How can I set realistic new years resolutions?

 

Setting realistic new year's resolutions can be a great way to start the new year off on the right foot and make positive changes in your life. Here are a few tips to help you set realistic new year's resolutions:

1. Start small: Don't try to overhaul your entire life in one fell swoop. Instead, start with small, achievable goals that you can work towards gradually. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep going.

2. Be specific: Vague resolutions, like "be healthier" or "get organized," are difficult to measure and can be hard to stick to. Instead, try to be specific about what you want to accomplish. For example, instead of "be healthier," you could resolve to "eat three servings of vegetables every day" or "exercise three times a week."

3. Be realistic: It's important to set goals that are challenging, but not impossible. If you set goals that are too ambitious, you're likely to get discouraged and give up. On the other hand, if your goals are too easy, you won't feel a sense of accomplishment when you achieve them. Try to find a happy medium, and be realistic about what you can accomplish.

4. Make a plan: Once you've set your goals, come up with a plan for how you're going to achieve them. This might include creating a schedule, setting aside specific times to work on your goals, or finding accountability partners to help keep you on track. Having a plan in place will help you stay focused and motivated.

5. Celebrate your successes: Don't forget to celebrate your achievements along the way! When you reach a milestone or accomplish one of your goals, take the time to celebrate and reward yourself. This will help keep you motivated and remind you of how far you've come.

By following these tips, you can set realistic new year's resolutions that will help you make positive changes in your life and start the new year off on the right foot.

Namaskar!

Will

How can I get over the post holiday blues

 

I hope everyone had a good holiday - but even so, there's often a letdown after the excitement and preparation of the holidays.

If you're feeling down after the holiday season, there are a few steps you can take to help get over the post-holiday blues. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Get moving: Exercise can be a great way to lift your mood and improve your overall well-being. Even if you're not feeling particularly motivated, try to get some physical activity every day. It could be as simple as taking a walk around the block or doing some stretching at home.

2. Connect with others: It's natural to feel a little isolated after the holiday season, when many of your friends and family members may have returned to their own homes. Take the time to reach out to people you care about and plan some social activities. This can help you feel more connected and supported.

3. Set some goals: The start of a new year is a great time to set some goals for yourself. This can give you a sense of purpose and direction, and help you focus on the things that are most important to you. Try to set goals that are realistic and achievable, and break them down into smaller steps so that you can make steady progress towards achieving them.

4. Take care of yourself: It's important to prioritize your own well-being, especially when you're feeling down. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking time for yourself to relax and recharge. Taking care of yourself can help you feel more energized and positive, and better able to cope with any challenges that come your way.

By following these tips, you can help to overcome the post-holiday blues and start the new year off on the right foot. Remember that it's okay to feel down sometimes, but with a little effort and support from others, you can bounce back and get back to feeling your best.

Namaskar!

 

Will

DO THIS if you’re in police custody after a self-defense incident!

While the USCCA is trying to sell you a membership, the advice given here is just as valid to a non-member as a member. You have contacted a criminal defense lawyer well ahead of time and have their contact information in your phone and hardcopy in your wallet, right?

How to Sight In a Red Dot on your Pistol

Very well explained and useful information. 

Sighting at 10 yards, makes MOA adjustments on your sight simple - if 1 click = 1 MOA (1") at 100 yards, then 1 click will be 1/10th of an inch at 10 yards. Also easier to see the center of target at 10 yards with a non-magnified red dot than at 25 yards.  Courtesy Vortex Optics.

What is the meaning of Christmas to non or nominally religious people?

 

At the Church of the Resurrection in the Kansas City area, their mission is providing ministry to non and nominally religious people, teaching them the good news of Christianity. One of the holidays most masticated with Christianity is Christmas.  So, what does Christmas mean to non or nominally religious people? 

For many non-religious or nominally religious people, the meaning of Christmas goes beyond its religious origins. While Christmas is traditionally associated with the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus, for many people, it has become a secular holiday that is focused on spending time with loved ones, giving and receiving gifts, and celebrating the end of the year.

For some non-religious or nominally religious people, Christmas is a time to take a break from the busyness of everyday life and focus on the things that matter most. It can be a time to reconnect with family and friends, and to reflect on the past year and look forward to the year ahead.

