Stop, Show me your papers and I am going to search you!

"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized"

The quoted text above is the 4th Amendment of the United States of America. A constitutional right that New York City has apparently forgot, ignored and do not care about.

Recently, a judge ordered the stop of the controversial law "stop and frisk". Where Police Officer can stop, identify and search anyone they deemed "suspicious". No probable cause needed, nor a particular crime suspected. All in the name of preventing crime. 

Now, the main problem people have with this is that it allegedly targets minority groups more then "whites". More specifically Hispanic and Black people.

If that is really true, that is wrong and should not be happening, but that should not be the main reason why people should be against this unconstitutional law. I am getting a little sick and tired of people ramping up the race angle on laws such as these, and do not focus too much on what the true reason why these laws are wrong. Other then it being completely against the 4th Amendment, its yet another over reach by the Government and a form of oppression. Not to mention the fact, that this kind of activity was clarified in 1979.

In 1979, there was a landmark case of Brown verses Texas, where the Police cannot just stop someone without reasonable suspicion they committed or are about to commit a crime. The case clarified that just because you may not look "right" in the area, or just happen to be in a area where a crime was committed, unless there is reasonable suspicion, the Police cannot force you to identify or search you. I know this was done in Texas, but it shows case law on this subject.

So, I end this by asking a question to the people of New York City. Can any of your defend in a legal way why your city is trying to keep you guys under their control? From telling people how much soda you can drink, to being able to "stop and frisk" you just because they feel like it; New York City has changed from the beacon of freedom with people coming into Elis Island, to a Police State where you will do what they say, when they say it, how they say it, or you will be punished. I know this is not just for NYC, but it seems they are trying to be at the for front.

Oh, quick favor to ask people of New York. As a Colorado resident, can you tell your Politicians [cough: Bloomberg!] to stay the hell out of our state business?

President Obama To The Rescue When It Comes To Military Death Benefits

Editorial/Commentary:

When it comes to the partial shutdown of the United States Government, the powers that be are trying to make it hurt as much as possible. With a recent tactic, this has become very clear.


Recently, the DoD [Department of Defense] were refusing to pay the death benefit payments to the families of fallen soldiers. They are saying that due to the shutdown, they can not appropriate the funds right now to make the payments.

President Obama then quickly was able to make a deal with Fisher House, a non profit organization, to pay the death benifits and the Government will pay them back when it becomes fully funded.

Here is why I think this is only a ploy  by President Obama to look like a "hero" in this and show he really cares about the people effected by this.

Just hours before the "shutdown", the House passed the "Pay our Military Act", which was approved by the Senate and then signed into law by President Obama. This was signed into law, military hours before the "shutdown" took place.

In that bill, all pays and allowances will be paid. One of such parts of pays and allowances is the death gratuity.

Now, the White House has come out and said that it is in deed on the list, but the Pentagon is refusing to pay it, saying they do not have the authority due to the shutdown.

Now, there this is where I call bullshit. The Pentagon is part of the Department of the Defense. The Department of Defense reports to the Executive Branch. The President is in charge of the Executive Branch.

With all that being said, everyone knows or should know the President of the United States is in charge of the Executive Branch of Government. The Obama administration has said that the death gratuity is part of the pays and allowances, which is covered under the Pay Our Military Act. But, the Pentagon is refusing to make the payments.

But don't you fear, the Obama administration has come to the rescue by reaching a deal with Fisher House for them to make the payments until the United States government is fully funded.

And this is where the arguments falls a little short.

If the President is the head of the Executive Branch and the DoD reports to the Executive Branch, does that mean they are defying you? Are you saying they are refusing to follow an order from the Commander and Chief by refusing to make the payments?

This is where their argument falls flat. Even the Republicans have come out and said they made the bill broad enough to cover all pays and allowances.

And now, President Obama can show he is the hero and those evil republicans are the bad people making people not get the death benefits. Even though it was Republicans who wrote the Pay our Military Act bill.

To the Democrats credit, Rep. Ron Barber, D of Arizona introduced H.R. 3274: Fallen Heroes and Families Assistance Act, which make is obviously clear that death benefits are included.

But the Obama administration had come out and said their work is not necessary since they already made a deal with Fisher House [click here for the that article]. In other words, he is telling everyone that he already saved the day and their work is not needed.

Conspiracy Theory: Government would rather have criminals with weapons then law abiding citizens.

Editorial:
 
Putting my conspiracy theorist hat on, I do not think the Government really cares if criminals have firearms. I think they are concerned or maybe afraid of good law abiding citizens having firearms. I also do not think government cares about small arms such as handguns.


Using the past tragedies of Columbine to the DC Navy Yard shootings, the Government has been really pushing for more gun control. Even though Columbine High school. Fort Hood, Virginia Tech, the Aurora Theater, Sandy Hook Elementary and not the DC Navy Yard were all "gun free" zones, the Government is trying to push for more gun control. Even though in all cases, except for the Aurora Theater, these were done with handguns and shotguns. But, the Government has had a huge push on "assault" weapons. Making out right lies saying that all these were done with AR-15's and the media for some reason has followed the Government script like a lost puppy. Even after it was proven that a "assault" weapons was not used, they keep stating that they were.


Now, going back to my main point. I do not think the Government cares if criminals has handguns. If you look at areas like Chicago and DC, they have some of the highest gun crime rates, while having some of if not the strictest gun laws in the country. Even those most of these crimes the guns were acquired illegally and they for the most part are not any type of long gun or "assault" weapon, they still bang the horn louder then ever on taking away "assault" weapons". They have almost no interest in hanguns, to which the vast majority of gun crimes are used with. Leaving out the fact that less then one percent of the those crimes were done with legally acquired handguns.

Now, here is where my conspiracy hat comes into play on why I do not think the Government cares about criminals with weapons or hand guns in that matter. Actually, I do not even think they care about shot guns. I think that even though I do not think there are any plans in the works for this, the Government is asking themselves this question: "If we have to take control of the population, what would we rather go against? A small contingent of criminals who are really only looking out for themselves and are going to carry and use firearms without any regard to the law? Or the vast majority of gun owners, over 200 million in fact, who have weapons that rival the Military"?

I believe if the United States Government ever decided to take control of the populace, they would really like the population who is relatively unarmed then a population that is armed and able to fight against them.  If you recall, there are other notorious Governments who disarmed their populations in the name of "safety".



Its like the old saying goes, "The worst enemy to tyranny is a well armed populace"

Why Hilary Clinton will probabaly win the 2016 Presidential Election

Former United States Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and the wife of former United States President President William Clinton, is probably going to be running for President in 2016. And you know what? If she runs for President, I think she will probaly win. She will probabaly win for reasons that have nothing to do with her "abilities". And I am someone who does not like Hilary Clinton for a multiple of reasons, but have to deal with the harsh realities of the world we live in today.

Reason #1: She is the wife of former President Bill Clinton. Bill Clinton, who cant seem to stay out of the spot light is still considered a still living popular President. He has even been called the "first black President" that is before President Burak Obama became the President that is. 

Reason #2: She is a woman. Sad to say, but the simple fact that she is female will be a huge reason why people will vote for her.  Mostly from the female voter population. They will akin this completing their struggles from the Woman's suffrage movement from the early 1900's. She will get the female vote, just like a lot of people voted for Burak Obama because is black. Now, do I think Obama would still have won the 2008 election without that? Yes I do. Heck I voted for the man in that election, but for reasons that turned out to never come to fruition.

The sad fact even though people say they do not vote for someone because of race or gender is somewhat BS. People will vote for people who they "identify" with. I would hope the majority people would identify with what someones beliefs on how they believe the country should go, but as we learned in to 2008 election, that wasn't so.

