1:48 PM on the …

1:48 PM on the mid afternoon of Labor Day 2012, Now dubbed “Empty Chair Day”. The RNC (Republican National Convention) was held a few days ago, a surprise speaker spoke to an empty chair: Clint Eastwood. The Obama campaign has gotten nasty, so i guess the Republicans felt they should bring out the big guns, Dirty Harry. Mr Eastwood spoke to an empty chair laying out his disgust with the current administration, and getting a few laughs at the expense of our sitting president. I always find it a little refreshing that we as Americans can usually find humor in the wake of such destruction. More than one of us have the feel for this administration, it has affected my lifestyle, my personal economy, as well as me spiritually. I am not the only one feeling the strain of becoming a socialist nation. I have spoken with and talked with others who are either loosing their home because they where laid off and cannot find work, or are under-employed working for eight bucks an hour at the local Wal-Mart just to keep the lights on. America, my plea isn’t for you to vote Republican, My plea isn’t for your vote to give me a new president, in fact it isn’t for your vote at a political level at all; It is for your help. I need you to make sure you vote for a person that can put me back to work. some one who can roll back and lift regulations. Someone who will repel Obama care so that employers will offer benefits, and higher wages. My plea is that you not vote Republican, Vote American, Vote for all of us that need to work, all of us that have families and need homes and a future for our children, vote for me, my neighbor, the family living in a shelter because the current policies have crippled the economy to the near point of no return. I need your vote so i can go to work, So i can provide for my family. Vote American, Vote for US(A) to go back to work.

More Art

An excellent Artist, with his own You Tube series. Check out Richard North http://richardnorth.net/

Misery’s Destiny

Though the times are hard and every moment seems to prove me more,

I cannot refrain from the wonder of my misery.

Destiny has a plan? for me? not true, i choose my own.

Misery, though. Misery has it’s own plan, It’s own Destiny;

In all truth Misery plans destiny.

What is the purpose of misery? Why must it be?

I think to myself, sometimes aloud more often than not;

Misery is the force that bares with us through prosperity

It folds up as a suitcase or brief and travels along

Then so unexpectedly, It unfolds from it’s generous quarters and smiles,

It lurks beneath us for a trodden mile and happily splits off

Only to travel ahead and meet us once more.

The Destiny of Misery is as long as the sun is hot,

the winter is cold, and life remains upon earth

Misery will outlast us, though it will not last.

 

Need a Roof? A quick Guide

Roofers are easy to find, Good Roofers are difficult to spot. I grew up in the industry and know most everything there is to know about it from 3-tab composition shingles to ladding for a no. 2 Cedar wood Shingle.  Most people do not think about their roofs or how they are put on until it’s time for them to replace theirs, or get one put on a new house they are building. Some things you should know about roofing. Not all roofs are equal, the design of a roof can influence the price greatly, for example; A straight gable roof that has no dormers on a pitch of about 5/12 on a one story frame  will cost you less than the same straight gable roof with 2 dormers on a two story frame.

Roofers use language like “cut up” to refer to how much work is required to get the roof on, for example: that 5/12 straight-gable 1- story roof has almost no cut work (exceptions are pipes, vents and the gables themselves) while the other one has the dormers plus the pipes/vents and gables.  The more dormers or returns (that little piece of roof that “kicks back” from the rest of the roof) or skylights etc,etc the more cost will be involved in getting the roof done. height and pitch also play a huge role in the price, one story cost less than a two story etc. When pitch is involved, it brings a whole new set of issues.

The “best pitch”  is generally a 6/12 most roofers love this pitch because they do not need “toe-boards” or roof jacks, when they are nailing on shingles, it doesn’t hurt their back, and my all time favorite–I don’t have to play chase with my shingles–(the shingles won’t slide down the roof while you’re nailing.) The higher the pitch {I.E. 7/12, 8/12, 9/12…24/12, etc } The more you will be charged. The average price for roofs under 6/12 pitch are generally the same. (some contractors will lower the price a tiny bit). Getting into pitches lower than 4/12 is a whole new game.

Pitches this low generally are better off with a “hot roof” (asphalt tar) or EPDM (rubber). The reason is, most shingle and roofing manufacturers will not warranty their products against a low pitch. You can visit a manufacturer or distributer to learn more about this, or just go to Home Depot and read a label on the shingles. Lower pitches do not have the “run off” of steeper pitches, so water easily backs up on low pitch roofs. Another roof type is one that is making a huge comeback in the industry,Metal roofing.

Metal roofs are the most durable and longest lasting roofs you can get. They are more expensive, but the price reflects the warranty and durability they offer. Metal roofs have multiple colors, Blue,Red,Green,White, Etc ( I have not confirmed it, but i have heard that you can order a custom color for a metal roof –Check with the manufacturer or a certified licensed Contractor).

