I don't do a lot of reposts, but it had been a while since I used the tool I am mentioning. If nothing else, this is like a bookmark and memory jogger for me...

I had a few PDFs on-hand that I wanted to back up but save on my local machine as text files. There are a number of ways to do this, but the easiest (and cheapest) way was to get Xpdf from here. One utility program included with Xpdf is pdftotext. I then had to figure out a way to use pdftotext to convert my files in one big batch. Here's what I did. First, I dragged the few hundred desired files to the directory where pdftotext.exe was located. Next, I used the command prompt (under Vista, Start->Run->cmd) dir to make a list of all the PDF files in the same directory (dir *.pdf /b > list). As for batching the file conversion, I then used the FOR command included with the cmd program. Here's the applicable syntax:

for /F %i in (list) DO pdftotext %i

Worked like a champ!

Snow

A picture of Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant in the 1-10-11 snow (Nuclear winter?)

I read a piece on salon.com the other day regarding the USDOJ subpoena of Twitter for records and information relating to several folks associated with Wikileaks. In the story (from 1/7/11), Greenwald mentions "I'll have much more on the implications of this tomorrow." The resulting story on salon.com was posted today. I read through this piece and one additional (earlier last year) link from it. Regarding the additional piece, I understand that "the list" and its permissions to eliminate certain individuals have some necessity. However, my feelings are that an administration that was so anti-Bush doctrine should be absolutely clear that apprehension is the more desirable outcome. If nothing else, we can't extract info from the dead yet. So much for "change"...

Municode, Mars Rovers, homepage changing for loc.gov, and more...

When I had to bury my kitty, I wondered if it was cool to bury her in the yard. I quickly discovered (via the Athens, AL city website) municode.com. Check here to see if your town's municipal codes are listed...

Spirit and Opportunity: When the two Mars Rovers were launched in 2004, they were supposed to go for at least 90 Martian days. Opportunity is still going fairly strong. Contact has been lost with Spirit since March 22, 2010 (2210 days into its mission). NASA is still trying.

There are some amazing things to be seen in the cosmos. I thought this was a pretty cool picture.

If you are anything like me (hopefully not, for your sakes), you might border on being an information junkie. One excellent source of varied information is http://www.loc.gov/. If it's been a while since you've been there, their homepage is due to undergo a redesign effective tomorrow.

In keeping with the New Year and a frequent New Year's resolution, the Library of Congress is hosting an event entitled “Weight Loss Through the Ages” on January 19.

Check out my two "bundles" for Google Reader:




In closing, one further event of note (later this week on January 15) is Wikipedia's 10th birthday.

Time to wait for the snow to kick in...

Potentially big fishing expedition, eagle awareness weekends, 3 days of the Congressional Record

Potentially big fishing expedition by the USDOJ

Looking for something to do in North Alabama this weekend (or any weekend through the second weekend in February)? Eagle Awareness Weekends at Lake Guntersville State Park

The business of Congress this week? Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Aflockalypse, Browns Ferry, City of Athens

So, here are a few things for your perusal...

Someone took the time to map recent "mass animal deaths" using Google Maps. Some folks are referring to it as the "Aflockalypse". Check it out!

I figured I'd revive my old NRC info on Browns Ferry thing. Here are links to documents regarding Browns Ferry that the NRC has posted since 12/1/2010...

ML081960276: 04/20/1982 Memo - Court of Appeals Decision on Fire Protection Rule.
ML103430097: Browns Ferry Disposal of Waste Oil.
ML110050287: Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant - Investigation of Tritium Releases to Groundwater.
ML103070133: Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Units 1, 2 and 3 - Supplemental Information Related to the Reply to Notice of Violation; EA-09-307.
ML103280504: Browns Ferry, Unit 1, Response to Request for Additional Information - American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Section XI Inservice Inspection Program for the Unit 1 Second Ten-Year Inspection Interval, Request for Relief 1-ISI-26, Risk-Informed....
ML103270411: Browns Ferry, Unit 1 - Response to Request for Additional Information re Inspection Program for Second Ten-year Inspection Interval, Request for Relief 1-ISI-26, Risk-Informed Inservice Inspection Program.
ML103350181: Bellefonte, Units 1 and 2, Browns Ferry, Units 1, 2 and 3, Sequoyah, Units 1 and 2, Watts Bar, Unit 2 - Nuclear Quality Assurance Plan, TVA-NQA-PLN89-A.
ML103360004: Notification of Potential Part 21 re Update to MFN 10-327: Crack Indications in Marathon Control Rod Blades.
ML103330450: Summary of November 29, 2010, Public Meeting with TVA Regarding Emergency Action Level Plans for the TVA Nuclear Plants.
ML103370571: Notification of Potential Part 21 on GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas, LLC, Crack Indication in Marathon Control Rod Blades.
ML103400155: Anomaly Discovered on Rosemount Model 1152 Differential Pressure Transmitters with Output Code "L" 10-50 mA Electronics.
ML103370638: IR 05000260-10-008, 05000259-10-008 and 05000296-10-008; Tennessee Valley Authority; 10/12/2010 - 10/22/2010; Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant Unit 1, 2, and 3, NRC Inspection Procedure 95002 Supplemental Inspection Report.
ML103370281: Press Release-II-10-083: NRC Schedules Meeting to Discuss Fire Protection Issues at Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant.
ML103470631: Browns Ferry - Slides for December 2010 Public Meeting.
ML103480821: Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Unit 2 - Request for Additional Information Regarding Relief Request No. 2-ISI-40 Snubbers Inspection and Testing.
ML103500174: Notification of Potential Part 21 re 60-Day Interim Report Notification: Failure to Include Seismic Input in Channel-Control Blade Interference Customer Guidance.
ML103510031: Notification of Potential Part 21 Report Concerning Failure to Include Seismic Input In Reactor Control Blade Customer Guidance.
ML103490867: Browns Ferry - Revised Slides from December 15, 2010 Public Meeting.
ML103550247: Regulatory Performance Meeting Summary- Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Docket Nos. 50-259, 50-260 AND 50-296.
ML103620327: LER 10-003-00 for Browns Ferry, Unit 1 Regarding Failure of a Low Pressure Coolant Injection Flow Control Valve.
ML103630041: LER 10-004-00, for Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant Unit 1, Residual Heat Removal Low Pressure, Injection System Pump Motor Failure.

