Here We Go Again: More Photos II

Today I have posted another 16 photos on my Flickr account. In a previous post, I explained the project. With over 3,000 photos. That is not a typo. I am still looking at EVERY SINGLE one and picking the best, but I should be done in the next few days. The response from friends has been overwhelming.

And please, I encourage you to add any comments/notes to the photos if you remember something that I didn't, especially when it comes to identifying people. If it became a group project, that would be fine, too.

(Also, you can buy prints of any photo on Flickr where there's an "Order Prints" button. This is not something I make money on nor approve of or object to. It's entirely Flickr's gig, but if you want an actual printed copy it's the fastest and best way....)

PS: Double thanks to Randy who helped with some people identifying in the group photos.

6-30-07: I posted the next batch of 18 photos today. I'm almost done posting as I think I have a fair representation. There are about 2 or 3 more days with of photos left. I am sending in one last batch for digitizing and you should see those in 4 to 6 weeks. If you think there are photos missing you'd like to see, please let me know via e-mail and I'll add more.
7-2-07: A batch of 14 photos was added today. 12 more tomorrow and then I'm done for awhile. Added bit in dark grey above.

Update on Dad II

A number of you have written asking for the latest update on dad. On the plus side, he's definitely doing better. There is no question of that. He is also definitely not cured. I'd love to tell you he's in remission, but he isn't.

However the news he got was good news. Only one mass is left and it's shrunk from 6cm to 4cm. He is no longer undergoing any treatment, and hasn't for about a month. In about four weeks he will have another series of PET and CAT scans to determine how much of the tumor is actually still alive, and what the next course of treatment is. It might be more radiation, or chemotherapy. It might be arthroscopic surgery, if possible. We just don't know.

I have no further available news at this time. Thank you for your continued support and concern.

Here We Go Again: More Photos

Today I have posted another 18 photos on my Flickr account. In a previous post, I said that I sent all my photos and negatives in to be digitized. These come from the second batch that was returned. There are some priceless photos in here, and they are making me happy and sad and sentimental at the same time. I will posting selections in groups of 16 every day or two over the next week. There are nearly 3,000 photos. That is not a typo. I am looking at EVERY SINGLE one and picking the best, including some very rare photos as well as some that I probably ought to be embarrassed by.

At some point, if I've known you more than five years, you can expect that at least one photo of you will work your way in here. Again, I've said it before: some of these are meaningful to almost nobody but me. I've found some amazing stuff. I've got pictures I didn't remember: lots of them. If you're part of my life now (or were) and have stuff you want to see, I'll take requests. I'll also provide the original files if you want. Take a look if you're interested.

6-27-07: 16 more photos today.
6-28-07: 16 more photos today (15 new, and 1 corrected).
6-28-07: Italicized text was modified from original post

Why I am a Geek, or Things I Do For Fun

I am a geek: a proud, card-carrying member of the Geeky People of the World. I'd tell you that many of my friends are just as geeky, but that might offend some of them. So I'll let them come out of the closet*, as it were on their own.

I do the usual stuff that is standard geek: tinker with computers, operating systems, file systems, to the point I lose track of time. This consumes an unreasonable amount of my time. I spend a good amount of time offering tech-support to my friends on areas in which I am an expert (and vice-versa). We also compare "idiot user" stories because, well, that's what geeks do. I also have a collection of computers, though many were recently donated in a funding drive for Breast Cancer: I still have six at home after that.

I read a lot, and in true geek fashion, it's heavy on science-fiction and epic fantasy, skewing towards the latter in my case. As such, I spend a great deal of time browsing the aisles of my local Borders and/or Barnes & Nobles, where I still purchase books. Yes, I spend time on Amazon.Com as well, but nothing beats picking up a book, examining the cover art, flipping through the pages, reading the jacket blurbs, and then deciding whether or not to buy the book based on reading the first paragraph. I wonder if I'm the only one who book shops that way. I even write, though most of it I don't share with the public at large because they do not appreciate what they do not understand.

I like to walk around office supply stores (Staples, Office Depot, Office Max, Rymans, etc) just because I find it fun. I can spend quite some time in places like that, and it's probably sad that a number of my friends enjoy coming along for the exploration of such places.

And in true geek fashion, I love walking around Best Buy, Circuit City, and Sound Advice. That's just Nirvana for a geek. You don't have to buy, either. "Dude, did you see this thing has four 1080p inputs using HDMI2 and auto-switches, and has Dolby 7.1 optical and even THX?" If that made your flesh tingly, welcome to my world. If you can discuss Blu-Ray versus HD-DVD for an hour or theories behind black-holes, and find it interesting, that's awesome too. You have geek-i-tude!

