DygiScape

Texas Instruments to Occupy Fmr. AOL Dev and Saves Buildings in TUC.

Just wanted to let you know that Texas Instruments will be the new tenants of the buildings previously built for AOL Development and Saves departments in Tucson, AZ. The buildings are located at the Williams Circle (5400 E block of Broadway and Craycroft). More »

Tags: aol, arizona, customer service, virginia

VA Requires Students to Learn Online Safety

Virginia, the state that houses NCMEC and AOL, has enacted a policy that schools must now facilitate classes that help keeps kids safe on the Web. Before I shoot it down, I want to say that this is a step in the right direction; I just don’t believe that the fear of online predators is all that realistic. More »

Tags: internet, Safety, social media, Social Networking, virginia, web

It Feels Good To Be Home (Again)

My intermission of blogging has ceased. I feel at this point I am finally “home,” back in Arizona, with my new employer. (Before I fully disclose my employment status here, I think it’s a good idea to run it by the bosses to let them know before they Google me and find out that way.) It was a fun, long and enjoyable three weeks of packing and traveling across the country to re-establish myself.

It was somewhat frustrating though because as I left, the weather where I lived became livable at 60F. Only those who live in NoVA would understand, that 9/12 months of the year it’s cold, overcast and it’s disappointing to be homebound for all that time. In addition to the fortunate weather pattern, there were many headlines that broke that I would’ve loved to dish my two cents on. Well, I digress from that, and will opine on the following headlines that I recall:

• Hillary Clinton Allegedly Releasing Adverse Photos of Barack Obama — Alright, I know it’s politics, but I find it incredibly disappointing that another opponent in the same political party would release photos of someone who was in a cultural ceremony, wearing a Turbin, completely playing on the fear of Muslims in America, further, denying all knowledge of it.
• Use of Barack ‘Hussein’ Obama by the Tennessee RNC — In a campaign speech (dare I even call it that), Bill Cunningham, said numerous disparaging statements with exaggerated Armageddon-like references against Barack Obama. McCain rightfully responded that he disapproved of those statements and intends to conduct his interactions with other candidates with respect. It’s disappointing to see that all it takes to attack someone in this day is to use their middle name.
• Gas Prices Expected to Soar Above $4.00/Gal. — While not surprising, it’s interesting to see that despite the upcoming (or present) recession, Gasoline continues to increase while Exxon rejoiced in their highest 4th quarter earnings, record breaking at that. What about that whole “blood for oil” thing that people were talking about? In any case, I live two miles from work, so I won’t be truly affected, but I do feel for those who have to sit on the 495 or commute in excess of five miles daily.
• Barack’s Pastor’s Remarks, Racially Motivated — While I do question Obama’s mechanics on how he plans on resolving healthcare, social security and the economy, I do not doubt his views. Since when is it appropriate to bring someone’s pastor into the media and chastise a politician on someone else’s remarks? I agree the Pastor made some rather radical statements, but I do not believe those are necessarily anything that falls into Obama’s agenda. So far, all three attacks on Obama all based on fear, insecurity and race — are we still stuck in the 60’s?
• Hillary’s ‘Who do you want to answer the call at 3am’ Propaganda — I usually try to cut Hillary some slack, but her TV commercial crosses the line. She has no right to claim “fear-mongering” from the right, when her own ad insinuates another terrorist attack at 3am, and she somehow believes she is in a better position to answer the phone. Sorry, Hillary, McCain is probably a little better equipped to handle a Military situation than you.

I don’t claim to be a political pundit by any means, nor do I believe I have all the answers, but I just want someone to shrink the size of government. This will accomplish two things: force people to become independent thinkers, lower taxes and once again restore the very qualities that makes America the best, freedom. I’m tired of empty promises, facist propaganda and corporate interests in DC! As I ponder this deeper, expect a future entry dissecting the very values of the two political parties, since that too is on my mind.

