Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
Sorry, wrong forum subject.
Last edited:
Son of Perdition - tales from the darkside
- Thread starter Son_of_Perdition
- Start date
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
Sorry, I just needed to vent and somehow justify my actions.
Meanderer
Supreme Member
Happy New Year Son! Miss your writing!
View attachment 12530
...oh yeah, and write something every day!
View attachment 12530
...oh yeah, and write something every day!
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
I've been writing down my thoughts on a private blog. I like to vent sometimes and find that either on Facebook or on a forum a person has a tendency to put down things that have no meaning or interest to anyone else. I catch myself critizing say a movie or TV show only to put that opinion down, then later on realize how lame or, 'What was I thinking' with that post. I could use simply 'notepad' or 'Word' but it becomes random and doesn't make much sense. It's my way of blowing off steam.Hello Son, I am always a little jarred, to return to your diary and find "Sorry ...". It's good to vent! ...maybe that's what George is doing too. Hope your holidays are happy ones! May the New year be good to you my friend!
I have started many blogs before, for whatever reason I delete them only to restart one a few months later. Must be my OCDiness, when in doubt reorganize, that came from the corporate world days. I'm still here and enjoy the other diaries and most of the posts from the members. I really have adopted the ideas from that little book I read many years ago about not sweating the small stuff. I try not to get too involved with things I have no control over. I try not to respond to a political, religious or any controversial subject, i.e. birth control, same sex relationships, conspiracy theories,,,etc. I've wasted too many hours and created too much stress to myself when I do.
The blog I post at has no comment section, I opted out of that and if I decide to change a word or line I have that option anytime I want. It looks cool, organized and no one's feelers are hurt.
merlin
Member
- Location
- Saint Petersburg Russia
Thanks for sharing that amazing story S.O.P, I am new here and just discovering gems like yours, it feels like finding a long lost family and learning about all the characters in it.
Thanks again!!
Thanks again!!
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
After retirement a few years back I was financing & insuring 2 autos 1 for me & 1 for my wife. I was paying close to $600 a month for payments and another $75 a month for insurance. I paid off the loan for my wife's, it was a small compact with very few miles on it. Mine was a newer pickup. I decided to sell the pickup and commute with the wife. I never realized how cramped hers was until I started driving it. I couldn't see past the rear view mirror and had to bend at the neck to see the traffic lights when pulled up waiting for my turn. I am 6'3" and the car was designed for a small stature female with tiny feet. I drove & rode in it for 2 years when it became apparent that I was a danger on the roads. My field of vision was limited. I had to get something capable of carrying me comfortably and I could drive safely.
I had set aside a emergency fund for items that would become a necessity over time. I had built up the savings where I had at least 6 months of expenses covered rent, utilities, insurance and food. It included enough to cover unexpected expenses that came along such as one time annual payments. I decided that with the extra I could afford an older vehicle that would meet my needs for comfortable transportation. I didn't need an expensive luxury auto but something that would accommodate my larger frame and height. I started looking I decided that a mid-sized SUV would be just the ticket, gas mileage, seating for at least 5, an adequate cargo area. I looked at older SUV's with price & safety in mind. I perused craigslist, ever mindful of scams and dishonest advertisers.
I went to a few 'no money down/no credit checks' small lots. Prices were out of line and going to a new car dealer limited my choices to newer used and way over my budget for my needs. The smaller lots catered to credit restricted customers and since I was now a first time cash customer I found I was in the drivers seat & could control the deal better. I refused to give in to the shady dealer who wanted to make a substantial profit from me and had only a few units in my expected price range. I would go armed with my information on value and price dictated by either Kelley Blue Book & NADA guides. It was an interesting quest but not too successful. I spent a few more days watching the ads and finally I was presented with an ad for a older SUV, the owner was an established mechanic and had purchased the SUV for his wife as a temporary vehicle. She drove it for 5 months until they decided to purchase her a newer one. The owner took the SUV in and fixed everything that he could find wrong then listed it for a quick sale. He wasn't in the used car business and just wanted it off his lot. The price was in line with low book value, he had made all the engine repairs, replaced all the tires with new safer ones for his wife. I test drove it and found it matched everything I was looking for. I bought it.
I stopped in on my way home to license it in my name and the next day I called my insurance agent for a quote. His quote was much higher than I anticipated and I called him on it. But, he was firm on his quote. I then went online and requested a quote from esurance.com. I received several quotes but most were too high. I was called by a customer service rep, he put me in touch with a marketer who finds reasonable quotes from various sources. I set my limits and what I wanted for coverage, knowing how the game is played I also was firm in my decisions. The compact my wife drives is 10 years old and only had 22,000 miles on it. Book price on it was only $5,500 + $3,200 for the miles and I had $1,000 deductible collision and no comp. If we had been in an accident and we were at fault then the insurance company would only give me $4,500 for repairs, nothing for the mileage. Every financial advisor recommends dropping collision when the value drops below $5,000. The value on my SUV was only $2,000 so it would be a mistake to take out full coverage. Liability coverage should only be what your net worth equals because the adjusters for a no fault state will only settle for what your net worth is, nothing more, so over paying for additional liability is a waste of money.
I finally settled my insurance quest on one company, albeit the company had a slightly lower satisfaction rating than my current company but money was the motivation. I was able to drop as much as $25 a month off the rate that the other companies were quoting. I did raise my liability coverage to a higher rate but dropped all collision from it. Total savings $675 - ($46 ins) = $629 a month.
I had set aside a emergency fund for items that would become a necessity over time. I had built up the savings where I had at least 6 months of expenses covered rent, utilities, insurance and food. It included enough to cover unexpected expenses that came along such as one time annual payments. I decided that with the extra I could afford an older vehicle that would meet my needs for comfortable transportation. I didn't need an expensive luxury auto but something that would accommodate my larger frame and height. I started looking I decided that a mid-sized SUV would be just the ticket, gas mileage, seating for at least 5, an adequate cargo area. I looked at older SUV's with price & safety in mind. I perused craigslist, ever mindful of scams and dishonest advertisers.
I went to a few 'no money down/no credit checks' small lots. Prices were out of line and going to a new car dealer limited my choices to newer used and way over my budget for my needs. The smaller lots catered to credit restricted customers and since I was now a first time cash customer I found I was in the drivers seat & could control the deal better. I refused to give in to the shady dealer who wanted to make a substantial profit from me and had only a few units in my expected price range. I would go armed with my information on value and price dictated by either Kelley Blue Book & NADA guides. It was an interesting quest but not too successful. I spent a few more days watching the ads and finally I was presented with an ad for a older SUV, the owner was an established mechanic and had purchased the SUV for his wife as a temporary vehicle. She drove it for 5 months until they decided to purchase her a newer one. The owner took the SUV in and fixed everything that he could find wrong then listed it for a quick sale. He wasn't in the used car business and just wanted it off his lot. The price was in line with low book value, he had made all the engine repairs, replaced all the tires with new safer ones for his wife. I test drove it and found it matched everything I was looking for. I bought it.
I stopped in on my way home to license it in my name and the next day I called my insurance agent for a quote. His quote was much higher than I anticipated and I called him on it. But, he was firm on his quote. I then went online and requested a quote from esurance.com. I received several quotes but most were too high. I was called by a customer service rep, he put me in touch with a marketer who finds reasonable quotes from various sources. I set my limits and what I wanted for coverage, knowing how the game is played I also was firm in my decisions. The compact my wife drives is 10 years old and only had 22,000 miles on it. Book price on it was only $5,500 + $3,200 for the miles and I had $1,000 deductible collision and no comp. If we had been in an accident and we were at fault then the insurance company would only give me $4,500 for repairs, nothing for the mileage. Every financial advisor recommends dropping collision when the value drops below $5,000. The value on my SUV was only $2,000 so it would be a mistake to take out full coverage. Liability coverage should only be what your net worth equals because the adjusters for a no fault state will only settle for what your net worth is, nothing more, so over paying for additional liability is a waste of money.
