December 19, 2003 - Home for the holidays
Well, didn't get around to those page updates. Most of it was picture work and I just figured out that I have scanned about 10 times more photos than I have space for. Guess that sorting will have to wait until the new year.
Just in time for the holidays, a story on how current game designers could learn from old games. Wrapping up the year, some other political-type articles on gender politics and how fundamental Protestants refuse to believe we share a deity with Muslims. Figures they don't know how to share; just look at the tax code.
Being as job hunting is still on my mind, an article on professional gamers. Give me a nice place to live, and yeah, I'd play games all day for money.
In any case, we're essentially offline for the rest of the year. Have a Merry Christmas folks and we'll catch in 2004.
December 17, 2003 - France is not for the tolerant
Only in John Ashcroft's sick little mind would this actually happen here. Jacques Chirac has decided to ban, amongst other things, the wearing of head scarves by Muslim women in schools and hospitals. Apparently, instead of dealing with the problems between races and religions in France, they have decided to mask it as respect for secular sameness.
Now, I don't know if a lot of interact with Muslims regularly but this is pretty much akin to telling people to run around naked as far as cultural modesty is concerned. Its a pretty huge slap in the face at the least in a time when we should be trying to understand different cultures instead of antagonizing them wholesale. We've done some odd things along these lines in the past here, but thankfully they've never gotten into law or were at least apologized for.
Anyway, we're heading out in a few days and I'm hoping to get some new pages up but who knows how successful I'll be at that.
December 15, 2003 - Some actual holiday cheer
I realized that a lot of yesterday's post was depressing. Today I start off with the other extreme of a holiday bonus. Also a story about a soldier that surprised his mom with his release from military service.
Some more fallout from yesterday's Saddam capture. One story, as told by the troops involved. The other, about the stupid operation name, which I was griping about myself when I heard it.
The Economist came out with an interesting article on the future of slight. Personally, I like the Fifth Element reference that sets it off nicely.
And then there's this one, which poses the theory that PowerPoint makes us dumb; which, I think we'd all agree with.
December 14, 2003 - Have you seen this jerk?
I woke up this morning and got online, only to be told by a buddy in Singapore to turn on the TV right now! I did, and like most of you got to see the pathetic wasteoid above being probed like a prize cow at the fair.
This, of course, is good news. And while we all get some smug satisfaction out of it, I hope our administration can make the most out of this with other countries. I think we can slap each other on the back and still be somewhat humble about it. As this article states, my brother and probably someone you know still has to go over there are clean up a few messy situations. Let's just hope not having Saddam around makes that job a lot easier.
December 13, 2003 - Republicans and their toys
You may remember earlier this year when I pointed out that KB Toys was planning on selling George Bush actions figures. Well, there's apparently a "Top Gun" version too, amongst others. And to make it even worse, psychopathic hate monger Ann Coulter has her own doll. It apparently says some of the same demonic crap Linda Blair said in The Exorcist.
Speaking of clueless people, Saudi Arabia wants the world to pay OPEC subsidies should we ever stop using fossil fuels. Wait a minute...I already have a problem giving money to fundamentalist suicide bombers? You want me to do it on purpose?
How's this for unfair? Employees at an auto supplier actually got taxed for their holiday bonus. Pathetic.
Speaking of pathetic, some morons decided to coin a phrase called "killographic" to explain violent video games.
Finally, I don't know what's worse: the story comparing us all to Paris Hilton or the one that says we are all nerds. Read, then decide for yourself.
December 9, 2003 - Because, apparently, downloading music is a capital offense
In a moment of curiosity, I strolled over to FoxNews and found this little tidbit. To some, hiring a guy from an organization famous for things like Ruby Ridge and Waco is just the right thing to do in order to scare off all the 12-year old girls and old ladies who supposedly are the software pirates destroying our society. I don't know about you, but the last thing I want to see is RIAA assualt teams breaking into little 10-year old Jimmy's room because he wanted to get a song from his favorite artist.
Another genius is suing to teach his daughter about the joys of polygamy. Okay, let's work this through. LDS members who want to be polygamists are not actual Mormons. People who kill abortion doctors are not Christians. Al Qaeda members are not Muslims. You are all freaks and need to leave our planet. Are we all clear on this now?
Our troops are trying out some new strategies in Iraq. Let's hope this calms things down and gets some order in that country.
Its not all bad news. In Seattle, you can expect to find your cabbie dressed as an Elvis impersonator, among other things. Slate is carrying a story about the guy who did all the background music for Looney Tunes. This year's total cost for the 12 Days of Christmas has been calculated. And here is a site about a guy who loves New York and Lego sets. And he loves them a lot.
December 6, 2003 - Variations on a theme
Before I go into my usual thing, I wanted to bring up a site for ya if you have some spare cash. The gamers over at Penny Arcade have put up a site called Child's Play. Their goal is to get a bunch of toys and books purchased for the Seattle Children's Hospital and to let people know that gamers aren't a bunch of anti-social thugs. Head to the site, check it all out and get a toy for a child if you wish.
Can't say I've necessarily been busy this past week or so, but time just flies by somehow. Anyway, it hasn't been for lack of stuff to point and laugh at. Let's begin:
You pretty much can figure out what I think our own current presidential administration. So it will be no surprise to you when Evil Ned sent us some instructions about Google and I laughed and laughed. Go to Google, type in the phrase "Miserable Failure" and click the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button. Basically that button leads to the most referenced and linked site related to your search term. In this case, its due to a Richard Gephardt quote and website. Not that I've woken up and become a Gephardt fan, but hey, it sure is a sign that we've got a presidential election coming, right?
