John Yeary - Articles

Data URI Utility

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction

I have on occasion had to convert an image, usually an icon into a data URI to embed in a web application. I was looking for a simple application to perform the conversion, but usually they are included in larger frameworks.

I wrote a quick conversion utility as shown below.

The code can be found in the commons-utils project on GitHub.

Code

package com.example.uri;

import java.io.File;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.nio.file.Files;
import java.util.Base64;

/**
 *
 * @author John Yeary <jyeary@bluelotussoftware.com>
 */
public final class Utils {

    /**
     * Convert a file into base 64 encoded URI.Primarily used for creating
     * encoded images to be displayed inline in HTML.
     *
     * @param file The file to be converted into a data URI.
     * @return A base 64 encoded representation of the the file in a data URI
     * format.
     * @throws IOException If an exception occurs during processing of the file.
     */
    public static String toDataURI(final File file) throws IOException {
        // Check content type of the file
        String contentType = Files.probeContentType(file.toPath());

        // Read data as byte[]
        byte[] data = Files.readAllBytes(file.toPath());
        
        // Convert byte[] to base64
        String encoded = Base64.getEncoder().encodeToString(data);

        // Create "data URI"
        StringBuilder sb = new StringBuilder();
        sb.append("data:");
        sb.append(contentType);
        sb.append(";base64,");
        sb.append(encoded);
        return sb.toString();
    }

}

Running Kibana on Docker

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

There are a number of documents on how to run Kibana on Docker using a docker-compose file. The instructions from Elastic have you create a link, but there is nothing as simple as the commands below.

Spring: How to Redirect the Context Root to Open API 3.0 (Swagger) UI

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 17:00:00 +0000

I needed to set up my REST application to redirect users to my Open API Specification 3.0 (Swagger) UI in Spring. This can easily be accomplished by adding the following @Controller to the project. ```java package com.example.web;

Spring CORS Configuration

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

I was working on an application today trying to setup CORS in Spring 2.1.8 (I know its an older version of Spring) and it would not work. It turns out I needed to update it to at least 2.2.0. Along the way, I was not able to find really good examples of how to setup customized handlers. Here is an example which allow simple defaults.

cfssl Intermediate and Client Certificates

Tue, 26 May 2020 21:13:48 +0000

Introduction

In a previous blog post CFSSL Cloudflare SSL I discussed how to setup cfssl as a Certification Authority (CA) for issuing your own certificates. This becomes increasingly important in the world of containers. Especially when those containers are on internal networks, and VPCs where getting a Let’s Encrypt certificate is not possible, or desirable.

New and Improved

I was looking for a way to set up intermediate and client certificates. I was looking for ideas on how to setup the CA to handle these additional certificates. I found a post by Johannes Tegnér¹. I liked his layout idea which I slighly modified below.

/CA
    /root
    /intermediate
        /production
        /development
    /certs

I tried his using the files he provided, but I believe that cfssl was updated between his post and today. As a result, the config.json files would not work without slight modifications. Here is my config.json for intermediate certificates. This file goes in the intermediate directory.

{
    "signing": {
        "default": {
            "expiry": "720h",
            "usages": [
                "signing",
                "key encipherment",
                "cert sign",
                "crl sign"
            ]
        },
        "profiles": {
            "development": {
                "ca_constraint": {
                    "is_ca": true,
                    "max_path_len": 0,
                    "max_path_len_zero": true
                },
                "expiry": "2160h",
                "usages": [
                    "signing",
                    "key encipherment",
                    "cert sign",
                    "crl sign"
                ]
            },
            "production": {
                "ca_constraint": {
                    "is_ca": true,
                    "max_path_len": 0,
                    "max_path_len_zero": true
                },
                "expiry": "43800h",
                "usages": [
                    "signing",
                    "key encipherment",
                    "cert sign",
                    "crl sign",
                    "server auth",
                    "client auth"
                ]
            }
        }
    }
}

The intermediate certificates can be created with the following commands without using the network configuration in my previous blog post.

cd CA/intermediate/development
cfssl genkey -initca ../intermediate.json | cfssljson -bare development
cfssl sign -ca ../../root/ca.pem -ca-key ../../root/ca-key.pem --config ../config.json -profile development  development.csr | cfssljson -bare development 

Here is my config.json for different usage profiles for the final certificates.

{
    "signing": {
        "default": {
            "expiry": "43800h"
        },
        "profiles": {
            "client": {
                "expiry": "43800h",
                "usages": [
                    "signing",
                    "digital signature",
                    "key encipherment",
                    "client auth"
                ]
            },
            "peer": {
                "expiry": "43800h",
                "usages": [
                    "signing",
                    "digital signature",
                    "key encipherment",
                    "client auth",
                    "server auth"
                ]
            },
            "server": {
                "expiry": "43800h",
                "usages": [
                    "signing",
                    "digital signing",
                    "key encipherment",
                    "server auth"
                ]
            }
        }
    }
}

The final step for my purposes was generating the client certs. Here is my client.json file which is the same as Johannes’ file. His explanation is worth quoting.

When it comes to the client certificate, we don’t set any hosts, as we want to be able to connect to the services without having to care about the clients current host. It’s okay to do though, if you want to!

{
    "CN": "Client",
    "hosts": [
        ""
    ]
}

cfssl gencert -ca ../intermediate/production/production.pem -ca-key ../intermediate/production/production-key.pem -config=config.json -profile=client client.json | cfssljson -bare client

References

Blog Migration Completed

Tue, 26 May 2020 20:34:34 +0000

I finally finished migrating my blog from Wordpress to GitHub pages over the Memorial Day weekend. I started the process when I was in Maine at the end of 2019. I now find myself almost six months into 2020 and finally completed the migration.

The significant advantage of Wordpress is its ease of use to get started. However, trying to maintain a database, and upgrades made it a chore. I was also hosting it on Google Cloud. That meant I was responsible for maintainence and security. I also had the additional expense of paying for the VM and data storage.

GitHub makes a compelling choice. This is particularly true since I write my pages in Markdown, and it is a first class citizen on GitHub. I had issues everytime I upgraded Wordpress with the plugin(s) I was using to do Markdown on it. This was part of the maintenance headache that I decided to remedy.

Today I am writing my post on Dillinger running in a Docker container. I will save the post to my github repo, and push it. Travis CI will pull the updates, and build the pages and push them back to GitHub on the master branch.