Another topic that I’ve had some time to think about — Photo Traffic Enforcement. For those who may not know, Phoenix was one of the first cities to deploy technology that combated Red Light Running (since, they’re #1). That technology eventually matured to include speed enforcement. I think it’s a great idea to make intersections safer and a good way to exploit technology to allow human resources (police) to handle higher priority matters. On the contrary, I disagree with speed enforcement, since speeding is subjective since it varies with the conditions of the road. My five priors are evident of this belief, but I must say the enhanced Radar speed limit signs that blink when you exceed 5MPH are keeping me off the gas pedal. Also, I am less likely to accelerate to beat the yellow mainly since if I get tagged, I will get two tickets in the mail and I wouldn’t exactly want that.

My new apartment is very spacious, good views, good neighborhood (sans theft) and I’m loving my Cox Cable package. The results speak for themselves:

I feel I got out what was on my mind for a while. My apologies for the lack of any pictures. Most of my driving took place at night, and there really wasn’t anything that interesting on the way. When I eventually get my pictures off my camera I’ll post them.

~Joe

Tags: arizona, News, Personal, Politics, virginia, Work

So Far, So Good

Earlier last week, I informed you that I’d be moving to Arizona. I just wanted to share an update as to things and apologize for the lack of blog entries.

The ride over here wasn’t so bad, I did go through a few rain storms and one patch of snow in Texas at the time. Texas took forever, but eventually I got out of it. Later, we made it to El Paso and instead of resting at a hotel like any sane person would, I continued driving all the way to Tucson, all powered on Rockstar energy drinks.

My sister has some pictures, but the problem is there really wasn’t any interesting pictures, since most of my driving occurred during the night.

Aside from that, all I need to do today is sign my lease, get utilities in my name, and unload all the stuff from my moving truck. I’ll get some help from a few friends whose payment is in the form of pizza or a fine sampling of alcohols.

For the remaining fragment of visitors here who do drop by frequently, thanks for your patience. My stats have shown there’s a number of folks who still checked the blog out despite having stale content. In the meantime until my next blog entry, share some suggestions or topics that you’d like me to pursue. I appreciate it.

~Joe

Tags: arizona, Blogging, Personal, virginia

I Did It For The Lulz

Well, not exactly. I’ll be trekking 2300 miles back to Arizona to join my new employer as well as being generally closer to my family. I’m excited, but very occupied in packing all my possessions. As a side effect, you’ll probably notice some reduced activity here, but I’ll try to give some updates or post some interesting photos.

Some notes on the title:

• “Did it for the –” refers to a famous line sung by Fred Durst in Limp Bizkit’s “Nookie” song.
• Lulz refers to a variance from the plural form of (LOL –>LOLs) as “Lolz” to now, “Lulz.”
• Not really doing it for the lulz.

Tags: arizona, Blogging, Personal, virginia

VA Considers Banning Texting While Driving, Difficult to Enforce

Perhaps you’ve replied to a text message to a friend or family member, but soon that will be illegal in Virginia. Law makers are considering completely banning the use of text messaging while driving in an effort to make driving safer. I have a few thoughts on this legislation.

How can a police officer enforce this?
One of the most challenging pieces of this, is the fact that law enforcement has very few tools to actually enforce this. The technology involved is easy controlled by mobile phone users. When a person sees a cop, all they need to do is hit the End button. No message, no drafts, nothing. Nothing that would ever stand up in court. How would an officer witness texting? I know I hold my phone in my car like I’m texting when I am making a speakerphone call. Smartphone discrimination? I can see it now.

It’s already illegal to talk on cell phones (as a minor), use radar detectors, and additional penalties are sanctioned against VA drivers … how much more legislation does VA residents need against them?
While this is very conservative of me, law makers need to stop trying to protect and regulate every aspect of driving. I strongly doubt that text messaging on a cell phone is the highest cause of accidents, so “safety” is just a cover for revenue, just as it was for the ‘abusive driver fees,’ which has now been under more criticism since it had no effect on traffic fatalities.

“But how do we stop people from texting while driving, who risk everyone’s life when they get on the roads?”
First, you’re probably the problem when it comes to traffic safety; as you read your newspaper, brush your teeth, fail to turn your headlights on, tailgate and speed when you drive. Not only that, I’ve personally avoided several accidents because of driver’s lack of experience when merging lanes.  Further, depending on the state to provide a false sense of safety isn’t the answer. If you can tell me one time the state has enacted a law that actually resulted in fewer deaths, then please correct me. The only one who is responsible for your safety on the road is you, not the cops, not the legislators, not the courts. You should be an active, defensive driver who takes responsibility for the circumstances around them and not be a victim.

