PrezKennedy's Soapbox
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Another Year at Walker Avenue?
I recently received a message from the Capstone office here at Walker Avenue Apartments, and in it they suggested that I register to keep my housing over the summer. This way, I could keep the same room next semester without moving, and even have two whole weeks where rent would not be incurred on my account! Of course it is that time again, where it's necessary to plan for housing next semester, even though this semester has only just begun. Walker Avenue is nice, albeit pricey. The fact that I have to walk up three flights of stairs to my room isn't all that fun either... although it does give me some exercise during the day.
A few things to think about :
The nine month lease is about $3500 a semester, if I recall. Pricey!!! ¶ 6:15 PM 0 comments
I recently received a message from the Capstone office here at Walker Avenue Apartments, and in it they suggested that I register to keep my housing over the summer. This way, I could keep the same room next semester without moving, and even have two whole weeks where rent would not be incurred on my account! Of course it is that time again, where it's necessary to plan for housing next semester, even though this semester has only just begun. Walker Avenue is nice, albeit pricey. The fact that I have to walk up three flights of stairs to my room isn't all that fun either... although it does give me some exercise during the day.
A few things to think about :
- Cost
- Availability of other rooms
- Quality of service
- Location
- The Massive Hill (I'll bulldoze that sucker someday!!
- Cost
- Cost
- Cost
The nine month lease is about $3500 a semester, if I recall. Pricey!!! ¶ 6:15 PM 0 comments
Isn't the Customer Always Right? (Even if they are ignorant?)
A rather minor incident while waiting in line for lunch bothered me today. I was in line to order a roast beef sub and the restaurant hadn't opened yet. They were a bit unprepared, as seen by their rushing around before they opened slightly after 11, and did not have any cups to distribute with meal plans.
I received my sub and was waiting for a cup when apparently a girl found out that they didn't have any turkey today. She was annoyed at the cashier because the cashier didn't relay this information because she "forgot". While this is perfectly ok, the attitudes shown by both the student and the food service worker while dealing with the situation was abysmal. Such things are easily taken care of... I did have an urge to speak up, or mention it to a manager, but I was too busy to give it much more thought. One amusing remark I heard after I received my cup and was heading to get my drink was "They're looking at us like it's our fault!!"
While the people who do the cash registers and food are generally nice to me (because I am nice to them as well), this incident has made me wonder, isn't the customer supposed to be right? A smile, and an apology would have averted this scene.
Just my two cents on the matter.
Oh, and my Roast Beef sub was excellent! ¶ 6:14 PM 0 comments
A rather minor incident while waiting in line for lunch bothered me today. I was in line to order a roast beef sub and the restaurant hadn't opened yet. They were a bit unprepared, as seen by their rushing around before they opened slightly after 11, and did not have any cups to distribute with meal plans.
I received my sub and was waiting for a cup when apparently a girl found out that they didn't have any turkey today. She was annoyed at the cashier because the cashier didn't relay this information because she "forgot". While this is perfectly ok, the attitudes shown by both the student and the food service worker while dealing with the situation was abysmal. Such things are easily taken care of... I did have an urge to speak up, or mention it to a manager, but I was too busy to give it much more thought. One amusing remark I heard after I received my cup and was heading to get my drink was "They're looking at us like it's our fault!!"
While the people who do the cash registers and food are generally nice to me (because I am nice to them as well), this incident has made me wonder, isn't the customer supposed to be right? A smile, and an apology would have averted this scene.
Just my two cents on the matter.
Oh, and my Roast Beef sub was excellent! ¶ 6:14 PM 0 comments
But you didn't ask for our Permission to Tell on us!!
Reading the news today has brought me a small laugh. Not the good type of laugh, but a nervous laugh that shows just how threatened this world is.
Quote:
You cannot shield a hero and damage the nation, the president said at a combative and emotional news conference. He wore military camouflage fatigues.
Musharraf also lashed out at fellow Muslim nations Iran and Libya for cooperating with international inspectors and turning over documents on their nuclear programs. Muslim brothers did not ask us before giving our names, he said.