I know that seems like a lot of additional work, but it really is not. I can also test my Jekyll pages locally using a Docker container to do the building to see what the final product is going to look like.

docker container run -it --rm -p 4000:4000 -v $PWD:/blog ruby:2.6.6 /bin/bash

Where the $PWD is the checked out blog. I set up an alias called docker-blog in zsh to run the container. Once the container is started, I go to the /blog directory and run the following:

cd /blog && \
gem install bundler jekyll && \
bundle install && \
bundle exec jekyll serve

That completes my local environment to blog until I am sure I like it and commit.

Simple SMTP Client

Sat, 23 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction

I was cleaning up my hard drive when I came across another simple and easy to use SMTP client using plain Java (no frameworks required). This was written originally written in 2004 with just some minor updates prior to publishing here.

Apache FTP Client... A Found Surprise

Fri, 22 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction

I was cleaning up my hard drive this Memorial Day weekend when I found a bunch of code I wrote many years ago. It is funny how hindsight is 20/20. The old code examples I found were in some cases awful by today’s standards. At the time, I thought it looked pretty good. I guess as we celebrate 25 years of Java and me coding it, we should look at some code from dusty days past.

Convert Server Certificate and Key into PKCS#12, and Java Keystore (JKS)

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 12:00:00 +0000

I was looking for simple instructions on how to convert a certificate to a keystore. Here is my simplified version.

Resolutions

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Do Achievable Things!

Programming Merit Badge

Sat, 09 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The Next Generation of Developers

Blog Migration

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction

Multiple Java Persistence API (JPA) persistence.xml Merging

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 15:50:47 +0000

Introduction

JS Equality Table

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 15:25:39 +0000

It seems I am always looking for the difference between == and ===. I was looking at a response to a question on Stackoverflow when I found this gem. I am publishing it here in case anyone else needs a graphical explanation.

Simplifying Command Line Processing

Fri, 09 Nov 2018 19:59:47 +0000

Introduction

JAX-WS on Tomcat

Fri, 09 Nov 2018 11:18:37 +0000

Introduction

Infor Email Marketing Installation on Docker

Fri, 19 Oct 2018 16:23:09 +0000

Centos (Open Source RHEL)

docker pull centos:7
docker run -d -it --name email-marketing -p 8080:8080 -p 8443:8443 -p 1527:1527 -p 25:25 -p 113:113 -p 443:443 -p 80:80 -p 8085:8085 -p 44385:44385 centos:7

SPAMC and Java

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 20:45:12 +0000

Introduction

Java Tip of the Day: StandardCharsets

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 12:00:33 +0000

Introduction

j2html framework

Sat, 15 Sep 2018 15:50:14 +0000

I had my first exposure to this fun and easy to use framework in Java Magazine - j2html: An HTML5 Generator Library. I have to say that it is slick and easy for the most part. The more HTML you use… the more complex it becomes. However, if you need to output an error page, a login page on the fly, or simple pages to display information, this framework is hard to beat.

Netty and JAX-RS (Jersey)

Sat, 15 Sep 2018 15:21:52 +0000

Introduction

Useful Java Frameworks

Fri, 07 Sep 2018 10:18:30 +0000

I am providing a list of really cool and easy to use frameworks to make your coding easier in Java. I will keep updating this as I move along. Here are a few to get you started.

Patriotism

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 13:48:50 +0000

Independence Day…

Mercurial on IIS

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 22:10:25 +0000

Introduction

I was recently tasked with updating our Mercurial repository at work. The original repository and configuration using Apache had been in place for years without issues generally. The latest Apache versions for Windows are provided by third parties and not from Apache Foundation anymore.

Apache Commons IO Directory Copying

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 15:45:23 +0000

Introduction

I was having an issue with some code in a very large project, and I wasn’t sure if it was my approach, or if it was a code issue. I think we have all been there before. I decided to check my approach. Well it turns out the approach was correct, but an unrelated piece of code was the issue.

CFSSL Cloudflare SSL

Fri, 25 May 2018 15:30:39 +0000

A normal devops activity is installing certificates on your servers. However, most servers if used internally don’t need an official CA signed certificate for normal operations. Especially when dealing with development machines, or testing. So why pay the man… when you can be the man! Be your own CA!

Disabling and Enabling Hyper-V on Windows

Fri, 18 May 2018 03:20:22 +0000

I needed to be able to run VMWare and VirtualBox from my Windows 10 Pro machine. This machine also has Docker on it. The issue is that you can only have one Hypervisor working at a time. So Docker OR VirtualBox and VMWare. A temporary solution is to disable the Hyper-V using the following commands. Once this disabled, you can run VirtualBox and VMWare.

NGINX Mercurial Proxy on Windows

Fri, 18 May 2018 03:02:30 +0000

In my previous article I explained how to setup Mercurial 4.5+ as a Windows Service. In this article we will expand on that configuration, and use NGINX to proxy to the service.

Mercurial 4.5+ as a Windows Service

Wed, 16 May 2018 20:49:59 +0000

Requirements:

Python 2.7.15
Mercurial 4.5.3 (source install)
winsw-v2.1.2 (Please select the version according to .Net version installed on your platform)

Qwiklabs Network Performance Testing Lab

Tue, 13 Mar 2018 20:03:54 +0000

I completed the Qwiklabs Network Performance Testing Lab for Google Cloud Networking. In the lab, they mention using Wireshark, or CloudShark to examine the webserver.pcap file that is generated from the tcpdump command. They have you copy the file to a bucket and copy it from the bucket.

Postfix smtp-source command

Sun, 11 Mar 2018 17:47:09 +0000

I was looking at some ideas for re-implementing an SMTP server that I work on for my day job. As I was reading about a netty example implementation called smptd on github. I saw something very interesting. He was testing his code using a command from Postfix called smtp-source. I was immediately interested. I pulled his example code and updated it for a newer version of netty (3.10.6) and started it up. I then pulled an Ubuntu image from Docker Hub and started it up. Once it was started, I used apt-get to install Postfix. The result was that I had my own little test environment up in about 5 minutes. So I tested the code from the smtpd project on my Windows 10 Pro machine (HP Pavillion Wave for those who are interested) using the smtp-source command from a Docker container. Here were my results.

Apache Archiva on Docker

Fri, 09 Mar 2018 21:12:28 +0000

I tried Apache Archiva in a Docker container this evening. I was hoping that it would be a good alternative to Nexus. Once I got it running in the container I realized that it really does not support all the features that I use in Nexus.

Code Publishing

Fri, 06 Oct 2017 20:30:26 +0000

I have so much code on my machine. All sorts of experiments, examples, etc. I am trying to publish it all so that I can clean up my computer. I think a lot of it could be helpful to others to boot.

