I'm Not Working

Taking Control of Your Future by Becoming an Open Source Developer

2005-08-01T08:32:00.000-08:00

Brian W. Fitzpatrick explains why working on open source project can be better than an internship. Public portfolio, more important work, and real life experience all contribute to a more enjoyable and more beneficial work experience.

read more | digg story

What is Vlogging (and How to Get Started)

2005-07-28T08:50:00.000-08:00

Joshua Paul describes video blogs and explains how to create your own.

read more | digg story

Microsoft and Mountain Dew to give away a 360 every 10 minutes for 9 weeks

2005-07-27T07:51:00.000-08:00

Microsoft has announced that starting on August 28, if you buy a mountain dew or other pepsi product and get a code, you can win an Xbox 360, one of which they are giving away every 10 minutes for 9 weeks straight.

read more | digg story

Server: Day One

2005-07-25T19:04:00.000-08:00

Well, this is the first time I've proposed to do a "series", so we'll see if I even stick with it. I'm out to make a Gentoo/Apache server, just to store some files on, and I'm already over my head.

My box is a Gateway 2000, and I don't really know what is inside it. I'm at a serious disadvantage here, but I've installed Gentoo with little more knowledge than I have now, so I think I'm okay.

I'm going with the minimal install CD. I intend to run off a stage 1 tarball.

So, I burned the image onto the a CD, and inserted the CD into the Hitachi CDR-7930 cdrom drive. It didn't take long to get an error.

ISOLINUX 2.13 2004-12-14 isolinux: Loading spec packet failed, trying to wing it
...
isolinux: Failed to locate CD-ROM device; boot failed.

Being the newbie I am, I didn't have much of a clue of what to do at this point. I googled and found a site with information on ISOLINUX, which is a Linux bootloader. For some reason, it is failing to locate the CD-ROM device. I'm kind of lost at this point. I'm hoping the error is inaccurate, so I'm following a fairly illogical route. Instead of burning the image from my iBook, I booted up Debian and am trying to download the image again. I intend to burn the CD from Debian, but I don't really know how that is going to work out. So far, I'm having trouble just downloading the damn thing.

Tags: linux, Computers, servers, gentoo

Apple releases GarageBand 2.0.2

2005-07-25T15:46:00.000-08:00

Apple's newest iteration of GarageBand addresses various issues, including time signature handling and Apple Loops authoring. Get it over software update or on the Apple update site.

read more | digg story

10 Reasons Why a Resurgent Mac is Great for Linux

2005-07-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

Some stunningly good examples of how Mac OS X's resurgence is actually beneficial to Linux.

read more | digg story

What If, Apple?

2005-07-24T09:17:00.000-08:00

In a recent TWiTcast, it was proposed that Microsoft should just "call it a day", pay everyone off, and quit the business.

This made me wonder: what would happen to Apple if there was no Microsoft? While I don't believe Microsoft intends to quit anytime soon, it is curious what Apple might do in that case.

I suspect that Apple would lose the "sexy" edge it pushes today. I think you know what I'm talking about. The smooth white chasse (or gray, depenpending on which Apple product you own), the flashy but accessible interface. These are the things that superficially set Apple apart from the competition. Windows does the bloated but works thing, and Unix (save for Mac OS X) does the access/change everything theme. But Macintosh is sexy.

With no Microsoft to compete with, the neccessity of a sexy product would drop. Apple could get away with less appealing designs. If it costs less money, and judging by the price of Apple products, I think it does, then Apple would simply stop "designing" their computers.

I know it is superficial, but I happen to like what my iBook looks like. I'd hate to go to a PC-style design (if that makes sense). So, Microsoft, if you can hear me: please keep on competing with Apple. Give them hell.

Tags: Apple, Microsoft

[Blogger Interview] "Brain Dribble's" Vocidy

2005-07-23T13:15:00.000-08:00

A lot of blogs these days center themselves around painstaking detail or are just plain confusing. However, there is a special blog out there you may not know of. This one has that wonderful care-free clarity of Boing Boing without so much inter-linking. That special blog is Brain Dribble, a log of the personal thought processes of the beautiful Vocidy. This has been in the works for awhile, but I finally got a chance to interview her.

-------------------------------------------------

Richard Moriarty: How long have you been blogging?

Vocidy: On Blogger? Only a few monthes but, I've had "online diaries" for years. maybe five.

RM: haha I guess blogs are largely online diaries, aren't they? Actually, how would you describe a blog in the most general sense?

Vocidy: depends ont he type I think. If you're whinning about the latest shitty thing your boyfriend did and how good it feels to bleed, it's a diary. Political minded things=Blog. I think, in general, they're places to think into the cosmos. That's how I look at it.

RM: Now that blogs are mainstream, do you think there is a place for a private diary anymore? It seems that people are willing to rely on hiding behind various monikers over the internet. After all, that's what I've been doing until I decided that I could just blog during breaks at work, and even you call yourself "Vocidy".

Vocidy: I do, but I'm not hiding. My picture and profile are there for all to see. If you really wanted to be private you wouldnt post your life online. People who have blogs are looking for attention.

RM: Earlier you stated that "polical = blog". Is there room in the blogsphere for content outside of political punditry?

Vocidy: Oh, definetly. "political=blog" was too...too exact I guess. I meant that if you have something to say besides "feel sorry for me" then it's not just an online diary.

RM: Seeing as how blogs do share that connotation of self-pity, why did you choose a blog over other forms of media? Not only are there books and television, but the new reign of podcasting and videocasting offers many opportunities outside of plaintext.

Vocidy: Honestly? I don't want to put that much work into it. I'm only interested in haveing a place to, like I said, send my thoughts out to the cosmos. I suppose if I cared that much about other people seeing it or had something really valuable to say, then i would look into it. My blog is an outlet for my crazy head. Drip, drip remember?

RM: For those of you who don't get that reference, you should be visiting her blog, damnit! Seriously, where have you been the last few months?

RM: What is the most important thing in your life?

Vocidy: Obvoisely, it's not spelling... the people in my life. My family, my friends, my lover. It's cliched but the truth is, I can't live wothout them.

RM: If money were not an option, what would your ideal life be like?

Vocidy: A nice house near my family, two stories, pool, yard, big fence, a couple kids with the man I love by my side. I would like to see the world but, when it comes down to it, I want love and peace in my life.Maybe a little excitement. That's what kids are for. oh, nice care with big stereo.

RM: If we could only see one of your blog posts, which would it be?

Vocidy: Wow... I would have to look over them again. Definetly not the first "I Believe" post. That was a mistake of too much passion and not enough thought.

Vocidy: Well, after a scroll down Memory Lane, I think it would have to be "I'm Not Working Either." I actually had something to say that day. I had always meant to fill my blog with thoughts like that. Unfortunetly it's difficult to blog from the shower.

RM: I find that most bloggers tend to read blogs themselves. Care to plug your favorite blog?

Vocidy: I knew this question was comming. Hoestly, the only other blog I ever read is yours, Professor. However I rarely understand it without a little research. I'm lazy when it comes to the internet. I want to log on, have a little fun and get off. Mmm, sounds dirty. heh

RM: I guess my blog is a bit technically minded.