For others, Christmas is a time to celebrate the traditions and customs that have been passed down from generation to generation. Whether it's decorating a Christmas tree, singing carols, or enjoying a special meal together, these traditions can bring people together and create a sense of community and belonging.

Despite the commercialization of Christmas, for many non-religious or nominally religious people, the holiday still holds a special meaning. It can be a time to remember the important things in life, to express gratitude and generosity, and to enjoy the simple pleasures of the season.

Bright Blessings!

Will

Tips for making a good holiday video

 Home for the holidays!  And you've got that new DSLR, smartphone or point and shoot camera that can make 4K cinematic videos - so you want to capture the holiday memories in video!  A couple of tips to make sure your holiday video is as good as your memories:

1. Plan ahead: Before you start shooting, take some time to plan out your video. Think about the story you want to tell, the locations you want to include, and the shots you want to capture. Having a plan in place will help you make the most of your time and ensure that you get the shots you need.

2. Use good lighting: Good lighting is essential for high-quality videos. When shooting indoors, try to use natural light as much as possible, and avoid using flash if you can. If you're shooting outdoors, pay attention to the time of day and the direction of the light to ensure that your shots are well-lit and free of harsh shadows.

3. Use a tripod: A tripod will help you keep your camera steady and avoid shaky shots. This is especially important if you're shooting in low light conditions, or if you're using a long focal length lens. A tripod will also give you the flexibility to frame your shots more carefully and compose them in a way that is visually appealing.

4. Edit your footage: After you've shot your video, take the time to edit it carefully. Use a video editing program to trim and arrange your footage, and add any special effects or transitions that you want to include. This will help you tell your story more effectively and create a polished, professional-looking video.

5. Share your video: Once your video is complete, share it with your friends and family! You can upload it to social media, email it to loved ones, or even send it out as a holiday greeting. Sharing your video will help you spread holiday cheer and connect with the people you care about.

By following these tips, you can create a high-quality holiday video that will capture the spirit of the season and bring joy to those who watch it. Happy holidays!

 

Will

5 Tips on taking good holiday photos

Holiday gatherings are coming soon, and everyone will want a good photo to remember the good times - and all it takes are a few simple steps.  You don't even need fancy cameras, lighting or experience posing people!
 

1.  Plan ahead: Before you head out on your holiday adventure, take some time to plan out your photo shoots. Think about the types of photos you want to take and the locations where you'll be taking them. This will help you make the most of your time and ensure that you get the shots you want.
2.  Use natural light: Natural light is your best friend when it comes to taking good holiday photos. Try to avoid using flash whenever possible, as it can create harsh shadows and wash out the colors in your photos. Instead, look for well-lit areas where you can capture the beautiful natural light of your surroundings.
3.  Get creative with composition: Composition is an important aspect of photography, and it can really make your holiday photos stand out. Try using creative angles, framing, and leading lines to add interest to your photos. You can also experiment with different focal lengths to create a sense of depth and perspective. (You can fake this in the 'pro' mode of your cell phone camera!)
   
4. Edit your photos: While it's important to get the best possible shot straight out of the camera, editing your photos can take them to the next level. Use a photo editing program to adjust the exposure, contrast, and colors in your photos to make them pop. Just be sure to keep your edits subtle, as over-editing can ruin a good photo. (Google Photos is a great free editor for your phone, and gets it right more often than not!)
   
5. Have fun: Above all, remember to have fun when taking holiday photos. Don't worry about getting the perfect shot every time; just enjoy the experience and capture the moments that matter to you. By focusing on the joy of the season, you'll end up with photos that truly capture the spirit of the holidays.

May your holiday season be joyful and bright!

Namakar,

Will

Sig Sauer X-TEN Shooting 220 Grain Underwood Hardcast Rounds

 Got out to the range today for some ballistic therapy; did some video editing later for some geek therapy and came up with my first YouTube vertical 'Short' video.  Captured at 4K60 by the Samsung Note 20 Ultra, cropped, zoomed and color corrected in DaVinci Resolve.  Enjoy a few rounds of 220 grain hardcast lead ammo poking holes in paper!  (Youtube doesn't allow embedding of Shorts, or Blogger can't figure out how to do it, so here's a local copy - like, share and comment on the original at https://youtube.com/shorts/4THznb2YN_8?feature=share

Namaskar!

