I'd like to take public transportation too, but they don't make it easy for me. To take the train, which is halfway down my commute, I'd have to take a bus, car, or cab to the trainstation, then take the train to a stop past my office (cause there isn't one anywhere close to my office), then take a cab or bus, backtracking my route, to my office. Screw it, I'll drive. I don't get to read, but I get there with less hassle.
I hate you. My commute is 25 miles and takes one hour. We have carpool lanes here in NoVa. They are almost as crowded as the regular lanes (and dangerous too since people swerve into the HOV lanes in order to pass people in the regular lanes).
I drink coffee more for the flavor than the effect (I rarely drink soda). I started cutting back on my coffee intake recently because it was jacking up my blood pressure (I'm only 30yo and moderately active, I shouldn't have high BP). I cut back to two cups a day and my BP is back to normal. Still, I'd like to sip on a warm cup of coffee all day long, but I can't stand most decaf'd coffee, so I simply do without. Something that is naturally decaff'd and still tastes good would be a godsend.
Since I don't watch a lot of TV, I didn't want to pay the price for cable and Digital Satellite didn't offer the local channels at the time (this was early 2001). I invested in a large ChannelMaster antenna and an inline amp. I mounted both in my attic and hooked the antenna to my home's cable plant. After a bit of tuning, I can get about 10 channels. Six are clear, the other 4 have some snow, but are viewable. It took 4 months to pay off (assuming $40/month cable or satellite service). I'm happy with it and would resent being forced to buy a service I don't need. My TV viewing would probably drop from 3hrs/week to 0/week at that point.
First off, the best info is probably found at www.photo.net. It's a photo forum, but they talk about digital issues quite often.
As an amateur photographer, I have yet to be impressed by digital equipment. By the time you get into a system that can equal a mid level film camera, you have spent several times more than you would have on a pro level film system. IMO, the biggest benefit is convenience. You can take a picture and have it color corrected, modified, printed, and ready to frame in a very short period of time.
If you want to go the scanner/printer route, get a good inkjet or dyesub printer. From what I've seen, color lasers are not there yet. Dyesub is the best, but most expensive. Olympus makes a great dyesub printer that can do 8x12. The results look like a standard photograph (smooth colors, no striations or other printing marks). It's about $800. If I were to go digital, that's what I'd buy. I'm not up to speed on scanners. From what I do know, flatbeds are a compromise. The best is drum scanning, but it is expensive. Software-wise, it seems Photoshop is the tool of choice.
First, like many already said, you don't really know what you want to do yet (trust me, you don't. I changed career plans 4-5 times from HS Senior to College Grad with 1-2 years exp). Take a variety of classes and see what interests you outside of Sysadmining. Second, the degree helps, even if it's unrelated to your job. A year ago, I moved from being a contractor to a company to being a full fledged employee. My manager (then and now) insisted that I put my college degrees on my resume even if they had nothing to do with my current work. He pointed out that it will affect my salary. Truth be told, I don't know why he thought I'd leave them off (BBA+MBA). Finally, a degree will give you a more rounded view of the work you do. A CS degree (or CIS) can give you knowledge about aspects of the field outside if SA. A biz degree (my choice) will help you with the managerial/biz process functions.
BTW, I did end up using my biz degrees after I was hired. We started up a new service offering for the contract I'm on. I filled the roll of tech engineer and biz analyst. It was an interesting task. I probably would've been lost without the education.
It was a joke! The original poster said he was an Arab and a Muslim AFTER 911. Made me think "wonder what he was before if he wasn't those things until after 911".
Re:Titanium blades vs titanium handles?
on
The Sexiest Metal
·
· Score: 1
Not only bolsters...
Lots of knives are made with titanium handles. Too many to list here, but a good custom one is Tom Mayo's TNT (Talonite and Titanium). Check him out at www.mayoknives.com. BTW, Talonite is very nifty stuff too (it's not steel, but a metal matrix, iirc). There are lots of production knives with Ti handles as well.