Vocidy: Si, senor

RM: Speaking of which, I am somewhat obligated to ask you a few tech questions, but I'll keep it light for you. Which operating system do you use?

Vocidy: Windows XP. I have no preferance as to systems. Some hate Windows or Mac (or Linux I suppose) but I'm not the only one who uses this computer and Windows seems to be the most user friendly to my dear, computer ill-literate parents.

RM: What is your primary need for a computer?

Vocidy: Compilation. All my music, writing and pictures are all here. A very very close second would be the people again. I likes me MSN Messenger.

RM: Well, here is your chance to say anything about you, your blog, or anything you want.

Vocidy: Umm... moo? I don't really know. or should I say "quack"? I am Vocidy, Voice of the Duck.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now, who doesn't want to read a blog written by the Voice of the Duck? Please check out Brain Dribble. Thanks to Vocidy for allowing me to interview her.

Welcome to Our Internet

2005-07-23T11:52:00.000-08:00

The Internet evolves as all things do. The Internet is a special case, however, as it embodies the spirit of growth. Think about it. Everything you can find via the Internet is interconnected (therefore the term) by hyperlinks and content referencing more hyperlinks and content. As more hyperlinks and content are added, the Internet grows. If it can be said there is a single purpose, it would have to be growth. Where does the Internet stand today? Today is the Internet of "We", a wholly unsurprising development. After all, growth stems through production and spreading of thought, and that is exactly what the Internet has been doing. It is totally natural for the Internet to have reached it's new stage of social networking.

By social networking, I mean the various new applications that seem to spread not unlike a virus throughout the Internet today (the Internet is perpetuating itself!). Many people are now familiar with del.icio.us and digg. These sites, and many like them, share the goal of having users take a piece of content, whether they authored it or discovered it, and share it. This content is then loosed to all the other users that choose to partake in this ritualistic spreading of thought. It is then up to the Internet as a whole to deem the content "worthy" (in digg, this is done by voting on a piece of content, where the higher-rated content appears on the front page).

The Internet has always centered around sharing content. However, this newest phase in Our Internet is different. With Our Internet (am I killing that term yet? How about parantheses? I bet I killed those about a paragraph back), we not only share content, but judge it and spread it in an automated manner. Where once we would simply recommend content, we are now allowed to "pass" it through a barrier.

tags: internet

14" PowerPizza

2005-07-23T11:12:00.000-08:00

Desirable laptops are desirable to thieves too. Disguise your laptop with a PowerPizza and reduce the risk of getting it stolen.

Now, I like a PowerBook as much as the next macgeek, but I mean.. Pizza! I would much rather steal a nice pizza pie than a Powerbook.

read more | digg story

Mac OS X 10.5 to contain 'Red Box' for running Windows applications?

2005-07-23T10:27:00.000-08:00

Could Apple's decision to move to Intel processors be motivated by something more than IBM's inability to meet the company's processor demands? Now that Apple has chosen to go x86, is the rumored Red Box project back on? "Though the marketing terms later changed, back when Apple took over NeXT... (or the other way around...

A nice bit of spec. I can't speak for it, because I don't seem to have the magical sources that all the other internet writers/hacks have. Am I the only one who isn't related to the brother of the cousin of the grandmother of Steve Job's illegitamate son?

read more | digg story

The Moral Implications of the Powerpuff Girls

2005-07-23T02:36:00.000-08:00

This is what I get for watching The Island (I recommend it, by the way). I'm in the living room right now, where my baby sister is watching "The Powerpuff Girls."

For those of you not in the know, the Powerpuff Girls are a trio of superhero children. Their origin is, when actually analyzed, a bit dark.

Okay, here it is: a scientist combines Sugar.. Spice.. and Everything Nice with some chemical called "Chemical X." Now, you'd think this would be great. But think about this for a moment. He artificially created these girls. He didn't just imbue girls with magic powers.. he made them. From scratch.

Doesn't that creep anyone out?

Congress: TSA Broke Privacy Laws

2005-07-22T17:55:00.000-08:00

Congress decides that the TSA has broken privacy laws by collecting information on travelers.

read more | digg story

Game Over for Modders?

2005-07-22T14:41:00.000-08:00

When the smoke clears around the Grand Theft Auto sex scandal, the innocent bystanders of the collision between politics, puritans and corporate dissembling may prove to be the community of "modders" who tinker with game content for their own amusement.

read more | digg story

What to say if you get caught sleeping at work

2005-07-21T18:27:00.000-08:00

A list of excuses to use for those of you who slack off at work - Add your own to the comments.

aka more relevance

read more | digg story

$200 Billion loss in productivity

2005-07-21T18:25:00.000-08:00

$200 billion in productivity is lost due to employees surfing the web on work hours with work resources.

Seemed kind of relevant somehow...

read more | digg story

Modding your iBook's Apple Logo

2005-07-21T18:23:00.000-08:00

How to modify the color of the Apple logo on the back of your iBook...

This is very simple, and any iBook owner who can do something as simple as shave can probably pull this off. I'll definetly be giving it a try after I get the latch on my iBook repaired.

read more | digg story

Handheld Console Makes You Look In A Mirror

2005-07-21T17:17:00.000-08:00

I have to take a moment to digest this one.

Okay, I'm ready.

GENIUS! PURE GENIUS! Why have two screens when you can simply force the player to look at a reflection of the first screen!

bandai will buy "kidtendo" in 5 years!!!!!!11

read more | digg story

What OS X Could Learn From Windows

2005-07-21T17:10:00.000-08:00

It's true, Macintosh OS X is an awesome operating system. However, there are things more practical than market share that Microsoft Windows has over it.

read more | digg story

Spam King gives up spamming

2005-07-21T15:32:00.000-08:00

Anti-spam experts believe Scott Richter, the man dubbed the Spam King, has stopped sending junk email.

"The King is dead! Long live the King!"

Up until this point, I had no idea one man had such an effect on the "spamming market." This is really exciting.

read more | digg story

Google is changing things...again!

2005-07-21T15:25:00.000-08:00

A web design firm analyzes new methods for Google to enhance the accuracy of their search services. The collateral damage of this is increased data-mining and more secretive tactics. Extremely interesting article.

There's some good news and some bad news inside. I love Google dearly, but it looks like they are trying to manipulate the way the internet is perceived through the use of their search engine. They aren't doing anything illegal, but it shows they have the power to tip scales people shouldn't be allowed to tip.

read more | digg story

What is Podcasting?

2005-07-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

This article features an brief introduction to Podcasts as well as in-depth information on how to start your own Podcast.

This is something I've been considering pursuing. Audio is definetly more interesting than text. However, it is also more expensive to produce, and the demand for an interesting topic is greater. With my blog, I can say what I want, and I get what I'm paying for (it's free), even if no one listens. However, the cost of audio equipment and the like means that I would need an audience to make it worth my time and money.

read more | digg story

Grand Theft Auto goes 'Adults Only'

2005-07-21T06:55:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been avoiding the GTA "Hot Coffee" controversy, but now that it has reached it's conclusion, I suppose it's worth mentioning.

read more | digg story

Perplex City

2005-07-19T16:19:00.000-08:00

Perplex City is a game I heartily recommend. It is an "Alternate Reality Game", a game of immersion that reaches out to the player through e-mails, phone calls, websites, and what have you. Perplex City is looking to have an interesting and engaging style of play unique to the ARG genre. Check out Perplex City.

