Eric Schuetz

Summer Time

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Sun, 19 May 2013 10:00:03 PDT

Well, it is that time of year again. School is letting out, the temperature is rising and the kids are home for 3 months. Time to start planning those outdoor activities! Yeppers, it is summer time. This summer, I plan to have some fun with the kids. As the stay at home parent this go around, I want to keep the kids off of the gadgets indoors, and get them outdoors to have fun, and emphasize on healthy activities.

The healthy activities planned for all of us? Nerf Wars for starters. I have three Nerf guns currently, but we plan to get one or two more very soon. What is the fun in these things? We can shoot each other without worry! Zombie Apocalypse anyone? We also plan to get some Super Soakers, as well. I have always loved a good Super Soaker water gun, and they have some doozies these days.

We also have plans to get to the swimming pool. Now, I definitely do not have the "pool side body", but I am confident that I won't be the biggest fellow there. I had better work on a base tan before I go, else I will look like Larry the Lobster within the first hour there! Misty is worried she will end up just as bad...and she won't. She'll be worse. She has fair skin, so she'll burn in the first 10 minutes!

With all of that, we are also going to be walking everyday. My goal is to loose 15 pounds by summer's end. I also want to quit smoking again, and walking is a great way to help me do that. I can sweat the crap out, so the cravings are controllable, along with using my e-cigarette. The kids have been trying to get us to quit, but Misty won't. Me, on the other hand, I used to not smoke until about 10 years ago. Time to get back to how it was!

I have to admit, we are all looking forward to the BBQing though. And I have had my eye on a very nice grill at Walmart for the last month or so. I will grill just about anything that will fit on it. Chicken, steaks, chops, burgers, dogs, etc. It is all good when grilled.

I am sure you are wondering how I plan to keep the kids off the computer though. Easy, parental controls, and not wavering to their plea's to more time. It is a shame that Google hasn't implemented something into Android that would allow me to do the same thing. I know the Amazon Kindle Fire HD has that feature, but we don't have any Kindles. We just have general Android tablets from various manufacturers, none of which even thought of adding parental controls into them, either.

Either way, it is going to be a very nice summer with plenty to do. Hope yours is just as fun!

Why I Hate "Alternative" and Mainstream News

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:44:05 PDT

What is "Alternative News". It isn't an official moniker you will find online, or on TV. I dub the term to refer to news sources that you have to "dig for" on the internet. Mainstream News is a "no brainer" here. ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, Faux (Fox), C-Span...those are Mainstream News outlets. Just turn on the TV, and there you go. So why do I hate them? Let me break it down for you.

Let us start with "Alternative News" first. There are some good ones out there. I like Huffington Post, but that is about it. However, even they get under my skin now and then. My problem is the "news sources" that are ran by people that have little to no background in journalism. They grasp at straws, use some statistics that fit their needs, and spin it all together with some out of context images to call it news. They claim to have all of the answers because they are supposedly an "unbiased source of information" making it their obligation to ensure that you, the unknowing reader, get the "facts". However, a vast majority of these "unbiased sources of information" are as biased as the corporate mainstream news outlets are. They want you to consume their media as the ONLY source of information out there. They will play off of the fear, and hatred that common sense tends to put under control.

They spin information released from unreliable outlets. They make it sound bigger than it really is. The take current events, and convert them into conspiracies against the average citizen. Not one bit of "news" that they produce provides any source of credible information.

Oh sure, once in a while, they do get something right. They do get something out there that the average citizen doesn't realize. That is their bait. They hook you with that tidbit of "real journalism", and keep you dangling with nonsense. The problem here lies that it is human nature to cling. We think to ourselves that "If that one piece was real, and informative, then the rest of this material must have some basis in truth and fact." Throw in some taglines like, "What the Government Doesn't Want You to See", or "The Mass Media Doesn't Want to Cover This Because...". It is utter bullshit.

So if I hate the "Alternative News" so much, I must like the "Mainstream News", right? WRONG! They all do the same exact thing. I can't count the number of times I have seen news shows talk about something early on in an event, that you realize later wasn't supposed to be "noticed". How do I come to that conclusion? It gets buried, and ignored. These major news sources also play off our fears and hatred even more so than these online nut jobs.

CNN and Fox played the same cell phone video captures over and over the entire day of the Boston Marathon. They did the same thing for every other major catastrophe since. What is worse is that they are willing to forego integrity, and dignity just to get a possible scoop. How so? Make shit up. That is how. I realize that scoops are what get viewers to tune in. It is what build ratings. But we don't tune in for lies and deceit. We tune in to be informed. Information is ever increasingly hard to come by.

~~It is sad we have to turn to social media for our news.~~ So, where do we turn to in order to get our news?

The Lost Art

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:35:43 PDT

I don't know, but maybe it is just me here. I have a pet peeve I have discussed on Facebook, but not so much Google+. It seems that the fine art of "getting your point across" has been lost. It is really a frustrating ordeal. I understand we all have a differing perspective of some degree, but how can anyone understand another's perspective when one does not articulate that perspective into more than just a silly picture with a quick phrase on it?

What I am getting at here is it appears that no one wants to take the time out of their "busy day" to sit at their computer and actually type up something. The last few days, I have gone above and beyond my duty to fully express my views on a few things ranging from Gun Control to the Boston Marathon Bombing and the following "Boston Martial Law".

