CAR
1. I have insurance. Yay. Tomorrow I begin regular use of my new car. My MDX has been turned in after its inspection (passed just fine).
2. I put the HAT TRK tag on the X5 though it's still technically registered to the MDX. One hopes BMW is making haste with that transfer. (I have a copy of the transfer paperwork with the registration in the meantime.)
3. I have Sirius now instead of XM, something I am not very happy about. I have yet to find a good solution. The Sirius system is integrated into the car so a change isn't very easy. On the plus side, the first year is free. But I'd rather pay for XM but don't want to have to plug in a separate radio.
POLITICS
1. David Higgins was kind enough to make me piss my pants with this link. The idiotic religious right has gone off the deep end. Er, I mean, gone off the deep end AGAIN. Or perhaps I mean STILL off the deep end. Anyway, you gotta love when they corrected Tyson Gay's (the sprinter) name to Tyson Homosexual. Which is also ironic because, well, he's supposedly very conservative. The article, as changed, read in part: Homosexual didn’t get off to a particularly strong start in the first semifinal, but by the halfway mark he had established a comfortable lead. He slowed somewhat over the final 10 meters-nothing like the way-too-soon complete shutdown that almost cost him Saturday. Asked how he felt, Homosexual said: “A little fatigued.” That has to make you pee your pants.
2. My friend Paul started a political blog. I refer you to it at your own peril. At the suggestion of some … to the dismay of others (probably more numerous) … I’ve started a political blog. See, and you thought all my friends were liberal nutjobs. Some are conservative nutjobs. Some are even libertarian nutjobs. But at least they're all nutjobs. Leave a comment if you'd like.
KITTY-CAT
Scooter went in this past Saturday for her bi-monthly blood work.
1. Her kidneys are fine. Yay. This is good news because this is the part they're concerned about. As I mentioned they are just over the line in the red zone. But that's been over six months and though they haven't improved, nor are they likely to, they haven't gotten even one micron worse.
2. Her thyroid has gone wonky again. We are increasing the dose slightly.
3. She's down to 8.3 pounds. I gotta get her to gain weight. I've done everything. I hope increasing her medicine dose helps with this. I can't get her to eat like a pig and she used to be such a professional at it.
4. She now completely hates anything salmon flavoured, so I have to get new Pill Pockets for Donna my pet sitter. Just out of the blue, she decided no more. A very cat thing to do.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Mostly Wall-E (Wall*E) Review
First, a few clarifications about my new car for those asking. It's the 3.0 version of the X5 which is 6 cylinders and not 8. I didn't need the power or the crappy-ass fuel penalty. Secondly, one of the big deciding factors was the all inclusive maintenance that includes absolutely everything except tires. That makes a big difference in total cost of ownership. Figure a few oil changes per year at $29.95 are free, the 15 and 30K services, a few hundred. Some wiper blades, fluids, and so forth. At least two brake jobs, and that's another grand in my pocket. All free.
Second, the report on Wall-E (Wall*E in earlier presentations and actually Wall•E in the film). We started with breakfast at OPH at 1015. I ate light because I knew lunch was coming. Our party of eleven (The Three Higgi, Erin, me, Johhny B, Liz, Timmy, Karen, Evan, Shane) became a party of twelve with the cameo appearance of legend VanMuph. Breakfast was enjoyable. Took a few razzings over the fact I was in my old car and not the new one -- that was due to insurance issues which will be resolved Monday. After eating, we all went to the theatre and got tickets (minus Murph who had a flight to catch) for the 1205 show. Saw some horrific previews (there's a Chihuahua movie coming out that is vapid at best). And then the main event.
This review contains spoilers.
I will say the opening short is better than many FILMS. It's BY FAR the best Pixar short and it was WAY better than Cars, for instance. Very short, short though. Wall•E is a great film, one of the best Pixar films to date, though I still think Ratatouille is the grand champion of all Pixar films. Wall•E is definitely better than Nemo which seems to be everyone else's favourite. We have a story for the ages here. It could be many things but at its heart, it's a love story between Wall•E and Eve. Wall•E has an iPod, sounds like a Mac II when he reboots, and has some very cool personality, all while looking like a cross between ET and Short Circuit. And he lives alone and watches musicals. (Wait, he's not Michael Jackson. I promise.)
Wall•E lives alone on Earth, everyone else having gone to the stars because the planet is overrun with trash. Wall•E and his clones are supposed to clean it up, but except for him, they're all done running. The planet has not been recovered/saved/etc. Then comes Eve who is looking for plant life. Soon, she's leaving the planet only Wall•E has fallen in love and follows her. And until this point the movie is basically dialogue free.
They reach the ship Axiom and the fun begins. The human race has turned into large, sedentary, lazy cows. I mean worse than now, to be accurate. Wall•E and Eve are separated but they eventually find each other and the trip back to Earth begins. The movie gets an A+ for sure.
Afterwards we all went to Cracker Barrel and ate until we were bloated, leaving there nearly at quarter past four. No dinner for me, thanks.
Second, the report on Wall-E (Wall*E in earlier presentations and actually Wall•E in the film). We started with breakfast at OPH at 1015. I ate light because I knew lunch was coming. Our party of eleven (The Three Higgi, Erin, me, Johhny B, Liz, Timmy, Karen, Evan, Shane) became a party of twelve with the cameo appearance of legend VanMuph. Breakfast was enjoyable. Took a few razzings over the fact I was in my old car and not the new one -- that was due to insurance issues which will be resolved Monday. After eating, we all went to the theatre and got tickets (minus Murph who had a flight to catch) for the 1205 show. Saw some horrific previews (there's a Chihuahua movie coming out that is vapid at best). And then the main event.