Maybe Pakistan should be popped into the Axis of Evil too... knockIran Iraq out, put Pakistan in, and it'll be all set. It would be nice if these religious fundamentalists and crackpot dictators could understand that the more nuclear weapons there are in the world, the more dangerous it gets for everyone!!! I hope in the future we can realign our alliances, and make it clear that nuclear proliferation will not be tolerated. With a US foothold in Iraq and Afghanistan, Musharraf and his Muslim brothers should reconsider their stance on some important issues like nuclear weapons and terrorism. We're right next door now, which means we can come knocking at the first sign of trouble. Maybe the Middle East will shape up in the next twenty years, but sadly, I don't think that will happen.
I'm wondering what will happen when all the oil is gone from the region... 8-) ¶ 6:11 PM 0 comments
Reading the news today has brought me a small laugh. Not the good type of laugh, but a nervous laugh that shows just how threatened this world is.
Quote:
You cannot shield a hero and damage the nation, the president said at a combative and emotional news conference. He wore military camouflage fatigues.
Musharraf also lashed out at fellow Muslim nations Iran and Libya for cooperating with international inspectors and turning over documents on their nuclear programs. Muslim brothers did not ask us before giving our names, he said.
Maybe Pakistan should be popped into the Axis of Evil too... knock
I'm wondering what will happen when all the oil is gone from the region... 8-) ¶ 6:11 PM 0 comments
Diebold Sighted @ UMBC
Just about every college these days has student ID cards that allow students to put money/meal plans on them, so that way they don't have to carry around money. Well yesterday, I spotted Diebold card readers on the Coke machines. If you don't remember, Diebold is the company who got some very bad press related to security weaknesses in their voting machines.
Just thought that was amusing... I won't be buying Coke with my card now. I'll just use cash instead. ¶ 6:09 PM 0 comments
Just about every college these days has student ID cards that allow students to put money/meal plans on them, so that way they don't have to carry around money. Well yesterday, I spotted Diebold card readers on the Coke machines. If you don't remember, Diebold is the company who got some very bad press related to security weaknesses in their voting machines.
Just thought that was amusing... I won't be buying Coke with my card now. I'll just use cash instead. ¶ 6:09 PM 0 comments
Bush Vs. "The Other Guy" - Who will you vote for?
As the primaries are played in each of the states, the normal voter will eventually have to decide who to vote for in thereal elections come November. Many people are supporting the different Democrat contenders, and at first I was thinking of going with former General Wesley Clark. Now, I can't decide whether I should vote for Howard Dean, or pen in my own name, or Miickey Mouse's name. Bush will be a tough incumbent to defeat, and the Democrats aren't really that great. Where is Clinton when you need him?
Sure, there are plenty of months until Election Day, but it's a good idea to start thinking about who you'll be voting for on election day. I don't know yet myself... its a tough decision, but I know George W. Bush won't be the answer... unless I get confused by a silly butterfly ballot. ¶ 6:08 PM 0 comments
As the primaries are played in each of the states, the normal voter will eventually have to decide who to vote for in thereal elections come November. Many people are supporting the different Democrat contenders, and at first I was thinking of going with former General Wesley Clark. Now, I can't decide whether I should vote for Howard Dean, or pen in my own name, or Miickey Mouse's name. Bush will be a tough incumbent to defeat, and the Democrats aren't really that great. Where is Clinton when you need him?
Sure, there are plenty of months until Election Day, but it's a good idea to start thinking about who you'll be voting for on election day. I don't know yet myself... its a tough decision, but I know George W. Bush won't be the answer... unless I get confused by a silly butterfly ballot. ¶ 6:08 PM 0 comments
What to Do... (On PrezKennedy.org)
I'm still working out how I want to do this site... Do I want my personal journal here too, or should I keep that hidden away somewhere else? It's likely that in the future, all three of the sites I run will all be integrated into one install of TikiWIki, but I can't guarantee anything.
Until then, feel free to peruse some of the images I've uploaded today. There's even a scary one (a girl said it was funny though...) of me getting a picture of myself in the mirror. Yeah, I have camera skillz!! ¶ 6:07 PM 0 comments
I'm still working out how I want to do this site... Do I want my personal journal here too, or should I keep that hidden away somewhere else? It's likely that in the future, all three of the sites I run will all be integrated into one install of TikiWIki, but I can't guarantee anything.
Until then, feel free to peruse some of the images I've uploaded today. There's even a scary one (a girl said it was funny though...) of me getting a picture of myself in the mirror. Yeah, I have camera skillz!! ¶ 6:07 PM 0 comments
What do Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Dakota all have in common?
