Mike Williams

Weekend Update

The building I’m in has not flooded in the 25 years the current owner has owned it…

…until now.

In the basement of this building is our computer center. It houses work stations, film and video editing hardware, and our internet “cage.”

The basement got about 18 inches of water from this last week’s overdose of rain.

Damages are ranging from $15,000 to about $20,000.

The Take That! Media office is on the 2nd floor so my loses were minimal although I do have some things stored downstairs as well.

The attitude of the guy who owns the building is amazing. To him, it’s a great excuse to replace the flooring and get rid of a bunch of things he thought should have been thrown out anyway.

The video guy has taken a big hit and it may seriously impact his business in the middle of a seriously bad economy.

When nature hits us back I’m always thankful to be still standing and humbly reminded that we simple, stupid, puny, and arrogant humans are not in charge around here. The sooner we realize this and stop pretending that we are the center of the universe, the better.

Update (9-24-11): The flood water destroyed our new washing machine. So, instead of just replacing the washer, Chuck (the owner of the building) replaced both washer and dryer with models that I swear were dropped off by NASA. At least, I feel like I need training to use them.

Biking Question

I frequently get asked why I ride my mountain bike in either flip flips or bare foot.

The answer is…

…comfort. Mostly.

If my feet do not feel good, I don’t feel good. It’s the end of summer and I don’t see any reason why I should ride my mountain bike wearing sneakers. It’s stupid and it’s uncomfortable.

I had someone ask me yesterday about hitting curbs while wearing flip flops. “Aren’t you afraid you’ll hit a curb?”

My answer…what curbs?

This is where suburbia goes to see if its doing suburbia right.

Shoes while mountain biking? Don’t be silly.

Pork Watch: Ticket to Ride?

via the AP

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On some days, the pilots with Great Lakes Airlines fire up a twin-engine Beechcraft 1900 at the Ely, Nev., airport and depart for Las Vegas without a single passenger on board. And the federal government pays them to do it.

Federal statistics reviewed by The Associated Press show that in 2010, just 227 passengers flew out of Ely while the airline got $1.8 million in subsidies. The travelers paid $70 to $90 for a one-way ticket. The cost to taxpayers for each ticket: $4,107.

Just imagine how many other programs like this exist that you and I pay for.

Who doesn’t think Washington is corrupt now?

A Seinfeld Style Post

That means that this post is about nothing in particular.

England is punching itself in the face.

America is spending 3 times more money than it takes in.

Day job is growing to be overwhelming in terms of control.

Europe still sucks.

I believe thats all I have for now.

Top 10 Signs That Your Employees Think You Are A Jerk

via BNET

Mad

1. You don’t know the difference between managing and micromanaging:

A good small business owner knows about more than just how to run his or her business and make a profit. Good bosses manage their employees, allowing them to do their jobs the best they can. Jerk bosses try and tell their staff how to do their jobs, down to ridiculous detail. If you spend more of your time on silly minutiae and less on the big picture, your employees probably don’t like working for you.

Follow the link above for the rest of them.