Friday, June 26, 2009 |
I wish I was an asshole
I think the primary problem with the subject of this blog post isn't the content of it but rather the fact that this world forces people into that statement. Our world is going more and more downhill and it's been documented, planned, and pushed forward towards that than some people realize. Just sit back and think about it.... we're supposed to work together on everything and be a team.... its taught to us by people above us constantly..... almost every employer has those signs hanging somewhere or at least pushes that statement -- and statement is really the best way to describe it because how many of us actually know of employers that show that in their own day to day operations? It sounds really good to say that you support team work but it's really easier to work towards you own personal profits if you leave that part out.....In my daily life I continue to be as helpful and kind as I can be and most of the time I get punished for it.... I'm still single but yet I'm told by lots of girls that I am so sweet and such a great person which is followed by them talking about their asshole boyfriend which she someday breaks up with and then finds another asshole boyfriend..... so why am I single? Well, it simply seems that a big reason is that I am NOT and asshole. Or how about trying to make things better for someone or something? I enjoy going the extra mile and helping people out but what happens if it steps on someone who just happens to like doing things the way it's always been done no matter how inefficient it is or how many people are put in danger or many other various reasons? Well it's obvious -- I get punished for it. Perhaps the saddest part about all of this is that if I were, in fact, the asshole then it wouldn't hurt nearly as bad as it does....... ..... it's hard to hurt if you can't feel anything :( Labels: emotional pain, psychology, relationships, single, society, work (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Friday, May 15, 2009 |
90's T-Shirts
[DISCLAIMER] This is sort of an advertisement :)I'm totally having flashbacks to my childhood.... Just thought I'd pass this site along. MyPartyShirt.com (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 |
The day of a computer hardware technician
Here is just a brief breakdown of the typical day in the life of a computer hardware technician:(25%) Waiting for an LSI or Adaptec controller to initialize (25%) Waiting for a computer to reboot (10%) Explaining something simple to an end user (5%) Just doing that something simple FOR the end user (10%) RMA'ing failed equipment (5%) Explaining to corporate why something will or won't work (10%) Trying to find a way to make whatever it was corporate bought that won't work for what you were trying to do since they ignored the above explanation (5%) Turning a BIOS floppy image into a bootable ISO because manufacturers don't understand that no computer has a floppy drive anymore (5%) Explaining to tech support that it IS their problem and then explaining how they should fix it Labels: annoyances, computers, tech hell (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Sunday, May 10, 2009 |
We have a problem
Living in America is a symbol of freedom to so many people. Think about it... why do we have such a large issue with illegal aliens? People around the world look at the United States of America as it truly being the land of the free but the unfortunate thing is that we are continuing that slogan only in a dream world anymore -- little by little we are losing are freedoms and the biggest problem is that we're all too lazy to do anything about it."Fight terrorism and "stop child porn" is what we are continually told and these are both very important things to be done, however, we need to start understanding what that is actually worth giving up. If it eventually comes down to the law requiring each one of us to be on government video cameras at all times, including in our bedrooms, is it still worth it? I know that it sounds like I'm over-reacting and going to the extreme but the truth is that the path we are on could lead us to that scenario. Every year we lose more and more of our privacy and our rights are citizens of The United States of America but our government assures us that it's ok because its all in the interest of stopping terrorism and protecting our children. Is it? So the reality that we are going to have video cameras in our homes so that the government can watch us is not something we'll see soon and, of course, if it does happen, it would need to be after they obtain a warrant. How about the government knowing exactly where you're car is at any given time of the day? If you think that sounds extreme, think again. The truth is that Wisconsin has decided that secretly attaching a GPS to a private car does not require a warrant. Believe me, I am not against technology being used to fight crime but in an era where the DoJ requests $233 million for improvements to technology crime fighting, don't you think the power being given to law enforcement needs to be kept in