If the commericals and this article is correct, the people who say yea and nay to what hits the tv schedule have lost their *&^%(*&^ minds. Tommy Hilfiger in "The Cut". Tommy 'hung like a horse and choking Pamela with it' Lee 'Goes to College'. There oughtta be a law against this stuff. Said thing is we will probably get caught up in any of the series which shows stupid people getting bitch-slapped on tv but we actually will draw a line somewhere. It definitely was drawn with Britney and Federline's 'Chaotic'. Crapotic is a better title. We have refused to view such crap and have no interest in my-fame-is-waning Britney and her discovery that people really do enjoy buying the records of singers that can actually sing.
I know reality TV will always have a place on TV because it is so cheap to produce but bloody hell. Someone get a clue and a real idea out there. And maybe put it on the WB because nothing sucks as much as that station.
Ciao.
Rogers Yahoo! Hi-Speed Internet Spotlight Tv Stevie
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
No laughing matter
I have made jokes about living in Ohio, hell passing through the state, for years. I cannot come up with one after reading this madness.
Teen Believed to Blame for Ohio Shootings - Yahoo! News
Teen Believed to Blame for Ohio Shootings - Yahoo! News
Uhm, that's no secret.
Anyone that is sill, er, brave enough to take the plunge into marital bliss know that alochol either got you together or it is keeping you there. Anyone that did not know this, well, look around you and it explains a lot.
Peace.
Print Story: Secret of longest marriage is saying 'sorry' on Yahoo! News
Peace.
Print Story: Secret of longest marriage is saying 'sorry' on Yahoo! News
Miss Canada crowned Miss Universe 2005 - Yahoo! News
I will not address the controversy surrounding the Muslim contestant in the swimsuit category or the pictures taken in from of a Buddhist temple. I also will only mention it briefly, because I am sure people will make a big stink about it for nothing, that Miss Canada is not Canadian by birth but rather a Russian immigrant of 11 years. Considering we love new Canadians kicking butt in the Olympics, we should not have a problem here either.
So, with that, I say congratulations Ms. Glebova, Miss Canada, Miss Universe! Well done, eh!
Miss Canada crowned Miss Universe 2005 - Yahoo! News
So, with that, I say congratulations Ms. Glebova, Miss Canada, Miss Universe! Well done, eh!
Miss Canada crowned Miss Universe 2005 - Yahoo! News
Dtrini shakes his head in disbelief
Just what do you say to this story? Do you blame the parents? Do you blame TV, movies, video games and everything else they love to blame but themselves? Do you chalk it up to heated emotions and a bad decision/reflex at the time that caused this trajedy?
I ask all the questions because there is not enough information to form a proper opinion. The facts are one child is dead, one child life is basically dead and two families are going to be living in hell for a very long time.
All this over a ball. A ball! I wish I was back in the 80's because this is just getting way out of hand now.
Ciao.
Print Story: 9-year-old girl charged in fatal stabbing of 11-year-old friend in New York on Yahoo! News
I ask all the questions because there is not enough information to form a proper opinion. The facts are one child is dead, one child life is basically dead and two families are going to be living in hell for a very long time.
All this over a ball. A ball! I wish I was back in the 80's because this is just getting way out of hand now.
Ciao.
Print Story: 9-year-old girl charged in fatal stabbing of 11-year-old friend in New York on Yahoo! News
Indy 4!! Woohoo!
Yeah yeah, I know but I am still looking forward to it. I am humming the theme song in my head as I type this. We watched the trilogy at Christmas when our Chicagan nephew was here. We have the video games. My friend gave my wife a whip. Wait. That does not sound right. Nevermind.
We love Indy.
CANOE -- JAM! Movies - Artists - Ford, Harrison: Lucas, Spielberg OK 'Indy 4' script
We love Indy.
CANOE -- JAM! Movies - Artists - Ford, Harrison: Lucas, Spielberg OK 'Indy 4' script
Dammit!
I was thinking of a new, catchy domain name and ran across an old post of mine with a Dilbert comic strip that said "Shift Happens". Unfortunately, when I typed it out to show DW the nifty name I cmae up with and clicked on the url showing in the MSN window, this bloody site came up. Sigh, back to the drawing board.
James Feldman: Professional Speaker Motivational Speaker and Keynote Speaker and Business Consultant
James Feldman: Professional Speaker Motivational Speaker and Keynote Speaker and Business Consultant
What's Your Super Power?
Yeah, yeah, just take the damn quiz. This is a website tie-in for the upcoming Fantastic Four movie that is sure to be a blockbuster this summer. Some reports are that it will open on July 4th. While I do not think it will have the draw of Spiderman, I seriously doubt (and sincerely hope) it is not as panned as Daredevil was. the fantastic Four is one of the many comics that sucked money out of me so I will be as critical with it as I have been with the Hulk, Daredevil, X-Men, Spiderman, Electra, and the varied other adaptations. Look for a review after I see it (which will be on a normal day and not a midnight showing for sure).
_______________________________
Your Superpower Is:
FLIGHT
No more waiting at airports for a delayed flight - If you want to get somewhere, you're up and away in no time. Even better, on the basletball courtm you're making people say "Jordan Who?" the sky is literally the limit for you!
What's Your Super Power?
_______________________________
Your Superpower Is:
FLIGHT
No more waiting at airports for a delayed flight - If you want to get somewhere, you're up and away in no time. Even better, on the basletball courtm you're making people say "Jordan Who?" the sky is literally the limit for you!
What's Your Super Power?
Third place in the Regionals!
Below you will see our daughter, TC, as she prepares to heave a weighted ball in the Olympic sport of shot put. Out of 50 Scarborough schools, TC was third overall and one position shy of going to the city finals. While she was devastated at not doing as well as she knows she can and missing the city finals, we would just like to congratulate her on her efforts. Well done TC and we look forward to your returning to best them in 2006 in the high school level!
Ciao!
Future Olympian in Training.
Ciao!
Future Olympian in Training.
The Game is On.
For those of you not familiar with the history of the DW and I, we have been together almost seven years now. I am not exactly the easiest person to get along with, and yet I am the easiest person to get along with. Let me explain.
As a true Taurean (Go Bulls! Go May!), a Trini, a protagonist, a procrastinator (of the Nth order) and an eccentric third child, I have been known to be a bit of an intense sort. When Pam and I started seeing each other, I vowed that I would approach the relationship differently to any other I have had in my life. This included being basically brutally honest, dealing with things out front and not letting stuff fester that was bothering me. I also vowed to be more open to alternate opinions and thoughts, flexible in decision making, a better listener and one who she can not only rely on but be comfortable going to regardless of what it is. Admittedly, I still need work on the last bit but I am trying.
So, from day one of our little romp through life, I made it clear that going out with me had two simple rules. These things were non-negotiable above everything else. Before you think I was dictating in a neanderthal way, understand that in being open it makes no sense to hide that which pisses you off the most. So, there it was laid out; the two simple rules.
Rule #1: I grew up in a house that was quite volatile at times (my father is emotional disconnected at times and my mother is non-identified bi-polar). As such, there was much yelling and throwing and beating and thumping. The biggest, strangest thing from that though was the slamming of doors. To me, this is an ultimate, in your face insult, rude gesture and shutting off of communication. If you ever really want to set me off and have me walk off and leave your ass where it stands, slam a door in my house. So, just don't do it.
Rule #2: When the game is on, DO NOT TALK TO ME. That's right, communication openness halts during the game; that is what commercials were put in for. Those wonderful little 15-120 second shows are there for our enjoyment, dispensing of information or as a lull in the game for idle chit chat and decisions about fast food. This rule has been in full effect since day one. And, for the most part, it was understood and followed for all sporting events; football (Toronto Argonauts), Football, hockey (Toronto Maple Leafs) and basketball (Toronto Raptors). By all means talk away during the Olympics or during the nastiness that is baseball (Blue Jays) (so that the mind numbing game is less so).
And that brings us to last night. Game four of the Western Conference Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns. It was an elimination game as well because 2005 MVP and Canadian Steve Nash, and the rest of his squad, seemed to have operated in the last three games in some sort of perpetual brain fart. They could not shoot, they could not dribble, they could not pass and they &^%*&^% well could not shoot for shit. Last night however, I had faith that they would pull it off. So, I was ready to sit down and enjoy the game, the features and all the inane commentary and interviews; all of which encompass the idea of the "game" being on. DW knows this but seemed to have joined the vaunted Suns and suffered a brain fart of her own last night.
There I was listening to the great Bill Russell yap it up with Bill Walton and some other flotsam that ABC (the stupidest station ever to host an NBA game) employs to do these games. All of a sudden, my subconscious for some reason got some errant buzzing on my left side. It continued long enough to grab my attention so when I swung around to locate what was disturbing the game, imagine my shock that it was DW speaking to me. Did I lose it and yell at her? Nope, I never do that. i do what I always do. I sit there and stare at her blankly until she finishes. When she looks at me like a deer caught in the headlights wondering why I am not responding, I simply turn to the GAME and then back to her with my all encompassing look of "Have you lost your VULCAN mind?!?!?"
She forgot. FORGOT!! She forgot about the silly rule and the game and it is only an interview, blah, blah, blah. I just laughed and told her that I was going to blog her for this. She said go ahead. So I just did.
This one's for you, honey! Now, there are more games on this week. Try to remember the rule, will ya? Thanks much, love and foot rubs are on their way.
Peace.
As a true Taurean (Go Bulls! Go May!), a Trini, a protagonist, a procrastinator (of the Nth order) and an eccentric third child, I have been known to be a bit of an intense sort. When Pam and I started seeing each other, I vowed that I would approach the relationship differently to any other I have had in my life. This included being basically brutally honest, dealing with things out front and not letting stuff fester that was bothering me. I also vowed to be more open to alternate opinions and thoughts, flexible in decision making, a better listener and one who she can not only rely on but be comfortable going to regardless of what it is. Admittedly, I still need work on the last bit but I am trying.
So, from day one of our little romp through life, I made it clear that going out with me had two simple rules. These things were non-negotiable above everything else. Before you think I was dictating in a neanderthal way, understand that in being open it makes no sense to hide that which pisses you off the most. So, there it was laid out; the two simple rules.
Rule #1: I grew up in a house that was quite volatile at times (my father is emotional disconnected at times and my mother is non-identified bi-polar). As such, there was much yelling and throwing and beating and thumping. The biggest, strangest thing from that though was the slamming of doors. To me, this is an ultimate, in your face insult, rude gesture and shutting off of communication. If you ever really want to set me off and have me walk off and leave your ass where it stands, slam a door in my house. So, just don't do it.
Rule #2: When the game is on, DO NOT TALK TO ME. That's right, communication openness halts during the game; that is what commercials were put in for. Those wonderful little 15-120 second shows are there for our enjoyment, dispensing of information or as a lull in the game for idle chit chat and decisions about fast food. This rule has been in full effect since day one. And, for the most part, it was understood and followed for all sporting events; football (Toronto Argonauts), Football, hockey (Toronto Maple Leafs) and basketball (Toronto Raptors). By all means talk away during the Olympics or during the nastiness that is baseball (Blue Jays) (so that the mind numbing game is less so).
And that brings us to last night. Game four of the Western Conference Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns. It was an elimination game as well because 2005 MVP and Canadian Steve Nash, and the rest of his squad, seemed to have operated in the last three games in some sort of perpetual brain fart. They could not shoot, they could not dribble, they could not pass and they &^%*&^% well could not shoot for shit. Last night however, I had faith that they would pull it off. So, I was ready to sit down and enjoy the game, the features and all the inane commentary and interviews; all of which encompass the idea of the "game" being on. DW knows this but seemed to have joined the vaunted Suns and suffered a brain fart of her own last night.
There I was listening to the great Bill Russell yap it up with Bill Walton and some other flotsam that ABC (the stupidest station ever to host an NBA game) employs to do these games. All of a sudden, my subconscious for some reason got some errant buzzing on my left side. It continued long enough to grab my attention so when I swung around to locate what was disturbing the game, imagine my shock that it was DW speaking to me. Did I lose it and yell at her? Nope, I never do that. i do what I always do. I sit there and stare at her blankly until she finishes. When she looks at me like a deer caught in the headlights wondering why I am not responding, I simply turn to the GAME and then back to her with my all encompassing look of "Have you lost your VULCAN mind?!?!?"
She forgot. FORGOT!! She forgot about the silly rule and the game and it is only an interview, blah, blah, blah. I just laughed and told her that I was going to blog her for this. She said go ahead. So I just did.
This one's for you, honey! Now, there are more games on this week. Try to remember the rule, will ya? Thanks much, love and foot rubs are on their way.
Peace.
^%$#&^%$# Cold!!!
Yeah yeah, allergies too. Almost all of my life, I could walk naked in the winter and get barely a sniffle (many snickers though) but bring on the summer and I am a walking, sneezing mess. Back in grade school and high school, if I entered a supercool mall after walking in the warmth of the sun, I would sneeze my fool head off for the next 5-10 minutes straight. Back then it was a somewhat amusing annoyance; today, it is a real pain in the ass.
I have broken down and now take Claritin daily, plus some Tylenol cold tablets, stuff my face with Vicks vapour rub and (for the bruised/torn rib muscle, long story) alternate between A535 heat and Deep Cold cold on my right side. I smell like a hospital ward most days but DW, God love her, still lies up on me on the couch.
Anyhow, I share all this crap with you as a way to explain my latest non-blogging ways. I have a bunch of stuff recently from birthdays to confirmations to the game and other idiots to share. So, I will be at my bloggy best over the next couple of days. Try to keep up.
Ciao.
I have broken down and now take Claritin daily, plus some Tylenol cold tablets, stuff my face with Vicks vapour rub and (for the bruised/torn rib muscle, long story) alternate between A535 heat and Deep Cold cold on my right side. I smell like a hospital ward most days but DW, God love her, still lies up on me on the couch.