I have gone to effort in formulating long proclamations detailing my views on the subject matter described above. I didn't need to draw up an outline for each paragraph, nor did I need to worry about any rough drafts, even though I did do a final edit. I simply typed what I felt, allowed myself the space to do so, and re-read it to ensure proper flow and corrections of typos. What I am most direly concerned over is whether anyone took the time to bother themselves with the effort to read it. Now, I do know for a fact that a couple people did. But I fear that a majority of those I am friends with didn't.

The reason I am upset here is not only that something that gives great definition to my views on the subject matter was ignored, but the fact I didn't sum it all up in a contextual image with a snappy sentence, or word. However, the contextual image isn't always that. At times that very image could be used completely out of context to what the point is being made. As an example, I can't simply use a picture of guns and say, "I am Pro-Gun". Nor can I use that same image with the traditional "No" symbolism. My views on guns is deeper than just a simple two year old mentality of yes/no order. It is a philosophical perspective. It is a personalized perspective. It is an experiential perspective. There are factors that can be "summed up" within the context of a simple image and a quick smarmy comment.

However, I constantly see a large swath of images pass over my "Facebook Wall" that attempt to do just that. And when one posts a simplified comment in response to their simplified contextualized image and "catch phrase", they get upset when it isn't dead on with that image portraying their views.

Social Media has been studied for some time now regarding how it impacts not only our views of social interaction, but also in how it impacts our level of intelligence. At times, it feels like I am swimming in a sea of blatantly blind ignorant bliss. At other times, I feel the warmth of genuine attempts at social interaction and commentary.

Please, don't just throw up a picture, and expect me to completely understand your position on a topic it is conveying. Use the image as context. Use it to accentuate your views on the topic that you take the genuine time to convey to me in the beauty of written words. Honestly, I may be more inclined to converse with you more deeply than by viewing a simple image.

Guns: They are Tools

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Sat, 18 May 2013 15:20:11 PDT

The following bit is something I posted recently towards an +Anonymous post on Google+ regarding guns, and regulations of gun ownership (link).
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Let me present two sides to this argument. First off, I am not pro-gun in the way that many are. I find that guns have a use. As a fellow that grew up in a rural community, was taught to hunt, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps (Infantryman), I know my way around hand guns, shotguns, rifles, semi-automatics, and fully automatic weapons.

The argument of "Guns don't kill people" is rather idiotic. Yes, it is an inanimate object, and thus can not kill on its own. However, it is a tool for killing. A gun in the hand of a person will kill a person. Of course, any tool to kill in the hands of a person will do just what it was intended to do. So, it falls back to the basic argument that guns are tools to kill. To tell me otherwise is an attempt to sugar coat the issue. If guns were meant to "injure", then explain why there is a death toll for those that use guns in wars. And I don't know a single hunter that goes for the knees when hunting deer.

I feel strongly that there are a number of firearms on the market that have no business being on the market. Unless the zombie apocalypse does indeed occur, the need of semi-automatic weapons is a bit silly. Those that never hunt that go out and buy various weapons are only doing so for one of two reasons...1) Peace of mind, or 2) avid collector.

Collecting is cool. Honestly, firearms of all forms are art. Engineering at its finest. A device with a controlled explosion to propel a projectile a great distance without causing the instrument to deteriorate is amazing.

However, not only should there be more regulation on the types of firearms readily available to the public, but the need to have a deeper understanding of the individual is needed. Background checks, mental health checks, etc. are needed. However, just not on the individual purchasing the weapons. The family of the gun buyer needs to be investigated. I am perfectly stable to purchase and own a firearms, however, what if I have a child that is not? Even if I have that gun locked down and put into a safe, what is to stop that child from discovering the key to accessing that gun? NO ONE is that vigilant 24/7. We have lives to lead.

Statistically speaking, most people that die from home invasions are those that own guns in the home. Criminals that break in will, at times, use the gun in the home as it can't be traced directly back to them. Or, the homeowner goes all "Rambo" and gets shot themselves thinking they have some kind of magical training to defend their homes all because they own a gun.

On that note, using criminals as an excuse regarding how they don't abide by the laws is another moot point. Criminals will always find a means to have the upper hand when performing their deeds on law abiding individuals. Having a gun in your home, and letting others know about it places a large target on you to be invaded if not just for that gun to be used in another crime elsewhere.

The problem we are having regarding guns is not just regulations. It is the management of ownership of guns in the homes, and hands of individuals that purchase said guns. We all love to show off our "shiny new toys". Unfortunately, guns are not toys, and people seemingly forget that.

And if you read this far, thank you. I find guns fascinating, and even fun. However, I also find them intimidating, and dangerous. They are tools. When used properly, they are safe and rewarding. When neglected, people will die.

Stupid EA!

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:56:54 PDT

I can't stand the "in app purchases" and "microtransactions" of social games found on +Google+ and Facebook. They annoy me to no end. I understand these companies that make these games need to make money, but the costs are outrageous. And then, THEN, when a company, such as Electronic Arts decides to take down their game, that makes this whole issue even more frustrating! Watch the video, and get the full extent of my frustration.

Google+ Spammers

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:15:40 PDT

This is a personal observation of mine regarding Google+ Spammers. Nothing more.

