Guard Dog

I wrote a 11,532 word business proposal for a current work project recommending we modify an existing design by replacing the planned 171 site layout with a 155 site layout by replacing the planned Andrews dipole antennas with Kathrien Planar antennas. The central argument being that the vertically polarized Kathriens have a 120 degree h-Plane beamwidth that allows a better coverage arc and a lower thermal expansion coefficient since the elements are enclosed in a fiberglass housing. This is of particular concern since the customer is located in Illinois. However the plan does save the customer the costs of constructing 16 sites but it means reworking the existing designs because the Kathriens use DIN connectors and the current sites are all using N type. So they would all have to be reworked and the Kathriens have more weight so there is static stress on the mounting structures and additional wind load reinforcements to consider but all of the additional costs are more than offset by the savings of constructing 16 fewer sites. It's no better than even money it will be accepted since municipal projects are financed from multiple "buckets" so to speak and a net cost saving will not necessarily be embraced if it benefits one "bucket" more than another. Besides, in my experience governments seldom concern themselves with saving the taxpayers money. When the waste all the wool they just go shear the sheep again. After wrestling with that beast I took my wife out to dinner and a NBA game.

Lady GD & I went to the Grizzlies game tonight. Another nice win to get to 4-0. So far Gasol, Prince & Randolph are a three man show. Lets hope it keeps going.

There are three simple things the new trilogy must do to be good: A) Keep the story simple, and make it use a lot of tension building. Star Wars is at it's best when it's dramatic; not convoluted. Simple stories are easier to relate to emotionally, and thus more compelling. B) Don't just jump us into a battle scene. Instead build it up; do a briefing session so the audience can get an idea of what the good guys are trying to do, and to build anticipation for the battle. C) Be consistent with the primary cannon. The prequels are so annoying when they don't fit the original trilogy, and scenes for the ORIGINAL TRILOGY had to be altered or cut by George Lucas so the cannon could make sense. It should have been the other way around; the prequels should have been made to fit the originals. Obvious pitfalls to avoid: A) Over acting protagonists. To say Anakin was over the top in episode 2 & 3 would be an understatement. Only bad guys get to be campy since they aren't meant to be sympathetic. B) Anti-villains. Don't make us sympathize with the villain. Villains should be fearsome; not sympathetic. The attempt to make Darth Vader less of an evil figure through the prequels is one of the biggest flaws of the prequel trilogy. Not only did it lead to a very stupid motivation for Anakin turning to the dark side, but it cheapens his redemption. Not to mention that a story of good vs. evil is more emotionally compelling. C) Meaningless battle scenes. If a battle scene has nothing to do with the main story; don't show it. The wookie battle in episode III is a perfect example of wasting screen time. Don't do that. Totally agree. Lucas absolutely ruined on the greatest villains of all time. I get that he was trying to make him sympathetic in the hope that somehow it would make his "fall" tragic but it was all so poorly written, acted, and ham fistedly done that is was just a farce.

Someone turned me on to Four Roses single barrel bourbon. It is really good. A little on the expensive side but what the hell. I'm on my 3rd bottle in 5 months now so it's not like I drink a lot. I also found out this was William Faulkner's favorite booze. Not that that matters, just sayin'.

I'd read it!

If giving meat a name stopped you eating it, what would become of Jesus? Oh it wouldn't stop me. I have no qualms about the taste of fried rabbit just because it had a name. However... some folks who live in my house are more sentimental than I am,

Wow that's an excellent link, it really makes you even more excited especially when you consider all the possible party interaction That is one thing Bioware does well, them male the other NPCs seem alive. Bethesda should take notes.

It's so nice sometimes meeting people that, regardless how many things you have the same or different views on, would still like to meet and have a beer or 3 with Likewise brother! You've seen a lot of the world, I know you've got stories to tell.

When my wife it working I do most of the cooking. Tonight it's summer squash casserole and buttermilk biscuits. I don't normally go vegetarian but, well it's been a long time since we went to the grocery store so there isn't much in the way of meat. I haven't even seen a male deer yet this year so no hunting success, I can't make rabbit because ever since Stephanie named them they stopped being livestock and became pets. I could go fishing but college football is on today soooo.... no meat for dinner.

