I saw the Pro Bowl Sunday. Let me tell you how fun it was. ..... Well, there ya' go. It was an experience that doesn't come around very often, so I felt obligated to try it once. The tickets were relatively inexpensive, my seats were good, and I wanted to see what it was about.
Evan's Blog sums it up nicely. Since we went together, it'll save me a lot of typing. Karen and I left about 10 minutes before Evan. And another thought on Shane's backpack. Shane is 6 and while he's been known to terrorize people, he's not a terrorist threat. Oddly, inside the gate if you bought a program (I didn't) it came with a free HUGE tote-bag. The point being, they opened Shane's backpack, every single pocket, found nothing in it of any issue. Then they told his parents he couldn't bring it in. Absolutely stupid.
The "Fan Experience" was boring as all Hell. There were a few neat things, though. They had the Vince Lombardi trophy. Never saw it in person before. Unlike the Stanley Cup, they don't let you close to it so you can't touch it or take your picture with it. And it's ugly. They had a nice exhibit on the history of the ball itself, the NFL logo, and they had one of every SuperBowl ring. That was some impressive hardware. Other than that, my experience matches Evan's so read his blog post. Now that I know what happened beforehand, I know why he was Mister Grouchy Pants. After I got home I read half of my new book Iorich the new Steven Brust masterpiece in the Vlad Taltos trilogy until I couldn't keep my eyes open.
I won't discuss the Monday night Panthers loss as it was sad. At least we played hockey and lost as opposed to our usual losing. We still have some tickets for our special group outing to give Jay Bouwmeester (J-Blow) a very special welcome home.
After the game, I came home and finished reading Iorich. I did that at the expense of sleep but it was well worth it. This, the twelfth Vlad book, is one of my favourites. It's a light read, to be sure, but it's got lots of personality and Vlad is very 'himself' and Brust is in his groove. We also get to spend a little time with Vlad's son and get to know him. I'm getting a huge sense he's going to be a major character in the next book or two. I'll avoid spoilers except to say Vlad survives the novel so you know the assassins on his tail will still be at it come the next book. I rather enjoyed the chapter openings which are part of military investigation. Also, Brust, in a witty mood to be sure has included "deleted scenes" in the back of the book. Nice touch. Adds nothing, but still.
I still have House and Heroes on my Ti-Faux. And I'll add Lost to what's sitting there since I'm going to spend many hours tonight as the plumber works in my house. More on that later.
Many years after Concorde's fateful crash that took the plane out of the sky, manslaughter trial against Continental Airlines has opened in France. The claim being a Continental plane that was not properly repaired dropped a scrap of metal on the runway which punctured Concorde's tire and that steel belted tire blew apart, puncturing the fuel tank causing the fire. That ultimately led to Concorde no longer flying. Continental claims they can prove the plane was in flames before it hit the piece of metal. (There is no defense that the piece of metal was there. Only whether it was the precipitating cause.) BBC News reports with all sorts of related links.
I wasn't posting this until I was done but Sue is badgering me.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Rick Rolling On The Subway Floor With a Chicken
We'll start with technical stuff. I have patched the Firefox extension Timetracker 1.2.5 to work with Firefox 3.6 -- there was no work done to the code. I fixed the version check line and added a 1 to the version so it read 1.2.51 but it appears to work fine. So if you're waiting to upgrade to 3.6 now you don't have to. It's available for download here. This, like the original, is public domain but all I ask you link to this blog post and not directly to the file, this way if I make changes and the file name changes your link won't break. In an amusing note, after sitting dormant for a long, long time (years), after I made Googlebar work the original author suddenly came out of the woodwork and released a new version. I guess he didn't like someone else messing with his abandoned work. I'm glad. This really isn't my thing. I would encourage everyone to go get the real one and not the hacked one I made.
In more interesting news, a voice from the past contacted me looking to buy my Manatees practice jersey. Not decided on how that will pan out yet, but it was serendipitous because the next day I was looking for a file I had lost and thought I had backed up to a zip cartridge aeons ago. I found the file (yawn) and also found my original Miami Manatees WHA2 web page. I pulled it mid-season when Waronker, the arsemunch, showed his true colours because I had no desire to support someone who makes Michael Yormark look like a beloved saint. I've decided for posterity it should be reinstated, so that's what I've done. I am sure there are errors and omissions and I would encourage anyone who can add to this to e-mail me directly. The pages are here. They aren't in the Google index yet, but I suppose they might be at some point. (There's a photo with a much younger me, Karen, and Timmy which may have been the coolest surprise find.)
I also have a bunch of videos for your amusement:
And lastly, Delta sucks. I am getting really tired of the run-around. After over 10 years, I removed my recommendation of them from my personal page on my website. While I was there, I also updated it because it hasn't been touched in quite a long time. I am certain there are lots of typos.