I'm not a govt employee, but an IT Contractor working on a govt account. I've been here two years. In those two years, I've gotten the opportunity to work with technologies that I may or may not have seen in the private sector. Am I going to get rich? No. Do I get paid fairly? Yes, very much so. I'm also reasonably layoff-proof because my position is mandated by the contract we work on. I rarely work more than 40hrs a week. My work is rewarding because I know it's being used and taken seriously (it's not work done at the whim of a idiot client or clueless PHB).
There are negatives. The govt has a serious case of "hurry up and wait" (they want your part done "now" so they can shelve it for 2 months while they decide on the next move). They also fail to realize that companies must make a profit (they will ask for discounts until something is free).
Overall, my skills and career have benefited from working with the govt. I also have more time for a life.
I can't wait to get one of these. It'll be perfect for hunting in the mountains. Now, we'll be able to know exactly where everyeone is even if someone moves (it happens). I just hope they're not too expensive...
Quote: . I don't know about other geeks out there but I get scared about my hands cause these are my livelyhood and how I bring home the $$. I lose a finger or two and I'm SOL. So a message to geeks of tomorrow: Protect the digits at all costs!
Don't worry too much. I have a friend who is a Unix admin. In a previous life, he was a professional carpenter (structural framing, finish work, etc). He cut half of his index finger off (down to the middle knuckle) with a power miter saw. He types just fine.
Also, I've managed to adapt to typing when I've injured my fingers. After a couple of days, I usually have about 60% of my normal speed back. By the time I'm getting near 100%, I'm mostly healed.
Yup, I know what you mean. I GAVE a laptop loaded with linux to a friend in a similar situation (he could afford a computer but wouldn't buy one till it proved it's usefulness). He's hooked. He's since graduated from that old laptop to a nearly new workstation with Win2K (long story...he did like linux though). He's online, uses AIM, uses email, the web, etc. He hates me and our other friends that helped.:)
Not too long ago, I was traveling and stopped at a gas station to get some fuel. While I was there, they had a power outage. I got to see the ATMs reboot and flash the OS/2 screens. Kind of cool...
Yours too? I don't have one (I still use an off-air antenna), but my friend's just died and one of his friends lost theirs. My friend's friend replaced the drive and is back up and running. My friend will be doing the same as well. Dunno about the other guy, but my friend was on DirectTV using Tivo.
They seem to have a high failure rate. I only know 3 people that use it and two have had failures.
I didn't realize things had changed that much. Looks like there aren't any low cost areas left with a decent tech industry. I had been keeping Raleigh in my backpocket in the event I get totally burned out on NoVa.
My mortgage in NoVa is only a little higher than what my rent would've been for my tiny 1br apt in Ashburn (they tried to raise my rent 25%). A nice two br apartment would've been about what my mortgage is now. If you factor in the interest deduction, buying a house is cheaper in NoVa than renting once you need more than one br.
I made the decision to buy in March, got a mortgage offer for 101% financing (with my wedding coming up in August, I had no money for a downpayment) and was in a house by the end of july.
I went to school near Raleigh and still have friends in the area. If you don't mind a moderate commute (less than 1 hr), you can live in several of the small towns around Raleigh (Angier, Fuqua-Varina, Garner, mebbe Goldsboro or Harnette County for a longer drive) and get a decent home with a huge yard for less than $150k.
I live in Northern Virginia now. $150k gets you a dump of a townhome close to the "core" areas (fairfax co, most of loudoun co, alexandria, arlington, etc) of NoVa or a decent TH an hour+ out (Manassas, Gainsville, Centreville, etc). I chose the latter option. Don't even think about a single family home unless you have over $200k and lots of time to commute (probably closer to $300k realistically).
First off, I want dead trees (in book form, not lying around). Second, I'd like to get a decent book on Satellite Data Communications that is
1) inexpensive,
2) not a textbook, and
3) covers the topic from a high level (basic information) to mid level installer/integrator). I don't need the math involved.
All I've found are propellerhead type textbooks (at $80+). I want the Cliff's Notes version:)
Slashdot Mirror
I'd like to take public transportation too, but they don't make it easy for me. To take the train, which is halfway down my commute, I'd have to take a bus, car, or cab to the trainstation, then take the train to a stop past my office (cause there isn't one anywhere close to my office), then take a cab or bus, backtracking my route, to my office. Screw it, I'll drive. I don't get to read, but I get there with less hassle.