In further geek news, the MDX authority extended SR-836 from 107th to 137th avenue. It opened yesterday. I was compelled to go drive on the new extension just so I could experience a brand-new road. That's probably sad. Today I went back on it again so I could use the new exit ramps on 107th. Happily, the tolls don't start for another week. Yeah, I'm geeky like that. I'll do the same when the 97th Avenue overpass opens in a few months.

And it goes without saying, I have a blog, multiple webpages, a message board, and accounts on: Flickr , MySpace, FaceBook, LinkedIn, Orkut, NHL Connect, and so on. Feel free to join me.



* or should that be: server cabinet?

Wherefore art thou Eric J. Hedlund?

So, every now and again I like to check up on my "missing" friends -- you know the people you lost contact with but you wish you hadn't. I guess it's sort of nostalgic. There aren't that many that I've lost touch with that I wish I could reconnect with, but there are a few. One, Eric, was just an amazing person. I really liked him for all sorts of reasons. I met him when he was around 14 or so and I was in my early 20s (here's a picture).

He ended up, last I checked, as the editor of the newspaper in Taos, New Mexico. Every now and then I'd go check over there, read some of his articles, and feel a little more connected. I sent an email to him a few months ago and it bounced. Then I found a notice saying that he'd left the paper because he decided to leave Taos entirely. So now I've lost contact. I feel surprisingly saddened by this -- despite the fact I haven't spoken to him in many, many years. He hasn't updated his blog in over a year.

A few years ago one of his friends e-mailed me as a result of this blog, so I thought I'd post this here in the remote hope it happens again. Eric's not the only one I think about, but he's one of very few. I miss Dee, but sadly, she's dead. There were some other people too, but I've managed to reconnect with them via e-mail and/or IM and such (Randy, Carey, for instance). I don't count the people I've tried to reconnect with but have met with reluctance or resistance (Josh, Rob H).

HD-DVD versus Blu-Ray: Strike One

Ah, the video wars: HD-DVD versus Blu-Ray. I've been a champion of Blu-Ray for a number of reasons, and now it looks like the first real step towards a "winner" has been made. Blockbuster is going to go Blu-Ray. I favour Blu-Ray because it's a better viewing experience, it stores a better amount of data which enables more features. And, my PS/3 runs Blu-Ray. That's probably the real reason. In every video format war, I picked the losing side because I always pick the better one regardless of price. I've done that again, but I think this time I may be right.

Blockbuster has been renting both Blu-ray and HD DVD titles in 250 stores since late last year and found that consumers were choosing Blu-ray titles more than 70 percent of the time."The consumers are sending us a message. I can't ignore what I'm seeing," Matthew Smith, senior vice president of merchandising at Blockbuster, told The Associated Press.

Whatever you do, don't buy the combo players. If you read the specifications, you will find that the HD-DVD special features don't work on the combo players: only Blu-Ray works. But, you can watch your films and maybe that's all the matters to you.

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer

Right, this will be a short review. I saw it. I laughed, sometimes when you probably shouldn't. But I was entertained at least. No better or no worse than the previous installment. The Silver Surfer graphics were Fantastic (heh) and their take on the character was less than faithful but I enjoyed it -- praise considering like most FF fans, I love the Silver Surfer. I just can't get into the Four themselves. This film reminds me of Galaxy Quest in a way: comic booky and sort of self-aware. Not a criticism or kudos, just an observation.

A nice 95 minute way to kill a rainy Saturday afternoon with some popcorn.

Keenan Florida Panthers Why

I monitor my blog's traffic to see what draws people in (see previous post) and it's mostly uninteresting except in a statistical sort of way. However, this Google hit from earlier today made me laugh: "keenan florida panthers why"

I can't stand Keenan because I think he's a prick. I don't have much nice to say about him. Someone's search terms perfectly sum up how I feel about Mike Keenan. I've gone over it and over it on my Panthers Message Boards, so won't rehash it here.

But it STILL made me laugh. Indeed: Mike Keenan, Florida Panthers, WHY?

Harry Potter: Snape kills Voldemort? And the return of Dumbledore

I monitor my blog's traffic regularly. Don't be alarmed. While I could see where you all come from, what you're looking for, and all that good stuff, I just don't care to spend the time. I look at a few stats: 1. Keywords, 2. Country of Origin, and 3. Browser & Platform. I mention this because I spend most of my time analysing keywords to see what interests my readers.