Wordpress

Fri, 06 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000

I found Wordpress easier to use for my needs. The jekyll solution works for a lot of people, but I found that converting a Blogger blog to it was more difficult. If you are interested in my personal blog, please click on the links on the main page for my blogs.

Migration to Google

Sat, 30 Sep 2017 12:37:04 +0000

Well the task is done. I tried a number of Wordpress blogging solutions as turnkey alternatives to the deployment on Openshift 2. The most promising seemed like it would be Bitnami’s Wordpress offering. I was wrong. I encountered nothing but permissions issues trying to get it to work. I finally settled on the Official Wordpress image on Google to run as a VM on Google Compute Engine.

American Horror Story - Cult

Thu, 07 Sep 2017 02:03:55 +0000

I know it is in its 7th season, but I watched the first episode of season 7 tonight on FX. I was not scared, but I will say that it was creepy if not predictable in a horrible way. I will tune in next week to watch the second episode in the series. I really don’t want to give anything away.

It Figures...

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 10:23:17 +0000

Well I got a nice surprise from OpenShift a couple of days ago. The OpenShift 2 is end of life, and will be shut down at the end of September. I migrated over to OpenShift from Blogger only to have it pulled out from under me. They provide a means to migrate to OpenShift 3, but it has a “Resource Hibernation” periods as noted below.

WordPress Plugin: Disqus Comment System

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 23:15:42 +0000

One of the biggest challenges with blogging is the management of comments. The readers may show appreciation, or challenge your post. In both cases, you want to be able to publish the comments with as little moderation as possible. The problem we face in the Internet Society are trolls. Yes, you have all seen them, they post anonymously, post vulgar remarks, or try to bait you into a public discussion of their negative commentary. So how do you manage it?

WordPress Plugin: AdSense Integration WP QUADS

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 23:04:05 +0000

I was looking for an easy to implement plugin for management of Google Adsense. The AdSense Integration WP QUADS plugin is free and has some pay options, but for me at the moment, the free part works just fine.

WordPress Plugin: Blogger Importer

Tue, 15 Aug 2017 02:46:32 +0000

I can’t say enough about how impressed I am with the Blogger Importer plugin from WordPress. If you are trying to convince someone to move from one blogging platform to another, you need to provide awesome migration tools. This tool worked amazingly. I didn’t have one glitch. It worked on the first try, and it worked multiple times on the first try (I tried a number of cloud platforms, and deployments).

WordPress Plugin: Better Search and Replace by Delicious Brains

Tue, 15 Aug 2017 02:28:36 +0000

I want to take some time to point out some of the plugins that I have installed on my blog and used as part of migration from Blogger to WordPress. In my post Online Broken Link Checker Tool for SEO article, I mentioned how to track down broken links. Well once you have them, you can go to the pages and manually change them, or if possible you can change them en masse. This is particularly true if a site changes from something like example.com/abc/test to example.com/test. The links will work if you just remove the abc part of the URI. I encountered a lot of these for changes done at Informationweek and some of the other news media outlets. This is one of those cases where they didn’t follow good practices with regards to permalinks.

GMO Golden Rice 3 and Solving Worldwide Malnutrition

Sun, 13 Aug 2017 21:46:05 +0000

I just finished reading an article called New ‘golden rice’ offers 3 micronutrients1 which would go a long way to solving malnutrition in a significant portion of the world. The article mentions that about 50% of the world uses rice as their primary means of nutrition.

Online Broken Link Checker Tool for SEO

Sun, 13 Aug 2017 16:47:01 +0000

The process of migrating my personal blog from Blogger to a WordPress platform using OpenShift 2 to power it has been an amazing learning process. One of the biggest SEO issues facing any blogger is broken links. The greater the number of posts, the greater the chances.

Free LED Bulbs from Duke Energy

Sun, 13 Aug 2017 00:16:49 +0000

Free LED Bulbs

Wordpress on OpenShift 2

Thu, 10 Aug 2017 17:14:30 +0000

This is my attempt to get Wordpress running on OpenShift 2 using 2 gears. I would like to migrate my personal blog for John Yeary from Blogger to another blogging platform so that I have more control of the layout, and appearance. So I backed up the data from Blogger and used the import tool and it seems to have worked more amazingly than I could have imagined.

Shipbreaking Accelerating

Thu, 18 Aug 2016 23:49:00 +0000

The Wall Street Journal article: Economic Slump Sends Big Ships to Scrap Heap details the downward spiral of the world economy, over capacity in the Merchant Marine fleets, and depressed shipping costs.

World Vision and Hamas

Thu, 18 Aug 2016 23:12:00 +0000

World Vision

A Seafarer's Cautionary Tale

Thu, 18 Aug 2016 22:01:00 +0000

Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)

Thu, 18 Aug 2016 21:19:00 +0000

The Wall Street Journal had an article Evading the Constitution to Ban Nuclear Tests that discussed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). The Obama administration is trying to make an end run around Congress to get the U.N. to make member states who are signatory and who have not ratified the treaty a party to it. Therefore making it illegal for the U.S. to test nuclear weapons.

Boeing Tanker KC-46 Cleared by Pentagon

Thu, 18 Aug 2016 17:44:00 +0000

The controversial Boeing KC-46 Refueling Tanker has finally cleared the Pentagon’s testing and contract awarding process on the 15th of August 2016. The U.S. Air Force will issue the initial contract within the next 30 days to begin the construction of 19 KC-46 aircraft.

My son is trying his hand at Blogging

Wed, 29 Jun 2016 21:26:00 +0000

Sean Yeary - Last day of school at Monarch (5th Grade)

Joint Tactical Light Vehicle (JTLV)

Sat, 05 Sep 2015 06:55:00 +0000

The DoD awarded the the initial production run of the JTLV to OshKosh Defense. It seems to have produced a number of interesting remarks from outsiders who think OshKosh B’Gosh childrens clothing.

Chinese Navy in US Territorial Waters

Fri, 04 Sep 2015 21:14:00 +0000

The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday and today that Chinese naval vessels were found in US territorial waters off of Alaska. Does this indicate a shift in Chinese military stance? I believe it is significant in its timing as noted in the articles.1, 2

Op-ed: An S.O.S From Battleground Ukraine

Sun, 02 Aug 2015 18:14:00 +0000

Greek Shipping Industry

Sun, 02 Aug 2015 15:19:00 +0000

I recently read the Wall Street Journal article called Tide Turns for Greece’s Shipping Industry. I was struck by the view of the EU creditors who thought that they would be able to push the government to impose heavier tonnage taxes on shipping owners. This indicates to me that the EU creditors and regulators do not understand the shipping industry. The flag of convenience is called that for a reason. The EU will force an industry that supports the Greek economy through meaningful work for over 200,000 people to move to another location. The shipping companies are just the “land based HQ” for the actual core of the business: SHIPS.