Lastly, whenever you think my blog isn't subversive, sublime, or funny enough, I direct you to this URL which is a really, really funny blog entry. And oddly, you may wish to read it right after viewing the Flame-War video mentioned above. Allow some time because the comments are almost as funny as the original post. I'm sure this won't be appreciated by everyone because it's definitely a bit skewed toward geek humour, but as far as I'm concerned, that's a good thing.
In more interesting news, a voice from the past contacted me looking to buy my Manatees practice jersey. Not decided on how that will pan out yet, but it was serendipitous because the next day I was looking for a file I had lost and thought I had backed up to a zip cartridge aeons ago. I found the file (yawn) and also found my original Miami Manatees WHA2 web page. I pulled it mid-season when Waronker, the arsemunch, showed his true colours because I had no desire to support someone who makes Michael Yormark look like a beloved saint. I've decided for posterity it should be reinstated, so that's what I've done. I am sure there are errors and omissions and I would encourage anyone who can add to this to e-mail me directly. The pages are here. They aren't in the Google index yet, but I suppose they might be at some point. (There's a photo with a much younger me, Karen, and Timmy which may have been the coolest surprise find.)
I also have a bunch of videos for your amusement:
- First, we have "We Didn't Start The Flame-War" which is a 3 minute video set to the tune of Billy Joel's We Didn't Start The Fire. If you're an Internet Geek you will absolutely love this video. I've watched it four times because it's so relevant. Sadly, I have experience in this sort of thing. No comment.
- Second, we have Nick Pitera's cover of Journey's legendary Don't Stop Believin' which is remarkable for one thing and one thing only. He recorded it twice -- singing both the male part and female part as done in the TV series Glee -- and then ran them together. The result is remarkable. Seriously.
- Lastly, I hate Rick-Rolling. Hate. Hate. Hate. Only when someone does it live, to a Evangelical Christian television station and the first guy doesn't get what's happening, then, well, it's pretty funny. Kudos to the host who did get it for handling it gracefully.
And lastly, Delta sucks. I am getting really tired of the run-around. After over 10 years, I removed my recommendation of them from my personal page on my website. While I was there, I also updated it because it hasn't been touched in quite a long time. I am certain there are lots of typos.
Lastly, whenever you think my blog isn't subversive, sublime, or funny enough, I direct you to this URL which is a really, really funny blog entry. And oddly, you may wish to read it right after viewing the Flame-War video mentioned above. Allow some time because the comments are almost as funny as the original post. I'm sure this won't be appreciated by everyone because it's definitely a bit skewed toward geek humour, but as far as I'm concerned, that's a good thing.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
JD Salinger Buys an iPad. Not.
First, RIP to legendary author and recluse Jerome David Salinger who died today. In an AP story today humorist John Hodgman was quoted as saying, "I prefer to think JD Salinger has just decided to become extra reclusive." Mr Salinger was most famous for introducing world to Holden Caulfield.
Next up, a quick nod to all my Lost fan friends who will appreciate this link that I got from Sue. It pretty much sums up all of our questions. Not only is it done to the tune of Petula Clarke's Downtown making it very catchy, but it's very cleverly done. The complete lyrics can be seen in the "more info" section of the video's description. I love Lost and am excited about its return.
I have been listening to music today. First Monkey: Journey Into The West which was done by the same people as Gorillaz. I still want to see the play in spite of the fact I cannot say I enjoyed the music thoroughly. It was a like a watered-down Cirque production. I am now in the middle of TSO's overwrought Night Castle which I am enjoying a lot more though it's very uneven. After such a long wait, I expected more. This very well could be my favourite album of theirs. After a second listen, I'll know for sure. Then again so did people who bought Guns-N-Roses Chinese Democracy.
I have no new news on the Nucor front but had to share a link to this post about a prospective Nucor job-seeker. It's all to be taken with a grain of salt but this quote stood out "It's a stressful, fast-paced, and dangerous culture driven by greed more than anything else, so be careful if you do get on."*
The buzz aboutiPad iTampon continues to be mixed and the buzz about the name continues to be universally derisive. However, there's a new survey that portends ill for Apple. You can have a great name and make a lacklustre product do well. You can have a poor name and a great product break free. But can you have a horrible name and an average product and expect to do well? Not likely. Before you click on the link keep in mind that this site is populated almost entirely by Apple's most loyal and faithful customers: people who are predisposed to by the iPad. Only 54% said they would be getting the iSlate, er, iTablet, er iPad with a full 46% giving a flat-out no answer. This might be an Apple failure in the making, like the Apple TV which has yet to penetrate any market in any noticeable way.
And for my friends with a fascination for all sports Canadian from hockey to curling and the CFL, here's an official Canadian government website with a collection of links.
Reminder: if you like this blog and wish it to continue, your help is needed in order to get us transitioned to new blogging software. Otherwise I cannot guarantee this blog will continue.