Now.

GENTLEMEN!!!!

2005-07-19T15:27:00.000-08:00

I present the PODROLL, my list of PodCasts that I am listening to you. I highly recommend anything that goes on that list, so please check them out. You can find them to the right and below the BLOGROLL!

2005-07-07T21:30:00.000-08:00

Well... fuck!

To London

2005-07-07T21:18:00.000-08:00

Have a safe and productive Friday. May God bless you and erase even a shadow of the 7/7 tragedy from your hearts. I'm praying for you.

Concerning London

2005-07-07T07:56:00.000-08:00

I'm sure most people have already heard of the horrible terrorist action that has occured in London. I'd like to come up with something witty to show how wrong this is, but we already know it. There is no excuse for destroying innocent people's lives.

According to BBC, an Islamist website had this to say:

In the name of God, the merciful, the compassionate, may peace be upon the cheerful one and undaunted fighter, Prophet Muhammad, God's peace be upon him.

Nation of Islam and Arab nation: Rejoice for it is time to take revenge against the British Zionist Crusader government in retaliation for the massacres Britain is committing in Iraq and Afghanistan. The heroic mujahideen have carried out a blessed raid in London. Britain is now burning with fear, terror and panic in its northern, southern, eastern, and western quarters.

We have repeatedly warned the British Government and people. We have fulfilled our promise and carried out our blessed military raid in Britain after our mujahideen exerted strenuous efforts over a long period of time to ensure the success of the raid.

We continue to warn the governments of Denmark and Italy and all the Crusader governments that they will be punished in the same way if they do not withdraw their troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. He who warns is excused.

God says: "You who believe: If ye will aid (the cause of) Allah, He will aid you, and plant your feet firmly."

Emphasis mine.

This is utter bullshit. You are not excused for murder if you warn the victim.

If everyone did withdraw from Iraq and Afghanistan, wouldn't those two countries only get to experience today's London tragedy on a regular basis?

I'd like to point this out to those who question our presence in other countries: Al Quaeda has a presence in many countries as well. Leaving well enough alone is neither practical nor morally acceptable.

tags: London , Terrorism , Iraq , Middle East , War on Terror , Current Affairs , Religion

2005-07-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

"... who knows what universal law says should or shouldn't be done in any situation. Let alone one of the human heart and emotion." - Esme Gaisford, July 4th, 2005.

War of the Worlds

2005-07-03T09:55:00.000-08:00

I saw Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds. It was a good film. I was tired when I saw it, so variouis scenes simply terrified me. I don't think I shifted so much during a film.

It is still difficult for me to figure out what the movie is about. I know it's not just about an alien invasion, though some people say otherwise. This movie told various stories: stories of human madness, stories of terrorism (and maybe even the holocaust). Much like so many episodes of Star Trek, there was a story of the human ability to survive.

The ending was a bit trite, but this is forgivable because, when H.G. Wells wrote the story, that kind of ending was new.

All in all, a great movie. If you're looking for realism and logic, it's not here. It's fun and there are some messages. Enjoy.

Tags: movies, Film

2005-07-01T08:07:00.000-08:00

It has occured to me that all good and popular blogs have a niche of some sort. My blog consists of rants that fit my mood with no predictable theme.

Clarification

2005-06-30T12:30:00.000-08:00

Sorry, Kevin, I didn't mean to say that you thought the government was avoiding responsibility. Instead, I meant to say that is my own thought as I read your post.

What I meant to say is that the government, being the reigning force in our lives (although democratically in most situations), has the option of avoiding lawsuits and the such because it needs to avoid bankruptcy, which is not good for a nation to face.

The problem is that lives could have been saved if the law were willing to intervene where they have the practical, not virtual, power to do so. Obviously there are rules, but look at what can be avoid if those rules are broken.

I don't claim to be an anarchist by any means, I just feel sometimes there are important things that need to be done before you can acknowledge the rules.

I hope this clarification works.

More Poor Legislation

2005-06-30T08:51:00.000-08:00

The Smallest Minority reminds us that government will do what it takes to avoid responsibility.

Government Commits Theft

2005-06-30T08:11:00.000-08:00

No, this isn't Watergate folks. This is contemporary legislation on the part of the Supreme Court.

From All American Patriots Law News...

In Kelo v. New Haven, the court reviewed property rights and found that that state and local governments have the right to seize private property for development by a private company if the property use will benefit the public. This ruling opens the door for states to take land for uses that promote economic development, such as offices or shopping malls.

I had heard some people on the bus to work complaining about this. At first, I thought they were hippies, complaining about perfectly decent legislation. But this is the raw deal. No hiding behind debt laws, not even a fair mention to "fighting terrorism". They can just let people take your land.

Hopefully a decent set of checks and balances will be put in place, although I haven't seen any indication that that is the case.

At least they aren't hiding behind any facade of justice.

Tags: Law

PS: Some people call it Kelo v. New London. Is there anyone who can clarify?

A Video Game-themed Wiki?

2005-06-05T10:56:00.000-08:00

That would be faaaaantastic!

I'm all for gender equality...

2005-06-05T10:44:00.000-08:00

... but get your dirty paws out of the Holy Bible. (Thanks to Josh for the link)

LBI Institute says its version, Judith Christ of Nazareth, The Gospels of the Bible, Corrected to Reflect that Christ Was a Woman, Extracted from Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, takes Thomas Jefferson's edited Gospel one step futher by "correcting" the gender of Christ and God.

"This long-awaited revised text of the Gospels makes the moral message of Christ more accessible to many, and more illuminating to all," says Billie Shakespeare, vice president for the publisher, in a statement. "It is empowering. We published this new Bible to acknowledge the rise of women in society."

Empowering women does not require deception. If feminists want to prove that women are as good as men, and I believe they are, they need to avoid displaying such lowly falsehoods.

Heheh... You said "Deepthroat"

2005-06-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

Before I knew anything, I was playing a game called Metal Gear Solid. In it, a secret informant contacts the protagonist, Solid Snake, via codec.

"Who are you?" asks Snake.
"Just call me Deepthroat."

That's when I first heard of the Watergate Scandal. Of course, being so impressionable, I spent a few months thinking that Deepthroat was a robot assassin out to kill President Nixon.

We all know who Deepthroat really is now, and if you think my guess was silly, you should see what this guy thought.

In a time when journalistic integrity is questioned, it's hard to accept Felt (that's Deepthroat, if you were living under a rock), who insisted on anonymity, as a hero. The concept of anonymous sources is a tricky one. Obviously, if the contents of my blog were of any real importance, I would not hide under my scholarly veil.