Anyhow, I share all this crap with you as a way to explain my latest non-blogging ways. I have a bunch of stuff recently from birthdays to confirmations to the game and other idiots to share. So, I will be at my bloggy best over the next couple of days. Try to keep up.
Ciao.
One's heart goes out to the parents and to the little girl.
Those of us who have been blessed to have offspring or have family have offspring know that the prayer/wish is always the same; a healthy baby with ten fingers and ten toes and no issues. As we all know too well, more and more it happens that this does not happen. While modern medecine and science have remarkable cures and procedures to compensate and/or correct these ailments, there are some things that only nature has control off and we are left doing the best we can.
This sad story of this little girl, born with something I had neevr heard of till now, is one such ailment where only so much can be done. It hurts to think about it, but one has to wonder if the quality of life and the pain of it all is fair to this innocent child and her parents. Yes, as a non-practising RC I believe that all life is sacred. That said, I also think that there are limits and we do not always need to play God for the sake of saying we can. Sometimes, something is meant to die and we should just let it happen.
Does it apply in this case? I must admit it crossed my mind. Then I looked at that little face and the face of her parents and wondered who was I to make that choice? I don't know enough and I am not part of the equation. It is up to her parents and her doctors. I simply wish her the best of luck and my prayers go with them all.
Peace.
Peru's 'Mermaid' Baby Ready for Surgery - Yahoo! News
This sad story of this little girl, born with something I had neevr heard of till now, is one such ailment where only so much can be done. It hurts to think about it, but one has to wonder if the quality of life and the pain of it all is fair to this innocent child and her parents. Yes, as a non-practising RC I believe that all life is sacred. That said, I also think that there are limits and we do not always need to play God for the sake of saying we can. Sometimes, something is meant to die and we should just let it happen.
Does it apply in this case? I must admit it crossed my mind. Then I looked at that little face and the face of her parents and wondered who was I to make that choice? I don't know enough and I am not part of the equation. It is up to her parents and her doctors. I simply wish her the best of luck and my prayers go with them all.
Peace.
Peru's 'Mermaid' Baby Ready for Surgery - Yahoo! News
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Ok, so how much would he have gotten for colour?
I may epouse my views on this in greater detail at some point. I do not want to ruin the magnitude of idiocy that the story conveys though. So, please read this, shake your head in disgust and when the opportunity arises, do something to ensure it never happens here. Peace.
CANOE -- CNEWS - World: TV bandit freed after 35 years
CANOE -- CNEWS - World: TV bandit freed after 35 years
Friday, May 27, 2005
Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm going on a diet!!
Finally, a diet designed for my sensibilities. I think I can stick to this one. Oh wait, what's that "hidden" stuff?
Introducing the chocolate candy diet... - Yahoo! News
Introducing the chocolate candy diet... - Yahoo! News
Girl Told Friend She Knew She'd Be Found on Yahoo! News
And we still do not want the death penalty?
Print Story: Girl Told Friend She Knew She'd Be Found on Yahoo! News
Print Story: Girl Told Friend She Knew She'd Be Found on Yahoo! News
Irate Parent Rams Van Into School on Yahoo! News
Uhm, I guess that was one way of making the point.
Print Story: Irate Parent Rams Van Into School on Yahoo! News
Print Story: Irate Parent Rams Van Into School on Yahoo! News
'Star Wars' Fans Hurt Replicating Sabers on Yahoo! News
Oy, this is one for the Darwin people. I am one of the biggest professed geeks you will come across. I am NOT stupid enough to try this stunt.
Welcome Today's Idiots!
Print Story: 'Star Wars' Fans Hurt Replicating Sabers on Yahoo! News
Welcome Today's Idiots!
Print Story: 'Star Wars' Fans Hurt Replicating Sabers on Yahoo! News
CANOE -- CNEWS - Weird News: Suntan oil helps woman escape
I bet those Coppertan people would want to jump right on this.
CANOE -- CNEWS - Weird News: Suntan oil helps woman escape
CANOE -- CNEWS - Weird News: Suntan oil helps woman escape
Thursday, May 26, 2005
How Sinful Are You?
OK, thanks to Ms. Shagwell for this new quiz.
Your Deadly Sins |
Sloth: 60% |
Gluttony: 40% |
Wrath: 40% |
Envy: 20% |
Lust: 20% |
Pride: 20% |
Greed: 0% |
Chance You'll Go to Hell: 29% |
You will get bugs, because you're too lazy to shoo them off. And then you'll die. |
Tagged by Penny Shagwell (Movies)
1. How many movies do you own? Sigh, sadly I must admit that I have an obsession. Our library is currently stocked with over 1100 DVDs and about 50 remaining VHS tapes (which will be converted, except for certain irreplaceable items).
2. What was the last film you bought? Blade - Trinity. I know it was not the best of the series and was cheapened somewhat, but I like the character and I like Snipes.
3. What was the last film you watched? In the theatre? At home, I think the last thing we had a chance to watch, finally, on DVD is Gone In Sixty Seconds (oh mi gawd, I want Eleanor!!). In the theatre, you are kidding right? We went to the 12:01AM showing of the final installment in the prequel trilogy of George Lucas' masterpiece Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.
4. What are five films that you watch a lot or mean a lot to you?
Oh sure, why not just friggin torture me with this one. Only five? Only fifty would really be pushing the envelope. We watch so many genres (i.e. horror, comedy, musicals, chick-flicks, action, documentary, etc.) that it is very hard to narrow down. The following selection was made in great pain but it is the best that I can do to pare things down to this granular level.
The Sound of Music - We own the DVD and have watched it with our old neighbours when we got it. Still, every year that it plays, we watch it on TV. Such is the power of this film that can have a grown man singing out loud about his "Favourite Things". The story, the vistas, Julie Andrews, everything about this movie makes it one of the best of all time. It is one of the few movies that can get me out of any funk I may be in.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off - I was forbidden by DW to watch all three showings over the weekend on TBS for many years. When the DVD came out, she was relentless in waging holy war against it crossing our doorstep and coming into our home. She finally relented after years of begging and we do indeed own it. She hates that I quote the movie mere seconds ahead of the line producing an annoying echo. She hates that I probably could rescripted the entire movie from memory. Most of all she hates my insistence on watching it every single &^%&*&^%() time it shows on TV.
The Princess Bride - Quite simply, the movie I consider to be my favourite of all time. Are there technically better movies? Sure. Are there better acted or more moving movies? Sure. There is just something about this movie that takes me up and keeps me in its world. It is fantasy, action, adventure, comedy and love story all in one. Yes, I can quote from this one as well (Inconceivable! I do not think that word means what you think it means!), but it does not show twelve times a year like FB does so DW tolerates it much more. Plus, she likes it too.
Top Gun - Ok, do not laugh, but I went to see this movie by myself (as I often did in the 80's and 90's) at the Markville Mall theatre. I was in absolute awe at the aerial acrobatics and the tail that pilots got. My mother always wanted me to join the military like my big brother did. I think she was pleased when I returned home from the movie, went into my parents bedroom and proclaimed that I wanted to be an Air Force pilot. Today, barely being able to fit into a cockpit, it remains one of the best movies of all time to showcase just how loud one's surround sound system is.
Bloody Hell. What to choose as my fifth? The Wrath of Khan? The Empire Strikes Back? A Nightmare on Elm Street? Nope, I actually have to go to another unlikely musical that has the same effect on me as the Sound of Music, but will not generally show up on your TV tunes regularly. My final pick is South Park - Bigger, Longer & Uncut. - Say what you will, South Park translated to the big screen in a way that the Simpsons never could. It pushed the envelope so far that when the censors finally stepped in, they made fun of that as well. What other movie could get away with doing what any self-respecting IT person has wanted to do for ten years? Who else could piss off so many religious and ethnic groups in a short two hour span? Who else could tackle the hypocrisy that is the moral fabric (extreme violence is okay, sex and naughty words will destroy the world) of America? Nobody by the guys at the helm of South Park would dare to do it and, being an animated "parody", be able to get away with it without losing their shirts in lawsuits. Hell, people are probably afraid to sue them for looking so stupid in suing a cartoon that actually tells the whole truth.
Now, I'm frickin' exhausted. Thanks Penny!!
MsMittens and Famine can also consider themselves tagged, natch.
2. What was the last film you bought? Blade - Trinity. I know it was not the best of the series and was cheapened somewhat, but I like the character and I like Snipes.
3. What was the last film you watched? In the theatre? At home, I think the last thing we had a chance to watch, finally, on DVD is Gone In Sixty Seconds (oh mi gawd, I want Eleanor!!). In the theatre, you are kidding right? We went to the 12:01AM showing of the final installment in the prequel trilogy of George Lucas' masterpiece Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.
4. What are five films that you watch a lot or mean a lot to you?
Oh sure, why not just friggin torture me with this one. Only five? Only fifty would really be pushing the envelope. We watch so many genres (i.e. horror, comedy, musicals, chick-flicks, action, documentary, etc.) that it is very hard to narrow down. The following selection was made in great pain but it is the best that I can do to pare things down to this granular level.
The Sound of Music - We own the DVD and have watched it with our old neighbours when we got it. Still, every year that it plays, we watch it on TV. Such is the power of this film that can have a grown man singing out loud about his "Favourite Things". The story, the vistas, Julie Andrews, everything about this movie makes it one of the best of all time. It is one of the few movies that can get me out of any funk I may be in.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off - I was forbidden by DW to watch all three showings over the weekend on TBS for many years. When the DVD came out, she was relentless in waging holy war against it crossing our doorstep and coming into our home. She finally relented after years of begging and we do indeed own it. She hates that I quote the movie mere seconds ahead of the line producing an annoying echo. She hates that I probably could rescripted the entire movie from memory. Most of all she hates my insistence on watching it every single &^%&*&^%() time it shows on TV.
The Princess Bride - Quite simply, the movie I consider to be my favourite of all time. Are there technically better movies? Sure. Are there better acted or more moving movies? Sure. There is just something about this movie that takes me up and keeps me in its world. It is fantasy, action, adventure, comedy and love story all in one. Yes, I can quote from this one as well (Inconceivable! I do not think that word means what you think it means!), but it does not show twelve times a year like FB does so DW tolerates it much more. Plus, she likes it too.
Top Gun - Ok, do not laugh, but I went to see this movie by myself (as I often did in the 80's and 90's) at the Markville Mall theatre. I was in absolute awe at the aerial acrobatics and the tail that pilots got. My mother always wanted me to join the military like my big brother did. I think she was pleased when I returned home from the movie, went into my parents bedroom and proclaimed that I wanted to be an Air Force pilot. Today, barely being able to fit into a cockpit, it remains one of the best movies of all time to showcase just how loud one's surround sound system is.
Bloody Hell. What to choose as my fifth? The Wrath of Khan? The Empire Strikes Back? A Nightmare on Elm Street? Nope, I actually have to go to another unlikely musical that has the same effect on me as the Sound of Music, but will not generally show up on your TV tunes regularly. My final pick is South Park - Bigger, Longer & Uncut. - Say what you will, South Park translated to the big screen in a way that the Simpsons never could. It pushed the envelope so far that when the censors finally stepped in, they made fun of that as well. What other movie could get away with doing what any self-respecting IT person has wanted to do for ten years? Who else could piss off so many religious and ethnic groups in a short two hour span? Who else could tackle the hypocrisy that is the moral fabric (extreme violence is okay, sex and naughty words will destroy the world) of America? Nobody by the guys at the helm of South Park would dare to do it and, being an animated "parody", be able to get away with it without losing their shirts in lawsuits. Hell, people are probably afraid to sue them for looking so stupid in suing a cartoon that actually tells the whole truth.
Now, I'm frickin' exhausted. Thanks Penny!!
MsMittens and Famine can also consider themselves tagged, natch.
Tagged by Penny Shagwell (books)
1. Total Number of books I've Owned: I kid you not when I say that the number has been in the thousands. I used to be a very prolific reader in school and would force my folks to shell out money every time the Scholastic book pamphlet came out. For the Read-A-Thon, I was always top reader with triple figures read each time (costing my sponsors much coin on a per book basis). The test of whether I read the books were always passed as I recalled details in all of them. We have several boxes of catalogued books in the basement coming to a garage sale this summer.
2. The Last Book I Bought: I bought the book for LB, not for me. The complete Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy five part trilogy in a single volume. Imagine that he lives in Ottawa, passes the "Zaphod Beeblebrox" bar often and did not know it was not just a funny name. This travesty has to be corrected.
3. Last Book I Read: I am sadly still trying to read it. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (book five in the Harry Potter series). Yes, I am hooked.
4. Five books that mean a lot to me (hard one):
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (entire trilogy)- (naturally) by Douglas Adams. Simply one of the best series ever written, if one enjoys off-beat humour and can stretch your imagination. Arthur Dent used to be my nickname in the original bulletin boards. Also, sadly, I played the computer game (text-based on a Commodore 128) and could not advance past the Vogon starship until a friend in summer school pointed out that I needed to stick the Babel fish in my ear to understand the commander. "What?", I asked. "You did read the book, right?", she inquired. "Books?", I answered stupidly. So, off to Bridlewood Mall she dragged me at lunch and made me buy the book. I have been hooked since then and should still have my original copy in one of those boxes.
The Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit series - J.R.R. Tolkien. Not just some books, but an entire platform of imagination and wonder and fantasy. I grew up with Dungeons and Dragons and guys who painted the figures for that and Rings so it was a great pleasure to reread the books before watching the movies.
A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L'Engle. I derive extra pleasure from this book as life came full circle with my daughter's wide-eyed astonishment that I had read and loved the book and the sequel. To this day, when I am distracted and doodling, I still attempt to draw Tesseracts of varying sizes.