This move, or any move that could drive these ship owners to relocate to another country, can only lead to a worsening of the economic conditions in Greece. The Bahamas, and Cayman Islands appreciates the disastrous work of the EU creditors on this issue. As an American Merchant Marine Officer I can appreciate the true cost to Greece. The US has diminished as a true maritime power following WWII to where we are today. In 1955 we had 1,072 US Flag vessels representing 25% of the tonnage worldwide. Today we are 191 ships representing less than 2% of tonnage worldwide1. Is this going to be the same fate for Greece? Only time will tell if this will be the case.

Huawei - Ballet Slippers

Sun, 02 Aug 2015 14:56:00 +0000

This advertisement caused a lot of controversy about the apparent distastefulness of the photo. I strongly disagree! The image is a great example of the hard work that it takes to make a ballet performance seem effortless.

Israeli Military Industries for Sale

Sun, 02 Aug 2015 13:45:00 +0000

Uzi 1

Legos without Plastics?

Sun, 02 Aug 2015 13:33:00 +0000

I see that Lego is trying to develop a new material replacement for the iconic ABS plastic blocks it uses in its products. They used 77,000 metric tonnes of petroleum based ABS plastic to manufacture 60 million bricks in 2014. Apparently the challenge is to use a replacement material that will have the same color and characteristics as existing bricks. This will be no small challenge. I applaud their efforts, and I hope they are successful.

Military Lending Act Regulation Expansion

Sun, 02 Aug 2015 10:46:00 +0000

I wanted to take a moment to thank the Obama Administration for their rule changes with regards to the Military Lending Act of 2006. The new regulations make it harder for lenders (let’s call them poachers) from charging outrageously high interest rates to our men and women who serve this country.

LGBT and Military Service

Sat, 18 Jul 2015 18:50:00 +0000

I understand that there has been a change in DoD policy to allow current transgender soldiers and sailors to remain in the service without fear of being discharged. We have come a great distance from my days as a sailor in the 1980s and 1990s.

I was once opposed to the service of homosexuals in the military. This was more pronounced before I served with the best military in the world. There were individuals whom I served with who were gay, or lesbian. We all knew who they were, but they remained silent. The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy became the rule under which we operated.

I have no issue with a person’s personal sexual choices. After serving with men and women of all stripes, I came to understand that if you can do the job and you have my six, I don’t care what you do on your time. I had an AO2 lesbian female on my weapons loading team who was worth more than 4 of the men I had on the team. I couldn’t have been more proud of her service, and dedication. I am glad she was part of my team, and I hope she would allow me the same honors.

My acceptance of LGBT soldiers and sailors should be taken with a grain of salt. I don’t believe that the US military should be in a position to pay for gender reassignment, or other therapies like hormones. Those are personal issues, and do not need to be paid for by taxpayers.

I also don’t believe that our Chaplain Corps should be faced with acceptance of LGBT members if this is in opposition to their religious beliefs. In other words, don’t force a Christian Chaplain to perform a gay wedding if he is opposed on religious grounds.

Honor. Courage. Commitment.

Freedom of Association

Sat, 18 Jul 2015 18:21:00 +0000

I was contemplating the recent $135,000.00 fine imposed by the Oregon Labor Commission on the Sweet Cakes bakery because of their failure to bake a cake for a lesbian couple for their wedding. I find this to be so insane that I can’t imagine how they even came to that number. Even an expensive wedding cake is not going to top $5,000.00 for the over-the-top wedding planner.

At stake here is more than meets the eye. If you have a public business, then you must serve the public. I think we can all agree on that. However, if the public is not behaving in a manner consistent with the nature of the business, does the business have cause to remove them? Let me give a more concrete example; if you had a children’s games and pizza place (you can pick your local/national franchise) would you find it acceptable to have ladies in lingerie and leather, and men in very minimal chaps and ethereal clothing in attendance? I can imagine that your response would be a resounding No!

Would this even be a question in the minds of most parents? Likely not. However, if you were a fetish group of some sort, you may have a different take. Alright, back to our bakery in question, the folks disagreed with baking a cake because of a religious conviction against homosexuality. Do they not reserve the right to say: No! Apparently they do not according to Oregon. Are there more than one cake making business in Oregon. A quick check on Google tells me that there are. Here the lesbian couple should have taken their business elsewhere. Let their money, and word-of-mouth do the talking for them elsewhere.

I believe that there is a distinct difference between what you choose to do in your bedroom, and what you force people to do in public. I think that forcing people to comply with your personal choice is wrong. The shoe was on the other foot not so long ago. How did the LBGT community feel about being told about their personal choices?

You have the freedom to choose who you love, but not the freedom to force me to capitulate on my religious beliefs and principles.

Nuclear Deterrent

Sat, 18 Jul 2015 12:24:00 +0000

The article The Fading U.S. Nuclear Deterrent in the Wall Street Journal by VADM Monroe should be an eye opener and another wake-up call for the U.S policy makers. Admiral Monroe is in a expert position to comment on the aging U.S. nuclear arsenal and forces. Considering the long lead time for the upgrade of these forces, the time is now to act. Our political and military leadership need to take the steps necessary to begin the modernization process of our nuclear forces.

Cyber Warfare

Sat, 18 Jul 2015 11:09:00 +0000

In the Opinion section of the Wall Street Journal for Monday, 13 July 2015, there was an article posted by L. Gordon Crovitz entitled Portents of World Cyberwar. The article is a short and well done read about a possible future conflict.

A new Blogging Platform with Github Pages

Thu, 02 Apr 2015 00:00:00 +0000

I am looking at exporting my pages from Blogger to a platform where I can have more control over the layout. If this endeavor works, I will look at moving my crown jewel from Blogger too.

Piedmont Appalachian College of Commissioner Science (PACCS) - Worship Service Program

Wed, 01 Apr 2015 02:51:00 +0000

I was going through my paperwork from Piedmont Appalachian College of Commissioner Science (PACCS) when I found a copy of our program. It was very well done, so I scanned it and published it for use as an example of how to do a good worship service.

Three Tiger (Wolf, Bear, or Webelos) Fish

Tue, 31 Mar 2015 18:16:00 +0000

Three Tiger Fish

Three Tiger Fish, Three Tiger Fish
See how they swim, see how they swim
Their tails go left
Their tails go right
Their gills breathe in
and their gills breathe out
Did you ever see such a slippery sight as
Three Tiger Fish?