check with warrants? There is a reality that it seems the American public doesn't want to face, and understandably so. We don't want to have to think that we need to watch out for our government because we have enough other stuff on our plate. Almost anyone will say that our politicians are corrupt but when it comes to actually doing something about it we make excuses and say that it really isn't all THAT bad. I remember when I first argued Net Neutrality with my family and the response that I received was simply that "there is no way that they could ever get away with that".... and then years later, Comcast is attacked over P2P filtering and then pays it's employees to fill seats in the FCC hearing. But don't worry, Comcast isn't the worst offender of our rights -- at least not when you look at AT&T who has been a major player in the NSA illegal spying on citizens. But again, we don't really need to worry about that because now Obama is finally in office and he is all about protecting our rights.... Wait... What? Obama is worse than Bush? Ok, so we've got problems... but we're obviously still better than other places because this isn't a global issue, right? Well, Canda and Europe don't seem to think so considering they are purposely routing a lot of internet traffic to avoid the US because of the fear of the Patriot Act. Not only is it an example of the seriousness of the act but it also is hurting our economy and our jobs. As Americans we are really under an attack but that attack is being fed to us with a sweet sugar coating. If we truly want to retain our rights and our privacy, we really need to start getting involved and writing our politicians. We're making it entirely too easy for them to corrupt our nation more and more because, well, as far as they are concerned no one sees their corrupt actions (except maybe Jane Harmon [VIDEO]). We need to stand up and let our congressmen know that we do not approve. Labels: att, comcast, fbi, isp, police, politics, privacy, spying, usa (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 |
My First Fire
Well, it finally happened. I caught my first fire. Even better, no one was hurt in it... but it was a good one. Here's the story: Saturday blaze displaces couple Friday night I had been out drinking for the first time in 1 or 2 years and, of course, it was only natural that I'd get to my first fire the day after -- not only that but one of the hottest days of the year. We responded in Tanker 4 with 2+1 (which means 2 certified firefighters and 1 extra man). Ron (the driver) and Mike shuttled water in the tanker and I went up to interior attack. Sadly, I only lasted about 20 mins initially. The house didn't really look all that bad as I walked up the driveway but when I masked up and went inside, well.... I could see the sky. I put the attic ladder up into the rafters of what was the living room and had the nozzle for a while and also was attacking fires that popped up. After being in for about 20 mins I was already getting a low air indicator and I was definately in need of water so I went out and someone from Frederick county walked by and told me to take my gear off and get cooled down. Apparently I was beat red and had a slight case of heat exhaustion. I sat the rest of the fire out and then went back in for salvage and overhaul. Despite me not performing as well as I would have liked it was exciting and a great fire to get some experience on how Warren County operates on the fireground. While I was trained really well in Loudoun County, things are done a lot differently out here in Warren. I took some pictures of the incident and you can check them out here: 04/25/09-FosterHollow Labels: fire, firefighting, house, lvfd (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Sunday, April 19, 2009 |
I Can't Unlove You
Postcards and lettersAnd pictures made to last forever To be boxed up and tossed away Knickknacks and souvenirs In an afternoon, they're out of here They'll disappear without a trace But what they mean to me Can never be replaced I can't unthink about you I can't unfeel your touch I can't unhear all the words Unsay all the things That used to mean so much I wish I could unremember Everything my heart's been through I'm finding out it's impossible to do Oh, it's no use I can't unlove you Intestates and old songs Like time they go on and on I guess I could learn to do the same I could wake up without you These two arms not around you Tell myself it's meant to be this way No matter how I try somethings I can't change I can't unthink about you I can't unfeel your touch I can't unhear all the words Unsay all the things That used to mean so much I wish I could unremember Everything my heart's been through I'm finding out it's impossible to do Oh, oh Oh, it's no use I can't unlove you I wish I could unremember Everything my heart's been through And finding out it's impossible to do Oh, oh, it's no use I can't unlove you "I Can't Unlove You" by Kenny Rogers Labels: kenny rogers, lyrics (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Monday, April 13, 2009 |
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