Speaking of negative advertising, the GOP has already gone and starting calling anyone who questioned whether or not we should have gone into Iraq a "traitor". Yes, that's right, its now apparently treasonous behavior to even question your government's motives. This from the same pack of imbeciles who want to replace FDR on the dime with Reagan. Last I checked, the whole country hadn't become the Republican party.
Speaking of a bad combination of liberal political correctness and conservative "family values" nonsense, we have the following about a boy suspended from school for talking about his gay mom.
And now, idiots on parade. A Kansas couple gets too into the heat of the moment. Mind your tongue. Bubba lives in Illinois. A teacher ruins it for the kids.
Payback time. A backlash on the whole LA county "master/slave" thing from the tech-focused cartoon User Friendly. An in-yer-face response to the Britney Spears Hollywood star thing - give one to Alice Cooper as well. And just because I love the idea of public humiliation for low-lifes, Maine is putting up a website for all its registered child molestors so everyone can recognize those two-legged scumbags wherever they go.
Some leftovers for ya, being that time of year and all. How to spend $25,000 (AU) researching toast. A piece of technology the president can't even operate is being tested for the battlefield. Plus, the return of Space Invaders.
November 24, 2003 - Man, I hope this trend takes off
The KKK has decided to start taking out its own members. Let's hope they keep their stupidity within the family from now on.
At the other extreme, apparently in Los Angeles, systems and computing terminology has been deemed politically incorrect.
Time tackles the burgeoning business of political mudslinging. As if watching five minutes of Fox News didn't already tell you that partisan politics is alive and well in this country. Too bad those of us who actually try to think before we speak are caught in the middle.
Jones Soda attempts to make your Thanksgiving complete with gravy-flavored soda. Let me make sure you read that right, its called Turkey & Gravy soda. Seriously, someone up in the northwest find some of that and give us a taste test.
November 23, 2003 - Back from the pit
I have been working intermittently on a contract with HP to set up huge network printers for Bechtel. Thursday, this landed me up at Yucca Mountain, which is either: a) the solution to our nation's nuclear waste disposal problem, or b) the thing that will make Las Vegas an uninhabitable wasteland. And you thought you had problems with where to put landfills....
Moving on to other scientific type things, it has now been found that dark beer is good for you. So hey, toast a stein to those research scientists. Also in science, a story on flying cars and other pipe dreams that never happened.
And now, back to the decline of Western civilization for a buck. Some morons have decided that trading in terrorist futures is not only profitable, but totally ethical. Look, I only got a semester of Catholic school in kindergarten and even I can tell you that betting money on whether or not people die is not, and never can be, ethical.
What else? Oh, in the same week we commemorate the Jonestown massacre, Britney Spears get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Coincidence? No, but both events make me sick to my stomach. At least with Super Tart we get an explanation. Jim Jones is still an inexplicable cancer.
In thoughts on current affairs, Slate tackles the whole concept of marriage and comes up with some suggestions for the debate. A Maryland high school student politicizes PDA, making you question why good arguments are fronted by silly people. This guy is another example, except his beef is with email spammers.
With a lot of tech jobs moving overseas, one individual has found employment with the help of his family, La Costa Nostra that is.
And just to show you that I do like to be entertained by humor and touching stories, here's one about a father able to make it back to his daughter's wedding, and one from The Onion about media bias. Here's an off-color article on what to do when your internet goes down. While you still have internet access, check out the Zombie Infection game.
November 12, 2003 - Rise of the culturally stupid
*Sigh* Where do these people come from?
In Utah, Burger King has been forced to apologize to a mother who breastfed her child in a restaurant. Yes, it is entirely legal to do so in that state.
No matter what your stance is on gays, you've got to consider that putting up a statue commemorating Matthew Shepard's death is pretty deplorable. Especially in his hometown. Especially when it pretty much laughs and says he went to hell. Especially when a reverand is behind it all. You can read about this pathetic miscreant imbecile and his sick plans here.
Evil Ned points us to a bit of revisionist history at Time magazine. I've taken the liberty of using the Wayback Machine to verify the story (this is what I came up with).
Jessica Lynch suddenly realizes that she has been used by the government (curiously after her book came out). Go figure. I've heard enough rips on this gal from my brother to feel that I am unworthy of speaking out about how much a disservice this whole thing has been to her, us, and - more importantly - every other soldier that was captured, injured, or killed in Iraq.
Maybe we're all working (or trying to find work) in the wrong fields. CBS has a story about the 10 most overpaid jobs in the US.
November 10, 2003 - Saved by Rock 'n' Roll
Andras Simonyi, the Hungarian ambassador to the US, credits rock music as one the leading cultural elements that helped bring down Communism in his country. Kinda freaks you out when you think about what rap music may be doing to our society, huh?
In news of a passing age, Disney's latest movie, Brother Bear, may be among its last animated movies as they are getting rid of the animation department.
From KFC comes news that fried chicken is good for you. Slate dissects that notion for you here.
Popular Science breaks down the best inventions of 2003. Yes, it is already time to evaluate our year...two months before it ends. Let the Top 10 lists begin!
There have been a couple of ridiculous political subjects I've been completely unable to find the words to properly express myself about. So, I'll let the pros do it.
Mike Thompson from the Detroit Free Press tackles the CBS pulling of their movie about Reagan:
Boondocks takes one more crack at Rush Limbaugh:
November 7, 2003 - He did it all for the Wookie
I've been wrapping up the last book of the Star Wars New Jedi Order series, The Unifying Force. As far as hobbies go, this one is pretty benign. And for a book series that has had its ups and downs, it sure the heck finished on a high quality note. Just figured I'd share that in case you are really full of spare time and nothing else to do.
Well, Mom has sent along some newspaper clippings from the Galva and Kewanee papers. If I can either get to a scanner or find a way to obtain them in some other way, I'll post them up.