* Fixed punctuation, spelling, and syntax.
Next up, a quick nod to all my Lost fan friends who will appreciate this link that I got from Sue. It pretty much sums up all of our questions. Not only is it done to the tune of Petula Clarke's Downtown making it very catchy, but it's very cleverly done. The complete lyrics can be seen in the "more info" section of the video's description. I love Lost and am excited about its return.
I have been listening to music today. First Monkey: Journey Into The West which was done by the same people as Gorillaz. I still want to see the play in spite of the fact I cannot say I enjoyed the music thoroughly. It was a like a watered-down Cirque production. I am now in the middle of TSO's overwrought Night Castle which I am enjoying a lot more though it's very uneven. After such a long wait, I expected more. This very well could be my favourite album of theirs. After a second listen, I'll know for sure. Then again so did people who bought Guns-N-Roses Chinese Democracy.
I have no new news on the Nucor front but had to share a link to this post about a prospective Nucor job-seeker. It's all to be taken with a grain of salt but this quote stood out "It's a stressful, fast-paced, and dangerous culture driven by greed more than anything else, so be careful if you do get on."*
The buzz about
And for my friends with a fascination for all sports Canadian from hockey to curling and the CFL, here's an official Canadian government website with a collection of links.
Reminder: if you like this blog and wish it to continue, your help is needed in order to get us transitioned to new blogging software. Otherwise I cannot guarantee this blog will continue.
* Fixed punctuation, spelling, and syntax.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Hockey Hubris, The Florida Panthers, the iPad (iTampon?), and Avatar
I am using the word hubris only because Murphy used it in his recent blog entry. It's an unusual word and if he can use hockey and hubris in a blog post, so can I. I am going to talk about hockey as it turns out.
EASTERN CONFERENCE (NHL: National Hockey League)
These are based on statistics as of the close of business Tuesday, 26 Jan 2010
1. Capitals 74
2. New Jersey 69
3. Pittsburgh 67
4. Buffalo 67
5. Ottawa 62
6. Flyers 55
7. Rangers 55
8. Panthers 55
9. Canadiens 55
10. Bruins 54
11. Thrashers 54
12. Isles 54
13. Lightning 52
14. Leafs 44
15. Hurricanes 39
If the playoffs were held right now, my team, the Florida Panthers, would be in it. Yay, team! Had they lost last night against the Canadiens, we'd have been in 13th place instead of 8th place -- eighth being the final playoff position. That tells you how close the standings are. The Panthers are in a four way tie for 55 points (tiebreakers control the order teams are listed) and there are three more teams just one point behind us. That's a total of six teams that can win today or tomorrow and be ahead of us in the standings. Further, tonight, if the Lightning versus the Canadiens game is won by the Bolts, they'll be in that second group with fifty four points, adding a seventh team to the mix.
Hockey Point System For Non-Fans: If you're not a hockey fan, a regulation win gets you two points. So if you have 54 points, win a game, you have 56 points. If you go into overtime you get one point -- something that is really fucking stupid -- even if you lose the game. Ties were abolished in favour of a shootout -- proving the NHL could fuck up a wet dream. But, I digress.
The saving grace is no matter what happens this season, we'll not finish in the final two spots (14 and 15) because we're better than that. And we're only a seven points out of fifth place and five points out of thirteenth place -- that may be a record for tight grouping nearly two-thirds of the way into the season. All this assumes nobody in front of us wins which is an absurdist condition. Our divisional record is an abysmal 6-7-2*. To avoid sounding like a Pollyana here, I must point out the only reason the Panthers doing so well there are seven teams (basically half of the conferfence) within two points of us.
(A brief word on the West: if you take out the anaemic Oilers pretty much every team in the Western Conference would rank at or higher than the Panthers. Even Minnesota, which is the subject of ridicule, has 54 points to keep it all in perspective.)
The Panthers are a team that has huge potential. But we're not using it. Our destiny is in our hands. We stand on the brink of a golden opportunity for the future that lies before us or on the brink of a chasm from which we may spend a decade returning. This lies within the hands of the players themselves. It's not coaching (DeBoer is a good coach), it's not ownership (hmph), it's not the referees fault (they suck anyway), and it's not even the fan base's fault (speaking of sucky fans welcome to Sports Hell).
The Panthers have made their bed with some spectacularly bad collapses, lazy efforts, and all around suckitude, and let's be clear: I'm not happy where we are. So many blown games are the primary reason we're not a top point team. But that's the difference: good teams don't consistently blow multi-point leads.
We beat Toronto a few nights ago because Toronto sucks worse than we do. But it wasn't an enjoyable game to watch. It was like watching you play your lazy older brother who wasn't really even trying. Our effort had we played a better team would not have resulted in a win. Let's not even mention the goalie, Tomas Vokun: he's the only reason we're not behind Carolina sucking up last place.