It's often been said to "think globally, act locally". To that end, check out the City of Athens calendar (city council meetings, zoning meetings, etc.):

A few realities stand between Sarah Palin and the presidency

A few realities stand between Sarah Palin and the presidency

So, between visiting family and friends and watching the occasional sporting event on the first day of the new year, what to do?

Perhaps a short run?

Happy New Year

By nature, I am not an early riser...

However, if I have to beat the sun rising, I figure that I might as well go all out. I'll get up a few hours before the first hint of sunrise. That affords me time to drop a quart of coffee down the hatch, catch up with goings-on in the world and get the blood pumpin'/sweat rollin' (e.g. run). By 6 AM, I feel thoroughly refreshed and ready to go. So, here we go with the rest of the day...

Snow - North Alabama - Christmas 2010

Wishing you a very...

ZP-2 – nEW dIRECTIONS – Free! FREE!! FREE!!! | Zzaj Productions

ZP-2 – nEW dIRECTIONS – Free! FREE!! FREE!!! | Zzaj Productions: "

ZP-2 – nEW dIRECTIONS – Free! FREE!! FREE!!! | Zzaj Productions

Source: zzaj.freehostia.com

In the spirit of the holidays (and because I need to test something on my FTP site), I’m giving away (free, no charge) a CD titled “ZP-2 - nEW dIRECTIONS”; It features Jeff Olson, Dick Metcalf and Stacey Gravatt, as well as a “guest shot” (on drums) by my long-time playing partner Harlan Mark Vale

"

I'm wondering if it's just an oversight or the Senate trying to be sneaky...

Here's the vote tally for the repeal of DADT on Saturday. I find it interesting that when it was posted on Saturday (and remaining so still) that the "Measure title" section reads "A bill to amend the Small Business Act with respect to the Small Business Innovation Research Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program, and for other purposes."

In other news, congratulations to Committed for their win on The Sing-Off.

18 years ago today...

Suzanne and I got married! Hard to believe she's put up with me that long, eh?

Happy Anniversary!!!

Senate Repeals "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," 65-31 | C-SPAN

Senate Repeals "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," 65-31 | C-SPAN

It's time that our country finally got rid of this outdated policy. I've already seen at least one vet (via C-Span's twitter feed) raising hell about this. The oath I took when I joined in 1992 was:

“I, Arthur Metcalf, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

Implicit in the support and defense of that Constitution is protection of ALL Americans. No exclusions for race, gender, creed, sexual orientation, political preference, SEC football team, choice of dessert or anything else. It seemed troubling to me that some groups (of qualified, law-abiding folks) were excluded from the privilege of supporting and defending the Constitution (and our country) merely because they admitted who they were...

Happy Meals are the DEVIL!!!

OK, OK, I don't really believe that. Suing McDonald's over the Happy Meal because they "entice children" is ludicrous! If you're that concerned about your child's nutritional well-being (as parents should be), be the parent and steer clear of those old golden arches in the first place...

K-May Donuts & Coffee House is now open in Athens, AL

From Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate......

Stopped by after picking up a Papa Murphy's pizza. Even tried one before (in fact, I'm just about to) putting the pizza in the oven. Mmmm-mmm, good! I'm just glad to have a doughnut shop in Athens, AL. No website (as of yet), so I figured I'd post the menu up here. If you've got a hankering for a doughnut and you're near Athens, hit'em up...

HEY! Uhhhhh...

Happy Birthday Suzy!!!

Sneaky Santa

Blount Hospitality House

Self-described as "a home away from home for out-of-town family members of Huntsville area hospital patients", the Blount Hospitality House is having a little 5k run on December 18th. Proceeds go to support this place, so if you're free and able to run, come on out!