I've been kind of busy on a temp job I've had, which has just wrapped up. Maybe some more work from it later, who knows. In the meantime, I've been accumulating links like a mad man.
From our pal Evil Ned, a site that hurts the mind as much as it tickles the funny bone.
From the land of delusion, we learn that the Maoists' Long March was shorter than we've all been told, CBS is a weak-willed pack of chumps when it comes to presidential biography type flicks, and Canadians are in on this Nigerian email scam business.
In other news, Rhode Island is apparently a rampant comparison yardstick used by writers. Another article tackles the curious nature of champion Kenyan runners, and yet one more approaches that oft-asked question (presumably someone was asking it), "What if Guy Fawkes' bomb had gone off?" Yes, these stories vaguely interest me. Move on if they bore you to death.
From the tech desk (fine, my same cluttered desk), we have a story on the guys who research map info for Mapquest and one about presidential candidates' websites.
Speaking of that bunch, there is a game at Slate where you can narrow down your candidate of choice called Whack-a-Pol. At Kuro5hin, there is a slightly tongue-in-cheek article on why Bush is not using Jesus as his inspiration as he has so often said.
November 2, 2003 - Unsettled feeling
Tom called from someone's cell apparently and let us know he and the rest of the unit had made it to Fort Hood this evening. As dumb luck would have it, Leslie and I went out for 10 minutes and missed his call. In any case, all is well for now.
I'm building a subsite called Galva Guard and will be putting up news stories and whatever images we receive from Tom or whoever submits really. This may or may not break my bandwidth and storage budget. We'll just have to see I suppose.
I guess I'm feeling a bit out of sorts really. It isn't right to watch your little brother getting prepared to go into a conflict area. Granted, he's younger and definitely more fit than me at the moment and I have no doubt he is trained, and will continue to be trained, to do the best job possible. The problem is me being overprotective I suppose and its something I'm just going to have to deal with. Some days it just infuriates me that this is the situation we're all in.
In any case, I'll try to stay objective about the whole thing. Online anyway.
October 30, 2003 - Random thoughts and the like
The gang from Battery F 1/202 are about ready to ship out down to Texas in preparation to go to Iraq early next spring. In case you all don't know, that includes my brother Tom and a few of his high school buds as well as a lot of fathers and such from my old hometown in Galva. Keep them all in your thoughts and send a prayer out, even if you don't believe in that. I'd appreciate it.
In case you are in need of a quick Halloween mask, Forbes has provided for your needs with Billionaire masks.
Fox News almost sued its television component, namely The Simpsons, for satire. They officially have no humor or irony over at the news desk.
Tired of those Nigerian email scam artists? Australia is providing a service to mankind by nabbing one of those punks.
My hard drive crashed the other day and that leaves me in a little bind as far as updates and the like. I have some copies of the webpage but it is old, so I'm probably going to be losing some data. Also, I am aware the menu isn't working and I'm going to try to get that up in the next few days.
October 27, 2003 - Some people are just plain nuts
Okay, I've held my tongue for awhile but seriously, what is up with California? They give a standing ovation to a child molestor (Roman Polanski earlier this year at the Oscars), elect some serial woman molestor (Schwarzenegger of course), and then stand up and applaud a suspected rapist (Kobe Bryant) like he's a victim or something. Now to be quite fair, maybe he isn't a rapist, but he still cheated on his wife and that shouldn't be applauded.
In happier news, bubble gum is now 75 years old. The alternate World Series ended on a strange note. The results of the World Rock, Paper, Scissors Championships are in (yes, there is such a thing and they have a website).
On the strange end of things: why are we trying to sell money through TV ads?
On the "yeah, I want one, but only if no one else does" category, a story about a gadget you can get that changes streetlights.
October 24, 2003 - Some light weekend reading for ya
Most of you already know my feelings about AOL, so it comes as no surprise to me that the low-lifes are now hacking their customer's computers.
Apparently now its illegal to share certain tools or sell them to other people.
Speaking of monopolistic jerks, the Motion Picture Association of America is trying to bribe schools to let them come in and indoctrinate and scare the hell out of kids. Nice guys, huh?
An article about poor historical references and our White House. I was thinking the same thing when I first read parts of that speech.
Interesting articles about getting rid of our oil dependence and on Microsoft's inability to face up to its problems. Interesting, that is, if you actually care about that stuff.
Maybe you'd like to see GM screw up again or British kids popping Viagra?
October 22, 2003 - Farewell Rerun
At ESPN, Jim Caple continues his delusions with the Series heading back to Boston with the Cubs up 3-2.
"Evil" Ned Bronson will age you with linking us this story about modern day kids playing, and shredding, our beloved childhood memories.
George Washington was known for a lot of things. Making whiskey is one of those more obscure accolades. Some recreational distillers are working on changing that.
In sad news, Fred "Rerun" Berry from What's Happening! passed away Tuesday. I don't know about you, but I used to watch the heck out of that show.
To close, you've probably been hearding about how all these people and cities are buying drugs overseas to save money. At the New York Times, there is a story about students finding that their textbooks cost 50% or more in their bookstores than online. (Use Member ID wallenfeldt and password guest to access the story.)
October 20, 2003 - Post-Oktoberfest musings
Well, it is a hateful world apparently. Did you know you are just the puppet of a shadow Jewish government? At least, that's what the Malaysian Prime Minister believes. Education: it does a body good, chump.
I was reading an article by Madeleine Albright in a recent copy of Foreign Affairs. A pretty good objective read to be quite honest with you.
One happier news, the Dilbert site is hosting the results of the annual Weasel Awards. The results are about what I expect with the cross-current of readers of the comic.
From the world of delusion, the World Series that should be in progress: a tongue-in-cheek look at the Cubs-Red Sox series.
