I'm back...

Just spent three days in Pittsburg, KS and just about melted. Temp was about 100F with around 90% humditiy. Next year I get to go there in May which should be much eaiser.

Side note: If you ever find yourself wanting an amazing dinner in Kansas City, MO along with great live jazz be sure to stop by The Majestic Steakhouse.

At least they admit they're not of this time

For those interested, the location mentioned is NW of Boston.

Date: Sun, 27 Jul 03 14:31:07 GMT
From: <vini.holden@chiche.com>
To: msauers
Subject: DWG Needed l

Hello,

I'm a time traveler stuck here in 2003. Upon arriving here my dimensional warp generator stopped working. I trusted a company here by the name of LLC Lasers to repair my Generation 3 52 4350A watch unit, and they fled on me. I am going to need a new DWG unit, prefereably the rechargeable AMD wrist watch model with the GRC79 induction motor, four I80200 warp stabilizers, 512GB of SRAM and the menu driven GUI with front panel XID display.

I will take whatever model you have in stock, as long as its received certification for being safe on carbon based life forms.

In terms of payment:
I dont have any Galactic Credits left. Payment can be made in platinum gold or 2003 currency upon safe delivery of unit. Please transport unit in either a brown paper bag or box to below coordinates on Sunday July 27th at (exactly 3:00pm) Eastern Stand Time. If you miss this timeframe please email me.

42.4845467 & Longitude -71.1576157 and the ground is 101.3' above sea level.

Although those coordinates are a secure guarded area, these channels through email are never secure. Unfortunately it is the only form of communication I have right now. There is a good chance that sombody will try to redirect the signal. The unit must be teleported directly in a way that nobody will be able to interfere with the transference.

After unit has been sent please email me at: info@federalfundingprogram.com with payment instructions. Do not reply directly back to this email.

Thank You

belt
xcyl

A near perfect Sunday morning

1. Wake at 6am
2. Load MP3 player with bootleg Prince, Sinatra's Songs for Swingin' Lovers & The Hooters' Nervuos Night
3. Hop on bike at 6:30 am
4. Ride bike for 2.5 hours / 30 miles
5. Shower and head out for coffee and a good book

New pet

It's actually raining out so I thought I'd go sit out on my back porch and enjoy the sound and the resulting cool-off. I'm just sitting there reading my book when I look over to my left and there, about six feet away from me, is the biggest damn raccoon I've ever seen poking around my back yard. This think must have weighed a good 20 pounds! I am not kidding. If only I had my camera with me. I just sat there and watched it poke through my hedges, nervous to get out of my chair. (Reading a Stephen King book wasn't helping my imagination at the time...) Anyway, I finally made a move and caught it's attention. I stared at me for a moment and then went about its business. I started to get up and it ran off. I figured it was time to go back into the house. I looked out my back window for about 15 minutes to see if it came back but it hasn't.

Maybe, If my karma is really good, it'll eat the neighborhood cat that I believe is living under my house...

Finished reading

Power Failure: The Inside Story of the Collapse of Enron by Mimi Swartz & Sherron Watkins

The sun over a mini-mall

Caught this photo the other evening. I had to piece it together from three photos and it alloed much more amazing live but you get the idea.

Author

Today I got to meet Seantor and former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton; for the second time. This time she was signing her autobiography at the Tattered Cover. Unfortunately, no pictures were allowed. If one shows up in tomorrow's paper (which should happen) I'll try to post it here.

The first time I met har, and got her autograph, as in 1992 at a high school in New Hampshire where bill was campaining. I was a voulnteer on the campaign.

Dead sexy...

You are Rupert Giles, from "Buffy the VampireSlayer."
What Type of Librarian Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Is the end in sight?

I'm taking off the last week of August from my day job to sit at my home computer in an attempt to finish my Koontz book. There really is a light at the end of the tunnell folks. (I just hope it isn't the 5 o'clock express.)