Another cost related aspect is access. Roofers like it when they can just back the truck up and go to work. If they have to hire extra labor to carry “torn off shingles” and waste to the truck they will charge you for it. Getting in and around the yard and up close to the house is important, but not necessary. The more access a roofer has, the less likely they will charge you extra for “cleaning up”.

The three basic roofs as far as a roofer are: Tear-Off, Re-Roof, or New. I’ll explain each one for you, though i’m sure you have the general idea.

Tear-Off: The old roof is removed, re-felted (the tar-paper underlayment) and the new roof is placed. If you have an existing roof, this is your best option, for several reasons, but mainly for the following reasons. (1) Roofers can generally spot and repair bad decking or rotted rafters. (2) The roof is less heavy on the structure which means the rafters/decking will last longer (3) Even the manufacturer will not warranty a re-roof application because the shingles/roofing will not last as long.

Re-Roof: A re-roof is when you have an existing roof and cut back the gables and over hang (the edges)and place the new roof over the old one. This is a quick-cheap fix in the short run, but extremely costly in the long run, as when the time comes  it will cost even more to have both layers removed and possibly twice the normal wear and tear which means more decking/rafters/ and fascia replacement. You also stand the greater chance of “cave-in” during winter weather, such as snow and ice. Most cities have ordinances against more than 2 layers of shingles on a single roof. Re-roofing is not recommended by most Good roofing Contractors, manufacturers or even Insurance companies.

New Roof: Just a new house, an addition that has not had a roof before, etc. Speaking of additions, most contractors will also charge you for “tie-in” on additions. This simply means they will tie in the new section of a roof with the existing roof. They generally charge by the foot. Most contractors will not warranty or guarantee a tie in. Most will try to match the color of the new roof to the old one. Matching shingle color is very difficult because most shingles are ordered from the manufacturer to distributor in “Lots” .

Each lot is produced at the same time and will be the same color, but one lot will differ from another lot. For example: Lot 1 is a “barnyard gray” and has 30 square in the lot; lot 2 is a “barnyard gray” and has 40 square in the lot. The customer who ordered the 30 square roof runs out of shingles and needs one bundle to complete his roof. The contractor returns to the distributor grabs a bundle of “barnyard gray” and returns to the site. The distributor is out of lot 1 and he had to get a bundle from lot 2, which is slightly darker (or lighter) than lot 1. In this situation roofers will try and place the different lot numbers in a inconspicuous place or mix them so that the color change is not noticed. It is no fault of the Contractors that this happens, it is a manufacturers issue that has been ongoing for years.

Quick reference:

The roof overhang should be no less than 1″ from the edge.  Underlay should be 15lb felt, it is better to use a 30lb felt. the “grooves” or “key ways” should line up straight every other shingle. Roofing tacks should be at least 7/8″,  I would recommend 1″ tacks/ 1 1/4″ for Architect Shingles, 1 1/2″ for architect shingles on a pitch over 7/12. Shingle roofs are nailed differently in different regions, but as a rule of thumb should have at least 4 nails in each shingle. If you have a chimney, i would recommend reflashing it with your new roof. “Flashing” is the metal around walls, chimneys and pipes that help prevent leaks. Always replace pipe flashing, most pipe “boots” now days have a rubber gasket that fits around the pipe, this gasket will dry rot overtime and should always be replaced with the new roof.

Some quick advice about leaks:

 If you have a leak, don’t try and fix it yourself, call a professional. In most cases with roofs, a do-it-yourselfer generally makes matters worse because nails and such have to be placed certain lengths away from pipes or vents, as well as adding more silicon caulking  or tar cold seal can cause you “water back-up” problems if not done correctly. People who try and fix these issues do not realize that tar and silicon won’t always fix a leak, sometimes it’s not even the roof thats leaking, it may be a faulty hotwater heater or AC unit thats causing condensation leaks. Windows and doors also cause leaks. A non professional will not completely understand how this is so, but a PRO will understand it every time.

Good luck to you with your new roof.

If you have a contractor who is good that you recomend, leave a comment with the company name and contact information, if i get enough i will start a page with this info, Include what state and city they are in.

My recommendations for those living in Mississippi and surrounding States is Guarenteed Roffing in Pearl,MS. Mr Tommy Moody is the owner, he has been in this business for more than 40 years.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6epQRMJXVg  the YouTube ad Contact information              114 Paul Truitt Lane
Pearl, MS 39208-4063
(601) 939-2848

EULA: End User License ABUSE

Have you ever read a EULA (End User License Agreement)? Up until tonight, me either. I never really cared as long as it did what I expected it to do.  Most of us go through the setup process like it’s a race to finish first, as if we are to have “this” [insert software name] before anyone else. I was the same. Tonight I wasn’t feeling well and decided to go downstairs for an aspirin and drink. While I was down, I decided to try out the Opera Browser. I went through the process of downloading it and installing, when i reached the EULA. I do not know why, but i just scrolled through it and decided to read it while i was waiting for the installation to complete. Surprise! there it was in black and white, Opera reserves the right to “block” me from pages, or “redirect” me to another site at their discretion. here, see it for yourself:

http://www.opera.com/eula/browser/

Here is a screen shot highlighted for you:

Opera isn’t the only one with these types of EULA’s. I decided to go head first and find out which of the others where “inserting” things of this nature into their EULA. of the major Browser’s (at least for Windows Users), below is what I’ve found.

