Justin Germino Ramblings

I don’t’ like having days where no posts are published on my blogs and I keep a pretty hectic writing schedule.  As I will be on vacation in late June and early July I am going to have to pre-write and queue an extra 20 posts and 10 poems to cover my three blogs so I don’t have any days empty.  This is going to be difficult as I have to write twice as much content over the next few weeks with one article for current posting and one for queued in the future.

My articles I am writing for the summer can’t be based on a trending topic now or they will probably be worthless by the time it publishes so I have to write an article that is capable of being time insensitive, like a how to guide or information about an older item that is still popular so it doesn’t wane in a few months.

This is far easier to write things for my personal blog or poetry blog but harder for me on my technology blog.  I am also probably going to have to temporarily promote one of my site writers to an administrator so they can manage my blog while I am away and approve/respond to comments, review and publish guest articles…etc

This will be the longest leave of absence from my blogs I have ever taken since starting them back in August 2008 so I want to make sure everything continues to flow while I will be away.

It made me wonder how other bloggers plan and prepare for leaving their blogs unattended for say a month or longer.  Do you just disappear from the community?  Ask a friend to run your site while you are gone?  I have seen some bloggers do both.

-Justin Germino

So SocialSpark my favorite blog earning platform had send me a Flip Ultra HD along with Microsoft Office 2010 for an opp I was working on about OneNote from Microsoft.  My old JVC Everio was getting cumbersome and battery wouldn’t last more than 10 minutes anymore so I thought it would be nice to have a Flip Ultra HD.

While I was able to do some video with the Flip Ultra HD I did notice some unique challenges that make it a bit more unwieldy than I would have liked.  The primary being the following:

No Wireless Connectivity

You have to manually use a cable to transfer the video’s from your Flip Ultra HD to your computer and the camcorder doesn’t use an external SD card or I could have used an Eye-Fi card for this purpose.

Video Editing Difficult

The Flip Ultra HD is great for raw video that you just want to record and then immediately publish online. The MP4 file will upload to YouTube fine, but if you want to say edit out a few minutes or add blurs to block out some sensitive information you don’t want to share you will have a very hard time.  The MP4 video won’t load in Camtasia Studio or any other Editing Software (Pinnacle Sudio…etc) that I can find and you have to convert the MP4 to AVI or WMV so that Windows Movie Maker can edit the file.  Even when converted to another format I still could only edit the Flip Ultra video in Windows Movie Maker.

It’s great for point and shoot if you want to publish raw recordings, but not so much if you want to do any sort of real video editing.  The Flip software has some features like adding transitions, music…etc but it is horribly slow on my Athlon X2 PC and takes an hour to apply just about any effect.

Cisco Killing the Line

Just read last week that Cisco is dumping the Flip line and won’t be making new ones in the future.  They apparently couldn’t compete with iPhone, iPad and other devices with equivalent camcorders built into the phones which made the need for a separate mini camcorder redundant.

This is a shame as I just got mine and was going to use it a bit to do some video blogging if I got around to it.

Final Thoughts

Though I listed some negatives about the Flip Ultra HD you can’t deny some of its great benefits in that it is really inexpensive, super easy to use and the USB is the device itself (no separate cable).  The thing simply records video which comes out slightly better than my $600 JVC Everio did which is amazing considering this little camera was about 1/5th the price.

Overall I don’t dislike the Flip Ultra HD though I really wish it were easier to edit the video files without having to convert them first.  Most of all I was happy that SocialSpark provided me one as part of the opp. So really how can I complain when they gave me one.

-Justin Germino

So I had no idea what Culver’s was when I first drove past the sign a few months ago but after stopping and eating there several times in the past month I can say that I am both glad and unhappy they finally opened a Culver’s in Casa Grande, Arizona.

First, I am unhappy because the food is really good and is not healthy.  The delicious butter burgers, fries and frozen custard are sure to hurt any weight loss plans anybody would have around here.

However, I am happy for the additional choice in dinner fare.  The closest food I can compare Culver’s to is In and Out Burger except they offer a much wider variety of food on the menu.  They are famous for their butter burgers which the patties are fairly flat and delicious on a bun that isn’t as greasy as the In and Out buns.  Their value basket comes with fries and a drink and they have Diet Mountain Dew on fountain which is always a plus for me.