This review contains spoilers.
I will say the opening short is better than many FILMS. It's BY FAR the best Pixar short and it was WAY better than Cars, for instance. Very short, short though. Wall•E is a great film, one of the best Pixar films to date, though I still think Ratatouille is the grand champion of all Pixar films. Wall•E is definitely better than Nemo which seems to be everyone else's favourite. We have a story for the ages here. It could be many things but at its heart, it's a love story between Wall•E and Eve. Wall•E has an iPod, sounds like a Mac II when he reboots, and has some very cool personality, all while looking like a cross between ET and Short Circuit. And he lives alone and watches musicals. (Wait, he's not Michael Jackson. I promise.)
Wall•E lives alone on Earth, everyone else having gone to the stars because the planet is overrun with trash. Wall•E and his clones are supposed to clean it up, but except for him, they're all done running. The planet has not been recovered/saved/etc. Then comes Eve who is looking for plant life. Soon, she's leaving the planet only Wall•E has fallen in love and follows her. And until this point the movie is basically dialogue free.
They reach the ship Axiom and the fun begins. The human race has turned into large, sedentary, lazy cows. I mean worse than now, to be accurate. Wall•E and Eve are separated but they eventually find each other and the trip back to Earth begins. The movie gets an A+ for sure.
Afterwards we all went to Cracker Barrel and ate until we were bloated, leaving there nearly at quarter past four. No dinner for me, thanks.
Friday, June 27, 2008
I have a new vehicle
It's here. In my driveway. Parked next to my MDX which I will turn in after I get it inspected Monday (perhaps the idiot will show up this time to do his job).
Special thanks to Adrian who drove to my house at rush hour, picked me up, and drove me all the way down to South Motors to do the deed.
I researched many vehicles over the course of three weeks. I really, really, really, really, really wanted the Range Rover. I miss my old one, desperately. But the bottom line is that it was out of my price range, used too much gas, and wasn't that environmentally friendly. All factors I had to consider. In all other factors (comfort, ride, safety, driveability, features, etc) it was the hands down winner in first place. That and I was nervous that Tata motors just bought it, the third owner (after BMW and then ford).
I ruled out the Nissan and Infiniti pretty quickly. I ruled out the Lexus because the salesman was a prick. I am not an idiot and if you treat me like one, I call you on it, and you persist, please do not act surprised when I tell you that you're a condescending prick and walk out whilst you are still talking.
I really wanted another MDX because it's an ultra-low emissions vehicle, gets decent mileage, and all that stuff. But they ruined the damned car when they redesigned it. The new center console is from hell. The Pilot, which I desperately wanted to like, just lacked a certain something.
I didn't want a BMW as I've never been a fan. But under protest I drove one a few weeks ago, and I really liked it. As you know from previous comments, it moved up the top of my list to second place. And, yes, that's what I got. Space Age Silver with Nevada Grey interior with the Technology Package added as well as running boards (so Grandma can get in and out of the car).
The payments are a little more than I get now. The mileage is similar to my MDX and the cost of ownership is much less. Everything except tires is included. No maintenance costs for three years. Zero. And I bought the tire warranty because as you all know I collect flat tires to the tune of 6 or more per year. (This year being special wherein I had 5 nails in 3 tires on one day.)
It's here. In my driveway. Saturday if any of you want to come see it, call me. I'll be home playing with it all day except between 5 and 6 when I will be at the vet with Scooter for her quarterly checkup. Just give me a call, and come over.
I will not be driving it too far this weekend as it's not entirely insured until Monday due to a small glitch :/
Special thanks to Adrian who drove to my house at rush hour, picked me up, and drove me all the way down to South Motors to do the deed.
I researched many vehicles over the course of three weeks. I really, really, really, really, really wanted the Range Rover. I miss my old one, desperately. But the bottom line is that it was out of my price range, used too much gas, and wasn't that environmentally friendly. All factors I had to consider. In all other factors (comfort, ride, safety, driveability, features, etc) it was the hands down winner in first place. That and I was nervous that Tata motors just bought it, the third owner (after BMW and then ford).
I ruled out the Nissan and Infiniti pretty quickly. I ruled out the Lexus because the salesman was a prick. I am not an idiot and if you treat me like one, I call you on it, and you persist, please do not act surprised when I tell you that you're a condescending prick and walk out whilst you are still talking.
I really wanted another MDX because it's an ultra-low emissions vehicle, gets decent mileage, and all that stuff. But they ruined the damned car when they redesigned it. The new center console is from hell. The Pilot, which I desperately wanted to like, just lacked a certain something.
I didn't want a BMW as I've never been a fan. But under protest I drove one a few weeks ago, and I really liked it. As you know from previous comments, it moved up the top of my list to second place. And, yes, that's what I got. Space Age Silver with Nevada Grey interior with the Technology Package added as well as running boards (so Grandma can get in and out of the car).
The payments are a little more than I get now. The mileage is similar to my MDX and the cost of ownership is much less. Everything except tires is included. No maintenance costs for three years. Zero. And I bought the tire warranty because as you all know I collect flat tires to the tune of 6 or more per year. (This year being special wherein I had 5 nails in 3 tires on one day.)