Rendezvous With Rama - Arthur C. Clarke. Okay, this is a strange one to list as it is one of the few books that I started and never finished. I lost the book many moons ago and just have never bothered buying a new one. What I did read though still has a hold on me and it is on my list of to-do things before I die. (Note: I just learned that a movie is coming out in 2006.)
A Splinter in the Mind's Eye - Arguably one of the best Star Wars books ever written. It was the first one I decided to buy (some time ago now). I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it and the name has always stuck firmly in my mind. I think that is definitely a measure of the impact someone's writing has on you.
There are many more but thankfully we have been limited to five. I will, of course, have to tag MsMittens. I would also like to tag Famine if he would so indulge me (simply paste your response here and I will post it since you do not blog...yet!)
Ciao.
2. The Last Book I Bought: I bought the book for LB, not for me. The complete Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy five part trilogy in a single volume. Imagine that he lives in Ottawa, passes the "Zaphod Beeblebrox" bar often and did not know it was not just a funny name. This travesty has to be corrected.
3. Last Book I Read: I am sadly still trying to read it. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (book five in the Harry Potter series). Yes, I am hooked.
4. Five books that mean a lot to me (hard one):
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (entire trilogy)- (naturally) by Douglas Adams. Simply one of the best series ever written, if one enjoys off-beat humour and can stretch your imagination. Arthur Dent used to be my nickname in the original bulletin boards. Also, sadly, I played the computer game (text-based on a Commodore 128) and could not advance past the Vogon starship until a friend in summer school pointed out that I needed to stick the Babel fish in my ear to understand the commander. "What?", I asked. "You did read the book, right?", she inquired. "Books?", I answered stupidly. So, off to Bridlewood Mall she dragged me at lunch and made me buy the book. I have been hooked since then and should still have my original copy in one of those boxes.
The Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit series - J.R.R. Tolkien. Not just some books, but an entire platform of imagination and wonder and fantasy. I grew up with Dungeons and Dragons and guys who painted the figures for that and Rings so it was a great pleasure to reread the books before watching the movies.
A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L'Engle. I derive extra pleasure from this book as life came full circle with my daughter's wide-eyed astonishment that I had read and loved the book and the sequel. To this day, when I am distracted and doodling, I still attempt to draw Tesseracts of varying sizes.
Rendezvous With Rama - Arthur C. Clarke. Okay, this is a strange one to list as it is one of the few books that I started and never finished. I lost the book many moons ago and just have never bothered buying a new one. What I did read though still has a hold on me and it is on my list of to-do things before I die. (Note: I just learned that a movie is coming out in 2006.)
A Splinter in the Mind's Eye - Arguably one of the best Star Wars books ever written. It was the first one I decided to buy (some time ago now). I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it and the name has always stuck firmly in my mind. I think that is definitely a measure of the impact someone's writing has on you.
There are many more but thankfully we have been limited to five. I will, of course, have to tag MsMittens. I would also like to tag Famine if he would so indulge me (simply paste your response here and I will post it since you do not blog...yet!)
Ciao.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Uhm, just how do you tax this?
I would like to see how they collect their portion from the place of employment.
Print Story: Tax may drain world's top sperm bank on Yahoo! News
Print Story: Tax may drain world's top sperm bank on Yahoo! News
'Runaway bride' to face false claims charges - Yahoo! News
All I have to say about this, yet again, is that if it was anyone other than a small town, white woman that did all of this, no one would be okay with the money spent to find her stupid ass. It is ridiculous to think that good taxpayer money was spent to find her and that cities already on tight budgets are simply going to forgive her the debt she put them in. Are you frickin' kidding me?
Let my big, black ass do the same thing here and see if I don't get a ride on the Cherry Beach Express. If you are unfamiliar with the CBE, understand simply that people often got retuned to society there by law enforcement when other avenues would have let these folks go with nothing but a slap on the wrist. There was even a song done on it that I presented in grade school.
There was a massive search, people were frightened for her life, her fiancee was left in a lurch, more than one town and the state was involved, kidnapping is in the FBI's jurisdiction, news stories were involved in trying to find her, and the general emotion of people got linked into this (ya'll remember how the country went nuts when the damn child fell into the well, right?). So please don;t tell me, a grown adult, is simply going to be let go for this farce. That just allows the crazies to think it is okay and says that our emergencies services are at the whim of anyone that does not truly need it.
Ludicrous!! I proclaim anyone that forgives this woman for what she did, does not prosecute her fully and does not bill her stupid ass for the trouble Today's Idiot!!
'Runaway bride' to face false claims charges - Yahoo! News
Let my big, black ass do the same thing here and see if I don't get a ride on the Cherry Beach Express. If you are unfamiliar with the CBE, understand simply that people often got retuned to society there by law enforcement when other avenues would have let these folks go with nothing but a slap on the wrist. There was even a song done on it that I presented in grade school.
There was a massive search, people were frightened for her life, her fiancee was left in a lurch, more than one town and the state was involved, kidnapping is in the FBI's jurisdiction, news stories were involved in trying to find her, and the general emotion of people got linked into this (ya'll remember how the country went nuts when the damn child fell into the well, right?). So please don;t tell me, a grown adult, is simply going to be let go for this farce. That just allows the crazies to think it is okay and says that our emergencies services are at the whim of anyone that does not truly need it.
Ludicrous!! I proclaim anyone that forgives this woman for what she did, does not prosecute her fully and does not bill her stupid ass for the trouble Today's Idiot!!
'Runaway bride' to face false claims charges - Yahoo! News
Woman Calls 911 With Pizza Complaint on Yahoo! News
Don't even bother trying to say any crap about this woman's age and how they should go easy on her. They should charge, fine and/or lock up all these crazy ass people that tie up the system unnecessarily and cause delays for the real situations that need it. Lock her ass up and let her find out exactly "Where's The Beef?"
Print Story: Woman Calls 911 With Pizza Complaint on Yahoo! News
Print Story: Woman Calls 911 With Pizza Complaint on Yahoo! News
Michael Jackson Defense Rests Its Case - Yahoo! News
OK, so let's weigh in on this again. The accuser makes strange phone calls to Jay Leno (though no mention of money was made at the time). They supposedly stole alcohol and was running wild on the grounds. I know some of you are still convinced but I just cannot say that the freak is guilty without a shadow of doubt.
Michael Jackson Defense Rests Its Case - Yahoo! News
Michael Jackson Defense Rests Its Case - Yahoo! News
Parental Group Says Hilton Ad Too Hot on Yahoo! News
OK, I hate to play the race card but, trust me, I only do so when it is obvious that it is the driving force in things going one way or the next.
You would have had to have been living in a vacuum somewhere to not have heard (or been luck enough to witness) the spectacle surrounding Janet Jackson's lovely left breast being exposed to open air for all the public to see. There was an uproar of righteous indignation. All moral values were being threatened. TV show schedules were changed in order to "clean up" certain episodes. Live shows were mandated to insert a time-delay to ensure that colourful language or other disgusting items could be removed so that the viewer could be protected. Congress was convened and the FCC reared its supreme powers and slapped the network, slapped the NFL, spoke about the responsibility of TV, the decline of morals, yadda, yadda, yadda. Janet apologized. Justin (lucky ripper of clothing) apologized. The network apologized. The NFL apologized. Fake ass, hypocritical church folks spouted smug phrases of victory to anyone that cared to listen. Politicians backed these suspiciously wealthy church folk in bringing back morals.
Over a single, well-adorned breast.
Now, we have a hotel heiress, bona-fide B-status TV and movie star, accidental (incidental?) A-status porn star doing a commercial in which she prances about in a skimpy bathing suit (though not porn star skimpy), washes a car, wets herself... with a hose, shoots water from the hose being held suggestively between her legs, suds everywhere. Oh yeah, she happens to bite into the product that she is selling (showing why she is A-status in the porn world after one movie). Uhm, where is the NATIONAL uproar on this? Why is there any THINKING happening about calling in the FCC on this? Why are the networks all not being boycotted about this issue? Oh sure, there is some noise being made about it, but nothing on par with what poor Janet and her family had to go through. Simply because it is Paris Hilton? Typical of America.
I mean, the hypocrisy of the country is palpable. South Park parodies it all the time because they cannot believe such a strong country could be so weak. I am not saying to drop all moral values. I am simply saying that there should be some sense to the whole thing. How can a country that sells guns in K-mart, promotes drive-thru weddings, ordains AND recognizes ministers legally online, and has a pu...,er, Bush in the White House think to say anything to anyone about morals?
Give me a frickin' break. It's time to truly stand up to the constitution America. You know, the part about all men being created equal and justice for all? You've had enough practice time and, since y'all love metaphors, you've been sucking at it royally. Get in the game for real and make it happen.
Peace!
Print Story: Parental Group Says Hilton Ad Too Hot on Yahoo! News
You would have had to have been living in a vacuum somewhere to not have heard (or been luck enough to witness) the spectacle surrounding Janet Jackson's lovely left breast being exposed to open air for all the public to see. There was an uproar of righteous indignation. All moral values were being threatened. TV show schedules were changed in order to "clean up" certain episodes. Live shows were mandated to insert a time-delay to ensure that colourful language or other disgusting items could be removed so that the viewer could be protected. Congress was convened and the FCC reared its supreme powers and slapped the network, slapped the NFL, spoke about the responsibility of TV, the decline of morals, yadda, yadda, yadda. Janet apologized. Justin (lucky ripper of clothing) apologized. The network apologized. The NFL apologized. Fake ass, hypocritical church folks spouted smug phrases of victory to anyone that cared to listen. Politicians backed these suspiciously wealthy church folk in bringing back morals.
Over a single, well-adorned breast.
Now, we have a hotel heiress, bona-fide B-status TV and movie star, accidental (incidental?) A-status porn star doing a commercial in which she prances about in a skimpy bathing suit (though not porn star skimpy), washes a car, wets herself... with a hose, shoots water from the hose being held suggestively between her legs, suds everywhere. Oh yeah, she happens to bite into the product that she is selling (showing why she is A-status in the porn world after one movie). Uhm, where is the NATIONAL uproar on this? Why is there any THINKING happening about calling in the FCC on this? Why are the networks all not being boycotted about this issue? Oh sure, there is some noise being made about it, but nothing on par with what poor Janet and her family had to go through. Simply because it is Paris Hilton? Typical of America.
I mean, the hypocrisy of the country is palpable. South Park parodies it all the time because they cannot believe such a strong country could be so weak. I am not saying to drop all moral values. I am simply saying that there should be some sense to the whole thing. How can a country that sells guns in K-mart, promotes drive-thru weddings, ordains AND recognizes ministers legally online, and has a pu...,er, Bush in the White House think to say anything to anyone about morals?
Give me a frickin' break. It's time to truly stand up to the constitution America. You know, the part about all men being created equal and justice for all? You've had enough practice time and, since y'all love metaphors, you've been sucking at it royally. Get in the game for real and make it happen.
Peace!
Print Story: Parental Group Says Hilton Ad Too Hot on Yahoo! News
Friday, May 20, 2005
Planes, Trains, Automobiles and... Air Scooters?
Probably not the kind of thing all of you would be interested in, but an intriguing concept no less. It's amazing the things that are actually out there being developed or already in use that we do not know about or cannot get ourselves because the cost of the item is too great or the cost of bringing it to Canada is too great.
Ciao.
AirScooter II Ultralight Vehicle
Ciao.
AirScooter II Ultralight Vehicle
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Are you my Star Wars twin?
Take this little test to determine who your Star Wars twin would be for various human characteristic traits. A twist on a know quiz and decent timewaster (50 questions). My results are as follows:
Openness to Experience/Intellect High scorers tend to be original, creative, curious, complex; Low scorers tend to be conventional, down to earth, narrow interests, uncreative.
Astro Mech Droids Your percentile: 59% You typically don’t seek out new experiences.
Astro Mech Droids -- This model of droid lies in the middle of the Openness dimension because although they are generally rule bound and conservative, they are also creative and often ingenious in their approach to the problem at hand.
Conscientiousness High scorers tend to be reliable, well-organized, self-disciplined, careful; Low scorers tend to be disorganized, undependable, negligent.
Han Solo Your percentile: 17% You probably have a messy desk!
Han Solo -- This disheveled and scruffy smuggler leads a reckless and haphazard life, with little respect for rules and procedures.
Extraversion High scorers tend to be sociable, friendly, fun loving, talkative; Low scorers tend to be introverted, reserved, inhibited, quiet.
Lando Calrissian Your percentile: 86% You are extremely outgoing, social, and energetic.
Lando Calrissian -- An energetic, sociable man. He is adventure seeking, talkative, and socially skilled.
Agreeableness High scorers tend to be good natured, sympathetic, forgiving, courteous; Low scorers tend to be critical, rude, harsh, callous.
Emperor Palpatine Your percentile: 14% You find it easy to criticize others.
Emperor Palpatine -- An evil, power hungry tyrant, he is manipulative, evil, and ruthless.
Neuroticism High scorers tend to be nervous, high-strung, insecure, worrying; Low scorers tend to be calm, relaxed, secure, hardy.
C-3Po Your percentile: 66% You tend to become anxious or nervous.
C-3Po -- This fussy droid is generally anxious and nervous with a constitution that often seems unsuitable for the danger in which it finds itself.
____________________________________
Click to see my Star Wars Personality!!
Openness to Experience/Intellect High scorers tend to be original, creative, curious, complex; Low scorers tend to be conventional, down to earth, narrow interests, uncreative.
Astro Mech Droids Your percentile: 59% You typically don’t seek out new experiences.
Astro Mech Droids -- This model of droid lies in the middle of the Openness dimension because although they are generally rule bound and conservative, they are also creative and often ingenious in their approach to the problem at hand.