October 17, 2003 - The contagion spreads
Having lived there, I know Oklahoma can be short-sighted at times when it comes to cultural issues, but this throws them in to Texas League ridiculousness (is that a word?).
The BBC has an article about computer mishaps that is really surreal and good for a laugh or two.
Slate is running a series about a guy in Japan addressing some of the cliches we have about them. WARNING: the Tuesday article is a very frank assessment of manga.
And there's also an article about how presidents get trapped in their own job, enough to where they believe their own press. Scary.
To close, there's bad news for short people and their paychecks. Sorry.
Incidentally, the website is over on the new server and I think things are shaking themselves out as far as getting that all up and running. Content changes to come. Really.
October 16, 2003 - Sosa is NOT clutch (aka Misery loves company)
UPDATE: Well, the Red Sox lost, absolving me of any reason whatsoever to watch the World Series. Season's over kids...unless you are some kind of sicko.
Well, other than striking out without even trying to hit that last pitch, you can't put the blame on him solely. Or even Kerry Wood. Or that fan in Game 6. But damn, how depressing. Maybe next year?
On more thing, is it just me or is that smug, pompous twit Miguel Cabrera absolutely scream "Future Yankee"?
Okay, on to happier - or at least different - topics.
In case you haven't heard, vodka is 500 years old. Raise a toast.
Bad idea. Absolutely horrid idea.
Here's an article comparing those RIAA nitwits to Edison's power grab with the movie industry way back when. Here's hoping they fall on their face just the same.
This weekend, Leslie finally gets away from work long enough for us to hit some haunted houses and the local Oktoberfest celebration.
October 8, 2003 - Mind your money
Well, the Cubs are in the Division series (too bad they dropped that first game) and so are the Red Sox. So yeah, I'm still interested enough to keep watching baseball.
In the current events type of thing, I'm going to totally ignore that whole mess in California and hope it goes away now that those imbeciles have turned a serious situation over to an even worse actor than Ronald Reagan...and that's saying something. No that's not a political assessment, I mean it for what I said, so hold your email.
Tomorrow you should not be surprised to start seeing colorful $20 bills. You can read some more about them here, as well as past attempts of playing with our money.
I would put this on the support page but a) no one goes there, and b) its more human interest anyway. This first story is an explanation of the Scroll Lock on your keyboard, the second about the guy who brought you Control-Alt-Delete. Thanks for Robert Robinson for the heads-up on the first story.
FYI: The site may be misbehaving in a few days. I am just about out of space on this particular service and they have been spamming me about giving them money for more space. Personally, I'd rather not do it. So I found another hosting company that should work out a lot better (I hope so anyway). So between now and early next week you should notice a temporary outage as I move the site and then adjust the domain registry to the new server.
October 1, 2003 - I love this country?
Okay, let's get a couple things straight. If you want to go be a Nazi, move out of Texas, take a rowboat out to the middle of the Atlantic and sink it.
Two, I don't care what your politics are. Even if you are an unsavory, pompous jerk of a radio personality, race baiting is a BAD thing. Of course, he'll increase ratings which is all that matters to the media goons. Just makes you sick to realize how far we have to go in this country.
By the way, I've been watching The Blues on PBS and you can still catch the last few episodes this week. I should have been hyping it all along. Good stuff.
September 30, 2003 - Go Cubs!
Well, the baseball postseason has started, which means I now spend a lot of time glued to the television. Thus far, the Yankees have dropped one; which is a nice start to things. But we've got the Twins, and probably the Red Sox if necessary, to take care of that unpleasantness. Right now, its time to focus on the Cubs taking a long shot at winning the National League. Yeah, I'm probably dreaming but its fun to watch.
UPDATE: Cubs Win! And I tell you, if all their games are that tense, I'm gonna need a cardiologist. Geez.
If you want access to course material from a prestigious university, MIT has made them all available online at their CourseWare site.
September 25, 2003 - Apparently I've been labelled a pacifist amongst other things
The Galva News has an article about the local National Guard unit being shipped out soon. In it, my brother Tom is interviewed about the situation (by the by, if someone could send that to me I'd appreciate it). Anyways, we've known about it for a few months but did not know what we could say or not. I've had a lot of time to think about it since then and you should probably all be able to infer that while I don't think our country got into Iraq on the best of international terms, I also do not think that leaving that place in total chaos is the answer either. So, should any of you choose to make some impassioned plea with me to get into line and shut up about questioning our government, kindly take a moment to realize that a) I have thought about it, b) I do have a history degree and am fully capable of taking the long view of recent events, and c) my brother is getting sent over to get shot at. Yes, I actually had a conversation tonight whereupon my patriotism and objectivity were questioned. I don't appreciate either suggestion and will stop venting about it now.
More signs that we have a long way to go with race relations in Texas. Hey, this time they were acting on orders from some national outfit. Well-intentioned perhaps, but way out of line.
In sports, if you have been following baseball at all, you might realize that I am so completely torn right now. I have some kind of genetic affinity for being a Cubs fan (thanks Dad), though I managed to learn to follow the Astros from when I was a kid living in Pasadena. Both are vying for a post-season spot and only one of them is likely to go to the playoffs. I figure if the Cubs go, I can then hope for the impossible: a seven-game Cubs-Red Sox series which would likely be an event so improbable the planet would tilt on its axis and it would stop being 100 degrees every day here in Vegas.
And yes, Japan now has Hello Kitty taxis. I've been meaning to link this for a few days now, but I think it speaks volumes about how different that country is from the US. Having been there, I can imagine how cute and yet sickening those things must be to look at. Face it, our taxis are no fun here.