Honestly, it all comes down to consistency. That's not something you can coach. That's something you do as a team. Which road will the team take? History is not on our side but I hope (HAH!) this is the year we take our own destiny into our hands. This differentiates the bad, the average, the good, and the great teams. It shows your character. The Panthers have a date with destiny. The question is, will the Panthers show up?
To quickly change the subject, this video is a riot. We have the TSA and now Rick Mercer has this security video mocking(?) Transport Canada's security:
It's a short video and well worth your time if you need a good laugh at the expense of airline 'security'.
Next up, I must mock the iPad. I love Apple. I am a Mac-head. The iPad, when I first heard the name some time ago, is poorly named. I assumed it must have been a joke. I mean, seriously, why would you name a product after a feminine hygiene product? I thought my amusing comment was original but apparently many people besides myself got the same wrong idea. This (thanks FailBlog) is what happens when people are afraid to stand up to Steve Jobs:
Let me be honest. When I heard they were coming out with a feminine hygiene product tablet, I was sure they'd call it the iSlate. A great name, conveys what it is, and there's far less room for rude product names. Or maybe even the iTablet. But no: we have the iPad. The worst product name Apple's ever come out with.
The iPad is well designed from all appearances, meeting Apple's awesome visual standards. It's easy to use because everything Apple does is easy to use. I will admit that I have no idea why this product exists. I don't know who the market is outside of the geek set who will want it because it's new and cool. I love technology, but I really do need it to serve some sort of purpose. I love books but I don't want an e-reader. I don't have a Kindle and this doesn't make me want one. It's a computer of sorts -- but with limited functionality -- and quite frankly, I'd rather have a laptop. Add a touch screen to a laptop or netbook and that's what this is. What is the revolution? Why does iPad exist? Listen, can we just call it iTampon because Steve Jobs apparently was having his period when this was designed? Would that offend anyone? No? Good.
A little bit of news on Avatar. It has officially become the highest grossing film ever, passing Titanic, a record nobody thought was beatable. The news article is here. Only I'm sure you'll all remember a few days ago in my blog I pointed out how that the real champion remains Gone With The Wind. The article, happily, acknowledges that. Earning $189 million when tickets are averaging a dime is far more impressive than earning $1.3 billion when tickets are averaging $15 per admission. Avatar still impresses at equalized dollars, but it's at 26 on the all-time list by that standard. I have nothing against Avatar and enjoyed it (see review elsewhere in this blog), but it's being made to be bigger than it really is. Seriously, use the equalizer link to see how movies really rate (2009 domestic dollar version).
Lastly, I mentioned Dean before. I have been officially Simpsonized by him:
I will post a full-sized, full-resolution version soon. This tiny preview is for your amusement. This is the second draft. He's amazingly good and the only changes we made were my hair colour and changing shoes to skates. We made a slight alteration to the jersey neckline because it's supposed to be yellow but the shade matched the avatar's skin so it was adjusted for practical reasons. I am deeply pleased with the results and you'll be seeing more of Yellow Me around.
* or 6-7, as I deny the existence of the 2 in accordance with my beliefs that shootouts are bad.
EASTERN CONFERENCE (NHL: National Hockey League)
These are based on statistics as of the close of business Tuesday, 26 Jan 2010
1. Capitals 74
2. New Jersey 69
3. Pittsburgh 67
4. Buffalo 67
5. Ottawa 62
6. Flyers 55
7. Rangers 55
8. Panthers 55
9. Canadiens 55
10. Bruins 54
11. Thrashers 54
12. Isles 54
13. Lightning 52
14. Leafs 44
15. Hurricanes 39
If the playoffs were held right now, my team, the Florida Panthers, would be in it. Yay, team! Had they lost last night against the Canadiens, we'd have been in 13th place instead of 8th place -- eighth being the final playoff position. That tells you how close the standings are. The Panthers are in a four way tie for 55 points (tiebreakers control the order teams are listed) and there are three more teams just one point behind us. That's a total of six teams that can win today or tomorrow and be ahead of us in the standings. Further, tonight, if the Lightning versus the Canadiens game is won by the Bolts, they'll be in that second group with fifty four points, adding a seventh team to the mix.
Hockey Point System For Non-Fans: If you're not a hockey fan, a regulation win gets you two points. So if you have 54 points, win a game, you have 56 points. If you go into overtime you get one point -- something that is really fucking stupid -- even if you lose the game. Ties were abolished in favour of a shootout -- proving the NHL could fuck up a wet dream. But, I digress.