I finally settled my insurance quest on one company, albeit the company had a slightly lower satisfaction rating than my current company but money was the motivation. I was able to drop as much as $25 a month off the rate that the other companies were quoting. I did raise my liability coverage to a higher rate but dropped all collision from it. Total savings $675 - ($46 ins) = $629 a month.
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
When I was looking for a decent backup auto I noticed that most listed vehicles had unusually high mileage, even the newer models. Repossessions at my home town bank, all had high mileage. 80k used to be considered high, now it seemed like everything listed has at least 150k or more. It's no wonder we have an oil crisis and the driving force behind war is control of oil.
We have more vehicles, more pollution and higher insurance rates. Our little '05 Mini has 22,500 miles on it and I was told that the only time that advantage could be used is if I traded it in, the dealership wouldn't give me a dime extra but would use it to sell it up line. If it was totalled the insurance would only give me the average value minus my deductible.
Savings accounts and being frugal only hurt the economy and I need to get out there spending my nest egg on unnecessary items to clutter my life to get more rewards on my credit cards. Many years ago while doing someone's taxes, they were getting a large refund and they asked me if they should buy more things on time so they would have more interest to deduct thereby getting a bigger refund. I couldn't answer that without a little sarcasm, so I just said no.
We have more vehicles, more pollution and higher insurance rates. Our little '05 Mini has 22,500 miles on it and I was told that the only time that advantage could be used is if I traded it in, the dealership wouldn't give me a dime extra but would use it to sell it up line. If it was totalled the insurance would only give me the average value minus my deductible.
Savings accounts and being frugal only hurt the economy and I need to get out there spending my nest egg on unnecessary items to clutter my life to get more rewards on my credit cards. Many years ago while doing someone's taxes, they were getting a large refund and they asked me if they should buy more things on time so they would have more interest to deduct thereby getting a bigger refund. I couldn't answer that without a little sarcasm, so I just said no.
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
Debt Stigma
For many seniors, the “Golden Years” is just a mirage. In your working life, the idea of retiring, living comfortably and enjoying yourself always appeared on the horizon like an oasis in the desert. Once you got there, however, you found only struggle. Inflation, low-wage jobs, health issues, improper planning, the recent financial crisis or dozens of other reasons now find you just scratching by rather than savoring this time comfortably. Like many seniors in this country, you are in survival mode. Some of you have been barely surviving for years. Others, like the 10,000 Americans who turn 65 every day, are just now facing the reality. Many of you are surviving on only Social Security month-to-month.
Many retirees or soon-to-be retirees are in fine shape. They’ve worked at good-paying jobs for decades, saved through 401Ks, and have their homes paid off. But there’s another group in a much different situation. Consider that nine out of ten Americans 65 and older are receiving Social Security. And the average monthly Social Security benefit for those 65 and older is $1,262. Many receive much less than that. 53% of married couples and 74% of those unmarried receive 50% or more of their income from Social Security. 23% of married couples and about 46% of unmarried seniors rely on Social Security for 90% or more of their income.
The median income for seniors 65-74 is $36,320; if you’re over 74 that drops to $25,417, and 12% of those 65 and older are living at the poverty level. Only 66% of workers have saved for retirement, down from 75% in 2009. Nearly 40% of retirees have a problem with their level of debt. As an example, only 52% said they could come up with $2,000 for an unexpected emergency within a month 28% of workers who responded said they had less than $1,000 saved for retirement.
If you are living on government benefits alone, your housing is likely 40% or more of your total income. The percentage of persons in the 65-to-75-year-old group with a house payment or a home equity loan increased from 21% in 1989 to almost 37% in 2010. Seniors are also taking on more credit card debt; in 1989 the average credit card debt for seniors was $2,100, but by 2010 that number had increased to $6,000, it's been pointed out that we will talk about our weight more easily than we talk about our credit card debt. And of course, all seniors face substantially increased health care costs. The portion of expenses devoted to health care costs can be expected to increase from 10% at age 65 to 20% at age 85. In addition, seniors are splurging on new cars and trucks. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Expenditure Survey, in both age groups, those ages 65 to 74 and those 75 and older, new and used cars and trucks are also among the top five fastest-growing expenditures. That category has been growing at a rate of 6.5% since 1990, and it now represents 2.6% of expenditures.
One of the fastest growing bankruptcy groups is seniors who had debt when they retired and continue to borrow. Medical expenses, taxes and other costs continue to go up while retiree income is going down. Even with Medicare, there are still a lot of out-of-pocket expenses. Many seniors are proud and don’t want their families to know the kind of mess they’re in. So they begin living off credit cards and suffering from the embarrassment of calls from creditors and debt collectors. Although many seniors feel that filing bankruptcy carries a stigma of personal failure and shame, sometimes, it’s their only option.
For many seniors, the “Golden Years” is just a mirage. In your working life, the idea of retiring, living comfortably and enjoying yourself always appeared on the horizon like an oasis in the desert. Once you got there, however, you found only struggle. Inflation, low-wage jobs, health issues, improper planning, the recent financial crisis or dozens of other reasons now find you just scratching by rather than savoring this time comfortably. Like many seniors in this country, you are in survival mode. Some of you have been barely surviving for years. Others, like the 10,000 Americans who turn 65 every day, are just now facing the reality. Many of you are surviving on only Social Security month-to-month.
Many retirees or soon-to-be retirees are in fine shape. They’ve worked at good-paying jobs for decades, saved through 401Ks, and have their homes paid off. But there’s another group in a much different situation. Consider that nine out of ten Americans 65 and older are receiving Social Security. And the average monthly Social Security benefit for those 65 and older is $1,262. Many receive much less than that. 53% of married couples and 74% of those unmarried receive 50% or more of their income from Social Security. 23% of married couples and about 46% of unmarried seniors rely on Social Security for 90% or more of their income.
The median income for seniors 65-74 is $36,320; if you’re over 74 that drops to $25,417, and 12% of those 65 and older are living at the poverty level. Only 66% of workers have saved for retirement, down from 75% in 2009. Nearly 40% of retirees have a problem with their level of debt. As an example, only 52% said they could come up with $2,000 for an unexpected emergency within a month 28% of workers who responded said they had less than $1,000 saved for retirement.
If you are living on government benefits alone, your housing is likely 40% or more of your total income. The percentage of persons in the 65-to-75-year-old group with a house payment or a home equity loan increased from 21% in 1989 to almost 37% in 2010. Seniors are also taking on more credit card debt; in 1989 the average credit card debt for seniors was $2,100, but by 2010 that number had increased to $6,000, it's been pointed out that we will talk about our weight more easily than we talk about our credit card debt. And of course, all seniors face substantially increased health care costs. The portion of expenses devoted to health care costs can be expected to increase from 10% at age 65 to 20% at age 85. In addition, seniors are splurging on new cars and trucks. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Expenditure Survey, in both age groups, those ages 65 to 74 and those 75 and older, new and used cars and trucks are also among the top five fastest-growing expenditures. That category has been growing at a rate of 6.5% since 1990, and it now represents 2.6% of expenditures.
One of the fastest growing bankruptcy groups is seniors who had debt when they retired and continue to borrow. Medical expenses, taxes and other costs continue to go up while retiree income is going down. Even with Medicare, there are still a lot of out-of-pocket expenses. Many seniors are proud and don’t want their families to know the kind of mess they’re in. So they begin living off credit cards and suffering from the embarrassment of calls from creditors and debt collectors. Although many seniors feel that filing bankruptcy carries a stigma of personal failure and shame, sometimes, it’s their only option.