If you've read my previous posts you know that: Crazy Frog v Coldplay (French and Brazilians), Led Zeppelin v Pink Floyd (Americans and Brits), and Daniel Radcliffe's Penis (Brits) are the most popular topics here (and the matching countries showing an unhealthy disinterest in same). I'm sure that says a great deal about the world community, but we'll not dwell on that in this post.

So, all of a sudden I have noticed a HUGE spike in some very specific queries the past few days. And they are all forms of "Snape kills Voldemort" and permutations thereof. I just really think it's odd that this has suddenly cropped up and that my blog is the destination of choice for these searches because I really don't discuss this. We know Snape killed Dumbledore, possibly at Dumbledore's request. We also are beginning to accept that Snape may be a good-guy. It would be most interesting to see if Snape does indeed kill Dumbledore, but I've seen no hint in any of the books or any of the mainstream Potter sites about this. So I find it very odd that this exact combination of related search terms is leading people from all over the planet to my Blog on which, until now, I've never even discuss that. What gives? Is there some sort of rumour or spoiler out there I'm unaware of? Seriously -- if you know, let's have out with it.

I've also held a long-standing theory about Dumbledore which I've refused to detail but I've decided to go ahead and throw it out now in advance of the book. Dumbledore is dead and of that make no mistake. However, I've got a theory that we will see some form of Dumbledore in the forthcoming penultimate book. Why? Dumbledore's familiar is Fawkes, a phoenix. And there's one thing we know a phoenix does, that is rise from the dead. Now, Rowling is in love with symbolism in her books and what, I ask you, is more symbolic than a phoenix. And, in fact, is significant enough to call one book "Order of the Phoenix" after the group of good guys. Historically, a familiar and its master are related on several levels. I firmly believe we will see Dumbledore, or perhaps a disembodied soul or spirit, in the final book. Harry will get one last bit of help from Dumbledore in the Final Battle we know is coming. And I am also speculating it will involve that mirror Harry became so fond of because it showed him his parents.

6-21-07: I am getting 30 to 40 hits per day based on this Voldemort Kills Snape search term. WTF is going on with this? Really?

Knocked Up, Ocean's Thirteen, Surf's Up.

This post contains not one, not two, but THREE movie reviews. I am confident some of my reader base can handle three things at once. It's nice to know my vote counts, too. If you get Entertainment Weekly magazine, they have the Critical Mass section where critics from around the country have their reviews posted and there is an "EW Reader's Average" on which I am one of the panel members who gets to rate films.

First up is Knocked Up. The previews certainly looked funny. Parts of the movie were certainly funny. And I enjoyed myself right until the last bit when it took a nose dive of a particularly nefarious kind: it turned into a chick-flick. I have nothing against chick flicks, but I probably would not choose to see them with my guy friends. They are called chick-flicks, because you are supposed to see them with a lady and not a man. It was false advertising as far as I'm concerned. Plus, I was rather put out with the crowning moment in child-birth brought to life on the big screen THREE times. A red light on this one if you're a guy.

Next up is Ocean's Thirteen. After, Ocean's Twelve, anything would be good, even a proctology exam. I am pleased, then, to report that Ocean's Thirteen was actually an enjoyable film. It's certainly not up there with the original Ocean's Eleven (Clooney or Sinatra) but at least I had a good time. Then again I am biased towards any film set in Las Vegas. I also had the good luck to see the original Ocean's Eleven last Sunday when my new verticals were being installed. Not what I expected but also enjoyable. I can safely say if you liked Ocean's Eleven, you will also like Thirteen.

Last in line is Surf's Up!, which I swore I'd never see because I am tired of penguin movies. Happy Feet is better -- no question about it. However, if you give this film a chance to stand on its own, it's enjoyable and predictable at the same time. Decent soundtrack. Great humour in Chicken Joe and the graphics are nice but nowhere on the Happy Feet level. Another green light from me.

Paris Hilton Dragged Back to Jail

Normal people everywhere rejoiced as Paris Hilton, the out of control über-skank, was returned to jail today. Here's a woman totally out of control, and her hangers-on have done nothing to tell her she's behaving like a spoiled brat. At her age, it's simply ghastly behaviour.

Here are excerpts from the wire report; follow the link to read it all:
Paris Hilton was taken from a courtroom screaming and crying today seconds after a judge ordered her returned to jail to serve out her entire 45-day sentence for a parole violation in a reckless driving case.

"It's not right!" shouted the weeping Hilton. "Mom!" she called out to her mother in the audience.