Now, the only I think way someone from the "Republicans" will win is if they find a candidate that just blows it out of the park on every single issue and shreds everything she says to pieces. Even then, with people voting because she is female and the association with Bill Clinton, it will still be a close election.

What are your thoughts? Leave your comments below and join this discussion.

Dont Speak Out against Syria, thats racist

Its a sad state of affairs when you speak out against an issue that has nothing to due with race and you are still called a racist. Only because the person who is pushing the issue happens to be black.

In an recent Hollywood Reporter article with Ed Ashner, talk about that the reason why "Hollywood" type people like Matt Damon, Mike Farrell, Tim Robbins, ect that were very anti-war during Bush Jr. do not speak out against President Obama about Syria. The reason you might ask? They do not want to look "anti-black". You also have people in the Congressional Black Caucasus telling its members to "hold their tongue" if they disagree with President Obama about Syria.

So, now that I am clear. We should not speak out about being against helping Syrian rebels, who have a large contingent of Al-Qaeda members because President Obama happens to be black.

Has the United States gone bat shit politically correctly insane? How is it racist to be against a war we have nothing do with? How is it racist or anti-black for being not wanting people who have said they will kill every Christian and every non Muslim? I actually think it shows a lot of racism that you are told not speak about this because the person who happens to be advocating is black.

With all that said, I have a question for those Hollywood types who do not want to be labeled "Anti-Black". Would you be so silent if Herman Cain was the President doing this?

Software choice is turning into a religious war

In a previous blog post "I have the freedom to use proprietary software", I talked about having the right to choose whether to use FLOSS/Open Source software or or proprietary software.

In a comment thread on Google Plus, I was trying to make the argument that I should be able to use what ever software best suites my needs. I was trying to explain the reasons why I would choose to use Open source/FLOSS or proprietary software in a cordial manner. I was thinking I could have a civil conversation on the matter, since I was probably talking to adults. Well, I was wrong. Not only did they go to insulting me personally, they compared using proprietary software to supporting the Holocaust.

When I read this, I thought he was joking, since the person making the comment was new to the conversation on the thread.Unfortunately he wasnt joking and continued his, what can only be described as a religious stance on using FLOSS [Free Libre Open Source Software]. Not necessarily free as in no cost, but free in the source code being open and letting anyone change it to suit their needs.

As someone who has been a Open Source supporter for a few years, I was offended on how he was trying to evangelize this. Even going as far as saying my opinion did not matter since I was not a developer.

This attitude has to stop. This is the same way some religions preach "peace" and "understanding" as long as it falls in the guidelines of their beliefs.

Though I am not a developer, I do help in ways I know how to. I have donated to projects that I like and use when I can and I submit bug reports. I also promote open source software to other people, as long as it suits their needs.

We have to get past this religious stance on using proprietary [closed source]  verses open source software. And more often then not, its the people who use open source who are the loudest in their software beliefs and belittle people who do not use primarily open source software. Trying to make themselves look higher then thou since they apparently have "evolved" to not being put in chains of using proprietary software.

I have news for you folks, some times using a closed source solution is the best solution for the job.

Now, lets talk about gaming. I normally use Steam for my gaming needs. By no means is this open source. Its heavy on DRM and not really "FOSS" friendly. But, it works best for me. I have invested a lot of money in Steam and just because I advocate open source and non DRM [digital rights management], does not mean I do not live in the real world. Some of the games I have have almost if not just as a big as budget as some blockbuster movies. You really think a company who invests millions of dollars into a game is just going to reveal the code after its released and hope people will buy it and not just compile it for themselves? Hmmm. 20-60 bucks and its runs just fine, or spend a little bit a time to compile it and its free. With a little Google foo, I think you can configure out what the answer to that question would be.

Now lets flip it around and talk about web browsers. When I used to run Windows full time, I normally used Firefox or Chromium. Not because I had disdain for Internet Explorer. Not because of some unfounded hatred for Microsoft, but they worked better for me. And since I am invested in the Google ecosystem, I normally use Chrome. It was the vest tool for the job. Just like Steam is the best tool for my gaming needs.

We have to get past this fundamentalist like beliefs of what kind of software we should use. If you are huge gamer, would I recommend going to an open source operating system like Linux or BSD as their only operating system? Absolutely not. Maybe have talk to them about dual booting and using Linux or BSD as their main OS and boot into Windows for gaming. But most people do not want to deal with dual booting and trying to figure out what alternative operating system works them. They just want to boot up their computer and use it.

Now if you are not a gamer and only use your computer for web browsing, email and writing documents here and there? Sure, I would recommend a Linux distribution someone like that if they do not like Windows anymore.

Now, would I ever tell someone they have to use one system or the other? No, absolutely not. If Windows works for you and suits your needs, then by all means use it. If you do not want to use Windows and want to use Linux, BSD or even going hardcore with E-Macs, I say go for it. You have the freedom to choose what you want to use.

Another Year Older

Well, its official, I am now 32. Wow, it seems like just yesterday I was back in my late teen in HS and then working for Disneyland. Funny how the time goes by so fast, yet when it is passing, it doesn't seem to.

Well, even though I have to work through my birthday, I had an awesome weekend. My mom came down from California and I took last weekend off. I got to play tourist and see the sights. Some of which I have not seen yet, though I have lived in Colorado for 5 years.

On Friday, we went to the Denver Aquarium. This time we were able to see the mermaid show, which the girls loved.

After the aquarium, we just relaxed for the rest of the day.

On Saturday morning, we made the trek down to Colorado Springs, where we went to Cave of the Winds and stopped by Garden of the Gods. Cave of the Winds was great to see, but a little underwhelming. But we only went on the shorter 45 minute tour. When me and Leanne are able to get a baby sitter, we are going to go on the Lantern tour, which is about an hour and half and you literally are given lanterns since where you are going there is no electricity.

On Sunday we went to Buffalo Bills Museum/grave and went to the Molly Brown Museum. During the tou of the Molly Brown museum I learned something interesting. deceased loved ones would sometimes spend weeks in the house, since there wasn't really any mortuaries back then. Due to this, the "living room" came to be. For the ones living that is.

We did a lot and had it was great to see my mom. I am trying to see if I can plan a visit sometime next year to Cali.

In Healthcare, remember the little guys too.

Healthcare is a very demanding field. Not only for the nurses and doctors, but for everyone else that work in the field.

There have been plenty of stories of nurses and doctors doing great things. Unfortunately. not much is talked about the people that work "under" them. This blog post is not taking anything away from them, but I want to write and thank the other people who help make for a great healthcare experience when you go to the Hospital. So, just to say it. Thank you to all Nurses and Doctors.

First off, we will start with is custodial. These people work their butts off making sure all the rooms are clean for the next patient. They clean all the floors. The restock the restroom. They clean up blood and vomit and wash away a lot of things people do not know about, prior to their arrival. Thank you to all the custodial workers out there for keeping our Hospitals clean.

Now lets go to a little patient care. The CNA's [Certified Nurses Aid]. I do not know if I could do their job. These men and woman work their butts off. Cleaning up patients, changing patients, sometimes having to be on a one to one with a patient. These people sometimes have a large amount of patients to help take care and breaks are sometimes a luxury to them. To all the CNA's. Thank you for doing a great job in helping in patient care.


Lets go a little to administration side of things. I am not talking about the people who work in the Admin offices, but the unit secretary's that are helping keep charts up to date, answering the phones and overall helping make sure the admin side of the unit they are working on goes smoothly as possible. Thank you to all the unit Secretaries.

But, how to those people usually get registered? Thank you to all the registration people out there who get the people registered quickly as possible to they are in the computer to help get the ball rolling in their care. A lot of times, these are the people getting your co-pay or deposit for they care you were given. Thank you to all the registration people out there.