The only time they are acknowledged to exist is during political primaries. Certainly if you listen to the news, all the candidates have spent the past few weeks convincing voters in Iowa that they would be the best candidate on the Democratic ticket.
Right now I'm not sure who I'll vote for in the coming months. If worst comes to worst, I'll either just vote for myself, or vote for Mickey Mouse. I refuse to vote for George W. Bush, and if anyone but Dean gets on the Democratic ticket, well there goes hopes of ousting the incumbant.
On another note, please vote in the poll on the left, I'm interested in the results. Feel free to comment as well... ¶ 6:06 PM 0 comments
The only time they are acknowledged to exist is during political primaries. Certainly if you listen to the news, all the candidates have spent the past few weeks convincing voters in Iowa that they would be the best candidate on the Democratic ticket.
Right now I'm not sure who I'll vote for in the coming months. If worst comes to worst, I'll either just vote for myself, or vote for Mickey Mouse. I refuse to vote for George W. Bush, and if anyone but Dean gets on the Democratic ticket, well there goes hopes of ousting the incumbant.
On another note, please vote in the poll on the left, I'm interested in the results. Feel free to comment as well... ¶ 6:06 PM 0 comments
Sunday, November 14, 2004
Bush's Boo-boo
One of the recent breaking news items on the Bush administration is Paul O'Neill's recent book about his two years working for the Bush administration. From extracts, my impression is that he sees our beloved President has a fool. This is nothing new, but he does lay out a broad plan of what Bush was really up to these past few years. If we were to follow the example of the Clinton impeachment, Bush would have already been impeached and out the door.
What really set me off is what follows:
Quote:
The Washington Post quoted a senior administration official as saying that O'Neill's "suggestion that the administration was planning an invasion of Iraq days after taking office is laughable. Nobody listened to him when he was in office. Why should anybody now?"
Really? No one listened to him while he was in office? Why was he even there then? Bush couldn't find any other cronies to fill in for him? If no one listened to him, why did US taxpayers foot his salary the past two years? His salary is by far the smallest waste of resources the Bush administration has commited the past four years. After sweeping tax cuts to benefit mostly the rich, an indecisive war in Afghanistan, and a complete waste of manpower and resources in Iraq, Bush's middle name could be Waste.
It's looking like I'll be voting for any candidate besides George W. Bush in the coming election. ¶ 5:45 AM 0 comments
One of the recent breaking news items on the Bush administration is Paul O'Neill's recent book about his two years working for the Bush administration. From extracts, my impression is that he sees our beloved President has a fool. This is nothing new, but he does lay out a broad plan of what Bush was really up to these past few years. If we were to follow the example of the Clinton impeachment, Bush would have already been impeached and out the door.
What really set me off is what follows:
Quote:
The Washington Post quoted a senior administration official as saying that O'Neill's "suggestion that the administration was planning an invasion of Iraq days after taking office is laughable. Nobody listened to him when he was in office. Why should anybody now?"
Really? No one listened to him while he was in office? Why was he even there then? Bush couldn't find any other cronies to fill in for him? If no one listened to him, why did US taxpayers foot his salary the past two years? His salary is by far the smallest waste of resources the Bush administration has commited the past four years. After sweeping tax cuts to benefit mostly the rich, an indecisive war in Afghanistan, and a complete waste of manpower and resources in Iraq, Bush's middle name could be Waste.
It's looking like I'll be voting for any candidate besides George W. Bush in the coming election. ¶ 5:45 AM 0 comments
Going back to the Moon?
President George W. Bush hit off the election year with amazing rumors of plans to return to the moon, and send a manned mission to Mars. This comes up at a time when China has made its first launch into space, and plans for more in the coming years. Being a general skeptic of the Bush administration, I believe this is just a move to pull in votes from people who want more effort and money to be invested into NASA.
Even though the United States went to the moon in the 60's and 70's, it wouldn't change the fact that such an undertaking now would be costly, time consuming and dangerous.