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
Haven't posted here in a long time, but this entry should be delegated to my diary.
I am one to probably jump on anything that looks interesting, but not one to follow the crowd otherwise. Dieting, fought weight all my life, contacted polio at age 9, slowing down my activities. I developed stenosis in my back as a result. Weight is the common factor when analyzing my conditions. It affects my moods, motivation and movements. So, over the course of my life I did try several fad diets, fen fen, Atkins & the many varieties, cabbage soup, paleo, Mediterranean, South Beach, Sugar Solution,,,etc. All were a waste of time for me except the low carb, high protein & Sugar Solution. I have been on a self/controlled low carb (1500 Cals/100 Carbs) since late August. I can honestly say I haven't cheated once in the last 90 days. Near death is a great motivator.
Over the years I also took supplements, St. John's Wort for anger management, iron when I got anemia that resulted in surgery, bee pollen for whatever reason, I can't remember. I moved on from those because of side effects, too much iron caused sleepless nights and anxiety, bee pollen didn't seem to help much & the cost & acquiring it became a pain, counter reactions with prescribed medications and St. John's. I now take one 5K Vit 'D' almost a standard requirement for anyone living in the rainy/overcast days of the Pacific Northwest. I started Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) on Oct 9th. Other than an aspirin a day, I take no other supplements not prescribed.
Tuesday I went for my 90 day follow up A1C/general blood drawing and Dr consultation. I've mentioned many times being OCD, but in this case it was helpful for the visit. I charted everything GLU, BP, medications & noted times. The doctor kept saying he was impressed and used my charts for reference. I have returned my GLU to normal (80/130), my BP is between (125/65) with a normal heart rate (55/85) and I've lost 40 lbs. I don't get the results back until Fri or Mon but he indicated I should be <7 on my A1C (<6 is the goal), I was >12 in Jul. He told me upon leaving he's never had a patient with >850 GLU return to normal so quick.
I don't know what to credit the numbers too whether it's the low carb diet/grundle of beans, the cinnamon/flaxseed/almond butter in my daily oatmeal, the 2 Tbl spoons daily of ACV, the injections & pills or what but something is working. I converted 3 of my neighbors along with my wife to the wonders of ACV. I should maybe start a new religion because of the BS that convinced them to start drinking it. I'm helping put Bragg's back in the public eye.
I've included a copy of my chart from Oct '15.
View attachment 23455
I am one to probably jump on anything that looks interesting, but not one to follow the crowd otherwise. Dieting, fought weight all my life, contacted polio at age 9, slowing down my activities. I developed stenosis in my back as a result. Weight is the common factor when analyzing my conditions. It affects my moods, motivation and movements. So, over the course of my life I did try several fad diets, fen fen, Atkins & the many varieties, cabbage soup, paleo, Mediterranean, South Beach, Sugar Solution,,,etc. All were a waste of time for me except the low carb, high protein & Sugar Solution. I have been on a self/controlled low carb (1500 Cals/100 Carbs) since late August. I can honestly say I haven't cheated once in the last 90 days. Near death is a great motivator.
Over the years I also took supplements, St. John's Wort for anger management, iron when I got anemia that resulted in surgery, bee pollen for whatever reason, I can't remember. I moved on from those because of side effects, too much iron caused sleepless nights and anxiety, bee pollen didn't seem to help much & the cost & acquiring it became a pain, counter reactions with prescribed medications and St. John's. I now take one 5K Vit 'D' almost a standard requirement for anyone living in the rainy/overcast days of the Pacific Northwest. I started Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) on Oct 9th. Other than an aspirin a day, I take no other supplements not prescribed.
Tuesday I went for my 90 day follow up A1C/general blood drawing and Dr consultation. I've mentioned many times being OCD, but in this case it was helpful for the visit. I charted everything GLU, BP, medications & noted times. The doctor kept saying he was impressed and used my charts for reference. I have returned my GLU to normal (80/130), my BP is between (125/65) with a normal heart rate (55/85) and I've lost 40 lbs. I don't get the results back until Fri or Mon but he indicated I should be <7 on my A1C (<6 is the goal), I was >12 in Jul. He told me upon leaving he's never had a patient with >850 GLU return to normal so quick.
I don't know what to credit the numbers too whether it's the low carb diet/grundle of beans, the cinnamon/flaxseed/almond butter in my daily oatmeal, the 2 Tbl spoons daily of ACV, the injections & pills or what but something is working. I converted 3 of my neighbors along with my wife to the wonders of ACV. I should maybe start a new religion because of the BS that convinced them to start drinking it. I'm helping put Bragg's back in the public eye.
I've included a copy of my chart from Oct '15.
View attachment 23455
I know the dilemma. I can never figure out what, if anything, causes something good or bad to happen, because I'm always changing at least two things at once. But frankly life isn't long enough to test out things one-at-a-time, and then wait to see if it makes a difference. :shrug:
Congrats on your numbers and the weight loss!
Congrats on your numbers and the weight loss!
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
I know the dilemma. I can never figure out what, if anything, causes something good or bad to happen, because I'm always changing at least two things at once. But frankly life isn't long enough to test out things one-at-a-time, and then wait to see if it makes a difference. :shrug:
Congrats on your numbers and the weight loss!
Numbers just in: A1C count in Jul '15 = over 12%. Just got my results of my 90 day follow up test Oct '15 = 5.4% goal is to be below 6%.
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
Diogenes of Synope was a Greek philosopher who used to wander the streets with a lantern in the daylight “in search of an honest man.” As I read the post by 'AZJim' about the IRS scam, it led me to thinking about finding an honest man in this day and age. You could probably eliminate most politicians, lawyers, used car salesmen, religious leaders, advertising executives, drug companies, corporate board members, stock brokers, cable and wireless salesmen, newspaper reporters, well most anyone trying to pry your hard earned dollars from your purse or wallet. That just leaves us and most wage earners. I'm not saying that they are all honest but as a general rule I've found that dealing with the lower echelon of business society you develop a more trusting atmosphere. We have professions that generate trust like the medical field and financial experts, but even those professions are fraught with a few bad apples.
I listen today about the latest and greatest gizmo that someone is pushing or the newest fad diet, get rich quick scheme, or how to better yourself through chemicals. I also am aware of the warning posted about some drug you may have taken in the past and now can join a class action suit to get a few dollars back after the lawyers get their cut. I was reading about a lawyer who had filed various bogus claims against BP for the loss of income and damage to the fishing industry. He had filed a $49,000 claim in the name of a dog named Lucy Lu. When questioned about it he tried to justify it as valid. I watch reality TV simply because it's what on nowadays, knowing that most of it is staged for entertainment purposes and try to imagine I'm watching real life, which I know is BS.
We now have the internet and the uncensored, unedited vehicle that anyone connected can post anything they want and usually never have to retract or correct their entries. Readers as a whole believe most of the information by using a quote and citing an author for something they said that co-insides with their thoughts and beliefs, something I've done several times myself, I hate to admit. You can pay a few dollars and find out almost anything you want to about anyone. It's all a shell game to me, where's the pea? As someone said many years ago, TV the great waste land. Believe me the internet is bigger and more dangerous than TV could ever be. At least in the early days they had censors but with the proliferation of the 'Net' and cable it has become more open and unbelievable with few checks and balances.
I listen today about the latest and greatest gizmo that someone is pushing or the newest fad diet, get rich quick scheme, or how to better yourself through chemicals. I also am aware of the warning posted about some drug you may have taken in the past and now can join a class action suit to get a few dollars back after the lawyers get their cut. I was reading about a lawyer who had filed various bogus claims against BP for the loss of income and damage to the fishing industry. He had filed a $49,000 claim in the name of a dog named Lucy Lu. When questioned about it he tried to justify it as valid. I watch reality TV simply because it's what on nowadays, knowing that most of it is staged for entertainment purposes and try to imagine I'm watching real life, which I know is BS.