Last, but not least, this link takes you to the MC Hawking site. Yeah, basically some software developer decided that the concept of uber-genius Stephen Hawking singing a pack of science-ish rap covers could make him money. I don't know whether to laugh hysterically or just shake my head in shame for our species.
September 23, 2003 - What the heck are they thinking?
Yes, its another episode of really stupid people and ideas.
Here's the one toy NO kid wants for Christmas; doesn't mean their parents won't try to get it for them. I'm going to just gloss over the fact that the only reason this guy knows how to fly a plane was because he was avoiding active military duty during Vietnam. Let's just focus on the ridiculous notion that piloting a plane in the air over a totally clear sky does NOT make you a hero or worthy of an action figure. How about we go the REALLY morose route of making action figures for each of the guys dying for the war he gleefully pursued? Would that be enough to fill someone's incessant need to make a profit off of this? The worst part? Its on back order. Idiots.
Another potentially racist moron in Texas. No, I'm not picking on them; the news just reports it.
Oh yeah, you can call them French fries again.
Now, interesting stuff:
Popular Science put out an article about the worst jobs in science. Via Slashdot, I learned of a story concerning the history of Murphy's Law. Its pretty interesting. Also, I will link you to Unwise Microwave Oven Experiments if you promise to just read the article and not actually try any of the mentioned items.
September 14, 2003 - Weekend wrapup
Well, if you haven't all heard, Johnny Cash died the other day. Time has a pretty good article on his life that you may wish to check out. Its not often that you get a bona fide artist that can transcend genres so I suppose its a universal loss for a lot of us.
In the world of sports, you won't hear me praise the University of Michigan often, but kicking Notre Dame's teeth in certainly qualifies. Go Big Blue!
And now on to imbeciles. Texans got around to dealing with a certain faction of their citizens who forgot what the Civil Rights Act was all about. Too bad they had to waste time on whether or not it was "permissible" to change things.
And, if you were expecting residents of Florida to actually be smarter than they were three years ago; think again. Florida legislators are trying to give some students free passes to graduate without completing their senior year in high school. Remember earlier this year when a whole mess of students couldn't pass a test that would qualify them as having a good education? Yeah, same kids. And just in time for next year's presidential election.
And in Washington D.C., the move to potentially abuse our civil rights continues with a whole slew of new laws that make the Patriot Act look like a "Girls Keep Out" sign on a treehouse. You can read more on this at the New York Times (log in using "wallenfeldt" as the MemberID and "guest" as the password). I mean, let's be honest, how does checking out what I'm reading at the library have to do with capturing Osama bin Laden? We ARE still planning on finding him, right?
September 10, 2003 - You know what tomorrow is
Well, the media is warming itself up for who knows what tomorrow. Funny thing is, there are a lot of well-intentioned people who will probably say and do a lot tomorrow for all the wrong reasons. And isn't that probably the saddest part about this whole situation: that we really haven't learned as much as we should have? Then again, maybe I'll be proven wrong and the day will be without a ton of flag-waving and forgetting the fact that we are remembering regular people who got shoved into the front lines of a conflict between psychopaths and the rest of the world. For some more perspective on this, I read this article earlier today which somewhat delineates thoughts I hope have crossed your minds.
Also on the subject, some clearing of the air about things you may think about 9/11. On a broader scope, this article from the New York Times points out the international perspective; which, while you may or may not want to care about it, still exists.
I had some social commentaries about ridiculous news articles I've read recently, but it can wait for a couple days.
September 9, 2003 - Opus returns!
Berkeley Breathed is coming back on November 23 with a comic strip appropriately called Opus. Hopefully it will get syndicated so we can all read it.
In other news, the RIAA has decided to feed on poor kids living in public housing. Of course, they aren't picking on individual people because they are money-grubbing fascist punks; its because they care.
Anyone tired enough of recent events to want to go to Mars? NASA may be looking for you soon.
Your humorous moment of the day. And now, for your humorous insight of the day (ok, its a few days old):
September 7, 2003 - Gotta love an underdog
You see, sometimes reading the bad press about you gets you mad. This lets you do stuff you normally couldn't. Today's object lesson is the Houston Texans, who beat out Miami in what should not have been a close game. At least, that's what the talking heads kept telling Miami. And for a first, no sacks on David Carr. Go figure.
If you can't tell I managed to catch a baseball game, parts of three football games, and a really exciting finish to an IRL race today whilst puttering about writing cover letters and making dinner (beef Stroganoff FYI).
We enjoy living here and all, but I sure wish these job prospects would liven up. That's alright though; I have another three weeks of contract work to look forward to so all is not lost. It just isn't all it should be. That, and Leslie's job keeps her busy seven days a week. Not the challenging and rewarding kind of busy she was looking forward to either. More of the "lots of paperwork and people who don't want to do their jobs" kind. Those are my words, not her's. I just make the observations and feed them to you.
To finish on a lighter(?) note, an editorial cartoon from Joe Heller at The Green Bay Press-Gazette about our lovely gas prices.
September 3, 2003 - Maybe he should stick to reading other people's lines....
Johnny Depp, making the most of the fact that we collectively have made him millions of dollars, decided to slam his home country today. You know, you don't have to like our leadership or the way a lot of this country works. But do not enjoy the benefits of being an American citizen while ripping it to make your current home gush with joy at having you live there. Granted, I'm no blind-to-reality super-patriot type myself, but sometimes its better to keep your uninformed opinions to your damn self. I should have waited to rent Pirates of the Caribbean.
Other stuff....
Great idea...incredibly stupid idea.
News that will age you in under a minute.
And for comic relief, a game courtesy of Matt Darland. You'll find it either disgustingly addicting or horrifically annoying. I made it into March last night.
August 28, 2003 - Leaving...On A Jet Plane...