Proposing

The proposal for a new edition of my Outlook book (to cover Outlook XP) has gone off to Scarecrow Press. I should hear back in a few weeks.

I'm also working on a proposal to edit a book on what to do with your MLS. If you have an MLS and a non-traditional library job I'd love to hear from you.

New author photo

My author photos page now includes a photo of Sherman Alexie.

Poppin' fun!

The ultimate time suck: Virtual Bubblewrap

One from the hood

As featured in today's issue of The Scout Report:

George Eastman House [QuickTime, Windows Media Player]
http://www.eastman.org/
Since it was opened in 1949, the George Eastman House has helped tell "the story of photography and motion pictures -- media that have changed and continue to change our perception of the world." The museum's homepage offers a number of interresting resources about current exhibitions and longstanding collections. One of the more substantial sections of the Web site is titled Education & Research; it contains a couple of video clips of photographic processes, as well as insights into the work conducted at the L. Jeffrey Selznick School of Film Preservation. The site also contains a Timeline of Photography, which describes many remarkable events over the past three centuries. Several sample images of photographs from the George Eastman House collections are available for viewing."

A new publisher for Michael?

I'm currently working on two new book proposals for another library publisher. I'll keep you posted here.

The FCC has spoken

When it comes to impementing filters according to CIPA the FCC has determined the following:

Consistent with the implementation framework established by Congress, libraries receiving e-rate discounts for Internet access or internal connections shall have one year from July 1, 2003, which is the start of Funding Year 2003, to come into compliance with the filtering requirements of CIPA.

Better start asking for the $$$ to pay for it now.

Gutenberg Bible online

Ever wanted a peek at a Gutenberg Bible? Here's your chance as the university of Texas has put thier's online.

The other side

I spent last night on the other side
It felt right but something was still missing
I'll find myself there again tonight
But first I'll move the lamp

What a difference an inch makes
(Get your mind out of the gutter!)

Before heading out on my bike this evening I raised the seat about an inch-and-a-half. Wow, what a difference. Now that I've got the seat where is should be (it was way to low previously) the bike just felt right finally. A much better workout was had by all.

The Book of Counted Sorrows

I've taken a few photos. Here they are: one, two, three & four.

Help the cause

Want to help me earn United frequent flyer miles while you do your online shopping? Just access any of the online stores through Mileage Plus Shopping or Mileage Plus Mall. If asked to sign in just enter msauers@bcr.org as the username and the miles will show up in my account. (At this point I only need 10,000 more miles for a free flight so every little bit helps.) Merchants include Barnes & Noble, Office Max, Best Buy, Target and L.L. Bean. (If needed for some reason, my mileage plus number is 00991074090. Safeway shoppers can just type my phone number in leiu of having a safeway card.)

The Boulder Pledge

"Under no circumstances will I ever purchase anything offered to me as the result of an unsolicited e-mail message. Nor will I forward chain letters, petitions, mass mailings, or virus warnings to large numbers of others. This is my contribution to the survival of the online community."
— Roger Ebert, December, 1996

More information on the pledge can be found on Bill Weinman's Web site.

You can't handle the proof!

The final page proofs of The Neal-Schuman Directory of Management Software for Public Access Computers arrived today. We'll be going over them this weekend but basically unless there's a MAJOR error, the book is done. (The revised frontmatter is now available.)

...and this would explain the 'Tony' post some more

She wandered into my heart
It felt like a deep dark forest
I thought she was scared of the woods
But she planted a seed...
— Unknown

If you have to ask how much it costs...

My lettered copy of Dean Koontz's The Book of Counted Sorrows arrived today. It's one of 26 copies bound in leather and contained within a silk and glass, yes glass, tray-case. This is one of the most beautiful books I've ever seen. I'll try to post a photo or two later this week.

Another author

Dan Simmons was at The Tattered Cover again this evening for his new book Ilium. A photo can be found on the author photos page.