Hilton, who was brought to court in handcuffs in a sheriff's car, came into the courtroom dishevelled and weeping. Her hair was askew and she wore a gray fuzzy sweatshirt over slacks. She wore no makeup and she cried throughout the hearing.

Her body also shook constantly as she dabbed at her eyes. Several times she turned to her parents who were seated behind her in the courtroom and mouthed the words, "I love you."

As he made the final pitch for Hilton's further incarceration, Hilton's entire body began trembling. He had a ball of tissue clutched in her hand and tears ran down her face.

Seconds later the judge announced his decision.

"The defendant is remanded to county jail to serve the remainder of her 45-day sentence. This order is forthwith," he said.

Hilton screamed.

I hate to say I find parts of this amusing, but the article mentions "dozens" of fans. Michael Jackson had more fans than that and he was accused of being a paedophile. Why she passes as "entertainment" I cannot fathom and why she is in the news I do not understand. It's sad and she should be left to wallow in the misery she created for herself. It is her family's responsibility to help her since she obviously cannot. However the fact remains all people are ultimately responsible for their own actions (unless they are mentally ill).

The sheriff is in hot water for violating the judge's order and that is how it should be. Being rich should not get you out of prison. And that's the only reason she got out. As the judge said, "her release after only three days erodes confidence in the judicial system."

Don't mock the judge. She brought this all upon herself. It's sad and amusing, but it isn't entertainment.

Dear Editor, How's Your Grammar?

The Miami Herald and daily fishwrapper has slipped to a new low today.

5 June 2007

Dear Editor:

I have been a subscriber of the Miami Herald for well over 20 years and I read it almost every single day. Lately the numbers of errors in proofreading have been utterly appalling. I am not sure who, if anyone, proofreads your articles, but they are in desperate need of a new career more suited their skill level. In today’s paper you had two grave errors after which I gave up reading and tossed the whole thing in the recycling bin.

I will assume that the reporters themselves are committing these errors, and they certainly should know better. However, your proofreader has one job: and that’s to make sure these offenses don’t reach the public. The public at large is already struggling with basic grammar, and for the Herald to let these sort of errors out for people to see, and possibly think are correct is inexcusable. In today’s paper there were two of the most heinous grammar errors known to man.

First: “The Fillmore Miami Beach will open it’s doors in October” was a headline on the Front Page of section C. Secondly, in today’s article on various water beverages, the same error appears again: “WaterPlus drinks like a juice because of it’s intense fruit flavoring.”

Please inform your proofreader that IT’S is a contraction for IT IS or, less commonly, IT HAS. It’s certainly not a possessive. Almost five years ago, I wrote your office after a similar rash of errors and the editor at the time wrote me back and argued with me. Really. I almost didn’t write this letter, but it’s been pretty bad lately and you need to do something.

I would respectfully request you please send your proofreader(s) back to fifth grade for a re-training program. This is a poor reflection on what was once a great paper. I am sure your employees are educated but one wouldn’t know it from reading.

Respectfully,

Eric A. Seiden

Flickr: Photos from darsys (round two)

As you know, because I mentioned this in my blog previously, I sent all my photos and negatives in to be digitized. These come from the first batch that was returned in my digitizing project. The first batch returned consisted of negatives only and it was a great success on one level. On another it was a failure -- many of these negatives are damaged irreparably and I am crushed. But many more were saved. And the ones that weren't I still have the digitized version and about half of those can be saved if I am moved to pay someone using Photoshop.

As a result, I have added a lot of new pictures to Flickr today -- nearly two dozen. Some of these are meaningful to almost nobody but me. I've found some amazing stuff. I've got pictures I didn't remember: lots of them. I have pictures of my friends when they were kids, but I won't post those here yet. I've found vacation pictures -- including my trips to the 1996 Olympics, 1994 Paris, and others -- that I thought were lost forever. I found pictures of people I'd long since forgotten but suddenly remember like yesterday. There were over 1,000 negatives I've gone through so far, some involving seminal moments in my life.

I've realized something and it's too late to fix it. Most of the pictures of my friends don't include me. The pictures of me don't include my friends because they were taking them. What a fucking idiot I was. I'd give anything to have the immortal "Wabbit Trip"* with all of us in one shot. I've found photos of friends who are now dead. I've found photos of people I miss terribly. I've found photos that I could use as ransom. It was really, really interesting to experience.

If you're part of my life now (or were) and have stuff you want to see, I'll take requests. I'll also provide the original files (4 to 10MB per file) if you want. Take a look if you're interested.

2 June 2007: I have added more pictures.


* I will not explain this to anyone. Ever.