I'm Doing It Wrong.

I know I'm doing it wrong. There is more to blogging than I've managed to muster. There is more to having a successful Youtube channel than my efforts have created. I can do better. It is frustrating to see others who are very successful breaking the rules to get there. Maybe I need to reread the terms and conditions. I thought using copyright music was a no-no. Oh well, I can improve.

Inland Hurricane?

Tonight a short but very wild storm ripped through Cranbrook, BC.
I heard the thunder advancing, and my power went out. I decided to go for a walk. I could see the advancing dark clouds. As I lingered in the street, I could see dust kicked up in either direction, wind swirling. Then the rain drops started, gradually increasing in frequency. It was an eery scene. A firetruck went by with lights flashing. I turned around and saw the large weeping willow I usually park under writhing about as if it had many muscly tentacles instead of branches. I went back indoors. I busied myself closing windows, observing fan blades spinning of the wind's own will. Soon the torrent was upon the town. I stood in the balcony captivated by the sheets of water blowing across the courtyard.
Afterwards the phone calls. Power lines had fallen on an occupied RV. A tree had fallen on a house. The phone calls painted an ugly picture, but were only a sample of what had happened. Surveying the town after, I can only send my best wishes out to the families affected by the onslaught. As best I could tell nobody was hurt, but many trees and power lines were down.
As I type this, I am without power, but being that I have suffered no property damage, I think I got off lucky.

Were you affected? Comment.

My Fail & MITx' Win!

Well, I failed.

I was taking the first offering by MITx, but my lack of knowledge in calculus resulted in a poor score, and the fact that I'm working full time while trying to spend some time with my lady (two full time jobs, anyone?) made trying to learn calculus inside of a week a bit more of a challenge than it already should be. It was good though, until the lessons started going over my head. I look forward to observing what other courses are offered by institutions like MIT in the future, and hopefully they are free!

Idle Thoughts, With Good Intentions

I have all these dreams of making super awesome Youtube videos, and maybe adding my own musical tracks to them, and I have most of the equipment to do it all now, but I feel like I'd be disturbing people whenever I get inspiration to start the work. Gotta do something about that...

I also want to get a house. I suppose if I was doing all of this stuff in my own home, it wouldn't disturb anyone.

I'm considering starting a blog on the journey towards home ownership. Its something totally new to me, and I might be able to coach someone less learned than I through it as I establish what the steps are.

MITx Rocks, But I Don't.

I'm taking the MITx 6.002 Circuits and Electronics Course, and learning how little I know about the subject. I'm also finding what I need to brush up on as far as algebra and mathematics. This means my blogs will likely suffer until the course is complete. Will try to throw in some updates, but most will likely be related to this course.

Fus Of Standing.

What!?

Skyrim was absurd today.

I cheated a little. Something Gran Turismo 5 taught me. Get a guy going and leave him be. B-spec. Well, Skyrim doesn't exactly have that, but I thought I would get my armor skill up, so I left my dude standing in a field being shot by some crazy with a bow. I figured as long as the shots continued to be as randomly successful as they had been for the few minutes before I left, he'd survive, since hp regenerates between blows.

I saved and went back to work. Can't do much Skyrim over a lunch break.

As I drove home, I pondered the possibilities. My guy died, repeatedly, but the system auto-loaded the last save point, so my guy would be revived and taking shots again. How many times could this have happened? Would my heavy armor skill be up? It started to seem doubtful.

When I got home, after exchanging strange pleasantries with my good friend and room-mate, I headed to my room and turned on the TV. In the game, it was now night time. No arrows were flying. Guy was alive and alone, and there, stretching off screen, a pile of bones. I picked up the controller, perplexed. To the left, a full dragon skeleton. I run up and discover a blood dragon. I check and find scales, bones and money. How? I check my heavy armor skill, it's up 10 points.

I guess I got more than I bargained for.

Why Do I Do The Things I Do?

