Many of the other sessions at the Summit provided great insights into the way analytics have become more critical and the measurement people look at seems to vary: some are looking simply at AOV, some at the social impact via Facebook, and others at time on site. Time on site, to me, is an important metric. I’ve always said, “the longer someone hangs out in your living room, the more likely they are to stay (and spend $). They become comfortable with you, your vibe and learn to trust you through the amount of time spent with you.”

Think about how just due to the amount of time we spend with some of our coworkers it’s like they are family, even if you don’t talk to them on any type of regular basis. Just seeing each other all the time creates a bond of sorts. As I’ve had the pleasure to work for my employer for 12 years, there are many, many individuals who I haven’t spoken to more than 2 or 3 times over that period — but we have a familiarity anytime due to the length of time we’ve ‘been around.’

The attendees were very receptive to the discussion of video being a very social experience – in fact YouTube was a social experience prior to Facebook‘s massive growth. They were further receptive to the discussion of retail stagnation for about 200 years, with the need to innovate, integrate the seamless experience of the web and leverage video and other assets for customer and sales associate use in store. Live video was also discussed and it’s potential impact and usage as a brand and community building experience. Further, interactive and automated video, as well as interactive retail displays which combine the best of both technology and video assets to maximize consumer experience.

The closing panel was an interesting discussion regarding video SEO, the opportunity for social leverage with YouTube combined with free hosting, the importance of proper technical implementation to maximize SEO and video efforts on product pages, 404 or not 404 for long-dead skus – including taking down videos was a heated debate in which there may be variances by product categories. An incredible panel of some of the foremost thought leaders in the video commerce space.

Thanks to Justin Foster and Jen Fahey for having such a great event and for the opportunity to meet some of the most passionate individuals in the video commerce space who are innovating, looking to break new ground and further push the opportunity before us today.

Since Marissa is a former Googler, I would expect that she is going to focus on greatness. Yahoo hasn’t had any greatness in a long time.

Yahoo! Finance has relevance in today’s world, but Yahoo! search, mail and the rest of the services are just “me too.” They do have Yahoo! Shopping which is a great platform for those starting in eCommerce, but what else?

In today’s society, Yahoo cannot exist with the same services everyone else has as a ‘me too’ type of play. They have to innovate.

But, at this stage in the Internet game, what can they do? None the less, I gave my 2¢ to MSN UK about this new Yahoo CEO.

That’s freaking excellent! I’m glad to see that Green Mountain is attempting to be proactive in the fact that people can probably sell K-Cups for as little as a few dollars, considering the amount of coffee actually in one of their boxes – and they need to start dropping their price now to stay relevant once the patent expires.

It was a good run – you overcharged me for coffee for years – now, it’s our time.

I love me some Jelly Beans. Not exactly sure why just yet, and I’m oh-so afraid that my Verizon Galaxy Nexus will NOT be in the first upgrade cycle with the whole LTE issue which resulted in my XOOM getting upgraded 6 months later than everyone else.

But it’s not only that. I freaking wish I was there. The attendees received a four pack of Google Goodness with the:

• Nexus 7 tablet $199
• Nexus Q $299
• Galaxy Nexus phone $349
• Chromebox $329
  
  Total $1,176

I want that schwag!

This story has been blowing up across the internet for several reasons:

• He was naked
• He was biting and chewing another man’s face
• He was described as ‘acting rabid’
• When the police shot him, he did not stop
• Six or more shots were fired to take the man down

So.. the Internet has taken this to an all new level – because of the facts listed above… he’s being called a ‘zombie’

The headlines include:

• “Miami cop shoots, kills naked man eating victim’s face
  Chicago Tribune
• Miami officer shoots naked, face-chewing attacker
  News 10
• “Naked man shot while eating victim’s face”
  nineMSN
• “Naked Man Allegedly Eating Victim’s Face Shot And Killed By Miami Police”
  Huffington Post
• “Naked attacker ate man’s face: Miami cops”
  NewsDay

But then, the real headlines start:

How the zombie apocalypse starts: Naked attacker found eating man’s face

From io9 (part of the Gizmodo family)

“…several circumstances of the story have some people crying zombie.

Now it’s one thing to eat another person, and it’s quite another to eat another person and then continue eating after you’ve been shot. Witnesses claim the officer fired half a dozen shots before the attacker finally stopped. The attacker was killed, and the victim is currently in the hospital.

This is obviously a great tragedy, one that’s left one man dead and another disfigured, and the police are theorizing cocaine psychosis rather than zombification as the cause of the attack. But residents of Miami can rest easy in the knowledge that the police are prepared to nip any zombie outbreaks in the bud.”

Commenters on the Miami Herald article about the shooting went even further with the ‘zombie’ conspiracy:

• “This was obviously a zombie attack. So sharpen those machetes and stock up on bullets.”
• “CDC Zombie Preparedness (Link)”
• “This is the first bite of the Zombie Apocalypse!!!”

While I do not think this is the start of the zombie ruled world as portrayed in so many movies, it definitely something you have to consider.

Our grand Country is behind the USPS – in fact, Senator Harry Reid recently spoke up about the fact that the USPS provides an incredible service, by ensuring that senior citizen get their junk mail – which while offensive to many, seniors rely upon that junk mail as a way of being part of society. I’m not kidding. His exact statement:

“Elderly Americans rely on the United States Postal Service… I’ll come home to my home here in Washington and there will be some mail there. A lot of it is what some people refer to as junk mail. But for the people that are sending that mail, it’s very important. And, talking about seniors – Seniors LOVE to get junk mail. It’s sometimes their only way of communicating or feeling they’re part of the real world.”

If it wasn’t funny enough to just read what he had to say, why not watch it as well!

Really – the USPS is relevant for the delivery of junk mail to senior citizens to ensure they feel like they are still “part of the real world”? C’mon!

Photo Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution via Flickr

Source: TechDirt

Seems the uber-nerd forgot about the GPS data in the photo EXIM data. So, as CNN reports it, “Breasts lead to arrest of Anonymous hacker.”

What a dumbass.

Now, of course, many classic magazines have taken their content over to archive.org for long-term storage, but this mailer is a classic, showcasing advanced audio technology for your Atari computer.

TIME Magazine called it the:

“Machine of the Year!”

The VOICE BOX from the Alien Group enables any ATARI to say aloud anything typed on the keyboard in any language. It also sings “Amazing Grace,” “When I’m 64″ or anything else that anyone wants to teach it!

You could easily order this device for only $159 and try it for 10 days before deciding whether or not to return it. I mean, how could you not keep it with a voice game of STUD POKER? It must have been AMAZING!

Alien Voice Box Sample Song

Video courtesy of robocat275 on YouTube

Image courtesy of Digitize Textfiles

The team over at OnlineCriminalJusticeDegree have made a great infographic showcasing a multitude of the TSA failures. Enjoy.

Created by: OnlineCriminalJusticeDegree.com

The broadcast is using over 24 cameras and is broadcasting 12 hours a day during the show. The coverage has been nothing short of amazing – with incredible camera shots and the opportunity to see once in a lifetime events, like Madonna’s first appearance on the Main Stage at Ultra, to introduce AVICII and his new remix of the Madonna track ‘Girl Gone Wild.’ Without this live stream, hundreds of thousands of people who wished they could have come to Ultra now can attend in spirit.

Check out some of the images from the broadcast, and take a look at the ol’ Gal Madonna herself during her appearance.

via Wired.com

The FTC is warning Apple and other Publishers of their need to respond to an industry-wide pricing ‘agency model,’ in which the publishers control the price of the books, providing a 30% cut to the reseller of the title. Apple was the one who pushed for this pricing structure and is even recounted within Steve Job’s biography according to a Wall Street Journal report.

“The five publishers facing a potential suit are CBS Corp.’s Simon & Schuster Inc.; Lagardere SCA’s Hachette Book Group; Pearson PLC’s Penguin Group (USA); Macmillan, a unit of Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck GmbH; and HarperCollins Publishers Inc., a unit of News Corp., which also owns The Wall Street Journal.

Spokespeople for the five publishers and the Justice Department declined to comment. Apple, which introduced a new version of its iPad tablet Wednesday, declined to comment.”

Source: Wall Street Journal
Photo Credit: Wired

My dad’s tale this time is of his time in his shared bedroom with his brother. Now, I’ve never asked, but what about when they became nearly adults. They were still in the same house – they still had a common bedroom (I think, even though I kinda remember another bedroom on the second floor of the house in Kelly Station). But my father, his stories are great, and I wanted share with you.

DRIVE MOM CRAZY

I don’t know why most kids are born, but my brother Randy and I, it seems as best as I can recall, were born to drive our Mom (and sometimes Dad) crazy — I think we did a pretty good job. Later in her life, Mom was always saying “I know I’m crazy”. I can’t tell you how many times Randy and I have heard this statement from her, but it was a regular thing.

The following are vignettes of my memories that will substantiate this belief. They are in no particular order, just written as I recalled them.

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING ARE RATE “PG”. PARENTAL GUIDANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!

BB Guns

I had a Daisy Red Rider, lever action, BB gun. You would cock the gun to fire by using the lever. There was a long tube (maybe ¼”) under the barrel of the gun which held the BBs. The BBs came in a ¾” cardboard tube. You had to dump the BBs into the gun tube which was difficult and took a long time so I would dump the BBs into my mouth and then blow them into the gun tube (wouldn’t spill any this way). Who would have thought you could swallow the BBs — I didn’t, but Mom sure did when she saw me (you’ll choke to death). Of course I taught this trick to Randy and Mom would see him doing it too! Randy had a Daisy pump BB gun and it also had a tube for loading the BBs, but smaller, so he needed the help.

My brother and I shared an upstairs bedroom. We had a double window in that room that overlooked the backyard. We would open both windows and shoot at anything outside. Everything was a target. We would do this year round. In the winter when we were shooting, the windows would be open for hours — who would think that heat from the house would escape out these open windows. “you think we’re paying to heat the whole neighborhood?” was what we heard.

We had little plastic soldiers that we would set up in the back yard and then go up to the windows to shoot them. Best of all, in the winter we could go out and retrieve our BBs from the snow and use them again — hey, BBs cost 10 cents a tube — “you think money grows on trees?”

We were always playing games and one of our favorites was tag — BB gun tag. We would put on our protective gear — blue jeans, jackets, caps and sometimes goggles. Then we would shoot at each other. “you’re going to shoot your eyes out”. We never aimed at the eyes or the head, that was one of our rules. Remember, you can trust two boys to never break the rules.

Glass bottles and cans. We would throw them into the creek behind our house and shoot them as they flowed downstream (a moving target). This created a lot of broken glass in the creek. In the summertime we played in that creek, mostly in our bare feet (you’re going to cut yourself”.

We would put straight pins and nails in the barrel and then fire them, some times with the BBs and sometimes with just the air in the barrel. You know the straight pins would stick in the bedroom walls when you just used the air — Mom found out and then she knew.

22 Rifle

We also had a 22 rifle and we also shot targets with it. We were really careful with though “you’re going to kill each other”. But one time we got this crazy idea it would be fun to hear what a bullet going over your head would sound like (just like in the war movies and on television). So we would lie down in a ditch or behind a tree and the one would shoot at the other. (At least I won’t have to feed you anymore)

Mom was always saying we were going to kill each other one of these days. One time Randy got blanks at Fiscus’s store. We pretended we were fighting in the back yard and Mom was at the kitchen window doing dishes and could see us. Randy shot me with the blanks and I pretended to like I was shot and fell down. Mom came running out and said “Oh my God you shot him, I knew this would happen”. We started laughing and she got so mad she started squirting us with the hose.

Darts

We had a dart board and darts. We couldn’t play with them inside because we would put holes in the walls (we weren’t very good I guess). So we would hang the dart board outside on trees, clothes post and the wooden shed. After awhile just throwing at the dart board wasn’t fun so we would think of other things to do with the darts. Again, everything was a target – toys, soldiers, birds, bottles, cans and such. We even played pitch and catch with our ball gloves (who would have thought the dart would go through leather). (who’s going to take you to the doctors, I’m not)

Lawn darts — wow, just like horseshoes but better. These were so much fun. You could throw them further than regular darts. Throwing them at the little circles got boring pretty quick so we thought of other things to do with them. They became javelins and spears. Throw them at anything. The best was when we would throw them straight up in the air to see how close we could get them fall near us. (knock it off or I’ll stick them where the sun don’t shine)

Bow and Arrows

Luckily we had a big enough yard to play in — 4 acres. One day Randy was presented with a great gift — a bow and arrows. Oh man, now the fun can start. We set up targets everywhere and at great distances. Shoot, shoot, shoot and run get the arrows and shoot some more. Never near each other, was that too dangerous — you saw what the Indians did in the movies and on TV. Whew — nothing we wanted a part of — do you remember when then pulled the arrow out of somebody (on TV) and how much they screamed? We did. One thing we were good at though was shooting them straight up in the air (remember the lawn darts). You could almost hear them whistle as they fell. (You’ll look funny with an arrow sticking out of your head)

Scare Randy

As I said before Randy and I shared an upstairs bedroom. We had side by side twin beds. As the evil brother this presented numerous opportunities to harass him. One of the best things I can remember was scarring him with the sweeper hoses. I would connect the sweeper hoses to go under my bed and under his bed with the open end on the side of his bed away from me. After the lights were out and he was almost asleep, I would turn my back to him and grab the end of the sweeper hose on my side. Then I would make noises in it (growls, and spooky sounds). The sounds would come out of the hose on the side of his bed away from me and he would scream out “What was that?” I would say what, I didn’t hear anything. He would lie back down, I would wait a little bit and do again. Same thing would happen. I don’t know if he ever got a sound sleep as I would do this quite regularly. Even when he saw the sweeper hoses he never figured it out.

Another evil thing I did. There was an attic behind the wall of our head boards. One day I went into the attic and strung a string extending from my bed through the attic door, along the attic wall, ending behind his headboard. To the end of the string I attached a steel nut. When I pulled on the string to nut would tap the wall behind his headboard. So, when he was in bed I would be talking to him and pull the string so the nut would tap. He would stop and ask if I heard anything — naturally I didn’t. I would continue this for quite awhile and finally he would ask if he could come over to my bed. He would be shaking. (what’s going on up there)

Fights

We didn’t always get along so friendly. Sometimes we would fight, not fist fights but wrestling. One time we were fighting on the stairs and put a hole in the wall (broke through the drywall). Dad came home and looked at it, didn’t say anything and fixed it.

My brother also stabbed me twice, with a pencil both times. I still have the lead in my left hand and right shoulder.

Sometimes when we were fighting Mom would throw water on us to make us stop. It worked.

Enough of this bit – (go ahead, kill each other I don’t care) We would look at each other and then stop — so I guess it worked too.

Play

We had linoleum flooring in our bedroom. Randy and I had a lot of marbles and steelies (ball bearings Dad brought home from the mill). We would roll them back and forth across the floor from one end to the other. We would do this for hours never realizing it made a noise downstairs. Finally, I guess Mom and Dad had enough and one of them would come upstairs (We’re going to go deaf. or Your driving us crazy) If it was Dad, he would grab the steelies (they made the most noise) and take them downstairs with him — eventually he would give them back to us — maybe he helped drive mom crazy — nah.

We had woods all around us and we mostly played in the woods across the creek in our back yard. There were some grapevines growing in the trees and we would cut them to make vine swings (just like Tarzan). Sometimes they would swing over the creek bank (20′ high in some places) or gullies in the woods. MoM would see us doing this. Sometimes the vines would break. (Stop that, you’ll hurt yourself).

We played in the creek year round, skating when it was frozen. Most of the time we played by just making dams, catching minnows and crabs or just throwing stones. There was broken glass, rusted tin cans, sharp rocks, all kinds of things to get hurt on. The neighbors’ sewers also drained into the creek and Mom would say if we got cut we would get tetanus. (Call me when you start foaming at the mouth)

Dad finally got a riding lawn mower. We used to have a push mower and it would take forever to finish mowing the lawn. Besides using the mower for the lawn, we used it for thrill or stunt driving. We made ramps and bumps and did hill climbing. Sometimes the mower would upset but we never had the blade on when thrill driving.