Conscientiousness High scorers tend to be reliable, well-organized, self-disciplined, careful; Low scorers tend to be disorganized, undependable, negligent.
Han Solo Your percentile: 17% You probably have a messy desk!
Han Solo -- This disheveled and scruffy smuggler leads a reckless and haphazard life, with little respect for rules and procedures.
Extraversion High scorers tend to be sociable, friendly, fun loving, talkative; Low scorers tend to be introverted, reserved, inhibited, quiet.
Lando Calrissian Your percentile: 86% You are extremely outgoing, social, and energetic.
Lando Calrissian -- An energetic, sociable man. He is adventure seeking, talkative, and socially skilled.
Agreeableness High scorers tend to be good natured, sympathetic, forgiving, courteous; Low scorers tend to be critical, rude, harsh, callous.
Emperor Palpatine Your percentile: 14% You find it easy to criticize others.
Emperor Palpatine -- An evil, power hungry tyrant, he is manipulative, evil, and ruthless.
Neuroticism High scorers tend to be nervous, high-strung, insecure, worrying; Low scorers tend to be calm, relaxed, secure, hardy.
C-3Po Your percentile: 66% You tend to become anxious or nervous.
C-3Po -- This fussy droid is generally anxious and nervous with a constitution that often seems unsuitable for the danger in which it finds itself.
____________________________________
Click to see my Star Wars Personality!!
The Force is with me, the Sleep is not!
So, I was up just before 3AM yesterday morning, worked the entire day (yes, I worked, in the office), went home and supported McHappy Day for dinner, watched American Idol, caught some of the Suns-Navs game and then left to catch the midnight showing of Star Wars III - Revenge of the Sith.
I will not be so mean as give away any spoilers (Darth Vader dies) as I do not want to ruin the movie for anyone (Darth Vader dies). I will say this is probably (thanks to much improved tools) the most visually stunning of the six movies with the most on-screen action in any one scene. It does plod in a couple of places but enough sugar and popcorn makes that tolerable.
Unlike some calling this the best of all six movies, I personally would still rate it second to Star Wars V - The Empire Strikes Back. That movie had it all and packed it right with a very good flow to it. It edges out the new one in storyline and flow while obviously losing in impact (loose ends tied up), visuals (lightsabers everywhere) and action (just how do you track that many moving things on a single screen at once?).
So, is it worth seeing? Take it from one who was two rows from the screen, most definitely. I will be seeing it again at a more natural seat level and preferably at the digital theatre.
MTFBWY
Ciao!
PS Darth Vader dies!
I will not be so mean as give away any spoilers (Darth Vader dies) as I do not want to ruin the movie for anyone (Darth Vader dies). I will say this is probably (thanks to much improved tools) the most visually stunning of the six movies with the most on-screen action in any one scene. It does plod in a couple of places but enough sugar and popcorn makes that tolerable.
Unlike some calling this the best of all six movies, I personally would still rate it second to Star Wars V - The Empire Strikes Back. That movie had it all and packed it right with a very good flow to it. It edges out the new one in storyline and flow while obviously losing in impact (loose ends tied up), visuals (lightsabers everywhere) and action (just how do you track that many moving things on a single screen at once?).
So, is it worth seeing? Take it from one who was two rows from the screen, most definitely. I will be seeing it again at a more natural seat level and preferably at the digital theatre.
MTFBWY
Ciao!
PS Darth Vader dies!
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Today's Idiot!
So, as the weather gets better and the temperature raises, pedestrians, riders and drivers alike have their I.Q.'s dropped a few notches.
I have to say that I saw no idiot riders today, so they get a brief respite.
Oh, but the East Indian community seems to have lost their damn mind.
Take the bright ass woman (please!) that, with no one else behind her, simply had to continue passing the Esso station driveway I was turning out of and block my ^%*%%&* car.
Or, how about the dimwitted man who decided he liked my lane more than I did and tried to change the laws of physics (you know, no two pieces of matter may occupy the same space and time at the same time in space). I may not be driving TR these days (DW has it) but I am no less mean or menacing in the little Volkwagen Fox. Maybe a bit more so because when I step out of it, I am more imposing than stepping out of a Trailblazer.
And the winner for today comes from the Rainbow Village where apparently this gent thought himself so light on his feet that walking between traffic, MOVING traffic, made a whole lot of sense during the morning rush hour. And then, when one slams on the brakes and saves his stupid ass, he stands there grinning, drops a stupid wave and glides across. I had a good mind to slap his make-up case out of his briefcase.
IDIOTS!!
I have to say that I saw no idiot riders today, so they get a brief respite.
Oh, but the East Indian community seems to have lost their damn mind.
Take the bright ass woman (please!) that, with no one else behind her, simply had to continue passing the Esso station driveway I was turning out of and block my ^%*%%&* car.
Or, how about the dimwitted man who decided he liked my lane more than I did and tried to change the laws of physics (you know, no two pieces of matter may occupy the same space and time at the same time in space). I may not be driving TR these days (DW has it) but I am no less mean or menacing in the little Volkwagen Fox. Maybe a bit more so because when I step out of it, I am more imposing than stepping out of a Trailblazer.
And the winner for today comes from the Rainbow Village where apparently this gent thought himself so light on his feet that walking between traffic, MOVING traffic, made a whole lot of sense during the morning rush hour. And then, when one slams on the brakes and saves his stupid ass, he stands there grinning, drops a stupid wave and glides across. I had a good mind to slap his make-up case out of his briefcase.
IDIOTS!!
Riddle me this... no more. :-(
For many fans around the world, villians are as popular as the heroes who fight them. For what makes a truly spectacular villian or heroic rescue without the dastardly fiend to concoct the plot? So, it is with sadness to announce the death of one of the best villians of all time, The Riddler! Yes, that rhyming nutcase from the 60's Batman television show (later recreated by Jim Carrey in the movie).
Frank Gorshin owned that part as much as Adam West is still associated with his alter ego. He could also be found in Walt Disney's "That Darn Cat".
What is red and green and goes round and round and round? Frog in a blender. Goodnight Frank.
Pulse24 - Toronto's News
Frank Gorshin owned that part as much as Adam West is still associated with his alter ego. He could also be found in Walt Disney's "That Darn Cat".
What is red and green and goes round and round and round? Frog in a blender. Goodnight Frank.
Pulse24 - Toronto's News
Today's Facts - Read after you have had lunch
+--------------- Bizarre Facts About Humans ---------------+
People who live in the city have longer, thicker nose hairs than people who live in the country.
Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every 2 weeks; otherwise it will digest itself.
Humans are the only primates that don't have pigment in the palms of their hands.
The human heart creates enough pressure while pumping to squirt blood 30 feet.
We shed an average of 40 pounds of dead skin in a lifetime.
When we blush, our stomach lining also turns red.
You can't kill yourself by holding your breath.
Your tongue print is as unique as your fingerprint.
We get goose bumps where our ancestors used to have hair.
On a square inch of our skin, there are 20 million micro-scopic animals.
Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until the child reaches 2 to 6 years of age.
_____________________________________
Submitted by my colleague, KN.
People who live in the city have longer, thicker nose hairs than people who live in the country.
Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every 2 weeks; otherwise it will digest itself.
Humans are the only primates that don't have pigment in the palms of their hands.
The human heart creates enough pressure while pumping to squirt blood 30 feet.
We shed an average of 40 pounds of dead skin in a lifetime.
When we blush, our stomach lining also turns red.
You can't kill yourself by holding your breath.
Your tongue print is as unique as your fingerprint.
We get goose bumps where our ancestors used to have hair.
On a square inch of our skin, there are 20 million micro-scopic animals.
Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until the child reaches 2 to 6 years of age.
_____________________________________
Submitted by my colleague, KN.
An Apple a day....
Sweet Mary & Joseph! It has finally arrived and I am as giddy as a... okay, I am not THAT giddy but I am reasonably excited about it. What is IT? IT would be the opening of the first Apple store in Canada at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The first 1500 people will get a free t-shirt. Guess who is dragging his DW to this? :-)
I have had previous experience, though limited, on the original Mac OS, but it was nothing serious. With the upgrade of the OS to sit on a version of BSD (a UNIX variant), the power of a UNIX desktop is shown, the abilities and extensibilities of the Mac platform grow immensely, the quality and stability increases, the development community expands and the overall future of Apple grew rosier.
Add to that the continued dominance of Apple in the portable MP3 player market and you have a nice one-two punch. The Apple OS is everything the Linux community tried to do and basically failed at. Sound, video, wireless, security, stability, commercial applications; everything needed to compete with the Wintel (Windows and Intel) duopoly.
Oh yeah, I am excited. Now give me my shirt!
Apple Store - Yorkdale
I have had previous experience, though limited, on the original Mac OS, but it was nothing serious. With the upgrade of the OS to sit on a version of BSD (a UNIX variant), the power of a UNIX desktop is shown, the abilities and extensibilities of the Mac platform grow immensely, the quality and stability increases, the development community expands and the overall future of Apple grew rosier.
Add to that the continued dominance of Apple in the portable MP3 player market and you have a nice one-two punch. The Apple OS is everything the Linux community tried to do and basically failed at. Sound, video, wireless, security, stability, commercial applications; everything needed to compete with the Wintel (Windows and Intel) duopoly.
Oh yeah, I am excited. Now give me my shirt!
Apple Store - Yorkdale
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Quick, late night post
My birthday is over and so too (finally) is this four-day weekend. Uhm, "What four day weekend?" I hear you ask. Well, it started with our group's poker game on Friday night here at our place which went to about 3AM. We got up around 9AM in order to attend the twins of some friends Christening. We ran some errands before later heading up to Newmarket to hang out with them for a spell because it really has been too long and too far between visits. Sunday was a birthday BBQ for my Dad (the 20th) and myself (the 16th); more friends including the Frogs and lots more drinking in conjunction with the wife's most excellent ribs. That went until about ten PM when I had to drop TC by her grandparents. Which brings us to today and the pains in the ribs, lack of sleep and a house in need of tidying in preparation of the night's visitors for TC's confirmation do.
So, except for the sound of water swishing in the dishwasher (which is full for the umteenth time this weekend) and my Dell's keys as I click away on them, the house is quiet for a change. TC child is asleep upstairs. My father and his wife are asleep upstairs in the guest room. DW is asleep upstairs wondering when the hell I will stop doing what I am doing and join her. And I am posting to you folks, uploading confirmation pics, writing some thank you emails, preparing for the dreaded work grind of tomorrow (if one can call all you can eaty sushi lunch a grind), printing some pics for TC to take to school and prepping a machine back to working PVR status.
I know what you are thinking, but it is not simply a serious geek gene, the fact is I get LOADS done at night when the house is all to myself. I have serious attention issues when others are around me so I give them my attention and I do my best work at night. it is when I clean up the house, rebuild machines, catch up on my soaps (*&%^$*^%*& leave it be Beege!) and other things I simpyl am too lazy or too distracted to do during the day. Call me a night owl or an insomiac (as I typically am good on four hours sleep most nights) but it works for me.
DW on the other hand is seriously considering one of those body pillows or better replacements for my side of the bed.
Ciao.
So, except for the sound of water swishing in the dishwasher (which is full for the umteenth time this weekend) and my Dell's keys as I click away on them, the house is quiet for a change. TC child is asleep upstairs. My father and his wife are asleep upstairs in the guest room. DW is asleep upstairs wondering when the hell I will stop doing what I am doing and join her. And I am posting to you folks, uploading confirmation pics, writing some thank you emails, preparing for the dreaded work grind of tomorrow (if one can call all you can eaty sushi lunch a grind), printing some pics for TC to take to school and prepping a machine back to working PVR status.
I know what you are thinking, but it is not simply a serious geek gene, the fact is I get LOADS done at night when the house is all to myself. I have serious attention issues when others are around me so I give them my attention and I do my best work at night. it is when I clean up the house, rebuild machines, catch up on my soaps (*&%^$*^%*& leave it be Beege!) and other things I simpyl am too lazy or too distracted to do during the day. Call me a night owl or an insomiac (as I typically am good on four hours sleep most nights) but it works for me.
DW on the other hand is seriously considering one of those body pillows or better replacements for my side of the bed.
Ciao.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Would you let the Evil Empire in?
My answer will be HELL NO for as long as I can say it. Seriously people, this is the same company that is so concerned with beating every body to the punch that they leave more holes in the OS than old underwear (which you should never wear in case you are hit by a bus).
I like what the theory is; a hardware component in conjunction with new items in the Longhorn OS will help protect the PC's data from unauthorized eyes. That said, I have great apprehension about M$ being able to execute this effectively without leaving a wide open path, flashing neon lights and instructions on how to circumvent and/or corrupt things.
Sorry Bill but now that Linux is getting more and more viable in the desktop area (and I have a serious love on for Jobs and company), besides gaming, you are going to have to give me a VERY good reason to upgrade to the next OS.
And, "because I said so" is no longer going to be reason enough.
Ciao.
CANOE -- CNEWS - Tech News: Hardware security in PCs to accompany new Windows
I like what the theory is; a hardware component in conjunction with new items in the Longhorn OS will help protect the PC's data from unauthorized eyes. That said, I have great apprehension about M$ being able to execute this effectively without leaving a wide open path, flashing neon lights and instructions on how to circumvent and/or corrupt things.
Sorry Bill but now that Linux is getting more and more viable in the desktop area (and I have a serious love on for Jobs and company), besides gaming, you are going to have to give me a VERY good reason to upgrade to the next OS.
And, "because I said so" is no longer going to be reason enough.
Ciao.
CANOE -- CNEWS - Tech News: Hardware security in PCs to accompany new Windows
No DMCA, eh?