(insert “Wolf Fish, Bear Fish, or Webelos Fish”)

Pow Wow Song

Tue, 31 Mar 2015 17:47:00 +0000

Pow Wow Song

(Tune: My Bonnie)

Cub Leaders sailed under the ocean,
One Pow Wow with all of the group.

We learned how to read our compass
Play games, sing songs as a group.

(chorus)
We’re back, We’re back We’re back from under the sea.
We’re back, We’re back
Yes, We’re back from under the sea.

We’ve sailed ‘til we’ve reached all our sessions
We’ve landed with no body hurt.
We went to our Blue and Gold banquet.
Should have been in a Blue, Gold grass skirt.

(chorus)
We’re heading back home this fine evening
After having fun all of the day.
The last thing the staff will hear
Is “THANKS FOR A GREAT POW WOW DAY”.
(chorus)

Chinese Hello Song: Honored Guests

Sun, 29 Mar 2015 22:27:00 +0000

A Song for Cub Scouts

Midwest Products - Japanese Zero Kit #425

Sat, 30 Jun 2012 21:12:00 +0000

Japanese Zero

Whitewings Tri-Linear 900L Lindberg Model Airplane

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 15:20:00 +0000

Pulled Pork

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 12:34:00 +0000

Pulled Pork

Kudzu Blossom Jelly

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 10:57:00 +0000

Kudzu Blossom Jelly

Moonshine Jelly

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 10:43:00 +0000

Moonshine Jelly

NY and the Gay Marriage FAIL

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 15:52:00 +0000

SD Times: Science, observation, and common sense improve UI designs

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 15:31:00 +0000

I just read an article on UI design in SD Times. The article is a good reminder of what you should do with a UI. However, the article itself was an “eye sore”. The combination of the images, logos, and colors did not follow the UI guidelines themselves. It is actually funny to read an article about UI design, and think “Wow this article layout sucks!”.

MarsEdit Blogging Software for Mac

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 01:46:00 +0000

Sleepy Java

Ecto Blogging Software for Mac

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 01:30:00 +0000

Ecto by Illuminex is blogging software for the mac. It has a simple user interface and connects to almost any blogging software available. More details on Ecto can be found on their website. This post was added using it. It was very easy to understand and use. I also added some additional information after publishing and it was just as easy.

Tux at SELF-2011

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:47:00 +0000

I seem to have found Tux at the Southeast Linuxfest (SELF-2011). He was having quite a blast. He seems to have bought a round for the table.

Window Lizard

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 21:28:00 +0000

I would love to be able to stick to a window like this lizard. How often do you hear:

Beautiful Butterflies at Table Rock State Park

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:20:00 +0000

Beautiful Butterflies at Table Rock State Park

West Coast Jewelry Makes Pandora Compatible Charms

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:10:00 +0000

My wife discovered that West Coast Jewelry makes Pandora compatible charms. Here is one example that we picked for Christmas.

Linda Norgrove's Tragic Death

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:23:00 +0000

Linda Norgrove

First World War Officially Ends

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:26:00 +0000

Signing of Treaty of Versailles

Russian Soyuz Finally All-Digital

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:00:00 +0000

The IEEE Spectrum had a story about the final upgrades being done to the Russian Soyuz spacecraft to make it finally all digital. Our standing as a space nation will take a major blow when the Space Shuttle fleet is placed in retirement. The Russian Soyuz (over 40 years old) will pick up the slack with more missions to keep the International Space Station manned.

Book Review: Out of the Silent Planet

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 21:28:00 +0000

I read the C.S. Lewis book called Out of the Silent Planet this weekend. It was a quick read. The book was written prior to actual space flight, and planetary exploration. As such, a number of the science fiction elements are not believable in our modern world. When the book was written, its fanciful depiction of life on Malacandra was probably more believable.

Exploding Manholes

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 21:03:00 +0000

Embarrasingly Hot...Remind Your Children

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:49:00 +0000

Datil Pepper

Product Review: Technivorm Mochamaster KBT-741

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:33:00 +0000

Technivorm Mochamaster KBT-741

Does Your Cell Phone Need A Jolt?

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:22:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

A Brave New Internet

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:43:00 +0000

I know many of you have read books like Animal Farm, 1984, and Brave New World. These negative Utopian ideologies are a far cry from the original Utopia.

When Do I Use CSS?

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 21:19:00 +0000

A graphical depiction of a very simple css doc

Derek Lee

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 20:22:00 +0000

The center field of Wrigley Field in May 2008

Color Scheme Designer 3 Rocks!

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:49:00 +0000

Yesterday, I made mention of a tool to help you select a collection of complementary colors based on an image you upload. The tools works well, but it pales in comparison to the Color Scheme Designer. This tool allows you to pick a base color which I picked from the Color Palette Generator. From this base color you get any number of color combinations: complementary, mono, triad, tetrad, etc. It will even show you what the color combination would look like for someone with vision impairments such as color blindness. This is truly slick.

Say It Ain't So...Derek Lee leaves Chicago Cubs

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:31:00 +0000

Derek Lee

Choosing Complementary Colors from an Image

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:39:00 +0000

I am designing a complementary color scheme for my website, and blogs. I have a logo from a designer which is very nice, but I needed a color palette. I found a really cool color matcher based on an image that you upload.

The New Twitter

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:08:00 +0000

The New Twitter

Barnes & Noble Free eBooks

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:01:00 +0000

Barnes & Noble is offering Free eBooks. This seems on the surface to be a good deal until you try to get one. Appearances are deceiving. Then they want you to register a credit card to get it. This is marketing at its best. Well I am not going to register a credit card to get a “free” book. That is ridiculous. I wonder how many people will fall for their bait & switch tactics.

White Wings Paper Model Airplanes

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:32:00 +0000

Here is a picture of my youngest son, Sean, showing off our handiwork. We constructed a number of White Wings Airplanes. Unfortunately, between both kids, there are only two left undamaged from abuse. The others need repair, but I can not seem to find Duco Cement in Greenville, SC. Where did we get it?

Marine Engineering Books

Tue, 04 May 2010 22:00:00 +0000

Cornell Maritime Press

Marine Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning

HP50g Graphing Calculator

Tue, 04 May 2010 08:51:00 +0000

My new HP50g calculator arrived. I am really impressed with it. The functionality is incredible. There are a number of manuals and tutorials which come with the calculator. I completed the first manual, but I can tell that I have a long way to go with the tutorials.