A lightbulb turns on

While waiting for Dan Simmons I was starting to read his new book. On page 33 I got an idea for a series of short stories, possibly long enough to be a book. And this isn't just an idea, it's an IDEA. I've already got a basic overview written. (Writing that much on my PocketPC is a bitch! Maybe next time I'll try the recording feature.)

Contracts, contracts, contracts

Today I signed the contracts for my Business Information Alert and Smart Computing articles.

The first draft of the Smart Computing article was finished this afternoon.

New author photo

I met Mr. Robin Cook this evening. A photo can be found on my author photos page.

This would explain the previous post somewhat...

As Tony sings in my head…

The loveliness of Paris
Seems somehow sadly gay
The glory that was Rome
Is of another day
I've been terribly alone and forgotten in Manhattan
I'm going home to my city by the bay
I left my heart in San Francisco
High on a hill, it calls to me
To be where little cable cars
Climb halfway to the stars!
The morning fog may chill the air
I don't care!
My love waits there in San Francisco
Above the blue and windy sea
When I come home to you, San Francisco
Your golden sun will shine for me!

Should librarians take control of library filtering?

Here's an intersting idea from Sharon M. Partridge of Lakewood County (CO) Public Library:

"I've had an idea and I'd like some feedback. Now that the Supreme Court has decided that filtering is not a first amendment issue, ALA needs to rethink its position. Not that we should encourage filtering but that we should face the reality that there will be libraries that will HAVE to filter. My idea is to suggest that ALA create its own filter software. I know if I had to filter, I'd have much more confidence in an ALA gatekeeper. I can't imagine that they would add websites with unpopular political or religious views. Also, they might be more likely to publish a list of the sites that are filtered rather than using the secretive methods of most of the filtering companies. If they charged the same rates, they'd have enough money to maintain and update the filter. I imagine they could raise some money to cover some of the start-up costs. I'd be willing to donate even though my library doesn't filter. Who knows that the state legislature might do next?"

More writing news

Looks like the article for Smart Computing is a go. Also, my article for Business Information Alert will actually earn me some income. (I thought I was doing that one for free...)

Milestone

This week was the first time that I've done more miles on my bike (75) than in my car (65).

Writing assignment

I've been asked to write an article for Smart Computing. The subject is "PC Op: Win9x/Me/2000/XP: Set Up Multiple Identities In Outlook Express." Looks like I'll be wrtiting it with help from Lisa.

I thought I left high school 14 years ago!

Next thing you know, someone will write a program the allows 'notes' to be folded and slipped under the desk via the Internet. An optional plug-in could allow you to ask others to pass them along for you. Ooh, and maybe a way to slip them through the slots in your locker...

The end of an era

Yes, Netscape is dead. Here's Eric Meyer's first thoughts on the subject.

A recount was demanded

3.3 days...

Internet filter costs may exceed penalty

According to this article the cost of installing filters on all the computers in the Kansas City Public Library system will be about $25,000. This is so they can receive $5,000 in federal funds.

Blinded by the light, not

Here's an LCD projector that doesn't blind the presenter. What I wouldn't give for one of these.

Counting down

46 days...

New library cards

I received two new library cards while on vacation last week. Take a gander at them in The Great Library Card Collection.

<contrition>act act act</contrition>

The person to whom this is directed knows what they're for.

Filtering Falacies

According to Project Bait and Switch courtsey of Peacefire.org the exact same speech is sometimes considered 'hate speech' while other times it is not. (The report is somewhat dated but I just found out about it today.)

Librarian action figure

Toymaker finds librarian who's a real doll
Of course, immediately most librarians' knickers are in a twist due to her sterotypical garb and shushing action. Hey, if I was going to be upset about it I'd scream about the figure's gender.

Words of wisdom

"There are writers and there are authors. Writers seek to write, and they seek to write better and better with every book. Authors seek only to be published, and they seek advances to match their egos."
— Elizabeth George from her introduction to Terry Brooks' Sometimes the Magic Works

R.I.P.