Thankfully, we are a bit more evolved in Canada and they understand we understand that if we buy something, we should have certain rights where that is concerned. Basically, we are still allowed to make a backup for our purchased media as long as it is for personal use. I am, of course, paraphrasing. Please see the link for the "official" prose.
On a quick note, I would be very interested in using the Apple iTunes and other legal music sites IF they increased the quality of the codecs they use to create the files. As it is, right now, to get CD quality sound you still have to buy a CD. With the amount of crap they continue to press and spew into the market, the music sites are a very good alternative to purchase the music that you really care to hear and leave the flotsam that should never have made it to an album to linger in virtual hell (can anyone say Mariah Carey's Glitter?) Thankfully, the added bonus with sites like iTunes is the ability to listen to the music before plunking down your hard earned cash; also, the ability to stop the crap from playing further before your ears start to bleed.
Ciao.
Government Statement on Proposals for Copyright Reform
On a quick note, I would be very interested in using the Apple iTunes and other legal music sites IF they increased the quality of the codecs they use to create the files. As it is, right now, to get CD quality sound you still have to buy a CD. With the amount of crap they continue to press and spew into the market, the music sites are a very good alternative to purchase the music that you really care to hear and leave the flotsam that should never have made it to an album to linger in virtual hell (can anyone say Mariah Carey's Glitter?) Thankfully, the added bonus with sites like iTunes is the ability to listen to the music before plunking down your hard earned cash; also, the ability to stop the crap from playing further before your ears start to bleed.
Ciao.
Government Statement on Proposals for Copyright Reform
Bush condones copyright infringement
What the hell were they thinking when they put his sorry ass back in power?
Ok, so the story goes that a company called ClearPlay came up with an electronic means (essentially prepared filters) that allow the removal of various objectionable material. This removal would include language, violence, and sexual content. What's wrong with this you ask? Well, it has to do with removing the artistic integrity of the film, released as the studios intended it to be (and you do not know how hard it is for me to side with those greedy bastards).
The studios, actors, directors, writers, producers, et al spend a lot of time and money to produce a film in a certain way to properly get across their respective vision. What this bill allows ClearPlay and like companies is to modifiy this vision in whatever way they feel. While I understand removing the naughty words for general TV viewing, I do not understand this height of laziness.
Let's just get someone to sit through the movie noting everything that they arbitrarily decide is naughty, sexy, bad, or immoral. Do you see where this is going? If you want to keep those things away from your family, then simply do not expose it to them. I cannot agree with modifying the content of the film to suit a single group's perception of what is good.
To be fair, ClearPlay's technology is an updateable filter that mutes the sound or skips parts of a film to "remove" the offensive material. So, in the true sense of the word, they leave the original material intact. There are other companies, however, that are remastering the films without this objectionable material. This is bloody nuts. If I do not know what the original looked like, how do I know things that I do not find objectionable were also not removed.
This is an interesting idea in a very suspect package. And the fact that Bush signed it so quickly tells me to beware of the tendrils going out form this. Remember, the DMCA was supposed to be a good thing too. Remember that when you lose your Lord of the Rings collection to some really potent cat pee and have to rpelace it by buying all the discs again. Without the DMCA, you would have been able to simply make a backup of your collection that gets normal use while locking up the originals in a safe spot (thanks Clinton).
So, let's see where this new bill ends up and how it affects te industry overall. One last thing, we also have filters in our home for objectionable content so that it does not reach our daughter. It's called "parenting". If more people used that filter, maybe North America would not be getting as ^(&%(*&^( up as it seems to be these days.
CANOE -- CNEWS - Tech News: U.S. bill allows parents to remove offensive material from movies
Ok, so the story goes that a company called ClearPlay came up with an electronic means (essentially prepared filters) that allow the removal of various objectionable material. This removal would include language, violence, and sexual content. What's wrong with this you ask? Well, it has to do with removing the artistic integrity of the film, released as the studios intended it to be (and you do not know how hard it is for me to side with those greedy bastards).
The studios, actors, directors, writers, producers, et al spend a lot of time and money to produce a film in a certain way to properly get across their respective vision. What this bill allows ClearPlay and like companies is to modifiy this vision in whatever way they feel. While I understand removing the naughty words for general TV viewing, I do not understand this height of laziness.
Let's just get someone to sit through the movie noting everything that they arbitrarily decide is naughty, sexy, bad, or immoral. Do you see where this is going? If you want to keep those things away from your family, then simply do not expose it to them. I cannot agree with modifying the content of the film to suit a single group's perception of what is good.
To be fair, ClearPlay's technology is an updateable filter that mutes the sound or skips parts of a film to "remove" the offensive material. So, in the true sense of the word, they leave the original material intact. There are other companies, however, that are remastering the films without this objectionable material. This is bloody nuts. If I do not know what the original looked like, how do I know things that I do not find objectionable were also not removed.
This is an interesting idea in a very suspect package. And the fact that Bush signed it so quickly tells me to beware of the tendrils going out form this. Remember, the DMCA was supposed to be a good thing too. Remember that when you lose your Lord of the Rings collection to some really potent cat pee and have to rpelace it by buying all the discs again. Without the DMCA, you would have been able to simply make a backup of your collection that gets normal use while locking up the originals in a safe spot (thanks Clinton).
So, let's see where this new bill ends up and how it affects te industry overall. One last thing, we also have filters in our home for objectionable content so that it does not reach our daughter. It's called "parenting". If more people used that filter, maybe North America would not be getting as ^(&%(*&^( up as it seems to be these days.
CANOE -- CNEWS - Tech News: U.S. bill allows parents to remove offensive material from movies
I bet MsMittens is smiling
I'm jealous! When we watched TV and saw the kids on Star Trek going to school and learning early quantum mechanics in the equivalent of grade school and warp theory plus time travel in high school, you were okay with it knowing that was centuries away from becoming a reality.
But here we are today and I want to be a kid again (though many would argue I have yet to outgrow that stage of my life). When our daughter, TC, goes to high school in the fall, she will be experiencing and have the opportunity to experience so much more than we did at our age. She has a grade nine orientation excursion right off the bat. By grade twelve, she coul dhave been in the computer club, made a magazine, designed a website, joined the photography class, learned haute cuisine and fashion and, by happenstance, graduated with all the traditional classes.
I guess our generation also was looked upon as lucky by those that came before us so this just the natural evolution of education and life. We had a good run, now it is their turn and we should not berudge them that.
I just want my authentic light saber, while manipulating images on my dual 2.7GHz G5, watching my 84" Pasma TV that I brought home in my low-rider Navigator to my Smart-home in the rural regions of King City. It's all about balance and I think it is only fair. Don't you?
Peace.
CANOE -- CNEWS - Tech News: Camp shows other side of the firewall
But here we are today and I want to be a kid again (though many would argue I have yet to outgrow that stage of my life). When our daughter, TC, goes to high school in the fall, she will be experiencing and have the opportunity to experience so much more than we did at our age. She has a grade nine orientation excursion right off the bat. By grade twelve, she coul dhave been in the computer club, made a magazine, designed a website, joined the photography class, learned haute cuisine and fashion and, by happenstance, graduated with all the traditional classes.
I guess our generation also was looked upon as lucky by those that came before us so this just the natural evolution of education and life. We had a good run, now it is their turn and we should not berudge them that.
I just want my authentic light saber, while manipulating images on my dual 2.7GHz G5, watching my 84" Pasma TV that I brought home in my low-rider Navigator to my Smart-home in the rural regions of King City. It's all about balance and I think it is only fair. Don't you?
Peace.
CANOE -- CNEWS - Tech News: Camp shows other side of the firewall
Ah c'mon, I have enough trouble at the pagents!
i will not begin to moan and groan on the topic of counterfeit media, for obvious reasons. I will say that when I do shell out good money, I expect that the level of quality that I paid for is genuine. So, if I pay for joe-blow, crack house spindle of fiddy for $10, then I expect a certain amount of risk for data integrity and a certain amount of messed up media resulting in possible coasters.
If, however, I cough up some serious coin for Verbatim or TDK's Armour line, then the damn thing better be the real goods and better be as bulletproof and reliable as they claim.
It's getting so you cannot trust that white van in the parking lot of Fairview Mall anymore. That's just a crying shame.
Ciao.
CANOE -- CNEWS - Tech News: Is it Fake or is It Memorex?
If, however, I cough up some serious coin for Verbatim or TDK's Armour line, then the damn thing better be the real goods and better be as bulletproof and reliable as they claim.
It's getting so you cannot trust that white van in the parking lot of Fairview Mall anymore. That's just a crying shame.
Ciao.
CANOE -- CNEWS - Tech News: Is it Fake or is It Memorex?
Today's Haikus
Allergies suck much.
Sneezing, aching, draining, sucks.
When will relief come?
______________________
People. W T F?
Clueless. Rude. Careless. Screwed up.
Someone please help us.
______________________
Politicians suck.
Shamed to be Canadian.
Behave in session!
Sneezing, aching, draining, sucks.
When will relief come?
______________________
People. W T F?
Clueless. Rude. Careless. Screwed up.
Someone please help us.
______________________
Politicians suck.
Shamed to be Canadian.
Behave in session!
Beer (frig, any alcohol will do right now)
(EDITOR'S NOTE: I tried to post this yesterday but &^%(*& Blogger would not allow me to. So, think about this post in past tense as it was written yesterday.)
Yes, a simple title but not necessarily a simple topic. Like the truck this morning on the 401, my day has been one long river of spilt beer.
Let's start from 3AM this morning when I missed a Priority 1 ticket as I am the primary on-call person. I did not pick it up until after 5:37AM.
*&^%*^%*&^%*&%(*&
Then, I forgot to carry up a shirt from the basement.
Then, I packed up and left the house and had to go back in for my glasses (which I could not find).
Then, I forgot the brownies for work and my tea on the counter.
Then, I learn that the driver's side back door could not open from the outside and then was more bird shit on the car than I thought.
Then I learn that Dad failed to mention that the &^$#&^$%*& car is barely gassed.
Then, thinking the child lock had an issue, I end up locking the back door from the inside too.
Then I was bloody late because of all previous so had to pay the full $11 for parking.
Then, I found that driving with BB and stick is hard.
Then I got my bagel breaky (this is the only good this morn).
Then I get to the desk and it is occupied by two co-workers.
Then I get someone else's desk near Skibum since she is away.
Then, *%^*&^%(* Outlook was giving trouble to open and the power supply on this notebook is underpowered for mine.
Then I realize the stupid ass conf call I must be on is over the lunch period. Like I have nothing better to do with my day.
Then I cannot go to Timmy's while I am on the 10AM conf call.
Then, before that, All-In says he has to take care of his dog since is girlfriend is occupied and may not be able to make poker.
Then, in the mix, I get the reply I wanted and dreaded from some friends.
I should have turned around at the gas station and went the %$*&%^(*&& back home!!! My bloody eyes are still itching and watering, I am still sneezing up a storm and I still sleep funny (peculiar, not ha ha).
Time for a Caesar. All hail Caesar!!!
Yes, a simple title but not necessarily a simple topic. Like the truck this morning on the 401, my day has been one long river of spilt beer.
Let's start from 3AM this morning when I missed a Priority 1 ticket as I am the primary on-call person. I did not pick it up until after 5:37AM.
*&^%*^%*&^%*&%(*&
Then, I forgot to carry up a shirt from the basement.
Then, I packed up and left the house and had to go back in for my glasses (which I could not find).
Then, I forgot the brownies for work and my tea on the counter.
Then, I learn that the driver's side back door could not open from the outside and then was more bird shit on the car than I thought.
Then I learn that Dad failed to mention that the &^$#&^$%*& car is barely gassed.
Then, thinking the child lock had an issue, I end up locking the back door from the inside too.
Then I was bloody late because of all previous so had to pay the full $11 for parking.
Then, I found that driving with BB and stick is hard.
Then I got my bagel breaky (this is the only good this morn).
Then I get to the desk and it is occupied by two co-workers.
Then I get someone else's desk near Skibum since she is away.
Then, *%^*&^%(* Outlook was giving trouble to open and the power supply on this notebook is underpowered for mine.
Then I realize the stupid ass conf call I must be on is over the lunch period. Like I have nothing better to do with my day.
Then I cannot go to Timmy's while I am on the 10AM conf call.
Then, before that, All-In says he has to take care of his dog since is girlfriend is occupied and may not be able to make poker.
Then, in the mix, I get the reply I wanted and dreaded from some friends.
I should have turned around at the gas station and went the %$*&%^(*&& back home!!! My bloody eyes are still itching and watering, I am still sneezing up a storm and I still sleep funny (peculiar, not ha ha).
Time for a Caesar. All hail Caesar!!!
TAG
Penny Shagwell (very well, I hear) has tagged me. I think I followed the rules right but don't shoot me if I screwed it up.
You get to pick any five of these and then add your own occupations:
If I could be a gynecologist (dtrini)
If I could be a proctologist (dtrini)
If I could be a physiotherapist (dtrini)
If I could be an ophthalmologist (dtrini)
If I could be a polinctor (dtrini)
If I could be a courtesan (Penny)
If I could be a cruise director (Penny - c'mon, what did you expect?)
