Jonathan Rogers’s Blog

A tip from me to other short statured guys out there. Too often short guys fall into the trap of buying bigger clothes thinking they will hide your smallness. I did that for quite a while- up through high school. Being from an urban high school also led to that fashion decision admittedly.

But I’ve seen men in professional settings with dress shirts that swallow them up. And the interesting thing is that the opposite efffect from the one intended tends to happen. The clothing swallows you up, and makes you appear even smaller. Think about it, you probably look like the kid trying on his dad’s suit. Never a good thing.

Because I’ve noticed this a lot, I just want to point out- that if you are a short guy, embrace more fitted clothing. It is trendy right now anyway, and the fact that your clothing fits you will make you appear larger. Think of guys who try to fake that they lost weight by wearing smaller t-shirts so that they are tighter around their body. Clever visual trick that can work for you too.

A group of scientists has genetically modified some bugs so that they excrete what is basically oil.

We all understand the problems of an oil based economy right now. With limited resources and high demand, the prices of fuel is going up. In an ideal world we could switch to more accomodating sources of energy. However, realistically, it will take time to make the switch. Not everyone is going to be able to go out immediately and buy a hydrogen powered car. Many factories will take time to be retrofitted, or it might not be cost efficient to do so.

So, we need to see if there are better ways to get oil. Some are looking at the shale fields in places like Canada. The problem with this method is that it is very dirty. To get the oil out of the rock creates a lot of pollution.

In a remarkable feat of science, some scientists have genetically engineered bugs to excrete oil. Now, whether it is pure enough to be poured into your car is still up to be examined, but it is promising. And, it is more eco-friendly than some of the other methods as of right now.

Because crude oil (which can be refined into other products, such as petroleum or jet fuel) is only a few molecular stages removed from the fatty acids normally excreted by yeast or E. coli during fermentation, it does not take much fiddling to get the desired result.

Using genetically modified bugs for fermentation is essentially the same as using natural bacteria to produce ethanol, although the energy-intensive final process of distillation is virtually eliminated because the bugs excrete a substance that is almost pump-ready.

he closest that LS9 has come to mass production is a 1,000-litre fermenting machine, which looks like a large stainless-steel jar, next to a wardrobe-sized computer connected by a tangle of cables and tubes. It has not yet been plugged in. The machine produces the equivalent of one barrel a week and takes up 40 sq ft of floor space.

However, to substitute America’s weekly oil consumption of 143 million barrels, you would need a facility that covered about 205 square miles, an area roughly the size of Chicago.

I’m sure we can buy some land in the barren west to produce enough space to produce this stuff. We could put it in Nevada to make up for the nation’s nuclear waste site. They would make a ton off of production and sales, and everyone wins.

You thought email spam was bad. Wait until you get your first text spam. Short messages asking you to buy stuff at a certain sketchy website. Why would anyone send you that?

Some of you know this, but for the others - your text number also works as a email address. For example if your number is 999-555-1212, and you had verizon, I could text you at 9995551212@vzw.com. So, many spammers have been using email to send massive texts for free. They know you are more likely to read a text than an email that probably gets sent directly to your spam filter.

The most infuriating part about it, is that often you are paying for that text spam. If you don’t have a text plan you are getting charged .15c per text. Even if you do, they are taking one of your precious texts away in your package. And its just annoying.

So, how do you get rid of it? The New York Times investigated and discovered often you can go to your wireless provider’s website and check an option to turn off any text messages from the internet. You will only received texts from other phones, which is great because what spammer is really going to type in messages to thousands of people on a phone?

* AT&T: Log in at mymessages.wireless.att.com. Under Preferences, you’ll see the text-blocking and alias options. Here’s also where you can block messages from specific e-mail addresses or Web sites.

* Verizon Wireless: Log in at vtext.com. Under Text Messaging, click Preferences. Click Text Blocking. You’re offered choices to block text messages from e-mail or from the Web. Here again, you can block specific addresses or Web sites. (Here’s where you set up your aliases, too.)

* Sprint: No auto-blocking is available at all, but you can block specific phone numbers and addresses. To get started, log in at www.sprint.com. On the top navigation bar, click My Online Tools. Under Communication Tools, click Text Messaging. On the Compose a Text Message page, under Text Messaging Options, click Settings & Preferences. In the text box, you can enter a phone number, email address or domain (such as Comcast.net) that you want to block.

* T-Mobile: T-Mobile doesn’t yet offer a “block text messages from the Internet” option. You can block all messages sent by e-mail, though, or permit only messages sent to your phone’s e-mail address or alias, or create filters that block text messages containing certain phrases. It’s all waiting when you log into www.t-mobile.com and click Communication Tools.

Verena Von Pfetten is a NY blogger who writes for the Huffington Post occassionally. I think she has a great voice, and writes about some eccentric and interesting topics, so of course I love her articles.

Anyway, one of her latest articles on HuffPo tries to explain the phenomenon of the very hot girl with the ugly guy. Of course, I would try to simply conclude that he is ugly, so couldn’t rely on his looks. He therefore had to use his brain, got smart, got a good job, and got rich.

