rogriff

Bank Computers down 4/1/11

2011-04-01T14:53:00.000-07:00

I went into wellsfargo bank today to cash a check. They told me they could not cash their own check because the bank computers are down. I asked if it was the branch computers, they said "no, all computers". She then clarified that all bank computers were down and it had something to do with Satellite linking. I am sure I could have asked whether they really needed to access a computer to tell if they can cash an official wellsfargo check, but remembered my past dealings with banks in general and wellsfargo in particular. Are there sun spots I have not heard about? A rogue 'star wars' missile taking out a satellite? There always seems to be excuses at banks of why I cannot cash a check. Recently at 'bank of america', they are just plain refusing to deposit money unless you stand there and fill out that useless piece of paper they call a deposit slip. Top 10 bank annoyances at http://newtop3.com/BankAnnoyances

Strange arsenic organism GFAJ-1 (excerpt from a fb discussion)

2010-12-02T14:04:00.000-08:00

Just 5 years ago, the people who were speculating about alien life was also speculating about whether or not there were planets outside our solar system. (exoplanets). They used deductive reasoning along with probability to conclude that there must be planets (trillions around stars like ours) in the reset our galaxy, and much more in the rest of the universe. Although, it was good reasoning, the fact was that there simply was no evidence or even technology to detect whether or not such planets existed.

As of November 23, 2010, astronomers have announced the detection of 504 such planets, with hundreds more planet candidates awaiting to be confirmed by more detailed investigations.

Some are made of gas like Jupiter, some are too hot, some are too cold, some are water worlds(GJ 1214b), some are too close to their star, some are spinning with only one side to the sun. So far none like earth!!!

Recently, we have found a few in the 'goldilocks zone' and are promising candidates for them to be earth-like: Gliese 581 g

With todays discovery that a new organism was discovered in a lake in california based on 'arsenic', never before seen on earth, the implications is astounding. Life can be based on strange and unexpected elements and conditions.

So, in conclusion, it just seems like the puzzle keeps falling into place piece by piece. i.e. Its a matter of time before we find a planet almost identical to earth with conditions to support life. In addition, with todays discovery, it seems like the planet don't even have to be similar to earth and can be very different indeed.

Looked at from M-string theory and Quantum mechanics, every possibility exist in the Universe and possibly Multiverses. Every discovery we make seem to be support that. (its a matter of time before we discover extraterrestrial life)

NASA Astrobiology Announcement

2010-12-02T09:55:00.000-08:00

Are you expecting NASA to announce aliens have contacted us or a rover detected life on mars? Some says that if its anything thing that dramatic, this casual scheduled announcement is not the way it would be done. On the contrary, I believe this is exactly how it would be done. I do not believe it would be an announcement from the President like in the movies. It would probably most likely not be introduced with all the information available either. So they will gradually give out some information like they are planning to do today. Starting small with some information about the astrobiology searching techniques developed using ASTEP (Astrobiology Science and Technology for Exploring Planets)

They may fill up the press briefing with information most people do not care about such as how extremophile biology on earth contributed to the discovery. Then they may say one of these new techniques have been applied to some extraterrestrial object and preliminary results from spectra or other indirect process indicate some basic byproduct of organic activity (commonly associated with biological activity).

How's that for vague and non-committal? We all know what we really want to hear is that we have found unmistakable evidence of extraterrestrial life. In the mean time all we can do is speculate and try to breath in the moments leading up to the live broad cast here

I am personally trying not to build my hopes up. Hoping that such an announcement would be made in my lifetime that is not one of the typical vague one about a rock found with possible ancient fossil from mars.

No matter what the announcement, what is like to happen is a listing of either a single or multiple places where we will start more detailed searches. It would be interesting to see if it is within or outside of the solar system. If it is within the solar system, then its likely good news for those hoping for extraterrestrial existence. Not only will the search be easier, but it will also say that the probability would have increased significantly if we can find life or evidence of it in 2 distinct places in the same star system.

Other possibilities for the announcement could be very benign such as a new technique discovered for astrobiology search or new basis for life discovered from extremophile research.

lunchtime in noho

2010-11-10T11:50:00.001-08:00

I am going to try not to become roadkill as i headoff on foot in noho to lunch while blogging. Lets see, where Lankershim.

How about a grilled steak salad without cheese, crutons or dressing. Maybe add some salsa roja, chopped onions and jalapeno. Some avocade makes it actually ejoyable. This should be less fattening than the thai green curry that I really want.

Take a shower!

