MBA

Just weeks left until I finish my executive MBA program. Graduation is in May. So much left to do before I am finished. My last class requires a business plan, which I am seriously thinking of trying to go live with. I'm doing my research now, and may be applying for a patent soon. Then I will need to purchase a technology license and find investors.

Hopefully, if all works, this site will be converted to my new business within a year. There is a lot of risk involved, and it may never take off. I may not be able to find investors. But it has such great possibilities!

--Mizike--

Class Trip

Just 4 more days until my class trip to China and Thailand. I should be more excited about the trip, but can't seem to get into the spirit. Skyprincess decided not to come, which means I'll have to put up with classmates I'd rather not spend any time with.

Perhaps it will change once I'm there, but I'm just not feeling it. At least it is only 10 days and I'll be back. Would be better if we were touring IT firms.

--Mizike--

Forgot about this place

it's been a while since i posted here. not sure what i want to do with this place, perhaps turn it into a work related blog with postings regarding SAP.

i'm still an SAP consultant, but with a few more years experience under my belt. i started this blog when i was wet behind the ears and have learned a lot during the past few years.

still married to dane and living on long island, ny. a bit of change from when i was in memphis, tn and wisconsin. i'm half way through my mba program at hofstra university, with an expected graduation date of april 2012. not sure my direction after graduation, though an overseas assignment would be very desirable.

well, back to work. chat with you guys later.

--Mizike--

Goodbye

This may be my final post. I'm not sure I will be back to blog in the future. What I want to write, I cannot. Or will not. But that doesn't matter.

Right now, things are not so great. I need to spend time trying to save my marriage, and so this is it. Thanks for visiting, perhaps I'll start blogging again. Right now, I just have no motivation.


--Mizike--

All Japanese must be gay

OMG! I was sitting here reading when I almost snorted my soy latte out my nose. This is just hilarious!

A devil food is turning our kids into homosexuals

There's a slow poison out there that's severely damaging our children and threatening to tear apart our culture. The ironic part is, it's a "health food," one of our most popular.
Now, I'm a health-food guy, a fanatic who seldom allows anything into his kitchen unless it's organic. I state my bias here just so you'll know I'm not anti-health food.

The dangerous food I'm speaking of is soy. Soybean products are feminizing, and they're all over the place. You can hardly escape them anymore.

I have nothing against an occasional soy snack. Soy is nutritious and contains lots of good things. Unfortunately, when you eat or drink a lot of soy stuff, you're also getting substantial quantities of estrogens.

Estrogens are female hormones. If you're a woman, you're flooding your system with a substance it can't handle in surplus. If you're a man, you're suppressing your masculinity and stimulating your "female side," physically and mentally.

In fetal development, the default is being female. All humans (even in old age) tend toward femininity. The main thing that keeps men from diverging into the female pattern is testosterone, and testosterone is suppressed by an excess of estrogen.

If you're a grownup, you're already developed, and you're able to fight off some of the damaging effects of soy. Babies aren't so fortunate. Research is now showing that when you feed your baby soy formula, you're giving him or her the equivalent of five birth control pills a day. A baby's endocrine system just can't cope with that kind of massive assault, so some damage is inevitable. At the extreme, the damage can be fatal.

Soy is feminizing, and commonly leads to a decrease in the size of the penis, sexual confusion and homosexuality. That's why most of the medical (not socio-spiritual) blame for today's rise in homosexuality must fall upon the rise in soy formula and other soy products. (Most babies are bottle-fed during some part of their infancy, and one-fourth of them are getting soy milk!) Homosexuals often argue that their homosexuality is inborn because "I can't remember a time when I wasn't homosexual." No, homosexuality is always deviant. But now many of them can truthfully say that they can't remember a time when excess estrogen wasn't influencing them.

Doctors used to hope soy would reduce hot flashes, prevent cancer and heart disease, and save millions in the Third World from starvation. That was before they knew much about long-term soy use. Now we know it's a classic example of a cure that's worse than the disease. For example, if your baby gets colic from cow's milk, do you switch him to soy milk? Don't even think about it. His phytoestrogen level will jump to 20 times normal. If he is a she, brace yourself for watching her reach menarche as young as seven, robbing her of years of childhood. If he is a boy, it's far worse: He may not reach puberty till much later than normal.

Research in 2000 showed that a soy-based diet at any age can lead to a weak thyroid, which commonly produces heart problems and excess fat. Could this explain the dramatic increase in obesity today?

Recent research on rats shows testicular atrophy, infertility and uterus hypertrophy (enlargement). This helps explain the infertility epidemic and the sudden growth in fertility clinics. But alas, by the time a soy-damaged infant has grown to adulthood and wants to marry, it's too late to get fixed by a fertility clinic.