I had the opportunity to play the Easter Bunny at the firehall this weekend. It really took me back to my Disney days and made me miss those.... We all had an absolute blast and I'm sorry for anyone that missed it. Here is a promo video that I put together from the event. I hope that we see everyone next year!Labels: breakfast, easter, fire department, linden, lvfd (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Wednesday, April 08, 2009 |
I Shall Believe
Come to me nowAnd lay your hands over me Even if its a lie Say it will be alright And I shall believe Im broken in two And I know youre on to me That I only come home When Im so all alone But I do believe That not everything is gonna be the way You think it ought to be It seems like every time I try to make it right It all comes down on me Please say honestly you wont give up on me And I shall believe And I shall believe Open the door And show me your face tonight I know its true No one heals me like you And you hold the key Never again Would I turn away from you Im so heavy tonight But your love is alright And I do believe That not everything is gonna be the way You think it ought to be It seems like every time I try to make it right It all comes down on me Please say honestly You wont give up on me And I shall believe I shall believe And I shall believe "I Shall Believe" by Sheryl Crow Labels: lyrics, sheryl crow (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Monday, March 23, 2009 |
The Nagging Wife
When you hear so many men talk about their wives you generally hear a reference to her nagging. Its so often about the "nagging wife" that all of the good stuff is hidden. Our distorted views of reality are so hard to overcome and it gets worse and worse with every passing moment.For me, one of the things that I want more than anything is a wife and kids to love but anytime I mention it I generally end up hearing about how I don't want to get married and how my life is over when I do.... and it goes on from there. I suppose it's possible that I'm just a single guy and there is no way that I could ever begin to understand but I tend to think the problem is not with me. We think that everything is supposed to be just perfect and we have the right to get angry when things are not perfect but the reality is perfection is boring. If everything was perfect, there would be no excitement. Let me tell you about my life. I own my own house and I run my own business and I have no one to tell me what to do. I do what I want when I want. I have the life that most people dream of having but like almost anything that anyone dreams of there is no reality mixed in with that dream. When people find out that I run my own business and I own my own house they think that I must be the happiest person in the world, however, reality is that it's not the case. In fact, there are so many times that I seriously debate looking for a job and giving up this self-employed thing. People fail to see that things like health insurance are luxuries to the self-employed and that is just one of the many things that someone with a job takes for granted. I live alone and I don't have anyone nagging me and therefore, I must be happy. Reality there is that part of the reason I want to get married is to have someone that will keep me in check. If you walk into my house right now you'll likely be crawling over stuff. While I have free reign over my house I lack any kind of motivation -- and that's a disaster for me and I'm sure many other people as well. To top that off, I have no set time that I need to be at work. There is no structure and to make it even worse, with the way my business is set up, set schedules would be tough to do. It sounds great to be able to wake up and decide to sleep in if you still feel tired but, again, there is no motivation. Why should I rush to get myself up and moving when I can go to the data center when I want? The problem is the sun starts setting and I'm still in bed. And people laugh at me. Oh they laugh. Everyone seems to think that if they were in my position they could do it so much better than me. Some might. Of course, it is true that the grass really might be greener on the other side. The problem just might be that we're all losing sight of structure. We've seen the checks and balances disappear from our government and we see the mess that has been created along with so many other examples. In the movie "The Matrix", the agent explains to Neo that the first version of the matrix was programmed to be a perfect world but the humans couldn't deal with that. We can't. We really can't. A big reason of this is the concept of ying and yang. How can something be good if we don't first know what bad is? Even if there is a constant hum of something in your house you stop hearing and acknowledging it after some time but if you have something that constantly makes a different noise, you'll never get used to that. I guess maybe that's the true definition of a "boring life"? As a society we need to start looking at some of the negative things as good things. No one wants to see the bad things or to deal with pain in so many situations but we really need to start respecting those bad things as something that will make us a better person and help us live a better life. I'm pretty sure this is a big part of why God created Eve. God said that Adam needed a helper and I think that became true when God gave us our own free will. We make a mess out of it but at least if there is more than one person working together there is a much better chance of things staying in check so please stop looking at your wives as just someone who nags you but, rather, realize that she is a gift from God to help you -- even when it doesn't feel like it. Labels: ***, free will, marriage, society (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 |