Even if Bush were reeelected under these promises, nothing says that Congress has to accept the notion and foot the bill. Some critics claim that Bush is simply doing this to show the world that our space program isn't a failure, and nothing else. Unfortunately, I'm inclined to agree with that statement, even though I would like to see a permanent base on the moon and Mars in my lifetime. I'm a bit skeptical if it will happen. We shouldn't have dropped that program when we had it running back in the 70's. What were our representatives in Congress and our President thinking? ¶ 5:44 AM 0 comments
President George W. Bush hit off the election year with amazing rumors of plans to return to the moon, and send a manned mission to Mars. This comes up at a time when China has made its first launch into space, and plans for more in the coming years. Being a general skeptic of the Bush administration, I believe this is just a move to pull in votes from people who want more effort and money to be invested into NASA.
Even though the United States went to the moon in the 60's and 70's, it wouldn't change the fact that such an undertaking now would be costly, time consuming and dangerous.
Even if Bush were reeelected under these promises, nothing says that Congress has to accept the notion and foot the bill. Some critics claim that Bush is simply doing this to show the world that our space program isn't a failure, and nothing else. Unfortunately, I'm inclined to agree with that statement, even though I would like to see a permanent base on the moon and Mars in my lifetime. I'm a bit skeptical if it will happen. We shouldn't have dropped that program when we had it running back in the 70's. What were our representatives in Congress and our President thinking? ¶ 5:44 AM 0 comments
Hopes and Dreams
When I was back in middle and high school, I was the quiet kid who sat in the front, had a hard time making new friends because of my shyness, and actually got along better with adults than people of my own age. Even though I did reasonably well in both middle and high school, I was never really sure what I wanted to do with my life. Even now the path I lead winds back and forth through a forest of vines and trees. At least I have some purpose now. Back in high school I didn't really know what I wanted to do, or where I wanted to go for my final years of education.
Since the time I made it into college, I've begun to have dreams, one of which I'd be more than willing to put myself at risk in order to accomplish.
The first is down to earth and I've already accomplished it, to a point. I already work at a world renowned research laboratory, and have met some truly brilliant people working in the scientific arena. I've also been given a chance to take a glimpse into the future of artillery, lasers, and armor. I almost didn't get this job, but I've been happy to have it since day one. As my grandfather has often said, "If you like your job, you won't work a day of your life." It's true!
The second is by far the riskiest, and possibly even the most out of this world. I would love to see the stars, and more importantly, our beloved planet Earth from orbit. In this day and age, it's a once in a lifetime experience. That may not always be the case, but if I can get up there somehow, I'll do it.
The last is to run for, and be elected President. I think the days of CEO's, Oil Tycoons, and multi-billionaires running for office need to be ushered into the annals of history books. That's why I'm working on this little website afterall! This country will need great leaders in the 21st century, and while I won't even try to pretend that I am one, or ever will be one, I want other people out there to know that voting matters, and that money shouldn't be the primary factor in being elected.
What lofty dreams do you have for the future? What dreams did you have that you accomplished? Would you run for office if you thought you could make a good difference in the world? ¶ 5:42 AM 0 comments
When I was back in middle and high school, I was the quiet kid who sat in the front, had a hard time making new friends because of my shyness, and actually got along better with adults than people of my own age. Even though I did reasonably well in both middle and high school, I was never really sure what I wanted to do with my life. Even now the path I lead winds back and forth through a forest of vines and trees. At least I have some purpose now. Back in high school I didn't really know what I wanted to do, or where I wanted to go for my final years of education.
Since the time I made it into college, I've begun to have dreams, one of which I'd be more than willing to put myself at risk in order to accomplish.
The first is down to earth and I've already accomplished it, to a point. I already work at a world renowned research laboratory, and have met some truly brilliant people working in the scientific arena. I've also been given a chance to take a glimpse into the future of artillery, lasers, and armor. I almost didn't get this job, but I've been happy to have it since day one. As my grandfather has often said, "If you like your job, you won't work a day of your life." It's true!
The second is by far the riskiest, and possibly even the most out of this world. I would love to see the stars, and more importantly, our beloved planet Earth from orbit. In this day and age, it's a once in a lifetime experience. That may not always be the case, but if I can get up there somehow, I'll do it.
The last is to run for, and be elected President. I think the days of CEO's, Oil Tycoons, and multi-billionaires running for office need to be ushered into the annals of history books. That's why I'm working on this little website afterall! This country will need great leaders in the 21st century, and while I won't even try to pretend that I am one, or ever will be one, I want other people out there to know that voting matters, and that money shouldn't be the primary factor in being elected.