Bicycles were our means of transportation. We used our bikes to go everywhere. We used them to perform stunts. We used them year round. In the winter we would ride them on the icy roads, crashing and smashing, sometimes in front of cars.(stop that, you’ll break your neck or get killed)

Eating

I used to put butter on everything I ate and drank milk with every meal. At some point Mom started buying oleo margarine and powdered milk (Do you think we’re made of money). I couldn’t stand the taste of oleo or the powdered milk so I stopped using it. Till this day I still don’t use oleo or drink any milk but I do use butter.

Mom would cook the meals and put the food on our plates. She decided the amount not us. Even if the food was good sometimes you couldn’t eat it all. I would put the food in my pockets and Randy would hide his under his plate. His plate would be so crooked, one side at least an inch off the table. I guess he thought Mom wouldn’t find it when she cleaned off the table. (you know kids in china are starving)

My Times

I got a new car when I was nineteen. When I was out I would by a bottle of pepsi. When I came home I would throw the empty bottle on the lawn beside my car (I don’t know why, I would pick them up in the morning). One day Mom asked me if someone was mad at me. I said: “not that I know of, why?” She said someone must be because they are throwing bottles at my car every night. I never told her what was going on.

I would stay out late, coming home at two or three in the morning. Mom would ask me what time I got to bed last night and I would tell her I got to bed at 9 and came home at two. (She would just roll her eyes)

I was on the track team in high school and after practice or meets I would hitch a ride home or sometimes Mom and Dad would pick me up. One day it was raining really hard and after practice I couldn’t get a ride so I started walking home (it was seven miles) and I was mad. I was about a mile from home and saw Mom and Dad’s car coming so I jumped off the road and hid behind a tree. After they passed I finished walking home. After awhile they came home and saw me there and said they came to pick me up but couldn’t find me. I was so mad that I never told them what I did.

Randy

Randy never wanted to go anywhere, he always wanted to stay home. He didn’t like to be around strangers. One time we were going shopping and he was putting up a fit about staying home and Mom said “Go ahead, stay home, the gypsies will get you”. We did have gypsies in the area. They came door to door sharpening scissors and knives, and buying rags. They were always dirty and scared us.

He was real picky about his food. He wouldn’t eat anything new or strange to him. Mom would tell him “You’ll stay at the table until your plate is clean”. All the neighbors were outside playing and he would sit there and cry. This would upset me so much that when I had my own kids I would never do this to them. If they didn’t want to eat, I said okay or would make them something they wanted (PB&J, soup, cereal or whatever), I couldn’t stand to see them cry. This would make their mother so mad but I couldn’t help it, the memories of my brother were to clear.

Randy didn’t talk plain for a long time. I could understand most of what he was saying so I was the translator for the family (What did he say?). One day at the table when he wouldn’t eat Mom asked what he was saying and I told her he said “I’m not eating this shit”, so she slapped him. I used to translate a lot like this. And he would start jabbering and they would ask what he was saying and I would say something smart. What he was saying to them was “I didn’t say that”, but that is not what I translated.

We had a gas, forced air furnace but the registers only went to the first floor. On the second floor of our bedroom there were no registers so they cut a hole in the floor with a register grill for gravity flow (heat rises). It just so happened this opening was above the bathroom on the first floor. Every time someone went into the bathroom, Randy would run upstairs to look down the register. He saw everyone in the tub and on the commode. Sometimes he got caught. (WHAT ARE DOING UP THERE?) Mom had to watch him when we had company.

Randy would roll marbles down the stairs while Dad was trying to sleep. Dad worked shift work and when he was sleeping during the day Randy would roll the marbles and Dad would say “Stop it, I’m trying to sleep”.

Stupid

Okay — now this is stupid but we were not the only ones doing this. Before Christmas we would search through the house for our gifts. A couple of Christmas’ we found all our gifts. Mom said “okay no surprises for you”. One Christmas this was true, we only got what we found — surprised was not enough word.

We would tie a bolt on a string and hang it out our bedroom window and swing it over so it would hit the aluminum back door. It sounded like someone was knocking on the door and Mom would go to answer and nobody was there. We would do this several times. Then she would go outside and yell at the neighbor kids for knocking on the door and running away.

What? I hear something.

I know I’m Crazy!!

Huh? Just for that we are going outside to play.

Then, he decided to tell his cousin about it. The eyeball tasted like an oyster. The brains: women’s ejaculate.

Only in Florida, and only in the Miami New Times.

Source: Miami New Times
Photo Credit: Miami New Times Screenshot by DowntownMiamiNews

Here’s the deal about the current state of our National government: it’s a freaking wreck. The Senators and Representatives are nothing but money-hungry elites. They are getting paid to feel a certain way. Representative of the people, RUFKM?

Roseanne, should she be elected, could do a number of great things.

She could abolish the party system.
She could abolish political donations all together.
She could abolish the House of Representatives and replace it with voting from the actual populus.

okay, the last one got you scratching your head? Here it is, plain and simple.

Today’s technology allows each and every one of “the people” to have their own voice without any excessive costs, elections and the like – it’s called THE INTERNET. Reps – please. Let us talk – we don’t get paid by corporations.

Roseanne, please, do this. It’s important that the ACTUAL VOICE of the CONSTITUENT is heard. Not the ramblings of a politician on a payroll of some corporation.

Kick their ass.

Photo Credit: MSNBC

Some of the biggest sites in the world are participating: Reddit, Mozilla. And some others may join (e.g. a leading micro-blogging platform and a popular collaboratively-written encyclopedia), but they need a nudge. If we can get them to join this will be EPIC.

Ask the biggest sites on the internet to join the strike. Click here.

If you’re on Facebook or Twitter, please use these links to share this:

LonnyPaul.com will go dark on January 18

LonnyPaul.com will go on strike on January 18 from 8am to 8pm EST in support of the SOPA BLACKOUT. I am personally happy to support this effort – it is not in the public interest – only that of the RIAA and MPAA.

Tonight, however, I spotted a post which was, shall we say, freaking ridiculous. Gizmodo’s post entitled ‘The One About the Las Vegas Per Diem,’ entails the story of a young Editorial Assistant named Kyle Wagner who decided since he had not yet met his $50 per diem in Vegas, he’d buy $50 of burritos.

Upon reaching the TSA, they wouldn’t allow his Mexican fare onboard the plane as it was in over-sized styrofoam containers (not to mention it was TWO BAGS full of burritos). So he had to toss them. An updated post asked for people to meet him at the NY airport with burritos, but instead I would not, in the least, be surprised if this fool was handed a pink slip instead.

Kyle Wagner, just because you CAN spend $50 on food, per day, while on assignment doesn’t mean you HAVE to spend it. Are you any further ahead? No, you are simply wasting the company money.

But the lesson more likely to be learned is, “If you decide to be a complete asshole about your per-diem expenses while on assignment with Gawker, and you let someone write a story about it and post it online for all to see, with your name Kyle Wagner clearly indicated in it, and within the photograph which matches your Google+ profile, you may no longer be laughing when you get back to the office on Thursday morning.”

Fire his ass I say.

Fire Kyle Wagner’s ass for being such an immature asshole. And telling the world about it for Pete’s sake.

Source/Photo Credit: Gizmodo (screen shot by LonnyPaul)
Kyle Wagner Photo via Google+

The GoateeSaver is basically a plastic device in the shape of a goatee that you bite down on these wings that stick out of the device in your mouth, then simply and easily run your razor around this big honking piece of plastic on your face.

Perfect Goatee every time, right? Well, according to the reviews (it has a 4 star overall rating on Amazon)…

I’ve used one of these for nearly two years now. It works as advertised. It’s adjustable to a wide variety of goatee styles, and it’s use is pretty much a no-brainer. I use it maybe once every ten times I shave just to make those small adjustments that eyeballing misses. I don’t understand the one star reviews: hey, it doesn’t shave you, it’s a freaking template. (J. Iverson; Sante Fe, NM)

I’ve messed up my goatee more times than I count which usually leads me to shaving all my facial hair off until it all comes back in evenly again. This is why I generally just went with a thin beard.

I picked up a goatee saver, despite all the snickering and giggling about what it looks like. It took me a few adjustments to get my goatee has narrow as I like it, but the results were impressive. It really does prevent you from accidentally cutting into your goatee too close, or making it uneven. Now I use it every day without thinking about it.

It might look funny while you’re using it, but so do a lot of grooming tools. Seriously, look at yourself with a face full of shaving cream some time. (Dan, USA)

Customers seem to love it. I still think it’s a bit crazy, but if it works – then why not try it yourself?

One of the patents Apple was granted includes ‘list management,’ or basically moving things around on screen, like the order of a list. Their claim to uniqueness here is obviously the fact that they allow for additional ‘wiggle room’ (my words) in order to properly handle finger based input, which isn’t as precise as stylus input. Okay, well, put a row of tongue depressors with things written on them horizontally on the table before you.

Now, rearrange them.

That is one of Apple’s patents which was issued.

The other, referred to only in an AppleInsider post, is purportedly for using a phone as a hard drive. RUFKM? HELLO!?!?! ANY USB device which will act as a storage device makes this possible. It’s not something APPLE came up with for Lords sake.

IS ANYONE REALLY WORKING AT THE PATENT OFFICE OR ARE THEY JUST RUBBER STAMPING?

I don’t get it. Does anyone else understand this insanity of BLATENTLY OBVIOUS THINGS being patented?

So get this — four, not one, but four Chinese researchers are listed on this report regarding the ability of the female Fruit Bat to perform fellatio on the base of the male Fruit Bat’s genitalia in order to extend their copulation time.

Oral sex is widely used in human foreplay, but rarely documented in other animals. Fellatio has been recorded in bonobos Pan paniscus, but even then functions largely as play behaviour among juvenile males. The short-nosed fruit bat Cynopterus sphinx exhibits resource defence polygyny and one sexually active male often roosts with groups of females in tents made from leaves. Female bats often lick their mate’s penis during dorsoventral copulation. The female lowers her head to lick the shaft or the base of the male’s penis but does not lick the glans penis which has already penetrated the vagina. Males never withdrew their penis when it was licked by the mating partner. A positive relationship exists between the length of time that the female licked the male’s penis during copulation and the duration of copulation. Furthermore, mating pairs spent significantly more time in copulation if the female licked her mate’s penis than if fellatio was absent. Males also show postcopulatory genital grooming after intromission. At present, we do not know why genital licking occurs, and we present four non-mutually exclusive hypotheses that may explain the function of fellatio in C. sphinx.

I don’t know what more can be said about the need for increased research for studies like this one. If the human species could replicate this behavior – wouldn’t the world be a better place?

Here’s the findings of this research:

We found that female short-nosed fruit bats C. sphinx lick their mate’s penis regularly during copulation, and that each second of licking results in approximately 6 extra seconds of copulation. Copulations also last longer if licking occurs than when no licking takes place. Our observations are the first to show regular fellatio in adult animals other than humans.

The duration of copulation in C. sphinx (100–300 s) is much longer than in the Indian flying fox P. giganteus (30–40 s), and the hammer-headed bat H. monstrosus (30–60 s) [4], [7]. The Indian flying fox and the hammer-headed bat were studied in the field however, and male-male competition in colonies may reduce copulation time. Bats may also shorten copulation time to reduce predation risk in the field, especially if vigilance is reduced during copulation.

Sounds so technical, right?

And that my friends, is my final blog post for 2011. Goodbye 2011, it’s been fun, but a new year is only a few hours away.. bringing new opportunities and possibilities for even more life, fun and enjoyment.

Source: PLoS ONE
Image Credit: San Diego Zoo

More Charts and Graphs from the Study

Seems that a recent ITC decision was in the favor of Apple for their patent on ‘Data Detectors.’ Basically, pattern matching. If a phone # is detected, you can click it to call or other actions; likewise with an email address, hyperlink, or other data standardized format you can think of (UPS tracking ##, UPC codes or Zip codes).

Well, yep, Apple has a patent on that. Yep. You heard it right, seems they have been using it within their operating system for some time, and while it only seems logical to me that anyone would find it the obvious thing to do when a specific, identifiable data pattern is recognized. Like, an address and how it will automatically open in Google Maps.

As the patent wars heat up, more and more patents are coming to light which just seem ridiculous. This is yet another example. To me, it’s only logical. I get upset that my Android phone doesn’t understand the data elements in an email or text message correctly and DOESN’T link me to the most obvious place. To me, it’s a basic extension of human behavior. We see a phone ##, we dial it.

I mean, they invented it? Really? INVENTED IT? C’mon, it’s common sense!

Screenshot Graphic from AppleInsider

But this all started before the Internet. The Internet has made international communication and purchasing easy as buying from Amazon.com. Is CES really necessary anymore? Today’s headlines include the fact that Microsoft will no longer provide a Keynote at the annual Las Vegas event. 2012 is the last MS keynote at CES. Sure, they pay to do it an then their booth is another major expense each year due to it’s gigantic size and fancy features.

One year, perhaps 10 years ago or more, I was in an Intel booth the size of a small restaurant, and projectors above EACH SEAT put the Intel logo on a box they had you take out of an envelope flat, then pulled into shape by rubber bands.

The Internet makes international commerce quite easy. CES has a short lifespan remaining. Watch.

Turning 45 today, I see things in a new light. One with a different perspective about people. It used to be that people changed as they got older. They were different people. What I’ve come to realize, is we don’t change. We don’t become different people. But we do have a change in perspective.

I sure look a lot different than I did in 1984:

I think I still look pretty much the same, right?

Spoiled or not, however, I always buy several desktop docks/media docks so when my phone is at home or at work, it has a place to ‘sit,’ charge and be happy, while out of my way and not getting damaged. I also tend to buy the one for the car, but I don’t want one for my windshield anymore, I want one in my console.

So, I try to buy the docks with the phone while at Verizon. They said they aren’t in yet. No biggie, that’s why we have Amazon, right? Nope. Amazon doesn’t have the official Samsung desktop dock either! So off to Samsung’s site I go. The item is no longer even on their site?!?!

When a new phone is released, obviously the carriers are subsidizing the majority of them, hence why they want you to buy yet another car charger, travel charger and a bunch of cases, that is where the profit is. But if they do not have the high-end pieces, what is one to do?!

I talked to Verizon, they don’t have anything. I couldn’t get through to Samsung, tried several times with their live chat – so no word on that front.

I want my Samsung Galaxy Nexus Dock! I’ve found it in several places, one said it would be released on 12/23/11. Really? Not in time for the launch? And then another site said:

Photo Credit: Samsung / The Accessory King

Until then, they have had a grip on the consumer, sometimes charging nearly $1 a k-cup. A few months ago, Amazon had some k-cups on promotion that were cheap as could be. So, being a sucker, I bit. What I got was instant coffee in a k-cup format. The variance, as I see it, is the lack of a “filter” inside the cup may skirt the k-cup patent, and they seem to be still selling their product, but it’s awful.

So last week I got another offer for some cheaper k-cup coffees. A brand I had never heard of before called “San Francisco Bay” coffee, but it was very reasonable in price. I was VERY nervous it may end up some other variety of instant or non-filtered coffee, but I ordered four boxes.

Wow. San Francisco Bay Rocks! I’ve put some photos below, but basically, they are getting around the K-Cup patent but not having a cup, but instead a giant filter. It’s clean, not messy and drippy and is very tasty coffee – at a great, lower price!

Good work Amazon and San Francisco Bay – you guys rock! Get some at Amazon!

While I was hoping for her to breakout with one of my favorite Julie Brown songs (like say, Homecoming Queen has Got a Gun?), no such luck. Just happy to see the girl (53 year old girl) back on the tube and looking incredible!

A great show – and good to see the ‘ol gal back at it and having a great time! Keep reading to watch some of Julie’s great videos from days gone by… (really, it was 1987, 19 eighty 7???)

Julie Brown – My Favs

Homecoming Queen has got a Gun

Trapped in the Body of A White Girl

Johnny Are you Queer?

I Like ‘em Big and Stupid

Some countries have already taken steps to reduce the eBook tax to that equal to the current provisions for physical publications, which should aid in the growing European eBook industry, and will obviously help the sale of devices like Amazon’s Kindle or the Nook from Barnes and Noble, both of which have come out with new full-featured tablet devices recently, providing additional purchasing and viewing capability of HD movies and more.

Europe should just make a ruling to change all eBooks to the same category as a physical publication – and this would all be over. But as finances continue to be put under pressure, it’s kinda hard for them to turn off the flow of this newly found tax revenue.

