Josh Morgan's PhuseBox http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM Josh Morgan's PhuseBox PhuseBox RSS Generator en Welcoming the Spring http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/31896 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/31896 Tue, 20 Mar 2007 06:16:07 -0600 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/31896 So it has been a while since I posted.  I was pretty good about doing it at first, but things got busy and I got distracted.  I heard on the radio that Spring officially starts at 7:07PM today, and I am quite pleased.  It looks like the weather will be good enough to take the bike for the rest of the week, which is the first time I'll be taking it to work since all the work.  I had a local shop check it out and they said it looks good, though, so I'm confident.


To welcome Spring, I'll share some random musings.


"It's always darkest just before the dawn" - No it's not.  That's stupid.  <<pause for effect>>  Just before the dawn, the sky is almost as bright as it is just after the dawn.  Have you actually seen the sun come up?  The sky starts to brighten long before you actually see the sun peeking up.  Unless, of course, you mean that the dawn is any time when the sky is getting brighter, but I doubt you'll claim that the dawn is a 5 hour process starting at about 2am.  Can you imagine if it actually were darkest just before the dawn?  You'd be out there trying to find the handle on your car or trying to put that worm on the stupid hook in pitch blackness, and suddenly BAM!  Lights on.  It'd be like stumbling into a bathroom in the middle of the night and flipping the light on.  I have a problem with taking something popular like "Patience is a virtue" or "The squeaky wheel gets the grease" (notice they are in contradiction) and throwing it out there as proof that your point of view is correct.  It's even worse, though, when the saying is ridiculous in the first place.  I'm gonna go around saying thing like "A bird in the hand is a rock if you smell it" and "A blue box is worth three eggs, but the Indians only lick Fritos."

]]> So it has been a while since I posted.  I was pretty good about doing it at first, but things got busy and I got distracted.  I heard on the radio that Spring officially starts at 7:07PM today, and I am quite pleased.  It looks like the weather will be good enough to take the bike for the rest of the week, which is the first time I'll be taking it to work since all the work.  I had a local shop check it out and they said it looks good, though, so I'm confident.


To welcome Spring, I'll share some random musings.


"It's always darkest just before the dawn" - No it's not.  That's stupid.  <<pause for effect>>  Just before the dawn, the sky is almost as bright as it is just after the dawn.  Have you actually seen the sun come up?  The sky starts to brighten long before you actually see the sun peeking up.  Unless, of course, you mean that the dawn is any time when the sky is getting brighter, but I doubt you'll claim that the dawn is a 5 hour process starting at about 2am.  Can you imagine if it actually were darkest just before the dawn?  You'd be out there trying to find the handle on your car or trying to put that worm on the stupid hook in pitch blackness, and suddenly BAM!  Lights on.  It'd be like stumbling into a bathroom in the middle of the night and flipping the light on.  I have a problem with taking something popular like "Patience is a virtue" or "The squeaky wheel gets the grease" (notice they are in contradiction) and throwing it out there as proof that your point of view is correct.  It's even worse, though, when the saying is ridiculous in the first place.  I'm gonna go around saying thing like "A bird in the hand is a rock if you smell it" and "A blue box is worth three eggs, but the Indians only lick Fritos."

]]> Broken Link http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/31671 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/31671 Sat, 24 Feb 2007 23:34:48 -0600 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/31671 Try  instead.



The artist is Little Big Town



Song: Bring it On Home (track 4)



The 11 seconds I referred to was valid with the media player version.  I'm not sure about realplayer.

]]> Try  instead.



The artist is Little Big Town



Song: Bring it On Home (track 4)



The 11 seconds I referred to was valid with the media player version.  I'm not sure about realplayer.

]]> I'm not Crazy!! http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/31670 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/31670 Sat, 24 Feb 2007 15:22:10 -0600 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/31670 here and tell me if you hear it.  It occurs 11 seconds into the track.  My mom thinks she can hear an instrument or something, but no one hears something really high pitched and flat.  Please please please listen to this.  I'm hoping someone out there can hear it.
]]> here and tell me if you hear it.  It occurs 11 seconds into the track.  My mom thinks she can hear an instrument or something, but no one hears something really high pitched and flat.  Please please please listen to this.  I'm hoping someone out there can hear it.
]]> Needing Math Geeks http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/31069 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/31069 Mon, 08 Jan 2007 14:01:30 -0600 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/31069 I have a statistics problem I've been contemplating for a while, and I thought I'd share it.  I haven't figured out the "answer" yet, so I'm very interested to see what you all say.



Imagine that you are walking down the street and see a man on the sidewalk with a table set up.  He tells you that he has an offer for you.  If you give him a dollar, you can roll his standard, 6-sided die.  If you roll any number besides a number you pick, you get 2 dollars.  In fact, any amount you give him will be returned to you double if you win.  If you roll the number you picked, you lose your wager.  As an additional note, he says that you can play as many times as you want, but you must wager all of your earnings to continue.



Let's look at the math.  If you're satisfied that the man is honest and that the die is not tampered with, then you know you have a 5/6 chance to win.  That's awfully good odds considering that he's gonna double your money.  If you could play the game 6 times with just 1 dollar each time, you'd expect to walk away with 10 dollars (5 wins, 1 loss).  Unfortunately, you don't get that option.



Let's pretend you take the bet.  You choose number 1, and to your delight, you roll a 4.  He hands you 2 dollars and tells you to have a nice day.  Then you think, "I still have 5/6 odds to win, right?  I think I'll roll one more time." 
As is required for the game, you wager your 2 dollar earnings.  Sure enough, you pick 1 again and roll a 2.  You've now made 3 additional dollars on top of your 1 original.  You play again and increase to 8.  Again to 16.  Again, and you lose.  The guy keeps your money (15 in earnings and the 1 dollar you originally paid), and invites you to play again from the beginning.  What do you do?



Every time you walk up to the table, it makes statistical sense to take the bet.  5/6 odds are great for a double your money situation.  When you look at the game one set at a time, it always looks like a good idea, because you always have 5/6 chance to win.  But when you lose, you know you're gonna lose all your earnings.  And you also know that if you play long enough, you will lose.  No matter how well you are doing, you can't win forever.



Another look at the math - You have a 5/6 (83%) chance to win the first round.  If you want to calculate the chance of winning both the first and second rounds, though, it's 5/6 * 5/6 or 69.4%.  Three rounds in a row have only a 57.9% chance.  Here's the kicker.  If you just finished round tww, do you have a 57.9% chance to win the next round?  No.  You have an 83% chance to win.  Although you can foresee only 57.9% chance for three sucessive rounds, the closer you get to that third round, the more likely it will be that you're gonna make it, which makes sense as you already completed several rounds.  Here's a chart of your foreseeable chances to win to complete the round.



Round 1: 83.3%
Round 2: 69.4%
Round 3: 57.9%
Round 4: 48.2%
Round 5: 40.2%
Round 6: 33.5%
Round 7: 27.9%
Round 8: 23.3%
Round 9: 19.4%
Round 10: 16.2%



Okay.  Here are my 3 questions:



1 - Would you play this game if it were offered to you, and if so, how much would you initially wager?



2 - If you would play, how many rounds would you play, remembering that you must include all of your original wager and earnings with each new round?



3 - Who do you think would make more money?  The man at the table or the passers-by?



Here are some other considerations.  Say, for example, that you would play 3 rounds and wager 20 dollars.  This, of course, would give you a 57.9% chance of walking away with $80 after 3 rounds of play.  If, instead, you wanted to start with 5 dollars, you'd have to play 5 rounds, and you'd only have a 40.2% chance to walk away with $80.  What happens when you get to $80?  You still have an 83% chance to make it $160.  You were willing to hope for 57.9% odds.  Are you really going to pass up 83%?  Here the major problem I see: when you look several rounds into the future, you know you are likely to lose.  When you look at the next round, though, you know you are likely to win.  Would you resist going "just one more round"??  If you started with a nickel and managed to win 10 times in a row (a feat only accomplished by 16.2% of those that attempt it) and made 51 dollars, would you pass up that 83% chance to break 100?



Answer my questions and/or tell me what the math says to  you.  Do you think people should play until the chance drops below 50%?  Why can't they just mentally start over saying to themselves, "I've already won 4 rounds, but I still have a 69.4% chance of winning 2 more in a row"?  Shouldn't you look at each choice as it comes?  Of having an 83% chance?  But won't that ultimately lead to a loss?   :)

]]> I have a statistics problem I've been contemplating for a while, and I thought I'd share it.  I haven't figured out the "answer" yet, so I'm very interested to see what you all say.



Imagine that you are walking down the street and see a man on the sidewalk with a table set up.  He tells you that he has an offer for you.  If you give him a dollar, you can roll his standard, 6-sided die.  If you roll any number besides a number you pick, you get 2 dollars.  In fact, any amount you give him will be returned to you double if you win.  If you roll the number you picked, you lose your wager.  As an additional note, he says that you can play as many times as you want, but you must wager all of your earnings to continue.