It's here. In my driveway. Saturday if any of you want to come see it, call me. I'll be home playing with it all day except between 5 and 6 when I will be at the vet with Scooter for her quarterly checkup. Just give me a call, and come over.
I will not be driving it too far this weekend as it's not entirely insured until Monday due to a small glitch :/
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Intel Rejects Vista Officially
Yeah, in what may be the largest schadenfreude moment I've ever had, I read today in numerous articles that Intel has rejected Vista for internal use (#1, #2, and #3). Will it change? Possibly. But maybe not.
This comes on the heels of IBM themselves officially beginning a study of converting its employees from PCs to Macs. ....82 percent declared that the Mac offers a "better or best experience," compared to their ThinkPad-running Windows, and 86 percent asked to keep their Mac .... IBM employs 300,000-plus people. That's a lot of Macs.
Will it come to pass? Don't know but this must be causing Angst in Redmond and that is, of course, wonderful.
Thanks for the heads-up on the Intel bit from Maury.
This comes on the heels of IBM themselves officially beginning a study of converting its employees from PCs to Macs. ....82 percent declared that the Mac offers a "better or best experience," compared to their ThinkPad-running Windows, and 86 percent asked to keep their Mac .... IBM employs 300,000-plus people. That's a lot of Macs.
Will it come to pass? Don't know but this must be causing Angst in Redmond and that is, of course, wonderful.
Thanks for the heads-up on the Intel bit from Maury.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Oi! Molest THIS!
So much to report of little to no merit. First, I wish to make you all aware of a particularly insipid piece of reality television called The Two Coreys which, last year, I watched one episode of before giving up forever. The show is, at best, a train wreck.
It stars Corey Feldman and Corey Haim of the wonderful film "The Lost Boys" which, I must add was one of my favourites growing up. I thought I'd give The Two Coreys a view because they are making a direct-to-DVD sequel called Lost Boys: The Tribe. As I said, I thought the show blew chunks. The somehow, the show has returned for a second season.
Well the show is in the news now. Why? Yes, the two Coreys had a huge row -- a one-upmanship on who got molested the worst when they were teens. The video excerpt from the show is here because you won't believe this if you don't see it.
Molestation shouldn't be funny but this is just creepy, yet oddly riveting in an amusing sort of way. Why the hell would you discuss this with people watching? So many blogs and news sources pounced on this and blamed poor Michael Jackson because he was friends with Mr. Feldman at the time. However, it wasn't Michael Jackson. You can read that here in Corey's own words.
This is just surreal and horrible. And it bears out my desire to never, ever watch this show. You have been warned. You may wish to read this article as well if you're fascinated by train wrecks because it's chock full of links.
Next, I must plug the new Umbrella Hat Society which I will join shortly. If you want to get in on this ground-breaking absurdity, visit the site or the site's blog. Everyone needs a little absurdity in their life. It's better than Red Hats: it's Umbrella Hats. I have ordered my hat for the princely sum of $2.95 plus shipping at Oriental Trading. Although I found the item itself cheaper, the additional shipping charges wiped out the savings. Under $10 delivered. A score.
Lastly, I wish to exchange blog links with people I know. If you have a blog and would kindly link it to mine, I'd appreciate it. I will return the favour upon request. Also, any assistance with linking to my blog from your website(s), social networking pages (MySpace, Facebook, Orkut, etc) is also appreciated.
Wall*E is this weekend. I am excited. The invites are going out tomorrow once I get the movie times.
It stars Corey Feldman and Corey Haim of the wonderful film "The Lost Boys" which, I must add was one of my favourites growing up. I thought I'd give The Two Coreys a view because they are making a direct-to-DVD sequel called Lost Boys: The Tribe. As I said, I thought the show blew chunks. The somehow, the show has returned for a second season.
Well the show is in the news now. Why? Yes, the two Coreys had a huge row -- a one-upmanship on who got molested the worst when they were teens. The video excerpt from the show is here because you won't believe this if you don't see it.
Molestation shouldn't be funny but this is just creepy, yet oddly riveting in an amusing sort of way. Why the hell would you discuss this with people watching? So many blogs and news sources pounced on this and blamed poor Michael Jackson because he was friends with Mr. Feldman at the time. However, it wasn't Michael Jackson. You can read that here in Corey's own words.
This is just surreal and horrible. And it bears out my desire to never, ever watch this show. You have been warned. You may wish to read this article as well if you're fascinated by train wrecks because it's chock full of links.
Next, I must plug the new Umbrella Hat Society which I will join shortly. If you want to get in on this ground-breaking absurdity, visit the site or the site's blog. Everyone needs a little absurdity in their life. It's better than Red Hats: it's Umbrella Hats. I have ordered my hat for the princely sum of $2.95 plus shipping at Oriental Trading. Although I found the item itself cheaper, the additional shipping charges wiped out the savings. Under $10 delivered. A score.
Lastly, I wish to exchange blog links with people I know. If you have a blog and would kindly link it to mine, I'd appreciate it. I will return the favour upon request. Also, any assistance with linking to my blog from your website(s), social networking pages (MySpace, Facebook, Orkut, etc) is also appreciated.
Wall*E is this weekend. I am excited. The invites are going out tomorrow once I get the movie times.
Monday, June 23, 2008
RIP George Carlin. An Angry But Funny Man
I love hockey. George Carlin did not. His priceless rant on it was "Hockey is not a sport. Hockey is guys trying to beat the crap out of each other while playing with a puck. In that sense it is a higher form of boxing, but it will never be a sport because of the puck. Have you ever heard of a puck out side of a urinal? It's in there to control the smell! Anything whose main object of play comes from the urinal in a men's bathroom, cannot be a sport." You know what? That's funny.