Source: New York Times

Okay, we know people love to walk down the street, across the street, and basically do anything – including drive. But for two research teams at two different universities took their time to develop this app – and make the video below. Great use of incredible minds, no?

My favorite comment by rl78 from Gizmodo:

Audible warning should be look up you stupid f***!

Source: Gizmodo

Tonight, poking around in my weblogs, I found that I had a visitor from the Seth Godin website, from a trackback link on a post from 2005. Yep, 2005. I was on some other blogging platform, not even sure now what it was, but somehow through the magic of the internet, this trackback, about 50 listings down on a page, brought a visitor to the URL:
http://www.lonnypaul.com/lonny.paul/2005/09/06/online-marketing-guru-seth-godin-releases-free-ebook/

and ended up on the correct story at:
http://www.lonnypaul.com/online-marketing-guru-seth-godin-releases-free-ebook/2005/09/06/

That is part of the hidden magic in my story. I wanted to give a nod to the developer of the WordPress plugin called ‘Permalink Finder.’ This great plugin allows your blog to analyze the URL string of the requested URL and find the most probable URL on your existing site structure. Amazingly, it works very well. I’ve been on WordPress a long time, but prior to that I was on 2 or 3 different platforms. My post data somehow got carried along except for a few of the VERY early years, but URL structures change with platforms, and even with personal attempts to maximize SEO.

If you don’t have Permalink Finder yet, get it for your self-hosted WordPress blog, it’s great.

And you will feel like you still provide a valuable contribution on the internet years later.

Well, this week’s Terranova popped up on Hulu, and they make an effort to show the future of author book signing:

So, will they sign tablets, kindles and phones in the future? Will the autograph sync between devices?

So many unanswered questions in this future world we live in!

Image source: FOX: TerraNova via Hulu

I have to admit it is a fun way to take the story, full of excitement and considerations of how you are going to upgrade your current mechanical lock system into something for 21st century, perhaps with access fobs, NFC with your Galaxy Nexus or even perhaps through retinal identification or a combination of other methods. No, instead we are concerned that if these machines start popping up in the tawdry part of town the author may start to get concerned about their potential use for misdeeds. REALLY ANDREW?

MinuteKey Demo Video

C’mon. In the tawdry parts of town, they can’t afford fancy locking mechanisms like those from Mul-T-Lock. They were used for all the units in my condo when they converted from an apartment building – with three-way locking into the frame (top, bottom and side) as well as a key which cannot be duplicated easily. It’s not like a regular key – well, it’s the lead photo in this story so you can see what it looks like. Basically it’s cut from a slab of metal, including the slots and then the sides also have some holes and bumps on them. It’s kinda cool, and very secure. When you want a key, you have to take an “owner’s card” with you – or you can’t get a key – they actually use the code on the card to make the key. No physical key to “duplicate” is necessary. But expensive. Very. A copy of a key is like $15!

Back to the point here, convenience. It’s the name of the game. Heck in Asia you can get nearly anything out of vending machines, why shouldn’t we be able to get keys done quick and easy?

Video Source: YouTube
Inspiration: Gizmodo

Safe? No. He got in the room and taunted her with a television (yep, a TV) and dropped it on her. Then, he found ANOTHER TV and threw it at her too, between punches to her face.

When the Police finally arrived, he said that he got upset because when then two girls went to the other bedroom to escape the psychotic lover – cause he thought they were having sex WITHOUT him.

Really? Beat a girl up a little bit and it’s like a drug – they just wanna be with another girl while you can’t see.

Only in Florida.

Source: Naples Daily News via Miami New Times
Photo Credit: Screen Shot from Miami New Times

According to the CBS News report, the guy was very active – a rugby player, banker by day and loved watching sports and having beers with his friends. Since waking up after the incident which happened while attempting to do a backflip, he’s had to change careers (to being a hair stylist) and doesn’t play rugby anymore.

Source: Daily Mail via CBS News

According to the JPL and NASA website:  Asteroid 2005 YU55, they are reporting it will approach Earth on November 8, 2011 as well, going further to note that it is the “closest approach to date”:

Although classified as a potentially hazardous object, 2005 YU55 poses no threat of an Earth collision over at least the next 100 years. However, this will be the closest approach to date by an object this large that we know about in advance and an event of this type will not happen again until 2028 when asteroid (153814) 2001 WN5 will pass to within 0.6 lunar distances.

While only a prediction that it may cause some drama, what did happen?  Did we survive the passing of Asteroid 2005 YU55 or is this post only an electronic bit of the massive wasteland?

Read more of the Armageddon Timeline for other predictions.

It’s your Right to Petition

But, not to my surprise, they said “there is no evidence of any life beyond our planet.” Great, thanks. I guess it was confidential and you couldn’t tell us, huh? Well, great answer, you said nothing – just “Nope, nothing. We have lots of programs looking, but, um, nope, no aliens.”

Here’s the full text of the email:

Searching for ET, But No Evidence Yet

By Phil Larson who works on space policy and communications at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

Thank you for signing the petition asking the Obama Administration to acknowledge an extraterrestrial presence here on Earth.

The U.S. government has no evidence that any life exists outside our planet, or that an extraterrestrial presence has contacted or engaged any member of the human race. In addition, there is no credible information to suggest that any evidence is being hidden from the public’s eye.

However, that doesn’t mean the subject of life outside our planet isn’t being discussed or explored. In fact, there are a number of projects working toward the goal of understanding if life can or does exist off Earth. Here are a few examples:

SETI — the Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence — was originally stood up with help from NASA, but has since been moved to other sources of private funding. SETI’s main purpose is to act as a giant ear on behalf of the human race, pointing an array of ground-based telescopes towards space to listen for any signal from another world.

Kepler is a NASA spacecraft in Earth orbit that’s main goal is to search for Earth-like planets. Such a planet would be located in the “Goldilocks” zone of a distant solar system—not too hot and not too cold—and could potentially be habitable by life as we know it. The “>Kepler mission is specifically designed to survey our region of the Milky Way galaxy to discover Earth-sized, rocky planets in or near the habitable zone of the star (sun) they orbit.

The Mars Science Laboratory, Curiosity, is an automobile-sized rover that NASA is launching soon. The rover’s onboard laboratory will study rocks, soils, and other geology in an effort to detect the chemical building blocks of life (e.g., forms of carbon) on Mars and will assess what the Martian environment was like in the past to see if it could have harbored life.

A last point: Many scientists and mathematicians have looked with a statistical mindset at the question of whether life likely exists beyond Earth and have come to the conclusion that the odds are pretty high that somewhere among the trillions and trillions of stars in the universe there is a planet other than ours that is home to life.

Many have also noted, however, that the odds of us making contact with any of them—especially any intelligent ones—are extremely small, given the distances involved.

But that’s all statistics and speculation. The fact is we have no credible evidence of extraterrestrial presence here on Earth.

Relevant Links:

SETI
NASA Kepler Mission
NASA Mars Science Laboratory

Thanks for the response, it was EXACTLY what I was expecting.

He sent over these pics – and I think it sure looks pretty (while I crank up the AC cause it’s so humid here in Florida today – wet and hot and sticky).

According to the Weather Channel,

In eastern Pennsylvania, snow caused widespread problems. It toppled trees and a few power lines and led to minor traffic accidents, according to dispatchers. Allentown, expected to get 4 to 8 inches, is likely to break the city’s October record of 2.2 inches set on Halloween in 1925.

I’ll stay cool – ya’ll stay warm!

Are we gone?

Source:  Alamongordo.com

Reuters Occupy USA Report

The Occupy movement is taking a foothold around the globe and locally here in Miami. Will we see another revolution? Will the people prevail? Only time will tell.

If you aren’t familiar with these “daily deal” type offers, check out this video from Google which may help you better understand:

The process is clean and simple, and it’s great to know Miami was one of the launch cities. According to their signup box, you can see the list of cities which are now launching on Google Offers, so if you haven’t done so, please sign up for Google Offers now! You never know what type of great deals you may miss otherwise.

Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive a confirmation email and you can wait for something 50% off or more that tickles your fancy and you can whip out your wallet!

(Cross-posted from DowntownMiamiNews.com)

Lookout Plan B

After browsing through the Android Market, I came across the often used Lookout, but then I found “Plan B.” This program is FREE and specifically for people who didn’t have any application installed to find their phone, but have misplaced it. Based on the reviews, customers found it took up to 10 minutes for the first message to arrive, but were otherwise positive.

How to Find your Lost Android Phone

Here’s what you do:

• Go to the Android Market and install Lookout Plan B on your device.
• Wait
• Get email notifing you that Plan B has been installed.
  
  
• Get email showing you where your phone is!
  
  

A GREAT utility when you need it!

Tonight, I stumbled across the most, well, graphic thing I’ve seen all day. I was looking at an “environmentally friendly” place for my small dog to go to the bathroom. I’ve been using this “fake grass” thingy from PetSmart that really has done the trick. Eventually they will all realize they need to put all four feet up on there… but this one was kinda odd – no grass just a metal or plastic looking grate and another grate below.

So, a customer by the name of Michael Turner (it’s his REALNAME) from New York, and he thinks that the UGODOG Indoor Dog Potty has saved his life! In order to represent that graphically, he decided to post a picture his dog – mid defecation. Nice, right?

Amazon Photo shows Dog Pooping

Where does the line get drawn these days? It’s been a much more informal society in the most recent decades – and I’m not sure where we will end up, but for now, if you wanted to see it or not, enjoy the photo courtesy of Mr. Turner. Be sure to click on the image above so you can see the OTHER picture Mr. Turner posted – I mean OF COURSE we need to see the dog peeing as well, right? At least it’s not quite so graphic. My my.

Is this pet exploitation? I think not in my most serious tone, however, it is “over the limit” of normal, right? I mean, it’s been up since October 2010, so, it’s not like someone posted it yesterday.

According to TechDirt:

One of the seized servers was a backup server for the very popular service Instapaper, which many people use to save web pages and other info. While Instapaper’s Marco Arment notes that the FBI did return the server relatively quickly, it’s possible that the FBI now has a copy of pretty much everyone’s Instapaper data, which could reveal a lot about some people.

Possibly most importantly, though, the FBI is now presumably in possession of a complete copy of the Instapaper database as it stood on Tuesday morning, including the complete list of users and any non-deleted bookmarks. (“Archived” bookmarks are not deleted. “Deleted” bookmarks are hard-deleted out of the database immediately.)

Instapaper stores only salted SHA-1 hashes of passwords, so those are relatively safe. But email addresses are stored in the clear, as is the saved content of each bookmark saved by the bookmarklet.

The server also contained a complete copy of the Instapaper website codebase, but not the codebase of the iOS app.

Linked Facebook, Twitter, or Tumblr accounts only store their respective OAuth keys. Linked Evernote accounts only store the Evernote email-in address. Linked Pinboard accounts, however, store plaintext usernames and encrypted passwords, and the encryption keys are present in the website source code on the server.

So the FBI now has illegal possession of nearly all of Instapaper’s data and a moderate portion of its codebase, and as far as I know, this is completely out of my control.

Great fun, huh? Seizure without prior hearing… gotta love it.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/fbi-seizures-expose-personal-information-and-nobody-cares/2011/06/25/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/stuck-just-a-remake-of-overnight-in-pittsburgh/2011/06/17/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=stuck-just-a-remake-of-overnight-in-pittsburgh http://www.lonnypaul.com/stuck-just-a-remake-of-overnight-in-pittsburgh/2011/06/17/#comments Fri, 17 Jun 2011 22:02:06 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/?p=2151 Continue reading →]]> STUCK is a viral video currently at the peak of it’s hype which shows two guys stuck overnight in the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. It’s a great video, so before we discuss how it’s a remake of another viral video, watch STUCK:

Okay, so STUCK is a great video and we all agree. Now, to discuss the “remake” issue…. Back in February of 2010, there was a very similar video which went viral called “Overnight In Pittsburgh..” which I wrote about. Here you can watch it as well:

Okay, so obviously they are both stuck in an airport overnight, they both play around with wheelchairs, they both play around with escalators…. but the latest video has more views…

Why does a remake become so popular?

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/stuck-just-a-remake-of-overnight-in-pittsburgh/2011/06/17/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/gingerbread-surprise-in-android-calendar-bug/2011/06/08/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gingerbread-surprise-in-android-calendar-bug http://www.lonnypaul.com/gingerbread-surprise-in-android-calendar-bug/2011/06/08/#comments Wed, 08 Jun 2011 11:52:28 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/?p=2138 Android rules my life. Well, at least my phone and tablet devices. My Droid X got it's Android 2.3 Gingerbread OTA update last week and aside from having to do a hard-reset on the device and start over again, the update seems pretty good. Last night after removing a recurring calendar event from my schedule; I noticed it was still appearing on the widget on my home screen. So I clicked on it to see what it thought it was, or if it led nowhere. Well, it went to my calendar, to an event which was named: "Fake event to work around a calendar issue." Continue reading →]]> Android rules my life. Well, at least my phone and tablet devices. My Droid X got it’s Android 2.3 Gingerbread OTA update last week and aside from having to do a hard-reset on the device and start over again, the update seems pretty good.

Last night after removing a recurring calendar event from my schedule; I noticed it was still appearing on the widget on my home screen. So I clicked on it to see what it thought it was, or if it led nowhere. Well, it went to my calendar, to an event which was named: “Fake event to work around a calendar issue.”

RUFKM?

What is this? Why isn’t this fixed or at least have some less obvious message for the users?

Anyone?

Is this Motoblur Calendar or Android Native?

Patch?

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/gingerbread-surprise-in-android-calendar-bug/2011/06/08/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/network-sites-offering-up-even-more-video/2011/06/04/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=network-sites-offering-up-even-more-video http://www.lonnypaul.com/network-sites-offering-up-even-more-video/2011/06/04/#comments Sat, 04 Jun 2011 17:30:08 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/?p=2130 Continue reading →]]> Be smart, unlike me… last night stumbling around Amazon, I came across the show “American Greed,” a CNBC series about various tragedies which are a result of scams and greed. First episode I bought was great, so I started watching (and paying $1.99/ea) more.

Then this afternoon, I thought I’d check out American Greed on the CNBC website to see what their current episodes were about. There I got a bit pissed off. You know why? They have all the same freaking episodes I was paying for on Amazon for free.

Lesson learned. Maybe Google TV is a good option. Dunno.

Check tv station/network websites before buying any TV content online, you may be suprised what you find!

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/network-sites-offering-up-even-more-video/2011/06/04/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/memory-day-salute-mom-dad/2011/05/30/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=memory-day-salute-mom-dad http://www.lonnypaul.com/memory-day-salute-mom-dad/2011/05/30/#comments Tue, 31 May 2011 02:29:33 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/?p=2108 Continue reading →]]> Today, as the final hours of the day tick by, I found myself thinking more and more about Memorial Day. Sure, our Country is “at war,” but we all tend to lead our everyday lives as if nothing has changed. In the end, it’s something we don’t see unless we watch the news about that kind of stuff. But before the 70s, I think that serving in the military was something a bit different.

People knew there was a war. People felt the effects. People “lost” their children to the military out of high school and hoped they would come home again some day. Well, my parents were two of those children who went off to the military out of highschool.

So today, I’d like to salute my parents (Ronald Paul and Sharon Paul), and my grandfathers (Jake Timmer and Andy Paul) as well, for their proud military service. They must be commended for facing complete unknowns in a world where technology couldn’t yet provide ample protection. My dad was in the explosives division, my mother was a ‘top secret crypto,’ handling a lot of message pertaining to MIA and KIA soldiers. My grandfather used to tell me stories of being in the swamps in Europe during the war – wet feet for weeks and sleeping was a rare pleasure. His ears were bad from war related explosions which took their toll.

To my dear family – Thank you. Thank you for being one of those who served to protect our country, who left your family always facing potential deployment to anywhere in the world.

Thank you for being my family.

I’m proud to have not one, but two parents who served.

I love you both.




And a few pictures to share as well:


]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/memory-day-salute-mom-dad/2011/05/30/feed/ 2 http://www.lonnypaul.com/lonny-magazine/2011/05/30/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lonny-magazine http://www.lonnypaul.com/lonny-magazine/2011/05/30/#comments Tue, 31 May 2011 02:12:16 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/?p=2104 I have a fashion mag! Hot! Continue reading →]]> Today, stumbling around online, I found a link to a blog talking about Lonny Magazine. Lonny? really? LONNY? L-o-n-n-y?