Computer Woes

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 22:05:51 PST

So, the last few days have been rather interesting. On Wednesday my faithful, and trusty laptop decided to take a turn for the worse. It was something that was honestly expected, but not on the level that had happened. What happened you are wondering? Everything on the internal hard drive became corrupt. The Windows partition, the Ubuntu partition and even the recovery partition. EVERYTHING! I even lost 7000 songs on my external drive. Which songs? I have no idea. It really pisses me off as to that fact, as well.

So, what caused it? At first I believed it was a virus from some website that my daughter visited without permission. One of those damned "dress up doll" sites that look like they are for little girls, but in reality house malicious content to fuck up your computer. What irked me so much, though, was the fact that I was not able to recover the Windows Vista installation due to the recovery partition being corrupted, and the recovery disks I made a year or two ago were in a CD case that I believe to be stolen from my storage unit. Lucky for me, I was able to procure a copy of Windows 7 Professional. Yes, it is a legal copy. No, you may not get my key.

With Windows 7 in hand, I deleted all of the partitions, including the bad recovery partition, performed a format, and then proceeded to install Windows 7. I thought all was said and done at this point. I was wrong. Windows 7 acted fine for a little while, but when I started getting everything situated with my regularly used applications, I noticed some weird activity. After everything was done, it got worse. I was frustrated and concerned that my DJ weekend would be ruined. I was about to say to hell with it and start over. I even uninstalled a couple programs. However, it didn't help. I kept getting stuck in a boot loop where I would get to the log in screen, and then the computer would restart. Basically, every time the computer got to a point of intense data processing, and the ram was called upon, the computer would either reboot, or lock up.

After realizing this pattern of events, I decided to pull out a bag of tricks. That bag being Ultimate Boot CD. This free Live CD is a life saver. Even Best Buy's Geek Squad use this tool. I don't use it as a CD, however. I have it installed to a 1GB USB Drive. Makes it run faster, and more efficiently. This tool is a great tool to test hardware as it works within the RAM. It does not run from within the computers installed operating system, so you don't have to worry about the OS getting in the way. So, anyway, with UBCD (Ultimate Boot CD) up and running, I decided to run MemTest86+ v4.20. MemTest is a tool to test your memory, or specifically the RAM. During the initial test, it made it to 7% when the laptop reboot. With the USB Drive still plugged in, it went straight back to it. I decided to call a friend and confer with him about this. He agreed that the RAM was the problem. My laptop had 3GB's of RAM in it. I shut down the laptop, and removed the 1GB stick, as it was the one on the top. I reboot the computer into UBCD and ran MemTest again. Lo and Behold, it made it through the stress tests to 100%. The 2GB stick was fine. I finally caught a break! The smaller 1GB stick was the obviously bad stick. So, I am now running Windows 7 on my laptop just fine, even with just 2GB's of RAM. When my taxes come back in, I intend to purchase a new 2GB stick to bump me up to 4GB's total.

In all honesty, I am glad this actually happened. This crashed helped me shed tons of applications that I do not use. And there were a lot of them. My laptop has a 250GB hard drive (235GB technically) that had a mere 80+GB's of space left because of the extra apps I didn't need, including games I rarely even bothered playing anymore. I have 180+GB's of space recovered because of this.

I am also smart about how, and where, I store content. I don't store stuff on the internal drive. I prefer to keep it all on my 2TB external drive. What was on the internal was long since backed up. So, aside from the 7000 songs that were on the external drive that somehow got deleted (probably due to a media player in Ubuntu that was "importing" the folder to build the media list when there was a crash), I lost nothing. Even my bookmarks and such were backed up thanks to the fact that I use Google Chrome. I also make the other members of my family use it, so their settings were also synced to their Google Accounts.

Now, I don't have a lot installed, aside from AVS4You's Video Editor, Winamp, uTorrent, Chrome and a couple IM applications. I intend to keep all of the extra space open for when I need to download content prior to backing up, working on videos for my Vlog and when I transfer content from phones and tablets.

Useful Windows Utlities

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:13:59 PST

If you are like me, you are running a Windows machine. I just happen to be using a Windows Vista machine. Don't judge me. Anyway, I just wanted to share with you three of my favorite programs that I use to help keep my laptop running smoothly on a daily basis. These are free programs that I feel everyone should have installed on their Windows PC's.

My Recommended Android Apps

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:36:42 PST

So, to continue with yesterday's post, I want to share my picks for the best Android Apps one should have installed on their tablet. As for phones, stay tuned for another episode that will cover those.

Cloud Storage
Box.com
DropBox
SkyDrive

File Management
ES File Manager

Browsers
Chrome for Android
Chrome for Android Beta

Cloud Printing
Cloud Print

News & Weather
Google Currents
1Weather

RSS Reader
Google Reader

Productivity
QuickOffice Pro HD
Google Drive/Docs
SpringPad
Tasks

Drawing
Sketchbook Pro

IM
Skype

Image Gallery
QuickPic
Perfect Tool for Picasa

Photo Editing
SnapSeed
BeFunky Photo Editor Tablets

Remote Access
TeamViewer

Tools
WiFi Analyzer

My Recommended Android Games

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:18:55 PST

Did this video earlier today, and sharing it here. This video is all about my personal favorite Android Games. After the video, check out the Google Play Store links for them, plus a couple others!