If I could be an automotive designer (Penny)
If I could be a UN representative (Penny)
If I could be a professional mudwrestler (Penny)
If I could be a psychic(Kristin)
If I could be a politician(Kristin)
If I could be an inventor(Kristin)
If I could be a quality control tech for M&Ms (Kristin)
If Icould be a statistician (cricket)
If I ould be a veterinarian (cricket)
If Icould be a crash-test dummy (cricket)
If I could be a pilot (cricket)
If I could be a NASCAR driver(cricket)
If I could be a music executive (The Man In The Middle)
If I could be a grandparent(The Man In The Middle)
If I could be a computer hacker(The Man In The Middle)
If I could be a professional basketball player(The Man In The Middle)
If I could be a Customer Service Representative(The Man In The Middle)
If I could be an artist
If I could be a marketing director
If I could be a nanny
If I could be a psychic
If I could be an emergency medical technician
If I could be a firefighter
If I could be a designer
If I could be a policeman/woman
If I could be a teacher
If I could be a scientist
If I could be a farmer
If I could be a musician
If I could be a doctor
If I could be a painter
If I could be a gardener
If I could be a missionary
If I could be a chef
If I could be an architect
If I could be a linguist
If I could be a librarian
If I could be an athlete
If I could be a lawyer
If I could be an innkeeper
If I could be a professor
If I could be a writer
If I could be a llama-rider(by Ogre)
If I could be a bonnie pirate(By Teach)
If I could be a servicemember(By Jeremy)
If I could be a business owner(By Blue 944)
If I could be an actor(By Blue 944)
If I could be an agent(By KelBel)
If I could be video game designer(By KelBel)
If I could be a comic book artist(By Stoli)
If I could be a hooker(By Pollo Loco)
If I could be a crack addict(by Elizabeth)
If I could be a porn star(by Elizabeth)
If I could be a mime(by Garrison)
If I could be a domestic engineer(by Rick)
If I could be a chimney sweep(by laine)
If I could be a masseuse(by laine)
If I could be a taxi driver(by Brian)
If I could be a priest(by Brian)
If I could be the Sherrif Of Nottingham(Karen)
If I could be a dancer(Karen)
If I could be Santa Claus(Karen)
If I could be on a reality TV show(Dawn)
If I could be a magician(Dawn)
If I could be a rich man
If I could be perfect
If I could be a comedian
If I could be a linguist, I be a very cunning one.
If I could be a teacher, I would teach Geography or Computer Sciences at my old high school, Francis Libermann H.S..
If I could be a writer I would do so in varied genres; auto-biography, how-to and science fiction.
If I could be a policeman I would want to be in community services to try and save today's youth from taking the wrong path!
If I could be a pilot I would want the resources to fly to any locale at any time to be able to enjoy ALL the world has to offer (and to take my family and friends with me).
I will now TAG MsMittens.
You get to pick any five of these and then add your own occupations:
If I could be a gynecologist (dtrini)
If I could be a proctologist (dtrini)
If I could be a physiotherapist (dtrini)
If I could be an ophthalmologist (dtrini)
If I could be a polinctor (dtrini)
If I could be a courtesan (Penny)
If I could be a cruise director (Penny - c'mon, what did you expect?)
If I could be an automotive designer (Penny)
If I could be a UN representative (Penny)
If I could be a professional mudwrestler (Penny)
If I could be a psychic(Kristin)
If I could be a politician(Kristin)
If I could be an inventor(Kristin)
If I could be a quality control tech for M&Ms (Kristin)
If Icould be a statistician (cricket)
If I ould be a veterinarian (cricket)
If Icould be a crash-test dummy (cricket)
If I could be a pilot (cricket)
If I could be a NASCAR driver(cricket)
If I could be a music executive (The Man In The Middle)
If I could be a grandparent(The Man In The Middle)
If I could be a computer hacker(The Man In The Middle)
If I could be a professional basketball player(The Man In The Middle)
If I could be a Customer Service Representative(The Man In The Middle)
If I could be an artist
If I could be a marketing director
If I could be a nanny
If I could be a psychic
If I could be an emergency medical technician
If I could be a firefighter
If I could be a designer
If I could be a policeman/woman
If I could be a teacher
If I could be a scientist
If I could be a farmer
If I could be a musician
If I could be a doctor
If I could be a painter
If I could be a gardener
If I could be a missionary
If I could be a chef
If I could be an architect
If I could be a linguist
If I could be a librarian
If I could be an athlete
If I could be a lawyer
If I could be an innkeeper
If I could be a professor
If I could be a writer
If I could be a llama-rider(by Ogre)
If I could be a bonnie pirate(By Teach)
If I could be a servicemember(By Jeremy)
If I could be a business owner(By Blue 944)
If I could be an actor(By Blue 944)
If I could be an agent(By KelBel)
If I could be video game designer(By KelBel)
If I could be a comic book artist(By Stoli)
If I could be a hooker(By Pollo Loco)
If I could be a crack addict(by Elizabeth)
If I could be a porn star(by Elizabeth)
If I could be a mime(by Garrison)
If I could be a domestic engineer(by Rick)
If I could be a chimney sweep(by laine)
If I could be a masseuse(by laine)
If I could be a taxi driver(by Brian)
If I could be a priest(by Brian)
If I could be the Sherrif Of Nottingham(Karen)
If I could be a dancer(Karen)
If I could be Santa Claus(Karen)
If I could be on a reality TV show(Dawn)
If I could be a magician(Dawn)
If I could be a rich man
If I could be perfect
If I could be a comedian
If I could be a linguist, I be a very cunning one.
If I could be a teacher, I would teach Geography or Computer Sciences at my old high school, Francis Libermann H.S..
If I could be a writer I would do so in varied genres; auto-biography, how-to and science fiction.
If I could be a policeman I would want to be in community services to try and save today's youth from taking the wrong path!
If I could be a pilot I would want the resources to fly to any locale at any time to be able to enjoy ALL the world has to offer (and to take my family and friends with me).
I will now TAG MsMittens.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Congratulations Uchenna And Joyce!
If you do not watch reality shows, by all means, stop reading this post.
OK, those of you remaining should know that of all reality-based shows on TV currently, The Amazing Race is the best of the best and the only one that is really "real". Yes, that includes Survivor which has far too many bits of "assistance" from the show's producers. The only thing AR can be brought to task about is some creative editing to create tension and angst by making teams seem closer than they actually are.
That said, this race that just finished has been the most real of all of them (yes, even with Rob and Amber from Survivor). There was a crash where a vehicle was flipped in an African Safari area and injured the onboard camera guy. You have teams delayed and at the whim of local police laws, crowds, traffic jams, flat tires, spitting llamas, tempermental camels, beggars, delayed flights, rain, sun, sick elephants, slips and falls of the racers (the oldest lady racer essentially cracked her head open) and more.
The funniest thing about each race is seeing how the failure to take time to RTFM costs people so much time and eventually their spot in the race (and their chance at the million dollar prize). The race is simple in concept really. Start with a clue, then follow the instructions to the next clue. Possibly perform a difficult task or two on the way to the next clue. get the final clue to reach the pit stop and get there before everyone else (or at least try not to be last and get eliminated). Simple right? Yeah, well someone needs to tell the contestants each year because they still have no clue. The amount of silly mistakes that happens and gets teams bagged is incredible.
Anyhow, the couple that won is one of the most deserving of all winners. Uchenna and Joyce worked for Worldcom and Enron. Add to that the fact that they used their finances, and patience, up in trying unsuccessfully yo have a child and you have the cracked foundation of a relationship. They came on the race to fix things, mainly communication (essential to this race) and to, obviously, win a million bucks so they could try invitro again. Thankfully, being short forty-five bucks did not cost them the race and the million dollar prize.
What am I talking about? See for yourself when they replay the final of The Amazing Race 7 on Sunday on OLN at 9PM.
OK, those of you remaining should know that of all reality-based shows on TV currently, The Amazing Race is the best of the best and the only one that is really "real". Yes, that includes Survivor which has far too many bits of "assistance" from the show's producers. The only thing AR can be brought to task about is some creative editing to create tension and angst by making teams seem closer than they actually are.
That said, this race that just finished has been the most real of all of them (yes, even with Rob and Amber from Survivor). There was a crash where a vehicle was flipped in an African Safari area and injured the onboard camera guy. You have teams delayed and at the whim of local police laws, crowds, traffic jams, flat tires, spitting llamas, tempermental camels, beggars, delayed flights, rain, sun, sick elephants, slips and falls of the racers (the oldest lady racer essentially cracked her head open) and more.
The funniest thing about each race is seeing how the failure to take time to RTFM costs people so much time and eventually their spot in the race (and their chance at the million dollar prize). The race is simple in concept really. Start with a clue, then follow the instructions to the next clue. Possibly perform a difficult task or two on the way to the next clue. get the final clue to reach the pit stop and get there before everyone else (or at least try not to be last and get eliminated). Simple right? Yeah, well someone needs to tell the contestants each year because they still have no clue. The amount of silly mistakes that happens and gets teams bagged is incredible.
Anyhow, the couple that won is one of the most deserving of all winners. Uchenna and Joyce worked for Worldcom and Enron. Add to that the fact that they used their finances, and patience, up in trying unsuccessfully yo have a child and you have the cracked foundation of a relationship. They came on the race to fix things, mainly communication (essential to this race) and to, obviously, win a million bucks so they could try invitro again. Thankfully, being short forty-five bucks did not cost them the race and the million dollar prize.
What am I talking about? See for yourself when they replay the final of The Amazing Race 7 on Sunday on OLN at 9PM.
Welcome to BMW Canada
Freaking amazing!! Yes, yes, I want one. Hell, I'll take two and give one to DW to use.
Welcome to BMW Canada
Welcome to BMW Canada
Friday, May 06, 2005
Laura Bee Designs - Photo Purses & Accessories - Laura Bee Design Handmade handbags and accessories
Inspired by today's Dr. Phil's Mother Day extravanganza. Ahem, I hope a certain set of horsemen are paying attention. :)
Laura Bee Designs - Photo Purses & Accessories - Laura Bee Design Handmade handbags and accessories
Laura Bee Designs - Photo Purses & Accessories - Laura Bee Design Handmade handbags and accessories
O, Canada!
I love Shaq. I hated him when they played against the Bulls and MJ (natch), but I have really come to respect his play and his refusal to ride the Kobe train. Shaq said they would not win a championship much less get into the playoffs and his prediction came true. So much so that Kobe has gone back to beg the best coach ever, Zen Master Phil Jackson, to come back pretty pretty please. Now, this post is not about Shaq, or Kobe or my man Phil. It is to give some love to fellow canuck, shaggy haired point guard, Steve Nash.
Steve Nash used to be employed by the Dallas Mavericks, but for this season, Mark Cuban had to be "fiscally responsible" and amicably told Steve to seek his fortunes elsewhere if he could not accept what Mark could offer. No problem as Phoenix was tired of having no direction and getting their ass bust so they paid Steve what he wanted (which is what he was worth, at least).
Phoenix was 29-53 last year and needed some serious help. First, they had to get some direction and they immediately got better when they acquired Steve. They added a few more parts to the puzzle and this year they went 62-20, owned the best record in the league and have now since advanced to the second round with a 4-0 drubbing of the Memphis Grizzlies.
I won't bore you with endless data (especially since I do not want to bother looking it all up right now). What I will say is that when Steve is not playing, heck when he is not on shift, the Suns are a totally different team. He is one of only THREE players in NBA history to average 15 points and 11 assists per game for the season. Who are the other two players? I believe it was guys named Magic Johnson and John Stockton (though I cannot find it right now).
Contrary to a lot of fluffy crap I have read recently, I truly believe that Steve Nash's impact has been greater and meant more to the fortunes of the Suns than Shaq's has to the Miami Heat's. I will surprised and disappointed if it turns out otherwise.
Ciao.
SLAM! Sports - Basketball NBA - MVP honour for Steve?
Steve Nash used to be employed by the Dallas Mavericks, but for this season, Mark Cuban had to be "fiscally responsible" and amicably told Steve to seek his fortunes elsewhere if he could not accept what Mark could offer. No problem as Phoenix was tired of having no direction and getting their ass bust so they paid Steve what he wanted (which is what he was worth, at least).
Phoenix was 29-53 last year and needed some serious help. First, they had to get some direction and they immediately got better when they acquired Steve. They added a few more parts to the puzzle and this year they went 62-20, owned the best record in the league and have now since advanced to the second round with a 4-0 drubbing of the Memphis Grizzlies.
I won't bore you with endless data (especially since I do not want to bother looking it all up right now). What I will say is that when Steve is not playing, heck when he is not on shift, the Suns are a totally different team. He is one of only THREE players in NBA history to average 15 points and 11 assists per game for the season. Who are the other two players? I believe it was guys named Magic Johnson and John Stockton (though I cannot find it right now).
Contrary to a lot of fluffy crap I have read recently, I truly believe that Steve Nash's impact has been greater and meant more to the fortunes of the Suns than Shaq's has to the Miami Heat's. I will surprised and disappointed if it turns out otherwise.
Ciao.
SLAM! Sports - Basketball NBA - MVP honour for Steve?
CANOE -- JAM! Television: Canadian cougar prowls the U.S.
I totally agree with the hot Ms. Gibson. That is why I married an older woman. :)
CANOE -- JAM! Television: Canadian cougar prowls the U.S.
CANOE -- JAM! Television: Canadian cougar prowls the U.S.
CANOE -- JAM! - Comedy Central delays 'Chappelle's Show'
If you have seen the show, you know that Dave Chappelle is one of the funniest comedians, of any persuasion, on the planet. if you have not, you may want to check your sensibilities before delving into the world of Dave. He is hard hitting, without fear and so politically incorrect that he and Bill Maher could be brothers ( distant, genetically incompatible brothers, but you get my drift).
Check out the reruns currently running on the Comedy channel.
CANOE -- JAM! - Comedy Central delays 'Chappelle's Show'
Check out the reruns currently running on the Comedy channel.
CANOE -- JAM! - Comedy Central delays 'Chappelle's Show'
Today's Idiot!
Amazing. I can still post this today having not left the house yet. I can do this because the water and electric utilities employ a bunch of lazy assholes who cannot ring a simple doorbell.