The kids enjoy their chicken tenders and fries, but the free frozen custard for desert that comes in the kids meals is what they really enjoy.  Each kids meal comes with a coupon for a frozen custard and a token for a collectible which they can get for free if they save up 10 tokens.

For the price the food is better than most of the fast food restaurants one would normally eat burgers at, and I would probably put them at being just under Chili’s as far as the taste and flavor of the burgers.  I did an article a long time ago about my favorite hamburgers which isn’t updated for Culver’s yet but still holds true for most of them.

Has anyone eaten at Culver’s?  What do you think of the food?

-Justin Germino

Today we are taking our kids and their friends to see Rio in theaters at some point, as well as my wife and I are going out tonight to see Razer play at Club Red in Tempe.  We don’t get out more than once or twice a month without the kids but it is good to have Grandma (babysitter) be able to watch the kids while we go out alone and just enjoy being two adults without having to constantly watch the kids.

Meanwhile watching four to five kids at the same time all ages four to eight is like trying to run a mad house. And I will likely be exhausted by the time I do have to get ready to go out tonight.  Rio looked pretty good so I am hoping to enjoy it as much as the kids.

-Justin Germino

Trucks are incredibly popular among thousands of drivers in the U.S., and the market for trucks in America has continued to expand. The market for trucks has long been a competitive one, with only a few trucks truly standing out from the rest in terms of performance and durability. There are five trucks that truly capture the attention of truck drivers everywhere, and these five trucks are the perfect choice for anyone looking for a truck that will last longer than they will. Whether new or used, these five trucks will just keep on running:

1.       Nissan Titan SE

This powerhouse was named the best full-size pickup truck a few years ago, and is still worthy of its title years later. The Titan is incredibly lightweight, and the engine that powers it is truly a marvel of engineering. This beast can go from 0-60 mph in just 7.68 seconds, and is the perfect truck for anyone who wants to experience the thrill of off-roading. The interior of the Titan is truly a luxurious affair, with comfortable seats and ample leg room.

2.       Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tundra houses one of the most powerful truck engines on the market, and is able to pick up speed at incredible rates. The Tundra can go from 0-60 mph in 7.52 seconds, triumphing over the lighter Titan SE. This is one of the heaviest trucks available, and comes with brakes that are some of the world’s best. The Tundra Crewmax Limited has rear seats that are named the most comfortable of any truck, and looking at the plush luxury of the seats leave no doubt that the claim is true. The Tundra is able to tow 10,000 pounds, making it a monster capable of pulling any load.

3.       Chevrolet Silverado

GMC has failed in its car making before, but they certainly did something right with the Silverado. The interior of the cabin is well made and very sturdy, as compared to the flimsier plastic interiors of the Titan SE and Tundra. This is the perfect freeway or long distance truck, providing a luxurious ride for long periods of time. While it may not be the best performing truck, it is the truck of choice for anyone who has to drive a long way, thanks to the ergonomic seats.

4.       Ford F150

The Ford F Series trucks have long been the best selling trucks in the U.S., and the Ford F150 does not disappoint. The F Series trucks are well known for being incredibly easy to handle, smooth-riding, trucks that are great for any task. The F150 has some of the best stopping power of all trucks, able to go from 60-0 mph loaded with 1000 pounds in just over 123 feet.

5.       Dodge Ram

Dodge has just redesigned its monster truck, placing it high in the overall truck competition. While this truck may not handle as well as the Tundra or Titan SE, it is no slob when it comes to engine power and overall maneuverability. The Ram is known for its high-tech rear coil suspension, making it one of the smoothest rides of any trucks

Ronnie is an avid fan of the automotive industry. He loves anything and everything to do with trucks and SUVs. His main passion is lift kits. Check out his Lift Kits and his Tuff Country Lift Kits.

I hate to admit it but the family learned a few life lessons last week and that is that you shouldn’t remove a baby animal from the wild to bring home and keep as a pet BUT if you do you should make sure you know the behavior of your other pets in the house.