Let's look at the math.  If you're satisfied that the man is honest and that the die is not tampered with, then you know you have a 5/6 chance to win.  That's awfully good odds considering that he's gonna double your money.  If you could play the game 6 times with just 1 dollar each time, you'd expect to walk away with 10 dollars (5 wins, 1 loss).  Unfortunately, you don't get that option.



Let's pretend you take the bet.  You choose number 1, and to your delight, you roll a 4.  He hands you 2 dollars and tells you to have a nice day.  Then you think, "I still have 5/6 odds to win, right?  I think I'll roll one more time." 
As is required for the game, you wager your 2 dollar earnings.  Sure enough, you pick 1 again and roll a 2.  You've now made 3 additional dollars on top of your 1 original.  You play again and increase to 8.  Again to 16.  Again, and you lose.  The guy keeps your money (15 in earnings and the 1 dollar you originally paid), and invites you to play again from the beginning.  What do you do?



Every time you walk up to the table, it makes statistical sense to take the bet.  5/6 odds are great for a double your money situation.  When you look at the game one set at a time, it always looks like a good idea, because you always have 5/6 chance to win.  But when you lose, you know you're gonna lose all your earnings.  And you also know that if you play long enough, you will lose.  No matter how well you are doing, you can't win forever.



Another look at the math - You have a 5/6 (83%) chance to win the first round.  If you want to calculate the chance of winning both the first and second rounds, though, it's 5/6 * 5/6 or 69.4%.  Three rounds in a row have only a 57.9% chance.  Here's the kicker.  If you just finished round tww, do you have a 57.9% chance to win the next round?  No.  You have an 83% chance to win.  Although you can foresee only 57.9% chance for three sucessive rounds, the closer you get to that third round, the more likely it will be that you're gonna make it, which makes sense as you already completed several rounds.  Here's a chart of your foreseeable chances to win to complete the round.



Round 1: 83.3%
Round 2: 69.4%
Round 3: 57.9%
Round 4: 48.2%
Round 5: 40.2%
Round 6: 33.5%
Round 7: 27.9%
Round 8: 23.3%
Round 9: 19.4%
Round 10: 16.2%



Okay.  Here are my 3 questions:



1 - Would you play this game if it were offered to you, and if so, how much would you initially wager?



2 - If you would play, how many rounds would you play, remembering that you must include all of your original wager and earnings with each new round?



3 - Who do you think would make more money?  The man at the table or the passers-by?



Here are some other considerations.  Say, for example, that you would play 3 rounds and wager 20 dollars.  This, of course, would give you a 57.9% chance of walking away with $80 after 3 rounds of play.  If, instead, you wanted to start with 5 dollars, you'd have to play 5 rounds, and you'd only have a 40.2% chance to walk away with $80.  What happens when you get to $80?  You still have an 83% chance to make it $160.  You were willing to hope for 57.9% odds.  Are you really going to pass up 83%?  Here the major problem I see: when you look several rounds into the future, you know you are likely to lose.  When you look at the next round, though, you know you are likely to win.  Would you resist going "just one more round"??  If you started with a nickel and managed to win 10 times in a row (a feat only accomplished by 16.2% of those that attempt it) and made 51 dollars, would you pass up that 83% chance to break 100?



Answer my questions and/or tell me what the math says to  you.  Do you think people should play until the chance drops below 50%?  Why can't they just mentally start over saying to themselves, "I've already won 4 rounds, but I still have a 69.4% chance of winning 2 more in a row"?  Shouldn't you look at each choice as it comes?  Of having an 83% chance?  But won't that ultimately lead to a loss?   :)

]]> Saddam Execution http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/31002 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/31002 Wed, 03 Jan 2007 13:21:40 -0600 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/31002 I just watched the Saddam execution video, and read a large number of comments on a certain site.



Have I really kept my head in a hole my entire life?  The sentiments I read expressed were absolutely horrifying.  I have never seen or heard such pure hatred and disgust.  Like the executioners, many took real delight in the video, lamenting only that the video was of poor quality.  Some said they wished the rope had been shorter so he would have suffocated instead of having his neck broken.  Some said he should have been burned.  He should have been buried alive.  He should have been dipped in a boiling vat of oil.  He should have been tortured for days by having his finger nails pulled out and spikes driven into him.



Reading it gave me shivers.  Is this what people have in their hearts?  Something they keep buried until they take advantage of the anonymity of the internet?  And it isn't all directed at Saddam.  It also burns between posters.  One hates all Iraqis, proclaiming their stupidity and the superiority of America.  Another hates Bush, saying he and Blair should be strung up next to Saddam.  Another spouts off the number of Americans killed in 9/11.  Another retorts with the number of Americans killed in the Iraq war.  There is no civility.  There is no understanding.



Americans enjoy a fantastic amount of freedom, including the right to believe whatever they choose.  This right is precious to all of us.  Somehow, I thought that we as individuals were more mature than this.  Are we really so far away?  Do we still assign value to a person based on their national heritage?  Their skin color?  Their net worth?  What about their crimes?  Does a person carry less intrinsic value once they have stolen a pack of gum?  What about a car?  And if they've murdered?  At what point does the killing of anyone for any reason become an occasion worth celebrating?  I support justice, and I support the safety of the Iraqi people.  I believe Saddam was a terrible man, by whom many great injustices were inflicted upon his people.  Should he have been executed?  Perhaps.  Should he have been executed while being mocked by the Iraqis assigned to the task, wearing ski masks and praising their prophet for the chance to kill him?  Absolutely not.  Should we find elation in a video of a man being humiliated and executed.  Absolutely not.



In a war such as we now find ourselves, there is no doubt in my mind that people have strong emotions tied to the various schools of thought.  I know many people hate the war.  I know that passion can burn much hotter than reason.  I naively thought that people would choose to be objective.  I honestly did not know how much misunderstanding and evil is within people.



My major upset is not that people desired the death of Saddam.  Many feel that death was the only form of justice befitting a mass murderer, and I am in no position to debate the ethics of a death penalty.  My upset is why they desired this execution.  It's not the security of our nation.  It's not the democratization of Iraq.  It's not even justice.  It's hatred.  An execution for justice yields a sense of propriety and stability, not one of bliss.  It's hatred.  Hate is man's best catalyst and his worst compass.  It produces an unimaginable compulsion to act and no protection from making the act destructive.



The manner in which this execution was carried out is now being called a sectarian lynch.  I am repulsed most, however, by the reaction I have seen among our fellow Americans.  This reaction has been a result, not of empathy for a people, but of hatred for a man.  More than a dictator has been put to death.

]]> I just watched the Saddam execution video, and read a large number of comments on a certain site.



Have I really kept my head in a hole my entire life?  The sentiments I read expressed were absolutely horrifying.  I have never seen or heard such pure hatred and disgust.  Like the executioners, many took real delight in the video, lamenting only that the video was of poor quality.  Some said they wished the rope had been shorter so he would have suffocated instead of having his neck broken.  Some said he should have been burned.  He should have been buried alive.  He should have been dipped in a boiling vat of oil.  He should have been tortured for days by having his finger nails pulled out and spikes driven into him.



Reading it gave me shivers.  Is this what people have in their hearts?  Something they keep buried until they take advantage of the anonymity of the internet?  And it isn't all directed at Saddam.  It also burns between posters.  One hates all Iraqis, proclaiming their stupidity and the superiority of America.  Another hates Bush, saying he and Blair should be strung up next to Saddam.  Another spouts off the number of Americans killed in 9/11.  Another retorts with the number of Americans killed in the Iraq war.  There is no civility.  There is no understanding.



Americans enjoy a fantastic amount of freedom, including the right to believe whatever they choose.  This right is precious to all of us.  Somehow, I thought that we as individuals were more mature than this.  Are we really so far away?  Do we still assign value to a person based on their national heritage?  Their skin color?  Their net worth?  What about their crimes?  Does a person carry less intrinsic value once they have stolen a pack of gum?  What about a car?  And if they've murdered?  At what point does the killing of anyone for any reason become an occasion worth celebrating?  I support justice, and I support the safety of the Iraqi people.  I believe Saddam was a terrible man, by whom many great injustices were inflicted upon his people.  Should he have been executed?  Perhaps.  Should he have been executed while being mocked by the Iraqis assigned to the task, wearing ski masks and praising their prophet for the chance to kill him?  Absolutely not.  Should we find elation in a video of a man being humiliated and executed.  Absolutely not.



In a war such as we now find ourselves, there is no doubt in my mind that people have strong emotions tied to the various schools of thought.  I know many people hate the war.  I know that passion can burn much hotter than reason.  I naively thought that people would choose to be objective.  I honestly did not know how much misunderstanding and evil is within people.



My major upset is not that people desired the death of Saddam.  Many feel that death was the only form of justice befitting a mass murderer, and I am in no position to debate the ethics of a death penalty.  My upset is why they desired this execution.  It's not the security of our nation.  It's not the democratization of Iraq.  It's not even justice.  It's hatred.  An execution for justice yields a sense of propriety and stability, not one of bliss.  It's hatred.  Hate is man's best catalyst and his worst compass.  It produces an unimaginable compulsion to act and no protection from making the act destructive.