Lets go back to the Emergency Department. Lets thank all the techs. These people are EMT's and Paramedics. They act like a CNA for the Emergency Department. They are also starting/pulling IV's, helping with CPR a vital component to the smooth running to the Emergency Department. Thank you to all the Emergency Department techs out there.

Security does a vital role as well. Being part of this team, I take pride in helping pride a welcoming atmosphere and helping keeping patients and staff safe. These people, especially in my experience go through a lot of abuse sometimes. I have been kicked, punched, spit on, bit, kneed, ect. Sometimes at the same time! They also help make sure only the people are supposed to be there are in there. I take pride in my work in making sure everyone is safe to the best of my ability.

Now, lets go behind the scenes. Lets thank the Facilities Dept, or sometimes better known, as Maintenance. They keep the Hospital running. Literally. They change out the light bulbs, keep the power plant working, fixing the doors, fixing leaks. Pretty much is something needs fixing, they are called upon to make it happen and they do an awesome job helping keep the Hospital running. They are the people you can thank that make sure you can see OK at night when you are in the parking lots.

We cannot for IST [tech support]. The people who make sure all the computers are running and making sire all the IT things are taken care of. Be it helping you reset your password if you locked yourself out [guilty], to making sure you can get your email. They are the men and woman who keep the IT component running.

There is also another department I think really gets little to no thanks, but without them we would be spending a lot of times finding things. Central Distribution or maybe called the "warehouse". The people help restock gowns, have all the extra supplies the Hospital needs to help give great healthcare. IV pumps to batteries, they got them.

To everyone who works in healthcare medical or not, thank you for doing a great job in your field.

Keeping Us Safe

Wakes up in the morning
Looks at his wife sleeping beautifully
Kisses her softly
Keeping her from waking

He gets ready for the day
Looks into the mirror
Wonders if this will be
The day the unthinkable happens

He drives into work
Walks into the locker room
Puts on his badge and gun
And sets off to the briefing room

Briefed on the new details of the job
What to look out for
Get in his car
And starts to serve

Most days nothing special
Minor arrests here and there
But one day it might happen
When he doesn't come home

These are the men and woman
Who serve and protect and serve
Putting their lives on the line everyday
To keep up safe.


By - M.J. Henriques on 04/07/2009

Why minimum wage should not be raised

By the title of this piece you might think I am some horrible person who thinks that wants people to not move up in their lives and stay living as the "working poor". Quite the contrary. I do not want to see people living as working poor.

Minimum wage was never designed to be a "living" wage. Especially if you are basing that off of only one income. Minimum wage was started to get people "started" in the work force. A way to pay people a wage that was legal, but low enough to be an incentive to move in your career or to start the career you wanted to have. That is why a lot of times you see pictures of teenagers and people in their low to mid twenties in commercials for those companies.

If you work at McDonald's for 10 years and are still making or just above minimum wage, that is noit businesses fault. Businesses are in the business to make money.  There are some smaller business that pay their employees well, and yes, I do put McDonald's in smaller businesses since most of them are franchised to a private owner.

What a lot of people do not put into account is the costs of running a business. A lot of these protestors think that all the overhead costs businesses have is the wages to their employees. Do they put into account all the other costs; such as rent/lease, product, legal fees, vendors, utilities, ect?

Then people complain about companies like Walmart paying only minimum wage. You know what? You applied for the job, it was then offered to you with the pay rate and you accepted. So, in essence, you are complaining that you accepted a job with the full knowledge and understanding of the pay rate will be. Then, complain about not getting paid enough. Also, part of the reasons why the wages are lower is so they can sell their product at a lower price, which in turn, keeps people coming back to their store.

People need to realize, especially in the United States, you get what you pay for. I for one am not going to pay 5 bucks just for a burger that was quickly cooked on a double sided grill where I could not say how it should be cooked, other then being "well done" and then slapped on a bun.

If you work at someone where that only pays minimum wage for years and do not move up or get better career skills, that is not the companies fault. You might want to look in a mirror and ask yourself. Why am I only making 8 dollars an hour? You should also ask yourself; what can i do to get a better job and make more money. Also, did you do anything to move up in the company you were in or did you just stay where you were at and now you complain about it?

Hate Crime = Your life is more important than mine

OPINION: 
Why is it that we consider a crime done one person, worse than done on another person? Why is it that if I assault someone of the same race, it’s usually just a simple an assault, but if I assault someone who happens to be of another race it can be labeled a hate crime? Why it is if my wife hits me, is domestic violence, which carries more of a punishment then if she were to hit a coworker that upset her?

These are question I do not believe are getting asked. And if they are, they are either being deflected or completely ignored.

Now, let me preface that I have never been arrested or charged with a crime, other than a couple minor traffic violations. I have been the "victim" of violence. Not of from someone in my family, but I have been assaulted by people of other races. That does not mean I think they should get anymore punishment for assault than if they were Caucasian.

Though I do not agree with hate crime laws, I do understand why people put them into law. But, in my opinion, all that does is show that someone else is better other people when it comes to what punishment is deserved.

Let’s take domestic violence for instance. In most states, if there is a claim of domestic violence almost every time, someone is going to be arrested. Most of the time it’s the male and I can understand why the "State" presses charges when the victim wont. I can see that. But, if convicted the domestic violence charge, as opposed to a assault charge, even though it’s a misdemeanor, the punishment is harsher. You go to jail longer and your gun rights get taken away.

Also, let’s take so called hate crimes. There is an added punishment if you commit a crime against someone due to their race or sexual orientation. What that tell me is this. That murder that killed that person that is a "hate" crime is more important than the murder of someone that was not a "hate" crime. One life or crime committed means more than the other, only due to the reason why the crime was committed.

If we are ever going to get through this false pretense a lot of so called equality activists are trying to reach, we have to treat everyone the same. That includes the punishment they receive for the crime they commit.

Be it for someone is another a race or making disparaging remarks about their mother, the punishment should be the same for the crime they committed.

I have the freedom to use proprietary software

When you think of freedom, what comes to mind? The men in woman in the armed forces? the red white and blue of the United States flag? The freedoms we supposed still have in our Constitution? But what if I asked you what freedom means when it comes to software?

The man who is leading the "fight" of software freedom is Richard Stallman, or more commonly known as RMS.

RMS wrote the GNU utilities that was eventually paired with the Linux kernel, which was created by Linus Torvolds. He also wrote the GPL license, which pretty much spells out his ideals of freedom in software.


Contributing to open source has brought us countless Linux distributions and Linux software. Also Windows and MAC software as well.

The open source community, I believe has been instrumental in software development and progress. Most servers, more then likely the server that is hosing this blog, is running on Linux. Android uses the Linux kernel. Microsoft and Apple even contribute code to the Linux community.

Suffice to say, open source is great and has made a lot of things possible in the computing world.

But getting back to the topic at hand. RMS believes all software must me open sourced, being able to change the code and freely distribute that code/software. In other words, if I make a piece of software, I cannot keep the source code closed. I cannot let people not distribute the software I made without my permission. And I have to let people change my software as they see fit.

The issue of this "freedom" is people, alot of times will take a free sandwich when possible. Why pay 50 bucks for a piece of software when I can get it for free? Why should I have to pay for something if I don't have to.

Now, RMS does give the caveat of charging someone a fee for writing a custom pievce of software. But even that does not negate the possibility of the custom piece of software getting out in the open. Therefore, that, more then likely multi thousand investment a company made was for not, since now anyone can use the same software someone "paid" for now for free.

I take issue that someone is telling me that to be free, I have to restrict my choices on what software I can use. That someone believes that if I make the decision to use a closed source piece of software, I somehow am restricting my freedom. Isnt my freedom to use any software I want, without it having to be part of the GPL license? Do I not have that right to pay for something that only I have access to, since I am the one who made the investment for that software to be created?