Action/Adventure
- Backstab
- Dead Space
- Dungeon Hunters 3 - More of a hack-n-slash arena game
- Judge Dredd vs Zombies - Freemium title that is another arena type action title, but still fun!
- Mass Effect Infiltrator
- Shadowgun
- Six Guns
- The Amazing Spider-Man
- The Dark Knight Rises
Arcade
- Radiant HD
Emulator
- RetroArch - This is an excellent emulator that supports multiple retro consoles. Updates regularly.
Fighter
- Asura Cross - A Freemium fighter much in the viegn of Street Fighter.
First Person Shooter
MMORPG
Racer
- Asphalt 6
RPG
- Cyberlords Arcology - An excellent offline cyberpunk RPG.
Sim
- The Sims Freeplay
Space Combat
- Galaxy on Fire 2
- StarPagga - An older title, but still a fun game where you are piloting a starfighter.
Strategy
*Update - Edited the way games are categorized and listed, plus added a couple new titles missing from the previous listing.

Praise the Lord?

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:25:04 PST

Just another one of my classic rants. This time? The phrase "Praise (insert deity of choice)".

My Geek Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:23:44 PST

Wanted to talk about my wonderful Android gadgets yesterday. Forgot to post the video here on my blog. Here it is, albeit a day late. Enjoy the video!

Oil Burner "Magic"

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:22:12 PST

I was bored a couple of weeks ago and was playing around with my oil burner that I got for Christmas. Check out the video, and see what happened!

Pointing Fingers Works So Well!

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 09:46:49 PST

School shootings. We all have an answer as to why the individual, or individuals, did what they did. However, NONE of us will really ever know the real reason behind it, if they are dead, as well. Those that lived beyond the massacres they created, we will eventually find answers, when they write a book and make millions of dollars.

However, I know the reasons that did NOT make them do what they did. Here is my list. Please, if you are not uptight, and willing to admit to what I call out, share this. Stop sharing the finger pointing bullshit, share something real.

1. Music - Music has been blamed for the decline in civilized society since the invention of music. Piano's were deemed tools of the Devil by the church when it was created simply because it was easy to play. However, more recently, artists like the Beatle's and Elvis Presley were deemed evil. Today, it is a mixture of any of the fly by night one-hit-wonders, or individuals that challenge the norm.

2. TV/Movies - Many groups today and since Columbine want to blame the violent television shows and movies we watch for the instability in the children. However, these same groups probably, I am willing to wager, watched shows like "Gunsmoke" when they were young. Did you know Gunsmoke was threatened with a similar movement back in the day to have it banned from TV for its violence and "racial" representation of certain characters? Yup. Edgy 50's/60's TV.

3. Video Games - Video games have been around since the late 60's to the early 70's when the Magnavox Odyssey and Pong machines were created. Video Games didn't hit mainstream until 1977 when the Atari VCS (2600) hit shelves. Ever since then, people have challenged them as an "educational tool into violence". As the graphics and controls of such games matured, the argument became louder. However, as Nolan Bushnell, founder/creator of Atari, stated, more than 99% of all children, and adults that play video games firmly understand the difference between fantasy and reality. It is the fraction of a 1% of the gaming community that may...MAY...have that problem of not knowing the difference. That is something the parent should be aware of to keep that child from playing realistic video games. Not the government, and not to punish the other 99+%.

4. Comic books - Seriously? Comic books? Well, of course, if a group of people can not understand something, then it MUST be evil, right? I am disgusted in just having to try and explain this. I mean, come on! Comic Books for the longest time, and even today, are an ultimate representation of the battle between strongly defined "Good" vs a very well agreed upon "Evil" where evil will almost ALWAYS fail and lose to good. Enough said.

5. The Internet - All I am saying is if one does NOT monitor web usage of their children, then is it the computers fault they were surfing bad stuff?

And finally, we have the ...

6. School Prayer - NEWS FLASH!!! School Prayer is NOT banned, blocked, or illegal. ALL children are allowed to pray within the school to the god of their choice. They can organize, and lead school prayer. HOWEVER, they are NOT allowed to be funded by the school. Public schools are in fact not allowed, by law, to organize and lead school prayer as a means not to keep any gods out of the schools, but to enforce equality of the students and their beliefs.

I am seeing a HUGE trend here. Maybe I will point a finger at the ultimate reason why children go apeshit and commit violent acts in school. Sounds like piss poor parenting. Ignoring the real problem the child is having. Regardless of what the problem is, ignoring it will not make it go away. It just seems that there are parents of "problem children" that are just ignoring the problem as long as they can, holding out for when the kid turns 18, and they can kick them out.

So, again, I DARE YOU, the reader, to pass this along.

Artificial Intelligence...Is it Possible?

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:51:17 PST

Today, I decided to start over on watching Caprica. It wasn't well received when on SyFy, but it was a great show beneath the gangland drama that was merely a coating to deliver gripping drama that anyone could related to. Whether those be fans of gangland drama, crime drama, genre drama or science fiction drama.

During the pilot the Zoe avatar describes how the human brain stores a massive amount of data, albeit a finite amount, that contains our life. All of which amounts to nothing more than a mere 300 mbs of total space.

That spurred the thought that looking at CES and how the other day a 1tb flash drive for thousands of dollars is now available. We see computers with hard drive spaces growing all of the time. However, are we going about it wrong?