Barry White dead after long illness

You're the First, the Last, My Everything

We got it together, didn't we?
Nobody but you and me.
We got it together, baby.

My first, my last, my everything,
And the answer to all my dreams.
You're my sun, my moon, my guiding star.
My kind of wonderful, that's what you are.

I know there's only, only one like you
There's no way they could have made two.
You're, you're all I'm living for
Your love I'll keep for evermore.
You're the first, my last, my everything.

In you I've found so many things,
A love so new, only you could bring.
Can't you see if you,
You'll make me feel this way,
You're like a first morning dew on a brand new day.

I see so many ways that I can love you,
'Till the day I die....
You're my reality, yet I'm lost in a dream.
You're my first, my last, my everything.

I know there's only one, only one like you
There's no way they could have made two.
Girl, you're my reality.
But I'm lost in a dream,
You're the first, you're the last, my everything.

Religion meets the Nigerian scam

Here's one I just received. I'm not sure if they're asking for money or not. If they are, they've forgotten to tell me where not to send it.

Dearly Beloved,
Calvary greetings to you and your family.
I am delighted bringing to your fore knowledge the PRISON GOSPEL MISSION. May God bless you richly as you go through this message. This ministry was founded 1995 and to the glory of God it has being growing exceedingly well to the fulfilment of its objectives. Presently, we have FOUR branches in the four zones of Nigeria. The objectives on which this ministry was founded is to preach salvation through Christ to the prisoners (Inmates) because bulk of them serving jail terms and some that are already condemned still do not know that there is life eternal after death. Hence, we preach salvation through Christ to them that it is better to be saved eternally than temporarily and that there is still room for repentance and also letting them know that there is great joy in Heaven over the repentance of one sinner. In the course of our evangelism,we try to re- orientate them against ill perception of societal living which has been yielding tremendous dividends as some of them become devoted Christians and Evangelists of the word of God. Also, we try to meet their basic needs like, water, feeding, clothing, medical care, e.t.c. Which is totally absent in all the highly deplorable Nigerian prisons. We as well try to set up small scale businesses for some of them that their financial background are in a serious pity after serving their jail term. All these assistance to the Prisoners coupled with travelling, lodging and other financial involvement of our missionaries in this task and our hope to expand to the entire sub-saharan Africa that we sought for your financial assistance of any magnitude to help our extremely limited fund from well meaning people like you/your organisation. Remember, that as you are happily living a freer life some other persons are languishing in prisons without food, water, clothings,medical care,e.t.c.
Register your assistance now and I know God will bless you richly.If the LORD touches your heart towards been of assistance in this great project contact any of the underlisted men of God.
Yours in the Lord, Pastor Felix Ozaveshe S.
Pastor Sanni David. Founder.
Coordinator S/West.
Nigeria.West Africa.

Wanna have some pun?

Here's a very short Star Wars scene parody with one Hell of a pun.

Click the cartoon's 'back' button when it's done for other great animations. (Warning, some contain scenes of graphic violence and non-politically correct religious humor. Those are the really funny ones.)

Well isn't it ironic? Don't ya think?

For the past two years the whole of the Denver metro area has had a ban on fireworks due to the drought. This year, it's raining. (At least here in Aurora.)

Quote

"When a man tries to see into the distance, what does he do?
He narrows his eyes."
— Katsuhiro Otomo in Akira book 4

Historical Wimbledon

Here it is folks, the game of the cetury, Tardis Tennis.

Lyrics for while she's up on a mountain

You leave me breathless, you heavenly thing,
You look so wonderful, you're a breath out of spring
You leave me speechless, I'm just like the birds,
I'm filled with melody, but at a loss for words,
That little grin of yours, that funny chin of yours
Does so much to my heart.
Oh! Give your lips to me dear darling,
That would be the final touch to my heart.
You leave me speechless, I'm just like say,
I can't say any more
Because you take my breath away

— You Leave Me Breathless, Tommy Dorsey