Advanced Firefighting - Broward Fire Academy

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 21:18:00 +0000

I completed my Basic/Advanced Firefighting STCW-95 required training at Maritime Professional Training two weeks ago. It was a really great class. The practical sessions were held for two days at the Broward Fire Academy in Davie, Fl (Fort Lauderdale). The class was a lot of fun.

I got to put out a propane cylinder fire. When I was finished, my helmet was smoking it was so hot. I can not imagine how hot it would have been without two high-velocity fog nozzles on it.

If you need to take advanced firefighting, I would recommend taking it at Maritime Professional Training. The staff was South Florida firefighters with years of experience, and the facilities were crazy, scary, exciting, and fun.

Dead Calculator

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 17:23:00 +0000

I was really bummed. I thought that the batteries in my TI-85 calculator were finally dying so I bought new ones yesterday. Well it turns out that the screen is dying a quick pixel death. I have had it since college. I bought it in 1992, and it will finally be retired when my new calculator arrives.

Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) 95 Ammended

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 00:26:00 +0000

I need to take a number of certification/training courses which are required of all merchant mariner’s who sail in international waters. These standards were implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) which is part of the United Nations. The US is signatory to the agreement, and the USCG is charged with making sure that all mariner’s are in compliance as required.

In my case, I need to have Basic Survival Training (BST) which includes basic fire prevention and fire fighting, personal survival techniques, personal safety and social responsibility, and first aid. This covers STCW A-VI/1-1 to 1-4.

I also needed Advanced Fire fighting (AFF) which covers STCW A-VI/3. This is a five day course generally which must be renewed every five years.

The Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSC/R) (Lifeboatman) is required of all deck and engineering officers. This satisfies the STCW A-VI/2, Table A-VI/2-1, 2-2 requirements.

I have been advised that I may need to take a Medical First Aid Provider course which will satisfy STCW A-VI/4, 4.1-4.3 and Table 4-1. I need to confirm this is indeed necessary. I understand this may be required to for a raise in grade from the support to the operational licenses as per USCG Policy Letter 01- 02.

USCG Merchant Marine Drug Testing

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 00:01:00 +0000

I had no problems with the drug testing, but I had more problems finding a place that is acceptable to the USCG. Arrgh…

A helpful young man at the Merchant Mariner’s Center (MMC) gave me a helpful tip. He told me to look on the AAMRO site. I found a local center in Greenville, SC near me. You need to make sure that you get the Department of Transportation (DOT-5) Panel.

Note: Make sure you read the documents on the MMC site carefully.

You will submit the results to the USCG Regional Exam Center (REC) as part of your MMD application.

USCG Merchant Marine Physical

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 23:54:00 +0000

The only requirement for getting started in the US Merchant Marine is getting a CG-719 K/E physical. This physical is required to get a Merchant Mariners Document (MMD). I completed the CG-719 and CG-719 K/E physicals.

The CG-719 physical is an all encompassing complete physical. It includes an eye exam and check for color blindness, as well as, a hearing exam. You will need this exam if you want to apply for your license, or for any additional rating considerations so I recommend getting both forms completed and submitting them to the Regional Exam Center (REC) when you complete your MMD application.

When I was younger, I could read the eye charts from across the room. I know that my vision is not as good as when I was a younger man, but I still have 20/20 vision. I was so happy to get some reassurance that my vision is still “perfect”.

The hearing exam did me no favors. I found out that my hearing is fine which differs from my wife’s opinion on the subject. Perhaps that is the “subjective” part.

I had a routine annual physical from my regular physician, but this was far more comprehensive and made me feel much better about my overall health.

It did confirm I need to lose weight, but few Americans don’t need too! I have been working on that however.

Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC)

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 23:43:00 +0000

All maritime personnel are now required to get a TWIC card before they can get their Merchant Mariners Document (MMD) issued. The TWIC is issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

I found the process easy, but in some ways a silly bureaucratic quagmire. The form states that answering “YES” to the following questions will automatically disqualify you. Then they ask essentially if you are a terrorist. OK… If you were a terrorist would you answer “YES”. If you did, well you are the worst damn terrorist in the world and deserve to be laughed to death in prison.

Anyway, they ask additional questions about felonies and convictions, etc. Some of items were not necessarily disqualifying. As I sat in the TSA waiting room for my turn to be photographed and finger printed, I looked around the room. I wondered how many of the people in the room answered “YES” to those questions. I know I shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but there were some folks with some prison tattoos sitting in there with me.

My real question for the TSA is why ask someone about felonies, etc. when you are going to do a National Agency Check (NAC) anyway. The criminal backgrounds would be apparent anyway. Are you doing a test to see if a felon would knowingly admit to being a felon, and if not you could throw him back in jail for falsifying his application?

I can understand asking those questions of a foreign national who may be applying since those national records may not be available to US agencies. Americans though? Perhaps you should streamline the process and ask them to declare any convictions in countries other that the US.

Anyway, I am a clean, coca-cola, baseball, mom’s apple pie, all American patriot so I had no issues getting a TWIC. Step one of getting my new MMD is complete.

US Merchant Marine

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 23:24:00 +0000

I am in the process of renewing my USCG 3rd Assistant Engineer - Unlimited license. The process is complex to say the least. I have been told a number of times already that I should not have let it expire. Since I let it expire, the process of getting a new one is much more complex.

I am going to do a series of blog posts on how to become a US Merchant Marine Engineering Officer once your license expires. This applies in general to anyone who wants to join the Merchant Marine.

I have decided to also work on my MCA (Maritime Coastguard Agency - UK) and RYA (Royal Yachting Association) credentials as well.

My ultimate goal is to renew my USCG engineering license, but I would also like to get my Masters license as well. For those who know me, I always want more. I want to be a Master Mariner who can operate on the bridge, or in the engine room.

Svetasvatara Upanisad II Book I : On Yoga

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:22:00 +0000

I have been reading The Upanisads. They are spiritual commentaries from Hinduism. They are very interesting and in many ways like more like Christian proverbs. I was reading a set of verses in the book titled above. I came across some interesting remarks around yoga instruction. The first is an instruction of where to practice yoga.

Winged Warfare

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:27:00 +0000

I finished the autobiographical book by Lt. Col. William Bishop. As I noted in my last blog post, this is a great read for anyone who is a history buff, or an air warfare aficionado. It is interesting that some of the same air warfare rules of WW I are still applicable today.

Winged Warfare

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:32:00 +0000

I flew for many years on P-3 Orion patrol planes for the US Navy. I had this dream of being like Lieutenant (Left-ten-ant) Colonel William A. Bishop. OK, I will humor you with who he is since it is currently the Olympic Games going on, and he is a Canadian hero.