Chris
I hate you. My commute is 25 miles and takes one hour. We have carpool lanes here in NoVa. They are almost as crowded as the regular lanes (and dangerous too since people swerve into the HOV lanes in order to pass people in the regular lanes).
Chris
Here in Northern Va, the side roads are just as bad as the main ones. We either need more asphalt or fewer drivers.
Chris
If your commute doesn't improve by much, can you leave negative feedback?
Chris
I drink coffee more for the flavor than the effect (I rarely drink soda). I started cutting back on my coffee intake recently because it was jacking up my blood pressure (I'm only 30yo and moderately active, I shouldn't have high BP). I cut back to two cups a day and my BP is back to normal. Still, I'd like to sip on a warm cup of coffee all day long, but I can't stand most decaf'd coffee, so I simply do without. Something that is naturally decaff'd and still tastes good would be a godsend.
Chris
Since I don't watch a lot of TV, I didn't want to pay the price for cable and Digital Satellite didn't offer the local channels at the time (this was early 2001). I invested in a large ChannelMaster antenna and an inline amp. I mounted both in my attic and hooked the antenna to my home's cable plant. After a bit of tuning, I can get about 10 channels. Six are clear, the other 4 have some snow, but are viewable. It took 4 months to pay off (assuming $40/month cable or satellite service). I'm happy with it and would resent being forced to buy a service I don't need. My TV viewing would probably drop from 3hrs/week to 0/week at that point.
Chris
The only things I buy online are items that are either unavailable locally or are so much cheaper online that sales tax won't make any difference.
Chris
Cool, I'm not the only knutt here :)
Chris
First off, the best info is probably found at www.photo.net. It's a photo forum, but they talk about digital issues quite often.
As an amateur photographer, I have yet to be impressed by digital equipment. By the time you get into a system that can equal a mid level film camera, you have spent several times more than you would have on a pro level film system. IMO, the biggest benefit is convenience. You can take a picture and have it color corrected, modified, printed, and ready to frame in a very short period of time.
If you want to go the scanner/printer route, get a good inkjet or dyesub printer. From what I've seen, color lasers are not there yet. Dyesub is the best, but most expensive. Olympus makes a great dyesub printer that can do 8x12. The results look like a standard photograph (smooth colors, no striations or other printing marks). It's about $800. If I were to go digital, that's what I'd buy. I'm not up to speed on scanners. From what I do know, flatbeds are a compromise. The best is drum scanning, but it is expensive.
Software-wise, it seems Photoshop is the tool of choice.
Chris
First, like many already said, you don't really know what you want to do yet (trust me, you don't. I changed career plans 4-5 times from HS Senior to College Grad with 1-2 years exp). Take a variety of classes and see what interests you outside of Sysadmining. Second, the degree helps, even if it's unrelated to your job. A year ago, I moved from being a contractor to a company to being a full fledged employee. My manager (then and now) insisted that I put my college degrees on my resume even if they had nothing to do with my current work. He pointed out that it will affect my salary. Truth be told, I don't know why he thought I'd leave them off (BBA+MBA). Finally, a degree will give you a more rounded view of the work you do. A CS degree (or CIS) can give you knowledge about aspects of the field outside if SA. A biz degree (my choice) will help you with the managerial/biz process functions.
BTW, I did end up using my biz degrees after I was hired. We started up a new service offering for the contract I'm on. I filled the roll of tech engineer and biz analyst. It was an interesting task. I probably would've been lost without the education.
Chris
It was a joke! The original poster said he was an Arab and a Muslim AFTER 911. Made me think "wonder what he was before if he wasn't those things until after 911".
Sorry for being obtuse.
Chris
What was he before 911?
Chris
Not only bolsters...
Lots of knives are made with titanium handles. Too many to list here, but a good custom one is Tom Mayo's TNT (Talonite and Titanium). Check him out at www.mayoknives.com. BTW, Talonite is very nifty stuff too (it's not steel, but a metal matrix, iirc). There are lots of production knives with Ti handles as well.