Well, that’s me, as you are well aware, but now I have a fashion mag! Hot!

You can check out the Lonny Magazine website, and their super cool online magazine! Be also sure to check out the sections: “Lonny Loves” and “Buy Lonny“.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/lonny-magazine/2011/05/30/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/human-breast-milk-market-only-wired/2011/05/27/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=human-breast-milk-market-only-wired http://www.lonnypaul.com/human-breast-milk-market-only-wired/2011/05/27/#comments Fri, 27 May 2011 14:13:07 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/?p=2071 Continue reading →]]> Wired has reported about a new growing marketplace for, yes, human breast milk. Seems that mommies across the globe are realizing that at $1-$4 per ounce, they can supply more than demand from their growing newborn. One mother was freezing her excess, and realized her freezer was bursting, so she did a quick search on Google to find there was actual marketplaces online.

Some communities do it face to face, actually collecting from milk donors then pasteurizing for sterility and health concerns and selling for up to $4 an ounce for hospitals and other health care providers.

So, seems that while many mothers (read Le Leche supporters) can produce milk for quite some time, there is lots of money to be made for the milk producing woman. Read the full story where we did, at Wired.com.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/human-breast-milk-market-only-wired/2011/05/27/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/is-today-the-rapture-this-post-may-survive/2011/05/21/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=is-today-the-rapture-this-post-may-survive http://www.lonnypaul.com/is-today-the-rapture-this-post-may-survive/2011/05/21/#comments Sat, 21 May 2011 05:01:00 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/is-today-the-rapture-this-post-may-survive/2011/05/21/ Continue reading →]]> Rapture — the time which those who have given their lives to Christ and led good lives will be ‘taken home’.  Now, of course this was foretold through biblical interpretation by Harold Camping which resulted in finding the rapture would occur on May 21, 2011.  That is today.

Now realize, “on Sept. 6, 1994, dozens of Camping’s believers gathered inside Alameda’s Veterans Memorial Building to await the return of Christ, an event Camping had promised for two years. Followers dressed children in their Sunday best and held Bibles open-faced toward heaven.”  I think we all know how that worked out.  (As reported by SFGate)

Well, if today IS the rapture, and people have poof just disappeared, including myself, then perhaps this post, which was actually written in March 2011 in preparation for the upcoming rapture, should auto-publish by the machine.  Will machines take over?  Will the end be near?

No one can be for certain, until this post is published.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/is-today-the-rapture-this-post-may-survive/2011/05/21/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/finding-your-own-pictures-online-is-kinda-cool/2011/05/20/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=finding-your-own-pictures-online-is-kinda-cool http://www.lonnypaul.com/finding-your-own-pictures-online-is-kinda-cool/2011/05/20/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 22:06:51 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/finding-your-own-pictures-online-is-kinda-cool/2011/05/20/ Continue reading →]]>

Photography is fun, and I upload probably 90% of my pictures to FLICKR and have them under a creative commons 2.0 Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND) license, meaning, people can use them if they don’t change them and attribute them with me as the photographer. 

Well, what happens is, people use them.  Some blog and CMS platforms allow for auto-insertion of images based on Keyword, automatically attributing and linking the item to the correct photographer.

Then one day, you notice your photo online.  I mean, not like a bunch, but a good handful.  I’ve been contacted about 10 times in the last 5 years via Flickr with individuals seeking to use my photos for travel blogs and other sites.  Each time I receive one of those emails, I get all warm and fuzzy. 

While I take photos for my own pleasure, and to create artwork for my home and populate websites… it is nice to hear good things about your works from complete strangers.

Sure, our kids and friends entertain us with the confirmation of our excellence, yet we all know how that goes (wink wink).  Getting external, third-party feedback from a complete stranger, or having them select an image you shot over the thousands you can find — is a very good feeling.

Thanks to all of those in the blogsphere who use my images.  Please, use more, and keep me feeling special.  Oh, and yes, the two screenshots you see here are my images in use on other peoples sites, click to see them in the original articles.  And no, I didn’t pay anyone to put them there!!!

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/finding-your-own-pictures-online-is-kinda-cool/2011/05/20/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/help-need-voters-to-assist-school-win-prize/2011/05/19/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=help-need-voters-to-assist-school-win-prize http://www.lonnypaul.com/help-need-voters-to-assist-school-win-prize/2011/05/19/#comments Thu, 19 May 2011 23:57:09 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/?p=2050 http://www.votescha.com and follow the instructions. Continue reading →]]> Okay, I know this is out of character for me, but I have a friend who’s children attend a school which has placed in the top 100 of a Chase Community Giving contest being held on Facebook. Now, in the top 100, the stakes are even higher, and their school needs a new roof – with the potential prize, the school can have a “green” roof which can provide lots of benefits and cost savings to the school in the years ahead.

To help, all you have to do is visit http://www.votescha.com and follow the instructions. Really, all it takes is a Facebook account and a few clicks of your fingers. Don’t want you to strain, but PLEASE HELP! There are only 7 days to place entries, and as a small school – they can really use your help. (Thanks )

If you’d like to see a little about the school, I’ve got a video for you:

Remember, visit http://votescha.com! You can also read the press release here.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/help-need-voters-to-assist-school-win-prize/2011/05/19/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/xoom-finally-updates-to-android-3-1/2011/05/14/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=xoom-finally-updates-to-android-3-1 http://www.lonnypaul.com/xoom-finally-updates-to-android-3-1/2011/05/14/#comments Sat, 14 May 2011 15:25:36 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/xoom-finally-updates-to-android-3-1/2011/05/14/ Continue reading →]]> Waiting for an o/s update OTA is sometimes a real pain-in-the-butt.  When they announced an Android 3.1 update, I was SO EXCITED, but of course, as my luck with updates usually runs, I had to wait.  Not a few hours, not a day, but several days.

Why must I be the one to wait!?!?!?!  Well, I’ll see how she is and keep everyone abreast on the situation.

For those wondering why I haven’t updated regarding my progress, I’ve been “stuck,” so not much to say. Grr.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/xoom-finally-updates-to-android-3-1/2011/05/14/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/stick-walkers-what-are-they/2011/05/08/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=stick-walkers-what-are-they http://www.lonnypaul.com/stick-walkers-what-are-they/2011/05/08/#comments Sun, 08 May 2011 18:29:09 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/?p=2037 Continue reading →]]> Not too long ago I wrote about these freaky looking potential aliens I saw on Fact or Fiction. They are these eerie creatures you see in the photo. (Read my previous post for all the details.)

A new video recently surfaced, which was brought to my attention by a commenter, Daniel Barras, check it out:

I’ve been getting comments from some individuals at the Unexplained Mysteries forum, and they are as frustrated as I am to find out what these sculptures which seem to relate to the same creature are. it’s also been known for people to call them the “walk walks.” Does anyone know?

Here’s the three pics:


If you know, please post a message or send me an email.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/stick-walkers-what-are-they/2011/05/08/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/miami-photo-blog-launches/2011/05/08/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=miami-photo-blog-launches http://www.lonnypaul.com/miami-photo-blog-launches/2011/05/08/#comments Sun, 08 May 2011 18:06:01 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/?p=2032 Continue reading →]]> Photos are a big part of my life, as anyone who visits my blog or Facebook page knows. Last week, I decided to launch a new website dedicated to nothing by photographs taken in Miami (well, greater Miami to be honest).

The result is MiamiPhotoBlog.com.

It’s been up about a week, getting a handful of visitors per day, but I invite you to check it out. It’s got some great navigation features (you can use arrows to go back and forth between images (posts) and other cool things.

I really like the way the homepage sampler is output, I like it a lot. Next, for a better masthead. I know it’s freaking ugly.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/miami-photo-blog-launches/2011/05/08/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/survived-a-server-transition/2011/05/08/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=survived-a-server-transition http://www.lonnypaul.com/survived-a-server-transition/2011/05/08/#comments Sun, 08 May 2011 16:53:00 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/?p=2030 Well, if anyone had access issues over the weekend, sorry about that, we had to make a server move to a MUCH faster server from our friends at 1&1 hosting.

If anyone sees any problems, please let me know!.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/survived-a-server-transition/2011/05/08/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/my-days-in-the-3s-are-over-gastric-bypass/2011/05/03/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=my-days-in-the-3s-are-over-gastric-bypass http://www.lonnypaul.com/my-days-in-the-3s-are-over-gastric-bypass/2011/05/03/#comments Wed, 04 May 2011 03:21:54 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/my-days-in-the-3s-are-over-gastric-bypass/2011/05/03/ Continue reading →]]> It’s been six weeks since my gastric bypass surgery.  In total, I have lost 61 pounds.  Kinda remarkable considering in a general sense things don’t seem so different.  I mean, yes, I have lost 5-6 inches off my waist and other areas have shrunk as well.  It’s much more obvious in my face and the weight which packed in over the last year is slowly leaving my lower back. 

Only in the last few days I really didn’t feel any “lighter.”  But now it’s starting to.  Other things are improving as well — my trainer noted tonight that (and this may sound crazy) my feet are straighter.  It’s always been one of his pet peeves — I stand like a duck.  I guess that it was a natural reaction to ensure proper balance and stability of my mass. 

With less mass, they seem to be pulling in to the nearly straight forward position.  Awesome.  My trainer tonight told me he was really proud of me, he didn’t have very high expectations cause I’m a whiner.  Big time.  And he nags me — so we have our little relationship.  Not only because I’m a whiner, but my body naturally reacts to sweating like touching a hot stove.  WHOA!  Hold on, not supposed to enter this zone!

Now, I have much better endurance — the first time I was seen by the trainer for an evaluation, I couldn’t last 5 minutes on the treadmill.  He stopped it at like 2 and a half minutes.  Test over.  I failed.  Tonight, I did 30 minutes on the treadmill — and wasn’t even out of breath, or sweating for that matter.  Plus, I haven’t had to use my asthma medications really at all lately.  So, I guess all in all, things are good.

But this morning, landing at 300.0 on the scale. I was like, wow. I’m outta the 3s and onto the 2s.  That means I’m nearly half way through my weight loss goal!! 

Eating is still an undesired activity.  Not for any reason other than I have no interest in eating, but I force things down now and then, even if it’s only a few bits.  If it wasn’t for New Whey Protein Shots, I’m not sure I would be able to lose any weight or get enough protein.  I ran out once, and got stuck on a plateau and didn’t lose a pound for a week.  I’ve learned my lesson and stocked up on more.  A new part of the daily routine — and it gives me great energy levels too.

That’s my update, I’m sorry it’s been so long, but … lots of excuses.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/my-days-in-the-3s-are-over-gastric-bypass/2011/05/03/feed/ 1 http://www.lonnypaul.com/when-related-recommendations-get-weird/2011/05/02/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=when-related-recommendations-get-weird http://www.lonnypaul.com/when-related-recommendations-get-weird/2011/05/02/#comments Tue, 03 May 2011 02:58:30 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/when-related-recommendations-get-weird/2011/05/02/ Continue reading →]]> Automated recommendation engines do a good job of offering up great suggestions most of the time.  Sometimes, they just seem odd or go downright wrong.

Last night I caught a wiff of the “Osama is dead” story before the president spoke and I posted about it.  Well, tonight when viewing it, and updating with an archive of the presidential address, I noticed the recommended stories on the bottom.

• First:  Grandpa Munster Al Lewis Dead at 95
• Second:  Fancy Fish used to eat dead skin from Feet…

Gotta love the automated machines in the Matrix.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/when-related-recommendations-get-weird/2011/05/02/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/new-tv-tonightmay-2-2011/2011/05/02/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-tv-tonightmay-2-2011 http://www.lonnypaul.com/new-tv-tonightmay-2-2011/2011/05/02/#comments Tue, 03 May 2011 00:16:45 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/new-tv-tonightmay-2-2011/2011/05/02/ Continue reading →]]> Television programming, available anywhere you wish, mostly starts during prime time — and tonight there are a lot of things to ensure you DVR or catch on Hulu in the next few days.

While watching video content is one of my personal OCD compulsions, tonight’s line-up is full of “must-see-TV” if you will.  What you ask?

8PM House — New episode of Dr. House’s ongoing mis-diagnosis of patient after patient.  In fact, while watching my friends and I sometime joke — that can’t be the right diagnosis, it’s only 20 after the hour!  So, while it’s become schtick to us all, House is a GREAT character.  Network:  FOX 

8PM Chuck — An all new adventure of the Nerd Herd crew — I don’t find that this is a “must see” show, but for those who enjoy it, it’s on again tonight.  Network:  NBC

At 9PM  there are a couple of great shows on at the same time, so be sure to set your DVR!  First up is Chicago Code.  A great new show in it’s first season, it’s full of strong characters and has a great plot. How can you eliminate corruption in the city when it seems necessary to get anything done?  Get the latest tonight on FOX.

Also at 9PM is another of my favorites, The Event.  While this show has had it’s ups and downs and is currently slated for cancellation, it’s an interesting story line, and being an alien / sci-fi fan, this show is up my alley.  Check it out on NBC.

At 10PM there are three more shows to watch, only two if you don’t believe in  pay channels.  Leading off on ABC, Castle pens another episode of the feel-good mystery writer and crime drama.  With lovable characters and great interpersonal relationships between the characters, this is always a great watch.  On ABC.

For those who enjoy watching an addicted nut-job care for the lives of everyone around her, including many patients, then Nurse Jackie may be what you are looking for.  This is the 2nd episode of the new season, so be ready for new happenings in the world.  Nothing shocking came out of the first episode this season, save a dead rat which fell in the young nurse’s sub wrapper and Jackie simply flushes down the toilet.  Network:  Showtime

Lastly to round out the evening, an all-new Paranormal State is on A&E as the crew investigates a family haunted by an evil spirit.  Similar to Ghost Hunters and all the other “paranormal investigator” shows, the team leaders has a heartfelt desire to assist people in fear with these types of issues, helping them through counseling and taking positive steps to identify and resolve paranormal situations.

I told you it was a LONG NIGHT of TV viewing, and either I’ll be up late or catching up in the next few days (which I love to do on Hulu).

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/new-tv-tonightmay-2-2011/2011/05/02/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/osama-bin-laden-dead-obama-statement-pending/2011/05/01/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=osama-bin-laden-dead-obama-statement-pending http://www.lonnypaul.com/osama-bin-laden-dead-obama-statement-pending/2011/05/01/#comments Mon, 02 May 2011 02:54:37 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/osama-bin-laden-dead-obama-statement-pending/2011/05/01/ Continue reading →]]> Osama bin Laden is dead according to the news tonight on May 1st.  Obama requested airtime to address the public at 9:30 this evening, and we sit waiting at 10:53… but the news is out — Osama bin Laden is dead.

[Updated 5/2/11] While the president asked for a 10:30 announcement, we all found that it wasn’t until 11:45 that we got to hear what the President had to say. In the interim, of course, the media was able to get most of the story through alternative sources, and as the news today has reported, a man inside Pakistan near the area where Osama bin Laden was killed was actually live blogging the event via Twitter!



This is a new day in American history. We went to bed knowing our President took care of Osama bin Laden and had his body in custody. We woke to hear that they buried bin Laden at sea (as no country was claiming him) and the war against terrorism is far from over, and will continue.

It’s only taken 10 years, but we did it America!
(Oh, and NATO bombed the hell out of Gadhafi’s son today – killing him and three of Gadhafi’s grandchildren!)

UPDATE: Congressional and administration officials tell CNN Osama bin Laden is dead. He was reportedly killed in Afghanistan and his body is now in US custody.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/osama-bin-laden-dead-obama-statement-pending/2011/05/01/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/knork-deal-of-the-day-18-for-60-of-flatware/2011/04/30/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=knork-deal-of-the-day-18-for-60-of-flatware http://www.lonnypaul.com/knork-deal-of-the-day-18-for-60-of-flatware/2011/04/30/#comments Sat, 30 Apr 2011 12:29:48 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/knork-deal-of-the-day-18-for-60-of-flatware/2011/04/30/ Continue reading →]]> Single guys like simple things — heck, girls do for that matter too — and the “Knork” (a combination of a knife and fork), is a great way to cut down on dirty silverware for the occasional need to cut something apart.

Think about it, you often need to cut something but a knife is just really overkill, while a traditional fork is just too dull to do the job right.  Enter the Knork, and the side is somewhat sharpened to provide a better cutting surface.  They are cool, and modern.  I saw them a week or two ago somewhere and nearly ordered them.