The manner in which this execution was carried out is now being called a sectarian lynch.  I am repulsed most, however, by the reaction I have seen among our fellow Americans.  This reaction has been a result, not of empathy for a people, but of hatred for a man.  More than a dictator has been put to death.

]]> Humph http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/30585 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/30585 Tue, 12 Dec 2006 14:13:53 -0600 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/30585 Not blogging.  Can't make me.



Wrote something ridiculously useless the other day. If you're bored out of your mind and/or a total geek like me (the science kind, not the computer kind), you might enjoy reading it.



http://www.epinions.com/content_4914782340


It's supposed to be more of an introduction to the topic than anything, and was intended to be accessible even to people without tehnical degrees.  The first half is the good stuff.  I was asked to include the math, so it's all at the end.  Feel free to skip.  :)

]]> Not blogging.  Can't make me.



Wrote something ridiculously useless the other day. If you're bored out of your mind and/or a total geek like me (the science kind, not the computer kind), you might enjoy reading it.



http://www.epinions.com/content_4914782340


It's supposed to be more of an introduction to the topic than anything, and was intended to be accessible even to people without tehnical degrees.  The first half is the good stuff.  I was asked to include the math, so it's all at the end.  Feel free to skip.  :)

]]> terrible horrible no good very bad MONday http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/30336 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/30336 Mon, 27 Nov 2006 20:47:58 -0600 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/30336
Now Liz is getting sick... sounds like she's losing her voice, too.  Every cloud, right?

Liz and I downloaded a free trial of World of Warcraft.  We both like it so far, but I doubt we'll actually pay for it.  I suppose if we still like it after the 10-day trial, we could always trade it for Blockbuster Online.  We'll just have to decide what's most entertaining, as either would come from the entertainment budget, and we can only do one.

Sarah and Nell got Daniel an awesome toy cellphone.  He's SO cute with it.  It's a flip-phone style.  He'll pick it up, open it, press some buttons, put it to his ear, and say a variety of things, usually starting with something that sounds quite a bit like "hi."  He also likes to hand you the phone so you can chat with the caller, but you better give it back to him!
]]>
Now Liz is getting sick... sounds like she's losing her voice, too.  Every cloud, right?

Liz and I downloaded a free trial of World of Warcraft.  We both like it so far, but I doubt we'll actually pay for it.  I suppose if we still like it after the 10-day trial, we could always trade it for Blockbuster Online.  We'll just have to decide what's most entertaining, as either would come from the entertainment budget, and we can only do one.

Sarah and Nell got Daniel an awesome toy cellphone.  He's SO cute with it.  It's a flip-phone style.  He'll pick it up, open it, press some buttons, put it to his ear, and say a variety of things, usually starting with something that sounds quite a bit like "hi."  He also likes to hand you the phone so you can chat with the caller, but you better give it back to him!
]]> Question http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/30017 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/30017 Thu, 09 Nov 2006 12:25:31 -0600 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/30017 Cold, Colder, Frozen Solid http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29920 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29920 Sat, 04 Nov 2006 08:27:00 -0600 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29920 ]]> ]]> Comedy Minute http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29919 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29919 Sat, 04 Nov 2006 08:26:38 -0600 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29919 Man Two:  "If I take a step, I won't be standing here anymore."
]]> Man Two:  "If I take a step, I won't be standing here anymore."
]]> In related news, the manipulation of statistics http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29818 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29818 Mon, 30 Oct 2006 20:22:13 -0600 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29818 I was watching a documentary on the bible code the other day, and I was struck by how deceptive they were with the statistics.  The had a particular code and said that the chances of that happening by chance are 1 in 10^324.  The fact that something is unlikely to happen a certain way by chance doesn't mean it's necessarily significant.  Pretend I flipped a coin 10 times and got the following: HTTHTTHTTH.  Now, that's a neat pattern.  And what's the chance I'd get that?  Well 1 in 2^10.  That is very large, so it must be supernatural!   ????  Look, no matter what I flipped, I'd have only a 2^10 chance of flipping that.  No matter what 3 cards you draw from a deck, you have only 1 in 22,100 to draw those cards.  It's easy to look back and say that what happened was statistically improbable, but that doesn't make it special or supernatural.

Here's the point: when people tell you that what just happened was improbable and therefore important, take it with a grain of salt.  No matter what happens, it probably would have been unlikely for it to unfold exactly that way.  Things have to occur somehow, don't they?
]]> I was watching a documentary on the bible code the other day, and I was struck by how deceptive they were with the statistics.  The had a particular code and said that the chances of that happening by chance are 1 in 10^324.  The fact that something is unlikely to happen a certain way by chance doesn't mean it's necessarily significant.  Pretend I flipped a coin 10 times and got the following: HTTHTTHTTH.  Now, that's a neat pattern.  And what's the chance I'd get that?  Well 1 in 2^10.  That is very large, so it must be supernatural!   ????  Look, no matter what I flipped, I'd have only a 2^10 chance of flipping that.  No matter what 3 cards you draw from a deck, you have only 1 in 22,100 to draw those cards.  It's easy to look back and say that what happened was statistically improbable, but that doesn't make it special or supernatural.

Here's the point: when people tell you that what just happened was improbable and therefore important, take it with a grain of salt.  No matter what happens, it probably would have been unlikely for it to unfold exactly that way.  Things have to occur somehow, don't they?
]]> Webmaster Ethics and Deal or No Deal http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29790 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29790 Sun, 29 Oct 2006 19:47:40 -0600 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29790



You know what, you’re right.


I must be an idiot.


Why the **** did I put up with four years of the #3 Mechanical Engineering Institution in the country?


Why did I learn statistics and other meaningless crap when I could have just listened to your clairvoyant insights?


I don’t see why you’re wasting your time at my site if you’ve got
your finger so firmly pressed upon the pulse of success and useful
knowledge. You should be out getting rich and writing those “rich jerk”
info product spoofs.


But you don’t need me to tell you that…Right?



Anyway, I thought this rather funny and responded with a post restating my reasoning and telling him that he should be more careful about bragging about education.  He then made this guess about my own background.

In the best case scenario, you attended either a state university or
second tier specialty school (and no, there’s no way it was on par with
a UNC or a UVA)

You received a degree in a major that covers very general topics —
something like Business Administration, Management, or Communications
(although I hope not, because you do a poor job of constructing an
argument)

You may have received a decent GPA,
but if the above bullet points are true, this really isn’t that
impressive given the difficulty of both your school and your major.

After this, I found myself suddenly unable to post on his site.  I formulated a more... formal (wordy) version of my reasoning, but it wouldn't go through even when I changed my email address.  Eventually, I had Paul post it for me.  Apparently the guy just blocked my IP address.  If you can't beat 'em, block 'em??

Anyway, I think the show is interesting, so I'll share what he thought and what I think.

He states clearly that he believes that the goal of the game is to "beat the mean".  The mean, of course, it calculated by taking the average of all the values not yet revealed.  He says that if any offer is extended that beats the current mean, then you'd "be an idiot not to take it."

My thinking is this: what really matters is what will happen as a result of your choice to settle or not.  Your offer is based on the mean, right?  Then if the mean is likely to go up, then your offer is likely to go up.  Your calculation then, should not be whether the offer is above or below the mean, but whether the next offer will be higher or lower.  The premise of my thinking, of course, is not to beat the mean but to maximize how much you take home.  Why settle for any offer if you expect the next offer to be higher?  You don't have to think about what might be in your case until the end of the game.

So let's look at an application to see how these two theories work.  Let's say there are 5 values left: $10, $200, $20,000, $100,000, and $500,000.  The mean is about $124,000.  By the other guy's logic, an offer of $130,000 should be accepted, because it is above the mean.  By my logic, you should reject this deal, because you have an 80% chance of your offer going up next time (because the mean will increase).

You can decide for yourself.  Accept the deal or reject it?  Oh, and I apologize if you've never seen the show and none of this makes any sense.  What do you guys think?  Anyway... HE TRIED TO BLOCK ME FROM HIS SITE!  It's really ridiculous.  How insecure do you have to be to block someone because you can't refute their arguments?
]]>



You know what, you’re right.


I must be an idiot.


Why the **** did I put up with four years of the #3 Mechanical Engineering Institution in the country?


Why did I learn statistics and other meaningless crap when I could have just listened to your clairvoyant insights?


I don’t see why you’re wasting your time at my site if you’ve got
your finger so firmly pressed upon the pulse of success and useful
knowledge. You should be out getting rich and writing those “rich jerk”
info product spoofs.


But you don’t need me to tell you that…Right?



Anyway, I thought this rather funny and responded with a post restating my reasoning and telling him that he should be more careful about bragging about education.  He then made this guess about my own background.

