Vaughn Ripley's Blog, page 2
July 24, 2013
Get Your Hopes Up
Funny how article titles happen... I started to call this one, "Don't Get Your Hopes Up" because it discusses a very serious subject and the possibility that HIV and AIDS will never be cured. The more I thought about it, the more I couldn't stand the name. I mean come on... I'm supposed to be [...]
July 4, 2013
Independence Day 2013
HaPpY BiRtHDaY to the United States of America Independence Day, also known as "National Day," is a designated date on which celebrations mark the nationhood of the United States of America. During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from the oppressing Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776. On that day [...]
June 30, 2013
Surefire Way to Beat Your Best Time
Today's article was inspired by a close friend, Paul. During a casual conversation he mentioned that he'd had an epiphany about something I'd said to him a few months back. Paul has always been fit and healthy, but over the last two years or so, he's ramped it up a good bit. One of the [...]
June 18, 2013
Vow to Be a Better Parent
Father's Day was a special treat this year. My children are getting older and finally grasping what these holidays mean. I got lots of love and some wonderful homemade cards among other things. Despite all of these creative gifts and tons of love, I believe that the greatest gift I received was an eye-opening experience [...]
June 6, 2013
What is the Magic with Magic
Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Jr. (born August 14, 1959) announced that he was HIV+ back in November of 1991. That is nearly twenty-two years ago!! So I ask again, What's the magic with Magic? There is much speculation surrounding the question of why Magic Johnson (and many like him) have successfully stayed alive despite this death [...]
May 31, 2013
Love Your Family As If You Will Die Today
One of my favorite quotes is from James Dean. I love the quote so much that it hangs (with a photo of him) in my den. "Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." -- James Dean (2/8/31 - 9/30/55) This quote holds so much power, and it's sort of ironic [...]
May 27, 2013
Memorial Day 2013
More than 1,280,000 Americans have died in war since the American Revolutionary War. Memorial Day is a time to remember not only these soldiers, sailors, pilots, and marines, but also ALL American military personnel who have died while in service of their country. Let's start by clearly defining what Memorial Day is. I've heard many [...]
May 22, 2013
Easy Secure Password Formula
The best password is totally random(ish), twelve characters long, and contains all four character types (uppercase, lowercase, number, and special character). It is also very important to use a different password for each and every account login you have. This can become VERY cumbersome and painful to track ... It's almost impossible, unless you have [...]
May 16, 2013
Believe in Your Dreams and Believe in Yourself
Rome was not built in a day. Like the Romans, you are creating something that will take incredible amounts of time and effort. You are working on yourself. Making you a smarter, stronger, wiser, healthier, more loving, believing, hard working, patient, and understanding person takes time. You absolutely can improve yourself in a day. You [...]
May 15, 2013
Urban Legends and Myths Demystified
Throughout "the Secret" section of my blog I have tackled a bunch of subjects from staying healthy to preventing the spread through safe sex. Many of these topics have been fairly taboo. This topic might just prove to be the most taboo of all. However, I would be remiss if I didn't put a little [...]