So today I open my email to find a Living Social deal that (as usual) is nearly too good to pass up — it’s $60 worth of Knork products for only $18!  I ordered mine and on Monday I can place my order.  It’s an awesome deal and if you are contemplating new flatware, there isn’t a much better deal you could even find at Marshalls, I mean it’s 70% off! 

Check out the Knork Living Social Deal and watch for my review in an upcoming blog post.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/knork-deal-of-the-day-18-for-60-of-flatware/2011/04/30/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/automated-emails-run-amuck-at-amazon/2011/04/09/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=automated-emails-run-amuck-at-amazon http://www.lonnypaul.com/automated-emails-run-amuck-at-amazon/2011/04/09/#comments Sat, 09 Apr 2011 12:50:37 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/automated-emails-run-amuck-at-amazon/2011/04/09/ Continue reading →]]> As an internet marketer, I cast a keen eye on each and every marketing email that drops into my in-box daily — and I get quite a few.  As an avid Amazon customer, I’m also the recipient of generally sensible follow-up (post-sale) emails related to prior purchases or search activity on their site, sometimes leading to a sale.

Today, however, Amazon has run amuck.  I purchased a replacement water filter cartridge a month or so ago for my under sink water filter.  Today, Amazon, in all their all-knowing power, decided to send me an email offering ‘Accessories’ for my water filter cartridge purchase.  Basically they offered me the same or similar cartridges.  Accessories?  Sure, there are a few, like replacement o-rings for the filter itself which may be applicable (however you’d only change them when you changed the filter) and since the filter is rated for 600 gallons of water, the replacement cycle is every 6 months, not a month out.

Sure, Amazon reminded me that I will have to replace it in about 5 months, but until then, the email was really just automated logic gone awry.  I expect so much more from Amazon.

But I’m sure I’ll place another order before the weekend is over.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/automated-emails-run-amuck-at-amazon/2011/04/09/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/amazon-cloud-player-its-online-storage-not-streaming/2011/04/03/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=amazon-cloud-player-its-online-storage-not-streaming http://www.lonnypaul.com/amazon-cloud-player-its-online-storage-not-streaming/2011/04/03/#comments Sun, 03 Apr 2011 15:05:19 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/amazon-cloud-player-its-online-storage-not-streaming/2011/04/03/ Continue reading →]]> Amazon has been keeping the music industry busy this week after the launch of the Amazon Cloud Drive and Cloud Player.  Shortly after the release, beating Yahoo, Google and others to the punch, the music industry started saying, WTF?  Amazon has no licenses to be streaming music!

Streaming music licenses are supposedly in negotiation with Amazon, but to be quite honest, I don’t think it’s necessary.  Let’s review the situation.  Quite simply, I can upload my music collection to my Amazon Cloud Drive.  The drive itself is arranged like a user folder in Windows with folders for documents, music, video and more.   Now, the music I uploaded came from a variety of sources.  They are all MP3 formatted files.

Now, if I purchase music from Amazon, it’s downloaded to my PC through the Amazon MP3 Downloader app and also stored on my Cloud Drive.  Then, via any web browser or the Android Cloud Player App (with integrated MP3 store access), I can playback my files.

So far, there has not been any mention of sharing folders with other users, and if there was, I can see the music industries concern, but realistically, you aren’t going to give out your Amazon account password to anyone so they can gain access to your music library.

The music on my Cloud Drive is my digital property.  It doesn’t belong to Amazon.  When I play it back, it’s no different than playing off a local hard drive or flash drive.  It’s mine.  I’m not STREAMING.

I’m the that the music industry and Amazon will work this out — but I really don’t see why there is any reason to require ANY additional licensing. 

If you haven’t gotten an Amazon Cloud Drive yet, sign up today! The music industry should be thankful for innovative services like this from Amazon — Music Execs need all the help they can get!

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/amazon-cloud-player-its-online-storage-not-streaming/2011/04/03/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/just-over-two-weeks-and-going-strong/2011/03/31/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=just-over-two-weeks-and-going-strong http://www.lonnypaul.com/just-over-two-weeks-and-going-strong/2011/03/31/#comments Fri, 01 Apr 2011 02:00:31 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/just-over-two-weeks-and-going-strong/2011/03/31/ Continue reading →]]> Having gastric bypass surgery wasn’t the worst thing.  In fact, as to my stomach, abdomen, pain (or lack thereof), it’s hard to tell I even had surgery (aside from the little pieces of tape still on my belly.

As far as eating and everything, learning what foods I can and can’t eat has gone pretty well.  In fact, I tried some Wendy’s chili today as a quick lunch, and first of all it was delicious.  Second of all, it went down really well.  (and it has very few calories). There hasn’t been much so far that hasn’t gone well, which is an absolute blessing.

The pinched nerve, however continues to bother me, sometimes horribly.  Going to see a specialist on Monday, cross your fingers for me.   The best news of all though, is I have lost 39.4 pounds since the beginning of this process just a little over a month ago.  That’s pretty awesome.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/just-over-two-weeks-and-going-strong/2011/03/31/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/11-days-out-real-food-soon/2011/03/26/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=11-days-out-real-food-soon http://www.lonnypaul.com/11-days-out-real-food-soon/2011/03/26/#comments Sat, 26 Mar 2011 16:01:14 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/11-days-out-real-food-soon/2011/03/26/ Continue reading →]]> There is light at the end of the tunnel.  On my 14th day after gastric bypass surgery, I will be able to eat some solid food.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not in a rush aside from the fact that I like to chew on my food.  During the last few days, I’ve been learning more about my pouch and the way it ‘swallows.’ 

Okay, sounds crazy? Well, imagine this, when I swallow, the food goes down and deposits in the pouch.  The pouch squeezes and eventually forces the food out through the opening in the bottom to my small intestine.  The latter part of that process, the food moving into the intestine, can make me feel quite odd.  It’s a totally new sensation in my belly, so it takes a little getting used to. 

First thing I’ve learned, when they said puree, they meant puree.  I tried to puree some turkey and didn’t’ add anything wet, and it was very dry and fine mushy meat.  So I ate it.  It ‘goes down’ fine, but then, when my pouch swallowed, it wasn’t quite as pleasant.  It feels like something is being forced through an opening.  Which it is.  But if I eat too much too fast, it tries to push out what is in there — and it nearly takes my breath away sometimes.  So, slower eating. 

Ultra Music Festival is underway in downtown Miami and it was amazing last night.  Duran Duran performed before Tiesto came on, and it was great.  Duran Duran really killed the mood of the bouncy dance music with some of their musical choices, but hearing some of the classics was cool.  You can check out a brief video of it over on YouTube.  Today is day 2 of 3 for the event, so the thumping continues throughout the day.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/11-days-out-real-food-soon/2011/03/26/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/ultra-music-festival-2011-underway-in-downtown-miami/2011/03/25/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ultra-music-festival-2011-underway-in-downtown-miami http://www.lonnypaul.com/ultra-music-festival-2011-underway-in-downtown-miami/2011/03/25/#comments Sat, 26 Mar 2011 03:27:03 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/ultra-music-festival-2011-underway-in-downtown-miami/2011/03/25/ Continue reading →]]> Ultra Music Festival 2011 is well underway tonight in downtown Miami, Florida.  The annual dance music festival has been sold out for some time, and last minute ticket buyers were paying $1000 and more for a three-day ticket. 

The event is packed tonight and while I personally think the Duran Duran performance sucked, the dance music has been amazing.

Video of final build-out / Night 1 (pre-Duran Duran) of Ultra Music Festival 2011

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/ultra-music-festival-2011-underway-in-downtown-miami/2011/03/25/feed/ 2 http://www.lonnypaul.com/app-store-trademark-or-common-term/2011/03/24/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=app-store-trademark-or-common-term http://www.lonnypaul.com/app-store-trademark-or-common-term/2011/03/24/#comments Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:46:11 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/app-store-trademark-or-common-term/2011/03/24/ Continue reading →]]> Apple’s recent suit against Amazon for their use of the term ‘App Store,’ as well as several other websites, continues to frustrate me.  You see, I am involved with the filing of  trademarks in the company I work for, and often, things are said to be too “generic.”  App Store, ‘cmon, there is nothing quite as common.  It’s like saying ‘billard parlor’ or ‘smoking den.’

Apple is a company who relies on their intellectual property to protect their designs, formats and in many cases the ‘secret sauce’ which allows them to succeed.  In this case, they’ve gone a bit far.  Microsoft has filed an opposition against the filing with the USPTO, however it will be a bit before that comes to any conclusion.  Until then we just have to wait and see what happens.  Amazon hasn’t seemed to rush to change the name of their store, which houses applications (apps for short), so I’m hoping that this mark gets the official boot from the USPTO and life for those slinging their wares or trying to make a few bucks with their own personally developed apps. 

Source/Image credit:  Huffington Post

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/app-store-trademark-or-common-term/2011/03/24/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/scrambled-eggs-never-tasted-so-good/2011/03/24/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=scrambled-eggs-never-tasted-so-good http://www.lonnypaul.com/scrambled-eggs-never-tasted-so-good/2011/03/24/#comments Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:17:58 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/scrambled-eggs-never-tasted-so-good/2011/03/24/ Continue reading →]]> As I entered my puree phase of the program, scrambled eggs was on the menu.  As I was afraid of any entrapment in my pouch, I blended some green pepper and onion with “Better Eggs.”  It wasn’t any good.  After a few bites I tossed it out.  No real eggs, hmmm.

Today, I sprang to action.  I ran to the store to get some real eggs — today I chose Cage Free brown eggs.  I also got some corn which I am going to attempt to cream later and I think if I take some turkey, along with a little chicken broth, I can make a “pureed” turkey to have with my cream corn for dinner.  Gotta try!

Well, the scrambled eggs were delicious.  1 egg plus a bit of finely chopped onion and green pepper, plus a dash of pepper and a touch of LoFat CoJack shredded cheese.  Yum.  ‘Normal food’ is so delicious and full of flavor!

Things progress well, slept well last night and working from home today. 

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/scrambled-eggs-never-tasted-so-good/2011/03/24/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/8-days-post-op-im-surviving-gastric-bypass/2011/03/23/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=8-days-post-op-im-surviving-gastric-bypass http://www.lonnypaul.com/8-days-post-op-im-surviving-gastric-bypass/2011/03/23/#comments Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:07:56 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/8-days-post-op-im-surviving-gastric-bypass/2011/03/23/ Continue reading →]]> Today marks 8 days post-op from my gastric bypass surgery.  While I wish I could tell you I’ve already lost 100 pounds, that is not the case.  In fact, I’ve heard of many other gastric bypass patients who wake up and feel for their belly to see if it is still there!  If only it was so easy…

The smushy/liquid food thing has been upgraded to PUREE!  So cottage cheese is now on the menu as well as pureed foods.  They suggest 2 oz of pureed protein (ie turkey) and 2 oz of vegetables for a regular meal.  Okay, seems okay.  I’ve been having some pureed chicken vegetable soup the last two days that my mom made during her visit.  It is truly delicious — esp. with the other foods I’m eating. 

Pudding — who doesn’t love pudding.  ME.  I’m tired of pudding already.  Sure, it sounded great that one of the few foods I could have was pudding, which I love.  Well, let me tell you, there are some sugar free puddings on the market that shouldn’t be.   Crème Brulee?  I don’t think so.  It’s just nasty goop.  The vanilla and chocolate have an interesting consistency compared to the usual creamy and wonderful Snack Pack, but this is a little more dry, less creamy.  It does taste pretty good, but enough already, bring on the steak!

I went to the office today for the first time, I have to admit that getting out of the house was in order.  While I have been running errands each day, to the store and such, I haven’t had much purpose other than to sit around on the computer and watching television, neurotically checking my email and iGoogle page.  You may say, “just relax! You deserve it!” — um, I am NOT sure if I know how to do that.  Never have.  I’ve unplugged rarely in my adult years primarily because I love my job and to work.  But I realize that this major transformation in my life requires that I focus a bit more on me, and ensure I do all the things I need to do — which is a lot.

Speaking of, I went to the gym again yesterday, and this week we will be upping the notch to three times a week from here on out.  I realized after leaving the gym yesterday that I felt better and had a very positive outlook.  So, just like any junkie to their drug of choice, why not get that natural high more often?  Thursdays will be the new day on the schedule after work, but a bit earlier than usual, so I’ll have to leave the office each Thursday a little earlier than usual — but I’ll adjust.

Otherwise my leg pain / pinched nerve issue isn’t really resolving.  I’m trying to let the work the chiro and massage therapist have a chance to ‘kick in,’ but if this doesn’t resolve quickly I guess I’m going to have to see a neurologist.  The pain when getting out of bed and when standing sometimes is really terrible, I have never felt anything like that in my life!  We’ll get it worked out — Thomas (my trainer) worked on it some with some stretches after our workout, I’m going to keep trying until I am forced to take action.

The rest of the week I’m going to work from home, I quickly became a bit brain-dead at work today and only ended up staying 1/2 the day then coming home to rest.  This is Ultra Music Festival weekend and I have a birdseye view of the action, so it will be awesome, esp. when Duran Duran plays! 

So until next time….. LP

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/8-days-post-op-im-surviving-gastric-bypass/2011/03/23/feed/ 1 http://www.lonnypaul.com/surgery-is-over-recovery-is-good-progress-continues/2011/03/20/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=surgery-is-over-recovery-is-good-progress-continues http://www.lonnypaul.com/surgery-is-over-recovery-is-good-progress-continues/2011/03/20/#comments Sun, 20 Mar 2011 14:54:45 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/surgery-is-over-recovery-is-good-progress-continues/2011/03/20/ Continue reading →]]> I haven’t updated you on my gastric bypass surgery night prior to my surgery, and so I know it is due time for an update.  First, the surgery went extremely well.   My care team lead by Dr. Nelson de la Cruz-Munoz at the University of Miami were just incredible.  I got to the hospital at 6am, 4 hours prior to the procedure, and was checked in quickly, then taken to pre-op and had all the necessary injections and tubes attached, then laid around waiting for things to begin. 

I was given a physical screening, all vitals checked, consulted with the anesthesiologist, and was then given a dose of some wonder drug that cut me off mid-sentence. 

Next thing I know, I’m in my hospital room waking up.  I don’ t remember anything else.  I felt great, except for something odd in my groin.  Only then did I realize I had in a catheter.  Wasn’t expecting that.  I was administered morphine for pain, and it seemed to only fuel my anger over my catheter.  Shortly thereafter, my mother went home and the doctors returned at my request and the catheter was removed.  Okay, maybe I was a big baby, but it was all I could think about.  It was making me crazy.

The next morning, I was up and feeling pretty good.  I hadn’t really had any water, but was scheduled for a “leak test.”  They take me down to radiology and have me swallow a mouthful of barium solution — that didn’t go over extremely well, but it worked, they got their pictures and everything was working properly (Here’s kinda how it went). The tubes were great!

Few hours later, I’m getting my prescriptions and on my way home.  I haven’t really had any pain to speak of except for general discomfort internally, but nothing to consider pain.  Sleeping I feel like I need some additional support under my abdomen, so I’ve be using a travel pillow by my belly and bought a body pillow yesterday.    My mom has been with me for a week and made me great chicken broth which is stored away in 2oz containers in the fridge, ready to pop into the microwave.  We also cooked a couple turkey breasts and even a beef roast — which we then chopped up into a tuna fish like “flake” and packaged into premeasured pouches, then threw in the freezer.  I’ve got a bunch of stuff ready for the coming weeks and I feel now that portion control is really the big key to being successful with this post-surgery.

I may even hire a personal chef to come in a prepare a week of food once a week that fits with my ongoing and changing dietary requirements.  Each day, I can select from a number of premade portions, and limit myself to the # of containers which total my 5 mini-meals a day.  I figure 4 oz per meal can be broken up into a 2 oz protein and two 1 oz side dishes.  If I have these all-prepackaged with several options each week, then I can have great food all week long — and not have to think about it.

My outlook is good, my weight loss continues, I’ve lost nearly 10 pounds since I’ve come home from the hospital, but I’m anxious for the “magic” of the procedure to kick in and really start losing soon.

This week I’ll be working from home a majority of the week and also have a followup with my Dr.  I’m anxious to get back into my routine, just as I already started yesterday with my first trip back to the gym.  We have a plan to measure and track the progress at the gym from this point out and I’ll be providing a chart as the results look excellent! 