I work in a store with an attached auto shop. Recently, the manager decided that the auto parts and auto service departments, which were separate, should unite. The intent was to reduce customer wait times when load at one counter was high. On top of this, all automotive floor staff should deal with merchandising, tech parts allocations, everything. This is a going to be a rocky road.
I used to work in the parts department before becoming an auto service adviser. Now I do both. I had become frustrated with the parts warehouse while working in parts, but never had the opportunity to do much about it. Now I'm taking matters into my own hands. I decided to reorganize. God help me.

@tehbrookzorz

Maybe I've been ignoring the value of Twitter.

For years, the mention of the name made me shake my head. Any time I tried using it, I became discouraged. People couldn't take this seriously, could they?

I've been assured by a few people that indeed, Twitter is important, and if I want to pursue online marketing, I need to be on it.

Well, I don't know if I'm convinced yet, but I'll try it out.

Twitter me @tehbrookzorz

Speed Reading Woes

I'd heard of speed reading, but I never knew much theory about it. I just assumed it was a label for those more talented than myself.

I picked up the basics from a book I'm reading. I also noticed there are several websites touting themselves as the source for info on the subject.

I suppose the first thing to do would be to check your reading rate prior to learning how to speed read, and then after practicing, to check again. I didn't check my reading rate, and then when I tried to speed read, I started getting dizzy.

The goal is to use peripheral vision and to practice eye muscle control, but I haven't quite got it ironed out well enough to give advise on the subject.

If you figure it out, tell me how you did it.

Happy Valentine's Day!

It's Valentine's Day, and I'm happy.

I've had my amazing Jen in my life for two years.

Thank you Jen.

<3

Help Me Help You Help Me Help You.

I'm reading a book that focuses on increasing efficiency and effectiveness to such extremes that most time now allocated to work can be redistributed to pursuing positive life-altering experiences. All in all, this sounds great, but everyone around me asks what I am reading, and as soon as I offer them the title, scoffs and laughs. Well, this would seem to be one of those things that you should, take the bull by the horns and take action on. I wonder if the author had the current economic climate in mind when he wrote the book, but I get the impression he doesn't think it should have an effect. True story.

Plus one for this guy though, he managed to get some of my coin with the book.

Maybe I need to help myself so I can benefit from sharing my experience from others.

Sometimes I Bite Off More Than I Can Chew

Well I just put up a video update on the status of my Celica that I'm swapping a Mazda KL-DE engine into. Well, its more complicated than that, but if you want to see, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGm8AM7WuDw

What do you think?

Theme?

Well, I kind of figured it out.

The theme is, opinion. I'll give my two cents towards topics as I find them. Sure, no problem. It may not carry a subject from one post to the next. On the other hand, I do have a couple themed blogs on the go.

Public Policy Is Tricky Business

A curious thing about printed language is that it can allow a reader to unwittingly lose perspective. This is great for learning and entertainment purposes. In legal scenarios, it creates the question that if a captivated reader perceives a threat as indicated to be remedied by proposed policy, whereas the real world threat might not be reasonably quantified, one may be emotionally subject to accept policies not in the best interest of the public, even if with the intent of optimizing public well-being.

Beyond a Message.

I get it.

Beyond scattered blog posts, even if every blog post I make has a clear message, there needs to be more.

I need a cohesive theme.

Now I'm not super enthusiastic with buying blogging lessons, and yes, I know I can. I prefer the idea of this growing organically. I also understand that unless you see something that interests you, I stand to lose you.

I don't want to lose you.

I'm doing a review on where the focus here should go.

While I work on this, please continue to follow my work, and give me feedback on what you don't like, and more importantly, what you like!

As ever, I appreciate your attention.

Thank you.

Got Plans For The Weekend?

Every weekend I try to create some sort of video or audio. I've been floundering a little because I go outside and its cloudy, and I miss the sunlight and colours that inspire me. Today I was talking to a good friend of mine, and we decided to do some collaboration.

We're both cracked enough, but in a good way.
~Jonathan

Keep tuned in. I'll post the link when the video is up.

