Monthly Archives: June 2006

PSA: Don’t install Mac OS X 10.4.7 update

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If you have a Mac, I suggest not installing the 10.4.7 update. After installing it on my iMac at work, it won’t reboot. I have backups of my data, but I may need to reinstall Mac OS X. The Apple forums have several discussions about problems with 10.4.7.

UPDATE: Here is the list of steps I took to troubleshoot my iMac. In the end I couldn’t fix it. I had to reinstall Mac OS X from scratch (not even an Archive and Install worked.) But I had backups of my data so it was nothing more than a big hassle. Mac OS X 10.4.7 installed fine on my Powerbook so it must have been a quirk with my iMac. Another reminder to keep good backups.

Mac troubleshooting steps I took:
1. Booted into Safe mode (hold shift).
2. Reset PRAM (hold Command-Option-P-R).
3. Booted into Open Fimware (hold Command-Option-O-F) and typed
“reset-nvram” and “reset-all”.
4. Booted up Install CD (hold C) and ran Disk Utility to Repair Disk.
5. Booted into boot disk selector (hold Option) and chose my hard drive.
6. Booted into Target Mode (hold T) and used another computer to
reinstall 10.4.7 using a standalone installer.

Mitt Romney and Sleep

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It seems a bit odd to write about two disparate topics here, but someone pointed me to an interview of Mitt Romney on the Charlie Rose show, and I ended up watching the second half of the show about sleep. Both segments were very good.

Mitt Romney talked about issues such as amending the Constitution to protect marriage, abortion, being Mormon, and the war in Iraq.

Two doctors in the sleep segment talked about widespread sleep deprivation in the U.S., the health benefits of getting enough sleep, and some of the biology behind sleep.

Good episode: Gov. Mitt Romney / A Discussion about Sleep on the Charlie Rose show

Being present

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While home in Las Vegas, my father and I discussed the benefits of “being present”. Peace of mind comes from not being worried about the past and not being overly anxious about the future. Enjoy the now.

I’m most present when I’m riding my motorcycle. I’m almost never in a hurry — it’s about the ride, not the destination — so it’s immensely satisfying. Jeremy Zawodny feels a similar “peace, focus, and mental calm” while flying a plane. (In his words, the imminent threat of death is a factor.)

In fact, it’s a measure of faith to know that the past is forgiven and the future will take care of itself.