Only the gas meter is on the outside of this house. The water meter is in the furnace room and the eletric meter is in the bar area (old house). As such, the people who take the readings require access to the house to do their jobs. At least four or five of the last consquetive visits, someone has been home and instead of knocking on the door or ringing the bell these wipes just drop the card and leave.
Well the bitches both did it again today. I thought I saw movement at the window but I thought it was only the mail; it was mail and these two jokers. I was incensed that the little shits did it yet again. So I immediately called both companies to lodge complaints against this practice of doing jack shit! I am currently waiting for a call back. I will make them make an appointment with me and to spend their money again to send someone's ass out here to do the (*&^(*&^ job the first %^*&%^ was supposed to do.
IDIOTS!
Only the gas meter is on the outside of this house. The water meter is in the furnace room and the eletric meter is in the bar area (old house). As such, the people who take the readings require access to the house to do their jobs. At least four or five of the last consquetive visits, someone has been home and instead of knocking on the door or ringing the bell these wipes just drop the card and leave.
Well the bitches both did it again today. I thought I saw movement at the window but I thought it was only the mail; it was mail and these two jokers. I was incensed that the little shits did it yet again. So I immediately called both companies to lodge complaints against this practice of doing jack shit! I am currently waiting for a call back. I will make them make an appointment with me and to spend their money again to send someone's ass out here to do the (*&^(*&^ job the first %^*&%^ was supposed to do.
IDIOTS!
Greed, Greed, Greed!
I just keep shaking my head. I'll get right to the point. If you find something in your food that has no right being there, then by all means go ahead and sue the people responsible. When it is a body part that, when returned promptly, could be reattached and return use of that body part to the person that lost it, then you do so.
This dumbass was so busy looking for some quick coin, he now risks losing the money he would have gained by being sued himself for more money by the person he refused to return the part to. What is wrong with people today?
CANOE -- CNEWS - Weird News: Customer won't return severed fingertip
This dumbass was so busy looking for some quick coin, he now risks losing the money he would have gained by being sued himself for more money by the person he refused to return the part to. What is wrong with people today?
CANOE -- CNEWS - Weird News: Customer won't return severed fingertip
Mobile Pipeline | Is Windows Mobile Update A BlackBerry Killer?
OK, someone take my temperature. I must be VERY sick if I am rooting for the Evil Empire to take over an area of IT. Sigh, I really want to reduce the number of devices I have to carry so I guess I have to sleep witht the enemy. :(
Mobile Pipeline | Is Windows Mobile Update A BlackBerry Killer?
Mobile Pipeline | Is Windows Mobile Update A BlackBerry Killer?
Windows Mobile 2005 a Blackberry Killer?
I found this link whilst looking for something else. As per my answers to Kristin, I am looking for a single device solution for my mobile needs. This could be a step in that direction if the Blackberry component becomes unnecessary.
Windows Mobile 2005 a Blackberry Killer?
Windows Mobile 2005 a Blackberry Killer?
Blog-a-thon Answers for Kristin
Here are the answers to the questions which Kristin has asked me. I apologize in advance for my verbal diarrhea.
_______________________________________________________
Q1. If you could be a super-hero, what power would you possess? You only get one.
A1. What a question to be asked of a comic book enthusiast. X-ray vision is juvenile and boring after the initial cheap thrills (unless you live in Hollywood, Sweden or certain Polynesian countries). Breathing underwater is great but you'll soon run out of interesting things to see. Super strength is nice but the fun leaves after you break everything. Reading people's minds would be interesting but I'd have to work elsewhere because I would get bored with the vastness of space I had to wade through first. As much as it is beholden on the mystic lamp, I would have to go with obtaining the Green Lantern ring. Vulnerable to the colour yellow, it allows for strength, speed and only limited by the wearer's imagination. Is that geeky enough for you? :)
Q2. Money being no object for education, and time is not of the essence - what would be your ideal career change?
A2. I answered this one last as it was the hardest to answer. I love being in IT and I wish I had the time and money to really learn the areas that I want to (system architecture looks very cool and you have to learn all aspects of the entire network operation). That said, as a career change, I would go back to school and become a Geography teacher. I love the subject, especially the meteorology side of things. And, as my peeps know, I love to teach (and to talk). While challenging at times inside and outside of the classroom, teaching people brings a special satisfaction out of life. (Note: as a younger me, I have at various times wanted to be a priest, a fireman, a gynecologist and a forensic scientist.)
Q3. I'm in a house that is on fire. Do you: a) try and put the fire out b) run in and save me c) call for help and stand there or d) none of the above, you're not going to save someone that asks this kind of stupid question.
A3. I like that last choice, but I would like to think I have some hero in me. So, as long as I could without killing the both of us, I'd get in to get you out, call for help and then leave immediately so that I remained unidentified.
Q4. Obviously you're heavy into the geek toys - what geek toy would you like to invent?
A4. Me? A geek? Whatever gave you that misguided notion? :) It's funny that you ask this because I am actually looking for this item for work. I would invent a single unit that can take care of all aspects of my mobile life. That said, it would be a PDA, Mobile Windows 2003 powered, running a cell phone, Blackberry enabled, WiFi, Bluetooth, SD/SDIO/CF built-in slots, high resolution screen (640x480 or better), 3.8in screen, either a large built-in flash or hard drive, direct USB peripheral connection, high resolution camera with video capability, infrared, biometric scanner for security, possibly optional sleeves to extend capabilities and Mac OS X compatibility. Here is an example of an item that is close, but no cigar.
Q5. You get the chance to speak face to face to a person in a position of power (queen, president, prime minister) and your face time allows you to make a statement of huge impact and would potentially change things. What would you say?
A5. Whoa. As much as it seems an easy choice, I would have to say my answer is President George W. Bush. Putting aside the obvious questions surrounding the ongoing war, I'd address a whole lot more. As the sole surviving Super Power on the planet, the US has a HUGE responsibility to help those who cannot help themselves. As the richest country in the world, everyone does not have to be rich, but why is there homeless people, why are there still hungry people, why are people dying because they cannot afford the right doctors or the right medicines. We can see a truck leaving a facility in Iraq but we cannot see a truck leaving the docks full of illegal guns or drugs? Schools don't have enough money to teach, kids don't have enough programs to keep busy, there are not enough teachers and they want to stop music programs. Yet, a few more billion can be approved by congress to fund a war that no one wants in a country that no longer considers them welcome. They are worried about criminals coming from Canada when their own soldiers are scrambling to get into our country? There are many other countries that can use the help of the US but they have no resources to benefit the US. Is foreign aid dependent simply on the level of ROI? Africa continues to be in turmoil and yet there is little to no involvement there. Oh sorry, I forgot, there are the diamonds that are coveted so dearly. Stop hiding behind the false pretences, the rhetoric and the posturing. You want your mark in history? Here's a simple idea to consider: Do Something! Really do something to effect a change in the world and in America itself. Stamp out racism, prejudice, hunger, poverty, stop the youth violence, clean up politics, distribute the wealth more evenly, and govern appropriately. Become the president of the Utopia that the USA can be and spread that Utopia to everyone else on the planet. Start a TRUE revolution.
Many thanks to Kristin for this great set of questions. I actually had to stop and ponder them. Pondering is a wonderful gray matter exercise.
____________________________________________________
Here are the rules for this Blog-a-thon:
I'll offer to interview the next how many ever people to respond to this post that will follow these rules:
1. Leave me a comment saying "interview me." Please also leave your blog address.
2. I will respond by asking you five questions here. They will be different questions than the ones above.
3. You will update YOUR blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
_______________________________________________________
Q1. If you could be a super-hero, what power would you possess? You only get one.
A1. What a question to be asked of a comic book enthusiast. X-ray vision is juvenile and boring after the initial cheap thrills (unless you live in Hollywood, Sweden or certain Polynesian countries). Breathing underwater is great but you'll soon run out of interesting things to see. Super strength is nice but the fun leaves after you break everything. Reading people's minds would be interesting but I'd have to work elsewhere because I would get bored with the vastness of space I had to wade through first. As much as it is beholden on the mystic lamp, I would have to go with obtaining the Green Lantern ring. Vulnerable to the colour yellow, it allows for strength, speed and only limited by the wearer's imagination. Is that geeky enough for you? :)
Q2. Money being no object for education, and time is not of the essence - what would be your ideal career change?
A2. I answered this one last as it was the hardest to answer. I love being in IT and I wish I had the time and money to really learn the areas that I want to (system architecture looks very cool and you have to learn all aspects of the entire network operation). That said, as a career change, I would go back to school and become a Geography teacher. I love the subject, especially the meteorology side of things. And, as my peeps know, I love to teach (and to talk). While challenging at times inside and outside of the classroom, teaching people brings a special satisfaction out of life. (Note: as a younger me, I have at various times wanted to be a priest, a fireman, a gynecologist and a forensic scientist.)
Q3. I'm in a house that is on fire. Do you: a) try and put the fire out b) run in and save me c) call for help and stand there or d) none of the above, you're not going to save someone that asks this kind of stupid question.
A3. I like that last choice, but I would like to think I have some hero in me. So, as long as I could without killing the both of us, I'd get in to get you out, call for help and then leave immediately so that I remained unidentified.
Q4. Obviously you're heavy into the geek toys - what geek toy would you like to invent?
A4. Me? A geek? Whatever gave you that misguided notion? :) It's funny that you ask this because I am actually looking for this item for work. I would invent a single unit that can take care of all aspects of my mobile life. That said, it would be a PDA, Mobile Windows 2003 powered, running a cell phone, Blackberry enabled, WiFi, Bluetooth, SD/SDIO/CF built-in slots, high resolution screen (640x480 or better), 3.8in screen, either a large built-in flash or hard drive, direct USB peripheral connection, high resolution camera with video capability, infrared, biometric scanner for security, possibly optional sleeves to extend capabilities and Mac OS X compatibility. Here is an example of an item that is close, but no cigar.
Q5. You get the chance to speak face to face to a person in a position of power (queen, president, prime minister) and your face time allows you to make a statement of huge impact and would potentially change things. What would you say?
A5. Whoa. As much as it seems an easy choice, I would have to say my answer is President George W. Bush. Putting aside the obvious questions surrounding the ongoing war, I'd address a whole lot more. As the sole surviving Super Power on the planet, the US has a HUGE responsibility to help those who cannot help themselves. As the richest country in the world, everyone does not have to be rich, but why is there homeless people, why are there still hungry people, why are people dying because they cannot afford the right doctors or the right medicines. We can see a truck leaving a facility in Iraq but we cannot see a truck leaving the docks full of illegal guns or drugs? Schools don't have enough money to teach, kids don't have enough programs to keep busy, there are not enough teachers and they want to stop music programs. Yet, a few more billion can be approved by congress to fund a war that no one wants in a country that no longer considers them welcome. They are worried about criminals coming from Canada when their own soldiers are scrambling to get into our country? There are many other countries that can use the help of the US but they have no resources to benefit the US. Is foreign aid dependent simply on the level of ROI? Africa continues to be in turmoil and yet there is little to no involvement there. Oh sorry, I forgot, there are the diamonds that are coveted so dearly. Stop hiding behind the false pretences, the rhetoric and the posturing. You want your mark in history? Here's a simple idea to consider: Do Something! Really do something to effect a change in the world and in America itself. Stamp out racism, prejudice, hunger, poverty, stop the youth violence, clean up politics, distribute the wealth more evenly, and govern appropriately. Become the president of the Utopia that the USA can be and spread that Utopia to everyone else on the planet. Start a TRUE revolution.
Many thanks to Kristin for this great set of questions. I actually had to stop and ponder them. Pondering is a wonderful gray matter exercise.
____________________________________________________
Here are the rules for this Blog-a-thon:
I'll offer to interview the next how many ever people to respond to this post that will follow these rules:
1. Leave me a comment saying "interview me." Please also leave your blog address.
2. I will respond by asking you five questions here. They will be different questions than the ones above.
3. You will update YOUR blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
eye - Food & Drink Guide - 10.21.04
Maybe it is because I have not yet eaten breakfast. Whatever the reason, food is on my mind so here is another interesting link.
eye - Food & Drink Guide - 10.21.04
eye - Food & Drink Guide - 10.21.04
Ciao Italia - Home Page
How about a little Italian? Uhm, not in that way ladies! Take a look inside for recipes and more.
Ciao Italia - Home Page
Ciao Italia - Home Page
BuzzWhack: The Buzzword Compliant Dictionary
Know someone in your company that likes to make terms up (TC does this all the time)? Send them here to help or discourage this practice.
BuzzWhack: The Buzzword Compliant Dictionary
BuzzWhack: The Buzzword Compliant Dictionary
Thursday, May 05, 2005
PERIPHERAL ELECTRONICS
this is another company that is making great strides to integrate your iPod into the current system of your car. very cool stuff.
PERIPHERAL ELECTRONICS
PERIPHERAL ELECTRONICS
Microsoft exec: Tiger is just 'a peripheral to the iPod' | MacMinute News
The article can be read below. Basically, lots of posturing on both sides. History dictates that when people on the Evil Empire's payroll start jawing so much about how useless something else is, it simply shows how worried they are. The pattern has repeated many times with the same result; MS buys the problem, "innovates" its own product to squash the problem or it throws vast money at trying either of the previous only to fail and concede and embrace the problem. See Connectix, Netscape and Novell/Apple, respectively.
MS is pissed off that Jobs won't play nice in the sandbox and allow the iPod to support Windows Media formats. Hell, due to a hack that allowed windows users to sync the first generation iPods to a windows, Jobs and Apple were forced into early official adoption of the iPod on the Windows platform. If not for that hack, we may have still been locked out.
MS did the same jawing with Linux and Apache and failed on bot accounts. Attack Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger? That's just plain stupid. not to mention three revisions too late to bitch and moan. Longhorn is a pipe dream until it is actually released. If MS wants to make the world stand up and notice, try delivering stuff on time for a change.