What do you think of this law? Will this actually save lives, protect others; or is it just infringing on the rights of all drivers in VA?

Tags: Government, laws, Rants, technology, virginia

Black Friday 2007

Like a lot of people who are thrifty this time of year, I’m usually privy to the Black Friday adscans/leaks and other deal hunting strategies. This year, I chose Best Buy because I was hoping to get a TV since 19″ just doesn’t cut it anymore for entertainment for me.

Last night, I thought I was real wise when I wanted to camp out overnight and get there at 11PM (doors open at 5AM the next day). Well, it only seemed this was a futile attempt to outsmart hundreds of other people too. When I got there the line stretched all the around to the back of the building by the loading dock. Alas, this was the very same position I was in last year when I arrived “early” at 3AM.

Best Buy Campers — Setup 11AM on Thanksgiving Day!

I came prepared though — I brought my camping chair, a blanket, bundled up and took out my subwoofer in my car so I can fit whatever I was going to purchase. I chatted a bit with the people around me in line and we traded many stories. Stories were told since we were all veterans of Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Circuit City Black Fridays in the past.

We strategically polled other people to identify what they wanted to get. The conclusion is to see if they are your friend or foe and would assist (or block) accordingly. A lot of people were eager to get the $199 and $350 computers that were on sale.

Two naps later, the Best Buy truck driver was getting impatient as people have clogged the main artery for deliveries in the back by parking on both sides of the road. He issued veiled threats to people, citing if they don’t move their vehicles, he’d have them towed. The threat did have substance because LCSO was present for crowd control and public drinking enforcement. (I kid you not, when I say that I’ve seen people literally tailgating with several 24-packs of Budweiser.)

Later, 3AM rolled around, people stood up and followed each others every move to satisfy their curiosity, “Are they giving out tickets for laptops yet?” was the most common question that people uttered. The “yellow jackets,” also known as Best Buy employees used the buddy system so they don’t get trampled by people and were also escorted by the police to ensure no one pulls any surprises. The tickets were being distributed. I was number #18 out of 20 for the 32″HDTV’s that were being sold, so it was like a lottery, I felt special. I felt valued, I felt vindicated. It all paid off.

My ticket that was issued by Best Buy employees for my TV.

It began to get even more breezy, making a bone chilling wind-chill (felt like 20F). Finally people began piling up around the front door. It was apparent that LCSO didn’t have control of the situation, as people were filing in without any kind of order and the late-comers were cutting in front of everyone who waited in the line for several hours. People were miffed at the sight of them just walking across the parking lot into the front door. (Last year, there was a fist-fight because someone did that… so one might expect LCSO would avert that risk this time.)

I got what I wanted, though. Had to drive around to the car audio installation area to pick up my TV and pay for it. A very seamless process for TVs and I was quite satisfied. I was disappointed by the lack of exciting deals like free things. I remember years ago, one could easily obtain free [small] gadgets, software, or at least some good mail in rebates on things. Clearly, Black Friday isn’t only to adjust their books, it’s marketing ploy to get people in their retail stores.

Later, I went to Sam’s Club to enjoy my complimentary breakfast they offered to their members. Their Nintendo Wii family pack was tempting, but I passed. I then left to go next door to Wal-Mart and check out what kind of gonga-sales they had. Historically, Wal-Mart Black Fridays are usually the most violent, even for the most trivial of items, so I almost never wait in line for them. Knowing that they sued every person who posted their ad, they weren’t worth my time to wait in the cold for hours for a $10 toaster.

I left with some kitchen supplies (can’t go wrong for $5 each), a GPS unit for $128 and a TV Stand. I want to get rid of the older entertainment center which is older cheap pressboard. Overall a good experience, waited in line for a while but what can I do — complain? I’m a part of the very problem.

Went home, and unloaded my car. It was cold and dawn and felt weird. It reminded me of when I went to a LAN party, then left for breakfast — that weird, false jolt of energy that one has from an ‘all-nighter’. 75 pounds was quite a challenge to lift when my hands were half-numb and my knees were weak from staying up. When it says on the box, “Team Lift,” I know I’m in for a treat.