So, we had brought a young Jack Rabbit home and he was named Hop by my boys.  He lasted 3 days before I learned the hard way that my old female Boston Terrier dog was a rabbit killer.  While my wife was taking the kids to school one day, she got up in the kids room (door was left open) and knocked over the cage (which was just sitting on the floor).  My wife came home and had to clean up the remains of poor Hop and was traumatized.  Even worse was how my poor kids reacted to hearing that their beloved wild Jack Rabbit was fatally killed by our dog.

We had spent over $100 on a rabbit cage, bunny food and supplies and I always lose receipts.  So we decided to try again with more diligence after my son wanting nothing more than to spend his earnings on a bunny after receiving straight A’s in school in every subject (we pay him for each A he earns so he earned enough to buy a bunny).  We found a bunny breeder in Mesa, AZ and my son picked out and bought a lop eared brown bunny naming him Fluffykins.

Yes Fluffykins is the name of the rabbit, and this time we have his cage up high on a bookshelf and the door will always be closed.  We know our oldest Boston Terrier is a killer so we have to make sure she isn’t anywhere near the bunny when the kids take it out to play with it.  My youngest Boston Terrier named Porky is fine around the bunny he doesn’t do anything but give it a gentle lick.

So Fluffykins joins the family and hopefully we can prevent our son from losing another animal in such a brutal fashion.  He actually is very guarding and caring for the bunny who already has a liking to him.  The bunny will come to him when he calls and holds lettuce out as well as enjoys just sitting on his lap while he watches TV.

Currently Fluffykins is only 3 months old and I am hoping he has a long and healthy life.

-Justin Germino

Raising children in the twenty-first century can be more challenging than ever. There are experts that say we should not be exposing our children to a lot of television, computers and other media when they are in their most developmentally sensitive stages. On the other hand, it is important that children develop math and reading skills in addition to becoming familiar with technology, as discussed in this article: http://math-and-reading-help-for-kids.org/articles/The_importance_of_math_education.html. So much in our lives depends on familiarity and mastery of technology, and thus it is important that we prepare the next generation for such an existence with exposure to some technical skills early on in life. One way to uphold the values you would like to teach your children and still give them a competitive edge in life is to start them off with preschool math games online.

The Three Big Benefits of Early Math Education

Preschool math activities have benefits that are threefold: they provide math skill development activities that are both fun and educational; they impart basic computer skills; and they appeal to many learning styles.

A Unique Mix of Fun and Learning

Online preschool math games are a great way to get your child’s brain primed for math skills while simultaneously being engaging and appealing to how a child plays and learns. Games that are constantly changing and requiring interaction pull your child into an interesting world, using rewards such as tickets to simulate real-life achievements. There are 6 learning levels for your child’s age and skills, with 350 lessons in all. With each new level that your child ascends to, he or she builds on past math learning and adds new abilities in the subject.

Developing Many Skills Simultaneously

Even though these games are fun and math-oriented, they also teach children rudimentary computer skills that will come in handy more and more as they go to grade school. Math games help kids learn how to use a computer mouse to scroll and click, as well as teaching keypad and basic typing skills. Although children can use interactive learning games with or without parental supervision, you will never have to worry about your child’s safety online when you aren’t present; learning software does not allow for access to outside websites.

Learning for Achieving Optimal Success

Best of all, interactive learning online allows kids to take learning at their own pace, expanding their growing brains with a varied array of different exercises. Activities start at age 3 and build in complexity from there for up to 6 distinct levels of knowledge and achievement. From puzzles to songs, a multitude of approaches ensure your child will learn math with whichever method is easiest for them.

Jessica writes about a wide variety of topics.  She especially enjoys writing about education. You can learn more about Preschool Reading at www.abcmouse.com

I usually don’t write too many political posts but recently with all the political news and further division by our major (only) political parties I can’t help but point out to a recent article which showcases that between the years 2000 – 2010 the % of Caucasian children has dropped 9.8% while blacks have dropped 2.3% according to the 2010 Census Bureau.  This while Hispanic children rose 46% and the number of Asian children rose 31.2% during the same time period.