Alright, stop imagining my singing voice. Trust me, its better that way. Alright, we are soon off to Ohio for the weekend for Leslie's family reunion in the Dayton-ish area. We'll be back late Monday. Should be a lot of fun.
A lot of the link topics have been of a serious nature of late. Relax, this entry is all in good fun.
For today's offering, we have a quiz called Programming Language Creator or Serial Killer, courtesy of Craig Trible. Even if you score high on this, remember that you had to think about it a couple times.
Leslie has contributed a link concerning the dangers of drinking in excess. Yes, it will make you shudder. (And yes, it's comedy people.)
Plus, who said playing computer games was bad for you? Not the BBC.
August 23, 2003 - Updates and Move-in stuff
Update: I almost forgot to mention this. I have a two-week temporary job at Bally Gaming filling in for someone at their help desk there. Its not a permanent gig but I can at least be doing SOMETHING for a few days. Wish me luck and all that.
Our building is filling up with students. One of the guys who moved in next door to us is really, REALLY loud. Hopefully he'll find the error of his ways soon. Or just move somewhere else....
Okay, an update to that ludicrous lawsuit against Al Franken. It has been basically laughed out of court as it should have. And then there's this odd story, which still seems like someone's idea of a joke to me, but it appears to be real.
If you are familiar with the trashy web trend of having people vote for pictures of you, ala Amihotornot and that nonsense, Ned Bronson linked me to Amigovernorornot.com, which is a pretty squirrelly take on the idiotic California rebellion-of-the-grumpy. My favorite pick thus far?
And yes, that link has potentially offensive stuff at play too so once again, you were warned.
August 21, 2003 - A champion for common sense
A movie critic from Kansas City tries to explain reality to the movie industry. I doubt she'll succeed, but let's wish her the best anyways.
And I haven't linked any Dave Barry stuff for awhile, but here is what we'll just call the Back to School edition.
And in a tie-in to yesterday's idiot parade, we bring you "people who should stick to waving protest signs." I may be cruel in your eyes, but I care a lot more about history than I do a duck. Not that I particularly like liver, but I don't ever plan on stopping anyone from eating it; though I may stop you from cooking it in our kitchen.
Other stuff:
Democracy in action?
From Australia, a humorous look at SWAT hand signals (yes, its off-color and you HAVE been warned).
Last but not least, are you about to have a blackout? A link for the paranoid.
August 20, 2003 - Free Willy?
It seems that Keiko, the killer whale from the Free Willy flicks doesn't want to go to the wild after all. More here.
Speaking of creatures who missed the point, here are some tales about stupid neighbors, race-baiting Bush websites (original and "corrected" - check the middle pic on the bottom - editions), and oversized little leaguers just to round out the mix of madness. (For more on the original version of that "tasteful" website, go here.)
Just because I can, a little more invective, courtesy of August 9th's Doonesbury:
And yes, we are fine...the flooding was on the other side of town.
August 14, 2003 - After today, NIMBY be damned I'm thinking
The first thing on my mind, of course, was "Glad I'm not there." So far all those folks without power in the NorthEast seem to be muddling through okay, and that's good news. I swear, its like there is a determined effort to make the rest of us think New Yorkers are actually polite. Go figure.
Well, I was gonna link this story anyway, but while it was humorous to begin with; I'd really like to see all these snobs whine about their "backyard" being sullied after today's events. Good luck you dopes.
August 12, 2003 - Unfair and prickly
So, I'm trolling through the job ads this morning and then bounce over to CNN to check on the news (yes, that IS entertainment for me). Anyways, our unofficial government news agency FoxNews is suing Al Franken because they don't like the title of his book - nor likely the content of it either. Just goes to show how whiny people get when you give 'em a little power.
Some of you may have come across that nasty MSBlaster/LoveSan worm. Hopefully you do not have it on your computer, but if you do, come on back after your computer reboots.
You back yet? Okay, take a visit over to this link, which will give you directions on where to get your relevant Windows updates. I will give you to quick links to McAfee and Norton's advice as well. Good luck out there.
August 7, 2003 - Hey Mitch!
Other than Leslie, I don't get acknowledgement of actual visitors to the site...and I stopped looking at traffic monitoring a long time ago. So it was with some surprise that I found out that Mitch Shiever comes to check out the incomplete project from time to time. Everyone say "hi" to Mitch and wish him luck on his new job.
Speaking of work, I just got down with a difficult but (hopefully) fruitful second interview today for a position at UNLV. To be honest, that's a good group of people I would have to work with if I got the position; so color me interested and impressed. I also just (at 9:30pm) found out that I may have an interview for my old job as Project Manager at Aristocrat next week. So at least I'm finally getting a foot in the door a couple places.
From our Entertainment/Science desk, a scientific chart for you about the condiments in your fridge. In other science-ish news, I just remembered an old article about the Dark Sucker theory. It comes from a site I haven't visited in years, IFAQ (Infrequently Asked Questions).
Yes, I'm bored.
July 30, 2003 (extra) - I can watch TV again!
As many of you know, I can count the amount of television shows I can actually stomach watching on both hands - if you spread it out across a whole decade. So, since I'm a big fan of FX's The Shield and not much else (though I enjoy Monk whenever I can catch it), I have currently been in a major slump as far as any potential Nielsen rating hirings go.
Tonight, I can safely add another show to the list. It is Peacemakers with Tom Berenger. Kind of a murder mystery/CSI-like/western concept. Some of that usually bores the daylights out of me but this seems to work. So I'll give it a try. Enough of one to suggest it to all of you to watch as well.
July 30, 2003 - The end of an era
Not a lot of things make me feel old. I mean, why should I? But this article (and this one too) kind of makes you stop and think about all the stuff that we take for granted that goes away. I knew I saw less of these things the last time I was in Mexico, but now they will probably just be a memory in a few years.