And what about the developers? How many developers, besides Linus Torvalds is making a great living on the making software, per the GPL? As the great Bryan Lunduke has said, developers have to eat. We have to realize that if we want good software we have to pay for it and we have to realize that it might be proprietary. Do you really think AAA game shops like Valve, EA, ect is going to invest millions of dollars into a game, only to immediately open source the entire project for anyone to do anything with?

Long story short, I have the right to use any software I legally obtain. More to the point, I have the freedom to choose to use proprietary software.

2014 Olymics. A time for Gay Pride...

The Olympics, either summer or winter, it comes four times a year respectively. A time where athletes from all over the world compete while representing their country. A time where countries, who might even be in a "conflict" with each other, compete with each in "friendly" competition.  A time when you need to show gay pride....Wait, what? Yep, that's right. Since Russia has enacted their controversial law prohibiting "non traditional sexual orientation".[homosexuality] there have been protesting in the streets and a call for boycotting the 2014 Olympics, which will be held in Sochi, Russia.

According to an article from the AP, "An athlete of nontraditional sexual orientation isn't banned from coming to Sochi," Vitaly Mutko said in an interview with R-Sport, the sports newswire of state news agency RIA Novosti. "But if he goes out into the streets and starts to propagandize, then of course he will be held accountable."

So, in other words, you protest for gay rights, you get arrested.

A lot of people think these "anti gay" should be not enforced during the Olympics  Others are calling for the United States to pull out of the Olympics. People are also organizing a boycott of the Olympics.

Now, I would like to say I am for gay rights. I am for gay marriage. I do not care who you marry or who you sleep with as long as you are both consenting adults. Though I find this wrong, I do not care if you decide to marry your own family members. None of my business. Now, that does not mean the Government needs to recognize that type of union. Honestly, I am against any Government recognition of marriage. I also believe that if you want to boycott the Olympics  that is your right. Fight with your pocket book.

But, getting back to the main topic on hand. The Russian government still plans to enforce their anti gay laws. Now, they have said if they know an athlete is gay, they are not going to arrest them once the enter the country. As long as they do not protest, then nothing will happen to them.

Now, I have couple thoughts about this. First off, the Olympics are not about gay rights, or activism. The Olympics are about countries throughout the world coming together to compete, while representing their countries. A time where even though the United States and Russia are at odds with each other with the Edward Snowden case, we would still put those political things aside. We will still send our Athletes there to represent the United States in athletic competition.

With that said, this is another country with their own set of laws. Getting out of the internal politics of people living in Russia, if you go to Russia and you break their laws, you are subject to their judicial system and penalties that come with the crime you are convicted of. Just like if you go to any other country. Kinda like here in the United States. In Colorado and Washington states, it is now legal to smoke marijuana and have a small amount on you. But, in states like Texas, any possession of marijuana is a felony.

Should large companies use crowd funding?

When people start businesses or a new project that will be released for consumer adoption, there is a good amount of investment that has to be put into it. Not only in time and effort, but in money as well.

Traditionally, you either would use the funds and resources you have saved up or you would try to get a loan. Or, some cases, look for a venture capitalist. But what do you do if no bank will give you a loan or you cant find investors to fund your project or business? 

Kickerstarter, as well as indiegogo has become hugely popular in having projects crowd funded these days. Most recently, Canonical, which is the company behind Ubuntu, has launched a indiegogo campaign to raise a unprecedented 32 million dollars for the Ubuntu Edge. Even though Canonical CEO Mark Shuttleworth has a net worth of over 500 million

Crowd funding has become a great resource for everyday people use the power of the internet to have hundreds, if not thousands of people donate to their project. But should large companies like Canonical, who have the cash in hand to fund their project, ask others to pay for it? You also have people in Hollywood like director Spike Lee who is asking to have his next movie crowd funded. Spike Lee is asking for a little over a million dollars, even though he has a net worth of 40 million dollars. 

Crowd funding has been great to help small companies and "regular" people and projects come to fruition, which otherwise would probably not see past early prototypes. The Ouya, which is set top gaming console based on the Android operation system, was crowd funded and is now on the shelves of the stores like Best Buy. That is a great example how a product, which was pretty much barely out of concept phase made it to the main stream stores.

Now, there are perks people get for donating. Usually when they "donate" the amount the product, will probably get the product before it officially goes on sale. In the case of Ubuntu Edge, the 20 dollar pledges get their name listed a "founder".

I have a question for the large companies and individuals who can acquire the funds for their project easily. Are you only trying not to pay for your new product to get developed, or do you not believe it in enough to pay for it yourself?

Ubuntu Edge, X86 or go home

For those who are not aware, Ubuntu by Canonical is the one of, the not the most popular Linux distributions out there. Ubuntu is great for beginners going into Linux, especially if they do not know much about command line.

Recently, Canonical announced their ambitious 32,000,000 Indi GoGo campaign to fun Ubuntu Edge. A smart phone that is supposed to bridge the gap between mobile device/phone and desktop computer. Something Mark Shuttleworth is calling "convergence". This "phone" will boast a 2.4Ghz quad core processor and 4GB of RAM. That is just shy of the specs of my home computer. At of the time of the posting of this blog, the are into their second week and have passed the 7,000,000 mark.

Its an ambitious goal and though I did not contribute to this funding campaign, mostly due to lack of funds, I hope it brings them success. But, I unfortunately feel that this is doomed for failure.

In a previous blog post I wrote entitled "The Idea of Convergence", I go into my thoughts on if bridging between mobile and home computing. But that is not the reason I think this is doomed for failure, it all has to do with application compatibility.

Last year, Microsoft's Windows 8 launched with Windows 8RT. The main problem with Windows 8RT was their tablet operating system and run on a ARM processor, as opposed to an X86 processor, which all home computers and "normal" Windows runs on as well.

That is where windows screwed the pooch on Windows 8. They came out with an operating system that "looked" identical to its X86 counterpart. Something that confused a lot of people why they could not install their "legacy" applications.

I know the Ubuntu Edge will be dual booting Android for the phone and using Ubuntu for "desktop". But, since it will probably be running on an ARM processor, they will find themselves in the same boat as people did with Windows RT.

I know this first generation is supposed to be for the backers only. But, if I cannot really see "power" users using this as their main computing device, since a lot of applications that people rely on do not run on ARM yet.

I will say this though, for everyday computing, like web browsing, emailing and things of that nature, I think this will do well for a lot of people who do not mind having their computer and phone in the same device.

When there is not a way, you find a way!

"Its a bad economy". "Times are hard". These are terms you hear a lot with whats going on in the United States and other parts of the world. A lot of people are out of work and are trying to just make ends meet and provide for themselves and their families. I for one, am one of those people, having to provide for myself and three other people with only one job.

There are times, like right now, where I have no freaking clue how I am going to pay some of the bills I have, let alone pay for the everyday things like gas to get to work so I can make try to make the income I earn. But, you push through and you move on. You find ways to make it happen. Even if there doesn't seem to be a way, you find a way. This is a mantra of mine I have lived by. Luckily, I have an awesome group of family and friends that help me sometimes. Even when I am too stubborn to ask them myself. 

Too many times I have seen people just give up completely and completely mooch off the their family and friends and the Government. A lot of times, ruining the relationship they had with their family. Where it seems that they only need or want them when they need or want help with money. 

Do not get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with asking for help or hell, being on some kind of Government assistance plan to help supplement your income until you are able to get completely back on your feet. But too many times too many get too reliant on other sources paying for everything that they need.