 

Stiff-person syndrome - What is it?

 

Recently in the news with Celine Dion announcing she had Stiff person syndrome (SPS), I wanted to look into what  Stiff person syndrome is.   Stiff person syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that is characterized by stiffness and muscle spasms in the trunk and limbs. The stiffness and spasms can range from mild to severe, and they can be accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty walking, tremors, and anxiety. Despite the challenges posed by SPS, there are many ways to manage the condition and lead a fulfilling life.

One of the most important things for people with SPS is to work closely with their healthcare team. This team may include a neurologist, physical therapist, and other healthcare providers who can help develop a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual's needs. Treatment may include medications to reduce muscle stiffness and spasms, as well as physical therapy to help improve flexibility and mobility.

In addition to working with a healthcare team, there are also a number of self-care strategies that can help people with SPS manage their symptoms. These may include regular exercise, such as stretching and low-impact activities like swimming or walking. It can also be helpful to practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to reduce anxiety and muscle tension.

It's also important for people with SPS to take care of their overall health. This may include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding triggers that can worsen symptoms. For some people, certain medications, alcohol, or stress can exacerbate their symptoms, so it's important to identify and avoid these triggers.

Living with SPS can be challenging, but there are many resources available to help. Support groups and online forums can provide a sense of community and offer valuable advice and support from others who are living with the condition. Additionally, organizations such as the Stiff Person Syndrome Foundation provide information and resources for people with SPS and their loved ones.

In conclusion, stiff person syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that can cause stiffness and muscle spasms. While there is no cure for SPS, there are many ways to manage the condition and lead a fulfilling life. By working closely with a healthcare team, practicing self-care strategies, and seeking support from others, people with SPS can find ways to manage their symptoms and live well.

Blessings and healing to all!

Namaskar,

Will

Coming up with new ideas for blogging

 

Coming up with good ideas for blog posts can be a challenging task, especially if you're a blogger who has been at it for a while and you're starting to feel like you've run out of ideas. (Hi, my name is Will and I've been blogging since 2005)  But fear not! There are plenty of ways to generate new ideas for blog posts, and in this article, we'll go over a few of the most effective ones.

One of the best ways to come up with new ideas for blog posts is to take a step back and think about your blog's overall goal or purpose. Why do you have a blog in the first place? What do you want to achieve with it? Answering these questions can help you narrow down your focus and come up with ideas that are more closely aligned with your blog's mission.  (Big issue here as this blog has so many different tangents depending on what I'm interested in that week!)

Another effective method for generating ideas for blog posts is to look at what other bloggers in your niche are writing about. This can give you a sense of what topics are currently popular and can inspire you to write about similar topics from your own unique perspective. You can also use tools like Google Trends to see what topics are currently trending and consider writing about those.

Another great way to come up with ideas for blog posts is to simply look at the world around you and think about what's happening in your own life. What are you currently interested in or passionate about? What are the current events or issues that are on your mind? These things can all provide great inspiration for blog posts, and writing about them can help you connect with your readers on a deeper level.   (This, seems to be my raison d'être)

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of posts. In addition to traditional written blog posts, you can try writing video blog posts, creating photo essays, or even conducting interviews with interesting people in your field. This can help you mix things up and keep your content fresh and interesting. (Hm - interviews. Then I'd have to talk to people.  Hmmm..)

In conclusion, coming up with good ideas for blog posts doesn't have to be difficult. By focusing on your blog's purpose, looking at what others in your niche are writing about, and taking inspiration from your own life and experiences, you can generate a steady stream of ideas for blog posts that will keep your readers engaged and coming back for more.

Namaskar!

Will

Rejoyce on this Third Sunday of Advent!

 

The third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday, is a time for Methodists to celebrate and give thanks for the joy and hope that comes from the Christmas season. This joy and hope is rooted in the belief that God became man in the form of Jesus Christ, and through his birth, humanity was offered salvation and the promise of eternal life.