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/surgery-is-over-recovery-is-good-progress-continues/2011/03/20/feed/ 1 http://www.lonnypaul.com/the-fatass-last-stand-or-sleep-actually/2011/03/14/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-fatass-last-stand-or-sleep-actually http://www.lonnypaul.com/the-fatass-last-stand-or-sleep-actually/2011/03/14/#comments Tue, 15 Mar 2011 03:56:54 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/the-fatass-last-stand-or-sleep-actually/2011/03/14/ Continue reading →]]> Okay, some may already be offended at the title, but please, it’s me I’m talking about here, and I can call myself anything… So.. Tonight is the last night before the rest of my life.  The first half of my life, as the FatAss, is officially over.  All of the luggage, regret, shame and so many other things we just can’t even get into, are gone. 

Waking up, going to the hospital and starting a new life — all before noon tomorrow, is truly what is happening.  Less than 12 hours from now, it’s a whole new life.

I’d like to thank all of those who have been so supportive over the past few weeks, and esp. since I started posted onto Facebook.  I will be posting updates to FB and my blog on a regular basis moving forward.

Thanks again. Cheers — to an all new me!

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/the-fatass-last-stand-or-sleep-actually/2011/03/14/feed/ 3 http://www.lonnypaul.com/gastric-bypass-6-wake-ups-to-go/2011/03/09/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gastric-bypass-6-wake-ups-to-go http://www.lonnypaul.com/gastric-bypass-6-wake-ups-to-go/2011/03/09/#comments Thu, 10 Mar 2011 01:56:47 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/gastric-bypass-6-wake-ups-to-go/2011/03/09/ Continue reading →]]> All I have to do is wake up six more times, ensure I drop the required weight, continue to not smoke, continue to not cheat and continue going to the gym every day.   Seems easy enough, right?  Well, that is what I keep telling myself.  Over and over again.  Then I noticed the Bank Of America tower in downtown Miami was no longer blue — it was in fact purple!  No more blue skies!  Things MUST be looking up, right?  (Photo from tonight.)

Just got home from the gym, 2nd night this week and scheduled for every night.  My trainer and I both agreed that an all-session bike ride would probably kill me and bore him, so he’s just been doing his regular routine, just pushing me more — and making me sweat!  While he keeps a careful eye on my heart monitor, he does push and doesn’t let up.  But then again, I see what some trainers are making people do at the gym, and it’s freaking crazy!  But, back to me.

Okay, so I’ve actually not wanted to smoke.  Chalk it up to the Wellbutrin and will I guess, but it’s all about the end goal.  I’m getting pretty bored with my ice tea Crystal Light, Jell-O and shakes.  The strawberry ones (which I didn’t want in the first place but they gave me anyway) are tolerable, but not enjoyable.  I’ve convinced myself they are, sometimes adding a few ice cubes, or throwing in the blender with a handful of ice for a real treat. 

This morning I was down 11 of my requisite 17 pounds to lose before my weigh-in next Monday.  Tonight, that # is at 10, but I didn’t have any Jell-O’s until right now today, so there hasn’t been much in my system, I’m sure by morning progress continues to be made.  Cardio every night has got to make it better, so I’m upbeat and confident.

Tonight my daily Amazon shipments arrived and I was excited to get the knock off Magic Bullet, it seems great and I’m going to test it tonight when I have my last shake.  Vanilla Shake it is for this special occasion.  Wish I could throw a couple raspberries or strawberries in there, but I won’t.  (But doesn’t it sound good?!!?) 

I also got a new set of glass ramekin dishes (I didn’t know they had a name other than short white crock dish thingy they generally serve crème brulee from.) each holds 4 oz., just the right amount of food I will be able to eat post-op.  2 ounce containers are on the way — it’s all going to be about portion control.

To demonstrate the amount, a quarter-pounder at McDonalds it the total sum of all food for one meal.  Just the meat part of the #3 combo. Not the bun, lettuce or anything, just the meat.  It is going to be a big adjustment.

My friend asked me tonight: if I could deal with just these shakes every day, why not just keep doing the same thing and forget about the surgery.  Well, I have had the same thoughts in various ways throughout this process.  Truth is, it’s going to be harder to endure the procedure along with everything else, so does he have a point? 

I don’t think so.  I’m making a bigger commitment than I have ever before in my life by having gastric bypass surgery.  I can lose a bunch of weight and bounce right back up if I don’t use the tools put in place through this procedure.  I could blow it all.  I’m just focused on the fact that WLS provides me with a dramatically reduced area in which to “wiggle.”  If there is a shortcut, way around or more efficient means of doing something, I’m the first one to take the shortest route in many cases.  What I needed was a way for my wiggle room to be removed. I needed a physical restriction in order to ensure compliance.  This way, there’s few options.

Now to catch up on The Event and have another great day tomorrow!

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/gastric-bypass-6-wake-ups-to-go/2011/03/09/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/my-journey-8-days-to-go-and-a-little-apprehensive/2011/03/07/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=my-journey-8-days-to-go-and-a-little-apprehensive http://www.lonnypaul.com/my-journey-8-days-to-go-and-a-little-apprehensive/2011/03/07/#comments Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:05:37 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/my-journey-8-days-to-go-and-a-little-apprehensive/2011/03/07/ Continue reading →]]>

Today marks 8 days prior to surgery, or one week and one night… and let’s just say I’m a little apprehensive.  Not nervous about the Gastric Bypass Surgery itself, but more about ensuring it happens. 

When I started on the shakes nearly a week ago, I thought it was going to be horrific — then I found it wasn’t so bad after all.  Today is also my last day smoking cigarettes.  Today I “nearly quit” in preparation of the actual day, and it wasn’t so bad either.  It’s just so built into our daily routine — the habit OF smoking, not smoking itself.  It calls you, not like a junkie to their fix, but out of routine, and I’m hard pressed on how well this is going to work out, but I have to do it.  There is not a choice. 

Then, there is the 17.5 pounds I am to lose prior to surgery.  She said they would reschedule if I didn’t.  So, 45% through the pre-surgical period, I’ve only lost about 7 pounds.  I haven’t really cheated — aside from a few sweet gherkins (which amazingly have NO nutritional value aside from 10 calories) — in the first few days.  There is no reason I shouldn’t be losing more weight with only 800 calories a day, 2 sugar free Jello and some Crystal Light.  All approved foodstuffs.

So, I’ve told my trainer we need to focus on cardio this week.  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  Perhaps even Sunday, and DEFINITELY on Monday BEFORE my weigh-in.  That’s what it all comes down to:  Monday’s weigh-in.  My mom arrives this Sunday, everything is in place for this — I mean, I CANNOT FAIL!  Plus, over the weekend, I may go to the steam room at the gym to try to get rid of a few pounds of water if necessary, I mean, by whatever means necessary, right?

Yesterday I ordered a few preparatory things on Amazon — a Magic Bullet knock-off (MaxiMatic EPB-1800 Elite Cuisine 300-Watt 17-Piece Personal Drink Blender, Black)which has plenty of good reviews, and for $20, does it matter?  I also bought an assortment of 2 and 4 ounce containers to making foodstuffs and/or Jello ahead when possible.  I also ordered some other supplies for dressing changes, etc.

Funny thing I found while browsing the web for bariatric surgery related supplies, and here it is:  it’s for resting your belly on.  Not much else to say, other than I’m NOT ordering one.

Well, I guess it’s off to TV land for the rest of the evening.  Tonight it’s House, Chicago Code and the 2 hour return of THE EVENT.  The show has gotten a bit weird towards the end, but it will be interesting to see where it goes.

Until my next update, see ya — and thanks for stopping by!

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/my-journey-8-days-to-go-and-a-little-apprehensive/2011/03/07/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/taco-bell-promoting-its-meat/2011/03/05/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=taco-bell-promoting-its-meat http://www.lonnypaul.com/taco-bell-promoting-its-meat/2011/03/05/#comments Sun, 06 Mar 2011 04:45:20 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/taco-bell-promoting-its-meat/2011/03/05/ Continue reading →]]> Taco Bell has become synonymous with late nite, cheap or drunken food consumption.  Recently, the social networks were alive with tales of Taco Bell’s meat not really qualifying as ‘meat’ due to it’s low true meat content.  Seems that may have not been true.

New commercials running on television are promoting that their meat is 80% beef, and 12% of their secret spices, which you can see on their website… Well, I went to see what their magical concoction is, and here you go:

Beef, Water, Seasoning [Isolated Oat Product, Salt, Chili Pepper, Onion Powder, Tomato Powder, Oats (Wheat), Soy Lecithin, Sugar, Spices, Maltodextrin, Soybean Oil (Anti-dusting Agent), Garlic Powder, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Citric Acid, Caramel Color, Cocoa Powder (Processed With Alkali), Silicon Dioxide, Natural Flavors, Yeast, Modified Corn Starch, Natural Smoke Flavor], Salt, Sodium Phosphates. CONTAINS SOYBEANS, WHEAT

It may be even funnier that when googling for related articles on low beef content at Taco Bell, there is a sponsored ad by TacoBell — notice it’s “Quality Beef”

 

God Bless America. I miss their food already.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/taco-bell-promoting-its-meat/2011/03/05/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/gastric-bypass-my-journey-begins/2011/03/04/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gastric-bypass-my-journey-begins http://www.lonnypaul.com/gastric-bypass-my-journey-begins/2011/03/04/#comments Sat, 05 Mar 2011 02:40:15 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/?p=1936 Continue reading →]]> Well, while I generally don’t blog about day-in-day-0ut life, but I’ve decided that as a therapeutic exercise, I’m going to write about my upcoming gastric bypass surgery.

Yep, the ‘big guy’ will be big no more.  While there are plenty of blogs which allow readers to take the journey through this life changing process of Weight Loss Surgery (WLS), most of them are written by women.  No offense to the ladies, but there aren’t enough which help describe a man’s perspective on the process, and since I really don’t foresee talking about this with close friends on an intimate basis, I feel the distance between me and the internet is far enough that I can be candid, coy and even funny sometimes.

This may branch to a new subdomain dedicated blog about WLS to provide a division between the two topics, but for now, I’m going to start here.  Take you on the ride.  While the title of this post is “My Journey Begins,” the truth is the journey began some time ago.  Around August of last year I decided that I had had enough.  While I smile when I think about my great grandfather telling my parents I would be over 300 pounds, over 6 feet tall and wear a size 13 shoe, I’m not sure it’s the healthiest path at this point in my life.

This year I’ll turn 45 and it’s a big year.  I’m nearly at 50, and wow, there was a time when I really thought that was old — and now I realize we are pretty much the same people we’ve always been, just a few years later.  My weight contributes to other issues including my asthma, which I have been riddled with since a premature baby, as well as aches, pains, lack of physical activity, social activities and more.  Plus, my sugar is borderline for diabetes, my blood pressure is creeping up — and I think I’m going to need bifocals soon.

While I don’t think my vision will be corrected as an outcome of this procedure, I do believe I will be able to see myself and life in a whole new light.  One which I have shielded myself from behind the weight, staying home — and eating some of that time too!

So, in August I started to research gastric bypass surgery.  It was something I never really considered before — I had considered plastic surgery to remove a lot of my weight, and really, it was a life changing moment.  Not something that was easily decided.  So after doing my research about the surgery, I then did research on doctors in my area.  In the end I contacted the University of Miami Bariatric Center of Excellence, and specifically Dr. Nelson de la Cruz-Munoz.  He has a practice in Doral, a NW suburb of Miami and close to my office, so it was a good fit.  After making my initial consultation appointment, they also scheduled me to attend a meeting to learn about the procedures, risks and benefits, etc as part of the required disclosure process of the procedure. 

So, I go to the meeting and learn about each of the types of surgeries, I decided Lapland was too much with the “adjustments” required post-surgery, plus, it seems a little bit like just sewing your lips partially shut.  They had some post-op patients from the WLS support group who also got up and spoke to the attendees, one showing her scars upon one audience member request.  It was good to hear from these people and see how they were.  One man was over 20 years post-op and still going strong — and looking good!  During this presentation they said, “and if you didn’t already know, you WILL be required to participate in a six month nutritional program before you can have your procedure or be approved for the surgery by your insurance company. 

WHAT?

I almost fell on the floor.  While sitting in a room with 50% of them far from obese, under the age of 18 or more concerned about “how many holes you gonna put in me?” instead of how they can achieve the best surgical outcome.  Some of them needed to go home and grow out of their ‘pudgy phase.’  Others were being paid for by Medicare.  They don’t require a nutritional program.  Figures.   Well, I was freaking out.  What do you mean I have to try for ANOTHER six months to lose weight?  It nearly had me in tears.  There was no way I was able to do it — I’ve tried my whole life, right?

So, I went online, searching through the information on the AETNA website.  I finally found that entire document of what is required for gastric bypass, or any WLS surgery for that matter.  Ends up AETNA, or at least my plan, has an option for the 3 month “multi-disciplinary pre-surgical regimen” which cut the whole 6 month thing time in half.  I guess I can do that… So I met with the nutritional guy, then got setup with a personal trainer.

Yep, two sessions a week — at $55 a pop.  Not cheap, but worth it to get where I’m going.  I mean, I only have to GO, I don’t have to really do anything do I?  Well, it ends up that I DID have to work when I went to the sessions.  My trainer is amazing, and he keeps me going.  Even when I whine and complain, he gently gets me back on track.

Well, after the three months, AETNA denied me.  They said they didn’t have proof that I was a fatty for over two years.  RUFKM?  Can I send them baby pictures?  Well, I was able to get records from the urgent care center that I visited on a regular basis for a while while I was “swearing off doctors.”  But, they came in handy for this.  My prior doctors had already destroyed my records.  I didn’t even know they did that.  I wondered where they all went to die….. If only they were electronic….  But, then it was because the doctor didn’t provide something else.  So the doctor appealed, and they said, okay, we know you’ve always been a fat bitch, but you didn’t have enough collaboration during the 3 month program and such documented in the medical record. 

RUFKM again?  Now I’m mad.  I don’t know who to lash out against, I was pissed.  Went to meet with the doctor and he was stuck in surgery.  I was so pissed I couldn’t see straight, but them the Dr. sent another letter to the insurance company.  Bing, bam, boom — I got APPROVED!  Scheduled it a month out, for March 15, and all is good in the world.

Then, I remember two very important things:  1) I have to drink shakes for two weeks prior to surgery.  Nothing else.  Can’t be too bad, can it?  (There is a NEW Snickers?) and 2) I have to stop smoking or they won’t have my surgery.  Now, we have a problem Houston.

Well, it ends up that I got sick last week, and my smoking has dropped down to about half of what it used to be — about half a pack a day.  Plus, I am looking forward to the long-term gain to be had here.  I mean, I don’t HAVE to stop smoking FOREVER.  So, right now I have about 48 hours left to smoke for about a month.  I’m sure I will be able to do it,and if I’m lucky, I won’t start smoking again after the recovery period.

Then, there are the shakes.  They are 160 calorie shakes and I have to drink 5 a day.  I am also allowed water, Crystal Light and sugar free Jello.  I also was able to have the doctor tell me I can have coffee in the morning.  I had headaches the first day and thought I was going to scream.  I mean, how many vices do I have to give up at once?  Today is day 5 on the shakes, and can I tell you — it’s not bad at all.  I’m not hungry, just a little tired at the end of the day. I

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/gastric-bypass-my-journey-begins/2011/03/04/feed/ 1 http://www.lonnypaul.com/amazonconvenience-or-curse-i-do-not-think-the-latter/2011/02/12/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=amazonconvenience-or-curse-i-do-not-think-the-latter http://www.lonnypaul.com/amazonconvenience-or-curse-i-do-not-think-the-latter/2011/02/12/#comments Sat, 12 Feb 2011 20:59:13 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/amazonconvenience-or-curse-i-do-not-think-the-latter/2011/02/12/ Continue reading →]]> Amazon is an amazingly convenient tool for modern day internet connected individuals.  Nearly anything you want or need and it’s there.  Sure, there are some categories I don’t really shop in (like Electronics), but otherwise, I can get most of what I need on Amazon and have it home in two days with my Amazon Prime membership. 

When I say I get everything I need, let me give you an example.  I ran out of Tums at the office — so, I log on, and buy them.  2 days later I have 2 bottles for the office and 2 bottles for home.  No forgetting them at the store, they are here and I don’t have to worry about them anymore.