In the best case scenario, you attended either a state university or
second tier specialty school (and no, there’s no way it was on par with
a UNC or a UVA)

You received a degree in a major that covers very general topics —
something like Business Administration, Management, or Communications
(although I hope not, because you do a poor job of constructing an
argument)

You may have received a decent GPA,
but if the above bullet points are true, this really isn’t that
impressive given the difficulty of both your school and your major.

After this, I found myself suddenly unable to post on his site.  I formulated a more... formal (wordy) version of my reasoning, but it wouldn't go through even when I changed my email address.  Eventually, I had Paul post it for me.  Apparently the guy just blocked my IP address.  If you can't beat 'em, block 'em??

Anyway, I think the show is interesting, so I'll share what he thought and what I think.

He states clearly that he believes that the goal of the game is to "beat the mean".  The mean, of course, it calculated by taking the average of all the values not yet revealed.  He says that if any offer is extended that beats the current mean, then you'd "be an idiot not to take it."

My thinking is this: what really matters is what will happen as a result of your choice to settle or not.  Your offer is based on the mean, right?  Then if the mean is likely to go up, then your offer is likely to go up.  Your calculation then, should not be whether the offer is above or below the mean, but whether the next offer will be higher or lower.  The premise of my thinking, of course, is not to beat the mean but to maximize how much you take home.  Why settle for any offer if you expect the next offer to be higher?  You don't have to think about what might be in your case until the end of the game.

So let's look at an application to see how these two theories work.  Let's say there are 5 values left: $10, $200, $20,000, $100,000, and $500,000.  The mean is about $124,000.  By the other guy's logic, an offer of $130,000 should be accepted, because it is above the mean.  By my logic, you should reject this deal, because you have an 80% chance of your offer going up next time (because the mean will increase).

You can decide for yourself.  Accept the deal or reject it?  Oh, and I apologize if you've never seen the show and none of this makes any sense.  What do you guys think?  Anyway... HE TRIED TO BLOCK ME FROM HIS SITE!  It's really ridiculous.  How insecure do you have to be to block someone because you can't refute their arguments?
]]> Josh Morgan, Tool Maker http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29782 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29782 Sun, 29 Oct 2006 12:40:36 -0600 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29782
Sprockets and Chain: my initial research indicated that it was going to cost about $280 for parts and another $120 for installation.  That, of course, was very high, so I kept looking.  I found that the original chain was a D.I.D O-ring chain, which I could by for about $20 less if I didn't go through an official Honda Parts Provider.  It's the same chain, but it doesn't have that OEM stamp.  The sprockets were a little different.  I wanted a smaller rear sprocket because I do so much interstate driving.  The smaller ratio will help my gas mileage a bit by dropping my engine RPM's.  This, though, meant that I couldn't get the OEM sprockets because the OEM only came in the original size.  After finding what was available, I started digging into manufacturers to find out what their sprockets were made of and how they were made.  I ended up going with JT sprockets, because they use very strong, durable steels and a CNC machine for precision cutting.  And, they're heat treated, so I was sold.  I got them below OEM prices too.

For the installation, I decided to do it myself.  Getting off the front and rear sprockets was pretty easy.  The new sprockets fit just like the old ones, and all the components were easy to reach.  The chain was harder, so I did a lot of reading before I committed to doing it.  To get the old chain off, I just used my dremel with a cut-off wheel.  Didn't take long at all.  The new chain came with a rivet-style master link, meaning that it's more secure than a clip, but harder to get on.  I also had to remove a link from the new chain because the smaller sprocket made it slightly too long.  And thus began the tool making.  I needed a way to press out an old link and a way to mushroom out the ends of the rivets on the master.  I ended up making a series of pins that I could put in a C-clamp and use to push out the old pins.  It worked great.  I ground off one end of the pin I was removing, and then used the clamp, the pins I made, and a socket (as a spacer).  It came out without a problem.  I also mounted a ball bearing in a cylindrical piece so I could spread the ends of the master link rivet's.  This didn't work as easily, because it kept trying to roll.  In the end, though, I got the ends expanded, and I have a fancy new chain and sprocket set.

Air Filter: I replaced the stock air filter with a K&N air filter.  It comes with a 1,000,000 mile warrantee, and just says to pull it out, clean it, and reinstall it every 50,000 miles or so.

Everything is back together and properly adjusted.  As far as projects go, this one seemed to be particularly successful.  And I got to make my own tools and save a LOT of money.  :) 
]]>
Sprockets and Chain: my initial research indicated that it was going to cost about $280 for parts and another $120 for installation.  That, of course, was very high, so I kept looking.  I found that the original chain was a D.I.D O-ring chain, which I could by for about $20 less if I didn't go through an official Honda Parts Provider.  It's the same chain, but it doesn't have that OEM stamp.  The sprockets were a little different.  I wanted a smaller rear sprocket because I do so much interstate driving.  The smaller ratio will help my gas mileage a bit by dropping my engine RPM's.  This, though, meant that I couldn't get the OEM sprockets because the OEM only came in the original size.  After finding what was available, I started digging into manufacturers to find out what their sprockets were made of and how they were made.  I ended up going with JT sprockets, because they use very strong, durable steels and a CNC machine for precision cutting.  And, they're heat treated, so I was sold.  I got them below OEM prices too.

For the installation, I decided to do it myself.  Getting off the front and rear sprockets was pretty easy.  The new sprockets fit just like the old ones, and all the components were easy to reach.  The chain was harder, so I did a lot of reading before I committed to doing it.  To get the old chain off, I just used my dremel with a cut-off wheel.  Didn't take long at all.  The new chain came with a rivet-style master link, meaning that it's more secure than a clip, but harder to get on.  I also had to remove a link from the new chain because the smaller sprocket made it slightly too long.  And thus began the tool making.  I needed a way to press out an old link and a way to mushroom out the ends of the rivets on the master.  I ended up making a series of pins that I could put in a C-clamp and use to push out the old pins.  It worked great.  I ground off one end of the pin I was removing, and then used the clamp, the pins I made, and a socket (as a spacer).  It came out without a problem.  I also mounted a ball bearing in a cylindrical piece so I could spread the ends of the master link rivet's.  This didn't work as easily, because it kept trying to roll.  In the end, though, I got the ends expanded, and I have a fancy new chain and sprocket set.

Air Filter: I replaced the stock air filter with a K&N air filter.  It comes with a 1,000,000 mile warrantee, and just says to pull it out, clean it, and reinstall it every 50,000 miles or so.

Everything is back together and properly adjusted.  As far as projects go, this one seemed to be particularly successful.  And I got to make my own tools and save a LOT of money.  :) 
]]> The waaaah-nderful life of the average American Teen http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29709 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29709 Wed, 25 Oct 2006 19:11:47 -0500 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29709
Geez.  Pull yourselves together.  I understand that a lot of teens find their niche in playing the forgotten loner, dark and disturbed, but that doesn't make you cool.  That doesn't even make you interesting.  Now, most teens are interesting people, but pretending to be downtrodden isn't particularly endearing.  While some teens definitely have some serious problems, the majority of them are getting all worked up about the latest break up, grounding, or believed "betrayal".  Maybe they're just so self-absored they can't see how good they really have it.  All of us have great lives compared to most of the world, and pretending or believing that your problems are so grand that no one could possibly understand is rather ridiculous.  Besides the fact that it's irritating, it also alienates you (perhaps the point) and really darkens your outlook.  I'm not saying these kids aren't unique, but the drama and hyperbole detracts from that instead of contributing.
]]>
Geez.  Pull yourselves together.  I understand that a lot of teens find their niche in playing the forgotten loner, dark and disturbed, but that doesn't make you cool.  That doesn't even make you interesting.  Now, most teens are interesting people, but pretending to be downtrodden isn't particularly endearing.  While some teens definitely have some serious problems, the majority of them are getting all worked up about the latest break up, grounding, or believed "betrayal".  Maybe they're just so self-absored they can't see how good they really have it.  All of us have great lives compared to most of the world, and pretending or believing that your problems are so grand that no one could possibly understand is rather ridiculous.  Besides the fact that it's irritating, it also alienates you (perhaps the point) and really darkens your outlook.  I'm not saying these kids aren't unique, but the drama and hyperbole detracts from that instead of contributing.
]]> All things wise and wonderful http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29691 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29691 Tue, 24 Oct 2006 17:19:17 -0500 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29691
Motorcycle update - I'm doing some much needed maintenance.  The chain is really worn, so I'll be replacing the chain and sprockets before I ride anymore.  It's too loose, and there's no more adjustment room.  I also changed the oil and filter, and ordered a K&N air filter (which can be taken out, washed, and reinstalled.... comes with a 1,000,000 mile warrantee!).  I owe her a good wash, but it's gonna have to wait.

Work - Lame-o.  I've been trying to stay busy, but it's been long and boring.  We're in between projects, and there's nothing major to do.  Odd jobs are even starting to be hard to come by.

Daniel's been sick and very fussy.  Liz, of course, bears the brunt of this, but it's still hard to come home after a long day at work and find a stressed-out wife and an angry baby.