The Browser Mozilla Firefox had a pretty simple EULA and nothing out of the ordinary as far as general agreements. (You can view their EULA here: http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/legal/eula/thunderbird.html )

Internet Explorer (version 9), They will share gathered information with other software vendors and hardware vendors.  You can view the EULA here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/internet-explorer/products/ie-9/end-user-license-agreement  and here is a screen shot of an excerpt:

Safari from Apple has it’s issues as well, read their entire EULA here: http://images.apple.com/legal/sla/docs/SafariWindows.pdf  (this link is in PDF format, you will need Adobe Reader to view it.

Here is the screen shot I took of an excerpt of Safari’s EULA:

 After finding this information, I think I’ll be looking more at these “EULA’s” to see exactly how many of my rights are discriminated against to protect a corporation.

In These Eyes

Between two ears that listen well,

lied the most beautiful face,

And a mid this beautiful face

lay the most redeeming eyes.

Enchanted with brown,

And lit with sun ray.

The pastel lights that glazed across

As if a whispering wind passing

The darkened lashes, long and gleeming

like pens of an artist drawing perfect lines.

Her head tilted, i can see

the most wondrous things yet to be.

A Life of love brought to these eyes

A Passion like water and tide.

A breathe like heaven above.

All i see in these eyes,

A Golden moment

The rest of my life.

Sketch and Drawing Artist

This blog is for Sketch and drawing artist, particularly those who use graphite media, Though it is good for all artist or up and coming artist to read this. As someone who is particular to the use of graphite and charcoal media, I have had issues with getting my work to look more realistic. As most of you know this can be a task at times. Trying to fill in just the right amount of shade in this section without putting to much in this section but still yet it has too fade into this section. Sound familiar? Of course it does, an artist is never satisfied until the piece is perfect, if it isn’t, it usually winds up in the all famous “file 13”.

I went online in search of help, from one site claiming to have this another that and they all wanted the same thing money. I just spent thousands on college and even more purchasing media for my long loved hobby, so the last thing I want to do is spend money for advice from some schmuck trying to teach me what I already know: lighting is my friend, work the entire page, detail later, etc etc. Then it happened, I saw this site that said learn to draw like this:

Darrel Tank Five Pencil Method

I clicked the link and signed up, I am on Lesson 3 and my work has improved so dramatically that i can’t help but wonder what else he can teach me. I will find out.

The lessons are free and each lesson has enough information you can practice before moving on to the next. There is no rush to complete them. The lessons not only apply to those who are weathered artist, but those who have an interest in art can learn as well. The site is simple to navigate and the lessons are very easy to understand. They are not drawn out lessons ragging on some general piece of work that you’ve never heard of and he doesn’t try to sell a product while telling you what it’s for.

If i had to give the site a grade it would be AAA+ Genuine, relates to the subject, and doesn’t try to sell you unrelated products nor related name brand products for profit. I will say he does have other works for sell, and who can blame him, somebody has to pay for the site, right?

Good luck to you in your art adventure and check out the five pencil method HERE you won’t be sorry.

Let me know what readers want in a blog, take the poll.

The Paper and the Can

We sat down in a local restaurant, staring aimlessly at each other with too much to say and no words coming out. That evening it was a mild summer night, a cool wind lifted across the walk outside. Through the window I could see an old newspaper page blowing around trying to find a sturdy place  to rest. Watching it I thought to myself, that is how I feel at this moment, a wanderer, no place to stop and rest, no one around, and those others just flock by me as though I am not here. Why is it that I feel so out of place? Why do I feel there is no purpose for me being here, Then I remember God has a purpose, a reason, a plan for me. Where do I start, which way should I go, Am I on the right track or am i just falling backwards into a pile of leaves covered by a ghostly linen of sparkle?

So we sat, and I found the courage and words to speak, “It’s a nice evening isn’t it?” She just stared at me for a moment, which seemed like an eternity as I stare into her brown eyes. The sparkle is still there, though dim, I can see it. Her glossy lips began to move as I felt a gasp and lump in my throat. I wasn’t sure if she was about to say shut up and eat, or i want a divorce. inching open, her words just caught my heart; “It is a very nice evening, I wish we could spend more like this.” What? No anger? No sarcasm? I freaked out at first, but then realized, wow, this is amazing, for once it’s a real conversation, we are talking, like normal couples, like real people. Don’t screw this up I thought to myself.