We have used FAT, NTFS and a variety of other storage mediums over the last 30 years, if not more. These storage mediums rarely change. We are content with them. However, this should not be. Is it time that manufactures and developers stop concerning themselves with drive sizes, but rather develop new storage methods? Imagine for a moment having a HDD on your laptop, desktop, tablet, or phone that is only a few gigabytes in size. Imagine the file system is designed to compress and store the information effectively that it can be accessed within nanoseconds with clarity. Imagine a 2 hour movie stored on this device that uses only a few megabytes, instead of a couple gigabytes.

We need to overcome this desire for larger drives, and focus on better storage methods, codecs and more.

Once this happens, the obvious next step would be moving towards true AI....

Once we have perfected an efficient storage method that minimalizes file sizes, yet retains quality and clarity of the original content, we can move on to developing Meta Cognitive Processors. MCP's if you will. We already have multi-core processors that would allow for true multitasking capabilities (even though the human brain does not really multitask as well as we "think" it does). Creating a processor with various cores that handle different components of the robot/android body, a single core to tie them together in a cognitive function, and follow with an additional processor for cognitive thought, and one for meta-cognitive processing, you step into the realm of true artificial intelligence. A machine that can walk, talk, and think. All at the same time.

What If You Die?

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 19:52:28 PST

This may be a rather morbid post, but something to think about all the same. If you were to die today, what would happen to your online legacy? Think about that for a moment. Nothing is deleted on the internet. Archive.org is a prime example of that. They have a backup of the internet performed periodically. Facebook retains a copy of all of your information, pictures, and status's indefinately. So, if you were to die, what you do about that legacy?

I have thought about this at times. Seems that a lot of people are lately. There is a story making rounds right now where a 16 year old girl died from a disease, and her family had to hack her laptop to get access to content and passwords. Due to violation of various laws, and website TOS's, her legacy could be lost to them due to this attempt to do the exact opposite.

Folks, this is my recommendation to counter that. By an inexpensive thumb drive. Something small, inconspicuous and easy to use. Do NOT passwork protect it. DO NOT lose it either. Put it somewhere safe. Talk to your family about it. Use it as a backup plan. On this drive would be personal information, including passwords to important websites that contain/maintain your legacy online. This includes your pictures, videos, and your life. I see this as something that I have done, and need to update.

You never know when your number is up.

"What Happened Next..."

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 16:37:50 PST

Life is odd. You go your way, following a path, taking turns, and decide which path to continue at each fork. Sometimes, the road you take isn't going the way you like. Other times that road gives you some "out of no where" surprises. I suppose you could say what happened was one of those surprises. It has its flair of being a good surprise, and it feels right.

That surprise would be that after the last couple of months, Misty Watson and I have decided to make official a rekindling of a relationship. It is slow going, and we are taking a time to do what would keep it going.

I have already heard a few complaints towards it. I know there are friends that are concerned, and do not want me to get hurt. However, this isn't a choice just for me. This has a lot to do with the kids. They are not happy. When Misty and I told the kids we are working on things...again...a change was noticed in them both. They are happy.

But why did I decide this? After the last couple of years of trying, failing, and getting hurt...especially after 2010...I felt that this was necessary. I know I have things to work on. I am easily aggravated testy, easily frustrated, and hard to please. Some of the problems Misty and I have had in the past aren't all her fault. However, she knows she has her problems and is working on them. With her working a full time job, it has been helping her a lot.

We don't get all up in each others bubble. We respect personal space. That is one of the BIG problems we used to have. I also had the problem of thinking things were greener in other pastures. However, after the last couple of years, I realize that they aren't. I have to keep reminding myself that. It is a fault of mine. It is something I have to work on.

Regardless, Misty and I are going at it again. We are going to have our arguments, and our disagreements. However, that is just how it is. No one gets along all of the time. She will have to trust me, and I will trust her. The good thing is I have never had a problem with that when concerning her. I just hope she knows that about me.

Older Devices

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 13:00:48 PST

So, considering that new technology always overshadows older technology, I was curious. What do you do with your old tablets?

I have the original 7" Galaxy Tab from Verizon Wireless. It is running the last update, 2.3.5. I also own the Asus Transformer TF101. Now, by all considerations, both are considerably outdated. However, I use both tablets regularly, each playing a very specific role.

My Transformer has been used for pretty well everything. I use it for pictures, videos, social networking, blogging, surfing the web, and some Tegra 2 HD powered gaming. However, in regards to the gaming, I don't game a great deal with it. Unless it is via emulation, and I use my WiiMote and Classic Controller. Yay for HDMI!

My Galaxy Tab is where the games are. I have a 32gb microSD card in it (early xmas gift). That allows me to take advantage of the "Move to SD" feature to the hilt. Especially when you consider that the Galaxy Tab had approximately 1.5gbs of internal space. I have 52 total games installed. I would say a bit over a third are "Amazon Free App of the Day", at least half are purchased, and a small handful are "Freemiums". Needless to say, my 7" machine is my designated gaming platform.

So, again, what do you do with your older devices?

A Good Blogging Tool

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 13:43:37 PST

Seeing that lately I have been using my Transformer TF101 tablet more and more for a variety of things, I have been trying to find a good blogging tool to use. One that allows me to create content once, then post to multiple places. The problem that I am coming across is that there is no "easy" method. It is a bit frustrating really. I have a couple tools on my laptop that allow me to do this, but again, I want something on my tablet to make life easier. So, any recommendations, please help. Oh, and I have considered a basic notepad app, and then just "share" to Tumblr, and Blogger, I just don't get the tools I like with that method.