On Gaudete Sunday, Methodists are encouraged to take time to focus on the things that bring them joy and to share that joy with others. This can be done through acts of kindness, generosity, and service to others. It is also a time to reflect on the coming of Jesus and the hope that he brings to the world.

One way that Methodists can celebrate Gaudete Sunday is by participating in their church's Advent services and activities. These may include singing hymns, lighting candles, and reading passages from the Bible that relate to the coming of Jesus. Additionally, Methodists can celebrate Gaudete Sunday by spending time with loved ones and participating in activities that bring them joy and meaning.

In a world that can often be filled with strife and uncertainty, Gaudete Sunday offers a message of hope and joy. It reminds us that no matter how difficult things may seem, there is always something to be grateful for and something to celebrate. So on this Gaudete Sunday, let us take time to embrace the joy and hope that comes from the birth of Jesus, and let it inspire us to live lives that are filled with compassion, kindness, and love.

Namaskar!

Will

Why should a 50 year old buy a liter-class sportbike?

 

There are a few reasons why a 50 year old man might want to consider purchasing a 1000cc sport bike. For one, riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling and enjoyable experience, and a 1000cc sport bike offers plenty of power and performance for a truly exhilarating ride. Additionally, a 1000cc sport bike can be a good way for a 50 year old man to stay active and engaged, as it requires a certain level of physical fitness and coordination to ride safely.

Another potential reason for a 50 year old man to buy a 1000cc sportbike is for the sense of freedom and independence that comes with motorcycle ownership. With a motorcycle, a person can hit the open road and enjoy the wind in their hair, without being constrained by the limitations of a car. This can be especially appealing for someone who is approaching retirement age and looking for new ways to experience the world.

Of course, it is important for a 50 year old man (or anyone considering purchasing a motorcycle) to carefully consider their physical abilities and experience level before making a decision. Riding a motorcycle can be dangerous, and it is essential to prioritize safety and take the time to learn the proper techniques and skills. However, for someone who is in good health and has a passion for riding, a 1000cc sportbike can be a rewarding and exciting purchase.

So, should I be looking at Honda, Yamaha, or the insanity of BMW or Ducati?  😁

Namaskar,

Will

See you on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge, SamTheDog

 Putting a beloved pet to sleep is never an easy decision, but sometimes it is necessary for the sake of the animal's well-being. This was the case for my black lab, SamTheDog, who I had to put down after he stopped eating and his health rapidly declined.

I had gotten SamTheDog as a young down (9 mo old) in 2008, and he quickly became a cherished member of my family. He was full of energy and had a love for life that was contagious. We would go on long walks and runs together, and he would always be ready to play fetch or play with his rope toy.

As he got older,SamTheDog started to slow down and spend more time napping, but he was still happy and healthy. That all changed when he stopped eating. At first, I thought it was just a temporary loss of appetite, but it quickly became clear that something was seriously wrong.

About a week ago he stopped eating.  A couple off days ago he stopped drinking water.  That was when I knew it was his time.  I knew that it was the right thing to do. I didn't want SamTheDog to suffer any longer, and I wanted to remember him as the lively and happy dog that he was.

The day of the euthanasia was one of the hardest days of my life. I held SamTheDog in my arms as the vet administered the medication that would end his life. I felt a mix of emotions: sadness, guilt, and relief.

As I said goodbye to SamTheDog, I couldn't help but think about all the happy memories we had shared together. I will always cherish those memories and be grateful for the love and companionship that he gave me.

Putting SamTheDog to sleep was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, but I know that it was the right decision. It was a difficult decision to make, but I made it with the best interests of my beloved pet in mind. I will always miss him, but I am grateful for the time we had together.

 Namaskar,

Will

Processing slow motion GoPro video in DaVinci Resolve 18

Got out to the shooting range today with the GoPro Hero 9 Black and captured some 240FPS 1080P video.  Now, all the SlowMo folks on Youtube note that the audio is 'fake' - well, you can actually use a couple of tools to get the audio and video sorted out with slow motion playback of your high framerate video! 

