OK... I am a few days behind in my news reading. But this article just stuck out and screamed READ ME... http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20050921-5337.html

To put it in a nutshell, this is a virtual plague that has been a problem in World of Warcraft. The interesting aspect: Treatment is NOT working. At least not as intended. And people have escaped quarantine and continue to spread this virus. This isn't the "typical" computer virus. This one really behaves real world (Like the flu epidemics). This provides and interesting model for real world medicine, in a strange way.

I have *GOT* to get me one of these!

I just saw the ULTIMATE INDOOR R/C AIRPLANE... The Butterfly Living Room R/C Flyer. This little baby looks like the ultimate R/C gadget freak's playtoy. Take a look:



Think Geek is selling these for $239.99. Here are some of the specs:

The 3.6g Butterfly

• Butterfly Airframe w/Installed:
• 0.4g micro900 receiver
• GB05 4mm 5:1 Gearbox
• Carbon Fiber Propeller!
• 0.22g HingeAct Actuator
• Audible Tones and LED indicators
• Built-In Low Voltage Cutoff
  HFX900 Transmitter
• 4 CH transmitter - Full Proportional
• 3 User Selectable frequencies
• Built-In lipoly Bahoma charger
• Connects to FMS Flight Simulator!
• 900Mhz ISM band USA, 868Mhz EU
• FCC and CE Approved!
• Requires 4 AA cells
  Also:
• 30mAh 0.9g LiPoly Bahoma Battery
• FMS computer interface cable
• CDROM w/Freeware FMS flight-Sim
• Instructional Videos, and manual

The whole works, packed in a custom fitted aluminum carrying case!

This looks like sooooo much fun! I want one for Christmas!!!!! (Hint Hint... My birthday is coming up!!!!)

Humor in Hurricanes?

In a word, yes. It seems that Interdictor is posting pics (a lot of them!), and a few are humorous. I mean, in a disaster, when all is going in a direction you don't want it to, humor is one of the things that keep people sane.

That said, here's the one I enjoyed today:


As the caption said, "One Way Down???"

Hi there! I haven't posted in a few, so I thought I'd update you. When it became clear that Hurricane Rita was going to be *BIG*, I went ahead an made myself available for deployment. Why on Earth would I do that with school going on? Well, put bluntly, a lot of NDMS folk have gone on deployment for Hurricane Katrina. I mean A LOT. A I personally feel that a lot of folk who went out are seriously stressed out. With Rita looking to hit with huge force, the thought of us being stretched a bit thin made me rethink my going. So, I talked it out with my unit commander and my teachers. Now that I going into week 5, it should be a lot easier to deal with my studies. My instructors are extremely supportive of my going if needed, especially considering 2 of them have family in the affected regions. And my computer is my new best friend! I have my textbooks with me whenever my computer is. My notes, my reading, my email, web access, you name it! So, as long as I have power, and I am off-duty, I will still keep up my reading and work.

Oh, a friend of mine, Craig Froehle, posted an entry on his blog about a website called OkCupid!. This site evaluates your beliefs and renders you a decision about your political position. It is an interesting site... check it out.

You are a Social Liberal (68% permissive) and an... Economic Liberal (35% permissive) You are best described as a: Democrat Link: The Politics Test on Ok Cupid

A Little Comedy at President Bush's expense


By now, many of you have heard about the note that President Bush wrote to Condoleza Rice when he needed a bathroom break. Now, take a look at this picture (and most notably, the caption):



Hmmm.... Bush is one of the worst disasters to hit the U.S.??? Hehehe...

I was cruising around over at Snopes.com, and found that in one of their reports.

Yep, it was broadcast that way!

Still flooded

For those of you who think that the flooding is pretty much gone in New Orleans, take a look at this:



That was taken a few days ago. A large portion of the city is still under water. Although they are pumping this mucky, polluted water out as fast as the pumps can handle it, this area is going to need help for a VERY long time. If you haven't donated to one of the organizations (such as the Red Cross) that is helping, please do so. If you can't afford money, donate TIME. Donate extra flight miles you probably won't use, donate clothing, donate backpacks, donate school supplies.

Well, my brother Steve moved to Reno today... He found love on the internet. He's been back in my life for the last 4 years, moving from Kansas when things fell apart for him at a time things were doing the same for me, living with us, helping me when I needed someone to keep an eye on David and Diana, watching my place when I was gone, keeping me sane at times I was questioning my faith and my direction, and generally being... a brother. Dude, I am gonna miss seeing you all the time. But I am glad you have found someone to be a part of your life again.

(And yeah, I know... Reno is only 2 hours up the road. We will still see each other.)

Here's a Headliner: Mexican Troops Cross Into U.S.


The Mexican army has entered the United States for the first time since 1846.

A military convoy crossed the Rio Grande into Texas Thursday to bring aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina. The unit is headed for San Antonio.

The convoy is carrying water treatment plants, mobile kitchens and supplies to feed storm victims.

The 45 green vehicles will apparently be used to provide water, meals and other help for hurricane survivors from the New Orleans area.

A Mexican naval mission is sailing for New Orleans. Mexico said another convoy and another ship are ready to go.

Back in 1846, Mexican troops briefly marched into disputed territory along the border with Texas which had joined the United States 10 years earlier.

DMAT CA-11, the team I belong to, has been deployed. To my family: NO, I AM NOT GOING THIS TIME. But 35 other friends of mine are, and I ask you to pray for them, that they are safe while on their deployment providing aid wherever they end up.


(Photo from FEMA)

I think this picture sums up the feeling many have.

It Just Keeps Getting Worse and Worse"

Each day, each hour, each minute, the information coming from the Gulf Coast just keeps getting worse and worse. People are getting desperate, and they are getting angry. Yes, there are looters. Some of those looters are just trying to get water, food, and diapers. They just want HELP, and although they don't realize that it is coming, it is.

But in the meantime, we see all of this happening. The NBC News has just shown a video showing people in shock, people with no food, no water, no way to get out of New Orleans. These are heart-wrenching moments caught on tape. If these scenes of fellow Americans trying to survive don't make you cry and say, "I HAVE TO HELP SOMEHOW", I don't know what will. And this is just New Orleans. Gulfport, Biloxi, and outlying communities are absolutely blown away. Some communities don't even exist any more. I am just wondering how everyone dealing with this whole horrible tragedy will recover. I know they will, and in time, they will move on.

There is an article in the LA times that really brings home what life has been like for those in the Superdome. Go to http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-superdome1sep01,0,4489032.story?coll=la-home-headlines to view the article. It is another one of those "Oh, my God" stories.

They are trying desperately to plug the leaks in the levees. They are using "sandbags on steroids", basically huge concrete bags (massive would be the word I would choose) to try and stop the giant gap in the levees. I was watching helicopters drop these "sandbags" a few minutes ago (via realtime video, of course, being 2200 miles from this happening).

For those who say, "I can't afford anything", go without a meal or two, and donate the food, or better yet, the money you would have spent on it to the Red Cross, Salvation Army, or another organization that is helping. Help. Someway, somehow. Volunteer.