I last saw George Carlin in November 2006 (I believe) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. George, in his last few years was a much angrier person. But he was still funny, though sometimes it was an uncomfortable funny like watching Ricky Gervais on The Office. And sometimes he just veered off into commentary that made no attempt to be funny. But it was a good show, a thinking man's show.
Carlin constantly eviscerated the accepted boundaries of comedy and language, being in the league of the legendary Richard Pryor, especially with his famous routine on the "Seven Words" — all of which are taboo on broadcast TV to this day. He said, "And words, you know the seven don't you? Shit, Piss, Fuck, Cunt, Cocksucker, Motherfucker, and Tits, huh? Those are the heavy seven. Those are the ones that will infect your soul, curve your spine and keep the country from winning the war." You can read the whole routine in this article.
"So my name is a footnote in American legal history, which I'm perversely kind of proud of," Carlin told The Associated Press earlier this year.
RIP George
I thought I'd leave you with a little routine.
I last saw George Carlin in November 2006 (I believe) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. George, in his last few years was a much angrier person. But he was still funny, though sometimes it was an uncomfortable funny like watching Ricky Gervais on The Office. And sometimes he just veered off into commentary that made no attempt to be funny. But it was a good show, a thinking man's show.
Carlin constantly eviscerated the accepted boundaries of comedy and language, being in the league of the legendary Richard Pryor, especially with his famous routine on the "Seven Words" — all of which are taboo on broadcast TV to this day. He said, "And words, you know the seven don't you? Shit, Piss, Fuck, Cunt, Cocksucker, Motherfucker, and Tits, huh? Those are the heavy seven. Those are the ones that will infect your soul, curve your spine and keep the country from winning the war." You can read the whole routine in this article.
"So my name is a footnote in American legal history, which I'm perversely kind of proud of," Carlin told The Associated Press earlier this year.
RIP George
Sunday, June 22, 2008
I will never use a mobile phone again
This video, which had gone viral earlier on YouTube France is scary. It's now here for you to see.
Yes, you saw correctly. You can pop popcorn using mobile phones. That bodes not well for them being next to your ear. Yeah, I'll still use my phone. Thankfully I use hands-free BlueTooth most of the time.
(Addendum 6-24-08: For those too lazy to read the comments, this video is a COMMERCIAL FOR A BLUETOOTH HEADSET MANUFACTURER. Unless your name is Paul. Then this is real and you should tell your wife.)
Erin got her first house and I scoped it out Saturday night. It's cool. Congrats to her. Yay. Wall*E is this coming weekend. Yay!
Yes, you saw correctly. You can pop popcorn using mobile phones. That bodes not well for them being next to your ear. Yeah, I'll still use my phone. Thankfully I use hands-free BlueTooth most of the time.
(Addendum 6-24-08: For those too lazy to read the comments, this video is a COMMERCIAL FOR A BLUETOOTH HEADSET MANUFACTURER. Unless your name is Paul. Then this is real and you should tell your wife.)
Erin got her first house and I scoped it out Saturday night. It's cool. Congrats to her. Yay. Wall*E is this coming weekend. Yay!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Firefox and Politics
Virtually all Windows PCs ship with IE, giving it a 72% share of the browser market. Firefox, which is typically downloaded rather than factory installed, has a 17% market share, followed by Apple's Safari at 5%. This is a nice improvement over the old days when IE was well into the 90%. Firefox is slowly eating away at IE and that's a good thing.
Today Firefox are going to overthrow the world by trying to be the most downloaded software ever. You can get Firefox3 at http://www.getfirefox.com and installing it. I had many false starts and stops when the servers crashed under the load placed on them when it rolled out just past 10am PST -- the clock ending 24 hours later at 10am PST tomorrow.
I've installed at work on the PC without incident. Sadly, I'm going to have to hold out a few days on the Mac version at home. I've downloaded it as a show of support but due to banking issues with my bank, it will be a few weeks before I can use it. Firefox3's default skin/theme is horrible beyond measure and I recommend AeroFox which is very nice (it's what I've installed until Noia is upgraded soon to work with FF3. Both are by the same guy.) And don't forgot to install your dictionary if you want automatic spell checking.
I have an RGA from WD and am working with CBL on my drive issues still. I will issue a full report when I can, and will add a glowing recommendation of CBL but I'm holding back because there's still stuff going on (but nothing bad against CBL if you're in need of recovery services).
And, lastly, from Razzie this awesome video "Why I'm voting republican."
And, for the record, as stated in an earlier post, barring a surprise entry by Colin Powell, I will be voting for Barack Obama. If you vote republican, you're buying for more years of hell for our country. It's time for a change.
Today Firefox are going to overthrow the world by trying to be the most downloaded software ever. You can get Firefox3 at http://www.getfirefox.com and installing it. I had many false starts and stops when the servers crashed under the load placed on them when it rolled out just past 10am PST -- the clock ending 24 hours later at 10am PST tomorrow.
I've installed at work on the PC without incident. Sadly, I'm going to have to hold out a few days on the Mac version at home. I've downloaded it as a show of support but due to banking issues with my bank, it will be a few weeks before I can use it. Firefox3's default skin/theme is horrible beyond measure and I recommend AeroFox which is very nice (it's what I've installed until Noia is upgraded soon to work with FF3. Both are by the same guy.) And don't forgot to install your dictionary if you want automatic spell checking.