Okay, so maybe that’s a bit extreme, but it’s easier to have Amazon deliver paper towels by the case instead of getting them at the grocery store, and with the wide array of things for sale on amazon, there is always something you need… like shower caps, appliance touch up paint, a cool little Android figure, or even a vacuum cleaner.  Plus, essentials like socks, cleaning supplies, first aid supplies and even a new nebulizer.

If I was a rural dweller, I’d be buying everything on Amazon, but even living in a downtown metropolitan city, I pretty much do anyway.  The same place I buy my meat from Uruguay right here in Miami — sells through Amazon as well.  Why make the trip across town?

Well, for me, Amazon is a blessing.  But I’d say it is a curse to many physical-world retailers.  Specialties are easier to ship from a central warehouse than collecting dust on shelves with 1 or 2 units all over the country.  Plus, it’s a reliable central source for even the oddest things.  The more time you explore on Amazon, the more you will find.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/amazonconvenience-or-curse-i-do-not-think-the-latter/2011/02/12/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/fans-do-crazy-things-like-give-blood-for-tickets/2011/02/05/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fans-do-crazy-things-like-give-blood-for-tickets http://www.lonnypaul.com/fans-do-crazy-things-like-give-blood-for-tickets/2011/02/05/#comments Sat, 05 Feb 2011 21:42:39 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/fans-do-crazy-things-like-give-blood-for-tickets/2011/02/05/ Continue reading →]]> Selling blood for season tickets seems a bit extreme, no?  Well, don’t tell Jim Becker of Racine, Wisconsin — he did it for some time at $10-15 a pint for season tickets to the Packers. 

But he’s not the only fan who goes the extra mile for their NFL favorites.

The CNN report goes on to detail a man with tattoos of his favorite NFL players and how one man purchased a beam from the former Three Rivers Stadium and incorporated it into his Steeler’s shrine in his basement.

Football fans, your day is this Sunday — enjoy it while it lasts.  While I will never understand the excitement people get while watching football games on TV (or in person for that matter), I give them the respect to understand they do in fact LOVE the game and being a spectator.  It generates billions of dollars in revenue in the US each year, and that must be good for the economy.

Source:  CNN

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/fans-do-crazy-things-like-give-blood-for-tickets/2011/02/05/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/human-cheese-rufkm/2011/01/22/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=human-cheese-rufkm http://www.lonnypaul.com/human-cheese-rufkm/2011/01/22/#comments Sun, 23 Jan 2011 01:30:06 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/human-cheese-rufkm/2011/01/22/ Continue reading →]]> Human cheese has been offered up as a way for us to review our current view of industrialization, nature and what is truly ‘natural.’ Thanks Gizmodo.

So, more natural than anything else you can conjur up, human cheese made from human milk.  Yep, straight outta the boobies of three women who each have a respective end product, varying from sweet to tart and tangy.

I’m gonna pass.  Goat milk tasted like hair.  Plus, from the photos, I’ve been scarred for life.  It just looks GROSS — the plate they have it on doesn’t make it look any more appealing either.  Ugh. 

If you wanna taste a little bit of this leche treat, head over to Serious Eats.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/human-cheese-rufkm/2011/01/22/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/healthcare-reform-via-punitive-fines/2011/01/20/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=healthcare-reform-via-punitive-fines http://www.lonnypaul.com/healthcare-reform-via-punitive-fines/2011/01/20/#comments Fri, 21 Jan 2011 02:53:38 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/healthcare-reform-via-punitive-fines/2011/01/20/ Continue reading →]]> I have to admit I haven’t been really following the whole national healthcare thing very closely, in fact, aside from the bits and pieces I read about on the web, I really don’t know much except it is supposed to be for everyone or something.

Well, tonight reading a CBS news story about the current attempt to repeal the law, as well as getting people to get on with processing the full scope of the 900 page law and turn it into an all new amazing federally controlled healthcare system, I found that if people DO NOT buy a health insurance policy, they are fined!

Yep, in 2014, either have health insurance, buy a policy from the feds, or get fined.  The article goes on to state that 17 out of 100 Americans remain uninsured, and in 2014 they anticipate that number dropping to 9.  Only 9% of Americans will not have access to health care. 

I’d think that the goal was 100%.  Shouldn’t it be if it’s going to cost taxpayers billions of dollars?

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/healthcare-reform-via-punitive-fines/2011/01/20/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/android-on-meizu-m9-causes-chinese-turnout/2011/01/02/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=android-on-meizu-m9-causes-chinese-turnout http://www.lonnypaul.com/android-on-meizu-m9-causes-chinese-turnout/2011/01/02/#comments Sun, 02 Jan 2011 19:45:56 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/android-on-meizu-m9-causes-chinese-turnout/2011/01/02/ Continue reading →]]> Android is getting it’s day in China - the release of the Meizu M9, powered by Android 2.2, has people standing in line unlike anything we’ve seen here in the States, even for the iPad or iPhone, god forbid.

With the upcoming release of 4G devices for Verizon, we should expect some Android goodness, but I guess the mass numbers of people in China are reacting somewhat like I do to the hottest new Android based device.

I don’t know if I’d ever stand in like like these fools, however, I can understand their desire, want and need to have this device.  I nearly stood in line for the Droid X — and I’m still feeling a little shafted by the delays in the release for the updates in the O/S.  Now the rumblings of the first 4G Android from VZN is getting me excited.  But just a little.

Source:  Gizmodo

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/android-on-meizu-m9-causes-chinese-turnout/2011/01/02/feed/ 2 http://www.lonnypaul.com/gun-to-head-during-sex-goes-awry/2011/01/01/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gun-to-head-during-sex-goes-awry http://www.lonnypaul.com/gun-to-head-during-sex-goes-awry/2011/01/01/#comments Sat, 01 Jan 2011 14:59:00 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/gun-to-head-during-sex-goes-awry/2011/01/01/ Continue reading →]]> Sex with guns must be fun, according to the testimony of Arthur Sedille, 23, currently incarcerated pending formal charges for the murder of his 50 year old wife.  

Police report the suspect indicated that he often put a gun to his wife’s head during sex as part of a fantasy, however this time the gun was loaded without his knowledge, resulting in his spouse’s death.

While the authorities continue to investigate, the man’s 911 call immediately after the incident and his ongoing testimony regarding their sexual practices are leading to a manslaughter charge, perhaps more.  1st degree murder has been considered, but not yet charged. 

I have located Arthur’s profile on Facebook and find that he appears to be as normal and nerdy as he looks — not a killer in any way.  What a shame. 

Note to self, always check any gun, real or fake, prior to any fooling around.

Source:  CNN

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/gun-to-head-during-sex-goes-awry/2011/01/01/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/chemtrails-and-their-spiderweb-slime/2010/11/17/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chemtrails-and-their-spiderweb-slime http://www.lonnypaul.com/chemtrails-and-their-spiderweb-slime/2010/11/17/#comments Thu, 18 Nov 2010 01:13:11 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/chemtrails-and-their-spiderweb-slime/2010/11/17/ Continue reading →]]> Chemtrails are real.  I’ve seen it both ways — contrails and chemtrails.  I can tell the difference.  There are a billion websites which can tell you more about them in depth, but basically, someone is spraying something into the air.  It’s a planned event where specific areas are covered with a ‘grid’ in the sky.

One rule of thumb:  If you see one trail — ah, chalk it up to contrails.  If you see a very precise grid in the sky, it’s chemtrails.  I live in an airport approach zone, I know the way the flight patterns work, I see on cool mornings how the contrails form, but I’ve seen ‘em the other way too.

I grew up in the woods — literally — half an hour from a gallon of milk — and I wouldn’t give up my time with nature for anything.  In fact, I hope to be able to spend more time with nature in the future, at my childhood stomping grounds.  But until I do, my Uncle is there, watching. 

When I saw watching, I’m not kidding.  You see, I grew up in a family which was fairly communicative about UFOS, aliens, bigfoot and the like.  My grandmother had a big window in her living room to look directly where she had seen so many UFOs before.  Of course there is even my alien encounter story which I can go into another time… but we believe.  But even as believers, we have questions, and keep watching.

My uncle saw these chemtrails a while back, and told me how after there is often these “spiderwebs” which form on the grass.  Now as I kid, I experienced morning dew many times, and it’s so pretty!  But my Uncle has seen it a million times as well, and can tell the difference.

Spiderwebs on the Grass?

This picture shows you the strings of “stuff” all over the grass.  From the reflectivity of the trees in the background, I’m pretty certain they were coated with this stuff.  My uncle tried to touch it to see if it was in fact spiders (cause if it was, he better move!) or some similar “web” — only to find that it melts away when you touch it.  You can click the image to see the original.

So, what is this mystery substance on the lawn at my Uncles?  He called a friend about three air miles away and they had the same thing on the ground, in the trees and on their car.  The entire yard was covered in this stuff, and some strings were up to 3 feet long.  The photos were taken around 3 in the afternoon.

I’ve found a comment by a guy named “Jim” on another spraying article who talks about “spider webs” falling from the sky. 

“Have you the reader known about “spider webs” falling out of the sky? Some will know, others won’t, to verify if you have these in your area, do this.

Heed my warning, be very careful, watch out for your eyes.
Grab your binoculars, and go out side, look upwards. Put the sun BEHIND a western roof line, then slowly bring up your binoculars and look through them, Be very mindful and careful, do NOT allow the sun to appear through the binoculars or you will be blinded.

You will be astounded as I was, there was literally millions of “spider webs” careering all over the sky, all in different lengths, anywhere from 6 inches to 40 feet long, the sky was thick with them. You will also see lots of extreamly bright particles floating downwards, some slowly others darting.

I have no instrumentation to collect or examine it, maybe there is some bright chappie who can devise a collection method and test it.”

Here’s a video I found of someone with similar complaints that this was after a day of lots of chemtrails.  I personally think this person just has siders which are being noticed by the dew on a cool morning, but I could be wrong.


Spider Webs in the Garden?

So, what do you think?  I told my Dad they should try to collect some of the material and have it analyzed, could be interesting don’t you think? 

I am sure they are spraying.  What, I have no idea.

UPDATE: Oh, here’s a video I had uploaded in 2008 to YouTube, but was taken down with all my other conspiracy videos one day… but I’ve reuploaded it and put it here for your benefit.  Sure, a bunch of the beginning is clouds and true contrails, but wait, the chemtrail sprayer is outed in this video taken over Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida.



Keep watching the skies!

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/chemtrails-and-their-spiderweb-slime/2010/11/17/feed/ 2 http://www.lonnypaul.com/word-isnt-displaying-my-top-margin/2010/11/17/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=word-isnt-displaying-my-top-margin http://www.lonnypaul.com/word-isnt-displaying-my-top-margin/2010/11/17/#comments Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:44:08 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/word-isnt-displaying-my-top-margin/2010/11/17/ Continue reading →]]> Microsoft Word is a great tool, and I know how I like it to work.  Recently, my setup at home has had me going crazy.  You see, when I open a new document, I am stuck flush against the top of the writing area. 

Where is my top margin?  Why isn’t my top margin displaying in Word?  It’s been making me crazy, so tonight, after all that complaining, I asked Google why. 

Well, after only two clicks, I was able to find the solution thanks to a old (it references Word 2002/2003) webpage.  So, are you having problems getting the top margin to display in Word?  Read on..




Displaying your Top Margin in Word

In order to put back the “top margin” (bottom too!) or “whitespace” when using MS Word, it’s really simple, and here’s screen-shots from a newer version,  2007 anyway (do I really need 2010 already?  I just got used to this craziness!):

1.  Click on the big Office logo in the upper left of your window.

2.  Choose “Word Options” on the bottom right.




 

The “Word Options” menu will then be displayed as shown here.

3.  Choose “Display” on the left menu bar.

4.  Check the first box on the page under “Page display options” which is marked “Show white space between pages in Print Layout view.”

According to the useful “tooltip” which is displayed when you mouse over the option, you can also accomplish this quickly while viewing and editing your document by pointing to the top or bottom edge of a page and double-clicking.

Well, I feel SO much better now that I have my whitespace back in MS Word.  It really was making me crazy.  And for the record, doesn’t EVERYONE use Print Layout view?  Does anyone really use Word to create webpages?

I need to go slowly open my bedroom door because the neighbors are yelling and fighting, I need to listen a little bit — but I hope that this was as informative and helpful as I found the web to be when I had this exact problem.  I will soon be upgrading to Office 2010 and will update with those screenshots.  If you have Office 2002/2003, you have a guide already.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/word-isnt-displaying-my-top-margin/2010/11/17/feed/ 6 http://www.lonnypaul.com/topeka-zoo-paints-poop-for-profit/2010/11/07/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=topeka-zoo-paints-poop-for-profit http://www.lonnypaul.com/topeka-zoo-paints-poop-for-profit/2010/11/07/#comments Sun, 07 Nov 2010 20:50:17 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/topeka-zoo-paints-poop-for-profit/2010/11/07/ Continue reading →]]>

Topeka’s creativity and fundraising skills are at an all time high — with the local Topeka Zoo crafting ‘objects de art’ from Elephant Poop (yes, I do mean feces, scat, shit, what ever you like to call it).

According to the KTKA news story, the zookeeper Kim Doman says of one of the elephants, “Her’s come out a lot more compact with a bit of a glaze on them. So, they don’t fall apart and they dry really well. They’re all in different types of shapes, from Hershey kisses to frisbees.”  These folks know their poop!

One volunteer made it clear that when the droppings are fresh, they have a ‘terrible odor,’ but reportedly when dried they are as fresh as flowers, or hay, which is reported to be the major ingredient in the mix. 

Whether or not you decide to head to Topeka to pick up your own ‘My Pet Poo,’ or one of their ‘Hope the Giraffe’ Hallmark cards, don’t worry about them running out.  The elephants produce more raw material every single day.  Other reports online show that poop art, including the works of the Sprinkle Brigade, is happening all over the place!

Source:  ABC 49 KTKA News

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/topeka-zoo-paints-poop-for-profit/2010/11/07/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/geico-skytypers-message-goes-a-long-way/2010/11/07/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=geico-skytypers-message-goes-a-long-way http://www.lonnypaul.com/geico-skytypers-message-goes-a-long-way/2010/11/07/#comments Sun, 07 Nov 2010 06:43:40 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/geico-skytypers-message-goes-a-long-way/2010/11/07/ Continue reading →]]> There was a circular message in the sky this morning, or it seemed it may have been, so I posted it on Facebook to see if anyone else saw or knew about it.  Then, my friend said he saw it in another part of town, so tonight, I did some research.

Here’s the pic that I posted on Facebook, and leaving it in a smaller size, you can nearly read the backwards GEICO and then a bunch of other stuff you can’t clearly make out.  Or at least I can’t.  You can see the full set of pics I snapped before I knew what this was over at FLICKR.

Turns out GEICO has a squadron of WW II planes they send out to airshows that write messages in the sky, called the GEICO Skytypers.  They do it all over the country, and what a unique, creative idea for marketing to the masses. 

More amazing is how the wind carried the message all the way from Homestead AirForce Base to downtown Miami — It’s about 30 miles!  A comment on Facebook said it was done over the SunLife Stadium today as well, meaning it only traveled about 14 miles.  Either way, quite impressive retention for such a long journey!

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/geico-skytypers-message-goes-a-long-way/2010/11/07/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/seattle-cruise-port-has-sunken-explosives/2010/11/07/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=seattle-cruise-port-has-sunken-explosives http://www.lonnypaul.com/seattle-cruise-port-has-sunken-explosives/2010/11/07/#comments Sun, 07 Nov 2010 06:19:02 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/seattle-cruise-port-has-sunken-explosives/2010/11/07/ Continue reading →]]> Seattle, with all their people hopped up on coffee, can’t seem to remember where they put all their weaponry.  You know, the common munitions of bombs and torpedoes and the like — well they are all sunken and sitting under the Seattle Port where all the cruise ships load.

According to the Gizmodo story, while the experts are recommending for immediate removal of all this gear, there of course is major concern that the whole thing could go boom without the utmost caution.