We now have the internet and the uncensored, unedited vehicle that anyone connected can post anything they want and usually never have to retract or correct their entries. Readers as a whole believe most of the information by using a quote and citing an author for something they said that co-insides with their thoughts and beliefs, something I've done several times myself, I hate to admit. You can pay a few dollars and find out almost anything you want to about anyone. It's all a shell game to me, where's the pea? As someone said many years ago, TV the great waste land. Believe me the internet is bigger and more dangerous than TV could ever be. At least in the early days they had censors but with the proliferation of the 'Net' and cable it has become more open and unbelievable with few checks and balances.
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
'Hello World' New Venture - I'll have to start using my diary for my posts and keep my comments in the singular forum threads.
Stepping out into a new area. I acquired an 'ANDROID' tablet last month and while it's fun to play with, I've decided to expand my world somewhat and start creating 'Android APPs'. I used to do a little programming using older technology in my early days of my career. I used COBOL & Fortran but I was not hired for my programming skills rather for my experience with hardware, the programming was put on the way-way-back burner. Different times I created MACROs in WordPerfect then Word, Lotus 123 then Excell, mostly on a limited basis and for my own use exclusively. I did created a spreadsheet that was accepted for Utah State tax returns. It was a thing of beauty and I used it for several years before TurboTax.
Interest waned and I moved into UNIX/Linux support in the late 90's and the early 2000's until retirement in 2009. Along the way I dabbled in HTML/Javascript/Java/PHP programming but just didn't stick with it after retirement, I created a few personal & business websites for friends and family, but most have fell by the wayside as most websites do. Now with the discovery of an open source service to create 'Android Apps'. I'm giving it a go. I have a few ideas and hopes that they will spawn more elaborate and useful apps. The web is amazing and dangerous all on the same TV tray next to my recliner. I hope this new venture is as interesting as I've found some other technologies to be. Time will tell.
Update: created my first simple but it took a few tries. My Credit Union doesn't have mobile apps so the launch icon I created works just like a shortcut on your desktop/laptop. I had to create 2 additional screens, 1st (launch icon) to acquire the CU's webpage, 2nd needed 2 input boxes for USERID & Password, the 3rd screen needed an input box for my secret phrase. Worked good finally. No eye candy as yet, still working on the details.
Stepping out into a new area. I acquired an 'ANDROID' tablet last month and while it's fun to play with, I've decided to expand my world somewhat and start creating 'Android APPs'. I used to do a little programming using older technology in my early days of my career. I used COBOL & Fortran but I was not hired for my programming skills rather for my experience with hardware, the programming was put on the way-way-back burner. Different times I created MACROs in WordPerfect then Word, Lotus 123 then Excell, mostly on a limited basis and for my own use exclusively. I did created a spreadsheet that was accepted for Utah State tax returns. It was a thing of beauty and I used it for several years before TurboTax.
Interest waned and I moved into UNIX/Linux support in the late 90's and the early 2000's until retirement in 2009. Along the way I dabbled in HTML/Javascript/Java/PHP programming but just didn't stick with it after retirement, I created a few personal & business websites for friends and family, but most have fell by the wayside as most websites do. Now with the discovery of an open source service to create 'Android Apps'. I'm giving it a go. I have a few ideas and hopes that they will spawn more elaborate and useful apps. The web is amazing and dangerous all on the same TV tray next to my recliner. I hope this new venture is as interesting as I've found some other technologies to be. Time will tell.
Update: created my first simple but it took a few tries. My Credit Union doesn't have mobile apps so the launch icon I created works just like a shortcut on your desktop/laptop. I had to create 2 additional screens, 1st (launch icon) to acquire the CU's webpage, 2nd needed 2 input boxes for USERID & Password, the 3rd screen needed an input box for my secret phrase. Worked good finally. No eye candy as yet, still working on the details.
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
In 1963 I decided to join the Air Force. There was an evaluation test that helped give your tour of duty a guide. I passed high enough to qualify for IBM schooling but only as an alternative to my first choice which was accounting/finance. I was fortunate enough to be selected for IBM schooling. My classes consisted of learning the PCAM (Punch Card Accounting Machines) equipment that was then mainly being used for the military. Computers were in existence but only a select few installations had them, I think there were something like either 1,200 or 12,000 installed world wide. PCAM equipment used wired boards for control and job input was done on punched cards. When I was assigned overseas, the first installation was located on the island of Okinawa and I had been selected for the USAF Security Service. It required a Top Secret Crypto clearance. I worked at a Joint Services Processing Center (JSPC) who reported to NSA. It was my first exposure to computers, they had 2 (1401 & 1410). Jobs were input through 5 and 8 level paper tape, large reels of magnetic tapes and punch cards.
I was then assigned to Darmstadt Germany still with the USAFSS and worked on a 1401 utilizing the same methods of job input. After the service I got a job in Idaho Falls at a data center for a large potato processing company that had a 1430 with either card input, check reader/sorters and large magnetic disks. I then was hired at a bank processing demand deposits and other commercial accounts again using the same input devices. After a 3 year break in career choices I was then hired in what became my final company, I worked for them for 35 years. It was a large aerospace manufacturing plant. I started on more advanced computers also using the same input devices, including floppy discs. We had moved into using 'dumb' terminals for input, engineers, accounting, manufacturing and well almost every employee was using TSO (Time Sharing Option) & IMS (Information Messaging System) along with others methods. The mainframes were IBM using the MVS OS to control/input the production jobs punch cards and the 'dumb' terminals used JCL (Job Control Language) to schedule work. That was my first exposure to what would become the 'Internet' but at that time it was called Data Link.
In the 70's personal computers came on the scene, very basic and limited. The Commodore 64 was my first hands on personal/home computer experience in the early 80's, never had one but our company was experimenting with them. More of a novelty than useful, but it peaked my interest. I finally got my first PC in 1986 a Tandy 1000, 3.5" & 5.25" and a massive 20 MB hard drive, our company had PS2's for a few employees to work with, not many. In those days the OS was either IBMDOS or PCDOS, Bill Gates had developed those utilizing his 'Basic' language for the personal/home computer. It was all terminal entry keystrokes. In 1976 Steve Jobs and his team introduced Apple to the world. I remember sitting up nights with my Tandy building *.bat files with menus to select an application to process. The files consisted of a series of keystroke entries that rolled through executing one entry at a time until you closed your application. It was simple programming, 1984 Apple changed all that with the introduction of their version of 'Windows'. MS didn't get on board with that technology until later with 'Windows 3.0'. But the idea was spawned by Apple, Gates and his team just reversed engineered that like they did with WordPerfect and Lotus 123 to create MS Office.
Over the years I had several PC's each better than the last with more memory, larger monitors, faster CPU's and larger hard drives. I was content to use Bill's technology until my newer obsession, the Net. Seems like I would get bored with what I was doing then something else was being introduced that would grab my interest and hold me. I self-taught myself the coding systems for web pages (HTML, Java and JavaScript) played around with those for many years then as I neared retirement and health issues I figured I had been saturated enough and started losing interest again. Was I wrong! I acquired my latest 'toy' an Android tablet. I discovered that all my experience with keyboarding, building *.bat files, HTML, JavaScript and Java would come in handy when I researched understanding, creating and building apps for tablets. They are nothing more than I was creating back in the early 80's with my first PC with a little more eye candy. What comes around goes around. You can't fool an old fool. It is not unlike how you script icons or 'shortcuts' for PC's now.
