thank you for my first and last time at any of your establishments and for your time reading this letter.
Hooters Corporate,
I have always heard good things about Hooters but never actually went to patronize your establishments. Imagine my disappointment as my first experience with Hooters will be my last experience. Let me explain:
My friend & I decided to go to Hooters, Fresno for dinner this evening and were promptly seated, as your restaurant was only about 25% full. After we were seated, we had to wait 15 minutes before anyone actually asked us if we had been served. Let me say that we were quite hungry at this time so watching waitress after waitress pass our table over and over again was not a welcome sight.
During these 15 minutes, I had the vantage point of actually facing the cash register portion of the restaurant where at multiple times, 4-5 waitresses were just standing around and yakking it up. That's right. While my friend and I had not even been offered a drink or appetizer in a nearly empty restaurant, we were rewarded with seeing waitresses standing around, doing pretty much nothing.
After said 15 minutes, one of the waitresses actually came over and asked if we had been served. We said no, and that we had waited about 15 minutes without service (This being in a restaurant with only 25% of the tables occupied). She then said "oh, well your waitress is getting ready in the back, she'll be here soon" and just about walked away. We had been sitting for 15 minutes and the first contact is treated as a "blame game". I was stunned that no one was willing to help pick up the slack or "serve the customer". Instead, we got excuses.
Luckily she came back and offered to get us drinks and an appetizer. I am not lying when I say I was on the verge of walking out of your establishment for unresponsive and slow service.
After we had ordered the appetizer, we had to wait another 20 minutes to get our food and actually have someone ask us what we would like to have for a main course. At this time, it was getting busier, so 1/3 of the tables were filled. 20 minutes for an appetizer after waiting an initial 15 minutes for no one to serve us. I would hate to imagine how service would be when your restaurant is operating at 100% seating capacity.
When we finally got our order of 20 chicken wings, our wait was rewarded by 15% wing drum sticks & 85% wings. 3 out of 20 pcs were drumstick portion of the wings. Isn't it standard to having a 50/50 split? Every chicken establishment that I've been to always gives a 50 -50 split. Even at other places like Chili's or Applebees, the split has always been consistently fair. I've never ordered a 12 pc chicken meal at KFC and received 10 chicken wings and a thigh & breast. Maybe this is the quality of standard served at your establishment, but it really left a sour taste in my mouth.
Now, I know, Hooters has been around a long time. Hell, you're part of American culture and heritage, and you've got an awesome gimmick that makes for a "nice" atmosphere. However, I really don't believe that your "perks" (read: pretty waitresses) justifies poor, unresponsive, and SLOW service.
As a company in the food service industry, I would think that Hooters would have a better reputation for stellar service. At least I believe service is what keeps a company from going bankrupt.
Take my comment for what you will, but the experience at your restaurant left such a bad taste and experience in my mind, that i felt compelled to write and let you know. Thank you for my first and last time at any of your establishments and for your time reading this letter.
Monday, August 20, 2007
The Importance of Synergies
Dictionary.com defines "synergy" as "combined action or functioning; synergism." The American Heritage Dictionary defines it as "The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects." You may be asking yourself, "Why is this important?" Well, for me, synergies are important because they help motivate me. Like the old saying goes, "Kill two birds with one stone"; if you could create two results from one action, wouldn't you?
Let's see how we can incorporate synergy into our everyday lives. I live approximately 2 miles from work. It takes me all of 6 minutes to drive to work, including stop lights and stop signs. I also like walking as a source of exercise, however, I am not a big fan of dedicating time just to "work out". Somehow I feel that the time I spend walking everyday could be better spent performing other tasks. Now if I spend time walking to work, what will this accomplish?
1. In my mind, the time spent walking to work has more of a meaning in my life than time spent "just walking."
2. The routine of walking to work everyday will habitualize after a while thus integrating exercise into my daily regiment while performing a necessary action by getting me to work.
3. I will be getting my daily exercise without having to think about it.
4. I can save money on gas and the wear and tear of my vehicle by not having to drive it a short distance everyday.
5. I can save money by not having to purchase parking permits at my workplace.
Now, let's examine what this decision will cost me:
1. I will have to prepare earlier in the day and spend an hour round trip each day "in transit" instead of just 12 minutes.