Another thing that really irks me, are the people who always say there are no jobs. There are jobs out there, but probably not the jobs those people are used to or want to do. Keep in mind, I am not necessarily talking about the people laid from a job making 60K+ a year. Those "good jobs" are sometimes really hard to find. And if you worked your butt off working in that job for years, I think you are entitled to your unemployment of up to 80% until you are able to find a job where you made something comparable to what you were making before. 

No, I am talking about the people who jump from job to job, people who haven't had a job that makes more then 10-12 an hour. People who are in their mid twenties and above who think working fast food or labor jobs is beneath them. The people who usually quit the job, other then being laid off or fired. I am talking about those people. Those people I want to smack. Especially the ones who have a family to support, but do nothing to support them themselves, since they know the Government will not let them starve and especially if you have children, will also probably pay for your rent and utilities and now even a basic cell phone. 

And you do not even want to get me started on people that are single and that are homeless. There, in my opinion only a couple reasons where you find yourself homeless. One, you are disabled in some way and for some reason, due to your situation cannot or on a waiting list for Government help. And the second reason, which does happen sometimes, you from no fault of your own had the worst luck. Setback after setback and something was always coming up to get you to that point where you found yourself with no place to live. 

To all those single parents, families with smaller incomes just making ends meet and not giving up and fighting everyday for the best life you can provide, you guys rock. Keep fighting and hard work and dedication does eventually pay off. Like anything in life, you have to work hard for what you want. Almost nothing is going to be just given to you, you have go out there and take it. You have to go out there and work your ass off for success. Though it seems like some people have better luck and someone kiss ass more then work hard for their position, hard work does pay off. I know, I have been there. And I am getting back to that place now. 

When there is not a way, you find a way!

The idea of "Convergence"

The way we compute have come a long way. Even for me, who didn't get his first computer until I was in the mid 90's when I had 486 or 586 computer. I forget which kind. To give you an idea of this powerhouse of computer. It had a whopping 40 megabyte hard drive and I think I had like 4 megs of ram. So, no it couldn't play Crysis.

Fast forward to today, where most of us carry phones that have more computing power then the NASA Shuttle program had when they started in the 80's. Even my phone, A Samsung Galaxy S2, which is now considered low to mid-grade by today's standards has a 1.2 dual core processor with 1GB of Ram, with 8GB on board storage.

Modern phones, or "Smart Phones" do meet a lot of peoples computing needs and it has been thrown around and even proof of concepts have come out about merging the phone and computer. A term, which is being called "convergence". Mark Shuttleworth of Canonical is really pushing this idea, so much Canonical has setup a IndiGoGO campaign to raise a whopping 32 million dollars to fund this effort with Canonical's "Ubuntu Edge". Canonical is also the company behind the Linux Ubuntu Desktop Operating system

Its a promising idea and a great concept. A merge between phone and computer. Literally your computer in your pocket and when you need to use it a "computer" you dock the phone in the docking station and now can use your keyboard, mouse, monitor, ect.

According to the video from IndiGoGo, Mark Shuttleworth stated that this will only be for the backers to the fund and they might come out every new with a new model. That is, partly his reasoning for having the entire project funded by "crowd funding". Mark Shuttleworth did not go into if those future models will be crowd funded though.

Though, I think its great idea and something that should be looked into and is probably the future of main stream computing, but for me, I like my phone as my "phone" and my desktop/laptop for my "computer". If you lose your phone, like it tends to happen with smaller devices that fit in your pocket, your computer and phone is now gone. I know a lot of people have insurance on their phone, but if you use your new phone/computer as your phone and regular computer, you are now SOL and all your non cloud data is gone. Not to mention the fact that since people usually do not encrypt their devices, let alone put a pass code to access your phone, all that personal/business data is now available. I guess I am old codger when it comes to this, but this is something that people have to think about if they are going to go full bore into this "convergence".

I would say that this would a great way as an additional device. Like how people use a tablet to complement their laptop or desktop computer. But i would not, for me anyways, use this as my only device for all of my computing and phone needs. If you only use this, your are literally putting all your eggs in one basket.

Make Fraudulent ID's, Go to Jail for 5 years...During Christmas only.

COMMENTARY

I was going through some news story and came across an AP piece, where a 44 year old female was convicted making fraudulent ID's for people. The sentence can be up to fifteen years in prison, but she only got probation. She does have to spend sometime in jail though. At least three days a year during Christmas. She has to do this during her five year probation period.

So, I was trying to figure this out. If you were going to send someone to jail, why only for three days during Christmas? The article does not say the reasons, but only says that if she violates her probation she can be forced to serve the entire fifteen year sentence. I for the life of me cannot think of a reason why just during Christmas. I know judges do not always have the most conventional sentences, but what the hell is this? I mean seriously, why is it that we have people who have a "felony" possession charge get years in jail and this woman only get a slap on the wrist probation with the caveat she has to be in jail during Christmas for the next five years. I even know of a person who has sexual misconduct with a minor charge and only got a six year sentence. That means if she does not violate her probation she will only be in jail for a minimum of fifteen days in the next five years.

Now, when I was reading through the comments of the article some people think its because of the convicted individual is black and that is why the light sentence. I do not think that has anything to do with it. I think it has to to with the non standardized sentences people are given. Now I am not saying she should get the full fifteen years in prison for this crime she committed. But what does it say when we have a justice system for people get more time for simple possession then to make fraudulent government identification cards? Or going back to the instance I brought up about someone who had sex with an underage female and only got a total of six years of prison time.

I believe that Judges should have some say in how sentences need to carried out, but sentences like these is one of the reasons that a lot of people are losing faith in the justice system.

What is the hardest thing to endure? Barring a violent or traumatic even.

When you think of the hardest thing to witness, what comes to mind? To some, its witnessing something harmful or fetal being done to animals, to their family of friends, witnessing a horrific event. be it on TV or being there when it happens. But those events effect almost everyone in some way. How about something where there is no physical loss or is not violent? What if you had to watch someone you love be with someone else?

I was watching a video where this took place and made me think. What if, one day for some weird circumstances I had to go through that. Not granted, in the video she was already betrothed and she convinced herself that she had to go through with it.

But it begs the question; what would you do if you had to watch someone you love be with someone else? And here is the added kicker to the question. What if she felt the same about you?

I think, barring violent or loss of life events, that would be the hardest thing I would have to see and go through. I do not know how I would handle it.

At least when there is a traumatic event in your life, though horrible, you usually can move on. But what if there is nothing wrong with the person, but you still cant be "with" them? What if you are in a position where you would be seeing them on a semi regular basis? Be it gathering with mutual friends, you may be co workers, ect. It would be like a wound re opening every time you see them and there is nothing you can do about it. Now, I know after time, it will get more bearable, but it will still be there thus the same. A constant reminder of thinking of what your life could have been.

I believe that would be the hardest thing for me to endure.

I`m a Spanish-Ecuadorian-Irish-Portuguese American

I`m a Spanish-Ecuadorian-Irish-Portuguese-United States of America American. Yep, though I have never set foot in any those countries, except of the United States, where I have been born and raised. But that does not matter. I have heritage/lineage from those other countries and I am going to say it loud and say it proud! I am going to make sure every person that comes into my presence know that too. I also am going into tell you how my Irish brethren succeeded from the United Kingdom to become a free state. To which, it has not even been 100 years since that great time we declared in one voice. Ireland is free! 

But we cannot forget my Spanish brethren either, who fought in the Spanish American War, while Cuba was fighting for independence against the Spanish. Since I now reside in the United States, I have to tell everyone that. 

I may have never been to those countries, nor do I have any plans to go there. But I feel their pain as it were my own. 