In 23 states, minorities make up more than 40% of the population and whites will likely become the minority much sooner than the estimated 2042 which was originally projected by the Census Bureau.  The decisions politicians have now will be remembered by this generation and this will play a major factor in the shape of the government and policies in two decades as these children become voting age.

For any who are still stuck with an ignorant mindset akin to white racist supremacy or have bias to another race for any reason they should wake up and realize the time of America being a “white nation” is virtually ended.  Those who hold onto this fantasy are delusional and if there ever was a time to embrace our nation as being truly multiracial it is time now.  Personally I hate that non-whites are still called minorities and this term won’t be able to be used for long.

The greatest strength of this new generation is that they are more tolerant of the varying nationalities than current generations.  My sons who are four and seven don’t see race at all, they only see kids their age and there is such diversity in their own classes and schools that they don’t even know there was a thing as “mostly white kids” at one point.

America will eventually become a population of Gray Tabby cats, where most of the population will have some ancestry from multiple races.  The racial divide will disappear but unfortunately the wealth/poverty divide will probably only further worsen too in the future.

-Justin Germino

In a recent article in the Wall Street Journal written by Richard K. Lester who is the head of the department of nuclear science and engineering at MIT he makes a strong argument that despite the Fukushima incident nuclear technology has promise and will become a viable and significant benefit to energy needs in the future.

Much of the issues and fears around nuclear power and its safety concerns center around plants that are three decades old or older and are not nearly as sophisticated as the type of designs that are being conceptualized and developed in the future.  Nuclear technology will advance to a point where plants will not require “pressure” and constant cooling to prevent meltdown as methods to draw nuclear energy will not require the heating/steam/hydrogen methods being used now to generate power.

Realistically I think he correctly realizes that eventually with the right fuel and extraction combinations a nuclear reactor may become a near infinite source of energy where the fuels used have such a long half-life that they don’t deplete for centuries and require no disposal of waste.  Nuclear still a vastly higher power output than any other form of alternative energy, and even if solar energy could increase to 20-40% efficiency wouldn’t match the energy producing capabilities of nuclear technology.

Still the technologies face criticism and concerns due to the severity of the current issues and fears caused by it.  Older nuclear plants do pose a risk as they age and new plants are prohibitively costly to develop without even including the necessary funding in research, models…etc.

Should we really shy away from a technology that if science and talented engineers studied could develop a way to make it truly more efficient and far less risky?  I have even read an article in Popular Science years ago about a reactor with the nuclear material inside graphene balls which operated at near room temperature.  Should the facility rupture, there wouldn’t be any radiation spill because each were sealed inside these spheres and they could be swapped out when they ran out of energy.

Where do you see our power coming from in 100 years?  Will we still be relying on coal/oil/gas as the primary sources of power in the year 2100?

-Justin Germino

With the Google Panda update a few months ago I no longer re-use articles for Associated Content on occasion like I used to.  There is no point submitting content that was already published as this won’t benefit Associated Content nor rank well in search engines and therefore provide much benefit to myself either.

I will still continue to contribute original poems and haikus on occasion.  AssociatedContent still has the potential to be a good income earner for those who want to write online but don’t want the hassle of running their own blogs.  There are plenty of writers who make hundreds per month in up front payments as well as those that have so many articles written they make equal amounts in Pageview performance.

At between $2 and $3 per article if they are well written and between 500 and 600 words you can get more for writing articles here than pitching them for freelance on a site like Freelancer.com (though I don’t know what countries Associated Content will pay out to).

Still, I earn far more even from my personal blog in AdSense earnings than I do from PageView performance on AssociatedContent but this may not always be the case.  I couldn’t establish a great following over there either as I had to subscribe to others and comment before I could get some people to consider reading and comment back on my articles.  This type of socializing isn’t really well built into the program and communicating with other publishers isn’t as intuitive as a social network.  I do think that AssociatedContent should update the author bio box for the published articles so your LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter profile can be accessible via a click from the article so if you enjoy a user’s writing you can follow them on one of the social networks.

How many of my reader still contribute articles to AssociatedContent?  Have you been affected by the Google Panda update personally with your own article Pageviews decreasing?