I was then assigned to Darmstadt Germany still with the USAFSS and worked on a 1401 utilizing the same methods of job input. After the service I got a job in Idaho Falls at a data center for a large potato processing company that had a 1430 with either card input, check reader/sorters and large magnetic disks. I then was hired at a bank processing demand deposits and other commercial accounts again using the same input devices. After a 3 year break in career choices I was then hired in what became my final company, I worked for them for 35 years. It was a large aerospace manufacturing plant. I started on more advanced computers also using the same input devices, including floppy discs. We had moved into using 'dumb' terminals for input, engineers, accounting, manufacturing and well almost every employee was using TSO (Time Sharing Option) & IMS (Information Messaging System) along with others methods. The mainframes were IBM using the MVS OS to control/input the production jobs punch cards and the 'dumb' terminals used JCL (Job Control Language) to schedule work. That was my first exposure to what would become the 'Internet' but at that time it was called Data Link.
In the 70's personal computers came on the scene, very basic and limited. The Commodore 64 was my first hands on personal/home computer experience in the early 80's, never had one but our company was experimenting with them. More of a novelty than useful, but it peaked my interest. I finally got my first PC in 1986 a Tandy 1000, 3.5" & 5.25" and a massive 20 MB hard drive, our company had PS2's for a few employees to work with, not many. In those days the OS was either IBMDOS or PCDOS, Bill Gates had developed those utilizing his 'Basic' language for the personal/home computer. It was all terminal entry keystrokes. In 1976 Steve Jobs and his team introduced Apple to the world. I remember sitting up nights with my Tandy building *.bat files with menus to select an application to process. The files consisted of a series of keystroke entries that rolled through executing one entry at a time until you closed your application. It was simple programming, 1984 Apple changed all that with the introduction of their version of 'Windows'. MS didn't get on board with that technology until later with 'Windows 3.0'. But the idea was spawned by Apple, Gates and his team just reversed engineered that like they did with WordPerfect and Lotus 123 to create MS Office.
Over the years I had several PC's each better than the last with more memory, larger monitors, faster CPU's and larger hard drives. I was content to use Bill's technology until my newer obsession, the Net. Seems like I would get bored with what I was doing then something else was being introduced that would grab my interest and hold me. I self-taught myself the coding systems for web pages (HTML, Java and JavaScript) played around with those for many years then as I neared retirement and health issues I figured I had been saturated enough and started losing interest again. Was I wrong! I acquired my latest 'toy' an Android tablet. I discovered that all my experience with keyboarding, building *.bat files, HTML, JavaScript and Java would come in handy when I researched understanding, creating and building apps for tablets. They are nothing more than I was creating back in the early 80's with my first PC with a little more eye candy. What comes around goes around. You can't fool an old fool. It is not unlike how you script icons or 'shortcuts' for PC's now.
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
In conjunction with my previous post, I embarked on what my wife and children claim as one of my obsessions. Reinstalling newer or different Linux distros on my laptop. I had LinuxMint(Mate) 17.2 installed and had a clitch that while was irritable wasn't affecting the performance. I downloaded Ubuntu's latest version. It's presents itself as a clone of the previous Windows (8.0 & 8.1). It also reminds me of an iMac launch screen. Icons that resize when you pass your mouse over them. I set up the laptop to dual boot either LinuxMint or Ubuntu from a menu. I must admit that while Mint is more clean and simple to use, Ubuntu was addictive operating much like a tablet or touch screen laptop (which mine isn't). I had tried Android-x86 first but since my video card is intergrated on the motherboard and not high end I had trouble getting it to run without a stylus & touch.
I then tried to load LinuxMint(Cinnamon) 17.2 but after using a 'torrent' application it indicated that the file was corrupt, something you usually don't get via 'torrent'. So that's how I arrived at installing Ubuntu. I left it in dual boot mode and am in the process of downloading a 4.65 GB openSUSE distro. I used it years ago and found it very stable and clean, once again you got to hand it to German engineering. I have used several over the years that were good: Fedora, Zorin, PCLinuxOS, Mageia, Puppy even Peppermint finally settling on LinuxMint and have used it over the last 6-7 years. Now for a change, openSUSE claims it includes enterprise technology. Enterprise is mainly used as a business application but can also be used by groups including HOAs, clubs, anyone wanting to have a community of like minded peers or family able to network their files, photos & what have you. I may not go anywhere with it but does offer an interesting route I can play with. Enterprise is also available with Apple & MS but I imagine at an extra cost, while Linux is free, my favorite expense.
I installed openSUSE and discovered that my wireless card in my year old laptop is older technology. The distro didn't load any drivers, after 3 tries I finally had to use a USB wireless adapter to get the internet to research the problem, I had thrown all my ethernet cables away and was just short of going downtown in search of one. I next had to download and install the firmware for the wireless configuration. HP probably had extra wireless cards from years ago and decided to save a few bucks installing them in units they were trying to get shed of. Only guessing but caused a few swearing bouts. It looks like an Android tablet without the touch screen capabilities, the stylus is useless also. Really like it, loaded with software applications and so far fairly easy to navigate.
View attachment 23727
I then tried to load LinuxMint(Cinnamon) 17.2 but after using a 'torrent' application it indicated that the file was corrupt, something you usually don't get via 'torrent'. So that's how I arrived at installing Ubuntu. I left it in dual boot mode and am in the process of downloading a 4.65 GB openSUSE distro. I used it years ago and found it very stable and clean, once again you got to hand it to German engineering. I have used several over the years that were good: Fedora, Zorin, PCLinuxOS, Mageia, Puppy even Peppermint finally settling on LinuxMint and have used it over the last 6-7 years. Now for a change, openSUSE claims it includes enterprise technology. Enterprise is mainly used as a business application but can also be used by groups including HOAs, clubs, anyone wanting to have a community of like minded peers or family able to network their files, photos & what have you. I may not go anywhere with it but does offer an interesting route I can play with. Enterprise is also available with Apple & MS but I imagine at an extra cost, while Linux is free, my favorite expense.
I installed openSUSE and discovered that my wireless card in my year old laptop is older technology. The distro didn't load any drivers, after 3 tries I finally had to use a USB wireless adapter to get the internet to research the problem, I had thrown all my ethernet cables away and was just short of going downtown in search of one. I next had to download and install the firmware for the wireless configuration. HP probably had extra wireless cards from years ago and decided to save a few bucks installing them in units they were trying to get shed of. Only guessing but caused a few swearing bouts. It looks like an Android tablet without the touch screen capabilities, the stylus is useless also. Really like it, loaded with software applications and so far fairly easy to navigate.
View attachment 23727
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
Being diagnosed as type II diabetic during a recent 4 day stay in the hospital getting my blood sugar under control, I was confronted with the realization that I wasn't bullet proof. I have a family history (maternal) with diabetics. My mother passed from complications as did several of her aunts, uncles and cousins. My older sister is dealing with it and has for 10 years, she is now my go to support mentor. Frustrations with diet, carb counting and discovering what different foods do to my blood sugar. Charting my BS, BP and injections and couple that with my financial budgeting I have created a part time career. I remember the Franklin day planner days and scoffed at the idea that I would need a structured road map to exist. That has all changed but works well with my OCD.
Things that have become reality is the fact that I had horrible eating and exercise habits and now must pay the piper. Dieting is a way of life for me, I wonder how I have been able to stick to something so restrictive for 6 weeks never ceases to amaze me. Only one time did I push the envelope and was sorry immediately afterward. What I thought was one tablespoon of peanut butter was closer to one third of a cup. Everything needs to be measured accurately. Nutrition labels need to be adhered to religiously and controlling calories and carbs are my guidelines.