She went on about the evening as I rested my ears on every word, I could sense the thoughts in her mind, I could feel her lips vibrate i was so captivated. Amazingly, we chatted about every little detail of the night. We discussed the formation of the stars, how well the salad was, even the color of the wine was just right. We even discussed the single newspaper page, as it floated and finally rested against an old rusted metal can. The can and the paper forged a single space into their own, the paper shielding the can from the rain that began to pour, and the can holding the paper by a single metal thread hooked into the page. My thought was I was the old rusted Metal can, and she was sheltering our love while i held on, even by a single thread of hope.

A Job Disaster

In October 2010 I lived and worked in Houston, Texas. Growing tired of the everyday call outs and the fact that my family missed home we decided to move north. I jumped on the Internet, put up a nicely composed resume’ and began my search for employment in the North East United States. Ahh, here’s one I thought, quickly passing my resume’ along and filling out the application. Next thing up, I received an E-Mail saying that they were interested in hiring me, I responded and the ball was rolling in my favor.

About the Middle-end of October, I received an E-Mail stating the company I applied for would like to fly me up and show me their operations in Pittsburgh, PA. Nice I Thought, A free trip. I agreed and proceeded to go through with the flight, arriving a few short hours later in Pittsburgh. All was well, I met the nicest gentlemen there, they seemed to speak highly of their company as though it was a God-send. I was impressed with the operation and professionalism I saw so i decided this was the company for me. I flew home, informed the family of my successful trip and the plans where made, We were moving to Pittsburgh.

We found a cozy little spot, 3 beds a garage access to public transportation, close to the market. Rented a moving truck and we were on our way. After a tab of nearly $5000 we arrived in our new home. The following day I went to work. That was January 6,2011.The company showed promise explaining their newly found contracts and almost bragging on the older ones.

About two weeks into the training, A co-worker explained that one of the contracts was dropping us. I thought no big deal, just have to work harder to get it back. The next few days was a transition into my own area, it was slow at first but began picking up a little, three weeks I’m on my own, i get word (from the same co-worker) that the contract that I’ve been placed on was up for bid over the last couple of months and that they had also lost this contract. Now I’m worried, that only leaves one contract in the area.

I finished the remainder of work I had on the contract and the client moves on. Without any word from my supervisor, or corporate office I sat wondering what to do. Tuesday March 29,2011 came, I was told to just take the day off, there is nothing to do today. So i did and used the opportunity to search for work in case this fell through. March 29, 2011 about 9:00 P.M. I spoke with the same co-worker, he said that the supervisor said he would send out an E-Mail concerning Wednesday. Fine I thought,maybe we’ll get something to do. The E-Mail came, reading that if we had nothing in our Que, take the day off, things are slow and we’ll find something so everyone can get hours. This being the only time I have heard from my supervisor. Wednesday Morning 7:47A.M. I received a call from the co-worker who had been keeping me somewhat informed, He stated that they decided to do layoffs and were coming to pick up the equipment and vehicle.

Still no word from the supervisor, no word from corporate office. I decided I should call the ones who hired me and find out whats going on. I did. To my surprise they did not have a clue as to me being laid-off or fired, they did not know what was going on. In Amazement, I told my family, “they can have their belongings and they can have this unprofessional irresponsible incompetent company, I’m going to find a real job and work for professionals”.

With that I decided to blog about it, the company? Premier Utility Services

http://www.infrastrux.com/service%20providers/premier/default.aspx

For those considering a career with them, I suggest you work elsewhere, it’s safer for you that way.

For those Utilities seeking a Locate company or S.U.E. service, I would suggest to you, USIC, Utiliquest,LLC, Heath Consultants, Stake Center Locating, or a number of other Utility Locate Comapnies This company has not only done this to me, but others as well, about four of us in the last week and a half.

For a complete list of the child companies see: Premier Utility Services

The Name

I thought I’d begin with an introduction to why I chose the name  Xpyr’d. The reason I chose this name is for it’s ‘reminder’ effect. It reminds me I no longer want to be an alcoholic, it reminds me i no longer want to watch my life flash before me in the tilt of a aluminum can or the bottom of a glass whiskey bottle. The name “”Xpyr’d” represents the fact that for nearly four years now I am an Ex-drunk, ex-wino, Recovering alcoholic; or in my opinion, an expired alcoholic. Everything has a date that it will expire, it may not always be labeled when or how, but it will expire. My date came nearly four years ago, and to this day I feel like i’m on top of the world, even when it’s being carried on my shoulders. I like to write poems, short stories and things of that nature, so that’s probably what i’ll be doing here mostly (look for the occasional political rant or my opinion on life issues).