Yesterday's Glues
The stars are moving on and I am staying home and I can't help but ask myself where did I go wrong? Ithad to be this way there's nothing left to say it never helps to hear that things will be okay. You may not remember me but I remember you and years can hide your memories and what you used to do If I could make this go away I'd wish that it was so,cause I should never have come here but I wanted you to know time is harsh and won't forgive the way we have to live sometimes the only thing to say just get in the way I always knew that I could never live a lie and maybe if I'd let this go things will be alright I tried again today to make this go away it never helps to hear that things will be okay. "Yesterday's Glues" by Eleventyseven Labels: eleventyseven, lyrics (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Saturday, February 14, 2009 |
Singles Awareness Day 2009
 It's upon us again.... Singles Awareness Day. This is the day that all of us single people are made fully aware of our single status. Some enjoy this and celebrate this day and others are just painfully reminded that they are alone, typically those of us "Nice Guys" who happen to fit what women say they are looking for only to be left behind those guys that women "can't stand". I actually have a lot that I don't like about "Valentine's Day" and my main opposition to it is that it's a false holiday. What I mean by that is we are supposed to love one another all the time but yet we have to have a holiday to celebrate this? If you look at many relationships you'll find that Valentine's Day is a day where the fights stop and "love" is put in the air which shows a falsehood as to what the relationship really is based upon. Using this same logic I propose that we declare one day a year as "Golf Day" and that day every man goes out to golf. Sounds like a great idea right? What happens in the month that leads up to that day? Those wives that don't like their husbands going to golf will say "hey, you have golf day coming up, wait till then". Sure, this is a humorous look but the same line of thought seems to sneak it's way into Valentine's Day as well, although in a slightly different manner. Another horrible thing about the holiday is commercialization. Around Christmas there is always the thought of the Jewish kid that doesn't get to enjoy Christmas like everyone else. That thought wouldn't even exist if Christmas wasn't so commercialized. Everyone's beliefs and feelings are the most important thing but when you commercialize something you end up putting the focus on something else. Society makes Christmas a day when EVERYONE has to give and receive presents and the stresses that go along with that are added to everyone so much to the point that no one seems to remember what Christmas is really celebrating. Because Valentine's Day is such a commercialized holiday, the same thing occurs between couples. Now the pressure is on to find the perfect gift or make the perfect moment happen that it's forgotten about what the holiday is supposed to be celebrating... then you add to that those that are single and made to be left out of the commercialized idea of what the holiday is. I guess, all in all, there really isn't anything that one can do. Valentine's Day is going to continue to exist and people are going to continue to live the way they live. We can only hope that more people would start to realize the importance of love all year around and stop feeling the pressures that mean this day has to be something different. Sure, love really is in the air on this day -- just not any more than any other day of the year. There's just a little more pressure to be something that you may not really be. Labels: lonely, love, single, singles awareness, society, valentine (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Thursday, February 12, 2009 |
Dude, don't get a Dell