She has some more delicate explanations.

These high-school hotties are used to having the sort of unadulterated, fawning adoration that the symmetrically blessed always get in high-school, but the problem is that it doesn’t do them any good. In fact, it’s fair to say that it categorically does them harm.

They’re trained from a young age to be (often) unjustifiably self-assured, to eschew personality and affability for cocksure confidence, and to generally treat people like the feudal system is alive and kickin’.

Am I making a sweeping generalization? No doubt. Can the same argument be used against women? Sometimes. But I find that women are much more inclined to date with their emotions - to pick a man that is funny, comforting, kind, and generous - and they’ll often pick one or all of those traits over his looks.

I also have a little (and relatively untested) theory. I believe that women tend to come into themselves — appearance-wise — much later in school than men. And because of this I think women tend to retain some memory of what it means to be liked (or disliked) for who one is, not how one looks.

Anyone agree? Maybe I still have a shot!

Those of you who have DVR/Tivo probably have gotten used to skipping the commercials. Obviously, advertisers and TV stations don’t appreciate this, as alot of their revenue because of this.

Advertisers have found ways to include ads in new ways. Product placement comes to mind, where they put a pepsi can in the scene of your favorite sitcom. The other way is those ads that take up the bottom third of the screen, telling you about the epsidode of some drama on Thursday. They last around ten seconds, and even if they make noise, most of the time you can ignore them and still watch your favorite show.

However, TBS has gone a step farther and paused the show you are watching to force you to pay attention to the ad. Awesome. Can’t WAIT for this to take off.

They are one of two things:

1. Dreadfully uninformed
2. Liars.

The media has been hyping the importance of independent or undecided voters in the coming election. I can’t stand these people. I would argue most of them actually do know who they want to vote for. People have an inherent need to feel important. Once you have labled yourself a democrat or republican, none of the media or anyone really wants to talk to you. You have already made up your mind, why do they need to talk to you- they know where you stand. But if you are undecided, people want to know why you haven’t made up your mind.

However, every independent/undecided voter I’ve talked to actually has strong feelings about issues when questioned. If you ask them about the war in Iraq, or undocumented aliens, they will give you a strong opinion. Enough of these, and you can often figure out which side they would probably vote for. Very rarely is someone so all over the place on issues that they should be a true independent. While they may not agree with a party on everything, people typically line up on one side of the aisle or the other. But, they refuse to say they line up because they want to matter.

The other option is that people simply don’t realize that their beliefs line up with one side or the other. They don’t take an interest in politics, and don’t know where the parties stand. Again, I cannot fathom why the media wants to talk to these people, or try and figure out why they haven’t made up their mind. They haven’t made up their mind because they aren’t paying attention - who cares what they think?? This is like asking a person in China who their favorite to win the Super Bowl is. And if they don’t have an answer why haven’t they picked yet. Excercises in futility.

I know people don’t like labels, but in some cases it makes things a lot easier. The republicans and democrats create issue platforms so you know where they stand. If you can’t figure out who you agree with you are an attention seeking liar, or have other more important things to do with your time. Either way, there is no such thing as a truly undecided voter.

(yes, this could be better written, but the NBA finals is on in 15 min)

How great is this picture?

It is the “short list” according to MSNBC of Obama’s VP potentials. VA residents you will notice two faces in particular. That is current Democratic Governor Tim Kaine, and to his right beloved former Democratic Governor and Current VA Senate Candidate Mark Warner.

How proud would I be to have a VP from VA. There is a ring to that. The only problem is that they both have current or future jobs they would have to give up.

I went to the Jackson-Jefferson dinner in Richmond early in 08. Both Hillary and Obama spoke and Warner who also spoke endorsed neither candidate at the time. Tim Kaine has been a loud and proud Obama fan for some time, and was supportive at the JJ dinner.

I actually called into a tidewater NPR show Warner was on after the dinner and asked him personally about his views on a VP nod, but he said he didn’t want it. He flirted early with entering the Pres race, but declined. He stated he wanted to spend more time with his family than the campaign trail would allow. I doubt a VP position would give him more time. Plus, I think he wants to use the Senate to build his own name and get a future Pres nomination, than simply run as a VP. As Gore has proven, that doesn’t always lead to the Presidency.

I went to two great college friends’ wedding this weekend. Because the guy was in my fraternity and she was in a sorority we mixed with alot, most of us knew each other pretty well. When contemplating if there would be any hookups most people noted we simply knew everyone a little too well.

It was great to see everyone again. It was almost a mini reunion. One brother observed over an impromptu game of beer pong in the hotel before the wedding, how none of us had changed. I disagreed. Sure, no one had completely changed their personality, but would you want that of your friends? It was comforting to see people and interacting like they did in undergrad. There was an air of maturity nonetheless. Jobs and time had mellowed and calmed most people. Their original flavor was there, but it was much milder.