Ground Up by Michael Idov

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:23:00 +0000

So that people don’t think I am sleeping on the job. I read and finished Ground Up yesterday. Wow! Compared to Hermann Hesse this is for idiots who read the New York Times Bestsellers lists. OK, I know that was harsh. However, I have found fashion does not “Trump” substance in ALL cases. I know that was a bit harsher.

Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:23:00 +0000

I read the novel Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse last night and today. I was truly inspired by its wonderful use of the English language. This is of course via proxy since it was originally written in German in 1927, and translated later (1929) to English.

First Men in the Moon by H.G. Wells

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:09:00 +0000

I read the novel First Men in the Moon by H.G. Wells this weekend. It is really neat to read a novel of such fantastic proportions. The novel was written well before our first trip to the moon, and contains a lot of scientific conjecture from the 1890s and early 1900s.

Tip: How to Use a Sequence as the Default Value on a Coumn (Oracle)

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:08:00 +0000

You first must create the sequence you want to use to add the identity value for the column. Then replace the values in highlighted below appropriately for your environment.

Tip: X-Window Display on localhost from Remote system (UNIX/Solaris/Linux/OS X)

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:53:00 +0000

X-Window display on local host with known hostname or IP address:

Confirm remote host has Xaccess configured to allow remote connections. Note:The file is located in /etc/dt/conf/ on Solaris 9
Type on the local host:
```
  X -query <hostname or IP address>
```

Tip: Resetting Enviroment Variables without Logging Out (UNIX/Solaris/Linux/OS X)

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:47:00 +0000

To reset environment variable changes in bash without logging out

source ~/.profile

Confirm changes by:

set | grep <changed parameter>

Tip: XDMCP using Cygwin (UNIX/Solaris/Linux/OS X)

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:43:00 +0000

XDMCP to a UNIX system using cygwin on Windows.

XWin.exe -kb :0 -query [hostname or ip address]

Tip: Redirect Output to a tty (UNIX/Solaris/Linux/OS X)

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:39:00 +0000

Redirect ouptut to tty using the following command:

script -a /dev/null | tee /dev/pts/XXX

Where XXX is the tty target

Four Paths of Yoga

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:35:00 +0000

Karma – Active Path (service to others)
Jnana – Philosophical Path (often the hardest)
Raja – Scientific Path (Ashtanga)
Bhakti – Devotional Path

OS X Startup Commands

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:25:00 +0000

Keystroke	Description
X	Start OS X in Forced Mode
⌥ + ⌘ + ⇧ + DEL	Bypass primary startup volume and seek a different startup volume (such as a CD or external disk).
C	Start up from a CD that has a system folder.
N	Attempt to start up from a compatible network server (NetBoot).
R	Force PowerBook screen reset.
T	Start up in FireWire Target Disk Mode.
	Start up in Safe Boot Mode. Temporarily disable login items and non-essential kernel extension files (Mac OS X 10.2 and later).
⇧	(held until second restart) Boots into “Safe Boot” mode, which runs Disk First Aid. The system will restart on completion.
⌘ + V	Start up in Verbose Mode.
⌘ + S	Start up in Single-User Mode. The results in UNIX command line.
	Boot into Open Firmware.Select a boot device.
⌘ + ⌥ + P + R	Reset Parameter RAM (PRAM) and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM).
(mouse button clicked and held)	Eject (internal) removable media.

How to Repair plist files on OS X

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:17:00 +0000

To repair Preferences (.plist) files use the following command:

Translating Line Feeds for Mac OS X, UNIX, and Windows

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:15:00 +0000

I have been asked to show how to translate line feeds between Mac, UNIX, and Windows. This comes up often so here is one way using PERL which was designed to do just what we need.

How to translate Mac OS file linefeed to UNIX linefeeds:
```
  perl -pi -e 's/r/n/g' file_with_mac_linefeeds.txt
```
How to translate UNIX file linefeeds to Mac OS linefeeds:
```
  perl -pi -e 's/n/r/g' file_with_unix_linefeeds.txt
```

Translate a Windows file linefeeds to UNIX linefeeds:

  perl -pi -e 's/rn/n/g' file_with_win_linefeeds.txt

Translate Windows file linefeeds to Mac OS linefeeds:

  perl -pi -e 's/rn/r/g' file_with_win_linefeeds.txt

Loading /etc/hosts into NetInfo (OS X 10.4 Leopard)

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:32:00 +0000

You can load your /etc/hosts file into NetInfoManager’s database using the following command:

niload -m hosts < /etc/hosts

OS X Account Settings Panther and Leopard (10.3/10.4)

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:28:00 +0000

OS X (10.3)

Accounts will not appear in the account list unless UID values are above 500.

iPod Disk Scan

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:07:00 +0000

I was looking through some old notes on my computer and found these notes on how to scan the disk on your iPod (1st and 2nd generation).

The iPod has the ability to scan its hard drive for errors and repair some of those errors. If you suspect your iPod’s drive has issues, try scanning the disk.

Make sure the iPod is plugged, or is charged.
To do so, reset the iPod, and when you see the Apple logo, press and hold the Previous, Next, Select, and Menu buttons.

FDA Ban on Clove Cigarettes and Cigars

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:12:00 +0000

I was reading The Wall Street Journal® To the FDA, This Indonesian Smoke Is Close but No Cigar about a ban by the FDA on clove based smoking products. I don’t smoke, but I do occasionally like to have one. I must admit it has been a long time since I have had one.

As noted in the article, menthol is not banned by the FDA because lawmakers thought there would be a large bootlegging operation that would occur since it is a popular flavor for tobacco. The ban was in large part due to a belief that flavorings were being used as an attractant to children to induce them to smoke. Based on the recently exposed information about tobacco companies, this is likely true.

Clove and tobacco, “Kretek”, have been a combination in Indonesia since the 1880s. In recent years, well maybe not so recent (my childhood), it was considered fashionable to smoke clove cigarettes. The fascination and fad have long since passed. When I see them like Matt Eden in the article, I do fancy one. The wonderful scent that fills the air and the crackle are enticing.

I hope that the FDA will reconsider the ban on them and make them like any other tobacco product.

Then I too can be reminded of my days in Bali, Indonesia.

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga - Days of the week

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:30:00 +0000

The seven spiritual laws and the days of the week for reflection. The book Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga defines the laws as follows:

Eight Limbs of Yoga

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:16:00 +0000

Yama
Niyama
Asana
Pranayama
Pratyahara
Dharana
Dhyana
Samadhi

Chakras

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:13:00 +0000

The seven Chakras, and their associated mantras.