A New Vlog is Up

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:35:43 PST

Um...Just Another Day/Night

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:19:32 PST

Good evening friends and family. It has been a couple of weeks since my last blog. Thought I would take some time and post. No, not a Zombie post. Just a random mumblings post. Yeah, they still happen. So here goes!

It has been two months now since I have been back in Hiawatha, KS. I am currently, still, living with Misty...yes, that Misty, my ex-wife. No, we are not in a relationship together. That is a long story, and I could tell it. I just don't feel like it, even though I really should. So perhaps it is best to talk about it.

After being burnt relationship-wise, I have chosen not to pursue any real relationships. I also know that Misty and I don't do well in a relationship. We have been down that road a lot of times, each ending the same way. However, our living arrangement is indeed a complicated one, much like it was a year ago. One of the differences now is she is working, and I have been staying home taking care of the household stuff, and the kids. I do make some spending money on the weekends, as so I have my own money for little things here and there, or when we need it for other things.

Is it ideal? No, not really. Does it work? Yes it has been working pretty well. It is good for the kids. So, for now, we live together. We put up with each other. The kids are happy with how things are right now. That is all that matters, I suppose.

Also, to be honest, I am a bit timid about any relationships. I still sting from the last couple of years. Just being me, having fun, is what matters most.

As for everything else in life, I plan to get back to my videos on YouTube soon. Not just mine, but I also want to extend upon the Abnormal Society videos again. I want to expand on them, and get them more entertaining with various topics we can rip apart. I want to venture further into social media, and utilizing it more for my blogs, videos and more.

So, what about a social life? Well, I am working on it. I need to rebuild my friendships...especially with my best bud Johnny. I haven't hung out with him for nearly two years now. I need to "fit him" into my oh so busy schedule during the week.

Other than that, I do want everyone to know I will be DJ'ing an "End of the World" Party at "Rosey's Cantina" on December 21st. So, if you are in the Hiawatha, KS area, stop in and party with me!

Zombie Apocalypse Survival Guide Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 18:24:26 PST

So, I decided to write Part 2 of the Survival Guide right away, simply because I have nothing better to do. In this post, I will discuss the optimal vehicles one would want in the case of a zombie apocalypse. Each vehicle I discuss will fall into a discussion of merit. Merits are based on gas consumption, sturdiness and size.

So, at this point, you may not live in an ideal location best suited to hold out during the zombie apocalypse. You will want to relocate to a more secure location...something that will be discussed in Part 3. However, the problem may be that you don't have a decent vehicle, or have one at all (My problem at the moment). In either case, you will want to procure a vehicle promptly. If procurement is occurring during the apocalypse, I would say that theft is pretty much a non-issue, but if you wish to purchase prior to said apocalypse, please PURCHASE the desired vehicle properly.

My recommendations are based on needs. If a small group, such as a family of approximately four, you will have a very easy time finding something perfect to carry/transport your supplies and group to a desirable location. Larger groups may be tougher to find a single vehicle for, but having a small caravan is not a bad idea.

First off, for a small group, or a family, an SUV would be recommended. I do NOT recommend Hummers though. Reason for that is they are gas hogs. They consume a great deal amount of fuel. So you will want something with good gas mileage. There are a lot of SUV's that are being released that are hybrids, giving you excellent mileage, and plenty of room. These vehicles offer luggage racks on the roof of the vehicle, as well, as to allow you to carry non-essentials on the top, and anything that would count as essential/emergency items in the back of the vehicle.

Another recommendation for a small group/family would be any conversion van. They have minimal windows, plenty of space, and okay gas mileage. Again, plenty of storage space in the rear, luggage racks, and even give you the option of space to sleep in when travelling.

What if you are part of a large group of say 7 to 12 people? In that case, you can always mix and match these style of vehicles, and install radios for communication. However, if you all wish to stay together in a single vehicle, a bus would be ideal. Now, yes, a bus has a lot of windows, but wire mesh can be installed easily to barricade the windows for safety.

Another option is moving vehicles, such as U-Haul vans/trucks. You have the space for storage, you can alter the vehicle for comfort and convenience, and transport a group of people depending on the vehicle.

I personally would go with the convoy mixture of SUV/Conversion Van with a U-Haul style van/truck.

Vehicles I would recommend staying away from are small cars. Why? Easy to be overcome by a herd of zombies. They could easily weigh it down to the point of impeding mobility. Plus these small vehicles aren't usually as sturdy, and will not hold up against great deals of weight. Convertible is an obvious no-no. Motorcycles would be a horrid idea simply due to a complete lack of any protection, or room for extended supplies. However, you have a great deal of mobility and agility.

Fancifully, if able to acquire this, I would recommend armored transports and vehicles. These include military vehicles, and armored cars used to transport money. Now, these are more than likely improbable to acquire. But if you were able to, go for it.

So, there ya go. Be smart in which vehicle you choose. It will be one that you will come to rely on.

The next blog will discuss ideal locations to hunker down in. I will talk about places that will not be ideal that should be avoided at all costs.

Zombie Apocalypse Survival Guide Pt 1

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 18:00:02 PST

Two years ago I did a post on what I would "need" in the case of a zombie apocalypse. Well, I am going to repost/redo that little post here, and call it "The Zombie Apocalypse Survival Guide". This will be the obvious "Part 1" to the guide. In this article, I will discuss the basics that we all will need immediately to begin the long road of survival.