Microsoft exec: Tiger is just 'a peripheral to the iPod'
April 25, 2005 - 01:13 EDT In an article noting the release of Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger and the lagging Longhorn Windows update, Newsweek's Steven Levy documents the back-and-forth between Apple CEO Steve Jobs and Microsoft's Jim Allchin. "Microsoft has followed our taillights for a long time," Jobs said. "Maybe [in the '90s] we stopped innovating for a while, but now they've been copying OS X the same way they copied Mac." Allchin, Windows platform Vice President at Microsoft, admitted that tardiness is a problem, but said Longhorn is a much weightier project than Tiger, which he described as "a peripheral to the iPod." Allchin also said that some of Apple's ideas such as Dashboard were inspired by early demos of Longhorn. Jobs briskly replied: "We've been showing pieces of Tiger for 18 months," he said. "And you can be assured all these things have plenty of patent protection."
MS is pissed off that Jobs won't play nice in the sandbox and allow the iPod to support Windows Media formats. Hell, due to a hack that allowed windows users to sync the first generation iPods to a windows, Jobs and Apple were forced into early official adoption of the iPod on the Windows platform. If not for that hack, we may have still been locked out.
MS did the same jawing with Linux and Apache and failed on bot accounts. Attack Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger? That's just plain stupid. not to mention three revisions too late to bitch and moan. Longhorn is a pipe dream until it is actually released. If MS wants to make the world stand up and notice, try delivering stuff on time for a change.
Microsoft exec: Tiger is just 'a peripheral to the iPod'
April 25, 2005 - 01:13 EDT In an article noting the release of Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger and the lagging Longhorn Windows update, Newsweek's Steven Levy documents the back-and-forth between Apple CEO Steve Jobs and Microsoft's Jim Allchin. "Microsoft has followed our taillights for a long time," Jobs said. "Maybe [in the '90s] we stopped innovating for a while, but now they've been copying OS X the same way they copied Mac." Allchin, Windows platform Vice President at Microsoft, admitted that tardiness is a problem, but said Longhorn is a much weightier project than Tiger, which he described as "a peripheral to the iPod." Allchin also said that some of Apple's ideas such as Dashboard were inspired by early demos of Longhorn. Jobs briskly replied: "We've been showing pieces of Tiger for 18 months," he said. "And you can be assured all these things have plenty of patent protection."
iPod Interface
Unreal! This device shows how popular the iPod is. For someone to go throught the trouble of inventing this tells you there is a market out there. As a geek, the technology is fascinating, of course.
iPod Interface
iPod Interface
Do you own an iPod?
If you do then you need to view this post and a few others in the next while. Anyone that owns an iPod knows that it is one of the coolest devices on the planet. For the uninitiated, the iPod is essentially a laptop hard drive encased in an aluminium or plastic casing. What makes it very special is the controls and software that Apple created to operate it. Unlike so many other MP3 players that have fallen off the radar, the iPod (now in its fourth and current generation) continues to evolve, expand and garner more converts. Many an article is written about the next batch of players that attempt to take the crown; they have ALL failed.
So, that said, you have this device with a capacity ranging from 4GB to 60GB (not including the minuscule iPod Shuffles of 128MB and 512MB persuasion). Basically, for most people, you walk around with your entire CD library available at your fingertips. Now, to get that into a car so you can stop lugging CD cases about, you will need some help.
Early adopters used the common cassette adapter which plugs into the headphone jack and slides in like a normal tape. This setup works very well actually, as long as you can minimize the hum. the problem is that most vehicles now sport a CD player sans tape deck.
Enter the wonderful FM transmitter invention; wonderful that is until you try to use one. Radio Shack sells a number of these items and their usefulness ranges in parallel with the price; the more it is, the better it tends to perform. Essentially, these devices turn you iPod into you own internal FM radio station. Unfortunately, you inherit all the woes of FM as well; susceptible to interference, has to be amplified (requires a power source), is very directional and is very lossy compared to a CD (or even the cassette adapter). It does work though and allows the CD players of the world to play the iPod through any radio. The other major drawback is having to pick up the iPod and/or look at it to tune in the song you want to hear. Not a good idea at speed on the highway.
So how do you get better song AND the ability to operate the iPod with minimal interference to your driving? The answer is fairly simple, but the solution can be a bit involved and costly. you need to get the new wave of devices sprouting up in the car audio world. The link here is to one of many companies offering kits that integrate the iPod into a factory system or compatible aftermarket radio system. This can be as simple as showing basic display and control from the head unit to full fledged operability with your steering controls and display of the song and artist on the built-in screen of the existing system. Many manufacturers, like Pioneer, Eclipse, Clarion and Alpine, are creating new head units with the integration of the iPod in mind from the outset. Clarion's model even goes so far as to provide a touch screen on one DVD unit that shows a customized display mimicking the iPod controls and layout. Very cool.
Ciao!
Dension USA
So, that said, you have this device with a capacity ranging from 4GB to 60GB (not including the minuscule iPod Shuffles of 128MB and 512MB persuasion). Basically, for most people, you walk around with your entire CD library available at your fingertips. Now, to get that into a car so you can stop lugging CD cases about, you will need some help.
Early adopters used the common cassette adapter which plugs into the headphone jack and slides in like a normal tape. This setup works very well actually, as long as you can minimize the hum. the problem is that most vehicles now sport a CD player sans tape deck.
Enter the wonderful FM transmitter invention; wonderful that is until you try to use one. Radio Shack sells a number of these items and their usefulness ranges in parallel with the price; the more it is, the better it tends to perform. Essentially, these devices turn you iPod into you own internal FM radio station. Unfortunately, you inherit all the woes of FM as well; susceptible to interference, has to be amplified (requires a power source), is very directional and is very lossy compared to a CD (or even the cassette adapter). It does work though and allows the CD players of the world to play the iPod through any radio. The other major drawback is having to pick up the iPod and/or look at it to tune in the song you want to hear. Not a good idea at speed on the highway.
So how do you get better song AND the ability to operate the iPod with minimal interference to your driving? The answer is fairly simple, but the solution can be a bit involved and costly. you need to get the new wave of devices sprouting up in the car audio world. The link here is to one of many companies offering kits that integrate the iPod into a factory system or compatible aftermarket radio system. This can be as simple as showing basic display and control from the head unit to full fledged operability with your steering controls and display of the song and artist on the built-in screen of the existing system. Many manufacturers, like Pioneer, Eclipse, Clarion and Alpine, are creating new head units with the integration of the iPod in mind from the outset. Clarion's model even goes so far as to provide a touch screen on one DVD unit that shows a customized display mimicking the iPod controls and layout. Very cool.
Ciao!
Dension USA
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Today's Funny
Good Manners
____________
A teacher is trying to teach her grade-school class good manners.
"Michael," she says to one student, "if you were on a date, having supper with a nice young lady, how would you tell her that you have to go to the bathroom?"
"Just a minute, I have to go piss."
"That would be rather impolite! What about you, Peter, how would you say it?"
"I am sorry, but I really need to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back."
"That's better, but it's still not very nice to say the word 'bathroom' at the dinner table." She turns to little Johnny. "Well, Johnny, are you able to use your intelligence for once and show us your good manners?"
"I would say, 'Darling, may I please be excused for a moment? I have to shake hands with a very dear friend of mine, whom I hope you'll get to meet after supper.'"
________________________________________________
Thanks to the Persian Princess for this submission.
____________
A teacher is trying to teach her grade-school class good manners.
"Michael," she says to one student, "if you were on a date, having supper with a nice young lady, how would you tell her that you have to go to the bathroom?"
"Just a minute, I have to go piss."
"That would be rather impolite! What about you, Peter, how would you say it?"
"I am sorry, but I really need to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back."
"That's better, but it's still not very nice to say the word 'bathroom' at the dinner table." She turns to little Johnny. "Well, Johnny, are you able to use your intelligence for once and show us your good manners?"
"I would say, 'Darling, may I please be excused for a moment? I have to shake hands with a very dear friend of mine, whom I hope you'll get to meet after supper.'"
________________________________________________
Thanks to the Persian Princess for this submission.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Today's Funnies
SCIENTISTS DISCOVER NEW ELEMENT - GOVERNMENTIUM
A major research institution has just announced the discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element has been named "Governmentium."
Governmentium has one neutron, 12 assistant neutrons, 75 deputy neutrons, and 224 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 311. These 311 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons.
Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected, as it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact.
A minute amount of Governmentium causes one reaction to take over 4 days to complete, when it would normally take less than a second.
Governmentium has a normal half-life of 4 years; it does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places. In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.
This characteristic of moron-promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a certain quantity in concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as "Critical Morass."
When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium, an element which radiates just as much energy, since it has 1/2 as many peons but twice as many morons.
__________________________________
My thanks to RB, my collegiate Tribble, for this submission.
A major research institution has just announced the discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element has been named "Governmentium."
Governmentium has one neutron, 12 assistant neutrons, 75 deputy neutrons, and 224 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 311. These 311 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons.
Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected, as it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact.
A minute amount of Governmentium causes one reaction to take over 4 days to complete, when it would normally take less than a second.
Governmentium has a normal half-life of 4 years; it does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places. In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.
This characteristic of moron-promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a certain quantity in concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as "Critical Morass."
When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium, an element which radiates just as much energy, since it has 1/2 as many peons but twice as many morons.
__________________________________
My thanks to RB, my collegiate Tribble, for this submission.
Who is protecting us now?
It is with great sadness that I post the news of Bob Hunter's death. You know Bob Hunter, co-founder of Green Peace? TV icon at CityTV and the purveyor of Paper Cuts on Breakfast Television. A well spoken, good soul, Mr. Hunter was one of the few tree huggers you actually rooted for and was willing to listen to. I never changed the channel when he was doing his stories on City, which is a testament to his being able to garner and hold your attention.
He is survived by a wife and two children, plus two more children from his first marriage. Our thoughts and sympathies to them all.
Rest in Peace, Bob (Green or otherwise).
Pulse24 - Toronto's News
He is survived by a wife and two children, plus two more children from his first marriage. Our thoughts and sympathies to them all.
Rest in Peace, Bob (Green or otherwise).
Pulse24 - Toronto's News
Who's turn is it?
I do not know that this little invention woul dever catch on. Frankly, we do not need it in our household. A balanced home, in which I basically live, does divide up the tasks of taking care of that home. In our house, my wife loves to cook, I love to network. She tolerates doing the garbage and recycling. I am fine doing the laundry at any time. I like to cook, but admittedly DW handles most of that (and takes the BBQing very seriously). yard work is shared. Automotive is mine (though I TRY to get her to check the oil, fluids and tire pressure on a regular basis since they do NOT check themselves).
Anyhow, check this out and see if you need one in your house. I am pretty sure a certain house in BFE could use one. :)
Ciao!
Pulse24 - Toronto's News
Anyhow, check this out and see if you need one in your house. I am pretty sure a certain house in BFE could use one. :)
Ciao!
Pulse24 - Toronto's News
CANOE Travel - Europe - The Vatican's opulent beauty
Ah, The Vatican. Seat of power for the Roman Catholic Church, home of the Pope and many other top officials. Religion aside, which is hard to do when speaking about the smallest state in the world (Vatican City, pop. 500), this is supposed to be a place of wonder with the museums and architecture locked in time. I hope to visit there in the near future.
I also have to go look up some distant relatives and shock them a bit. :)
CANOE Travel - Europe - The Vatican's opulent beauty
I also have to go look up some distant relatives and shock them a bit. :)
CANOE Travel - Europe - The Vatican's opulent beauty
Today's Idiot!
Did we really need a report wasting our money to figure out what every parent of a teen fears but knows is going on with or around their own?
Idiots!
Statistics Canada: Teen sex report on C-Health: Your Health and Wellness Source
Idiots!
Statistics Canada: Teen sex report on C-Health: Your Health and Wellness Source
Just one for the road
Ok, really, do I NEED to explain why this ass should be slapped around in public? I think though that City and others should seize this spotlight on the bus drivers to get a crackdown on the slackness that goes on everyday. I know you just think I am pontificating again, but hear me out. Go to a local neighbourhood and sit by a stop sign along the route. You will be shocked at how few of the school buses obey any of the laws except for the stop at a red and stop at a railway crossing. I've witnessed people rolling through stop signs with a full load. I've seen them turn right on a red ahead of oncoming traffic. An unsignalled lane change is an everyday occurence.
And yes, I have on one really bad occasion called into Laidlaw to report the driver. Enough of us do not do this to try to promote better driving. I think it is typically because we do not connect with who is on the bus if it is not our children. Unless you follow the bus on its route every morning (which would mean you had time to drop the child(ren) in the first place), you really cannot say that you KNOW everyone is safe. So, the next time you see a bad or dangerous driving example in a TTC vehicle (I complained about a blatantly racist driver once and got him sent for retraining) or school vehicle, make a note of the time, the vehicle number and what happened. Then, call the respective company and lodge a proper complaint against the person.
We cannot afford to say, "It's not my problem."
Ciao!
And yes, I have on one really bad occasion called into Laidlaw to report the driver. Enough of us do not do this to try to promote better driving. I think it is typically because we do not connect with who is on the bus if it is not our children. Unless you follow the bus on its route every morning (which would mean you had time to drop the child(ren) in the first place), you really cannot say that you KNOW everyone is safe. So, the next time you see a bad or dangerous driving example in a TTC vehicle (I complained about a blatantly racist driver once and got him sent for retraining) or school vehicle, make a note of the time, the vehicle number and what happened. Then, call the respective company and lodge a proper complaint against the person.
We cannot afford to say, "It's not my problem."
Ciao!
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