Open Up.

The cookie cutter life expectations we are born into deserve questioning. Granted, I understand a lot of it is biological, but we have to wonder how much our perception of the way society to be affects our decision making. We are easily categorized as market demographics because we follow trends according to our age, gender, race, location, etc. We start to think about everything in terms of efficiency. We become like machines in our consistency. Go to the store, find the same pasta sauce you've been buying for the last five years. Don't look at the other ones or is there one on sale? Stop being this way! Look at what more life has to offer. Stop taking everything so seriously. The job you work is important for many reasons, but don't let it detract from your ability to let the stress fall off. Learn to have fun, it doesn't even have to be expensive. Say yes to something you wouldn't normally do this week, and let me know if it turned out to be a good experience.

Chuck Norris Exists Because Ron Paul Allows Him To.

Today my boss got to see some of those government spending figures I've been talking about. Neither of us can understand just how deep in the red America is. It is truly mind boggling. Well, my store manager can't complain if we make a meager profit, because relative to the US gov, we're doing great! This got me thinking. I've got to say I like this Ron Paul guy. Now there is a chance my view might be swayed by the hoards of online Ron Paul enthusiasts, and that's okay. The mainstream media clearly demonstrates who they support. I enjoy watching every curve ball they throw Ron's way while trying to make him look like a nut job. I enjoy that he thwarts these attacks with a clear amswer of how his principles relate to the question asked. I just don't see people a couple years from now saying "I wish I hadn't voted for him." I'm not the only non-american international who is saying, "too bad I can't vote."

An Uninformed History of Economics Versus Humanity.

I can't wrap my head around the world federal debts as posted at http://www.economist.com/content/global_debt_clock. Different web debt clocks display conflicting readings, but there is no denying the debts owed are alarming. Dare I say it, we need to see a paradigm shift in the way we think. Now I'm not the expert who can tell you what we need to do. It looks to me that we need to stop pointing fingers. Its not the fault of an entire demographic. We can't blame the rich for having money. We can't blame those who have lost their jobs for being poor. We need to regroup. We need to educate. We need to take the complexities out of doing business. Now what I'm going to say isn't how I envision the future, but its a mental exercise. I picture the old west just the way it is portrayed in the movies. I imagine one could walk into a camp with a horse and wagon, enough gold to buy a piece of land, and some tools. You could cut some trees, build a store, and with probably less than five fairly simple documents, be running a successful business. It was harder work then, but it was simpler. Now everything is inflated. The land, the building costs, the labour, the taxes, the legal protection, insurance, etc. is huge. Most people forgo the complexity and find a job with an established company. This is why I find myself working at a corporate box store, and I'm in debt. I'm not complaining about my debt. I take full responsibility for it, and I'm managing it. Now everybody expects instantaneous gratification. As retail customers, we feel jilted if a store doesn't have the product we are looking for when we walk through the doors. 120 years ago? We were happy to know we could have our mail-order product in however many weeks it took. We need to stop being irrational consumers and start seeing our fellow souls for who we are. We need compassion back. Heck, if we were all compassionate enough, we might start forgiving each other some of our debts, and that could make a big difference on the international scene. Realistically, we should get back to focusing on what we really want versus what we really need. We should be more self-sufficient where possible, we shouldn't be dependent on our governments, and we should expect our governments to be accountable for their expenditures, especially when it comes to dropping bombs on foreigners. At any rate, I believe some good financial advice should be distributed. Your thoughts?

Have Yourself a Big Idea!

I said recently that I would refer to a poorly made video in a lesson about setting goals. I had an idea in mind, but I put it off, even after I announced online how I'd be posting a video that weekend. By the time I got around to filming, it was too dark to do what I had thought of, and I became dismayed and distracted. The video ended up being a collage of me testing different effects in my video editing program. It wasn't awful, but it lacked a message. Having a message is something I want to focus on in all my future blog and youtube posts. With all the advertising, gossip and other distractions we see daily, a blogger has to have a message to be heard. So here is today's message: Don't put off big ideas. If you have something in mind that is going to improve the world, do it! If something amazing pops into your head tomorrow while you are in the shower, remember it, expand on it, make something of it! The video I was referring to is at: http://youtu.be/9wNT5FJJsbI

Mazda6 Shift Problem Fix.