Now, I hooked up the TV and picture is phenomenal. I now have a reason to watch my movies again. I was in the middle of assembling the TV stand, then my mom called me to inform me about her purchase of a new Gateway laptop. While I was totally glad she got it, I was very concerned because I didn’t want them selling her some overpriced accessories (you know, obviously everyone needs gold-plated USB cables to print). Turns out she needed help getting on her wireless connection, and forgot the WEP codes, also got her AOL installed and she was good to go.

All in all this Black Friday was pretty good. For those who slept in, no worries, Cyber Monday is just around the corner for all your competitive shopping needs.

Tags: 2007, best buy, black friday, sams club, virginia, wal-mart

Where are the E85 Stations?

Considering that many auto manufacturers sell a lot of vehicles which are E85 (”Flex Fuel”) compatible, why aren’t there any closer E85 Stations here in Northern Virginia?

This weekend, I was going to try an experiment to test different mixtures of E85 to Regular Unleaded 87 octane, to see if there was any MPG or power increase. Well, consider this test busted because I’m not going to drive 50 miles to the closest station that sells E85. (I did this once in Tucson, and I felt more responsiveness from the car, but negligible gains on the MPG…)

What’s so special about E85? It is a type of gasoline which is gasoline mixture of 85% Ethanol, which is 110 Octane. Typical “racing fuel,” E85 surpasses Methanol-based gasolines in terms of the Octane rating and the overall cost. The other side of the issue, is the fossil fuel stuff. Ethanol is grown here in the USA, from Corn. A lot less crude oil is necessary to make E85.

Argh! Why isn’t Shell offering E85? At least in Ashburn, where 90% of the vehicles in that area can run on E85? (For those that don’t know, Shell dominates the gas stations out here.)

Tags: e85, ethanol, gas, northern va, rant, Rants, stations, virginia

Haha, I H8 IE!

What better way to share your love passion for Internet Explorer than paying more for your next license plate?

This is mine, no one take it, please!

Tags: license plate, vanity, virginia

Why Radar Detectors Should Be Legal

In Virginia and DC, the possession and use of Radar Detectors are illegal. I had to give up mine when I moved here back in November ‘06. However, I never had the chance to explain my beliefs on why these devices should be legal.

Myth: Radar detectors reduce speed of drivers.
False. Speeding is usually a conscientious behavior many people make when either late or fulfilling their own need to go faster. A Radar Detector doesn’t grant someone that right. However, I’ll mention that radar detectors do probably aide on one’s decision to speed.

Myth: Radar detectors prevent police from giving you a ticket.
False. Radar detectors only will alert the driver after the officer is acquiring your vehicle’s speed. I would find it very difficult for one to reason with a judge citing that “my detector didn’t go off, so I should be dismissed.”

Myth: Radar detectors danger everyone else when someone speeds.
False. I can think of many additional factors that danger everyone else when on the road. In fact, I think radar detectors keep the roads safer because the driver is generally more attuned to the risks that affect their driving. Many detectors now available offer the ability to detect ambulance strobe patterns, thereby alerting the driver there is an emergency vehicle approaching. This can be especially valuable when the driver has their windows up or their radio’s volume up.

Myth: Radar detectors promote illegal activity.
False. The drivers that choose to speed make an active choice to violate the law. On all the packaging of radar detectors, they always state that you must obey all local traffic laws.

——

Radar detectors receive the signal that is already being blasted at it. It’s a radio frequency (in the 27-38GHz band), so it is nothing special. It is not a police vehicle detector, contrary to popular belief. The effectiveness is greatly reduced when LIDAR (Infrared, “laser”) speed measurement devices are used on a speeder due to their 600-1000nm wide beam.

If a driver wishes to spend their money on these devices, they should be able to. I would suggest a sticker to be placed on packages advising of the local traffic enforcement laws, so ignorance isn’t an excuse.

My conspiracy theory is that the manufacturers of Radar Detectors (Cobra, Bel, Whistler, Escort, etc.) probably share their secret sauce with law enforcement speed measurement companies (LTI, Kustom Signals, etc.) so the police can keep up with the technology.

What do you think? Should Radar Detectors be legal or not? Let me know in the comments.

Tags: debate, laws, OpEd, radar detectors, virginia