In other news, I've finally decided to work on the website a bit. Not that you will notice anything fantastic, but I am getting some of the pages updated from the old (or even older) formats. Stick around, I may even actually add content.
July 29, 2003 - Excuse me while I knock on some wood here
I have got an interview next week for a job I would really like to have. Not that the job search of late has been very productive; but I would enjoy a great job over a "I really just need a paycheck" variety. So, anyways, wish me luck.
From the Galva.com site, some pictures of the damage there. Most of it is just of parked vehicles but you can kinda get a sense of the mayhem anyways.
July 22, 2003 - Charity begins at home at the expense of your convictions
So, I read this article about a woman who is forcing her belief system on others so much that it is now going to cost some charities a LOT of money. AND SHE'S NOT DONE! People, convince others to change their minds through dialogue, not by twisting their arms in fascist fashion.
In other news, Galva seems to remain in the dark but folks seem to be okay. Brenda says their house got a little roughed up, but so did a lot of others.
July 21, 2003 - Hang in there
I don't have a lot of info on this yet but I hear Galva got pretty whacked by high winds last night. From what I know, which is pretty much this, only one person got hurt. Which is damn amazing and thankful news. If anyone has been in contact with my family, could ya give me a ring or an email? I am trying to get a call through to whoever I can.
UPDATE: Got a hold of Jason Lindstrom and everyone and everything seems relatively okay amongst those we know. The Strand farm lost a barn but that is thus far the worst of it. There is definitely no word of electricity for awhile though. A couple links covering the scant info I have.
Galesburg Register Mail story
KWQC Channel 6 story and video
July 18, 2003 - Is this about the fries?
Alright, I know it has been quite awhile since an update. Truth is, it has been an emotional roller coaster here. I still do not have a job but I have a very promising interview next week so wish me luck. Leslie is in training for her job so that keeps her way too busy. And then there is just the regular day to day stuff of both good and bad nature.
My uncle Toño passed away on July 3rd due to some heart complications. I think we have all done a half decent job of coping with that but if you know my mom, please let her know you are thinking of her. We are considering a trip down to Mexico later this year. It has been awhile since we've done so as a family.
On some lighter-type notes, I provide you links.
Our president is apparently too good for our email.
The French are taking anti-Americanism to a whole new level. I mean, seriously, you haven't actually been calling them "freedom fries" have you?
This? I just find it hilarious.
And now on to people who make this world almost unliveable. I don't know if you've heard about that idjut Pat Robertson asking people to pray for Supreme Court justices to basically have a heart attack, but I came across a link that is a response to it. Seeing as I try to get this page at about a PG-13 level, I won't link it here but I'm willing to send it to you via email. Yes, it is vile, profane, and offensive. So do NOT ask unless you are willing to undertake reading with that in mind.
For those of you who keep harping, rightly or wrongly, about how the Patriot Act is the end of Western civilization, take a moment and read this.
One more parting shot. I can't quite make out where I picked up this editorial cartoon, but I will credit it as soon as I can. You just hope this is kinda how it played out though. (Update: The editorial cartoonist is Doug Marlette of the Tallahassee Democrat. You can find more stuff from him on his webpage.)
June 30, 2003 - I still function....
Alright, obscure reference but very appropriate. We got into town late Friday afternoon and were thankfully able to move straight into the apartment; which is very nice digs by the way. Come on out and give us a visit.
However, our internet service needed a human touch to be turned on; something which we could not do until today. The firewall set up here on the student side of things is very tight, so messenger programs and the like will not be functional on the workday side of things which will be a restraint on our ability to talk with some of you.
Otherwise, we continue to unpack and I continue to try to find work.
June 22, 2003 - The joys of packing
Tomorrow we load the truck but today we continue to muddle through packing up our possessions. I do not recommend this as a leisure time activity. Anyways, we will be able to check email from Leslie's laptop as time and willingness allows. Other than that, we'll check in next time from Las Vegas.
Wish us luck on the drive out there....
June 11, 2003 - Will someone save us from the inbreds among us?
Okay, this is where good taste and morality get tossed out the window like stank mop bucket water. I link this monstrosity to just emphasize the dark side of gaming development. I do not condone it or even presume to know what the hell these morons were thinking. I will, however, also link you to an online petition to hopefully appeal to whatever shred of common decency these guys have left. Thanks to Dave from the FES gaming group for the heads-up on this.
June 9, 2003 - They don't need no steenking badges
Well, we are packing up our stuff and and progressively realizing that we have a lot of it.
As for today's title, some county deputies popped into my building last week to serve me a subpeona about a case I very, VERY marginally was involved in a couple years back. Basically, as is an ongoing thread at this university, the occasional odd professor here likes to use lots of bandwidth to download his smut. Yes, I have probably created some liability by saying that and also violated the "Oklahoma Loyalty Oath" they made me sign before starting to work here. Yes, I'm miffed about this too.
Thus far, the district attorney's office does not seem to care that my input is horribly minimal or that I will be moving soon.
Tomorrow, we attempt to call someone with authority at the Shilo Institute for Customer Disservice. We sent a letter last week. Hopefully the gal we wrote will be the first decent managerial type we've dealt with thus far.
June 2, 2003 - Would you like tartar sauce with that McChicken?
Well, I'm probably gonna have to post a special rant on the Message Board to even cover all the stuff we have run into over the past week. Concerning the page title, that's a whole long story. As for this entry title, absolutely avoid the McDonalds in Colby, KS if you value your digestive tract.
We did manage to have a good time and meet interesting people and travel to some really fun places. It is just the horrifically stupid imbeciles we dealt with along the way that I am now taking to time to laugh at...now that its over. Point yourself over to the Rant section of the message board if you want to know more about our adventures.