In the case of the Washington Post coverage of the Watergate Scandal, they were lucky. Woodstein knew who their source was, and the fact that they couldn't say so didn't absolutely kill the story. However, I would view this as an exception to the rule. Hitching your wagon to secret sources hurts the accountability of the source in question, and makes the reader cynical to whether you are telling the truth. By naming names, you earn yourself credibility.

New Mexico, Day 4

2005-06-05T10:13:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally burned. It took longer than I expected. To tell the truth, I'm kind of glad. It's a good excuse to stay inside, play some Fire Emblem, and avoid the family. I'll be back in Alaska in about seven days.

Thanks for watching.

Fully Cool

2005-06-02T14:02:00.000-08:00

I have a lot of time to kill on this trip. I'm currently on a flight from Houston to Lubbock. I just finished watching the fourth episode of FLCL, a crazy little Japanese cartoon from Gainax. Those guys are geniuses.

I think the main reason I love FLCL so much is because the protagonist reminds me of me. A child who suffers from the realization that fate does to you what it will and you can't pick the adults in your life. The tiny town of Mabase is so much like Juneau, Alaska in its smallness and utter quaintness.

The child learns an important lesson that I've been stalling for a long time. When it comes down to things, you need to "swing the bat." Something needs to be done? Do it!

EDIT: Posting this from Clovis, New Mexico. What a rotten city.

Quick Comment

2005-06-02T08:22:00.000-08:00

WooO! I'm blogging in a Houston airport. I can't believe I'm paying to use a wifi hotspot.

Isn't it funny that we now know who Deepthroat is and who Truth Peddler is in a relatively short span of time?

I feel like I should tell you all who I am.

EDIT: Blogger's "Recover Post" is awesome.

All of that MSM Hate

2005-06-01T09:34:00.000-08:00

Since I started my obsessive dive into blogging, I've started reading more blogs. I see a lot of hate for the mainstream media, a large group that hates bloggers for stealing their momentum and pointing out the overbearing hypocrisy that we've seen in Rathergate and the Newsweek Qu'ran scandal. You can get your daily dose of MSM hate at Media Slander. I see they are currently featuring a counter that tracks the days since Linda Foley made her controversial statement about the US Military targeting journalists.

Well, I'm up for a good fad. If hating the MSM is what it's at, I may as well get my say.

The MSM gets things wrong. That is currently stipulated fact in the blogging community, oft-known as the "blogosphere." However, bloggers get it wrong too. While blogging giants such as Captain Ed out there, getting it right, many unknown or unmentioned bloggers such as myself are getting it screwed up. Of course, the answer to this is to not get your information from just one blog.

This is going somewhere. There is a feeling of dissent against the MSM. We all love the bloggers now. I know I do. However, it's unfair to ever trust one source. Anyone who is surprised when poor journalism is practiced isn't realizing that this kind of thing happens a lot.

I'm not saying that the general practice forgives the act.

We need to remember that, by looking at multiple sources, we can avoid a life of one-sided hypocrisy. Some people read only newspapers. Bad idea. Some people read only certain blogs or blogs that only lean in one political direction. Another bad idea. I hate to admit it, but Kos is correct sometimes.

I consider myself a "well-rounded" information gatherer. I read many blogs, making sure to read a few new ones to see what is outside of the spotlight. I read the local paper, which is mostly AP run. And then, because I'm a total masochist, I read the Drudge Report.

tags: Blog News

The State; Not the Country

2005-05-31T22:23:00.000-08:00

I'm going to Clovis, New Mexico tomorrow. I don't tend to blog about day to day things anymore, although I still love my old bus post. However, travelling out of the city is so rare for me, I'll probably relate every event to you, dear readers, like a child home from his first day of school.

Clovis looks boring.

tags: travel

Old

2005-05-25T09:21:00.000-08:00

This may be the funniest filibuster post ever.

Thanks to Random Ravings for the link.

It Is Never Over

2005-05-25T09:06:00.000-08:00

The New York Times reports that the filibuster fight is actually not over.

I'm kind of dissapointed that The New York Times didn't see this coming.

For all the euphoria Monday night that the political center had held, the Senate compromise in the judicial filibuster fight did not noticeably de-escalate the ultimate battle now looming: that over a potential vacancy on the Supreme Court.

In fact, a new debate erupted almost immediately over the meaning of the agreement reached by seven Democrats and seven Republicans, which sought to preserve the right to judicial filibusters but restrict their use to "extraordinary circumstances."

You mean "extraordinary circumstances" wasn't entirely clear and strictly defined?

Oh

"This agreement is a shot across the bow toward the president," said Senator Charles E. Schumer, Democrat of New York. "Don't pick someone too extreme or you'll run into trouble."

Oh boy, I feel like cueing up some dramatic theme music. Obviously the Democrats are actually the nation's political police. If they don't like who the President nominates, it is automatically extreme.

Of course, if Arlen Specter gets picked for Chief Justice, that is pretty much a non-issue.

Senator Arlen Specter, the Pennsylvania Republican who is chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said on Tuesday that the agreement left a healthy amount of uncertainty about the separation of powers in judicial nominations. "Everybody's on tippy-toe about how to proceed," Mr. Specter said, "and that's the best way."

Hey! I think he likes it!

Tags: filibuster news politics judiciary senate

Filibuster Compromise

2005-05-23T17:44:00.000-08:00

Doesn't look good to me. The Captain's Quarters is live-blogging the whole thing. Thanks to La Shawn Barber for the link.

And now... something completely different

2005-05-20T16:08:00.000-08:00

Unsurprisingly, the fight for filibusters and judges continues.

I guess I fit the definition of a radical conservative (oxymoron) quite well. I think the filibuster does nothing but slow down an otherwise progressive process. I understand there are sometimes advantages, but those are exceptions. In the long run, the filibuster only serves to slow things down and push agendas where the vote would aid the majority.

The Revolution Was Not Televised

2005-05-19T17:15:00.000-08:00

What I mean to say is, all predictions of a magical May 19th were false. Not entirely surprising, but a tad dissapointing. However, with has been heard thus far, the Nintendo Revolution *will* be quite awesome. And besides, who knows? The controller may be quite ground-breaking.

Actually, I think it would have to be. Nintendo is aiming to allow the Revolution to play many old Nintendo games, and this means the controller would have to be fairly flexible in design. Either that, or quite bulky.

God, I hope not.

Gamespot Goes Against the Wall

2005-05-19T14:04:00.000-08:00

Well, no real big surprise for the Revolution yet. But Reggie (I can't spell his last name, but his fans love him), the President of Nintendo of America, does an interview with Gamespot. This guy is awesome. He even uses that word! "Awesome!"

You can stream the download for free at Gamespot. Just scroll down and look for a segment called "A Man Called Reggie".

I'm kind of glad there isn't a big flurry of news today. I'm getting lots of homework done.

Nintendo's E3 Surprise?

2005-05-18T16:04:00.000-08:00

There is a lot of active marketing from supposed third parties surrounding the up-and-coming "Nintendo Revolution," the newest entertainment system from Nintendo. The rumor mill is running wild as some people have actually hypothesized VR gaming. I don't mean like the Virtual Boy.