First discovery was I can't consume many bites of bread and it must be 100% unbuttered whole wheat. I found I can eat oatmeal for breakfast so that has become my only source of grain. I also have spikes with bananas, potatoes/sweet potatoes, carrots and peas. Beans are great but only the plain white ones, less carbs. My only treat is two tablespoons of almond butter and cinnamon (supposedly controls BS & works for me) mixed with my oatmeal. I am allowed coffee but must add half n' half to cut bitterness. Water is my only liquid I drink now and need to drink at least 5 16 oz glasses. 1500 or less calories along with 130 carbs a day are my limits. Thank heaven I like eggs! My once daily serving of 3 ounces of lean meat (needed for the B-12) used to be an appetizer that precluded a 750+ calorie burger with a heaping mound of fries.
I had to take the best of many diets: Atkins, Mediterranean, Paleo, cabbage soup, gluten free, vegan,,,etc to develop something that controls my personal BS. It's a learning process, anger, arguments with my non-diabetic wife, watching her go out to restaurants with my children while I sit home eating my slim offerings is a way of life for me. I was going along poking fingers and watching my meter blink getting my BS down to an average of just over 100 thinking I was on the mend. I then run out of the strips, and after getting a fresh supply my BS jumped 10 points. What! I researched and researched for an answer only find out that the medical supply industry has limits and ranges it uses to produce the strips. Some use different chemicals and processes so you may not be getting an accurate score.
You can have a 30-40 point difference between the many meters sold or given away along with different variances even with the different lot runs of the same manufacturer. We can send men to the moon but can't create an electronic device that 24 million Americans rely on, does that make you feel safer with computer braking/speed controls in your auto at 80 mph? We wouldn't accept that shoddy production from our iPhones or tablets. It also seems that it doesn't matter how much you spend on the strips you have no way to depend on it's accuracy without meeting your co-pay and have an A1C done. That's more accurate but the usual schedule is once every 3 months. Something rotten in Denmark?
I have nothing but repect for the hospital staff, I was kept informed, monitored and given the best care I could expect. The diabetic specialist visited several times with information, instructions and training devices to administer my injections, the doctors were professional and concerned about my progress it just seemed that the ball was dropped when I was released and had to purchase what turned out to be questionable equipment to begin my recovery. I was instructed to take my BS at intervals 4 times daily. They told me accurate records would be the best guidelines I could use, but using questionable equipment was counter productive and results were suspect at best.
It's now 16 weeks since my release, I've dropped 55 lbs my GLU count stays solidly between 94-102. My blood pressure averages 120+ over 60-80. I had a visit with my doctor on the 27th of October and a blood test was taken. Results were very positive with only two alerts from my doctor. My good cholesterol (LDL) was low, my triglycerides were within normal range and my bad cholesterol was also normal although a little on the high end. I cut back on the meat & eggs added more vegetables. But the count we were all waiting for was NORMAL. The doctor expected below 7% on my A1C based upon my numbers from my charts, below 6% is considered normal I was 5.4%. Needless to say me, the wife and I assume the doctor were elated or at least satisfied.
I have been consuming 3 Tbsps of Apple Cider Vinegar (Braggs/w the mother) daily. It has helped curb my appetite, cleared up my kidney output and hopefully is helping mend possible damage my high sugar count could have done to my internal organs. I have converted 3-4 senior neighbors into taking ACV, no one seems to like the taste. One neighbor reported last week that he is back into his size 40 pants from a 44, others have fell by the wayside simply because of the taste. My shirts and pants are looking pretty baggy, I refuse to buy newer/smaller cloths, it's a motivational thing, I always feeling like the diet is working wearing my former clothes. Putting on right sized duds makes me feel bloated and starts working on my real success with my diet to the point of second thoughts about how well it's working.
Things that have become reality is the fact that I had horrible eating and exercise habits and now must pay the piper. Dieting is a way of life for me, I wonder how I have been able to stick to something so restrictive for 6 weeks never ceases to amaze me. Only one time did I push the envelope and was sorry immediately afterward. What I thought was one tablespoon of peanut butter was closer to one third of a cup. Everything needs to be measured accurately. Nutrition labels need to be adhered to religiously and controlling calories and carbs are my guidelines.
First discovery was I can't consume many bites of bread and it must be 100% unbuttered whole wheat. I found I can eat oatmeal for breakfast so that has become my only source of grain. I also have spikes with bananas, potatoes/sweet potatoes, carrots and peas. Beans are great but only the plain white ones, less carbs. My only treat is two tablespoons of almond butter and cinnamon (supposedly controls BS & works for me) mixed with my oatmeal. I am allowed coffee but must add half n' half to cut bitterness. Water is my only liquid I drink now and need to drink at least 5 16 oz glasses. 1500 or less calories along with 130 carbs a day are my limits. Thank heaven I like eggs! My once daily serving of 3 ounces of lean meat (needed for the B-12) used to be an appetizer that precluded a 750+ calorie burger with a heaping mound of fries.
I had to take the best of many diets: Atkins, Mediterranean, Paleo, cabbage soup, gluten free, vegan,,,etc to develop something that controls my personal BS. It's a learning process, anger, arguments with my non-diabetic wife, watching her go out to restaurants with my children while I sit home eating my slim offerings is a way of life for me. I was going along poking fingers and watching my meter blink getting my BS down to an average of just over 100 thinking I was on the mend. I then run out of the strips, and after getting a fresh supply my BS jumped 10 points. What! I researched and researched for an answer only find out that the medical supply industry has limits and ranges it uses to produce the strips. Some use different chemicals and processes so you may not be getting an accurate score.
You can have a 30-40 point difference between the many meters sold or given away along with different variances even with the different lot runs of the same manufacturer. We can send men to the moon but can't create an electronic device that 24 million Americans rely on, does that make you feel safer with computer braking/speed controls in your auto at 80 mph? We wouldn't accept that shoddy production from our iPhones or tablets. It also seems that it doesn't matter how much you spend on the strips you have no way to depend on it's accuracy without meeting your co-pay and have an A1C done. That's more accurate but the usual schedule is once every 3 months. Something rotten in Denmark?
I have nothing but repect for the hospital staff, I was kept informed, monitored and given the best care I could expect. The diabetic specialist visited several times with information, instructions and training devices to administer my injections, the doctors were professional and concerned about my progress it just seemed that the ball was dropped when I was released and had to purchase what turned out to be questionable equipment to begin my recovery. I was instructed to take my BS at intervals 4 times daily. They told me accurate records would be the best guidelines I could use, but using questionable equipment was counter productive and results were suspect at best.
It's now 16 weeks since my release, I've dropped 55 lbs my GLU count stays solidly between 94-102. My blood pressure averages 120+ over 60-80. I had a visit with my doctor on the 27th of October and a blood test was taken. Results were very positive with only two alerts from my doctor. My good cholesterol (LDL) was low, my triglycerides were within normal range and my bad cholesterol was also normal although a little on the high end. I cut back on the meat & eggs added more vegetables. But the count we were all waiting for was NORMAL. The doctor expected below 7% on my A1C based upon my numbers from my charts, below 6% is considered normal I was 5.4%. Needless to say me, the wife and I assume the doctor were elated or at least satisfied.
I have been consuming 3 Tbsps of Apple Cider Vinegar (Braggs/w the mother) daily. It has helped curb my appetite, cleared up my kidney output and hopefully is helping mend possible damage my high sugar count could have done to my internal organs. I have converted 3-4 senior neighbors into taking ACV, no one seems to like the taste. One neighbor reported last week that he is back into his size 40 pants from a 44, others have fell by the wayside simply because of the taste. My shirts and pants are looking pretty baggy, I refuse to buy newer/smaller cloths, it's a motivational thing, I always feeling like the diet is working wearing my former clothes. Putting on right sized duds makes me feel bloated and starts working on my real success with my diet to the point of second thoughts about how well it's working.