I have an RGA from WD and am working with CBL on my drive issues still. I will issue a full report when I can, and will add a glowing recommendation of CBL but I'm holding back because there's still stuff going on (but nothing bad against CBL if you're in need of recovery services).
And, lastly, from Razzie this awesome video "Why I'm voting republican."
And, for the record, as stated in an earlier post, barring a surprise entry by Colin Powell, I will be voting for Barack Obama. If you vote republican, you're buying for more years of hell for our country. It's time for a change.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Randomness Part VII
I have switched to roman numerals for the random posts effective with this post. I know you don't care.
1. New photos on my Flickr photo blog again. That should clue you in my hard drive is back and mostly checked out. There will be more details later.
2. I have made a car decision as of yesterday. I shan't share the details until such time as said vehicle is received (by the end of this month).
3. My current car's tires are bordering on unsafe but I won't replace them if I can help it. The AC on the car stopped working yesterday. And the power steering isn't behaving properly. A sign from god or something.
4. Went to the usual Breakfast, Skating, and Movie with Adrian. Been quite awhile and had fun.
5. Movie? Why, yes, we saw the remake of the previously insipid Incredible Hulk. The new version is better and has the usual Stan Lee cameo, and more importantly, a cameo by the original TV Hulk. No more on that. Go see it. You will be entertained. Not a great movie, but a serviceable film. Better than Spiderman 3 at any rate.
6. Today, Father's Day, is Erin's birthday. So, we did her Birthday stuff yesterday instead. We went to Hard Rock for dinner at the "Renegade Barbecue Company" which we'd heard good things about. Overly pricey but very, very, very good. Excellent. Worth a visit. After that we walked around, gambled (she was up $9 and I was down $40). Then it was off to Jaxon's for ice cream. I ate way too much and am sick for my efforts today. I haven't eaten yet and it's 1030am nor did I sleep well. My own fault, so no complaints. After Jaxon's we waddled to Erin's car and spent quite some time in Best Buy thereafter. She closes on her house Monday so GOOD LUCK with that.
7. Tonight it's off to Prime 112 for dinner with Dad. He likes it. I think it's a bit much because they trying too hard to be hip.
8. I read a book by Meg Rosoff last week called "What I Was." It just didn't do it for me. So no review for you. I didn't hate it though. See my previous review for a book that sucked. This was just "meh" so go to Amazon and check it out if you want but my advice is to find something better. It's very well written, but not very interesting. I just didn't get into it.
1. New photos on my Flickr photo blog again. That should clue you in my hard drive is back and mostly checked out. There will be more details later.
2. I have made a car decision as of yesterday. I shan't share the details until such time as said vehicle is received (by the end of this month).
3. My current car's tires are bordering on unsafe but I won't replace them if I can help it. The AC on the car stopped working yesterday. And the power steering isn't behaving properly. A sign from god or something.
4. Went to the usual Breakfast, Skating, and Movie with Adrian. Been quite awhile and had fun.
5. Movie? Why, yes, we saw the remake of the previously insipid Incredible Hulk. The new version is better and has the usual Stan Lee cameo, and more importantly, a cameo by the original TV Hulk. No more on that. Go see it. You will be entertained. Not a great movie, but a serviceable film. Better than Spiderman 3 at any rate.
6. Today, Father's Day, is Erin's birthday. So, we did her Birthday stuff yesterday instead. We went to Hard Rock for dinner at the "Renegade Barbecue Company" which we'd heard good things about. Overly pricey but very, very, very good. Excellent. Worth a visit. After that we walked around, gambled (she was up $9 and I was down $40). Then it was off to Jaxon's for ice cream. I ate way too much and am sick for my efforts today. I haven't eaten yet and it's 1030am nor did I sleep well. My own fault, so no complaints. After Jaxon's we waddled to Erin's car and spent quite some time in Best Buy thereafter. She closes on her house Monday so GOOD LUCK with that.
7. Tonight it's off to Prime 112 for dinner with Dad. He likes it. I think it's a bit much because they trying too hard to be hip.
8. I read a book by Meg Rosoff last week called "What I Was." It just didn't do it for me. So no review for you. I didn't hate it though. See my previous review for a book that sucked. This was just "meh" so go to Amazon and check it out if you want but my advice is to find something better. It's very well written, but not very interesting. I just didn't get into it.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Stupid Ass Companies and Not Stupid Ass Companies
1. Stupid Ass Company Number One (MacWorld Magazine): I got my current issue of MacWorld (my subscription expires September) informing me I'd been signed up for Automatic Renewal Privileges. They gave me a list of these and it's mostly stuff that benefits them and not me. Neither here nor there. The renewal rate is $34 per year for which they will kindly send me a bill. I called this morning and asked why they signed me up for a service I didn't ask for to which they had no answer. Further, I asked why would anyone in their right mind WANT to when the subscription price advertised on their website is $14.95 a year (or $19.97 at Amazon)? The lady said she'd honour that price if I wanted but it's for new subscribers only (nowhere does it say that if you care to check). I told her to cancel my subscription. I've been subscribing since the damn thing came out. No more. I dislike someone taking advantage of a loyal customer. MacWorld can stuff it.