Sahasrara Chakra
7th chakra, located at the top of the head. It is represented by a 1000 petal Lotus.

Anja Chakra
6th chakra, located in the middle of the forehead. It is often called the third-eye. Mantra: Om

Vishuddha Chakra
5th chakra, located at the base of the throat.
Mantra: Ham

Anahata Chakra
4th chakra, located at the center of the sternum corresponding to the heart.
Mantra: Yam

Manipura Chakra
3rd chakra, located at the navel corresponding to the solar plexus.
Mantra: Ram

Swadhishtana Chakra
2nd chakra, located in the genital area.
Mantra: Vam

Muladhara Chakra
Root chakra located at the base of the spine.
Mantra: Lam

Nadi Shodhana - Channel Clearing Breath (Alternate Nostril Breathing)

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:53:00 +0000

A technique for performing Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing. This pranayama technique has a quieting effect, and reduces mental turbulence. The ultimate effect of this technique is to quietly reduce the mind to becoming a witness to the process, and make the breathing effortless.

Note: Make sure that the nasal passages are clear before beginning. Using a neti pot to clean the sinuses is a method to ensure that the nasal passages are cleansed.

Use the right hand for this technique. Place the thumb over the right nostril, while your third and fourth fingers are over the left.
Inhale and exhale through one nostril and alternate between nostrils on each inhalation.
(Alternate) Inhale in one nostril, close it off and exhale through the other. Repeat the process alternating back and forth.

Ujjayi - Victorious Breath (Success Breath)

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:48:00 +0000

The Ujjayi breathing technique used to settle the mind and body. Requires the mind to focus on the breathing.

This breathing technique requires equal balance of the breath on inhalation and exhalation. You should partially close the glottis to gently restrict the flow of air. The effect would be like a Darth Vader sound with the exception of the mouth being closed. The sound should not be created by the air passing through the nostrils, but by passing through the back of the throat.

The effect is produces a prompt calming, soothing sensation in the body while forcing your mind to focus.

Uses:

Anytime you find yourself becoming upset, or aggravated.
While performing the asanas to keep focused while moving from one posture to the next.
Useful during aerobic exercise to enhance respiratory efficiency.
During cardiovascular workouts to reduce the wear and tear on the body.

Dirgha - Complete Breath

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:46:00 +0000

A technique for performing Dirgha. This is a relaxing and releasing pranayama technique. This technique can be performed upright, or laying down. It is also called three-part breathing.

For the first part of the inhalation, use the diaphragm to draw air into the lower lungs in a smooth rhythmic motion.
Next, draw air into the middle-lungs by expanding the rib-cage.
Finally, draw the air into the upper lungs into the collarbones (clavicle).
Exhalation is the reverse of the inhalation.

Kapalabhati - Shining Breath

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:44:00 +0000

A technique for performing Kapalabhati. This is an energizing and cleansing breath like Bhastrika.

Sit upright and forcibly expel all the air from the lungs. The primary movement is accomplished by using the diaphragm.
Allow the lungs to fill passively.
Repeat 10 times in 3-4 cycles with periods of normal breathing between sets.

Bhastrika - Bellows Breath

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:42:00 +0000

A technique for practicing Bhastrika. This is an energizing and cleansing breathing technique.

Start by relaxing the shoulders and taking slow, deep, abdominal breaths.
Exhale completely.
Start deep forceful inhalations and exhalations at one second per cycle through the nose.
Do this for 10 breaths, and then return to normal breathing.
Continue to breathe normally for 15-30 seconds.
Start the next round of breathing for 20 breaths.
Return to normal breathing for 30 seconds.
Begin the last round of 30 breaths, and resume normal breathing.

Note: the energized and invigorated feeling after performing this pranayama technique. Increases the metabolism.

Uses:

In the morning to start the body and mind.
During the day when feeling lethargic, or sleepy.

Anuloma Viloma - Alternate Nostril Breathing (Sivananda Style)

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:39:00 +0000

A variation of the alternate nostril breathing technique. This pranayama technique has a quieting effect, and reduces mental turbulence. The ultimate effect of this technique is to quietly reduce the mind to becoming a witness to the process, and make the breathing effortless.

Three Types of Food - sattva, rajas, and tamas

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 12:01:00 +0000

I was exposed to a philosophical idea about the three types of food from Indian tradition. Remarkably they seem to make a perfect fit with our modern understanding of foods.

Volume of a Pizza

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:58:00 +0000

The general equation for the volume of a cylindrical object is noted by the following equation.

Reflections

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:38:00 +0000

Reflections

Five Lined Skink Eating a Fly

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:35:00 +0000

I went to lunch today and saw this really neat Five Lined Skink who caught a fly. The fly is sticking out of its mouth.

Wacker and LaSalle Bridge Lights in Chicago

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:33:00 +0000

Bridge Lights in Chicago

Censorship in Asia

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:29:00 +0000

I read a very good article this morning on the growing censorship of the Internet and blogging in Asia. The article: Web Censoring Widens Across Southeast Asia was published in the Wall Street Journal for Monday, 14 September 2009.

Decisive Force in Afganistan

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:22:00 +0000

I read the op-ed piece in the Wall Street Journal by Lindsey Graham, Joesph Lieberman, and John McCain today called Only Decisive Force Can Prevail in Afghanistan. I respect Messrs. Graham and McCain for their service to this great country, but on this opinion piece I am not sure I can agree completely.

U.K. National ID Card and Real ID

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:03:00 +0000

IBM and CSC were awarded the contract by the U.K. Identity and Passport Service for creating biometric enhanced IDs. The goal is to provide a safe and secure ID which contains built in verification of identity.

Everyone Should Pay Income Taxes

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:45:00 +0000

I read a really great op ed in The Wall Street Journal from Ari Fleischer today. The piece is entitled the same as my blog title: Everyone Should Pay Income Taxes. Although, I am not totally in favor of some of his political ideas, the premise is sound.

The Grid and Spies

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:32:00 +0000

The Wall Street Journal published a front page article on 8 April 2009 entitled Electricity Grid in U.S. Penetrated By Spies It is a chilling report on the weakness of our national electrical infrastructure. They point out that the utilities failed to detect the breaches, and that they were informed by the CIA of the breaches. Good for our intelligence agencies, but poor marks for the commercial enterprises which should be more vested in security. The report generalizes the potential threat from countries like Russia, and China. The threats exist from those nations, but I offer a more chilling thought.