Never mind, I am white. Or I look white, so I can never understand what any kind of prejudice is like. Its not like I have ever had any racial incidents against me for being "white" or for my last name. That is actually not possible, by virtue of me being white. So, those comments said to me were just words with no other means other just being "mean"

I am getting sick and tired of one group or another that happens not to be white always yelling prejudice and everything must be a hate crime when its usually people just being dicks or assholes. When it it usually people just committing a crime to commit the crime and usually not giving a fuck who the victim is. Why do not not hear about brown and brown crime, or black on black crime? Why is it that 61 people are killed in Chicago during the Zimmerman trial but almost nothing if anything is said about that? Why is it that almost nothing is said about when Marley Lion, who was 17 year old white unarmed teenager was killed by a 30 year old black man? Why is it that when I was growing up in a predominately Asian gang area, nothing was said when they when they killed people of other races? Why is it that only white people are racists? Why the fuck do people have to always have to identify themselves like "pick your "race"-American". 

Now, I am not saying there is not racism still in this country, or around the world. Its something we will in someway will always have to deal with. In one way or another. I think of the things that helps perpetuating racism and prejudice is how a lot of people keep having to label themselves by where they are "from" before what country they are a citizen of. 

Division in the name is equality.

"...where they are not judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. August 28th, 1963. 

Above is an excerpt from the famous "I have a dream" speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A speech that has been used and quoted since its inception almost fifty years ago. A speech that talked about all races, colors, creeds, religions, and everything else that make us different, to come together. Unfortunately, especially with the current events of the Zimmerman trial, I believe those ideals have been perverted in the name of being equal. But before we get into that, we have to go into a dark chapter of the United States of America. 

Though the end of the Civil War effectively ended slavery, it did not officially end until the 13th amendment was added to the Constitution in 1865. And even after that, though not illegal, it wasn't easy for newly freed slaves and others of color to vote. It wasn't until 1870, when the 15th amendment was added, that it effectively abolished any restrictions on voting based on a persons color. 

Even with those things, it took a long time. Not until the Civil Rights Act of 1964 did things really start to change. It changed with people like Rosa Parks, who refused to give up her seat on a bus, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who organized marches and gave the famous "I have a dream" speech. 

Fast forward to today. It is almost more then one month shy of being the 50th anniversary of the "I have a Dream" speech, and we have made great strides. But recently, I believe, in the name of equality, we are dividing ourselves even more. I also believe, that in the name of equality, well-known leaders in the black community are destroying all the work they supposedly are trying to protect. When you have the likes of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton jumping on the racism band wagon in almost every case where a black person was the alleged victim, but have never retracted their statements when cases like Twana Brawley rape allegations are found to be false and do not speak about it. 

You have to stand up to people in your own faith when they are doing something wrong. You stand up against people in the Westboro Baptist Church. Even though they have not done anything illegal yet, what they have done is still wrong as they promote hate in the name of Christianity. You know its bad when organizations like the KKK speak out against Westboro Baptist Church for going too far. 

We can take a take a part of the oath the United States Military takes. To protect the United States from all threats, foreign and domestic.

We have to stand up to all threats. Stand up to people who use what you believe in, as an excuse or a reason to justify their actions. 

As this is being written, there are protests regarding the acquittal of George Zimmerman. Some of those protests ended in violence and property destruction. One incident, resulted a group going after a vehicle, whose driver was taking her grand daughter to the Emergency room. And yet, some of the loudest voices organizing the protests are not speaking out against those actions. They also were silent when a 17 year old, who was also "unarmed", named Marley Lion was killed by a thirty year old black man. No outrage on that? No outrage on the hypocritical nature of Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson when nothing is said about someone who was black was the shooter. Not to mention the huge amount of black on black crime that get almost no media attention what so ever, other then another addition to crime statistics. 

This has to stop, and it has to stop now, or the very thing people try to protect, will be destroyed from within. If you are going to fight against people who wrong you, you have to fight against the people who wrong others in the name of your cause. People who use what you are fighting for as an excuse and justification for violence. You have to speak out against people who ruin peoples' lives in the name of equality when they are found to be wrong. You had to fight against people like that just as much as you are fighting for your equality. 

Like the old saying goes; "Bad things happen when good people stand aside and do nothing".

Officially A Night Owl Again

There were some changes with my work schedule due to cut backs. Even though there were a loss of hours where I am assigned, I still am able to work a full forty hour workweek. Unfortunately, I was switched to the graveyard shift. My days off also changed as well well.

I will not get into the full circumstances of why I am working nights, since I do not believe its really appropriate to post on such a public forum. But, I am grateful I still have a job and a means to support my family.

One really good thing about working nights is that I am naturally a night owl. I usually do not go to bed or fall asleep until three to five in the morning. So, transitioning to working all night really isn't to big of a problem for me. Also, I usually am getting up around three in the afternoon. So, I do spend pretty much the later part of the day and mid to late evening at home with Leanne and kids. I just wish I did not have to be away from Leanne for five nights a week.

Cant get him on murder? Get him on federal civil right charges!

When you think of civil rights, what comes to mind? I know for me it conjures up images of peaceful protests of the likes of Dr. Martin Lutheran King Jr. It also brings up thoughts of everyday people doing all the can to be at peace and live together with their fellow man, no matter what background they come from.

But, some people would think that life, no matter what the circumstances is, is a civil right. Well, since a someone who happened be black lost his life and the person who killed him was just acquitted since the Jury believed his acted in self defense. Or they believed there was reasonable doubt he didn't act in self defense. 

As you can probably tell with the headlines flying around right now, I am referring to the Zimmerman trial. George Zimmerman killed Travon Martin early last year, in what he said was self defense, and the jury agreed with him. 

Now, since this criminal trial is over, the NAACP wants the United States Justice Department to charge Mr. Zimmerman with civil rights violations against Travon Martin. Are they saying because Travon Martin is black? Nope. Are they saying they have proof he had racist reasons to which let up to the confrontation between Travon Martin and George Zimmerman? Nope. Its because Mr. Zimmerman killed Travon Martin, thus depriving Mr. Martin of his civil right to life. 

Now, lets be clear, Mr. Zimmerman was found not guilty of killing Travon Martin, by reason of self defense. But, since he killed Zimmerman shot and killed Travon in self defense, Zimmerman is a civil rights violator. Even the FBI investigation concluded that they could find no evidence that race had anything to do with this case. 

Has the world gone mad? So, the NAACP is saying, you cannot use deadly force to protect yourself from someone else. Or, maybe they should just come out and say what they really want to say. You have no right to kill someone who is black in self defense if you are white. Where are they crying about the huge numbers of black and black killing? Where were the likes of them and Al Sharpton speaking out when there is black on white crime? 

I am getting sick and tired of this double standard. How dare they say I cannot defend myself by using deadly force if necessary. Would they be saying this if they roles were reversed? If Travon killed Zimmerman in self defense, would they be crying over civil rights? 

Now, no charges have been pressed against Zimmerman on civil rights violations when this blog post was published. But I find it non laughable funny how just mere hours after the not guilty verdict, they are contacting Attorney General Holders office on charging Zimmerman with civil rights violations.

Starting a Podcast under Moonstone Studios Network

Well, I have toyed with this idea for a long time, but I am finally going to start a podcast. Actually, I have a couple lined up. One of them I will be with a co-host where we banter back and forth and talking about what we think is wrong with shit going on in the world. That is, if we can get our schedules to coincide with each others.

This will all be under the banner of Moonstone Studios Network, which I recently created.

The other podcast I am working on will be called Private Security Weekly. It will be a weekly pod cast with me talking about the Private Security industry and hopefully I will line up some interviews in the Security industry.

If anyone has any show suggestions and or would like to start a show with me. Drop me a line at contact@moonstonestudios.net

Airlines and the U.S. Passport Office are racist

Parody

For a while I have been thinking of traveling abroad, but I was stopped by the racist inexcusable actions of the airlines and passport office of the United States.