And by the way - rocks.  Download it.
]]>
Motorcycle update - I'm doing some much needed maintenance.  The chain is really worn, so I'll be replacing the chain and sprockets before I ride anymore.  It's too loose, and there's no more adjustment room.  I also changed the oil and filter, and ordered a K&N air filter (which can be taken out, washed, and reinstalled.... comes with a 1,000,000 mile warrantee!).  I owe her a good wash, but it's gonna have to wait.

Work - Lame-o.  I've been trying to stay busy, but it's been long and boring.  We're in between projects, and there's nothing major to do.  Odd jobs are even starting to be hard to come by.

Daniel's been sick and very fussy.  Liz, of course, bears the brunt of this, but it's still hard to come home after a long day at work and find a stressed-out wife and an angry baby.

And by the way - rocks.  Download it.
]]> Cling and Clatter http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29531 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29531 Mon, 16 Oct 2006 21:57:59 -0500 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29531 ]]> ]]> Rare Posts these days http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29528 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29528 Mon, 16 Oct 2006 21:42:07 -0500 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29528
Motorcycle Riding - I've been taking the bike to work nearly every day.  In the last two weeks, I haven't missed a day.  Last Friday, it was about 25F.  It wouldn't be too bad for a short period, but an hour at 70mph is chilly.  I have the following, however, to keep me warm:
Thermal Pants
Thermal Shirt
Hooded Sweatshirt
Riding Jacket with Quilted Liner
Waterproof Riding Pants
Wool Socks
Waterproof Winter Boots
Neck Gator
Ski Mask
Ski Gloves
Cotton Glove Liners
Balaclava

I haven't yet reached the point that is "too cold to ride."  Even at an hour, I think I can do down into the the teens at least.  At 25F, I didn't have the balaclava yet and the only thing that was cold was my mouth.  That shouldn't be a problem now.  So why do I ride so cold?  It takes nearly 30 minutes to get suited up, secured, and on the road, but I save over $12 every DAY that I ride.  It's definitely worth it.  And though early cold rides aren't the most fun, it's still better than an hour in the cage (Sentra), and the ride home along Highway 70N is relaxing, beautiful, and generally superior to I-40.  I'm average about 55mpg, which would be higher if I could avoid the interstate altogether.

Today it rained.  It was in the upper 40's when I left the house so I had all of my cold weather stuff except the sweatshirt, thermals, and ski mask.  I was nice and warm.  On the way home, it started sprinkling as I was getting on the bike.  It was still in the 40's all the way home, and it rained or sprinkled most of the way.  I took my time because of the decreased traction, which basically put me riding in cold rain for about 2hrs.  Amazingly, I wasn't too cold at the end.  My hands started to get chilly once the water started to seep up the crack between the jacket and gloves, and my waste started to get a little wet, but I wasn't miserable.  Unfortunately, I was a little tired, as it took a lot of concentration to drive on those rodes safely, and I had to content with a mask that wanted to fog.  Tomorrow there's a 70% chance of rain, so I think I'll set this day out.  I considered it and still may if the weather looks different tomorrow morning, but I think I'd rather just take a day.  Overall, the whole motorcycle thing seems to be working out well.  I've made back several hundred dollars already.

Daniel is so amazing.  That little boy is growing up so fast.  Today, I heard him make a new sound (something like "choo") and I saw him open and close his Noah's ark toy, which is impressive considering that the mechanism is the springy button that I didn't think he could work.  He's getting around really well, and he has also grown socially, too.  Apparently he hugged a sad friend the other day just to cheer him up.  it so amazing watching him.  He's soooo talkative right now.  Most of what he says sounds like words, they're just not words I know.  He knows what he means, and much is starting to sound like English ( bob=book, caa=cat, cuh=cup, mih=milk, mama=mommy, dada=daddy, nana=Nana ), and some other sounds that make sense in context.  My favorite of all, though, is when he grabs a book.  I'll ask him if he wants me to read it to him, and he'll walk over, hand it to me, sit in my lap, and open the book.  Of course, we only get through a page or two before he's bored again, but it's still awesome.     
]]>
Motorcycle Riding - I've been taking the bike to work nearly every day.  In the last two weeks, I haven't missed a day.  Last Friday, it was about 25F.  It wouldn't be too bad for a short period, but an hour at 70mph is chilly.  I have the following, however, to keep me warm:
Thermal Pants
Thermal Shirt
Hooded Sweatshirt
Riding Jacket with Quilted Liner
Waterproof Riding Pants
Wool Socks
Waterproof Winter Boots
Neck Gator
Ski Mask
Ski Gloves
Cotton Glove Liners
Balaclava

I haven't yet reached the point that is "too cold to ride."  Even at an hour, I think I can do down into the the teens at least.  At 25F, I didn't have the balaclava yet and the only thing that was cold was my mouth.  That shouldn't be a problem now.  So why do I ride so cold?  It takes nearly 30 minutes to get suited up, secured, and on the road, but I save over $12 every DAY that I ride.  It's definitely worth it.  And though early cold rides aren't the most fun, it's still better than an hour in the cage (Sentra), and the ride home along Highway 70N is relaxing, beautiful, and generally superior to I-40.  I'm average about 55mpg, which would be higher if I could avoid the interstate altogether.

Today it rained.  It was in the upper 40's when I left the house so I had all of my cold weather stuff except the sweatshirt, thermals, and ski mask.  I was nice and warm.  On the way home, it started sprinkling as I was getting on the bike.  It was still in the 40's all the way home, and it rained or sprinkled most of the way.  I took my time because of the decreased traction, which basically put me riding in cold rain for about 2hrs.  Amazingly, I wasn't too cold at the end.  My hands started to get chilly once the water started to seep up the crack between the jacket and gloves, and my waste started to get a little wet, but I wasn't miserable.  Unfortunately, I was a little tired, as it took a lot of concentration to drive on those rodes safely, and I had to content with a mask that wanted to fog.  Tomorrow there's a 70% chance of rain, so I think I'll set this day out.  I considered it and still may if the weather looks different tomorrow morning, but I think I'd rather just take a day.  Overall, the whole motorcycle thing seems to be working out well.  I've made back several hundred dollars already.

Daniel is so amazing.  That little boy is growing up so fast.  Today, I heard him make a new sound (something like "choo") and I saw him open and close his Noah's ark toy, which is impressive considering that the mechanism is the springy button that I didn't think he could work.  He's getting around really well, and he has also grown socially, too.  Apparently he hugged a sad friend the other day just to cheer him up.  it so amazing watching him.  He's soooo talkative right now.  Most of what he says sounds like words, they're just not words I know.  He knows what he means, and much is starting to sound like English ( bob=book, caa=cat, cuh=cup, mih=milk, mama=mommy, dada=daddy, nana=Nana ), and some other sounds that make sense in context.  My favorite of all, though, is when he grabs a book.  I'll ask him if he wants me to read it to him, and he'll walk over, hand it to me, sit in my lap, and open the book.  Of course, we only get through a page or two before he's bored again, but it's still awesome.     
]]> Wishlist Confusion http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29287 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29287 Thu, 05 Oct 2006 20:45:48 -0500 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29287
My name is listed as Josh Morgan, city as Cookeville
]]>
My name is listed as Josh Morgan, city as Cookeville
]]> Wishlist http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29259 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29259 Wed, 04 Oct 2006 13:54:12 -0500 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29259
So I started an online so family members will always know what I want for B-days, holidays, etc.  I have some motorcycle accessories I want to add, but it's started at least.  Some of the stuff is pretty expensive, in the "none of us know what to get him so let's go in together and get this" category.  But there's cheap stuff, too.  So, family.... now you have no excuse.  No sweaters with reindeer and candy canes.  :)

Find mine and search for other wishlists !
]]>
So I started an online so family members will always know what I want for B-days, holidays, etc.  I have some motorcycle accessories I want to add, but it's started at least.  Some of the stuff is pretty expensive, in the "none of us know what to get him so let's go in together and get this" category.  But there's cheap stuff, too.  So, family.... now you have no excuse.  No sweaters with reindeer and candy canes.  :)

Find mine and search for other wishlists !
]]> Cruisin http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29102 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29102 Wed, 27 Sep 2006 18:41:32 -0500 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/29102

In related news, 45F at 70mph is really cold.  Any lower, and I'm gonna have to get something like   I've pulled out the wool socks, but have managed to do without them.


At 45F, I can get by with winter gloves, a neck warmer, my jacket with liner, jeans, riding pants, more jeans, and normal socks.  As the temp drops, I'll add other stuff to keep my head warm, add thermal pants and shirt, add wool socks, and add a thin pair of gloves to wear inside my winter gloves.  I'm not sure yet how low I can go, but I think I'll be able to do about 30F.  I can probably do lower if I can find a way to keep the wind off my hands.