For your entertainment value, an odd page about the sounds you see in comic strips. Also, a link to the most demented system technicians alive (I forgot to link it before we left).
May 25, 2003 - Roadtripping
Leslie and I are off to Utah (and for me, on to Vegas from there) for the NAFSA Conference, at which Leslie will be a presenter. I, of course, am heading out for some job searching so wish me luck. So, no updates for awhile - not that I've been really up on them over the past couple weeks anyway.
May 10, 2003 - Links and schtuff
Got a visit from Jeff Hallock - in town for his brother's graduation. Leslie and I went out for dinner with him and caught up on all kinds of things. Then he showed up the entertainment majesty that is Homestar Runner. Of particular mention are the Strong Bad email section and the Trogdor game (which makes more sense when you check out one of the emails).
I also got an email from Justin Mooney (hi!) that linked me to a story that I had just finished reading on Wired. Check it out here and hopefully get a chuckle.
And in case any of you missed the notice, Leslie got her Certificate in International Studies in a ceremony Friday evening. Go ahead and flood her with congratulatory emails.
May 7, 2003 - It's Vegas Baby!
Well, after weeks of interviews and campus visits and anxiously awaiting job offers (all of which came in an overwhelming rush), Leslie has accepted a position at UNLV. Basically, we move in just over a month.
Of course, this means I have to bust my hump and line up a job for myself too. So, all those updates you were expecting to the site (HA!) are likely not gonna happen. Stay tuned for sanity checks as we pack ourselves up for a haul across the plains and desert.
May 3, 2003 - Facelift and other such things
Alright, I messed around with the color scheme of the page (at least the main page for now). I also worked on a new style sheet so hopefully the text doesn't go wacky on pages. If you hate the new look, let me know. If you hate the logo, let me know. If you hate that I haven't got all the pages up and/or converted; well, I already know that so you don't have to let me know. Also, went back to a DHTML type menu. The other one was causing all kinds of oddball errors depending on your browser and version.
A couple of treats for you.
This is a test called What Country of the World are You? Take it if you are really bored.
And THIS particular nugget is a highly irritating and addictive game that was linked to me a few days ago. I loathe ever seeing the page and figured I'd share it with all of you. Enjoy it and don't blame me if it drives you crazy too.
April 14, 2003 - More on our buddy
If you haven't noticed, our pal Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf has become quite the Internet celebrity. Here is one site pertaining to him (beware that it is INCREDIBLY slow loading).
April 13, 2003 - A little basic help for ya
I have squandered a lot of time trying to figure out how to make simple explanatory pages for people on how to use their computers and the net. So, I went looking and I found some people who can do it a whole lot better than I can.
If you know people who need help learning the basics of the internet, point them to BBC's Webwise page. There's also a really basic tutorial on computers too. They'll thank you for it.
With Leslie being gone over the past couple of weekends on interviews I have been tinkering about with some ideas for pages and content. Hopefully you'll see a bit of that in the upcoming weeks.
April 7, 2003 - Misinformation
I don't know how much of the war you all are watching...hopefully not enough that it affects your normal lives. I am a bit of a news junkie myself so I know the symptoms. In any case, if you have been catching any of the lovely speeches given by the ultimate spin doctor, Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf, the Iraqi Information Minister, you will have noticed something verging on the comical. I mean, this guy should get his own late night talk show when this is over. Al-Jazeera could host it, except that he's made them mad too. Of all the dire and serious events going on, for this guy to go ranting about anything and expect to be believed in ridiculous.
Which is why the following makes me chuckle:
Also, I managed to get someone at Central Command to send me the world map wallpaper you may see plastered all over the plasma screens at the Doha, Qatar media center. You can download it from here.
March 26, 2003 - Now this is fitting
So, we just got back from the conference/job hunting in St. Louis and Indianapolis and I am going through my email and I get this image (well, an excerpt of it), which is hilarious when you are aware of one of Jason's stories of things that inmates do to humor themselves. He probably won't tell you - and I certainly won't - so consider it an inside joke of sorts.
March 5, 2003 - Say what?
Via a link from those wacky kids at Kuro5hin, a dialect survey being conducted by a professor at Harvard.
February 21, 2003 - From now on, I'm getting my news from comics
Thought this was a slightly ironic take on the whole thing. I am going to try to talk about some lighter subjects from now on.
February 13, 2003 - Just like Nintendo....
Visited a little page called Idleworm again today. I remember surfing that way awhile back. Amongst other new things is a little thing he has called Gulf War 2. Whether or not you agree with what he has to say, you've got to admit he's spent some time working on this.
February 10, 2003 - Inappropriate Response
Sometimes I really can't help myself but some things crack me up. This is one of them.
February 6, 2003 - Snow Day
Actually I did go to work, but it is snowing here, which is somewhat of an irregular experience.
For now though, a couple things that made me laugh:
Zits online comic strip for February 6
A mock-up movie poster from our friends at Mad Magazine.
For those who care, I am redesigning Otherland and may have that back up in all its glory next month. Stay tuned.
Also archived any news older than the first of the year (which I understand doesn't leave a whole lot).
January 8, 2003 - New News
The Headliner.net news feed apparently died while we were gone over Christmas. Currently I am trying out the Moreover.com feed. If you have any input on this, let me know. And since they have an ungodly number of feeds, I will be putting those on other pages, including the computer support type pages. Basically, there is a wealth of information out there and I'm willing to set up as many of these as you'd like (on various other pages of course).
January 5, 2003 - Happy New Year
Hope your new year is healthy and happy. Just got back from the Houston area a day or two ago and am reluctantly getting ready to go back to work.