An anonomyous man called Aries started making outrageous claims for the system, claiming he was part of a third-party development studio. I initially considered him another internet ego-hound, but his early claims of the Revolution having the ability to download old Nintendo titles and Super Smash Brothers (with online multiplayer) being a launch title has suggested that he may have some credibility.

He says the truly Revolutionary aspect of Nintendo's new box will be announced on the 19th at E3. Could be a load of bull, but a load of bull is excuse enough to stay home and rant about.

In short, look here tomorrow for news and information that I've leeched from other bloggers and news sources.

Hey, that's what bloggers really do. Don't act offended.

An Interesting Point of View

2005-05-16T06:34:00.000-08:00

La Shawn Barber has an unique take on why Vicente Fox's race-based comment is wrong.

More Final Fantasy Fanboy-ism

2005-05-15T17:04:00.000-08:00

So, a couple of parents named their newborn child "Sephiroth." Hey, that's fine. Name your child after one of the evilest characters ever to grace a popular video game!

If you just don't see the stupidity yet, you might consider downloading a video I made. Please RIGHT CLICK AND SAVE (saves bandwidth, it's the only way it'll work, and it makes baby Jesus happy) my Tribute to Sephiroth's Birth.

Tags: video games, parents, children

Final Fantasy Fanboys

2005-05-10T17:37:00.000-08:00

Begin joyful fainting...

now

Happy Mother's Day

2005-05-08T11:14:00.000-08:00

Have you built a shrine for your mother lately?

I Think E-Mail is Incriminating

2005-05-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

My brother must have been bored. I know he had class when he sent this.

------------
From: David Moriarty
To: The Prof
Date: May 4, 2005 10:07 AM
Subject: you better not do this again

If you ever read my e-mail again I'm gonna beat the living shit out of
you, that is, if mom doesn't beat me to it.
---------

Okay, first, don't e-mail threats via an e-mail address that has your real name. Also, I read your e-mail because it was there when I was changing your email password, which I did because you already hit me. Guess how smart it would be to follow that up with another threat.

You are sick. No one should depend on their fists and threats so much. Also, the e-mail incident happens several days ago. The fact that you are still focusing on this is disturbing, to say the least.

You are going to have a hell of a time getting a job. Threatening annoying customers, your boss, and coworkers is not considered an employable job skill.. unless you want to work for the mafia.

Sandwich Conundrum

2005-05-02T15:57:00.000-08:00

A "hamburger" features beef.

A "turkeyburger" features turkey.

What the hell do you call a sandwich with ham?

Can you even get pork patties?

Internation Copyright Issues

2005-05-01T18:48:00.000-08:00

Canada is one of 14 countries on the United States' piracy watch list.

The United States placed a total of 14 nations on its “priority watch list,” with China added to the list this year. The others included Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, Turkey, and Venezuela.

What sets these countries apart?

It doesn't seem practical to make business out of piracy anymore. With the advent of peer-to-peer file-sharing, you either have easy access to movies, music, and writings, or know someone that does.

The internet has taught us that, if crime is easy enough, it doesn't count. While I know that the RIAA doesn't have our best intentions in mind, it is good that people are fighting for copyright law. People need to know that, just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should or that it's right.

Tags: copyright P2P

Snow Organ

2005-04-30T13:19:00.000-08:00

It's a slow week in news, I guess.

My Excuse

2005-04-30T12:54:00.000-08:00

It is my firm belief that out of all hobbies and time-wasters, video games and television are the two most grade-detrimenting. Unlike sports, dating, excercise, and reading, video games and television don't require much actual brain power. Of course there are exceptions, but they only serve to contrast the members that define the rule.

If my idea of fun consisted of actual activity or brain power, I would probably work harder on homework. Homework requires an equal or more amount of concentration. Video games and television require no effort to start and no effort to practice.

If you don't have to work to do something, you are more likely to do it. Once again, there are exceptions, but let's work within the context of the issue.

To do homework, you must first decide that you will do it, and second, you must decide to stick with it. It can be said that the same goes for television or video games, but the weight of those decisions is far less.

If you need to get your grades up or work on a project, I suggest getting a hobby that is less accessible.

Tag: school Life Work Games

Polyforumist Dies in Satirical Tragedy

2005-04-29T12:51:00.000-08:00

In what can be listed as only the saddest demise for a netizen ever, a man died during a week-long forum-posting session.

Computer forensic specialists from SUNY at Cortland discovered that Wanamaker was subscribed to 48 different forums and networking communities including one apparently having to do with the elderly called "oldtimers" and another apparently limited to just 100 people. They also found that he posted a comment into one forum or another on an average of two per minute every hour of the day for the past seven weeks.

It reminds me of my initial fears concerning blogging.

(Source: Blogger Buzz)

Tags: blog web internet

Nokia N91 Music Phone

2005-04-28T18:24:00.000-08:00

Nokia has announced a phone that holds 4 GB of music. That is to say, it has a 4GB harddrive on it.

You know what that means?

That's right...

Somebody is gonna install Linux on one of these bad boys. It is inevitable.

[Blogger Interview] Freedom of...'s Truth Peddler

2005-04-27T15:12:00.000-08:00

This is my first post from work in a long time. Let's get down to business.

Let me tell you that Truth Peddler is a man of conviction. If you've ever read a post from Freedom of..., you know what I'm talking about. You may not agree with him, but he doesn't seem to care.

The most important thing about blogging is telling it like you see it and I don't think anyone does a better job than Truth Peddler. This family man just won't back down! Combine those qualities with a great writing style and you pretty much have the best kind of blog that I can think of.

That's why I present this interview, the result of a grueling e-mail inquisition. It provides some insight into Mr. Peddler that I think his fans will find interesting and will hopefully interest others in checking out his blog.

---

1) How long have you been blogging?
Since June 2004.

2) Why did you choose a blog over other forms of media (such as books, tv, video, etc..)?
Mainly because I'm lazy. Blogging let's me write whatever I want, when I want, with minimal effort, and I don't have to worry about editing or revising. Another reason is because I don't have a face for TV and my thick Southern accent doesn't make for easy listening.

3) What would you say is the main vision or purpose of your blog?
Main? Don't really have one. I just strive to keep things family friendly and kid safe. And I like to promote a convservatice, Christian viewpoint.

4) How long have you been a follower of Christ?
I asked Christ into my life at 13. But when I got to high school, I didn't exactly hang out with the "right crowd". That lasted through college and when I turned 21 things really went down hill. I was still in church, just not paying any attention. I guess that's why people call Christians hypocrits. But they fail to see the next part. At 24 my life choices caught up with me and God started knocking at my door again. I rededicated my life and haven't turned back since.

5) What is the most important thing in your life?
God first and foremost. But of earthly things its my family without a doubt.

6) If money were not an option, what would your ideal life be like?
I'd own a baseball team, preferably the Braves. And it wouldn't be expensive for people to come to watch. I'd make tickets cheap no matter where you sat and wouldn't give the best tickets to companies. It'd be all for the fans. I'd also have throw back days where everything--prices, food, uniforms--would be like the 20's and 30's. How awesome would that be?!