Work is bearable.  I haven't gotten to do anything particularly cool lately.  I've spend some time chasing down parts and tweaking some databases, but it's going to be a couple weeks before anything big happens.  For now, I just twiddle away, looking forward to a great ride home and an evening with the family.  Liz is at school a lot of the time now, so I don't get to talk to her as much as I'm used to.  Earlier, I'd call her during breaks and/or lunch throughout the day.  Now, I'm lucky if I get to speak to her once.  It's lame.


Oh!  I made myself some heat shields for the bike.  I was melting my pants, and the only reasonably priced shields were on "indefinite backorder" so I made some.  Liz helped, too, by doing most of the rivetting. 





I'm off.  I need to return a movie, fuel up the bike (I do that every day, put in a whole 2 gallons-ish) and make a walmart run.
]]>

In related news, 45F at 70mph is really cold.  Any lower, and I'm gonna have to get something like   I've pulled out the wool socks, but have managed to do without them.


At 45F, I can get by with winter gloves, a neck warmer, my jacket with liner, jeans, riding pants, more jeans, and normal socks.  As the temp drops, I'll add other stuff to keep my head warm, add thermal pants and shirt, add wool socks, and add a thin pair of gloves to wear inside my winter gloves.  I'm not sure yet how low I can go, but I think I'll be able to do about 30F.  I can probably do lower if I can find a way to keep the wind off my hands.


Work is bearable.  I haven't gotten to do anything particularly cool lately.  I've spend some time chasing down parts and tweaking some databases, but it's going to be a couple weeks before anything big happens.  For now, I just twiddle away, looking forward to a great ride home and an evening with the family.  Liz is at school a lot of the time now, so I don't get to talk to her as much as I'm used to.  Earlier, I'd call her during breaks and/or lunch throughout the day.  Now, I'm lucky if I get to speak to her once.  It's lame.


Oh!  I made myself some heat shields for the bike.  I was melting my pants, and the only reasonably priced shields were on "indefinite backorder" so I made some.  Liz helped, too, by doing most of the rivetting. 





I'm off.  I need to return a movie, fuel up the bike (I do that every day, put in a whole 2 gallons-ish) and make a walmart run.
]]> Too long http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28883 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28883 Tue, 19 Sep 2006 05:23:17 -0500 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28883
Daniel got all of his one-year vaccinations last week.  Then, he woke up that night breathing strangely.  Everything was alright (we later found out), but a late night ride to the emergency room with my baby in the back and me at the wheel is enough to stress anyone out.  He spent the next several days kinda fussy, as the vaccinations kinda through him for a loop.

I've been practicing on the motorcycle since my parents brought it up.  I've taken it for a ride every day (except yesterday because of rain) and will be taking it to work today.  I have all the safety gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, pants, and boots), and feel very competent and comfortable when riding.  Oh... and last time I filled up, I had gotten 70mpg.

In related news...
#18 of reasons that Cookeville is great:
Gas Price: $2.14/gal
]]>
Daniel got all of his one-year vaccinations last week.  Then, he woke up that night breathing strangely.  Everything was alright (we later found out), but a late night ride to the emergency room with my baby in the back and me at the wheel is enough to stress anyone out.  He spent the next several days kinda fussy, as the vaccinations kinda through him for a loop.

I've been practicing on the motorcycle since my parents brought it up.  I've taken it for a ride every day (except yesterday because of rain) and will be taking it to work today.  I have all the safety gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, pants, and boots), and feel very competent and comfortable when riding.  Oh... and last time I filled up, I had gotten 70mpg.

In related news...
#18 of reasons that Cookeville is great:
Gas Price: $2.14/gal
]]> Speech Recognition http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28597 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28597 Thu, 07 Sep 2006 17:57:05 -0500 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28597

All in all I thought of it works very well I thought it
worked very well graininess crazy reading it really it’s it’ll work in all U.S.
invaded one was the lead in the eighteen one wanted the lead in the 18116
billion 18116 billion billion yen and the Indian and the lead in the day I
think the night new ally in tonight’s income tax on the council and dollars in
dues begin it looks like news union will be adding a little in the new nine
outlays might think about the lake and $1.00 and used might be delayed and
$1.00 in music alive when the when of whom were lined the war lined the war in
Lebanon war in Lebanon in Lebanon in Lebanon union and the only union and the
old union the old union was named to the AIDS activated to the eighth eight to
use the boys in the

]]>

All in all I thought of it works very well I thought it
worked very well graininess crazy reading it really it’s it’ll work in all U.S.
invaded one was the lead in the eighteen one wanted the lead in the 18116
billion 18116 billion billion yen and the Indian and the lead in the day I
think the night new ally in tonight’s income tax on the council and dollars in
dues begin it looks like news union will be adding a little in the new nine
outlays might think about the lake and $1.00 and used might be delayed and
$1.00 in music alive when the when of whom were lined the war lined the war in
Lebanon war in Lebanon in Lebanon in Lebanon union and the only union and the
old union the old union was named to the AIDS activated to the eighth eight to
use the boys in the

]]> 10 vs 12 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28579 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28579 Wed, 06 Sep 2006 20:15:00 -0500 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28579
Sure, it's easy to multiply by 10, but very little of measurement is multiplication.  Think about this instead.
10 / 2 = 5  and  12 / 2 = 6
Nothing fascinating yet, right?  But what about this.
10 / 3 = 3.3333 and 12 / 3 = 4
10 / 4 = 2.5 and 12 / 4 = 3
10 / 5 = 2 and 12 / 5 = 2.4
10 / 6 = 1.6667 and 12 / 6 = 2

Generally speaking, it is a lot easier to break up 12 than 10.  12 is one of few numbers that can be divided by every number up to its square root (that is, 12 is evenly divisible by 1, 2, 3, and 4).  Please don't ask why I ever figured that out.  60 is almost as good.  Convenient division, eh?  So next time you grumble about multiplying 14*12, think of how much easier it is to break 4 feet into 3 pieces (16 inches each) than to break 4 meters into 3 pieces (133.333 cm each).
]]>
Sure, it's easy to multiply by 10, but very little of measurement is multiplication.  Think about this instead.
10 / 2 = 5  and  12 / 2 = 6
Nothing fascinating yet, right?  But what about this.
10 / 3 = 3.3333 and 12 / 3 = 4
10 / 4 = 2.5 and 12 / 4 = 3
10 / 5 = 2 and 12 / 5 = 2.4
10 / 6 = 1.6667 and 12 / 6 = 2

Generally speaking, it is a lot easier to break up 12 than 10.  12 is one of few numbers that can be divided by every number up to its square root (that is, 12 is evenly divisible by 1, 2, 3, and 4).  Please don't ask why I ever figured that out.  60 is almost as good.  Convenient division, eh?  So next time you grumble about multiplying 14*12, think of how much easier it is to break 4 feet into 3 pieces (16 inches each) than to break 4 meters into 3 pieces (133.333 cm each).
]]> Great Weekend http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28560 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28560 Tue, 05 Sep 2006 20:07:42 -0500 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28560
First and foremost, Daniel had his one year birthday party!  I tried to add pictures, but it only added to last two I attempted (both motorcycle).  Go check out Liz's blog for pics of our precious baby.  He had a great birthday.  His grandmama got him an awesome soccer cake, and Daniel had much fun with it.  As his previous experience with sugar was two bites of icecream and two bites of pound cake, a bowl of icecream and a full piece of cake was quite the adventure.  He was starting to get tired towards the end of it, but he seemed to have a lot of fun anyway.  Liz helped Daniel open presents, and much entertainment was had by all.

Second, I bought a motorcycle!  I've been shopping for a while, and finally found a great bike in my price range.  I bought a 1995 Honda Shadow VT600C VLX.  Mechanically, it's in great shape.  It runs smoothly and sounds great (not too loud, but there's no question that you're listening to a motorcycle).  I'll be replacing the spark plugs, but no major mechanical issues.  Cosmetically, it's in excellent shape.  There are some minor tears on the rear seat, but the paint and chrome looks great.  The paint is factory, but it's unlike any of us have seen on a factory bike.  It's really hard to appreciate it from the current pictures, so I'll try to get some better pics of the finish and post them.  I have my gear picked out, and I'll be trying it on this weekend.  I just got the insurance (a whopping $75/year!), I'll be getting my license tomorrow (just need the endorsement, no testing because of safety course), and Liz will be getting the registration this week.  Hopefully I'll be taking it for my first ride with it Friday night.

In related news, one of Daniel's new toys is a big car that we can push.  He LOVES it.  We took him for a walk in it and he sat up straight and held the steering wheel (except for clapping with enjoyment) the whole time.  We'll probably reserve it for evening walks, so he won't get as much direct sun.  The stroller has shade, but it's nearly as cool as his car.  He even has a trunk, which we filled with everything a little guy needs for a rode trip: a change of clothes, his owner's manual, his toy hammer, a bag of M&Ms, and a Dr. Pepper.  Ah, the easy life.
]]>
First and foremost, Daniel had his one year birthday party!  I tried to add pictures, but it only added to last two I attempted (both motorcycle).  Go check out Liz's blog for pics of our precious baby.  He had a great birthday.  His grandmama got him an awesome soccer cake, and Daniel had much fun with it.  As his previous experience with sugar was two bites of icecream and two bites of pound cake, a bowl of icecream and a full piece of cake was quite the adventure.  He was starting to get tired towards the end of it, but he seemed to have a lot of fun anyway.  Liz helped Daniel open presents, and much entertainment was had by all.