Worse, there's now scientific evidence that estrogen ingredients in soy products may be boosting the rapidly rising incidence of leukemia in children. In the latest year we have numbers for, new cases in the U.S. jumped 27 percent. In one year!

There's also a serious connection between soy and cancer in adults – especially breast cancer. That's why the governments of Israel, the UK, France and New Zealand are already cracking down hard on soy.

In sad contrast, 60 percent of the refined foods in U.S. supermarkets now contain soy. Worse, soy use may double in the next few years because (last I heard) the out-of-touch medicrats in the FDA hierarchy are considering allowing manufacturers of cereal, energy bars, fake milk, fake yogurt, etc., to claim that "soy prevents cancer." It doesn't.

P.S.: Soy sauce is fine. Unlike soy milk, it's perfectly safe because it's fermented, which changes its molecular structure. Miso, natto and tempeh are also OK, but avoid tofu.

Shenanigans!

My brother Jamie was the baby of the family. Being the baby, he got away with murder. He was always causing problems and lying to get out of it. No matter what he did, he denied it and our parents believed him. Our parents always punished us for all his transgressions, even when it was obvious he caused it. Perhaps it was protection of the youngest, or just not giving a damn, I'll never know. It marked a lesson for me.

Like the majority of American families, my family did not believe in taking responsibility for their own actions. My younger brother, for example, has denied any self responsibility his entire life. Poor paying jobs were never his fault. He ignored he was a poor performer in his early jobs, or that his only motivation was earning enough to get his next bag of pot. Even the birth of his son did not change his outlook, he is in his early 30s and still lives at home with my mother. He pays no rent, and very little of his own bills. He has no survival skills, and both Skyprincess and I are fearing the day my mother dies and we have to kick him out of the house we own. (We own my mother's house and will need to sell it when she passes).

I wish this denial of personal responsibility was localized to my family, but it's everywhere. When did 'taking responsibility for your own actions' go away?

I don't know how this lack of personal responsibility became so prevalent in the states. Perhaps it's the culture of entitlement we've promoted. It's gotten so bad that students are no longer able to fail. We cannot label them as "failures" because they weren't motivated enough to study, we have to label them as "success deferred". Did they fail their class? Don't label them as failed, just label them as "deferred success". The need to be PC is destroying our country.

The latest round of personal responsibility avoidance seems to be focused around alcohol. Mel Gibson spouts off anti-semitic insults, and he washes it away be claiming it wasn't him, it was the alcohol speaking. What is it with people seeking something to blame their actions on?

Today there is a story on how Angelina Jolie had no intentions of taking Brad Pitt away from Jennifer Aniston. Someone had to make the first move. Cheating doesn't "just happen". I've worked with women all my life, and I can tell you that merely being in the same room with them doesn't cause someone to "just fall in love". It takes a decision for both people to proceed. If she had no intentions of stealing Pitt away, then she could easily have put a stop to it. Not taking blame away from Pitt, he's a typical dog. Although, he does have good taste. He definitely traded up. Aniston was always a bit flakey for me.

I'm calling shenanigans!

Food hacks

Here are some of my favorites found from this article.

How to avoid crying when cutting up onions.

My technique had aways been to run the ceiling fan when cutting up onions. It has always worked for me. Here is Food Hack's method.

Using a knife, cut a cone out of the bottom of the onion (where the roots come out). The diameter of this cone should be about a third of the diameter of the onion, and about 1/3 deep. Take this piece and throw it away (don't put it down the disposal!). This piece contains the part/gland that makes baby Jesus and everyone else in the room cry when you're chopping it up. Once you've gotten that piece out, chop off the top, peel, and slice the onion.

Chill a bottle of wine in 6 minutes

To chill a bottle of white wine quickly, put the bottle in a bucket with ice, water and a large handful of salt. The salt reduces the freezing point of water and will allow it to become superchilled, which will in turn chill the bottle of wine in six minutes flat.

How to cool the burn of chiles

I don't know anyone who doesn't know this one, but here it is!

The chemical capsaicin, the component that makes pepper and chiles hot, is a tricky one. Drinking water, as Lynne Rossetto Kasper of The Splendid Table reminds us, does not relieve the burn. Capsaicin bonds with fat, so cream, whole milk, yogurt, and other creamy things are the best antidote. In most cuisine from hot, hot, spicy places, like India and Indonesia, citrusy yogurt and other creamy concoctions are used to counteract ultra-hot foods. If you're cutting chiles, Kasper explains, you can prevent irritation: "Scrub with lemon or vinegar; coat your skin with oil before you start working with the chiles," or "slip plastic bags over your hands" before you start chopping.

Eeek!

Eeek! What's that running down my head?

gittin my skoolin

Yahoo! I'm in Chicago this week receiving SAP training! I have such high expectations for this class, I hope it turns out well.