I'd also like to have a big house with lots of land for the sole purpose of building little league baseball and softball fields. My wife played softball in college and wants to coach some day. This would give her that chance. It would also give me a chance to coach my son.

Lastly, I'd like to form some kind of ministry for kids based around baseball and softball. Parents seem to take there kids to games more than they do church. So I think this could turn into something vital for a lot of communities.

7) How long have you been married?
Since November 9, 2002...I think.

8) If we could only see one of your blog posts, which would it be and why?
Man, that's a tough one. They're all so mediocre I'm afraid everyone would be bored regardless!

9) Plug your favorite blog.
I'm Not Working is the best blog around! The Prof is witty, smart, and gramatically accurate. That's because he's a real professor--regardless of what the player haters try to tell me.

10) Finally, here's your chance to say anything about you or your blog that want to say.
I'm a uber-normal guy. You can probably tell from question 6 that I love baseball. I like a lot of stuff from the 80's--mainly becuase that was my childhood. I like posting pictures of my son because I think he's cuter than most babies on commercials or shows. I guess that's about it.

---

Whew! I'm tired from copying and pasting!

Remember, The Prof recommends Freedom of.... If you don't read through Truth Peddler's impressive archives, baby Jesus will cry.

I Hate E-mail

2005-04-21T19:44:00.000-08:00

Here is the worst e-mail correspondance ever.

From: (dad)
Date: Thursday, April 21, 2005 11:58 am
Subject: a short poem

P.E.
for me.
And thee?
--me

From: (me)
To: (dad)
Cc: (dad's home address)
Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2005 2:56 PM
Subject: Re: a short poem

Dad

Even with my College-level composition-based intellect, I cannot derive> meaning or purpose from your prose. Perhaps you could explain your dictioin?

Also, I'll be going to Sweet Dream after work this afternoon. Would you please pick me up on your way home from the gym?

Thanks

(me)

From: (dad)
Date: Thursday, April 21, 2005 4:08 pm
Subject: Re: a short poem

I'm surprised that this is beyond you.

P.E. is Physical Education (that's high school level isn't it?).
thee is Bible talk for "you".

So, Physical Education for me, and what about you?

Sorry I over estimated you.
dad

Tea Blogging

2005-04-19T17:48:00.000-08:00

Oh man, have you guys heard of this Bubble Tea stuff!? This is seriously amazing. It's so good I'm going to take a break from the somber concept of tolerance to just talk about Bubble Tea!

This is a little tea product from Taiwan that features milk, tea (duh), and some sort of flavoring. For example, I am currently sipping on a Vanilla/Strawberry Thai Tea.

Here's what makes it really strange. At the bottom of the concoction are little bubbles of tapioca. This stuff is chewy and tends to take on the flavor of the tea.

I think I'm going to die of happiness when my Ban Mi sandwich gets here.

Seriously, if you are ever in Juneau, visit Sweet Dream Tea Shop.

Eternity of Tolerance Part Deux

2005-04-18T20:14:00.000-08:00

Tolerance is the ability to experience exposure to potentially harmful amounts of a substance without showing an adverse effect.
www.bio.hw.ac.uk/edintox/glossall.htm

I'm laughing right now. I'm guessing that people who wish to be tolerant may not want to exhibit so much tolerance that they have to endure harm.

I look at harm a little differently than others. I feel being made to endure stupid ritual and immaturity is the same as suffering harm.

This collides with my belief in the standard American rights, the first being Freedom of Speech. Hot damn, what a difficult one. The unmentionable Days are perfectly excusable forms of Freedom of Speech. This means that I feel they should not be stopped by opposing forces, but said forces should be allowed to express their distaste.

Hopefully this post serves to elaborate on my position on the line of "tolerance" and "mule-headedness".

Eternity of Tolerance

2005-04-15T18:24:00.000-08:00

After the laughable attention-fest of Day of Silence is the Day of Truth, a fundamentalist Christian counter-Silence Day. It seems every group on any side of any issue has to prove how much holier they are.

These Days are just ridiculous. No one is changing anyone else's mind, and the idea of designating days of the year to spread one-sided ideals is just immature.

Now that the two Days are over, I propose a new series of Days. It's called Eternity of Tolerance. It's an Eternity dedicated to everyone doing their thing how they want (where the law allows) and use mature conversation and discussion to settle disagreements. When it starts, supporters nation-wide will wear whatever they want and talk as much or as little as they care to. It starts now and will end when after the Apocolypse.

365 days a year we tolerate eachothers opinions and grow the fuck up.

You don't have to sign up. Since it's an Eternity of tolerance, you won't need a safe room. People won't loathe you. There will be no controversy, but it will allow for all of us to develop ourselves in a manner befitting human beings.

She Needs More Power!

2005-04-13T16:11:00.000-08:00

I did some rough (read: very rough) math to figure out how much time will be required until GMail accounts reach 3 GB of space.

I did this assuming that it's rate of increase stays at a constant. When I did this, the space was approximately 2090.0000.

It takes approximately 2 seconds for 2090.0000 to turn into 2090.0010

That means it takes about 20 seconds for 2090.0000 to turn into 2090.0100 and 200 seconds for 2090.1000. So on and so forth.

It would take about 2 million seconds for 2090 mb to become 3000 mb, or 3 GB.

I divided 2 million seconds by 60 seconds (as in, how many seconds in a minute.)

It would take 33333.33.. minutes to reach 3 GB.
Divide by 60 (60 minutes in an hour)
It would take 555.55.. hours
Divide by 24 (24 hours in a day)
It would take 23.148... days.

Considering I rounded down for the initial figure, it would take close to 23 days to reach 3 GB.

I hope I did the math right, because I marked May 6th on my calender.

Tags: Google Gmail Storage arithmetic

Mutes for Homosexuals

2005-04-13T06:26:00.000-08:00

Today my school is running an event called "The Day of Silence." On this day, students who choose to participate don a pink ribbon and don't talk at all. They go to all their classes, hang out with all their same friends... but they don't talk.

This is meant to represent the silence that some Homosexuals and Bisexuals, as well as transvestites, face in their communities.

How utterly ridiculous.

I understand the cause is good. I understand the symbolism. I don't understand who the hell the participants are helping. No one is going to see a bunch of silent students and think, "I should be nice to my child when he wears my wife's clothing."

No one outside of Juneau is going to hear more than a blurb about the event. In this scenario people have made up their minds on where they stand on the issue. No amount of symbolism can break that.

If you want to make a point, actively do something. Be a good Democrat and lose 20 pounds of fat protesting in front of a building. Go door to door and spread awareness on the issue.

I think most participants of "The Day of Silence" simply wish to be "individual." There is a certain rebel element to not talking at all. There may be those who wish to be "Holier than Thou" in their silence.

This whole thing stinks of fake empathy.

Those who think they are actually doing something, look at the facts. No one will be touched by your silence.

However, I'm glad I don't have to hear some of the more idiotic students talk today.

Tags: homosexuals

Why Didn't I Think of That?

2005-04-07T20:21:00.000-08:00

It's like these rules were written for me.

Why yes, I do read Slashdot!