2. Stupid Ass Company Number Two (Western Digital Part One): I have been hinting on and off that my WD 1TB hard drive was ill. I'll share the story. The drive was born 1-1-07 and is just over a year old. It blew out in spectacular fashion last month. After consultation with their tech support people, we determined the bridge was damaged and not the drive. So I said, that's awesome I'll send it to you and you can put the drive in an new case. They don't do that. They just replace them. [Note that this drive is actually two SATA drives in a RAID configuration which makes a simple case swap very complex. I didn't know this when I got it.] They suggested a number of data recovery services. Because it's a RAID drive they all quoted prices close to $2,000 to $3,000 for a recovery mission. On a drive that's under factory warranty. I found one company for $999 to do it and they have it and have recovered almost all of the data. It should be here tomorrow. The story gets better. The guy at the place called me today and (I'll plug them after I get the drive back) said in the recovery process they found tons of files on the drive I didn't tell them about. We discussed them and they weren't my files! They were recovery files from someone else! Really. WD sold me a drive that was reconditioned previously. I fully intend to file a complaint with Federal Trade Commission. Normally a warranty protects the seller from incidental and consequential damages, but since WD engaged in what I consider to be a deceptive and illegal business practice (selling something as "new" that wasn't), I intend to wage war for recovery of my $999 plus round trip shipping.
3. Stupid Ass Company Number Two (Western Digital Part Two): So I called Western Digital this evening to get an RGA to get the drive replaced. After all it is under warranty whether or not the rest is resolved. They are obligated to replace it. After nearly 20 minutes on hold, I get a call center. A very nice lady in India. She puts me on hold repeatedly because there's "a problem" with the drive even though we all agree it's under warranty until 1-10-10. The new drive I bought at the Apple Store in the Falls (Miami, Florida, USA) does not have a valid warranty because, get this, the drive serial number was assigned to the EU and there's NO WAY I could have bought it here in the USA. Without a receipt they will not help me further. She gives me a case number and apologises repeatedly after checking again with a supervisor.
4. Not Stupid Ass Company Number One (American Express): I call Amex and explain the situation. Because of the age of it, it's not in their system. But the guy wants to help me while muttering how he doesn't understand why WD even cares where the drive is sold. He puts me on hold and gets us on a three way conference call with the corporate assistance department. We locate the exact date of sale -- and it's on a different Amex than the one I thought -- and discover it's "Falls Store" and not "Apple Store" as the name on the bill. I ask for a copy of the actual receipt be faxed to me which they cannot do, but they promised they will send me a letter via mail immediately explaining the receipt is being located, and hopefully WD will take that until they find the receipt which can take 3 to 4 weeks. American Express wants happy customers. WD does not.
5. In the good news department, the company working on my hard drive expects a recovery of close to 100% because the data except for one file seems to have been recovered. The data that is not mine I instructed them to NOT recover as I don't want it.
6. I have hiccups right now and I hate them. It's hot in my house and I wonder why. I must investigate. I had tuna for dinner and Scooter was the beneficiary of same. I will make a car decision shortly.
7. Another airline has added the $15 per bag surcharge. I'm running out of options to fly if I don't want to pay that fee. It's offensive. Raise the price of the damned ticket. I hate being nickled and dimed to death. Airlines wonder why everyone hates them? This is why. Airlines suck.
2. Stupid Ass Company Number Two (Western Digital Part One): I have been hinting on and off that my WD 1TB hard drive was ill. I'll share the story. The drive was born 1-1-07 and is just over a year old. It blew out in spectacular fashion last month. After consultation with their tech support people, we determined the bridge was damaged and not the drive. So I said, that's awesome I'll send it to you and you can put the drive in an new case. They don't do that. They just replace them. [Note that this drive is actually two SATA drives in a RAID configuration which makes a simple case swap very complex. I didn't know this when I got it.] They suggested a number of data recovery services. Because it's a RAID drive they all quoted prices close to $2,000 to $3,000 for a recovery mission. On a drive that's under factory warranty. I found one company for $999 to do it and they have it and have recovered almost all of the data. It should be here tomorrow. The story gets better. The guy at the place called me today and (I'll plug them after I get the drive back) said in the recovery process they found tons of files on the drive I didn't tell them about. We discussed them and they weren't my files! They were recovery files from someone else! Really. WD sold me a drive that was reconditioned previously. I fully intend to file a complaint with Federal Trade Commission. Normally a warranty protects the seller from incidental and consequential damages, but since WD engaged in what I consider to be a deceptive and illegal business practice (selling something as "new" that wasn't), I intend to wage war for recovery of my $999 plus round trip shipping.
3. Stupid Ass Company Number Two (Western Digital Part Two): So I called Western Digital this evening to get an RGA to get the drive replaced. After all it is under warranty whether or not the rest is resolved. They are obligated to replace it. After nearly 20 minutes on hold, I get a call center. A very nice lady in India. She puts me on hold repeatedly because there's "a problem" with the drive even though we all agree it's under warranty until 1-10-10. The new drive I bought at the Apple Store in the Falls (Miami, Florida, USA) does not have a valid warranty because, get this, the drive serial number was assigned to the EU and there's NO WAY I could have bought it here in the USA. Without a receipt they will not help me further. She gives me a case number and apologises repeatedly after checking again with a supervisor.
