Know Your Rights, But Pick And Choose Your Battles

"You cant do that! I know my rights!" A line that people who usually do not know their rights like to spew out because they hate authority. Moreover, they hate cops. 

Saying all that. Everyone should know their rights, especially when interacting with Law Enforcement. Know your rights, pick and choose your battles and for the love of Homer Simpson, do not be an asshole. You will not win the legal fight in the streets if the cop really wants to push it. 

If you believe your rights have been violated, be professional at all times. Be compliant, yet in professional manner state your objections to the Law Enforcement Officer. After the interaction has taken place, fight it in court [if cited], make and official complaint either over the phone or at the Police Station or seek legal counsel. Fight it in the court, not the streets.

So many times people have talked themselves into handcuffs being assholes. These people usually think they know their rights, when in actuality they do not. 

Here in Indiana, there is a failure to identify law. Some people interpret that a Police Officer can ID you at anytime if you are just "suspicious", even if you did not do anything legally wrong. However, that is not the case. You have to had to break a law, ordinance or committed an infraction for the Police Officer to legally compel you to identify yourself.  

Now, just because you know your rights, try not to be an asshole. The vast majority of Police Officers throughout the country are great men and woman doing a job. A dangerous and a lot of times thankless job. A job, where they are ridiculed all the time just for the uniform they wear. Deal with the interaction and move on how you see fit. Either by dropping it or complaining/seeking legal actions like talked about above. 

Why I never say goodbye

Usually when you leave a friends house, your job, your house or other places you always say goodbye to the person you were with. Its a courteous way of saying I`m leaving now and hope you do well. Well, I have another take on goodbye. When I say goodbye to someone, it usually means for one reason or another I will not see or talk to them again.

 I usually say, "talk to you later, see you later", or just "later".

In my job, though I am not in law enforcement, there was small, albeit minuscule chance, I might not come home. And I always told the person I was with that the time, I will see you when I get home. 

Goodbye to me is a final farewell. Its saying that I will probably never or likely never see or even talk to you again. It means this is the end of our relationship and I hope all goes well for you.

So, if you are reading this and you are family, friends or co-workers. I`ll see you later. 

If I have wronged you, I am sorry

I have been doing a lot of reflecting in my life the last few weeks. What could have I done better and what did I do wrong to lead me into the position I am in today. Though I believe I have done the best I can do, I sometimes feel, that even unknowingly, I have wrong people sometimes in some ways. For that, I am truly sorry.

If I have shunned you, I am sorry.

If I have ignored you, I am sorry.

If I wasn't there for you when you needed me, I am sorry.

If I could have done something better but my pride or stubbornness stopped me, I am sorry.

If I have hurt you, I am sorry.

If I have turned my back on you without good cause, I am sorry

If I have done anything to upset you unjustly, I am sorry.

If you feel I have used you, I am sorry.

Though, I do not believe I have really done those things, well, not intentionally anyways. I know that sometimes it takes an outside perspective to see what you have been doing.

To all the people out there who believe I have done these things, I am truly sorry. All I ask is for your forgiveness and possibly help if you see me doing these things to tell me when it happens. Sometimes you have to be told what you do not want to hear to better yourself. I myself do that to others. I am usually telling people what I believe they need to hear, but not necessarily what they want to hear. Sometimes I have probably have not done it in the best way. I probably could have worded things things differently. It was never my intention to bring people down or hurt them. I always want to help people in the best way I can. Sometimes, I might have done that in the wrong way.

But you cannot change the past. You can only try to learn from it not make those mistakes again.

From the bottom of my heart, I am sorry to all those who believe I have done any of these things.

Rising from the ashes

As I sit here, I should be ecstatic that I have been promoted in my job. I should be celebrating that when I went back into the profession I am good at and enjoy doing, I have been promoted to a high level. It took a lot of hard work and proving myself to get into this position. I should be out celebrating with the people closet to me that my dedication and hard work paid off. But, I no longer have anyone to celebrate with. I have no one to come home to to congratulate me. I have nothing.

Now, do not get me wrong, I worked my ass off for this promotion and I am happy that I got it. Its always nice to see the fruits of your labor. I am thankful for my co workers and my superiors that have chosen me for this position. And its my greatest hopes, professionally wise, I do not let them down.

But, with all that said, that doesn't really matter in my personal life. All I have to come home to is an empty house now. Well, not exactly empty, I have my dog and cat to come home to.

Its still hard to deal with what life has handed to me. Its still gets to me that his been over a month that my life change happened. Even now there are still sleepless nights and crying. Crying on what I could have done differently, crying on grieving over the loss I am dealing with. At lease, with this loss, I take some comfort in the fact they will move on, even if its without me.

 However, I know and acknowledge I am better off then many other people in this country. I know that I have a roof over my head and food [most of the time] in the fridge. I have a car and I have a job. I have the means and training to protect myself if need be [hopefully never happens]. I also have a great emotional support network I can rely on if need be, even if they are two to three time zones away.

This post is not to lay blame on myself or anyone else. This is more of a reflections of what I have learned and how I will lead my life from here on out.

First off, I have returned to the fact that no matter what I only really have myself to rely on. I only have myself to make sure I am OK and though one day I might share myself life with someone else, I can never forget the fact that its potentially all on me to make sure I am OK.

Second, I cannot put myself in a situation to completely take care of someone anymore. Of course there are exception to this, like injury and other things that would incapacitate someone on in some way. All you have to rely on is yourself. No matter the situation, unless mentioned above, make sure you are taken care and your family is taken care of. That is not to say dont ever try to help anyone else. But know that you do it out of goodwill and should never expect it in return. That will later lead to resentment if it is not reciprocated in the same way or amount you have given.

Third, I need to learn how to let go easier. This is something I am learning and maybe one day I will master. I have to learn not to hold onto the past, especially when all its going to do is either sadden or anger me. Its tough for me, since there are so many memories with different people who have or possibly I have decided to end what ever relationship we are with. Its hard sometimes to keep the good and bad memories separate.

And lastly, I am learning I need to get out more and live life. Unfortunately, due to my previous situation, money was extremely tight, and it wasn't possible to do the things we all wanted to do. One of things I regret was not able to providing as much as I should have. But, you cannot change the past, but learn from it.

Like the Phoenix, I am rising from the ashes. One day I will rise completely again. One day I will have my life back that I have lost. Well, I will not have that life anymore. That life is over. I will have a new life and new experiences to look forward to.

To anyone who is going through a trying time where they have to restart their life from scratch, know you are not alone. You are not the first one to go through this and you will not be the last. Just know that with hard work you will get back on your feet. I want to say it will get better, but that is not really true. It will be different. Comparing what was better or worse will not help. Something I am also learning is I cant compare things as better or worse in certain situations.

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!