Tags: blog

Marilyn Manson Anatomy

2005-04-07T11:18:00.000-08:00

I'm out to find out if Marilyn Manson has boobs.

Tags: Music Manson

Bagel Blogging

2005-04-06T10:17:00.000-08:00

My class went to the Silverbow Bakery for class today. I'm not much of a fan of bagels, but it turns out that bagels made by people who know how to make bagels actually taste good.

Even better, this bakery has WIFI! Seriously, that is the last thing I'd expect a bagel resturant to have. I was at a coffee shop that lacked wifi. How does one have a hip trendy coffee shop (complete with COUCH) without wifi? But no, I can always depend on a bagel resturant.

This really destroys my sense of all universal truths.

I have some free time before the next period of the day. I'm sitting in a bagel shop, waiting for my girlfriend to commit some god-forsaken act of female hygiene. Seriously, why did God make women so "icky"? That really is the only word to describe it.

The sheer volume of liquids their bodies manage to conjure without warning is shocking and horrifying. I like women, but their constant ability to emulate a drippy faucet is just plain baffling.

I'm starting to regret having eaten that bagel. I'd run to the bathroom to remedy the situation, but the female ritual continues.

As I type this, a fellow student is making out with a bagel shop employee behind a curtain in the resturant. How obvious can you get? You think they'd at least try to stay quiet.

Nothing is quite as inspirational as wireless internet. When I find out that I'm in the midst of a sperm-killing stream of bandwidth, I just have to pull out my laptop and say something. Needless to say, this leads to "blogger's block" and rambling.

Okay, the scene behind the curtain is too quiet now.

Ike Speaks Again

2005-04-05T21:48:00.000-08:00

My favorite quote from Eisenhower:

"Our basic aspiration is to search out methods by which peace in the world can be assured with justice for everybody."

Many people view justice differently. Some people feel that justice is leaving others to their devices. Some people feel that justice is taking an active role to spread happiness, even if it costs something.

How do you perceive justice in an international sense?

Ike Says

2005-04-05T21:40:00.000-08:00

According to the American History text I am made to read, President Eisenhower said:

"Should any political party attempt to abolish Social Security, unemployment insurance, and eliminate labor laws and farm programs, you would not hear of that party again in our political histroy."

Eisenhower was doubtlessly wiser than I am, but I'm certain that any party that take a serious approach to doing any of the above will be remembered for a good long time. However, you can be sure that such a party would never come into office afterwards, and rarely does someone have the brass to do such things in the first place.

Tags: history politics

Dr. Professor

2005-04-02T15:15:00.000-09:00

The Love Doctor, that is.

Everyone knows that relationship needs proper maintenence from time-to-time. We'll call it "patching."

Now, as everyone knows, when you get a new computer, you need to do the same. But you also need to make sure that it is properly patched when you first set up that new computer.

The same goes for relationships. When you first get into a relationship, you may feel inclined to ignore little problems.

Don't. They come to bite you on the ass later. When you try to resolve Issue A (not the same as my previous post, stay with me here), Issue B may turn out to the key to solving it.

Confronting one issue is hard enough. You don't want to have to solve two issues at the same time.

Because Issue B might have it's own Issue C attached to it. Then it's just messy.

Meta-debate

2005-04-02T14:13:00.000-09:00

You know what I hate?

First, blogs that ask those kinds of questions.

Second, it's when you try to confront an issue with someone (known as arguing), and then they pull out a "red herring." I'm just trying to resolve "Issue A", and all of a sudden.. "ISSUE B!" attacks. Where the hell did ISSUE B come from anyway?

It turns out, by diluting a conversation by going off-topic, you can limit the amount of relevent information that comes your way. If you do this enough, you may be able to run out enough time to never recieve any relevant information.

Why didn't I think of that? Next time ISSUE B! comes my way, I'll just bring up issues C, D, and E. Three alternate, non-relevant issues at once. They won't know what hit them.

It's called politics.

E-Mail Rocks

2005-04-01T16:08:00.000-09:00

Here is a correspondance between my father (a programmer in Douglas, Alaska) and I.

From: (my dad)
Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2005 4:32 p,
Subject: fyi

Something every serious programmer needs.
http://www.juneaumovies.com
dad

From: (me)
To: (my dad)
Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2005 2:42 PM
Subject: Re: fyi

Wait. every serious programmer needs an online movie schedule?

Even more importantly, how come we never thought of checking this when> we didn't have access to a newspaper?

From: (dad)
Date: Thursday, March 31, 2005 4:15 pm
Subject: Re: fyi

Evidence seems to succest that somebody is not a serious programmer.
-w

From: (me)
To: (dad)
Sent: Friday, April 01, 2005 2:52 PM
Subject: Re: fyi

I don't about serious, but you're a typic programmer.

Step 1: Create a rule (i.e. every serious programmer uses/needs this)
Step 2: Identify programmers who don't follow the rule
Step 3: Obliquely insult them from another city during work hours

Cya Sunday

From: (dad)
To: (me)
Date: Fri, 01 Apr 2005 15:41:52 -0900
Subject: Re: fyi
Indeed, as you yourself demonstrate.
dad
p.s. I can remember when you would have never used a word like "obliquely"

By the way, the e-mail addresses are consistent throughout the series, but the timestamp on my father's last e-mail uses a different format. Could anyone tell me why that might be?

April Fools

2005-04-01T07:29:00.000-09:00

I'm no good at coming up with gags, but you can find my favorites here and here.

2005-03-30T21:56:00.000-09:00

The Wonket has a cute laugh. I want to marry her.

CSPAN ROCKS

2005-03-30T21:40:00.000-09:00

They are talking about "Opinion Journalism" on CSpan. So far I see a columnist from the Times of London named Simon Jenkins, Ana Marie Cox of Wonkette, and some dinosaurs.

It's weird to hear the word "blogosphere" on TV.

Ms. Cox is being scary as usual. I love her.

Blogger Stereotypes

2005-03-30T17:15:00.000-09:00

I've noticed that most popular blogs are owned by three kinds of people:

People with law or computer science degress
People who have really cool or strange friends to blog about
People who are rich enought to purchase a million gadgets to review and dissect

So, what do people who don't fall under the above categories blog like? Probably like this.

No Blogging

2005-03-30T08:37:00.000-09:00

Oops.. no seat was available where I could blog without being noticed. Sorry.

The Not Working Stunt

2005-03-30T08:21:00.000-09:00

I'm going to try to blog during a meeting. If they find out, bad things will happen. Wish me luck. The meeting is in less than 10 minutes.

The Other Life

2005-03-29T08:35:00.000-09:00

When I'm Not Working at work, I'm Not Working at school. This year I chose to take "School Career Connections." It's a freshmen-targeted class I chose to take so I could get an easy "A". Big mistake. Right now I'm sitting in the school library while they "teach" me how to use a computer. I thought every kid had an e-mail address and library card. This is kindergarten stuff.

Nice wireless connection in this area, though. I'll have to hang out here more often.

Did you know that the address for the student file space is ftp://10.6.1.74 ? Who knew?

Tags: library school

Devil May Cry 3...