This is for those folks who have seen my Youtube video detailing my issues with my Mazda6 shift linkage. I created a bracket that slid over the metal collars near the ends of the cables, then secured it with small bolts to the existing bracket through which the cables pass, near the transaxle. My bracket was made with 1/2" aluminum. I would suggest making a similar shape with thinner metal and then riveting those pieces together, though I am not an expert by any means. Best of luck! The video is at: http://youtu.be/lv2kNdJuvcQ

Dear Americans..

Research Ron Paul.  Vote according to what you believe is right.  Many thanks.

I Could Be Wrong.

There was a time when all was bartered.  Think back to Jack and the Beanstalk.
Such is becoming less and less the case.
When you buy a Nickelback album today, you can't trade it for your friend's Serj Tankien album, though I applaud you for trying.  Digital downloads don't come on discs.  There is no getting a couple bucks back when you clear out the oldies at the garage sale, unless you're selling your MP3 player.
Its too bad about MP3s too, if you're a hardcore audiophile, but that's a different topic altogether.
My biggest question of the day though, is "when did we become consumers?"
The word implies that we take what we can get.  We are like pigs at the trough.  A trip to Walmart might convince you there is truth to this, but I like to think we're above that.
Let's be more critical of our transaction dialogue.  Let's be methodical and intelligent in selecting the products we wish to procure, and how we are willing to be sold those items.
Are you aware of the advertising and marketing directed your way every day?  Are you aware of the influence that sales makes in your entertainment?  It is worth acknowledging.
I hope you, dear reader, can achieve those debt-reduction and savings goals you've surely set this year, just as I must.
If we can all take more responsibility for our own finances, I should think that mindset would help heal the world economic situation.

A Little Note.

Do you have writer's block?
It might be the that a blank sheet opens up too many possibilities.
Narrow things down so that you have something to expand upon.
Brainstorm.  Mind map.  Whatever you like to call it.
Voila.  Writer's block becomes writer's springboard.

Inspiration.

Let us always remember to be thankful and humbled by what goodness we can find in our lives, for if we look hard enough, it can always be found.
Whenever possible, pay it forward.

Back In The 90's.

How often have you gone on social media and seen the status update:  "I don't have internet for a week,  Gotta go to [insert fast food establishment here] for wifi to check email and stuff."
Not only that, they are inconvenienced, right?
I've seen it.
How quickly we forgot dial up; waiting ages for a connection while sitting entranced by the modem's shrill song.
Back in the 90's things were different.
My school had an Iomega Zip drive.  I marveled at the thought of a 100 MB disk, but I'd never fill one up.  Such excess!
Maybe I'll think twice next time I find myself trying to connect to a store's wifi.  "What?  I have to agree to your policy to connect!?  Such a bother!  Wifi off!  3G on!"
Maybe.
Maybe next time I fill up 5 GB of my SDHC card while testing out my GoPro.
Maybe not.

Of Business Parallels & Midnight Banter

I had a brief conversation with a man from India on Facebook today.
I found him months ago after using Openbook to search for keywords in people's Facebook updates.  He had an interesting status, so I'd checked his profile, and realized he was in the habit of making interesting statuses.  Thus, I added him as a friend.
This morning he asked me what business I am in, and I told him about the automotive repair shop at which I work and my role in selling repairs and preventative maintenance.
To my surprise, this seemed of great interest to him.
He remarked on the similarity to his business, where he sells "preventative maintenance of future crisis for businesses."
This prompted some banter from be about what is foreseeable from a mechanical perspective, and why performing a relatively low cost service can prevent a high cost repair, thus providing good value.
I don't know that he paused to think before he said, "one way to adapt is to try [to] figure out what is changing and then adapt - but more potent is to create the change that you want to see."
I'm not sure how this applies to a physical machine, but in his line of business it surely sounds genius.  This might be a parallel for what he finds though; people who are willing to talk about innovation but can't convert from concept to application.
More on this later.