While looking on the official government website for information on obtaining one. I was appalled that I have to prove who I am to them before they issue me a United States Passport. I cant believe they would not take my word for it. Since my last name clearly shows I am from Hispanic origin, this is a clear case of racism. I even learned that I needed a Government Identification with my boarding pass just to get through TSA Security at the Airport. And to add insult to injury, I have to show that again to the boarding agent before I get on the plane. What kind of Police state is this?

This harkens back to the old Nazi days of "Show me your papers". As minority, I can not grasp this concept of having to prove myself to anyone. The United States Government must know I would have no idea how to obtain a Government issued Identification like a Driver's license or a State ID. So, with that said. Making  me prove who I am is clearly a case of racism and discrimination. Shown below is clear and undeniable evidence racism is alive and well to obtain a United States Passport.

The above sounds a little out there, does it?

This blog is not to necessarily to make fun of the issue, but to bring it to light in a somewhat comical way. Why is it that to drive I need a driver's license to prove I have been qualified under the DMV to operate a motor vehicle? Isn't my word good enough? That is the argument they are using against the requirement to show ID to vote. A right, which is only a right to United States citizens, as long as their voting rights were not taken away for a felony conviction. Why am I not required to to show an ID to vote, but I have to show one to get into a bar?

The main argument I have heard against making this a requirement is that its racist and discriminates against the elderly. So, what a lot of people are saying is that the elderly and "minorities" are so disabled, stupid, ignorant and cant grasp any concept of how to obtain a legal ID, that those requirements should not apply to them. So I will end with this question. Whats really racist; asking anyone, no matter what race they are to prove who they are when it comes to voting, driving, ect, or implying that the elderly and minorities would not be able to understand how to obtain a government issues ID.

Should a Private business be able to discriminate?

Recently it came to light that two gay guys tried to get a wedding cake for themselves, but the bakery owner refused to make a wedding cake for them. He did not refuse complete service to them. He did say they could buy anything that's already in the bakery, but would not make a wedding cake for them, since it conflicted with his religious beliefs.

Since this he did discriminate against them, albeit this happened in July of 2012, the local prosecutor has recently filed an official discrimination complaint against the baker. That is why its really come to light, since an official complain has not been filed. I do not know why they waited almost a year to do it, but now its out in the public of what happened that day almost a year ago.

Now, this blog post really isn't about what this bakery owner did, but asking the question if a private business owner can discriminate against anyone they want to.

Even now, you can still see "reserve the right to refuse anyone" signs in various businesses. So, with that in mind, should a business owner be able to refuse service or be selective on the service they give their customers, based upon personal beliefs?

OK, so with that question asked, I will go into what I believe. Do I believe you should be able to discriminate against someone because they are gay, straight, Asian, transgender or a Belieber? Yes and no; and this is what I mean with that answer.

If its your business, you should sell or give the service on how you want to. I do not believe you should have to make special exceptions out of your norm. Now, in the case of the bakery owner, he does custom work all the time. Making custom cakes for different occasions that he may not make normally in his display cases. That is where the catch lies. What is good for the goose, is good for the gander.

If you make a custom product for one person, then because someone is gay then you should not be able to discriminate against that person by not making a custom product for them.

Now, if you only sell a certain set of products, then you should not be forced into doing something yo do not normally do. That I believe should not have to happen. If someone wants something that a shop owner does not do and then yells discrimination, I think that should be thrown out like the latest Justin Beiber album.

Now, there is one exception to the rule. If you are a Justin Beiber fan or Just Beiber himself, then I think anything goes against that person. Minus serious injury or murder.

What do you guys think? Leave a comment below!
You can send your hate mail to michael.henriques@outlook.com I am also on Facebook and Twitter. Also check out my Google Plus Profile.

Do you need an Anti Virus for Linux?

When it comes to anti viruses, its almost a necessity on your computer to have one. Though you cannot prevent all of them, mostly because of how people use their computers, it does help in trying to keep out the more sneaky ones out of your computer. Now, I say this with the fact that most computers users are still using Microsoft Windows; especially if they are gamers.

With more and more people going to Linux, I would say that if you are a have a Linux box on your home or business network with Windows computers on it, you should put an anti virus on it. If you have a laptop, I would put on it, since you will probably join networks that have Windows computers that are connected to it as well.

Your Linux computer, for the time being at least, will probably not be effected by a computer virus, since the vast majority of them are written for Windows. But, that does not mean that virus cant jump from your Linux computer to a Windows PC. So, even though your Linux computer could not be effected, that virus just jumped to your Windows box and now has been exploited.

I would say put an anti virus on any computer. Not because your Linux box will be effected, but because you can accidentally spread a virus to a Windows computer.

With Steam out for Linux, Linux has just jumped up the scale on being a bigger target. More and more people who have been dissatisfied with Windows are now making the jump to their flavor of Linux.

I would say, since especially it seem Linux on the desktop is gaining users and notoriety with Steam now officially on Linux and you probably have a windows PC somewhere on your network or will be networked with Windows PC's, I think its a good idea to have an Anti Virus on your Linux computer. Not because your Linux computer will probably get infected, but the virus that finds itself on your Linux box might jump to one of your Windows computers where it can be exploited.

Doing some retro PC gaming and playing The Ultimate Doom

So, I was sitting around on my night off and thought I would do some retro PC gaming. So, looked through my Steam Library and remembered I had all the Doom games up to Doom 3. So, I thought I would record me playing it. Enjoy this retro gaming goodness, circa 1995!

BTW, if you have a Steam Account its only five bucks for this retro gaming goodness.

Tazers do not disappoint on giving you a shocking experience.

Disclaimer: This is from my personal experience. I do not make any claims that nothing will happen to you because of being electrocuted by a tazer and take no responsibility for people who get tazed because of reading  about my experience in this blog.  

Most have seen people get tazed on TV or in real life. But what if you were on the wrong side of the tazer? Well, that is what I went through the other day on Tuesday.

Now, let me say this upfront. I was not in any trouble, I did not break any laws and this was completely voluntary and was part of my Tazer training I went through for work. 

Though it was fifty thousand volts, it was only a twenty-six thousandth of one amp. Remember, its not volts that kills you its amps. A standard wall socket has sixteen amps going through it. That can kill you. So, though you cannot say its completely safe for legal reasons, there really is very little of something happening to you, other then going through a shocking experience. Now, as I say this, I am not a doctor or any type of medical professional. 

So, with that out of the way, I will try to explain what it felt like. Though I was not "shot" with the Tazer, I had alligator clips put on my back. This gives you the same effect if you were shot with the prongs. The prongs do not have to touch your skin, they only have to be within one inch of it. 

So, I was lying on my stomach with the prongs clipped to my back. Our instructor asked me if I was ready, asked me to exhale [so there was not enough air in my lungs to scream] and then I went through the longest five seconds of my life. Think of having uncontrollable muscles spasms, not being able to move and feeling the "pain" of electricity going throughout your body. Not, the most interesting part in my opinion, I was still completely aware of everything around me. I still was able to hear everything, I was aware of everyone around me, I just was neuromuscular incapacitated for those five seconds. And when it was all done, I caught my breath and got up like it didn't happen. The area where the prongs were placed were a little sore, but there were no after effects because of the tazing. 

So, with all that fun experience, will I volunteer next year when I re qualify? Yeah, that is probably a big hell no. But hey, I didn't try the drive stun [where the tazer is pressed against you]. I might try that one next year, but do not quote me on that. Once you have been tazed once, you will never forget that wonderful experience. 

To all the Men and Woman in the Armed Forces, thank you

Ah, Memorial day is almost upon us. Also celebrated as the unofficial start of summer. A time where more people are outside, you can smell barb-q's almost down every street and around the time kids start going on summer break.