The wedding itself was short and the reception was long- just the way you’d want it. It was a traditional country club style and it was well done. The band was amazing and completely on all night.

The maid of honor’s speech included a reference to my house senior year which brought back the fond memories of a great senior year that one would give anything to relive again. With the people I lived with senior year also at the wedding, I almost forgot what year it was.

A great guy flew all the way from japan to bein the wedding, which speaks to his character and the bond my group of friends has for each other. He actually gave the groom a samurai sword as a wedding gift. I wonder how he explained that to homeland security.

Interesting set of facts from an article in the NY Times. While prices across the board are rising because of the economy and rising cost of fuel, clothing, at least if you aren’t going for high fashion, is actually cheaper now than before.

As luxury fashion has become more expensive, mainstream apparel has become markedly less so. Clothing is one of the few categories in the federal Consumer Price Index in which overall prices have declined — about 10 percent — since 1998 (the cost of communication is another). That news may be of solace to anyone whose budget has been stretched just to drive to work or to stop at the supermarket; in fashion, at least, there are still deals to be had.

How does this happen? Why is this industry

Over all, apparel prices have gone down primarily because of two factors: the overwhelming movement of manufacturing to countries with cheaper labor, where the clothes are made, and increased competition between traditional retailers and discounters, where the clothes are sold.

The economy is having an impact on the choice of fashion in consumers’ minds though. Designers and retailers know that consumers are thinking about prices. Those prices may convince them they don’t absolutely need that new piece.

The fashion and retail industry fear that the appeal of price, for consumers of both mass and luxury goods, is becoming a more important factor in decisions about what to buy than desire, which has been the driving mechanism behind the growth of fashion and luxury for decades.

Of course, those who are truly wealthy feel the effects of a downturn in the economy much less than those in lower classes. Hence, why the resistance to price inflation is not seen in luxury items.

The number one issue for Americans currently is the economy. Number two is Iraq. See Poll here, scroll down to issue tracker.

Three is health care. Of the top three issues, none of those fall favorably for the Republicans.

The moneyed interest on the right has ensured the banks are protected while consumers are fleeced. And the current Nominee doesn’t feel any of the lower class pain:

“John McCain went on television and said that there has been great progress economically over the last seven-and-a-half year years,” Mr. Obama said. “John McCain thinks our economy has made great progress under George W. Bush? How could somebody who has been traveling across this country, somebody who came to Erie, Pennsylvania, say we’ve made great progress?”

Even if you somehow still believe we were justified in going into Iraq, you cannot reasonably argue the ware has been well handled. I don’t know how many days it has been since “Mission Accomplished” was declared, but we are still losing American soldiers, and any government set up over there is hanging on by a thread.

So, it would seem without some giant stumble, the Democrats SHOULD have this in the bag right? What we aren’t hearing a lot about are social issues. I’m not talking about serious social issues like social security, and how to rescue it- but the things the Republicans use to scare up crazy conservative voters to come out of their holes. Things like gay marriage (gasp!)

Just yesterday, I heard a story that New York is considering recognizing gay marriages performed in other states. This coming on the heels of California Supreme Court recognizing gay marriages, all without much word from any major republican player?

One might think they are too wrapped up in their own scandals, and are distracted (thanks Mr. McClellan!), but I think they are just saving it up until closer to the election. Then they will start the talking points- Dems will allow gay marriage! Downfall of society! AH!

They will do this JUST late enough that it distracts the media and the public long enough that they avoid the REAL issues. This will get social conservatives in enough of a tizzy that they vote Republican again this fall. Who cares if Gas is $6 a gallon, or I can’t afford food, or my neighbors are all getting kicked out of their houses because their houses are being foreclosed- I won’t let those queers get married, I win!!

I fear this election, the public will be swindled by silly social matters that don’t have a real impact on their everyday lives. Does it really affect what you do on a Tuesday morning if a guy marries another guy? You know what does? Having a job. I hope the Democratic candidate has the resolve and strength to not fall to these fall arguments.

My Dad, who is a traditionally conservative voter has actually come over to the dark side recently, and mentioned he might vote Obama. (Certainly NOT hillary though, ha) Believe it or not, I don’t do much campaigning with friends or family, unless they provoke/discuss first, so don’t blame me. I tend to be passionate but private with my political convictions. (Note- YOU came to this site, so you sought out my opinions, so I’m not a hypocrite… right?) I do have to wonder if he won’t be swindled by this type of rhetoric later in the year. He stated that McCain came out for “civil unions” so it wouldn’t be a talking point. But he wouldn’t have to say it. A 527 organization could do it just as easily.

One hope is that the libertarian candidate could pull some sway with it. Pulling the “real” conservatives away from the republicans. I think libertarian principles would not ban gay marriage though- goes against the whole absolute freedom from interference platform. Hopefully though they split the republican party enough that they pull a Nader. That is unless Nader himself pulls another Nader.

I know I have some Conservative friends out there, any comments? (I’m looking at you W&L alumni)