First, in DaVinci Resolve, set your project and timeline to 24FPS:

Next import your clips from your GoPro, and then change the clip attributes to 24 FPS! Yes, this is going to make some very long clips - but they are playing at 1000% slower than realtime.  Set your in and out points, or just drop the clip on the timeline.  Unlink your audio and video by right clicking on the clip, and unchecking the 'Link Clips' bit.

Now you have video, but no audio.  What good is that?  Fine if you just want to lay in a music background track, but if you were doing like I was - shooting with distinct reports you want matching the muzzle flash - you need to stretch out your audio.

In comes Audacity to solve the problem.  Open your MP4 file from the GoPro in Audacity.  Yes, it's an audio editor.  Yes, it opens video files just fine.  You'll see the audio track waveform across the screen.  Now, just a simple retime and export and you have audio to match your video!

Since you are going from 240FPS audio to 24 FPS audio, you'll need to slow it down by 90% - or 0.10 of original playback speed as such:

Export the audio (File - Export) as a WAV, saving it in your source video working directory.  Drop it in the media pool and then drag it to the timeline.  Now you have video and audio at 24FPS!  It will take a bit of sliding the audio file around to match it exactly to the video file; hopefully you have a marker (a clap, a gunshot, something loud and visual) to sync the audio waveform up to the video file. Once synced, you can re-link the new audio clip to the video clip and go about your editing!

Mind you, it's not 100% perfect - you may find the audio drifts out of sync with the video over time, so you will have to make a cut, unlink and readjust the audio, and relink it once re-synced.  I'm sure there are more reliable and repeatable processes out there, but I wanted to share what worked for me tonight. 

With no further ado - a couple of brief videos made from high framerate 240 FPS GoPro footage slowed to 24FPS capturing muzzle flash from a handgun.

 

 

 

 

Enjoy the process!  (I've spent almost 5 times longer editing this than actually shooting the video!)

- Will

iPad Safari post

 Just seeing how well the web works with Safari on iPad for writing blogs, adding photos etc. 

A Photo: 

Ok, seems to add photos OK.

Good enough for my purposes.  Now to figure out how to add a website to the iPad Home Screen 

- WIll

You think you know what you’ll do…

 You think you know what your’ll do when something happens - but then then reality hits. You get down because life has changed to the point that you don’t see a point. Years ago, you had figured when life wasn’t making sense, you’d take that time and go ride the motorcycles until you had a new head of memories and life to look at; a new foundation to work from as you build the next few years of life. 

But, when time comes to pass, and life fails to have a point, you find that the dullness is within you. You have become dull, lumpy, weak.  Just jumping up and going on a tear around the country is beyond you. Turns out, the journey you must undertake is to rebuild yourself before you can do anything to get beyond the pointlessness. So, beyond pointless, you find you are below water in simple ability to do anything about the pointlessness. And you have 6 months, or a year, or 3 years worth of work ahead of you rebuilding your body and rebuilding your mind to reach a place where you can adventure again. 

Oh, but any journey starts with a single step, right?  Why sure it does, but that same step can also take me to a gaming computer where I can escape from the pointlessness for hours on end, or to a TV bigger than some movie house screens and lose a half a day in edutainment or fantasy movies. 

Beyond taking a first step, you have to take the right first step. Every day.  Several times a day.  Step away from the computer and go work out, even if it’s just carrying sticks and cutting the lawn. Or painting the house.  Or cleaning the garage so you can find the parts and gear to adventure with. 

Taking the right step is hard.

Taking the right step is scary. 

But a decision must be made. 

That is my story now.

Fun with Exponential Trends (COVID-19 numbers from Johnson County, KS)

 Just playing with the COVID-19 numbers from Johnson County, KS today.  We've hit quite a spike the last week. From : https://www.jocogov.org/department/health/covid-19

 

So I sampled the last 60, 30 and 7 days data, added an exponential trend line for 30 days and came up with this:

Here - let me expand the end of those trend lines if you can't see them.

60 Days:

30 days:

And 7 days:

Statistics are fun. 

Realistically, we'll end up somewhere in the 60 or 30 day pattern; I don't think the population would support 60,000 active cases of COVID-19 in Johnson County Kansas each week; we'd end up with more cases than people in a very short order.

Aprapo of nothing really.  Off to my next meeting.

Namaskara!

Will