Speaking of caution, did anyone else see today’s story of Al Quaeda trying to load up dogs with explosives and send them via plane to the US?  Craziness.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/seattle-cruise-port-has-sunken-explosives/2010/11/07/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/syfys-online-delay-is-plain-stupid/2010/11/02/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=syfys-online-delay-is-plain-stupid http://www.lonnypaul.com/syfys-online-delay-is-plain-stupid/2010/11/02/#comments Wed, 03 Nov 2010 02:43:29 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/syfys-online-delay-is-plain-stupid/2010/11/02/ Continue reading →]]> SyFy, let me sum it up quickly — your 30 day delay to online posting to sites like Hulu, is just stupid — just like I told your friends over at FX.  First of all, you changed this policy mid-series for some shows.

 Haven is one example.  I was really into this show, and from the ratings information online, this show isn’t getting the largest audience in the world.  While I was on a roll, watching Haven each time it appeared in my queue, your new policy went into effect.  While I have been watching other shows with similar policies via sites like Blinkx,

Sites like this don’t provide the show or network with any revenue.  Sites like this may allow the fanbase to stay up to date on their show from the courtesy of other viewers, most of which have uploaded their DVR recordings to a site indexed by Blinkx.  Let me repeat, they do NOT provide the publishers with any revenue. 

So tonight, finding Haven in my queue on Hulu, it was only then I realized I had been missing it.  With the networks seeming careless mid-season breaks, cancellations and the like — you never know what happens to a show, really.  In fact, without my queue on Hulu, I’d miss a great amount of TV I actually enjoy.  But I’m not going to go looking for it as if I notice it’s missing.

I understand you need to protect your channel viewership and downstream DVD sales.  But it’s 2010, and everyone wants their TV NOW, not in 30 days from now.  By then, I may have lost interest.

Avoid shows with this:

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/syfys-online-delay-is-plain-stupid/2010/11/02/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/krome-detention-centerfail/2010/10/31/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=krome-detention-centerfail http://www.lonnypaul.com/krome-detention-centerfail/2010/10/31/#comments Sun, 31 Oct 2010 23:27:17 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/krome-detention-centerfail/2010/10/31/ Continue reading →]]> So, after reading all the people’s details (and videos) of the former INS Detention center off of Krome Avenue in South Miami, I decided today it would be my new photo ground. 

Then I got there to find it blocked off with rows and rows of barriers.  Yes, I could have walked through the woods or crawled over them, but what was I to do with my truck?

Instead I went on a day long journey about the Redlands, a historic farming community nestled in the Everglades and south Miami, where I met this fella.  



You can check out the full set of Everglades photos at Flickr.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/krome-detention-centerfail/2010/10/31/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/robot-nurse-freaky-as-can-be/2010/10/30/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=robot-nurse-freaky-as-can-be http://www.lonnypaul.com/robot-nurse-freaky-as-can-be/2010/10/30/#comments Sun, 31 Oct 2010 02:30:12 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/robot-nurse-freaky-as-can-be/2010/10/30/ Continue reading →]]> Robot nurses scare me.  After spotting over on Engadget, I watched this video, and well, it freaked me out.  It’s quite possible these types of bots could be used to care for the elderly without requiring true humans f0r social interaction.

Bank tellers could be replaced by these things, heck, in my world they’ve already been replaced by ATMS years ago.  Who physically needs a teller anyway?

None the less, check out this scary bot in all it’s glory.

Source:  Engadget and You Tube

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/robot-nurse-freaky-as-can-be/2010/10/30/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/nuclear-testing-area-pocks-desert/2010/10/30/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nuclear-testing-area-pocks-desert http://www.lonnypaul.com/nuclear-testing-area-pocks-desert/2010/10/30/#comments Sun, 31 Oct 2010 02:17:13 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/nuclear-testing-area-pocks-desert/2010/10/30/ Continue reading →]]> Nuke testing is nothing new in the US, we’ve been doing it since the 40s, and it seems to have left a few scars on the surface of our lovely landscape in Nevada.  The image shown is a large area outside of Yucca Flats, and there are tons of these scars. 

Seems we may have exploded more bombs in testing than we’ve ever used (2?), which seems stupid.  I guess it takes a few tries to get it perfect, but really, is this what we are wasting tax dollars on?

Big toys for boys with nothing better to do?

Source:  Boing Boing via Gizmodo and Google Maps

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/nuclear-testing-area-pocks-desert/2010/10/30/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/miami-marine-stadium-photo-essay/2010/10/24/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=miami-marine-stadium-photo-essay http://www.lonnypaul.com/miami-marine-stadium-photo-essay/2010/10/24/#comments Sun, 24 Oct 2010 15:59:40 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/miami-marine-stadium-photo-essay/2010/10/24/ Continue reading →]]> Today I decided to start visiting unique Miami sites to take pictures and perhaps share a part of Miami someone hasn’t seen before — and my travels started with the Miami Marine Stadium.  Closed since Hurricane Andrew passed through in 1992, this Miami relic is a diamond in the rough wanting, and needing, attention.

Located off of Key Biscayne, this hidden gem was a sparkling light in the Miami area during it’s heyday.  It hosted great boat races and other events — including concerts on a floating stage.  Today, all that’s left is the crumbling concrete and seating from days gone by.  Nearly every inch of the facility is covered in graffiti, and some of it is quite amazing artwork.

It’s a misconception that Hurricane Andrew is to blame for the demise of the Stadium, according to a member of ‘Friends of Marine Stadium’ in an email sent after this post went live. The attached engineer report estimated repairs at the facility between $1 and 2 million dollars, and did not attribute them to any damage caused by Andrew.

Enjoy the Miami Marine Stadium, through my lens..

















You too can check out the Miami Marine Stadium, or help a group get it fixed.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/miami-marine-stadium-photo-essay/2010/10/24/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/copper-kills-be-sure-the-power-is-off/2010/10/24/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=copper-kills-be-sure-the-power-is-off http://www.lonnypaul.com/copper-kills-be-sure-the-power-is-off/2010/10/24/#comments Sun, 24 Oct 2010 12:50:53 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/copper-kills-be-sure-the-power-is-off/2010/10/24/ Continue reading →]]>

Killed in the line of work, or stealing as it may be, a couple pulling copper wire from an abandoned home assumed of course, that the power was off.  In this case, the power was still on, sending surges of electricity through the couple, killing the man and burning over half the woman.

The children of the couple were reportedly waiting nearby in a pickup truck for their parents to return while they scoured the property for copper according to the CNN story.

Quick tip for potential copper thieves, try plugging something in first.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/copper-kills-be-sure-the-power-is-off/2010/10/24/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/droid-overclocking-with-a-click/2010/10/24/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=droid-overclocking-with-a-click http://www.lonnypaul.com/droid-overclocking-with-a-click/2010/10/24/#comments Sun, 24 Oct 2010 05:01:48 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/droid-overclocking-with-a-click/2010/10/24/ Continue reading →]]>

While many PC enthusiasts enjoy the benefits of overclocking on high-end PCs, making them fly at speeds often much faster than released specifications.

With a possible 1.45GHz speed from your 1GHz rated processor is now possible for many with only a few clicks — on their Droid X and Droid 2 phones.  Without rooting, and without custom ROMs, you can simply install this 99¢ app and test, then implement higher CPU speeds with a few clicks.

Android nerds — get it now and overclock for an even faster Droid.  Check out the DX/D2 Overclocker, or scan with your phone to the left.

Source:  Lifehacker via Talk Android

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/droid-overclocking-with-a-click/2010/10/24/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/poor-guy-with-bionic-arms-crashes-into-treedies/2010/10/23/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=poor-guy-with-bionic-arms-crashes-into-treedies http://www.lonnypaul.com/poor-guy-with-bionic-arms-crashes-into-treedies/2010/10/23/#comments Sat, 23 Oct 2010 18:38:00 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/poor-guy-with-bionic-arms-crashes-into-treedies/2010/10/23/ Continue reading →]]>

When Otto Bock was able to drive and regain his independence with the assistance of a set of bionic arms, I’m sure he never thought it would end this way. 

Could have the arms revolted?  One was reported to have been ripped from his body by Engadget, and no one knows for sure if his arms had anything to do with his accident in any way.

There is a part of me who thinks that after a hot and steamy night with a woman, she freaked out because of his robot appendages and ran out of the house, freaked out.  That, would make anyone end it all.  With the ability to drive, or not.  Poor bastard.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/poor-guy-with-bionic-arms-crashes-into-treedies/2010/10/23/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/taiwanese-woman-marries-self-really/2010/10/23/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=taiwanese-woman-marries-self-really http://www.lonnypaul.com/taiwanese-woman-marries-self-really/2010/10/23/#comments Sat, 23 Oct 2010 16:21:05 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/taiwanese-woman-marries-self-really/2010/10/23/ Continue reading →]]> Narcissism takes on a whole new meaning when a Taiwanese woman decided to marry, wait, herself.   While she seemed to believe that if she didn’t get married by thirty she just may very well explode, and without a potential suitor in sight, she decided to marry herself.

Marry herself.  The article from Yahoo/Reuters goes on to say that her mother at first wanted her to choose a groom, however in the end was sold on the “flying solo” concept.  Pushing it to the extreme, the lovely woman will take herself on a honeymoon as well.

What an odd thing to do.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/taiwanese-woman-marries-self-really/2010/10/23/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/fbi-computer-system-half-a-billion-bucks-rufkm/2010/10/20/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fbi-computer-system-half-a-billion-bucks-rufkm http://www.lonnypaul.com/fbi-computer-system-half-a-billion-bucks-rufkm/2010/10/20/#comments Thu, 21 Oct 2010 03:10:17 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/fbi-computer-system-half-a-billion-bucks-rufkm/2010/10/20/ Continue reading →]]> Okay, so the story in the New York Times says that the FBI Computer system is late and over budget — over 2 years behind schedule and $100 million over budget.  RUFKM?

How can any computer system cost $500 million dollars?  Are the reinventing the process of computing as a whole?  I mean seriously folks, Google could have built it in a couple months, with interns!

With so many ‘earmarks’ and favors in Congress, it’s crazy that we spend the amount of money the way we do.  Yes, we, the American taxpayers.  It’s really something, isn’t it?  For $500 million dollars, do you know what kinda system I could create?

It would take over the world!

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/fbi-computer-system-half-a-billion-bucks-rufkm/2010/10/20/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/airline-safety-gaga-style/2010/10/04/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=airline-safety-gaga-style http://www.lonnypaul.com/airline-safety-gaga-style/2010/10/04/#comments Tue, 05 Oct 2010 03:01:13 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/airline-safety-gaga-style/2010/10/04/ Continue reading →]]> Only 5 days after being posted the web by a man who was on a Cebu Pacific Air flight, this video already has over 6 million views!    The travel attendants take Lady GaGa to an all new level while doing the standard pre-flight material.  At least people are watching them for a change! 

Seems that the “safety dance” has been quite popular with passengers.  And I can see why!

 

Share this one with your friends, it’s adorable!

Source:  CNN and YouTube

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/airline-safety-gaga-style/2010/10/04/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/amazons-forums-have-shitty-topics/2010/10/03/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=amazons-forums-have-shitty-topics http://www.lonnypaul.com/amazons-forums-have-shitty-topics/2010/10/03/#comments Mon, 04 Oct 2010 02:15:45 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/amazons-forums-have-shitty-topics/2010/10/03/ Continue reading →]]> When  I say shitty topics, I mean it — like “If you eat your own poop what are the consequences?” 

That is the topic shown at the bottom the my product page tonight, along with other things less crazy, but I mean really, is this something that people are talking about?  And if it’s position within the list of topics from the health category, then there aren’t many discussions going on over in the Amazon forums.

Eating poop…. ok.

 



Only on Amazon.

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/amazons-forums-have-shitty-topics/2010/10/03/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/its-always-sunny-in-philadelphia-back-and-fx-sucks/2010/10/03/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=its-always-sunny-in-philadelphia-back-and-fx-sucks http://www.lonnypaul.com/its-always-sunny-in-philadelphia-back-and-fx-sucks/2010/10/03/#comments Sun, 03 Oct 2010 12:26:26 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/its-always-sunny-in-philadelphia-back-and-fx-sucks/2010/10/03/ Continue reading →]]> It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a funny show. Danny DeVito is downright funny on this show, as well as the rest of the cast who are just ridiculous! So I’ve been awaiting for the new season, and of course I’m subscribed on Hulu, but today when a preview came up in the ‘Recently Added’ section, I was aghast when it said it was for the FOURTH episode of the season. 

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, I had already missed THREE episodes of one of my favorite shows?  Then I see this:



RUFKM? 30 days after air? What is this world coming to? We like to see them the next morning on Hulu, not 30 days later. Okay, perhaps it’s available with Hulu Plus, but for now, it’s okay. I have options, and so do you, and never forget it.

About a year ago, I found a site called Blinkx. It’s an awesome search engine for videos in general, but also TV shows – all streaming on your computer. Pretty much anything you wanna watch is on there, and I love it as a backup for Hulu, when programmers get crazy. In fact, you can watch the series opening episode right here!




Gay Marriage

 

Enjoy It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia on Blinkx, or wait a while and see it on Hulu, but never on FX.  Don’t get me wrong, I think FX has some great shows, including Sons of Anarchy.  But once again, FX this year isn’t making them available via Hulu on a short time frame, so I have to watch that via Blinkx as well.  I guess the studios have the right to make things available online as they wish, but changing that routine really can catch people off guard, as it did me, and I feel left out.

And FX, sure, I COULD have set them to record on my own DVR, but I have to admit that I don’t really watch FX aside from these two shows — I have NO idea what channel it is either.  I’ll find you, I’ll DVR you and I won’t complain anymore.  Okay?

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/its-always-sunny-in-philadelphia-back-and-fx-sucks/2010/10/03/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/segway-company-owner-dies-while-riding-segway/2010/09/27/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=segway-company-owner-dies-while-riding-segway http://www.lonnypaul.com/segway-company-owner-dies-while-riding-segway/2010/09/27/#comments Tue, 28 Sep 2010 01:55:07 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/segway-company-owner-dies-while-riding-segway/2010/09/27/ Continue reading →]]> In the “it’s just not possible, is it?” and “RUFKM” category comes today’s news that the owner of Segway, Inc., James Heselden, died Sunday after plunging into the River Wharfe  in the town of West Yorkshire London. 

62 years of age, Mr. Heselden was a very philanthropic man, donating over $36 million in his lifetime to a variety of charities, and has been listed as one of the 1,000 richest people in Britain.

What a tragic and nearly impossible end to a seemingly generous and smart man.

Source:  The New York Times

]]> http://www.lonnypaul.com/segway-company-owner-dies-while-riding-segway/2010/09/27/feed/ 0 http://www.lonnypaul.com/joey-lawrence-great-in-new-abc-family-show/2010/09/26/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=joey-lawrence-great-in-new-abc-family-show http://www.lonnypaul.com/joey-lawrence-great-in-new-abc-family-show/2010/09/26/#comments Sun, 26 Sep 2010 11:11:28 +0000 Lonny Paul http://www.lonnypaul.com/joey-lawrence-great-in-new-abc-family-show/2010/09/26/ Continue reading →]]> Joey Lawrence was always an adorable affable character who, well, let’s admit it, didn’t have that much sense and was “Whooa!” not quite Yale material shall we say?  But the days of Blossom are over, and ABC Family seems to have their finger on the pulse of contemporary America, and they wrap it all up in the new series Melissa & Joey.

Well, it’s not exactly new, considering 7 episodes have already aired, but I haven’t checked it out until now on Hulu, trolling for new shows I may have missed.  Glad I found it.  While the new season and new series premieres are filling the evening airwaves these days — and my Hulu queue full nearly daily — seems I cannot get enough.

While complete a great family show, ABC Family goes a little further, allowing the occasional use of words like freaking, pissed, ass, and more.  Plus, the sexual innuendos and stark talk like referring to sex tapes, being ‘bent over’ and just refreshing reality.  The combination of Joey Lawrence (who is looking GOOD) with Melissa Joan Hart, make a very funny duo.




Fresh and Witty

Here’s a great line:  “I bet you had a TV.  A guy like you probably had a 60″ 1080P HD LCD, L.E.D. Man-o-vision?”  “52 inches — which is plenty,” retorts Joey.  “The fact of the matter is you now have zero inches.” “That is by choice, okay?  She’s going to be spending a lot of time at home and she thought — we thought — it would be best if she took the tv.”  “Like I said, ZERO inches.”

It’s fresh, smart and funny.  Check out Melissa & Joey on Hulu.

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