I drove down from home last night, it only took me 5 hours. I stopped by Xiaowen's place when I got here, she's a former coworker of mine who lives in Chicago. I met her 2 roommate and I decided to join them for their John Hancock building climb. She's going to climb the John Hancock building for the Nat'l Lung Association marathon. She's suppose to raise only $100 for the climb, her roommate is suppose to raise $1200.

We took the train from her apartment and got there about 7:30pm and started on the 45 floor. 15 minutes later we were on the 97th floor. That hurt! Then we had to make the climb back to the 45th floor. My legs were like jelly, my knees just would not lock. But it was fun, although my back is killing me today.

I found a hilarious list of feedbacks on an ebay seller. Here are a few of them.

Has intestinal FORTITUDE!!! Eats PORTIONED meals!!! Enjoys NOURISHMENT!!!

If you can guess 3 of the foods in my retainer, I'll send you a free VEGETABLE.

Good kitty/fish. Nice kitty/fish. Just stay right there... GOTCHA!

Duck ...duck ...duck ...duck ...duck .......GOOSE!

When life gives you a lemon, put it on eBay and I will bid on it.

For some strange reason everything you sold me was illegal. Then I got shot. A+?

Fast shipping. Polite responses. Has all his teeth. Doesn't beat his wife.

The breast self exam kit you sent saved my life. I had a huge cancerous breast.

Uses only nice, ROUND numbers, like $10 and $12. NOT $73.98

He sells only the best items on Ebay. Great seller.Everyone else can go to hell.

I have cancer so I bid low. I cry when I'm outbid. My dog died yesterday.

What's a bad transaction? One where you get crabs and warts. Yeah, thanks a lot.

Nothing beats home cookin' except for your tremendous selling/buying experience!

I would like to shake your hand. I do not have any arms, though. I'm sad now.

I'm a big kid now!

The commercial with the little kid singing "I'm a big kid now!" is running through my mind. I have found this site that has great gift ideas, and this one blows me away! It's a kiddie urinal! whodathought?

Not another one of her!

Skyprincess recently asked me if I have a complex with Dakota Fanning. Which I don't! It's merely by chance I've posted a couple time about her, it isn't some fixation of mine. I think there are plenty of freaks out there, I just happen to have posted about Dakota Fanning's freakishness. She's an outstanding actress, the next generation's Jodie Foster. I look forward to her growing up and having more adult roles. She's got chops!

But that doesn't take away from her being freaky looking. So here's another pix of Dakota with Andre.

Enjoy!

Some Pig!

I am a guy, like any other guy, and find it daring and exciting for an attractive girl to wear a miniskirt and no underwear. What I don't understand is their anger when they are caught on camera flashing their goodies. You put it out there for the world to see.

Seems the latest in celebrity flashes is Britney Spears. She's been hanging around with Paris Hilton (skank) lately. The celebrity stalkers caught her getting in a car and exposing her shaved crotch. Ewww! Who finds crotch shots exciting? I don't, and I'm in awe anytime I hear about the pervs in Japan shooting upskirt videos on trains.

To continue on the freaky side of the news, the freakish Dakota Fanning (may she forever make movies, you young acting prodigy!) was in Japan promoting a live action remake of Charlotte's Web. If I had kids, I'd be dragging them to it opening night. As it is, I have little to no interest in the movie. I think she'll excel in the movie and it will make millions.

Here's a picture of her and Wilbur!

Kid's education fund looking scarce?

Are you worried about how you are going to pay for your kid's college education?  Are you very mobile and are willing to relocate?  Well... then I have the perfect plan for you.

Move to Kalamazoo, Michigan!  That's right, pick up your family and move to Kalamazoo.

The Kalamazoo Promise is a scholarship program set up by anonymous donors to provide full tuition to any Michigan university.  If your child graduates from any Kalamazoo public school, they are eligible for the scholarship.

There are some restrictions.

• All students who graduate from Kalamazoo Public Schools, are residing in the district, and have been KPS students at least four continuous years are eligible for the scholarship.
• To qualify, students must have graduated from a KPS high school; must be admitted to and enrolled in a public Michigan university or community college; make regular progress toward a degree or certification; maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average at the university. (If the GPA drops below 2.0 a student may be reinstated if he/she is able to bring their GPA back to at least a 2.0.); must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.
• The program provides up to 4 years of tuition and mandatory fees.
• Benefits are on a sliding scale, linked to the length of attendance in the Kalamazoo Public School system. (Those attending kindergarten through 12 grade receive 100 percent; those who only attend 10th through 12th grade don't qualify for the benefit.)

Although not mentioned in the article, it was said that in addition, the University of Michigan will offer free room and board to anyone in The Promise program.

Eeyore!

