Archive: May, 2009

Sick in nice weather – Part eleventy5

May 20th, 2009 · · Family, Illinois, Mount Vernon, School No comments - Tags: , , , , , ,

It seems to never fail. When the weather changes, usually for the good, the kids and I get sick. Naturally, that will fall to Emily as well since she is around us all the time. It can’t happen when there is snow on the ground, nor when it’s raining like it was for the past week. During those times, we could at least comatose on cold drugs and just sleep through it.

No, this has to happen when the kids should be at school and the weather is gorgeous outside. I should be out there mowing down my yard, but I’m posting this and enduring calls for more juice and ‘Daddy, my head hurtsssss…’

It’s a bunch of crap. Stupid illnesses always getting in the way of fun and outdoor activity. At least we did get to enjoy the zoo Monday before this plague kicked-in. I know I already posted about it, but it was fun to get out of town and spend some time together.

Well, enough whining about bad-illness-timing. I’m off to fetch more juice and take some antibiotics. I’m a wild man, sir. I’ll try to keep the noise down.

Daniel’s Tweets for 2009-05-20

May 20th, 2009 · · Twitter No comments - Tags: ,
  • Daniel’s Tweets for 2009-05-19 ~ http://ping.fm/zgzdI #
  • Standardized online application? ~ http://ping.fm/BNFGK #
  • Standardized online application? ~ http://ping.fm/SFtKX #
  • Great post that addresses one of my concerns: http://tinyurl.com/pa67cc . @geeknews #
  • Searching and searching for employment. #
  • May have a lead on a position. I’m excited. #
  • I wish I could outgrow ear infections like I have outgrown clothes. (Yes, that was a fat joke.) #
  • Nice evening of working on sites. Things working out pretty well actually. #
  • Stupid WordPress. Not really, it’s the theme, but why not whine about everything. #
  • I think I have the blog back to form again. I am so thankful that @chrispirillo released it. I didn’t give much, but it was what I could. #
  • Guess I should work on upping the blog readership since I have free time now. Shameless plug: http://blog.danvoyles.us #

Standardized online application?

May 19th, 2009 · · Technology 2 comments - Tags: , , , , ,

Recently I have been completing quite a few online applications in my current search. Wal-Mart, Staples, Radio Shack, etc. Each one has their own different application format and style. Some have the common psychological test, some give you scenario questions, and others just want basic information.

My question is, can we use a standard application process, at least to get basic information, education, and work history? I know there will be specific questions and details for each site, but there stands to be some common ground between at least these three key areas.

OpenID has attempted to simplify the login process across websites with its initiative, and I would think that the process could similarly apply to the application process. Simple setup, one time, to be used across many websites. Those of us searching for new employment would be grateful, and companies would gain an extremely simplified application process based on some standards (I would think).

I understand the concerns about privacy and security. I’m a bit paranoid myself, but there are smarter people than me who could address these issues and probably prepare a solution.

I don’t know, but does anyone think it’s a good idea?

Daniel’s Tweets for 2009-05-19

May 19th, 2009 · · Twitter No comments - Tags: ,
  • H8 FireFTP. #
  • Daniel’s Tweets for 2009-05-18 ~ http://ping.fm/8b8PY #
  • Driving to the zoo. Lot of farmland. #
  • Lots of no shows. I feel like Jeff Godblum in Jurassic Park. #
  • Back home from the zoo. Made it 3 whole hours. #
  • The Saint Louis Zoo 2009 ~ http://ping.fm/l9j5h #
  • I has a tired. #
  • RT: @HomemadeMom: I’ve been nominated for the blogger’s choice ’09 awards! Please cast your vote!!! http://twurl.nl/zhu3cz #
  • The geek is flipping between Star Trek TNG and Cardinals’ baseball. I’m a wild man. #
  • Being dad can be tough, but I would never trade it. #
  • Beware, Windows Server users: http://bit.ly/zd3Fm
    . Via cNet. #

The Saint Louis Zoo 2009

May 18th, 2009 · · Family, School One comment - Tags: , , , , , , ,

Well, today we went to the zoo. It was Amaya’s end of the year field trip. We took Erich and went over to see all the animals on display.

As usual, there were what you normally expect to see at a zoo, but this year, they added a stingray pool. You can walk up to the pool, pet a stingray, and for a dollar more even feed one. Since I had no desire to pet them Emily and the kids went through and did the bit. It would seem the consensus is that they feel like wet portobello mushrooms. I don’t like mushrooms, so it’s probably better I didn’t go. 🙂

Then we went through the penguin habitat. I was very excited to see the penguins since they are the mascot for my operating system. (Geeks, what do you do with them?) I have to say the outside area where the puffins are located is horrible smelling. That’s what you get in an enclosed bird habitat I suppose. Inside was a little better. There was a pool that the emperor penguins seemed to love swimming in and showing off for the crowd.

My wife had to be the troublemaker. She reached out and touched a penguin. Granted, there weren’t any signs to the contrary, but common sense should tell you to not play with or touch the wild animals. Apparently Emily was absent that day. She was lightly scolded by the elderly volunteer worker and we went about the rest of our trip.

Erich and Amaya had a blast seeing all of the animals up close and live instead of on television, and that’s really all the trip was about. Now if I could just keep their mother under control, everything would be great.

Pictures to come in the Flickr photostream.