Chris
I'm not a govt employee, but an IT Contractor working on a govt account. I've been here two years. In those two years, I've gotten the opportunity to work with technologies that I may or may not have seen in the private sector. Am I going to get rich? No. Do I get paid fairly? Yes, very much so. I'm also reasonably layoff-proof because my position is mandated by the contract we work on. I rarely work more than 40hrs a week. My work is rewarding because I know it's being used and taken seriously (it's not work done at the whim of a idiot client or clueless PHB).
There are negatives. The govt has a serious case of "hurry up and wait" (they want your part done "now" so they can shelve it for 2 months while they decide on the next move). They also fail to realize that companies must make a profit (they will ask for discounts until something is free).
Overall, my skills and career have benefited from working with the govt. I also have more time for a life.
Chris
We can't get them to wear bells, what makes you think they'll wear a GPS/Radio?
Chris
I can't wait to get one of these. It'll be perfect for hunting in the mountains. Now, we'll be able to know exactly where everyeone is even if someone moves (it happens). I just hope they're not too expensive...
Chris
Quote: . I don't know about other geeks out there but I get scared about my hands cause these are my livelyhood and how I bring home the $$. I lose a finger or two and I'm SOL. So a message to geeks of tomorrow: Protect the digits at all costs!
Don't worry too much. I have a friend who is a Unix admin. In a previous life, he was a professional carpenter (structural framing, finish work, etc). He cut half of his index finger off (down to the middle knuckle) with a power miter saw. He types just fine.
Also, I've managed to adapt to typing when I've injured my fingers. After a couple of days, I usually have about 60% of my normal speed back. By the time I'm getting near 100%, I'm mostly healed.
Chris
Yup, I know what you mean. I GAVE a laptop loaded with linux to a friend in a similar situation (he could afford a computer but wouldn't buy one till it proved it's usefulness). He's hooked. He's since graduated from that old laptop to a nearly new workstation with Win2K (long story...he did like linux though). He's online, uses AIM, uses email, the web, etc. He hates me and our other friends that helped. :)
Chris
Not too long ago, I was traveling and stopped at a gas station to get some fuel. While I was there, they had a power outage. I got to see the ATMs reboot and flash the OS/2 screens. Kind of cool...
Chris
It was one of those 5" Monster tachs like you see in race cars.
Chris
Yours too? I don't have one (I still use an off-air antenna), but my friend's just died and one of his friends lost theirs. My friend's friend replaced the drive and is back up and running. My friend will be doing the same as well. Dunno about the other guy, but my friend was on DirectTV using Tivo.
They seem to have a high failure rate. I only know 3 people that use it and two have had failures.
Chris
I didn't realize things had changed that much. Looks like there aren't any low cost areas left with a decent tech industry. I had been keeping Raleigh in my backpocket in the event I get totally burned out on NoVa.
Chris
My mortgage in NoVa is only a little higher than what my rent would've been for my tiny 1br apt in Ashburn (they tried to raise my rent 25%). A nice two br apartment would've been about what my mortgage is now. If you factor in the interest deduction, buying a house is cheaper in NoVa than renting once you need more than one br.
I made the decision to buy in March, got a mortgage offer for 101% financing (with my wedding coming up in August, I had no money for a downpayment) and was in a house by the end of july.
Chris
I went to school near Raleigh and still have friends in the area. If you don't mind a moderate commute (less than 1 hr), you can live in several of the small towns around Raleigh (Angier, Fuqua-Varina, Garner, mebbe Goldsboro or Harnette County for a longer drive) and get a decent home with a huge yard for less than $150k.
I live in Northern Virginia now. $150k gets you a dump of a townhome close to the "core" areas (fairfax co, most of loudoun co, alexandria, arlington, etc) of NoVa or a decent TH an hour+ out (Manassas, Gainsville, Centreville, etc). I chose the latter option. Don't even think about a single family home unless you have over $200k and lots of time to commute (probably closer to $300k realistically).
Chris
First off, I want dead trees (in book form, not lying around). Second, I'd like to get a decent book on Satellite Data Communications that is
:)
1) inexpensive,
2) not a textbook, and
3) covers the topic from a high level (basic information) to mid level installer/integrator). I don't need the math involved.
All I've found are propellerhead type textbooks (at $80+). I want the Cliff's Notes version
Chris