4. Not Stupid Ass Company Number One (American Express): I call Amex and explain the situation. Because of the age of it, it's not in their system. But the guy wants to help me while muttering how he doesn't understand why WD even cares where the drive is sold. He puts me on hold and gets us on a three way conference call with the corporate assistance department. We locate the exact date of sale -- and it's on a different Amex than the one I thought -- and discover it's "Falls Store" and not "Apple Store" as the name on the bill. I ask for a copy of the actual receipt be faxed to me which they cannot do, but they promised they will send me a letter via mail immediately explaining the receipt is being located, and hopefully WD will take that until they find the receipt which can take 3 to 4 weeks. American Express wants happy customers. WD does not.
5. In the good news department, the company working on my hard drive expects a recovery of close to 100% because the data except for one file seems to have been recovered. The data that is not mine I instructed them to NOT recover as I don't want it.
6. I have hiccups right now and I hate them. It's hot in my house and I wonder why. I must investigate. I had tuna for dinner and Scooter was the beneficiary of same. I will make a car decision shortly.
7. Another airline has added the $15 per bag surcharge. I'm running out of options to fly if I don't want to pay that fee. It's offensive. Raise the price of the damned ticket. I hate being nickled and dimed to death. Airlines wonder why everyone hates them? This is why. Airlines suck.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting (Panda Review)
Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting
Those kicks were fast as lightning
In fact, it was a little bit frightening
But they fought with expert timing
Thanks to Carl Douglas for that quick excerpt and flashback. We now return you to the present day where I just saw Kung Fu Panda. Today's outing included Dave, Steve, Evelyn, Karen, and Erin -- in addition to myself of course. We met at 9am at the Original Pancake House for breakfast and made it to the theatre just in time for the 10am showing in the Big Theatre.
Jack Black stars as Po The Panda* who works in his father's noodle restaurant but secretly desires to be a Kung Fu star like the Furious Five -- Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey. All of them really don't have much of a role in this film except as cameos for their voice counterparts. Of the lot Jolie stands out as Tigress. Master Shifu, as voiced by Dustin Hoffman, really steals the show as does the villian: Ian McShane's Tai Lung (a snow leopard). Po owns this movie and it's his show except when Shifu is on screen. I really didn't notice the animation which is a testament to how far it's come along. You won't mistake it for "real" but every now and then the animators are clearly trying to knock your socks off.
This is certainly no new modern work of art. But it was better than Ice Age 2 (and 3's coming soon) and way better than Shrek 3. I'm sure there will be a two, but they'd be better off leaving well-enough alone. I enjoyed it and had fun. Take the kids. Etc.
Afterwards, I went home and the car-shopped some more. No real news but it's looking more like the BMW X5 (the v6 version, not the v8) will be the winner. More shopping to come though. This is a decision that ought not be rushed.
* Please remember the Panda is not a bear.
Those kicks were fast as lightning
In fact, it was a little bit frightening
But they fought with expert timing
Thanks to Carl Douglas for that quick excerpt and flashback. We now return you to the present day where I just saw Kung Fu Panda. Today's outing included Dave, Steve, Evelyn, Karen, and Erin -- in addition to myself of course. We met at 9am at the Original Pancake House for breakfast and made it to the theatre just in time for the 10am showing in the Big Theatre.
Jack Black stars as Po The Panda* who works in his father's noodle restaurant but secretly desires to be a Kung Fu star like the Furious Five -- Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey. All of them really don't have much of a role in this film except as cameos for their voice counterparts. Of the lot Jolie stands out as Tigress. Master Shifu, as voiced by Dustin Hoffman, really steals the show as does the villian: Ian McShane's Tai Lung (a snow leopard). Po owns this movie and it's his show except when Shifu is on screen. I really didn't notice the animation which is a testament to how far it's come along. You won't mistake it for "real" but every now and then the animators are clearly trying to knock your socks off.
This is certainly no new modern work of art. But it was better than Ice Age 2 (and 3's coming soon) and way better than Shrek 3. I'm sure there will be a two, but they'd be better off leaving well-enough alone. I enjoyed it and had fun. Take the kids. Etc.
Afterwards, I went home and the car-shopped some more. No real news but it's looking more like the BMW X5 (the v6 version, not the v8) will be the winner. More shopping to come though. This is a decision that ought not be rushed.
* Please remember the Panda is not a bear.
Friday, June 6, 2008
In defence of Barack Obama
In defence of Barack Obama. There's been a lot of crap said about Mr. Obama. Like all politicians some of it true, some of it untrue. But some if it's just horrible. So, here's an interesting video that will appeal to all parties.
It visually debunks all those stupid-ass Obama myths: he's a Muslim, won't wear an American Flag pin, won't swear on the Bible, associates with terrorists, and all that stupid stuff. Here's proof it's all hooey with some help from our current incumbent no less. If you can't trust a random YouTube video, you can always read the facts for yourself at the extraordinarily unbiased and trustworthy Snopes.
You're free to hold your own opinions, but at least form them based on truth and not lies. That is the democratic and patriotic thing to do. Don't let small minds who are stupid, mornoic boors tell you how to think. Read the facts and make your own decision.
It visually debunks all those stupid-ass Obama myths: he's a Muslim, won't wear an American Flag pin, won't swear on the Bible, associates with terrorists, and all that stupid stuff. Here's proof it's all hooey with some help from our current incumbent no less. If you can't trust a random YouTube video, you can always read the facts for yourself at the extraordinarily unbiased and trustworthy Snopes.
You're free to hold your own opinions, but at least form them based on truth and not lies. That is the democratic and patriotic thing to do. Don't let small minds who are stupid, mornoic boors tell you how to think. Read the facts and make your own decision.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Where was I?