2010-11-10T10:41:00.000-08:00

Its amazing to me that some people do not know how they affect others when they splash perfume over themselves in the workplace. In all my years in corporate offices I would have to say I can count the women on my fingers who's perfume were noticeable and very pleasant. The rest of them just simply stink, not because the perfume was always terrible, but because it was overpowering.

I know some people can be allergic to this and become sick. A milder reaction may be a headache or just becoming annoyed. For the love of God, just take a shower. If you are trying to enhance yourself in the workplace, a shower will go a much longer way than smelling like an oil spill. I know many are oblivious to the way they affect others negatively and I would not like to trample on anyone's right to wear perfume. However we should be free to do anything as long as it does not violate the rights of others. Like the right to breath. With that said, lets try to be tolerant of others even if they stink!

So much to talk about, so little time.

2010-11-10T10:19:00.000-08:00

I swear I am not going to post only once a year. Although this seems to be the trend so far. There is so much to talk about: The grand design, strange lights (missile) over California, the 2012 hysteria, Model-Dependent Realism, alternative energy, but alas life consumes us. I have also been wanting to do new videos, but finding the time is the big challenge. I am taking 14 days off for the upcoming holidays, so maybe I can get some of these fun stuff done, like making videos and blogging. Maybe I should figure out how to blog from my phone so I can blog in my spare time while waiting for the elevator.

It's been so long!

2010-01-11T17:26:00.000-08:00

It seems like a year since I have made an entry on these blogs. I cannot believe how long its been. If I did not need to lookup some information at this site, it may have been even longer. I plan on returning and getting back into it. One of the reasons for no new entries is that I planned on transferring my blogs to rogriff.com

This plan has not taken off, and it would have been better if I continued to blog while waiting for rogriff.com to come online fully. Anyway, I will try to get organized and restart it all.

Michael Jackson has died

2009-06-25T16:34:00.000-07:00

It has been confirmed that Michael Jackson has died. I first heard about this about 90 minutes ago. It is now 4:35pm PST. He was a great man!

Major news agencies reports Michael Jackson dies

2009-06-25T15:57:00.000-07:00

It looks like there is no question now. The major news networks speculating about coma, and hospitalization etc. have now confirmed his death. I am watching live video of people assembling in front of the hospital. L.A. Times reports him dead. If he did have a heart attack, why was there not a quicker response? It could only mean that he was not aware that he was ill. It would be interesting to find out what caused the heart attack. He was the youngest of all the Jackson children. I felt some hope when I heard he was in a coma. I think a lot of people will be numb for a while about this news.

Michael Jackson is not dead! He is in a coma.

2009-06-25T15:42:00.000-07:00

Reports are coming in that Michael Jackson is not dead. He is in a coma. Sites such as TMZ known for bashing or making fun of Michael Jackson have already reported him dead and listing off his surviving kids. They have R.I.P graphics etc. It just does not make any sense. If he was sick, he has access to the best medical care. He has access to the quickest response. Why would he be dead so suddenly and at the young age of 50? Do you believe he is dead?

FoxNews takes the first swing at Michael Jackson

2009-06-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

As far as I could tel FoxNews is the first one to take a swing at Michael Jackson. I would be wrong. We do not even know if he is dead for sure, but their article ends with "His star power has faded considerably since then, partly because of allegations ...." You can imagine the rest. Maybe they just meant to be complimentary or just report the facts. What do you think. I guess they are just trying to keep it fair and balanced. Many people will miss Michael Jackson if he really is dead. Just recieved a tweet at 3:19pm from Brookburke. She expresses her sadness about Michael Jackson's death.

I recieved a Tweet about Michael Jackson's death

2009-06-25T15:10:00.000-07:00

I received a tweet about a 911 call coming from Michael Jackson's home a short while ago. It was said to have been confirmed by someone in the fire department. Right now most of the major news media are just reporting that he has been rushed to the hospital for a possible heart attack. Some of the smaller sites are reporting details about his family's response, but it does not seem reliable or quote any sources.

Michael Jackson Died today at age 50

2009-06-25T15:07:00.000-07:00

I found out 8 minutes ago that Michael Jackson died of a possible cardiac arrest. Within minutes of googleing I have seen the posts come in from three reports to over ten now. I hoped it was just a rumor, but it does not look good right now. Details are very limited. I will keep you posted.

rogriff igoogle gadget

2008-12-01T19:15:00.000-08:00

Free Online Video Training with the rogriff iGoogle gadget

rogriff YouTube Station

Kristen Stewart pics

2008-11-18T15:27:00.001-08:00

Kristen Stewart is about to become even more famous than she already is. (Think the female version of Harry Potter success)

More pics of Kristen Stewart at http://rogriff-hollywooddelta.blogspot.com

Twilight Movie Reviews are out!