What lofty dreams do you have for the future? What dreams did you have that you accomplished? Would you run for office if you thought you could make a good difference in the world? ¶ 5:42 AM 0 comments
Beware of People Welding Almanacs
Recently the FBI sent out a bulletin to local law enforcement agencies warning them about people with almanacs. Yes, almanacs! Apparently the FBI has realized that knowledge can be used as a weapon! I won't even go into the whole reasoning behind that statement, maybe I'll leave that for a full blown essay...
They go on to say that if the almanac is annotated in peculiar ways, something could be up. The FBI should really try harder when it comes up with these warnings. Why not make a broader statement, and just encourage local law enforcement to use their common sense and be on the look out for suspicious behavior?
You better think twice before you consider taking that almanac along with you in the car! ¶ 5:40 AM 0 comments
Recently the FBI sent out a bulletin to local law enforcement agencies warning them about people with almanacs. Yes, almanacs! Apparently the FBI has realized that knowledge can be used as a weapon! I won't even go into the whole reasoning behind that statement, maybe I'll leave that for a full blown essay...
They go on to say that if the almanac is annotated in peculiar ways, something could be up. The FBI should really try harder when it comes up with these warnings. Why not make a broader statement, and just encourage local law enforcement to use their common sense and be on the look out for suspicious behavior?
You better think twice before you consider taking that almanac along with you in the car! ¶ 5:40 AM 0 comments
Santa Claus on Tour!
I saw Santa Claus tonight (12/15/2003)! At first I thought there was a major fire nearby, but it was just a convoy of fire trucks out with Santa Claus waving to everyone. It's real cold out there tonight, but I have to say, that must be one of the most heartwarming things for those guys to do before Christmas.
I just want to take this moment (and you should too!) to remember all the firemen and police who have died in the line of duty.
This will probably be the last post before January comes around, so Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to all! ¶ 5:39 AM 0 comments
I saw Santa Claus tonight (12/15/2003)! At first I thought there was a major fire nearby, but it was just a convoy of fire trucks out with Santa Claus waving to everyone. It's real cold out there tonight, but I have to say, that must be one of the most heartwarming things for those guys to do before Christmas.
I just want to take this moment (and you should too!) to remember all the firemen and police who have died in the line of duty.
This will probably be the last post before January comes around, so Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to all! ¶ 5:39 AM 0 comments
Saddam Hussein Captured... Now what?
woke up to a fire alarm this morning, so as I stood out in the snow, I thought about what I was going to do to the person who caused it if I ever caught them.
Fortunately when I came back inside and read the news, I found out Saddam Hussein had been captured! He was living in a hole underneath a farm house. George W. Bush would probably feel right at home, if he wasn't rich.
Now that we have Saddam, what are we going to do with him? Put him on trial in an international court for crimes against humanity? It's most likely that Saddam Hussein will be tried in Iraq for crimes, and given their current disposition, if hanging was an option, Saddam Hussein would get it.
On the large scale, will Saddam's capture lead to less attacks, or more? Personally I think there will be no change right now, and the attacks might actually pick up as fighters from Al Qaeida trickle into Iraq to fight United States forces. Capturing Saddam Hussein should not be a reason for us to let our defenses down as his capture will probably only turn out to be a minor victory for us.
So my day started out rotten, but it's gotten a bit better with that little tidbit of news. You guys in the US Army over in Iraq make us proud. ¶ 5:35 AM 0 comments
woke up to a fire alarm this morning, so as I stood out in the snow, I thought about what I was going to do to the person who caused it if I ever caught them.
Fortunately when I came back inside and read the news, I found out Saddam Hussein had been captured! He was living in a hole underneath a farm house. George W. Bush would probably feel right at home, if he wasn't rich.
Now that we have Saddam, what are we going to do with him? Put him on trial in an international court for crimes against humanity? It's most likely that Saddam Hussein will be tried in Iraq for crimes, and given their current disposition, if hanging was an option, Saddam Hussein would get it.
On the large scale, will Saddam's capture lead to less attacks, or more? Personally I think there will be no change right now, and the attacks might actually pick up as fighters from Al Qaeida trickle into Iraq to fight United States forces. Capturing Saddam Hussein should not be a reason for us to let our defenses down as his capture will probably only turn out to be a minor victory for us.
So my day started out rotten, but it's gotten a bit better with that little tidbit of news. You guys in the US Army over in Iraq make us proud. ¶ 5:35 AM 0 comments