Food
Food is a no-brainer (no pun intended). You will want to keep it to the basics. This survival package will contain much of the same food supplies you would want to keep for any emergency, but we will run down the items nonetheless.

Non-Perishables are the most obvious here. This includes canned and dried fruits, vegetables and meats. Vienna Sausages, Spam, Deviled Ham, etc...these are important as they will provide much needed protein. I would also highly recommend trail mixes and canned nuts. For fun, and those addicted to caffeine, coffee beans. No, not the grounds you use in a coffee machine, but the actual beans you find in most grocery stores. You can chew on them, and get your caffeine.

Medical Supplies
First Aid kits, bandages, salves, ointments, and various medications...including vitamins and minerals...can be found in any store such as a grocer and Walmart. These will come in handy for the simple fact that you WILL get bumps, bruises, scrapes, and more while surviving, especially if you find that you will need to make a mad dash from a "zombie herd".

Batteries
Batteries of ALL sizes. AA, AAA, C, D and 9 volts are the standard for most small handheld electronic devices, and flashlights. You will want a supply of the heavy duty kind for radios, flashlights, walkie talkies, handwarmers, etc.

Hand crank and solar chargers. They make these chargers that you use a hand crank and solar chargers for a variety of electronic devices that do not use standard batteries, such as tablets, cellphones, etc. Who's to say that the cellular network doesn't stay up and running Z-Day and the following months to follow?

Electronic Devices
This may sound kind of silly, but flashlights, radios, walkie talkies, cellphones, laptops and even tablets will be your lifeline to sanity. You can use these to listen for updates to the apocalypse communicate, and even entertain yourself. Again, with the cellphones, who is to say that the cellular network doesn't stay up and running during these events. It would be possibly safe to say that if left with enough time, these networks would be made to stay running indefinitely during the crisis for the sole purpose of keeping lines of communication open. Remember, also, that the internet was designed by DARPA in the1960's for military defense purposes, so the backbone, and the network could easily stay active during the crisis. Email, IM and various Bulletin Boards will be established to function for the purpose of communication, as well. I dare say Google would probably still be running!

Non-Electronic lighting
Candles, lighters and matches. These three things are very important. You will want these around, if anything but to help you conserve energy on those electronic devices that solely rely on batteries.

Blankets
Another no brainer here. You will want to keep warm.

Extra Clothing
Wearing the same set of clothing for days on end is unsanitary, and will make you start smelling just as bad as all of the undead walking around. That smell could very well attract them.

Protection
This is the tricky part. You can go with makeshift weapons, or invest in the real deal. However, I recommend a mixture here. Axes, hunting knives and guns. Axes and knives require NO ammunition, but also means you expend a great amount of energy. Not only that, but you also require a zombie to be deadly close to you before making a death blow. These types of weapons are best used in situations of not wanting to draw attention to a safe house scenario, or when out of extra ammo. Guns should include a firearm for close to moderate situations, and rifles for long range situations. Another addition would be a crossbow, or standard bow and arrows. These weapons have range, effectiveness and are stealthy.

The important thing here is that one needs to know how to use these weapons effectively. An axe would probably be the easiest. Knives require decent hand to hand fighting technique. You can overcome your weakness here by using something soft, and having a partner take on the roll of an undead attacker. Bows and Arrows, or Crossbows, allow you to practice your aim and technique with firing them without the concern of ammo, as you can recover the arrows and use them again. Guns, however, pose a problem that you need to practice, but you will want to conserve your ammo. I would recommend everyone taking training classes now in as a preparedness scenario rather than when the $#it hits the fan.

All in all, these are the basics to get started...that I would find useful. It may sound like a lot, but really, it isn't. You will want to have enough supplies that would last at the minimum of one (1) week. However, if you have a secure location, I would suggest a months worth of supplies in accordance to the number in your group.

My next post will cover recommend vehicles, and ones that would be best left at the side of the road.

Why the Zompocalypse is Most (Unfortunately) Improbable

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:01:04 PDT

I am a huge Zombie Apocalypse fan as the next person is. I enjoy the human drama, and the outright need of survival that these stories portray. I also like the darker side of it all. You know, the part where one can shoot ANYBODY (that is undead) without worry of being charged with murder. However, there is one big flaw with the idea of a sudden zombie outbreak that is portrayed in these various movies. Here is why i don't see it happening.

Back in February of this year (2012), I did a blog post on the feasibility of an actual zombie outbreak. However, in this post, I will discuss why I do not see it as a possibility that it would be an apocalyptic event as portrayed on "The Walking Dead", or in all of those classic "Living Dead" movies.

Reason One
The initial infection would have to be sudden, and widespread. It would have to spread through the water we drink, or through the air. Personally, I would go with an airborne contagion simply due to the fact that once breathed in, it would be introduced to the bloodstream quickly. Ingested through food or drink would introduce it to stomach acids that it may not initially survive. Airborne contagions would also get to the brain faster, and easier. Another method would be through any bite. Most likely culprit would be either a mosquito, flea or tick. Many deadly viral, and bacterial, epidemics are blamed on mosquitos, fleas and ticks. All-in-all, the best and fastest method for introducing a sudden outbreak would be something that is introduced to the bloodstream quickly, and effectively.