2. The flexibility of having the option to "do things on the fly" will be restricted. For example, if I decided I wanted to meet some friends for a movie after work one day and the theater is 6 miles away, I will have to pre-plan to drive that day; else I will have to walk home, then drive to the theater.
3. My options for "on the fly" or "emergency" overtime work could present a schedule conflict.
4. My response time for unexpected emergencies would be significantly increased while at work.
5. Harsh environmental weather (extreme heat, rain, snow) could be overcome, but would require additional pre-planning.
As we can see, the main sacrifice for this decision is time spent, but more importantly, the loss of flexibility when unexpected situations arise. This all needs to be taken into account beforehand. However, isn't this worth the guaranteed routine exercise I will receive without having to push myself to do something "extra" after work? Definitely.
Let's see how we can incorporate synergy into our everyday lives. I live approximately 2 miles from work. It takes me all of 6 minutes to drive to work, including stop lights and stop signs. I also like walking as a source of exercise, however, I am not a big fan of dedicating time just to "work out". Somehow I feel that the time I spend walking everyday could be better spent performing other tasks. Now if I spend time walking to work, what will this accomplish?
1. In my mind, the time spent walking to work has more of a meaning in my life than time spent "just walking."
2. The routine of walking to work everyday will habitualize after a while thus integrating exercise into my daily regiment while performing a necessary action by getting me to work.
3. I will be getting my daily exercise without having to think about it.
4. I can save money on gas and the wear and tear of my vehicle by not having to drive it a short distance everyday.
5. I can save money by not having to purchase parking permits at my workplace.
Now, let's examine what this decision will cost me:
1. I will have to prepare earlier in the day and spend an hour round trip each day "in transit" instead of just 12 minutes.
2. The flexibility of having the option to "do things on the fly" will be restricted. For example, if I decided I wanted to meet some friends for a movie after work one day and the theater is 6 miles away, I will have to pre-plan to drive that day; else I will have to walk home, then drive to the theater.
3. My options for "on the fly" or "emergency" overtime work could present a schedule conflict.
4. My response time for unexpected emergencies would be significantly increased while at work.
5. Harsh environmental weather (extreme heat, rain, snow) could be overcome, but would require additional pre-planning.
As we can see, the main sacrifice for this decision is time spent, but more importantly, the loss of flexibility when unexpected situations arise. This all needs to be taken into account beforehand. However, isn't this worth the guaranteed routine exercise I will receive without having to push myself to do something "extra" after work? Definitely.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Progression through Re-evaluation
This blog is mainly geared toward introspection. I hope to work toward different goals I have set for myself by keeping track of my progress. The hope is that this blog will help keep me motivated by showing daily progress, taking things one step at a time and relishing the small victories of the everyday.
Today's goal: List your goals. Can't work toward anything if you don't have a destination in mind. Let's see....
-Learn to play Classical Guitar. That's picking, not strumming.
-Setting up a computer network at home.
-Work toward getting organized.
-Personal fitness regiment.
Ok, that's enough brainstorming for now. Now that I have a preliminary list, I need to analyze my core motivation for actually accomplishing these goals. If it's one thing I've learned, it's that everyone can learn "how" to do things... "How?" is not the hard part... The hard part is "Why?" Once you truly figure that out, everything else kind of comes together.
Goal for next entry: Discovering the "Why?".
Today's goal: List your goals. Can't work toward anything if you don't have a destination in mind. Let's see....
-Learn to play Classical Guitar. That's picking, not strumming.
-Setting up a computer network at home.
-Work toward getting organized.
-Personal fitness regiment.
Ok, that's enough brainstorming for now. Now that I have a preliminary list, I need to analyze my core motivation for actually accomplishing these goals. If it's one thing I've learned, it's that everyone can learn "how" to do things... "How?" is not the hard part... The hard part is "Why?" Once you truly figure that out, everything else kind of comes together.
Goal for next entry: Discovering the "Why?".
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