Second, I bought a motorcycle!  I've been shopping for a while, and finally found a great bike in my price range.  I bought a 1995 Honda Shadow VT600C VLX.  Mechanically, it's in great shape.  It runs smoothly and sounds great (not too loud, but there's no question that you're listening to a motorcycle).  I'll be replacing the spark plugs, but no major mechanical issues.  Cosmetically, it's in excellent shape.  There are some minor tears on the rear seat, but the paint and chrome looks great.  The paint is factory, but it's unlike any of us have seen on a factory bike.  It's really hard to appreciate it from the current pictures, so I'll try to get some better pics of the finish and post them.  I have my gear picked out, and I'll be trying it on this weekend.  I just got the insurance (a whopping $75/year!), I'll be getting my license tomorrow (just need the endorsement, no testing because of safety course), and Liz will be getting the registration this week.  Hopefully I'll be taking it for my first ride with it Friday night.

In related news, one of Daniel's new toys is a big car that we can push.  He LOVES it.  We took him for a walk in it and he sat up straight and held the steering wheel (except for clapping with enjoyment) the whole time.  We'll probably reserve it for evening walks, so he won't get as much direct sun.  The stroller has shade, but it's nearly as cool as his car.  He even has a trunk, which we filled with everything a little guy needs for a rode trip: a change of clothes, his owner's manual, his toy hammer, a bag of M&Ms, and a Dr. Pepper.  Ah, the easy life.
]]> Gas Mileage... ups and downs http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28522 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28522 Mon, 04 Sep 2006 15:37:57 -0500 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28522
In unrelated news, my car has been getting great gas mileage lately.  It's kind of inconsistent, but I seem to be up 10%-15% on average.

And to avoid the confusion, I'm joking.
]]>
In unrelated news, my car has been getting great gas mileage lately.  It's kind of inconsistent, but I seem to be up 10%-15% on average.

And to avoid the confusion, I'm joking.
]]> Red Letter Day? http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28183 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28183 Wed, 23 Aug 2006 21:01:56 -0500 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28183
First, I saw a man running up a hill with a weed eater, attempting to kill a small rabbit.  Luckily, slow often accompanies stupid.

Second, we have reached the end of the appearing, disappearing, reappearing files.  The file server decided that all the data wasn't there, but then it changed its mind and now its all back again.  Lucky, since it takes a LONG time to upload everything.

In other news, the carpet was worked on again.  The seam is still visible from certain angles, but it ought to wear down as we walk on it.

My car can go into fifth gear if I follow the following procedure: attain a speed of 65mph +/- 3mph and maintain this speed until I reach the top of a slight hill, fully depress the clutch, shift to neutral, release the clutch, wait for 3 seconds, fully depress clutch, shift to 5th gear, slowly SLOWLY slowly release clutch slowing additionally through friction zone.  With all this done just right, I can keep the transmission from grinding or making any noise or taps at all.  I just have to do it... carefully.

People are dumb about motorcycles.  For example, I'm tired of being told all I need is a helmet to be safe on a motorcycle.  Besides serious concentration and reponsible driving, safety gear should protect all of your body, not just your head.  Almost everyone I've talked to after the safety class has been recommending that I buy a sports bike and that I skimp on the safety gear.  If and when I do get a motorcycle, it will be  a bike I can learn on easily, and I'm not going to buy a bike until I can afford the protective gear with it.  When I mentioned it'd probaby cost at least $500 for the gear, the room erupted with jeers and comments about how a helmet and jeans are fine.  And one more thing... don't be the one guy in the room talking about how dangerous motorcycles are if you also like to share your stories about going 110mph and passing people airborne on hills.
]]>
First, I saw a man running up a hill with a weed eater, attempting to kill a small rabbit.  Luckily, slow often accompanies stupid.

Second, we have reached the end of the appearing, disappearing, reappearing files.  The file server decided that all the data wasn't there, but then it changed its mind and now its all back again.  Lucky, since it takes a LONG time to upload everything.

In other news, the carpet was worked on again.  The seam is still visible from certain angles, but it ought to wear down as we walk on it.

My car can go into fifth gear if I follow the following procedure: attain a speed of 65mph +/- 3mph and maintain this speed until I reach the top of a slight hill, fully depress the clutch, shift to neutral, release the clutch, wait for 3 seconds, fully depress clutch, shift to 5th gear, slowly SLOWLY slowly release clutch slowing additionally through friction zone.  With all this done just right, I can keep the transmission from grinding or making any noise or taps at all.  I just have to do it... carefully.

People are dumb about motorcycles.  For example, I'm tired of being told all I need is a helmet to be safe on a motorcycle.  Besides serious concentration and reponsible driving, safety gear should protect all of your body, not just your head.  Almost everyone I've talked to after the safety class has been recommending that I buy a sports bike and that I skimp on the safety gear.  If and when I do get a motorcycle, it will be  a bike I can learn on easily, and I'm not going to buy a bike until I can afford the protective gear with it.  When I mentioned it'd probaby cost at least $500 for the gear, the room erupted with jeers and comments about how a helmet and jeans are fine.  And one more thing... don't be the one guy in the room talking about how dangerous motorcycles are if you also like to share your stories about going 110mph and passing people airborne on hills.
]]> Popped Collar http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28088 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28088 Sun, 20 Aug 2006 17:26:36 -0500 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28088

To alleviate some fears, I only approve of popped collars on children under 3yrs.  Sorry, Chris J.
]]>

To alleviate some fears, I only approve of popped collars on children under 3yrs.  Sorry, Chris J.
]]> Long and Slow http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28055 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28055 Sat, 19 Aug 2006 16:04:23 -0500 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/28055
The problem with working with someone that adopts the "I look disorganized and I have a lot of piles, but I always know whever everything is" is two-fold.  The first part is that they're lying.  They don't know where everything is.  They might know which pile it's in, but more likely they know it's "over here somewhere."  The second part is that they aren't always around.  Take, for example, a coworker that you work with for a couple months.  Then, they leave and you realize how shoddy the records are and disorganized the files are.  Let's say, for example, that you have many baskets, each with a particular kind of fruit in it.  Say that you can't open the baskets, but folder for each basket that outlines all of the basket's details including which kind of fruit is in it.  Now, if only one type of fruit can be in each basket, wouldn't you be surprised to find two types of fruit listed in the same basket's folder?  I got to spend time trying to figure out what was misplaced, where it ought to go, what was just mislabeled, what was correct, and why these records weren't in the summary chart.  Alas, it took the better part of a today to fix 20 folders.  The next day was spent making a new system that would avoid this problem in the future. 
Anyway... it was kinda lame, and I didn't get done was I was hoping to.  Hopefully next week will go better.  In the meantime, I'll just enjoy spending time with the wife and baby.
]]>
The problem with working with someone that adopts the "I look disorganized and I have a lot of piles, but I always know whever everything is" is two-fold.  The first part is that they're lying.  They don't know where everything is.  They might know which pile it's in, but more likely they know it's "over here somewhere."  The second part is that they aren't always around.  Take, for example, a coworker that you work with for a couple months.  Then, they leave and you realize how shoddy the records are and disorganized the files are.  Let's say, for example, that you have many baskets, each with a particular kind of fruit in it.  Say that you can't open the baskets, but folder for each basket that outlines all of the basket's details including which kind of fruit is in it.  Now, if only one type of fruit can be in each basket, wouldn't you be surprised to find two types of fruit listed in the same basket's folder?  I got to spend time trying to figure out what was misplaced, where it ought to go, what was just mislabeled, what was correct, and why these records weren't in the summary chart.  Alas, it took the better part of a today to fix 20 folders.  The next day was spent making a new system that would avoid this problem in the future. 
Anyway... it was kinda lame, and I didn't get done was I was hoping to.  Hopefully next week will go better.  In the meantime, I'll just enjoy spending time with the wife and baby.
]]> Ironical http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/27884 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/27884 Sun, 13 Aug 2006 10:45:37 -0500 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/27884
To answer the driving time question, I made the trip in 41:20 at 75mph.  That's right.  Going 5mph over the speed limit saved me 1 minute, 20 seconds.  That's an average of 69.8mph (compared to 67.5, a 2.3mph increase).  Hmmh... anyone surprised that attempting to go 5mph faster doesn't actually raise your average speed 5mph?
]]>
To answer the driving time question, I made the trip in 41:20 at 75mph.  That's right.  Going 5mph over the speed limit saved me 1 minute, 20 seconds.  That's an average of 69.8mph (compared to 67.5, a 2.3mph increase).  Hmmh... anyone surprised that attempting to go 5mph faster doesn't actually raise your average speed 5mph?
]]> Live and Learn and .... http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/27870 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/27870 Sat, 12 Aug 2006 20:12:29 -0500 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/27870
The car is giving me trouble again.  Less than two years ago, the 5th gear stopped connecting.  I had to have the transmission rebuilt, and it's doing it again.  I wanted to have someone check it out this weekend, but everyone's closed.  I can drive in 4th for a while (3rd is rated for 85mph), but it's still irritating.  The lower gear will burn more gas, for starters, which already costs me $10-$15 a day.  A DAY!  I guess we'll see what happens.  I'll just drive her until I can get someone to take a look at it, I guess.  I'm tired of spending lots of money.  No matter how much we cut back, things just come up.  I know this isn't unusual and I should get used to it, but it's hard to accept that what seems like enough money never really will be.  Alas.