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
Becoming quite a domestic. I never professed to be a great or even good cook, rather I like to experiment with different mixes. Mentioned before that I attempted homemade V-8 juice, total disaster! Before that made my kids spaghetti using pepperoni for the meat, another terrible mistake. Then after my latest health issue I decided to mix re-fried beans and cinnamon, taste was like burnt rubber.
I have also purchased many appliances to make me a better cook. I was an advocate of Ron Popeil and all his gadgetry. I bought the Hot Dogger. It was one of most wicked appearing gimmicks with 2 rows of 5 harpoon like spikes that electrocuted the poor wiener to death. Next was the hamburger cooker. It darn near set off the sprinkler system at work, so that was shelved, my eldest daughter even got into wanting to give them for Xmas, but I talked her out of the 'Inside the egg shell, egg scrambler' luckily. I think I must have purchased each one over many years but at the moment no more come to mind. I did buy a juicer and used it once then sold it, but that's a long story.
But today I had been contemplating the purchase of a single serve blender, I eat healthier now and have included beans, quinoa, flaxseed, and now hemp hearts. I dislike the bean skins because of their habit of sticking to my false teeth, that's why I tried the re-fried variety. But gads for the sodium! Instant 20 point jump in my blood pressure, that's already high. I was at our local Walmart and they were setting up an Xmas display, on one table was a cheaper clone of the 'Bullet' As Seen On TV. The bullet sells for $79 and my new single serve blender sold for $17.
View attachment 23932
I came home and suffered the stares and warnings of my wife that it's my project and she won't clean it. I had started a pot of beans yesterday and finished them this morning. Very limited salt. I mixed a daily portion of beans, quinoa, cottage cheese, hemp hearts and fresh salsa. Pureed it to a paste and had my wife give me half of the mix for lunch and will use the second half with my evening meal. IT WAS ACTUALLY PRETTY GOOD. I had the texture and taste of hummus without the higher price. The unused beans should keep in a covered bowl in the refer for at least 7 days. Serving size 1/2 C, calories 135 and 19 carbs. Loaded with nutrition and is great for blood sugar count.
Things I discovered was the need to place the wetter ingredients at the bottom of the tall cup first then increasingly dryer ingredients up until you add the beans last. Spinning the blade base on the cup then placing it on the base worked best. It took 3 sessions of about 30 seconds each to reach the desired consistency for use. Cleanup was actually easy since it washed the cup and blades under the faucet into the drain no need to use the disposal. All the parts except the motor base are dishwasher safe, making my task simple. I will try spraying on a little cooking oil on the blade base so that the excess 'paste' slides down into the cup to save a little extra.
I have also purchased many appliances to make me a better cook. I was an advocate of Ron Popeil and all his gadgetry. I bought the Hot Dogger. It was one of most wicked appearing gimmicks with 2 rows of 5 harpoon like spikes that electrocuted the poor wiener to death. Next was the hamburger cooker. It darn near set off the sprinkler system at work, so that was shelved, my eldest daughter even got into wanting to give them for Xmas, but I talked her out of the 'Inside the egg shell, egg scrambler' luckily. I think I must have purchased each one over many years but at the moment no more come to mind. I did buy a juicer and used it once then sold it, but that's a long story.
But today I had been contemplating the purchase of a single serve blender, I eat healthier now and have included beans, quinoa, flaxseed, and now hemp hearts. I dislike the bean skins because of their habit of sticking to my false teeth, that's why I tried the re-fried variety. But gads for the sodium! Instant 20 point jump in my blood pressure, that's already high. I was at our local Walmart and they were setting up an Xmas display, on one table was a cheaper clone of the 'Bullet' As Seen On TV. The bullet sells for $79 and my new single serve blender sold for $17.
View attachment 23932
I came home and suffered the stares and warnings of my wife that it's my project and she won't clean it. I had started a pot of beans yesterday and finished them this morning. Very limited salt. I mixed a daily portion of beans, quinoa, cottage cheese, hemp hearts and fresh salsa. Pureed it to a paste and had my wife give me half of the mix for lunch and will use the second half with my evening meal. IT WAS ACTUALLY PRETTY GOOD. I had the texture and taste of hummus without the higher price. The unused beans should keep in a covered bowl in the refer for at least 7 days. Serving size 1/2 C, calories 135 and 19 carbs. Loaded with nutrition and is great for blood sugar count.
Things I discovered was the need to place the wetter ingredients at the bottom of the tall cup first then increasingly dryer ingredients up until you add the beans last. Spinning the blade base on the cup then placing it on the base worked best. It took 3 sessions of about 30 seconds each to reach the desired consistency for use. Cleanup was actually easy since it washed the cup and blades under the faucet into the drain no need to use the disposal. All the parts except the motor base are dishwasher safe, making my task simple. I will try spraying on a little cooking oil on the blade base so that the excess 'paste' slides down into the cup to save a little extra.
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
I consider myself as informed or highly functional as anyone in 2 and working on the 3rd areas. Computers, or at least now since I no longer speak MicroSoft or Apple, I have a better understanding and skill in the Linux/Unix world. Gambling, or until four years ago I was able to count a single-deck up to an eight-deck shoe with enough skills to make a little profit from most tables, I was and still able to completely understand everything about the game of craps. I place myself in the top 1-3% of the gambling public in those 2 areas. Because of health, I have lost interest and motivation to spend my vacations or spare time alongside other gamblers.
I was a couch potato, who excelled at 'Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon'. I maintain my current events, history and technical knowledge as much as the next person because of the internet. The third area I'm slowly gaining ground on is 'Medicare' and all the nuances of the 'doughnut hole'. I have an appointment with my Primary Care Doctor tomorrow to discuss changing my medication for diabetes to a much cheaper model. He has me on the Cadillac of the insulin group. I found Walmart has a brand they sell at their pharmacies at a much lower ratio. Being on a fixed income with no visions of gaining much ground against the politicians I have to re-evaluate my direction.
I'm 70 years old, if I was 25 and diagnosed as diabetic I would want the best care along with the best medications. But at my age and income level while adequate, can be sabotaged by an unchecked medical condition and subsequent recovery methods. What they administered to me in the hospital to get me on the road to normal ongoing diabetic management was probably the best I could expect and I am willing to pay the copay’s I've been billed for. I found I needed to redirect my outlay income for proper care. I have assumed 95% of the responsibility of contracting the malady the other 5% I chalk up to genetics. I led a sedentary lifestyle before and have been trained now to understand my part of the management team.
I'm the CEO, CIO, CFO of the team. I am in charge of my care and with input from my PCP I hope to prolong my existence a few more years, but realizing that at my age time is limited. I spent the last few weeks researching and getting over fits of anger when I would get confused about health insurance and the coverages, along with the mystical 'Doughnut Hole' believe me it's real and could get costly without some knowledge. I'm gaining experience and (AHA!) dwelling the house of 'confusion'. What they have done (the politicians) is akin to criminal and we are at their mercy. You have to take control of the situation as much as they allow you. I had great insurance when I was first employed then over the years reorganization, changes, economics and the bottom line changed all that. I accused my insurance company of creative accounting several times and protested to my employer but nothing changed.
I plan to pursue the lifestyle I've finally adopted, low carb diet, take my medications, get exercise and try to keep a positive attitude. Yesterday I was finally able to get into sized clothing that I was wearing 45 years ago when I was first married. I'm still a little overweight according to the government charts but everyone is elated with my progress.
I was a couch potato, who excelled at 'Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon'. I maintain my current events, history and technical knowledge as much as the next person because of the internet. The third area I'm slowly gaining ground on is 'Medicare' and all the nuances of the 'doughnut hole'. I have an appointment with my Primary Care Doctor tomorrow to discuss changing my medication for diabetes to a much cheaper model. He has me on the Cadillac of the insulin group. I found Walmart has a brand they sell at their pharmacies at a much lower ratio. Being on a fixed income with no visions of gaining much ground against the politicians I have to re-evaluate my direction.