The problem with the introduction, however, is most of these pests are well controlled in most areas, even rural areas where it would be most likely. And even in the rural areas, there is a lower population density making the outbreak controllable. How so, you wonder? How many country folk, or rednecks, do you know that DO NOT own at least one firearm?

Reason 2
The MOMENT anyone started showing signs of severe illness brought on by the "Z-Virus" would be admitted to hospitals. Let us base this whole idea on what we see in a vast majority of movies, and on how most viral, bacterial and even fungal infections react. From the moment of infection, to signs of infection, to symptoms, to death...all of these stages take time. The time is obviously based on the state of health of the infected. Obviously the very young, and the very old, will succumb to the infection quickly. However, we are still talking about at least a few days before start to death.

During these stages hospitals will isolate and quarantine the infected patients. While in quarantine, blood and tissue samples will be taken, and sent to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). During this time, an understanding of how it was transmitted, and how it works will be quickly ascertained. Field units will be established in areas that are showing higher signs of infection to control the situation, and to better understand the infection.

Reason 3
The moment the CDC is brought in, the military will be immediately mobilized. When I say the military, I am talking every single branch. Their job will be to control the highways and interstates as to keep people in, or out, of infected areas. Sounds horrible? It is. However, if I live in an uninfected region, I sure as hell wouldn't wanting someone that was in an infected area bringing the "Z-Virus" with them to ruin my weekend.

The military will have checkpoints all over the country to insure the safety of the citizens. Also, expect them in full NBC Hazmat gear from head to toe. Expect enforced curfews.

Reason 4
Expect natural conditions to have an effect on the "living dead". Now, this is, of course, expecting the zombies to be actually dead and decaying. It could be a state of "undying" where metabolism is reduced, mental faculties are destroyed as the brain is destroyed by the infection, and the possibility of whatever infected the person didn't somehow kill off the bacteria that lives within our bodies that have a variety of different functions.

Natural conditions that I am referring to would be carrion eating animals that would peck at the living dead. That is if they find zombies as "edible". Weather will also have a play on the body. Water, even from rain, will soak into the body, making it water logged. If that were to happen, mobility is lost. Decay will happen faster. If a dry climate, then the body will dry out and become leathery...again losing mobility. There are always insects...but again we are assuming that the virus/bacteria/fungus infecting the zombies doesn't have some adverse effect that doesn't keep insects away.

Reason 5
Personally, I find this as the biggest reason why no sudden zombie outbreak will EVER really happen. When you watch a zombie movie, or television show, or play a video game about zombies, it seems that we must sustain the belief that these people have obviously NEVER watched a show, or played a game, about zombies. All of these forms of media portray people complete ignorant of what zombies are. Shows like "The Walking Dead" never refer to them as zombies. George Romero's classics refrained from calling them zombies for the longest time. The reason? First, to eliminate the the campiness of the concept of "zombies". Second, to suppress the notion that the characters are familiar with the concept of zombies.

In the real world, we know what zombies are. We all have theories on how one would become a zombie, what the infection will do, and how long the body will last in said state. We also each have our various ways of "knowing how to kill" a zombie. The favorite method, of course, is the head. This playing on the notion that the infection attacks the brain, and thus the nervous system, to convert the living to the living dead. Destroy the brain, and done. However, some tend to get into specifics of the parts of the brain that MUST BE destroyed in order to cause "true death" to an infected person. I discuss the reasons in my previous blog regarding the functions of the brain, along with what parts are "necessary", versus the parts that can be sacrificed.

Regardless, though. There are a lot of living people with a LOT of working guns. All one would do is gather in groups, and have the situation handled easily.

The chances of a zombie outbreak would be rather implausible based on what I have discussed. Between people ready to pull the trigger on "Walkers", and the CDC working on a cure/vaccine, it just is to unlikely. However, the only "effective" means for a true zombie apocalypse to take a foothold would be if the infection fatal quickly. Quick meaning within a 24 to 48 time frame. It would also mean that we were all infected to start with, and that the virus took hold immediately when someone dies. If that were the case, then death from zombie bites would be from infection from other bacteria that would be growing inside of the fluids of the zombies body, probably allowed to grow due to retarded decay.

Regardless, I would enjoy some feedback on what you think. Comment below, on Facebook, or Google+.

I Obviously Lack a Filter!

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Schuetz) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:22:02 PDT

So, just last night I was told I basically lack a filter. That lack also was the reason someone and I didn't work out. My lack of a filter is why things didn't work out? How is this for a "lack of filter"...

I always figured the reason things between she and I didn't work out was because she listened to her worthless "best friend" telling her I was using her. That I was a dead beat that wouldn't get a job. Keep in mind, I had NO car in Texas. What car I did have broke down when I got there. Also, I moved to a city she wanted to move to. One that I had NO job in, where as I did have one in Houston...which was in the OPPOSITE DIRECTION!

Another reason for why things didn't work out? I also figured it was because I couldn't compare to the ex-husband. Someone I was constantly reminded about how he made a solid sixty thousand a year. It seeming was compared to the fact that I was only making around ten thousand, if I was lucky with a part time job.

But the reason we broke up was my lack of filter. Something that obviously kept me quite civil when we attended her church...where the "pastor" was quoting OT wrong every Sunday. That lack of a filter also kept me quite on how I felt for damn near TWO FUCKING YEARS!

I lost weight, exercised, quit smoking, and moved away from all of my friends and family in 2010 for her. What was I fucking thinking!?