The saving grace is no matter what happens this season, we'll not finish in the final two spots (14 and 15) because we're better than that. And we're only a seven points out of fifth place and five points out of thirteenth place -- that may be a record for tight grouping nearly two-thirds of the way into the season. All this assumes nobody in front of us wins which is an absurdist condition. Our divisional record is an abysmal 6-7-2*. To avoid sounding like a Pollyana here, I must point out the only reason the Panthers doing so well there are seven teams (basically half of the conferfence) within two points of us.
(A brief word on the West: if you take out the anaemic Oilers pretty much every team in the Western Conference would rank at or higher than the Panthers. Even Minnesota, which is the subject of ridicule, has 54 points to keep it all in perspective.)
The Panthers are a team that has huge potential. But we're not using it. Our destiny is in our hands. We stand on the brink of a golden opportunity for the future that lies before us or on the brink of a chasm from which we may spend a decade returning. This lies within the hands of the players themselves. It's not coaching (DeBoer is a good coach), it's not ownership (hmph), it's not the referees fault (they suck anyway), and it's not even the fan base's fault (speaking of sucky fans welcome to Sports Hell).
The Panthers have made their bed with some spectacularly bad collapses, lazy efforts, and all around suckitude, and let's be clear: I'm not happy where we are. So many blown games are the primary reason we're not a top point team. But that's the difference: good teams don't consistently blow multi-point leads.
We beat Toronto a few nights ago because Toronto sucks worse than we do. But it wasn't an enjoyable game to watch. It was like watching you play your lazy older brother who wasn't really even trying. Our effort had we played a better team would not have resulted in a win. Let's not even mention the goalie, Tomas Vokun: he's the only reason we're not behind Carolina sucking up last place.
Honestly, it all comes down to consistency. That's not something you can coach. That's something you do as a team. Which road will the team take? History is not on our side but I hope (HAH!) this is the year we take our own destiny into our hands. This differentiates the bad, the average, the good, and the great teams. It shows your character. The Panthers have a date with destiny. The question is, will the Panthers show up?
To quickly change the subject, this video is a riot. We have the TSA and now Rick Mercer has this security video mocking(?) Transport Canada's security:
It's a short video and well worth your time if you need a good laugh at the expense of airline 'security'.
Next up, I must mock the iPad. I love Apple. I am a Mac-head. The iPad, when I first heard the name some time ago, is poorly named. I assumed it must have been a joke. I mean, seriously, why would you name a product after a feminine hygiene product? I thought my amusing comment was original but apparently many people besides myself got the same wrong idea. This (thanks FailBlog) is what happens when people are afraid to stand up to Steve Jobs:
The iPad is well designed from all appearances, meeting Apple's awesome visual standards. It's easy to use because everything Apple does is easy to use. I will admit that I have no idea why this product exists. I don't know who the market is outside of the geek set who will want it because it's new and cool. I love technology, but I really do need it to serve some sort of purpose. I love books but I don't want an e-reader. I don't have a Kindle and this doesn't make me want one. It's a computer of sorts -- but with limited functionality -- and quite frankly, I'd rather have a laptop. Add a touch screen to a laptop or netbook and that's what this is. What is the revolution? Why does iPad exist? Listen, can we just call it iTampon because Steve Jobs apparently was having his period when this was designed? Would that offend anyone? No? Good.
A little bit of news on Avatar. It has officially become the highest grossing film ever, passing Titanic, a record nobody thought was beatable. The news article is here. Only I'm sure you'll all remember a few days ago in my blog I pointed out how that the real champion remains Gone With The Wind. The article, happily, acknowledges that. Earning $189 million when tickets are averaging a dime is far more impressive than earning $1.3 billion when tickets are averaging $15 per admission. Avatar still impresses at equalized dollars, but it's at 26 on the all-time list by that standard. I have nothing against Avatar and enjoyed it (see review elsewhere in this blog), but it's being made to be bigger than it really is. Seriously, use the equalizer link to see how movies really rate (2009 domestic dollar version).
Lastly, I mentioned Dean before. I have been officially Simpsonized by him:
* or 6-7, as I deny the existence of the 2 in accordance with my beliefs that shootouts are bad.
Monday, January 25, 2010
You're Fat
You're fat**. That's what so many people feel, myself included. Obesity is on the rise in the developed world and that's no secret nor is it even in dispute. The reasons, on the other hand, are. Many people have long suspected the introduction of high-fructose corn syrup is the leading cause of girth. I'm not a medical professional but I would tend to agree.
Let it be said, I hate high-fructose corn syrup. It doesn't taste the same, and the recent re-issue of Pepsi, Coca-Cola, and Doctor Pepper in throwback forms (ie: made with sugar like they used to be) proves it. For years, as a kid, I was a book worm, drank tons of soda and was not fat. I exercise more as an adult than I did as a kid, drink less soda and now, I'm not-so-pleasingly plump.