]]>
The car is giving me trouble again.  Less than two years ago, the 5th gear stopped connecting.  I had to have the transmission rebuilt, and it's doing it again.  I wanted to have someone check it out this weekend, but everyone's closed.  I can drive in 4th for a while (3rd is rated for 85mph), but it's still irritating.  The lower gear will burn more gas, for starters, which already costs me $10-$15 a day.  A DAY!  I guess we'll see what happens.  I'll just drive her until I can get someone to take a look at it, I guess.  I'm tired of spending lots of money.  No matter how much we cut back, things just come up.  I know this isn't unusual and I should get used to it, but it's hard to accept that what seems like enough money never really will be.  Alas.


]]> Stick http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/27764 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/27764 Wed, 09 Aug 2006 20:17:35 -0500 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/27764



Now I want one.  I'll add it to the "when I have extra money" list, which incidentally doubles as the "drooled on, but can never buy" list.  It'll fit nicely between ipod and motorcycle, somewhat below new graphics card but above laptop cooling pad.  We've been looking at what it will cost to have Daniel in daycare this semester.  Take my paycheck, subtract taxes, Daniel's daycare, and gas money to get to work, and divide it by the number of hours I work plus 2 hours of travel each day, and my hourly pay is literally cut in half.  When does work become profitable?  Tack onto all that other expenses incurred by working (more expensive lunches occasionally, more car repair/upkeep), and I have to pay TTU do stay enrolled!  Alas, I thought that "easy go" was always preceded by "easy come."  Apparently, no matter how difficultly earned, "easy go" still applies.  Oh well, perhaps I can sell a lung.  Engineers don't need two.

My ride home today was slowed by torrential rain, so I've discontinued my experiment.  Many people I know like to drive very fast.  Personally, I've taken to driving exactly the speed limit.  Cops don't worry me, the car handles better and burns less gas, and I can pay more attention to the cars around me and less on cars I'm barrelling towards.  It's rather relaxing.  Back to my experiment, though, we'll make this a pop quiz.  I decided to drive home from work at exactly 70 mph (and 60mph in the construction zone) and time myself.  The next day, I drove at exactly 75mpg (and 65mph in the construction zone).  Now, intended speed is not actual speed, since some people get in front of you and slow you down, and there is the time required to accelerate to and decelerate from higher speeds.  In theory, the faster you're trying to go, the more people will be in your way and the more time you'll spend on less than intended speed.  My drive to work is 48 miles.  How much time did I save?  I'll help you out a little.  It took me 42:40 to make it home at 70mph (avg of 67.5mph).  How much time did I save by going 75?  Take a guess, and we'll see who's closest.  Both days had relatively light traffic with no uncommon delays.  Now that my experiment is done, I'll go back to 70.  I know some of you will consider this "lame", and that's fine.  Just don't tailgate me.  :)

Work is busy.  Chuck is gone, so I've picked up both our work.  I've been chasing down suppliers and making sure parts are on their way, making the test stand run, building databases, measuring parts, taking inventories... and all of that has been happening this week.  I like to stay busy at work, but I kinda miss finishing a project.  Most of what I'm working on is a "continuous project."  Basically this means that my list gets longer, but I don't get to check anything off of it.  More later, I guess.  This is getting lengthy.


]]>



Now I want one.  I'll add it to the "when I have extra money" list, which incidentally doubles as the "drooled on, but can never buy" list.  It'll fit nicely between ipod and motorcycle, somewhat below new graphics card but above laptop cooling pad.  We've been looking at what it will cost to have Daniel in daycare this semester.  Take my paycheck, subtract taxes, Daniel's daycare, and gas money to get to work, and divide it by the number of hours I work plus 2 hours of travel each day, and my hourly pay is literally cut in half.  When does work become profitable?  Tack onto all that other expenses incurred by working (more expensive lunches occasionally, more car repair/upkeep), and I have to pay TTU do stay enrolled!  Alas, I thought that "easy go" was always preceded by "easy come."  Apparently, no matter how difficultly earned, "easy go" still applies.  Oh well, perhaps I can sell a lung.  Engineers don't need two.

My ride home today was slowed by torrential rain, so I've discontinued my experiment.  Many people I know like to drive very fast.  Personally, I've taken to driving exactly the speed limit.  Cops don't worry me, the car handles better and burns less gas, and I can pay more attention to the cars around me and less on cars I'm barrelling towards.  It's rather relaxing.  Back to my experiment, though, we'll make this a pop quiz.  I decided to drive home from work at exactly 70 mph (and 60mph in the construction zone) and time myself.  The next day, I drove at exactly 75mpg (and 65mph in the construction zone).  Now, intended speed is not actual speed, since some people get in front of you and slow you down, and there is the time required to accelerate to and decelerate from higher speeds.  In theory, the faster you're trying to go, the more people will be in your way and the more time you'll spend on less than intended speed.  My drive to work is 48 miles.  How much time did I save?  I'll help you out a little.  It took me 42:40 to make it home at 70mph (avg of 67.5mph).  How much time did I save by going 75?  Take a guess, and we'll see who's closest.  Both days had relatively light traffic with no uncommon delays.  Now that my experiment is done, I'll go back to 70.  I know some of you will consider this "lame", and that's fine.  Just don't tailgate me.  :)

Work is busy.  Chuck is gone, so I've picked up both our work.  I've been chasing down suppliers and making sure parts are on their way, making the test stand run, building databases, measuring parts, taking inventories... and all of that has been happening this week.  I like to stay busy at work, but I kinda miss finishing a project.  Most of what I'm working on is a "continuous project."  Basically this means that my list gets longer, but I don't get to check anything off of it.  More later, I guess.  This is getting lengthy.


]]> Calling all Song Writers http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/27682 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/27682 Sun, 06 Aug 2006 15:30:09 -0500 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/27682
When I think about rain, I think about singing.
When I think about singing, it's a heavenly tune.
When I think about heaven, I think about angels.
When I think about angels, I think about you.

Being obnoxious (me and the song), I can't help but think there are better ways to go from "rain" to "you" that still fit the structure.  I made up one or two, and I wanted to see what the rest of you can come up with.  So post your lyrics.  Here are mine.

When I think about rain,  I think about bathing.
When I think about bathing, I thinking of showering, too.
When I think about showers, I think about stinking.
When I think about stinking, I think about you.

When I think about rain, I think about falling.
When I think about falling, I think of imminent doom.
When I think about Doom, I think of first person shooters.
When I think about killing, I think about you.

More?
]]>
When I think about rain, I think about singing.
When I think about singing, it's a heavenly tune.
When I think about heaven, I think about angels.
When I think about angels, I think about you.

Being obnoxious (me and the song), I can't help but think there are better ways to go from "rain" to "you" that still fit the structure.  I made up one or two, and I wanted to see what the rest of you can come up with.  So post your lyrics.  Here are mine.

When I think about rain,  I think about bathing.
When I think about bathing, I thinking of showering, too.
When I think about showers, I think about stinking.
When I think about stinking, I think about you.

When I think about rain, I think about falling.
When I think about falling, I think of imminent doom.
When I think about Doom, I think of first person shooters.
When I think about killing, I think about you.

More?
]]> Kick in the Pants http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/27585 http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/27585 Thu, 03 Aug 2006 18:38:50 -0500 Josh Morgan http://phusebox.net/user/JoshM/thoughts/view/27585
Liz, ever being a mother, focused all of her attention on making sure Daniel was getting better.  Unfortunately, she didn't take care of herself.  Tuesday evening found us in the emergency room, with Liz having great difficulty walking and moving her head.  Liz's parents came to Cookeville, and we had some friends come sit with the baby while he slept.  Liz is getting better, but she and the baby went to Hendersonville where Liz will have more people around to help her take care of the baby.  These days, I'm out the door before she wakes up and home in time for dinner.  And what am I doing?  Staying busy... kinda.

My car was low on coolant, so I decided to take care of it.  As I hadn't ever flushed the system, I decided to do that.  Apparently it's too expensive to make the radiator drain plug out of metal.  With one soft twist of a screwdrive, the head of the screw stripped.  After telling my screwdriver what I thought of Nissan and Japanese people in general, I pulled out my drill and changed the shape of the head.  After I got everything flushed, it was time to put it all back together.  As I slowly