The Cubs fired Rick Renteria after just one (reasonably successful) year last night. As if that surprise with Maddon on deck. Still, it's a bummer for Renteria. It's like your wife kicking you out with her new beau moving on before you've boxed up all your stuff.

As I mentioned before I love your lifestyle and the environment you live in, " listening to the coyotes" I have a real picturesque view of where you stay. I can still imagine you saying " and then huckleberry sailed past me on his raft looking for further adventures down the great river " It's probably less idyllic than I make it sound but I do go to great lengths to live a stress free life. Fortunately I've had some success in my professional life the past few years that enables me to do that. The only thing I hate is that living out here means a long commute for my wife but she swears she doesn't mind. I do love this house and this land. Having this was my lifelong dream. I don't think I'd ever give it up.

Went for a walk down along Cold Creek with Lady GD and the dogs tonight. It was cool, right at sunset leaves rustling. Just perfect. Now I'm sitting on my porch listening to the coyotes down in Anderson Tully and drinking a glass of Kentucky's finest.

Nice win for the Grizz tonight vs the Pacers. I've got tickets for the game against NO on Monday. Not great seats, but not terrible either.

I'm just hoping it won't suck. It's a longshot I know.

The second cop from the camera has a Taser on his belt. Never even reached for it. Not as much fun I guess. This is just an armed gang of thugs who happen to wear a uniform. I'm surprised they didn't shoot the bystanders and smash his phone

So based on that you work in every office in the world! I'm betting you read Dilbert and marvel about how true it is. I know I do!

It's very easy when they are whipping your team every year

Is it ok to not hate the Heat now? I just don't have the energy. Besides I'm too busy hating the Spurs & Thunder. The Grizz got a win last night against the T-Wolves. I didn't see any of it because there was this baseball game on. I predicting a 50-55 win season and maybe a 2nd round playoff exit. But you never know. This is a team that the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts.

Never. That's the normal experience , but I really am different in that respect and I have met some really interesting guys just from offering them a drink. And there is no risk of them thinking "I'm actually hitting on them " because I normally do this in places like Hooters We know guys buy ladies drinks but for me lets say I meet a lady at a bar and she has a guy friend. I make sure I offer him a drink and include him in the conversation, because I ask myself "how would I like to feel if the roles were reversed " In other words being cut out the conversation just because someone likes my lady friend is not nice. Also the lady you are talking to realizes that you aren't threatened by her guy friends and I see it as a way of showing respect Watching dumbasses trying to pick up Hooters waitresses, and failing, should be a spectator sport. If the beer weren't so expensive and food so crappy I'd go just to watch that!

I don't go by Guard Dog in real life. Other than that what you see here is what you get there.

Yeah I'm sure being a beautiful woman (as opposed to an unattractive one) would just suck. If that's their only problem... they have no problems.

You all know I'm definitely not a big SJ advocate. But I don't bother talking to women I randomly meet on the street even to say Hi. Not from any desire not to harass but because the probabilities of a successful pick up under such circumstances is so remote it's not worth trying.

Great end to a great World Series. Can't say enough about Bumgarner's pitching tonight on short rest. It was a down year for my two teams and they do seem to be heading in opposite directions. The Marlins are certainly on the way up if the can seal the deal with Stanton. /as for the Rays, well, the Hot Stove season can only get better from here. I hope. Well, time to focus on football, Basketball & the NHL now but fear not.... Pitchers & Catchers report in 127 days!

Somehow I don't think Stu Sternberg & Mat Silverman could be called evil! But as far as Maddon goes, I hope he's happy with whatever he does. Heck 9 years with one team is highly unusual for a manager. Nobody should ever feel forced to take a job they don't want or keep one they are tired of.Besides, maybe the Rays will benefit from new blood. I sure hope so anyway because otherwise this is a big blow to this team. They have lost 66% of their brain trust right when the farm system is depleted and their future in Tampa is shaky.

Today I'm working in the garden, cutting wood for the fireplace, staining the two wood rocking chairs I'm trying to make, and then listening to college FB & Game 4 on my XM Radio while enjoying a glass or two (or three) of fine 9 year old single batch bourbon.