I also admit to being one of those freaks that can easily tell the difference between Coke, Pepsi, and RC with a blindfold and tell you if it's made with sugar or corn syrup. It's not hard in the US formulations because Coke and Pepsi you can tell the difference with your tongue because of the bubble size and density, and RC has a different 'bite' to it. Me, I can tell by the taste and am shocked many people say they can't. Pepsi tastes like malted battery acid* and RC makes you have a primal urge for a banana Moon-Pie.
High-fructose corn syrup has an aftertaste that sugar doesn't, and it rolls differently off your tongue because it doesn't mix with the bubbles the same way. There's a demand for these throwback sodas and not just for Passover so I am not alone in my derision of the 'new' sugar-free formulae.
Oh, wait, I got off track. Anyway, high-fructose corn syrup tastes like shite. This article discusses the rise of obesity and ties it to the obsession with fat content to the exclusion of all else. As even my own doctor says FAT IS NOT INHERENTLY BAD.
Thanks to my friend Scott for this URL. As a kid I was into video games -- being older I refer to those in the arcade which took quarters and not the kind you plug into your television. Two of my favourites were Missile Command which I was pretty awesome at in the day and Marble Madness. When it comes to the latter game, it actually had a planned ending. I never knew that until I saw the video Scott sent. More importantly, the guy beat the entire game in 3m 15s. Seriously. I used to play for 5 or 6 minutes and only once did I even make it to the 'reverse' level.
A tip o' the Pork Pie to Josh who I spent some time with Sunday. It was nice after so long. A pair of photos are posted over at Flickr. I'm glad he's my friend.
A Mac item for you desktop users. For years I used a Matias Tactile Pro 2 keyboard until it decided to type between 3 and 5 of everything and otherwise randomly be possessed by the devil. They had no more to replace it, so they gave me a partial refund -- still feel it should have been a full refund, but that's past history. I pre-ordered the new Tactile Pro 3 version and it arrived about ten days ago. Sadly, it was DOA due a faulty solder leaving me quite discouraged. The 3/E/D/C keys didn't work and as you can see, they're in a straight line and there's a circuit board trace right under it. I spoke to them and they sent a replacement right off and I returned the old one to Canada (and I received a refund check for the shipping). So I've been using the new one all day and I think I'm in love. My favourite keyboard of all time was the original IBM PC keyboard (3151 terminal keyboard basically) where every single key has a mechanical switch and goes "click" as you type. They're pretty indestructible. This one's just awesome. If you have Mac I would encourage you to check this out even though it's expensive. They have free PC drivers too if you want to use it with a *gasp* Windoze machine.
Lastly, our Exalted Leader is now issuing spiffy membership certificates to those who belong to the Umbrella Hat Society. Free. Do it.
* Thanks to Berkeley Breathed's Milo and Binkley for that.
** That's YOU'RE (you are) and not YOUR FAT. Moron. DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE.
Let it be said, I hate high-fructose corn syrup. It doesn't taste the same, and the recent re-issue of Pepsi, Coca-Cola, and Doctor Pepper in throwback forms (ie: made with sugar like they used to be) proves it. For years, as a kid, I was a book worm, drank tons of soda and was not fat. I exercise more as an adult than I did as a kid, drink less soda and now, I'm not-so-pleasingly plump.
I also admit to being one of those freaks that can easily tell the difference between Coke, Pepsi, and RC with a blindfold and tell you if it's made with sugar or corn syrup. It's not hard in the US formulations because Coke and Pepsi you can tell the difference with your tongue because of the bubble size and density, and RC has a different 'bite' to it. Me, I can tell by the taste and am shocked many people say they can't. Pepsi tastes like malted battery acid* and RC makes you have a primal urge for a banana Moon-Pie.
High-fructose corn syrup has an aftertaste that sugar doesn't, and it rolls differently off your tongue because it doesn't mix with the bubbles the same way. There's a demand for these throwback sodas and not just for Passover so I am not alone in my derision of the 'new' sugar-free formulae.
Oh, wait, I got off track. Anyway, high-fructose corn syrup tastes like shite. This article discusses the rise of obesity and ties it to the obsession with fat content to the exclusion of all else. As even my own doctor says FAT IS NOT INHERENTLY BAD.
Thanks to my friend Scott for this URL. As a kid I was into video games -- being older I refer to those in the arcade which took quarters and not the kind you plug into your television. Two of my favourites were Missile Command which I was pretty awesome at in the day and Marble Madness. When it comes to the latter game, it actually had a planned ending. I never knew that until I saw the video Scott sent. More importantly, the guy beat the entire game in 3m 15s. Seriously. I used to play for 5 or 6 minutes and only once did I even make it to the 'reverse' level.
A tip o' the Pork Pie to Josh who I spent some time with Sunday. It was nice after so long. A pair of photos are posted over at Flickr. I'm glad he's my friend.