I myself am not a Veteran. Though I was thinking about it when I was younger, I never joined the Armed Forces. A decision I sometimes regret to this day.

Too many times, I don't see people remembering the Veterans that have served and died serving their county, but only look at it as a three day weekend where they hang out with friends and family.

This memorial day, like every memorial day I officially want to say thank you too all the men and woman who have died serving this country. Thank you too all living veterans and thank you too all the people currently serving right now.

No matter your politics, no matter what you think of where the Politicians have sent out Military, these men and woman are our heroes. These men and woman literally risk their lives everyday by choice to serve this country. They had decided to serve the Military continue to protect the freedoms and liberties of this country that a lot of people take for granted.

From a grateful American that has not served in our great military, Thank you.

Michael J. Henriques

The Fatherless Father

Growing up I did not have someone I could call dad. Though I did have a couple male role models, namely my uncle and my grandfather, there was no one I could call dad.

Growing up, my mom did an awesome job in filling in as Mom and Dad, but I always felt something was missing. When I was going through my young formidable years, I could not understand why almost all of my friend had a mom and dad. My mom and had a mom and a dad, almost everyone I knew had a mom and a dad, but I didn't. I usually was OK, but even today it still bothers me.

Fast forward a couple decades to today. I am with my beautiful girlfriend Leanne and her two, though sometimes a pain in butt, little girls. Both girls have captured my heart and though I do have any of my "own" children, I treat and look at them like they were my own. Kinda weird being thrown into fatherhood when both were toddlers, but I would not change anything about it.

Unfortunately, due to circumstances of their "father" he does not and frankly cannot be a part of the their lives, well he cannot be a part of their lives when this is being written anyway. Without going into the gritty details, suffice it to say, Leanne believes that if he were to show up at the house right now, neither of them would have a clue who he is.

We have all lived together for almost two years and I know they look at me as "Dad", but they still call me Mike. Which is fine with me. That is how they have always known me. Well, that is how they always refer to me as.

Though in the past, Leanne has said that one of the girls, who is in Kindergarten  refers to me as her dad to her friends, I have not heard her say that, not have she or her sister referred to me as that, but always by my name. But, a couple weeks ago, something that almost made me cry happened. I was picking up the one in kindergarten and when she came outside, called me "daddy". I just about melted right there and gave her a big hug. Though I have not heard her say that to me since then, I now know from her words that I am just more then "Mike". I hope her sister feels the same she does, which I think they do.

My wish is that I am a good dad to them. Not having a "Dad" myself, I hope I can be the best Dad to them someone can be. I hope that one day I not always referred to as "Mike", but as their Daddy.

My experience working at Disneyland

Welcome to Star Tours flight ST45, non stop service to the moon of Endor...

That is a phrase I used to say over and over again and for me, it really never got old.

Over a decade ago, I had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to work for the Happiest Place on Earth. I was part of a cast of thousands helping to create memories that lasted for a lifetime at the Disneyland Resort. A place where when they said it was also the Happiest Place to work, was true for the most part. Well, it was in my case.

I was an Attractions Cast Member. For those who do not know what the means, I will give you a hint. I did not wear a Mickey Mouse costume, nor did I fly as Peter Pan during the fireworks show. In normal terms, I was a ride operator. Yep, that was me. I pressed the button and make the ride go. Well, its a little more detailed than that on most rides, but there were a couple where is was almost exactly that.

I worked from 2000 to 2002. I started by working on Star Tours. I also worked on Space Mountain Astro Orbitor. I also work was part of the Opening Crew for California Screamin in the California Adventure Theme Park, which opened in 2001. I was only there for about six months and then returned back to the Magic Kingdom where I resumed my normal role of being assigned to work on Star Tours and filled in shifts on Space Mountain and Astro Orbitor.

Though, in retrospect, it was a short time working there, it was one of the most fun I have had working somewhere. I loved coming into work and doing my job there. That is not to say there was not any times where the guests and sometimes co workers were getting on my last nerve. There were times I wanted to “break character” and say a few choice words sometimes. But those times, were few and far between.

In the almost two years I spent working there, I made friends, to at least one I still keep in contact with, created lifelong memories for the people visiting. All the while getting paid doing something I really enjoyed.

Also, what other job lets you get into any Disney Theme park [in the United States] for free and get 20% anything you want to buy as well? Also, after you pass probation you can also bring in your friends to come in with you when you are being a “guest” and they get in free too. There is a limit of how many people and how many times you can bring people in, but when I was there it was 16 times a year.

But, unfortunately after about two years of being their, really bills started coming in and I could not afford to work there anymore. Also, now that i live in Colorado, that is not really a commute I would want for a part time job. It will always hold a special place for me and the funnest job I ever had have ever had.

IRS Target Conservative Groups

The IRS, which is also referred to as the most powerful collection agency in the world. The only agency where they can garnish your wages or your bank accounts without a court order. An agency, where they have little to any judicial oversight when it comes to their ways of collections and audits.

For most of us, we only have to deal with the IRS but once a year. For some, which are mostly businesses, they get to have their IRS does four times a year. I have been lucky and I mostly get a refund and usually do not owe the IRS when I file my yearly taxes. I also have had the luck of never been “flagged” for audits.

In 2011, many conservative groups, which put “conservative”, patriot” Tea Party” or other types of conservative names in their tax exempt status were audited. Not just a couple mind you, 100+ groups were wrongfully targeted for audits. The IRS has admitted that they were wrong and are trying to pin it on some “low level” employees in their Cincinnati office.

Now, I do not know about you, but this story doesn't sound right to me. Shortly after “tea Party” members help gain control the House for the Republicans, a small group of rogue agents starting audits on over 100 organizations filing for exempt status that used “Tea Party”, Patriot”, “Conservative” were flagged and audited.

Funny, no “Progressive” or “Liberal” organizations were flagged from that office. Funny how that works.

I am not saying who made the decision, but I seriously doubt they were some level employees gone rogue, out of an office in Cincinnati Ohio.

Now they are caught they are trying to use that excuse since they got caught with their pants down and now are trying to blame some low level employees. You would think if a large number of filings were being flagged out of one office, the higher level employees would have noticed and checked into it.

I have little tollerance for zero tellerance

When emergency strikes, the Police are minutes away. This is something you hear a lot from people who are for gun rights, to which I am too. This statement was so true about two weeks ago when a 16 old wrestled a loaded gun off another student, who was 15 years old.  

Just in case you thought that you read that wrong, nope, you were right. A 16 year old stopped a possible shooting that could have killed one or more people and got suspended for it.

This world of “zero tolerance” has gotten out of control. You have this the above mentioned young man who is a hero and selflessly acted to disarm someone and gets suspended for it. Even more recently, a kindergartner got sent home for pointing a pencil at his friend making “gun sounds”. And the real kicker in that case, the little guy was told to stop by his teacher and he did without question. Yet he still got a two day suspension.

Schools have now become a place of you do something remotely against the rules and you will be punished. No matter what the circumstances are.

I remember when I was in Junior High and I got sent home from school once during a fight. Keep in mind, this is mid 90’s when this happened. So, why was I sent home? Did I get into a big huge brawl with someone? Nope, I got thrown into a locker for even now I have no reason why and I got sent home. Why? Because there was bodily contact.

Now here is a big whopper for out of control rules. Another kindergartner was sent home for having a mohawk since they deemed it “too distracting”. Yep, a kid got sent home for his haircut. And he his parents were told he can come back after he gets a “tamer” look.

So, in conclusion what have we learned? You cant defend yourself. You can't have non sanctioned haircuts and you cannot play innocently with friends with pencils because people might think you will be the next shoot shooter. So, in a nutshell, you will live by our rules, standards and will be doctrinated or you will be punished.