Before I go on to updating you on various things, congratulations to Mr. Obama for winning the primary. Yo, Hillary, just give it up. I will be honest and say my candidate of choice did not make it far in this election. He's long gone. Actually, my real candidate of choice didn't even run. So I have to either (A) vote for the lesser of two evils or (B) vote for a candidate that has no chance of winning. I suppose I could not vote, too, but I don't see that as an option. So, I officially declare that the candidate I will vote for in 2008 is Mr. Obama despite the fact I am not totally comfortable with him. I could give you many reasons to vote for either candidate, but it all comes down to the war. McCain will be four more years of Bush and he wants the war to go on, and he wants to expand the war to Iran. That alone proves he is unfit for office. That is not will of the American People. He's already said he's not going to listen to you, and yet people are still going to vote for him? Idiots, the lot.
I did more car shopping last weekend. I peeked at the Infinity (built not so well), and some other models. I also went to a different dealer and looked at the Rover again. I went and looked at the BMW X5 which I was predisposed to dislike as I've never liked the BMW line. Well, I must say, I really liked it. Not quite as much as the Rover, but damned close. It's now at number two on my list behind the Rover I still can't justify in price. Not done yet, but that is an update for those who care. I will need $600 in tires on my current vehicle soon, so trading it in is looking even more exciting.
I went to my GI doctor today. I got there early because traffic was surprisingly light. I was in the elevator and he walked in. I hadn't seen him since November but he recognized me right away and said 'hi' to me before I said 'hi' to him. Then I sat and waited nearly an hour before I was called in. I hate that. HATE HATE HATE.
The news is basically the same. I have tried to wean myself off and/or down on the dosage of Nexium, but if I take one Nexium per day, my symptoms return. If I take two per day, my symptoms are mostly at bay if I am careful what foods I eat. Nexium is clearly marked "not for use for more than six months" and I again asked the Doc about that. He said it's based on Prilosec (true) and he's had patients taking that for over 20 years with no side effects. The one side effect that I can count on is that due to the way these proton pump inhibitor drugs work, is that over time you will develop large polyps in your stomach as they work harder to produce more acid because they think you acid level is low. They are always benign. What I've read on-line (Google is great) tends to bear this out. The consequence of me not taking these drugs is an almost certain painful and possibly fatal case of esophageal cancer as the acid eats away at me. I prefer not to go that route. $385 a month for the damned things so thank god for my insurance.
Went to the Chiropractor again today. Nothing like good news to cheer me up. Too bad he didn't have any. I am much better than I was after the car accident (you will remember some stupid bitch rear-ended the car I was a passenger in), so that part is good. However, he thinks my neck will have some permanent damage he cannot fix. It's too soon to tell, but he thought he'd prepare me. Other than that, the visit was good as always. It's hard to find a Chiropractor who isn't a quack but I got lucky. He actually seems to know what he's doing and isn't some twit who tells you they can cure everything that ails you. (I went to one who claimed she could cure your cold, and other nonsense). He even has a licensed massage therapist on staff as well as a real nurse. He's got a real degree from a real school and not Jorge's School of Chiropracty and Transmission Repair.
I have to pee, so I'll post this and go :)
I did more car shopping last weekend. I peeked at the Infinity (built not so well), and some other models. I also went to a different dealer and looked at the Rover again. I went and looked at the BMW X5 which I was predisposed to dislike as I've never liked the BMW line. Well, I must say, I really liked it. Not quite as much as the Rover, but damned close. It's now at number two on my list behind the Rover I still can't justify in price. Not done yet, but that is an update for those who care. I will need $600 in tires on my current vehicle soon, so trading it in is looking even more exciting.
I went to my GI doctor today. I got there early because traffic was surprisingly light. I was in the elevator and he walked in. I hadn't seen him since November but he recognized me right away and said 'hi' to me before I said 'hi' to him. Then I sat and waited nearly an hour before I was called in. I hate that. HATE HATE HATE.
The news is basically the same. I have tried to wean myself off and/or down on the dosage of Nexium, but if I take one Nexium per day, my symptoms return. If I take two per day, my symptoms are mostly at bay if I am careful what foods I eat. Nexium is clearly marked "not for use for more than six months" and I again asked the Doc about that. He said it's based on Prilosec (true) and he's had patients taking that for over 20 years with no side effects. The one side effect that I can count on is that due to the way these proton pump inhibitor drugs work, is that over time you will develop large polyps in your stomach as they work harder to produce more acid because they think you acid level is low. They are always benign. What I've read on-line (Google is great) tends to bear this out. The consequence of me not taking these drugs is an almost certain painful and possibly fatal case of esophageal cancer as the acid eats away at me. I prefer not to go that route. $385 a month for the damned things so thank god for my insurance.
Went to the Chiropractor again today. Nothing like good news to cheer me up. Too bad he didn't have any. I am much better than I was after the car accident (you will remember some stupid bitch rear-ended the car I was a passenger in), so that part is good. However, he thinks my neck will have some permanent damage he cannot fix. It's too soon to tell, but he thought he'd prepare me. Other than that, the visit was good as always. It's hard to find a Chiropractor who isn't a quack but I got lucky. He actually seems to know what he's doing and isn't some twit who tells you they can cure everything that ails you. (I went to one who claimed she could cure your cold, and other nonsense). He even has a licensed massage therapist on staff as well as a real nurse. He's got a real degree from a real school and not Jorge's School of Chiropracty and Transmission Repair.
I have to pee, so I'll post this and go :)
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