A Mac item for you desktop users. For years I used a Matias Tactile Pro 2 keyboard until it decided to type between 3 and 5 of everything and otherwise randomly be possessed by the devil. They had no more to replace it, so they gave me a partial refund -- still feel it should have been a full refund, but that's past history. I pre-ordered the new Tactile Pro 3 version and it arrived about ten days ago. Sadly, it was DOA due a faulty solder leaving me quite discouraged. The 3/E/D/C keys didn't work and as you can see, they're in a straight line and there's a circuit board trace right under it. I spoke to them and they sent a replacement right off and I returned the old one to Canada (and I received a refund check for the shipping). So I've been using the new one all day and I think I'm in love. My favourite keyboard of all time was the original IBM PC keyboard (3151 terminal keyboard basically) where every single key has a mechanical switch and goes "click" as you type. They're pretty indestructible. This one's just awesome. If you have Mac I would encourage you to check this out even though it's expensive. They have free PC drivers too if you want to use it with a *gasp* Windoze machine.
Lastly, our Exalted Leader is now issuing spiffy membership certificates to those who belong to the Umbrella Hat Society. Free. Do it.
* Thanks to Berkeley Breathed's Milo and Binkley for that.
** That's YOU'RE (you are) and not YOUR FAT. Moron. DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Youth In Revolt (Movie Review)
We started the day with breakfast at Original House of Pancakes where I got the Mandarin orange crepes. Karen got a bacon and egg sandwich on sourdough. She wanted a car wash so we went and waited while they washed it all. As they were drying it, a bird kept shitting on the roof because they parked it under a tree to dry it. Quite amusing.
I've loved this book ever since I read it and damn near everyone I've recommended it to has loved it too. It's hysterical, perverted, romantic, and just plain ole' fun. I think Michael Cera is a great actor and have liked him ever since I fell in love with Arrested Development (thanks Maury). I was really pre-disposed to like this movie. Only, sadly, I didn't.
The movie was awesomely cast and everyone was believable in their roles which was good because I didn't really buy Michael Cera as Nick Twisp, but he pulled it off. CD Payne wrote the book and he had a hand in the screenplay so I figured the book would be followed closely, just with stuff missing to fit in to the allotted time. I should have known there was trouble when I heard how short the movie was.
It started of perfectly, and while things weren't quite in order, it was true to the spirit of the book. A significantly scene with Lefty was cut and that thing in the book which set it all in motion was replaced with a far more stupid reason. François was well done. Then when they visit Sheeni in school, it falls apart. (They pull in and are clearly the only car in the circle, but as the camera pans, cars mysteriously are parked everywhere. In the room at night as they are going to bed, sunlight is hitting them full on. At night.) The movie gets sloppy with continuity like that. Worse, it stops following the book and goes to Hell quickly.
The acting was fine -- odd but in line with the book -- but the whole thing felt weird. There were random Claymation™ and animated sequences thrown in for no good reason. It was just uneven and not in a good way. Karen thought it was boring. Perhaps if I hadn't read the book I might have liked it better because it was still quite funny. It just isn't want this book's legacy deserved.
Afterward, we went to Rock And Roll Ribs, the new BBQ place owned by the drummer for Iron Maiden, Nicko McBrain. The service was absolutely horrific and if we hadn't had two hours to kill I'd have walked out. Twenty minutes and nobody came to our table and there are only fourteen tables and six waitresses. Brenda had to get up and ask for someone to come over and it still took five minutes. Not even an apology for not coming by. And it didn't get much better after that.
The food was not fantastic. I got my corn on the cob and it was still FROZEN SOLID. Yeah, they forgot to cook it. First, it's Florida and there is no excuse for frozen corn on the cob. None. They at least apologized for that. My meat was tough and stringy. The sauce was decent (sweet) and the regular was okay but a bit too peppery for my taste. I didn't try the tang sauce. Karen's baby backs were better than my brisket. Evan's spare ribs were much better and if I went back, that's what I'd get.
The atmosphere was great and that's everything you'd expect from a rocker. Tons of memoribilia and if you don't like metal, you won't like the soundtrack. Karen hated it. I didn't mind it though I'm not a big Iron Maiden fan so many of the songs didn't interest me. It was a tad too loud and it was hard to have a conversation, but they finally lowered it.
My desire to return is low not because the service is so bad, but when we complained, they just didn't care. We spent over $100 for our table (two checks) and that just isn't acceptable. Even a poorly run restaurant, the manager would have apologized and offered a free appetizer, drink, or desert. We didn't even get the apology and that is inexcusable.
After that we went to the mall to look around FYE Music (Karen got Kenny Loggins. EWWWW) Panther game and had a stellar win (if the Panthers win it's stellar). It sounds like a complaint filled day but we had a great time.