I almost never discuss the specifics of my sex life.  Probably because Skyprincess reads this blog, and I wouldn't want to be shut off from her affections by sharing intimate details.  However, I do feel a need to post today about last night.

It was late, past my work bedtime to be honest, when Skyprincess began to get a bit frisky.  Usually I'm the one making the first move, so I wasn't about to ignor a sure thing.  We do a bit of foreplay and she has her pre-intercourse climax.  Then we get ready for the main event and get going very slowly at first when she makes a few grunts that I just found funny.  I'm trying to focus on the task when she sees me laughing.  That was a mistake!

Next thing I know, I'm off her and she's trying to get me to explain why I was laughing.  And I didn't even know I was.  We start laughing so hard that it was 5 minutes before we could calm down.  Finally we start trying to get the mood started again by touching and kissing.  Then I make my mistake.

Here is my lesson for the day for everyone.  When she makes mention of going for her honeypot (which she's never said before, I might add), PLEASE don't do what I did.  Don't break out in song singing about Winnie-the-Pooh and his quest for the honeypot.  And especially don't end it with a loud donkey brah "Eeyore!".  It totally kills the mood and you'll be sleeping on your side of the bed neglected.

All you need is a piece of rope

OMG!  I laughed so hard when I reached the part about the rope!  Enjoy!

True

Last week presented reminders of how old I'm getting to be. First, it was listening to my boss talk about his son. He was teaching his son how to save a document in MS Word when he told him to click the button that looks like a disc. We all know the one, the floppy disk icon. His son told him it's not a disc, he knows what a disc looks like. It's round. *sigh*

The next time was in Target. Skyprincess and I were looking in the $1 section when a group of teenage girls came strolling by. One of them found the $1 Jiffy Popcorn and picked it up excitedly. "Look! You put this in a fireplace! I have a fireplace, let's get one and show my mom!" It was like a kid finding a new toy they've never seen before. Skyprincess and I just looked at each other, knowing how old we just were made to feel.

On another note, I was waiting for some data to load and decided to browse Wikipedia. For some reason, I decided to Wiki the old TV show Earth 2 and follow some links to some of the actors. That's when I found out the girl (Jessica Madison Wright Morris) who played "True" died July 21, 2006.



She passed away days after returning from her honeymoon. Then I googled her name for images and found this website (Life in Legacy). I've bookmarked it.

Going to be an interesting week here. Both our mothers flew in this afternoon for the week. We'll have to sleep on a air mattress for a couple days. I just need to keep the cats from clawing a hole in it.

-Mizike-

Windows 98

There are times I hate throwing things away.  Or even upgrading when I need to.  For me, if it works, why change?  I'm not someone who needs to be on the bleeding edge.  Most of the time, I never really check out all the functionality of what I own.

For example, I own a 62in DLP television set.  I haven't really explored all that the TV will do for me.  It has lots of bells and whistles I haven't explored.  There are inputs I have not clue what they are for.  I did get the composite video hooked up, but I do notice other digital inputs.  Plus the remote is suppose to be universal, but I haven't programmed it for the cable box, stereo, DVD, etc.  So I have a table full of remotes.

I've done very little with my cell phone service.  Its suppose to have call waiting features, conferencing, etc., but I have no clue how to use it.  Mostly, I just haven't looked at the booklet.  I still have the default voice message TMobile offers.  I haven't even customized that.  And it's been almost 3 years. 

As an IT professional, this may be the worst.  In our house we have 2 desktop computers and 2 laptop computers.  Over the years, I have upgraded the 2nd computer's processor and video card.  Right now all it is used for is surfing the web while I play WoW on my primary computer.  Or at least that's what I did do when I played WoW.

As I upgraded, all I did was upgrade the hardware and use the same hard drive I've had for a very long time.  It's not the same hard drive I had 10 years ago, those have died or I have bought an upgrade.  But it is the same Windows 98 first edition.  Yes, that's right.  It's not even Windows 98 SE!!!  That's second edition for you folks, which fixed a lot of issues with Win98.

But I have really not had any problems with it.  I have never had any issue with software installs in the past, and I don't see installing any software in the future on it.  It's mainly a web browser.  One thing that does bug me is that it is not compatible with USB thumb drives.  Win98 SE is, but not this one.

Jumping in the Way Back Machine, there was a time when Netscape was putting out Netscape Navigator suite.  The Suite contain many tools that have disappeared.  One tool was a newsreader that I use to this day.  I've tried other newsreaders, but they do not have the preview abilities the old Netscape one did.

One of these days I'll give up on the machine and either junk it or upgrade the OS.

White stuff

Tomorrow should be fun.  They are calling for 4 to 6 inches of snow.  Saturday will be warm, melting it all away.  Maybe we'll avoid blizzards this winter =)