I'm 70 years old, if I was 25 and diagnosed as diabetic I would want the best care along with the best medications. But at my age and income level while adequate, can be sabotaged by an unchecked medical condition and subsequent recovery methods. What they administered to me in the hospital to get me on the road to normal ongoing diabetic management was probably the best I could expect and I am willing to pay the copay’s I've been billed for. I found I needed to redirect my outlay income for proper care. I have assumed 95% of the responsibility of contracting the malady the other 5% I chalk up to genetics. I led a sedentary lifestyle before and have been trained now to understand my part of the management team.
I'm the CEO, CIO, CFO of the team. I am in charge of my care and with input from my PCP I hope to prolong my existence a few more years, but realizing that at my age time is limited. I spent the last few weeks researching and getting over fits of anger when I would get confused about health insurance and the coverages, along with the mystical 'Doughnut Hole' believe me it's real and could get costly without some knowledge. I'm gaining experience and (AHA!) dwelling the house of 'confusion'. What they have done (the politicians) is akin to criminal and we are at their mercy. You have to take control of the situation as much as they allow you. I had great insurance when I was first employed then over the years reorganization, changes, economics and the bottom line changed all that. I accused my insurance company of creative accounting several times and protested to my employer but nothing changed.
I plan to pursue the lifestyle I've finally adopted, low carb diet, take my medications, get exercise and try to keep a positive attitude. Yesterday I was finally able to get into sized clothing that I was wearing 45 years ago when I was first married. I'm still a little overweight according to the government charts but everyone is elated with my progress.
AprilT
Well-known Member
- Location
- A galaxy far far away
Good going Son_O_P
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
After gaining knowledge and functionality during my career and after retirement with Linux/Unix I enjoy a pretty virus/malware free computing experience. Since I adopted Linux as my OS of choice I have only had one incident related to hacking and that came through Facebook games. I had been playing with several members some known and some unknown. I had an attempt to log into my 'Google' email account from a location in the Ukraine. Google blocked it because of the originating location, thanks Google. I had stupidly used the same password for both FB and Gmail. A mental slip that wasn't repeated after that.
I have experimented with several distros over the years, finally landing on the LinuxMint distro as my choice. I had used and enjoyed using Suse back year ago and hadn't look at it until a month ago. I was reading the reviews of the latest which is called openSuse Leap 42.1. It's a rolling release meaning it will be supported with security and updates for at least 3 years and just came out the beginning of October. It is a more advanced than LinuxMint, the favorite of many Linux users because of it's simplicity and ease of user for newbies. I decided it was time to try a more advanced version and haven't been sorry with my choice of Leap. It's visually ascetic and after taking it for a test spin I can say it is my new 'favorite'.
Suse is created by a German team of developers who are dedicated to security and graphically minded. I like how it responds and took a little getting used to the flash screens that roll in from sides. I took a few screen shots to show a little of what I experience on a daily session today. Linux is not for everybody but it can be with a little experience. The are countless help forums on the web with answers to anyone's questions or problems. I found the Linux community wants to show everyone what is available and how to used it. Most of it is free from the operating system to thousands of application packages. It's not entirely functional to the standards of a graphic artist but it will make your photos pop. You have some many choices for software I can't think of many you would lack.
Below are what I see everyday:
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I have experimented with several distros over the years, finally landing on the LinuxMint distro as my choice. I had used and enjoyed using Suse back year ago and hadn't look at it until a month ago. I was reading the reviews of the latest which is called openSuse Leap 42.1. It's a rolling release meaning it will be supported with security and updates for at least 3 years and just came out the beginning of October. It is a more advanced than LinuxMint, the favorite of many Linux users because of it's simplicity and ease of user for newbies. I decided it was time to try a more advanced version and haven't been sorry with my choice of Leap. It's visually ascetic and after taking it for a test spin I can say it is my new 'favorite'.
Suse is created by a German team of developers who are dedicated to security and graphically minded. I like how it responds and took a little getting used to the flash screens that roll in from sides. I took a few screen shots to show a little of what I experience on a daily session today. Linux is not for everybody but it can be with a little experience. The are countless help forums on the web with answers to anyone's questions or problems. I found the Linux community wants to show everyone what is available and how to used it. Most of it is free from the operating system to thousands of application packages. It's not entirely functional to the standards of a graphic artist but it will make your photos pop. You have some many choices for software I can't think of many you would lack.
Below are what I see everyday:
View attachment 24034View attachment 24035View attachment 24036View attachment 24037View attachment 24038
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
In life we all have factors that we deal with everyday. How you manage/control the factors depend upon your approach to a satisfactory conclusion or day to day dealing with each factor. Marriage, financial, children, education, career, retirement, health and death. How you deal/manage/control each requires how much risk you are willing to accept. I want to minimize my risk in all areas, I compromise, giving in, accepting responsibility for my short comings and tried to work as a team member in all areas.
I try to identify risk and reward eliminating as much risk to obtain greater reward. I have phobias that enter into my decisions. I fear flying, heights, closed in places, I don't like to swim in water I can't reach the bottom. I don't drive fast, try to control my temper when behind the wheel and always drive defensively. As I age I realize that I wasn't getting enough exercise but childhood diseases influenced my activity. I was trained for my career in the USAF and I attended several college classes and training sessions to maintain and enhance my level of career security. I spent 35 years at the same company and worked in my chosen career for 48 years.
I had secret desires to change careers but family responsibilities hampered those. I had visions of becoming a professional gambler, something I enjoyed and was successful to a degree simply because I managed my time and money well. I was going to become a brick mason (I had worked with my father for 14 years in my late childhood through my teenage years). But the decision to team with my brother was tabled because of his addiction to drugs and alcohol. I obtained a contractor's license on the first test and dabbled in the trade until it became more trouble & time consuming than it was worth.
Now in retirement I receive a substantial pension and my SS. I have my 401K invested in safe low risk/low reward vehicles. My income is higher than my net take home pay when I was working. My living expenses have been reduced 30% since retirement because of our move to a warmer climate and into a state with lower living/tax expenses. I don't travel as much as I did when I was working and that's okay with me. I chose not to expose myself to danger, risk, or life threatening situations anymore, I'm also okay with that. I never got a rush from many things most of all 'risk'.
I try to identify risk and reward eliminating as much risk to obtain greater reward. I have phobias that enter into my decisions. I fear flying, heights, closed in places, I don't like to swim in water I can't reach the bottom. I don't drive fast, try to control my temper when behind the wheel and always drive defensively. As I age I realize that I wasn't getting enough exercise but childhood diseases influenced my activity. I was trained for my career in the USAF and I attended several college classes and training sessions to maintain and enhance my level of career security. I spent 35 years at the same company and worked in my chosen career for 48 years.
I had secret desires to change careers but family responsibilities hampered those. I had visions of becoming a professional gambler, something I enjoyed and was successful to a degree simply because I managed my time and money well. I was going to become a brick mason (I had worked with my father for 14 years in my late childhood through my teenage years). But the decision to team with my brother was tabled because of his addiction to drugs and alcohol. I obtained a contractor's license on the first test and dabbled in the trade until it became more trouble & time consuming than it was worth.
Now in retirement I receive a substantial pension and my SS. I have my 401K invested in safe low risk/low reward vehicles. My income is higher than my net take home pay when I was working. My living expenses have been reduced 30% since retirement because of our move to a warmer climate and into a state with lower living/tax expenses. I don't travel as much as I did when I was working and that's okay with me. I chose not to expose myself to danger, risk, or life threatening situations anymore, I'm also okay with that. I never got a rush from many things most of all 'risk'.