I've loved this book ever since I read it and damn near everyone I've recommended it to has loved it too. It's hysterical, perverted, romantic, and just plain ole' fun. I think Michael Cera is a great actor and have liked him ever since I fell in love with Arrested Development (thanks Maury). I was really pre-disposed to like this movie. Only, sadly, I didn't.
The movie was awesomely cast and everyone was believable in their roles which was good because I didn't really buy Michael Cera as Nick Twisp, but he pulled it off. CD Payne wrote the book and he had a hand in the screenplay so I figured the book would be followed closely, just with stuff missing to fit in to the allotted time. I should have known there was trouble when I heard how short the movie was.
It started of perfectly, and while things weren't quite in order, it was true to the spirit of the book. A significantly scene with Lefty was cut and that thing in the book which set it all in motion was replaced with a far more stupid reason. François was well done. Then when they visit Sheeni in school, it falls apart. (They pull in and are clearly the only car in the circle, but as the camera pans, cars mysteriously are parked everywhere. In the room at night as they are going to bed, sunlight is hitting them full on. At night.) The movie gets sloppy with continuity like that. Worse, it stops following the book and goes to Hell quickly.
The acting was fine -- odd but in line with the book -- but the whole thing felt weird. There were random Claymation™ and animated sequences thrown in for no good reason. It was just uneven and not in a good way. Karen thought it was boring. Perhaps if I hadn't read the book I might have liked it better because it was still quite funny. It just isn't want this book's legacy deserved.
Afterward, we went to Rock And Roll Ribs, the new BBQ place owned by the drummer for Iron Maiden, Nicko McBrain. The service was absolutely horrific and if we hadn't had two hours to kill I'd have walked out. Twenty minutes and nobody came to our table and there are only fourteen tables and six waitresses. Brenda had to get up and ask for someone to come over and it still took five minutes. Not even an apology for not coming by. And it didn't get much better after that.
The food was not fantastic. I got my corn on the cob and it was still FROZEN SOLID. Yeah, they forgot to cook it. First, it's Florida and there is no excuse for frozen corn on the cob. None. They at least apologized for that. My meat was tough and stringy. The sauce was decent (sweet) and the regular was okay but a bit too peppery for my taste. I didn't try the tang sauce. Karen's baby backs were better than my brisket. Evan's spare ribs were much better and if I went back, that's what I'd get.
The atmosphere was great and that's everything you'd expect from a rocker. Tons of memoribilia and if you don't like metal, you won't like the soundtrack. Karen hated it. I didn't mind it though I'm not a big Iron Maiden fan so many of the songs didn't interest me. It was a tad too loud and it was hard to have a conversation, but they finally lowered it.
My desire to return is low not because the service is so bad, but when we complained, they just didn't care. We spent over $100 for our table (two checks) and that just isn't acceptable. Even a poorly run restaurant, the manager would have apologized and offered a free appetizer, drink, or desert. We didn't even get the apology and that is inexcusable.
After that we went to the mall to look around FYE Music (Karen got Kenny Loggins. EWWWW) Panther game and had a stellar win (if the Panthers win it's stellar). It sounds like a complaint filled day but we had a great time.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Blogger --> WordPress (Do you need a job?)
This blog is published using Blogger (a Google company) but hosted on my own website so I can make sure things operate the way I want and not they way they want. This includes being able to fix individual files and graphics when they go wonky and such.
In March, just 60 days away, Blogger will no longer support FTP blogs hosted offsite. This means I need to find a second solution (also see this post from Blogger). Maybe someone out there knows how to make what I have (Dreamhost) work with their new hosted plan, but I am at a loss how to make it happen. I'd prefer it just because it's way less work, I keep all my Google rankings and traffic.
That solution needs to include:
I need someone who's really good at what they do, and someone who is experienced at WordPress (and Blogger too ideally). This job will pay. I'm not asking for a freebie if we go the conversion route. Just let me know what's involved and what you think it would cost.
Hopefully someone out there thinks this blog is worth saving and can help.
In March, just 60 days away, Blogger will no longer support FTP blogs hosted offsite. This means I need to find a second solution (also see this post from Blogger). Maybe someone out there knows how to make what I have (Dreamhost) work with their new hosted plan, but I am at a loss how to make it happen. I'd prefer it just because it's way less work, I keep all my Google rankings and traffic.
That solution needs to include:
- Moving the complete blog to a new blogging format but keeping all posts and comments
- Keeping the same URLs that already exist (to preserve page rank)
- Keeping the blog's look about the same
- A custom Wordpress theme
- Conversion of all posts and comments
- A lot of hand-holding and cleanup until it's debugged
- Maybe help with some other stuff (scripts, etc)
I need someone who's really good at what they do, and someone who is experienced at WordPress (and Blogger too ideally). This job will pay. I'm not asking for a freebie if we go the conversion route. Just let me know what's involved and what you think it would cost.
Hopefully someone out there thinks this blog is worth saving and can help.
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