The FIRST Amendment

You wouldn't think that these issues would need to be restated again and again, but recent events have made me realize that some people need to be reminded at regular intervals.

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Let's not forget that this is #1 on the Constitution Hit Parade!

Career-Op: The Wait
by Douglas E. Welch, ComputorEdge Magazine

Waiting for this. Waiting for that. Waiting seems to have become the common refrain in high-tech work these days. Rebuilding a computer from scratch has turned into a 2-3 hour session, where it would have taken only an hour a few years ago. What’s worse, clients are getting fidgety about all this time wasted waiting. Why are they paying you to stare at a screen while a progress bar updates. There are good answers that that question, but finding some solution to “the waiting game” is very important to your high-tech career.

(Continued)

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LA Bloggers are getting together

LABlogs has announced an informal get-together of LA bloggers at the Farmer's Market on Fairfax.

Get the full info over at LABlogs.com.

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Search Your Neighborhood With Google

Today, Google.com announced a new addition to its popular search service, Google Local.

This service allows you to limit search results to a geographic area. This can be especially useful when looking for businesses and services like dry cleaners, restaurants, etc.

I tested it out by looking for Italian Bakeries near me. St. Joseph's Day is on Friday and there is a traditional treat called Zepolle that is served on this day. Unfortunately, Google doesn't find the bakery where we normally purchase our Zepolle, Nicolosi Bakery on Ventura Blvd. in Tarzana. Most likely, this is because they have no presence on the web that I can find.

It's Poppy Time Again!

The Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve will be opening its visitor's center on weekends starting March 20 and everyday starting March 27.

Photos from our 2003 visit

You can get updates on the wildflower bloom by calling 661-724-1180.

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Mac OS X 10.3.3 Update

Updated 3/15/04 - 1136a: My own personal update appears to have gone without a hitch. I will report on oddities I do find in future entries. -- DEW

Just when you thought software updates couldn't get any larger, here comes Mac OS X 10.3.3. At a hefty 58.8 megabytes, this one is going to take everyone a long time to download, even those with high-speed connections.

10.3.3 contains a host of updates to the base operating system, as well as enhancements and fixes for built-in utilities and Safari. Use Software Update to download and install.

From Apple...

Key enhancements include:

• network volumes are now available in the Finder sidebar and Desktop for convenient access
• improved file sharing and directory services for Mac (AFP), UNIX (NFS) and PC (SMB/CIFS) networks
• iimproved PostScript and USB printing
• updated Disk Utility, DVD Player, Image Capture, Mail and Safari applications
• additional support for FireWire and USB devices
• iimproved compatibility for third party applications
• previous standalone security updates and Bluetooth Update 1.5

For detailed information on this Update, please visit this website: http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n25711

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Event

Nature Journaling - Wintertime Glories of Franklin Canyon

SUN 3/21 11am

Sooky Goldman Nature Ctr

Renew your spirit through nature journaling. Enhance the way you look at the natural world around you. Provide yourself with a record of your observations, thoughts, and feelings. Bring a sketchbook or pad, pencil, pen, and a small folding chair for your comfort. 2hrs WODOC

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San Juan Capistrano Photos

We took a day trip to San Juan Capistrano, California last Friday. While Rosanne did some interviews for an upcoming magazine article, I took some time to wander about the center of town. We have visited twice in the past, but I never really had time to check things out fully.

Click for larger versions of these pictures

The main focus of town is, of course, the San Juan Capistrano Mission. Since I had already visited that in the past, I skipped it this trip. Instead of headed down towards the old train station, which is now a restaurant, even though the Amtrak and Metrolink trains still stop her regularly. Just across the tracks is the Los Rios Historic District, a collection of small cottages from San Juan Capistrano's past. Some of the cottages are shops, a tea house, restaurants and even a law office. Jones Farm is a large petting zoo with places to picnic a variety of animals.

As the photos show, I wandered about, taking lots of shots, even in the in-and-out lighting caused by the afternoon fog.

This weekend is the Fiesta de las Golondrinas, the day the swallows return to San Juan Capistrano. To avoid the traffic, I would highly recommend Amtrak or Metrolink service as the best way to get to the festival.

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