2008-11-18T15:15:00.000-08:00

Watch the twilight trailer below.

LG Dare users click here to view the trailer (if you a data plan)

Anyone who has read the twilight series, probably does not care about the reviews. All they care about is the trailer, the stars and a countdown to the minute they can get into the movie theatre. I remember waiting for each release of the book and it was the same frenzy among the fans. Regular viewers had better wait a few days before attempting to enter the madness that is Twilight!

Jimmie Johnson made history today

2008-11-16T16:24:00.000-08:00

Jimmie Johnson is the second man in history to win three consecutive titles.

Barack Obama has won the election!

2008-11-04T18:39:00.000-08:00

Based on the current results Barrack Obama has won the 2008 US presidential elections. Although 100% percent of the results are not yet in, it is mathematically impossible for Mr. McCain to win at this point. Tonight is a historic night, not only for the United States of America but for the planet itself.

This election is historic for the United States for many reasons. Barrack Obama will be the first African American President in U.S. history. He is the first African American President-Elect in U.S. history at this point. It is also the first time in U.S. history that two sitting senators ran for president. The race was also between two citizens not born in the continental United States. Obama was born in Hawaii and the defeated McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone.

For the world, this victory for Obama will significantly improve the image of the USA in the world. It has also signified a significant growth spurt for the nation in race relations. This could have far reaching positive effects on the minority population of the USA. Everyone will benefit. Apart from race relations, President-Elect Obama has some of the most ambitious plans to transform the nation. Among these are the Health Care and Energy sector overhaul he plans for the nation.

As the results rolled in, McCain's hopes for an upset are dashed. Obama wins in key battleground states needed by McCain in order to stand a chance. Obama winning the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania were devastating blows to the republican party. There is no doubt that this victory for the democratic party and Barrack Obama will be analyzed for years to come.

Secretary of State Condolezza Rice and White House spokeswoman Dana Perino extended President Bush's congratulations when Mr. Obama secure the democratic party nomination. Now it is a matter of time before President Bush congratulates President-Elect Barrack Obama.
Senator McCain has not yet given his concession speech, but it may be coming up shortly.

You can vote However you like!

2008-10-31T19:46:00.000-07:00

Barrack Obama Informercial Video in a single stream

2008-10-29T21:05:00.000-07:00

If you prefer to watch the entire video in a single stream try this one: (or look at the 4 part series below)

High Quality Videos on Youtube

2008-10-29T20:18:00.000-07:00

When watching videos on youtube, if you want to see the video in Higher Definition or quality, just add the following to the end of the youtube video URL: &fmt=18

While you are at youtube, check out my free computer training under the name: rogriff

Watch Barrack Obama Infomercial Online here

2008-10-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Jump starting the new Celebrity Blog

2008-10-18T03:05:00.000-07:00

The new celebrity blog at rogriff-hollywooddelta.blogspot.com consist of mostly media for now. However feel free to add comments to get the discussions started. It is less than 24 hours old, so try to be patient. Anyway, there is going to be a large amount of media in the near future including images, interviews, previews etc.

Feel free to send in request and comments that can help improve it.

New Celebrity Blog

2008-10-18T02:55:00.001-07:00

I added a new celebrity blog yesterday at http://rogriff-hollywooddelta.blogspot.com/

Live Olympic streams online

2008-08-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

You can watch upto 4 live events on the same screen at http://www.nbcolympics.com. However you do need to have the following:

1. A fast internet connection
2. Microsoft Vista or XP with Internet explorer.
3. You do have to agree, download and install the silverlight plugin

If you have all this or can get it, you will be able to see the video streams live of selected events over the internet.

As I write this there is a live Soccer game going on: CIV vs ARG (Ivory Coast vs Argentina)

Personal Blog

2008-06-18T00:12:00.000-07:00

So I am attempting to create a personal blog. The problem is that I am so absorbed in much of what I do, that it will be a challenge to keep them from overlapping. Let the adventure begin:

Click here for My Personal Blog

rogriff Blog index

2008-05-31T06:46:00.000-07:00

For easier navigation, here is a link to my current and upcoming blogs:

Beginner Internet Entrepreneur

Life in this Universe

Learning the MySQL database

Learning the UNIX operating system

Learning to write beginner scripts

Learning to live gluten free

PC help for beginners