I have gone from loving to hating and loving and hating Dell servers for quite some time. A couple years ago Dell announced they were becoming more "open" with things and allowing customizations and Open Source solutions. I just had a conversation on LiveChat with a sales agent that, well.... just check it out for yourself:17:23:46 Customer Bob Mertz Initial Question/Comment: I wnat to know if I can replace the PERC controllers in a 2970 with another controller of my choice? 17:23:56 System System You are now being connected to an agent. Thank you for using Dell Chat 17:23:56 System System Connected with SMB_Mary 17:24:06 Agent SMB_Mary Hi, this is Mary Wade from Dell Small Business Sales. I'll be the representative assisting you today, how can I help? 17:24:21 Customer Bob Mertz I am currently investigating server solutions for a client of mine and I am looking at the PE 2970 17:24:34 Agent SMB_Mary I believe this server requires a particular PERC card 17:24:39 Customer Bob Mertz however, I would like to install a 3ware controller card 17:25:17 Customer Bob Mertz Do you offer any similar servers that could accept a 3ware SATA/SAS RAID controller? 17:25:36 Agent SMB_Mary well technically you can install it, however Dell does not support 3rd party parts therefore it would void your warranty. 17:25:51 Customer Bob Mertz For the entire server? 17:26:23 Agent SMB_Mary yes 17:26:37 Customer Bob Mertz My client likes Dell servers but I think that's enough for me to advise against Dell on this purchase then 17:26:40 Customer Bob Mertz thanks for your time 17:26:56 Agent SMB_Mary okay thank you, did you want the Dell part number? 17:27:07 Customer Bob Mertz Dell part number for what? 17:27:21 Agent SMB_Mary PERC card 17:27:25 Agent SMB_Mary for 2970 17:28:20 Customer Bob Mertz No. I have had bad experiences with all of Dell's PERC controllers. My client is asking for my recommendation on a project but if I can not replace the PERC controller without voiding the warranty on the entire server then I have to advise him to look at another vendor. Labels: customer service, dell (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Sunday, February 01, 2009 |
PITTSBURGH STEELERS!!!!!!
SIX SUPERBOWL CHAMPIONSHIPSI'm so proud to be from Pittsburgh.... I always am, but it's so much more fun in times like this!  Labels: football, nfl, steelers, superbowl (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Stimulus
Important info on the Stimulus Payment"This year, taxpayers will receive an Economic Stimulus Payment. This is a very exciting new program that I will explain using the Q and A format: "Q. What is an Economic Stimulus Payment? "A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers. "Q. Where will the government get this money? "A. From taxpayers. "Q. So the government is giving me back my own money? "A. Only a smidgen. "Q. What is the purpose of this payment? "A. The plan is that you will use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy. "Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China ? "A. Shut up." Labels: funny (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Sunday, January 25, 2009 |
Gotta Be Somebody
This time,I wonder what it feels like, To find the one in this life, The one we all dream of But dreams just aren't enough So I´ll be waiting for the real thing, I know it by the feeling, The moment when we´re meeting, Will play out like a scene Straight off the silver screen So I`ll be holdin' my breath, Right up to the end Until that moment when I find the one that I spend forever with... 'Cause nobody wants to be the last one there, 'Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares, Someone to love with my life in their hands, There's gotta be somebody for me like that. 'Cause nobody wants to go it on their own, And everyone wants to know they're not alone, Somebody else that feels the same somewhere, There's gotta be somebody for me out there. Tonight, Out on the street, out in the moonlight, And damn it, this feels too right, It's just like Déjà Vu Me standin’ here with you So I'll be holdin' my breath, Could this be the end? Is it that moment when I find the one that I spend forever with? 'Cause nobody wants to be the last one there, 'Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares, Someone to love with my life in their hands, There's gotta be somebody for me like that. 'Cause nobody wants to go it on their own, And everyone wants to know they're not alone, Is somebody else that feels the same somewhere? There's gotta be somebody for me out there. (Ohoohohohhh...) (Ohoohohohhh...) (Ohoohohohhh...) (Ohoohohohhh...) Ooh You can´t give up, Lookin' for that diamond in the rough, (Because you never know) When it shows up, (Make sure you're holdin' on) 'Cause it could be the one, the one you´re waiting on 'Cause nobody wants to be the last one there, And everyone wants to feel like someone cares, Someone to love with my life in their hands, There's gotta be somebody for me... Ohhhhhh Nobody wants to go it on their own, And everyone wants to know they're not alone, Is somebody else that feels the same somewhere? There's gotta be somebody for me out there. Nobody wants to be the last one there, And everyone wants to feel like someone cares, Is somebody else that feels the same somewhere? There's gotta be somebody for me out there... "Gotta Be Somebody" by Nickelback Labels: lyrics, nickelback (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
(C)2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved
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