The man to whom I was speaking is Mr Navneet Bhushan from Crafitti (http://www.crafitti.com) who blogs at http://innovationcrafting.blogspot.com

Who Knew?

I just tried out some search engine optimization software.  For some reason I chose to search the term "Baby Maker."  I ended up at a website with a trailer for a game called "Baby Maker Extreme 2."  In short, I regret my search parameters.

Ninja GoPro Stuff!

Today I made a short video to demonstrate the low light capability of my new GoPro HD Hero 2.  If you're interested, check out the test at http://youtu.be/h1MkCqsDe4Y

Ha-cha!

Stumbling About The Net

Two or three years ago a friend of mine invited me to a meeting.
He had a product he wanted me to buy, and his colleagues helped him give me a presentation on why this was the product I needed, why it was such good value, and why they'd bought it.
The perk was that if I bought it, and sold more people on it, I'd get a commission.
Not only that, I'd make a commission on all sales made by the folks who bought the product from my customer.
I told my friend he should try to get his money back, because this was NOT legit.
I ran into him a few months later, and as it turns out, he admitted that he and his friends had been scammed into a pyramid scheme.  Win some, loose some.
A year later a coworker began gushing about her new business in MLM.  I was not at the time savvy of this term, but what little she told me sounded dangerously similar to my friend's experience.
I told her the business model made me nervous, but she wouldn't hear of it.
I didn't opt in.
Maybe there is more to this though.
I'm hoping to better understand affiliate programs and MLM.
If there is interest, I'll post my findings.
There is a lot of information on the web about making it in the online world of business, but a lot of it seems so shady.
Hopefully I can navigate it.
Will advise.

Maybe I'll be a Rock Star!

I like the idea of making income with a personal site or blog, though I have yet to succeed at it.

At some point I would like to develop and market a product that I enjoy and find peaks my interest and tests my creativity, while providing real value to those looking for what I do.

Baby steps.

Another Youtube Dreamer

As I've suggested on my Facebook page, I'm big on my goal to improve my presence on Youtube!

When I was but a lad I spent many of my school lunch hours creating video content for our "recognition assemblies."  We would compile clips from the sports teams, clubs, special events and the like.  Those kids popular with the teachers, or perhaps who had decreased in their ability to be a pain in their teacher's proverbial asses would get special mention.  I remember we spent hours super-imposing each student in front of a planet from the Star Wars world.  My friend knew each planet's name.

In high school I spend more time in media classes, but usually the time was spent by my classmates and I educating the teacher on how to use the equipment.

At some point I ended up getting my own hand-me-down Digital-8 camcorder, but I don't know where it got to.  I built a few computers.  Some worked, some didn't.

After graduation, I moved into town and got a job.  Cars and girls occupied the time not spent on drugs and rock and roll, and that's before things got ugly.

Okay, I didn't have the rock and roll lifestyle, but I did neglect my media-intrigue, so as stated earlier, I intend to change that.  Hopefully my lady will find some fun in it too!

If you want to check out my youtube channel, click here!

Its Cody David Brooks Letterman?

From the ashes of time rises my blog.

I created this page in 2005 as a competition piece.  I was new in Victoria, and in trying to meet people, ended up using the internet quite a lot.  This led to some very interesting friendships, and lots of banter about social patterns.  Thus, I have deleted the contents of this blog previous to my obtaining the new sign-in credentials.

More to come.

I'm Back.

Well unlike certain popular music stars, I wasn't away ridding my body of certain toxins.  No, I just wasn't talking.  Now I have a partner in crime on blogger.  A friend in the blogosphere.

Of course, I'm referring to the master of troubled pasts:  maximum-genital-comfort.blogspot.com

Now to update every so often, as I get back in the groove of this.