2005-03-28T17:51:00.000-09:00

... is too hard. I've just spent over three hours trying to beat Mission 3.

Thankfully, I chose to purchase this game instead of rent it. It's quality fun with an awesome soundtrack and interesting enemies. I'd say it's the best game in the series. Of course, I've only seen 3 missions, so I suppose I'm being a bit premature.

Tags: video games

Happy Seward's Day

2005-03-28T07:52:00.000-09:00

Anybody who has gone through 2nd grade knows of Seward's Folly, where he purchased that stupid piece of crap territory next to Canada. Who knew it would be worth so much? The Russians didn't...

Seward isn't a name that many non-Alaskans think of. However, ever year I consider that, if Seward hadn't purchased Alaska, my parents would have never met in Juneau.

Now that I think about it, we may have a lot to blame on Seward.

Self-deprication aside, I'm choosing to celebrate Seward's Day by staying home and renting Devil May Cry 3. I'll let you know how it goes.

Rock-a-bye

2005-03-26T18:27:00.000-09:00

It may be time to retire (go to bed) early. A game of Dungeons and Dragons (I know! I know!) followed by an hour of Dance Dance Revolution is really way too much.

The heroes (my foes, naturally) were... heroic? They were nice enough to defeat the demon who plagued the princess who held them hostage. Awwwwww....

Dance Dance Revolution (DDR from here on-out) is made of evil. It's monitor and electronic "dance pad" is covered in that goo from "Ghost Busters". However, that same ghostly glop is what holds my feet to the game. I'm very passionate about it.

It's really much like my old Magic: The Gathering (does the loser-ness ever stop?) addiction. I pump in hundreds of dollars for a little fun, and when it's over.. here's another few hundred.

It's like I'm going to these companies and saying, "Spank me harder, sir!"

Tags: ddr d20

Save Yourself!

2005-03-25T22:50:00.000-09:00

Tag: blog

I had no idea this is what I had signed up for.

I was reading some blogs, just for fun. "Maybe," I thought, "I can get an idea or two." I got an idea, all right. An idea... OF HORROR!

I've browsed a few blogs before, but I hadn't noticed how much time people dedicate to their webspace! Look at this Glenn Reynolds guy! I think he posts every five minutes on a slow day! Does he even eat?

I'm horrified. This will make my third post this evening. What's next... five posts in an evening? And then after that.. 10? 20? 100?

What if I stop breathing because it slows down my typing?

I know there isn't any escape. Let this be a warning to any would-be bloggers!

Don't blog!

Wheels on the Bus

2005-03-25T18:09:00.000-09:00

Ah yes, my first experience of blogging on the go. For those of you who are technology proficient, I'm not actually blogging this live. Instead, I am writing my thoughts in TextEdit (I save vim for HTML). Afterwards, I will relay these thoughts on the blog.

Why am I bus-blogging? I feel my daily trip home provides insight into the type of person I am. You rich car-owners may not know this, but there are more than the occasional drunk riding the bus. Okay, the occasional drunk pretty much has everyone else outnumbered.

The cool thing about the bus is that I can get intoxicated from the scent of the other passengers. Needless to say, I save lots of money by not needing to purchase my "anti-depressants."

So, what personalities invade the bus? Let's take a look with.. A LIST!

The Old Guy: He was going to buy a car. Now he just hopes he can afford retirement before he turns 90.
The Women: They... just kind of talk a lot and smell really nice.
The Mobile Socialite: Everyone is this man's best friend. It's really nice to have someone on the bus who greets you everyday.
The Thugs: They be so gangsta!
The Hip Blogger On His iBook:This guy is just so handsome! His computer is awesome (1.2 ghz ibook G4, baby) and he writes a lot of insightful comments. His blog is awesome, too! I really like his hair.

I love riding the bus. Most people hate the bus, but it feels like a mini-community to me. The men and women who ride the bus home everyday are almost like close friends to me. I wouldn't trade it for any car (SEND CASH).

Rubbernecking takes on a whole new dimension when you are riding a bus. In most cars, up to five people can join you in the rubbernecking, and hopefully the driver is not. On a bus, you have a whole bunch of (mostly silent) people suddenly break out into awe-inspired chatter. It's the bus-community equivalent of celebrating a birthday.

The bus moves slower than the cars on the road. That's okay, though, because the bus is much larger. Looking down at the passengers of the car next to me is practically a hobby.

There is one thing I dislike about the bus. The laptop gets really warm really quick, and I don't have a desk. I'm considering using the passenger next to me.

Travel Update: The bus just passed a truck full of girls jumping on the tail. Odd.

I already have a new "favorite thing about blogging." I get to update this stuff as I see it. I suppose it helps that my means of recording information is portable. You could always use a dead tree and some charcoal or something.

Travel Update: We're almost to the center of the bus route. It's a little mall that has next to no business, but being the hub of all the routes in town helps a little. I like this part because most people start getting off at this point. I love my fellow passengers like family, but they smell funny.

Travel Update: A baby is crying. I hate the bus. I want a car. This stinks!

'Allo There!

2005-03-25T15:55:00.000-09:00

Hello, Hi, and Greetings. Welcome to my new place in space (see: cyber), "I'm Not Working". As the title suggests, I'm not working. I should be. It's the right place. It's the right time. But the vast frontier known as the "blogosphere" beckons. Join me on a journy of apathy!

This is the part I hate. I'm supposed to tell you what to expect. The fact is I'm lazy and you shouldn't expect very much. Given the title of this blog, I'm compelled to promise at least five posts a week (that's one for each work day). But what about content?

That's fairly open-ended. Is this a link blog? Why do you need another link blog? Go to del.icio.us , or even better, the new open-source de.lirio.us !

The best indication of future blog-posts should be my interests, I suppose. As you can tell, I like rambling. If your life is rambling-deficient, you should definetly bookmark this blog.

I'm a new Mac user. Do you like bloggers that like Macs? Give me a call and hit on me (sorry, girls, I'm actually taken. I know, I know, I have so much style and my iBook just makes you want me all that much more).

I play Dungeons and Dragons. Okay, I won't talk about that anymore.

I like to program! Yes! Who doesn't like programming talk? Let's get together and talk about variabls and code theory sometime!

Yeah right... I can do some HTML and PHP, and I'm just learning Java. But I would love to ramble about the newest apps that I acquire. I have a painful (yet so wonderful) addiction to new applications.

VIDEO GAMES! (Yes, I like them that much. Especially little indie deals and role-playing games).

I'm a major fan of feedback. Hell, isn't that why we start these godforsaken internet thing-ama-bobs? Leave a comment and tell me what you'd like to see, or I'll have to be open-ended. And you don't want that.

Because I'm not working, I can't tell you much. I can't tell you my name (or e-mail address, cause it has my name). Later on I'll get a new e-mail address just for this. I love fresh G-Mail accounts.

er-- does anyone have an invite?

Just kidding!

UPDATE: You can now e-mail me at madeofslothAAAAHSPAMGETITOFFGETITOFF@gmail.com ... just remove the giant anti-spam tag (hint: It's in all-caps.)