FeedTheDog and I were discussing this book at lunch today, and Kyro seemed interested. I said I would put it up here, as I think it's a book that more GnoSchitters would like. It is available in many formats at the link in the title for free, as it is distributed under one of the Creative Commons licenses. I very highly recommend it.
It's a book about a high school kid. He is in the wrong place at the wrong time, and ends up being accused as a terrorist. It discusses the loss of freedoms that the community goes through after a terrorist attack, and this technologically literate student rebelling against that. It's a very interesting read. All the technologies used in the book are accurate as well. There is a How-to (here) that explains how to create some of the homemade devices, or do a lot of the things done in the book. This includes things like discovering pinpoint cameras for extremely cheap, blocking/killing RFID chips, and removing camera specific noise from pictures. Very cool stuff for the people who want to secure their things to the extreme.
Some of the critics have compared it to Orwell's 1984. It is also classified as a Young Adult book, so the reading level is pretty easy. It's a book you can start, and finish, pretty easily in a week or two. Downside is it's all digital, so if you don't have a nice device to read on, you may need to pay for 200 pages of printing, or read off a computer monitor. Not a big deal for some (like me) but hopefully that doesn't scare you away from this great book.
Stop reading this post, and start reading the book.
Little Brother - Cory Doctorow
Come get your free NIN!
sleight of hand + toothpick = out of a job
I don't understand people anymore.
Pole Dancing on the Wii?! Could spell trouble!
Make sure you watch the video.
a Steely BBQ Weekend
Well, I guess CPM and me have been going round in circles for years now. How many? I can't possibly be expected to remember accurately.
Anyway...
We thought this year that it would be fun to have a big BBQ on the same day that our wedding actually was in 1997, specifically the 17th of May (and could somebody please double check that I got the year correct?).
So, if you could make it out that night, bring your own dead stuff to burn on the BBQ and something to drink, we'd love to see you. Hopefully the weather is warm and we can spend some of it outside (not like in '97 when it snowed on us).
Please email me to let me know that you can make it (or not). If coming, please feel free to bring a lawn chair or two so that we've got lots if we're outside. This night is kid friendly, so please, no weapons (or anything Metro would put in the trunk of his car).
Bonus points for anybody who gets the title of this post.
Ironman
Kyro and I are planning to see Ironman on Sunday at noon. Anyone else interested in the hero in iron pants is welcome to come.
Arkham Asylum Fan Film
If you've ever read Grant Morrison and Dave McKean's Arkham Asylum graphic novel you know just how dark and intense Batman can be.
Now some fans have created a short film adaptation (English subtitles) of this dark and creepy world and it looks very good.
I hope you enjoy it.
ABCs
New to me, and maybe you too? The Gashlycrumb Tinies
Buying the book now...
The Starlost
Yeah, I dunno what to tell you about this one.
I saw this show on First Choice / Superchannel in the early 80's, and at that time it must have been a re-hash/re-run already. Eerie to watch this sort of low budget stuff that is dripping out of my memory after 27 years.
Does anybody else as old as me remember this one?
(yikes)
On the plus side, you gotta love 50cm of snow predicted this late in April.
Wheeee!
I Don't Want To Blow You Up...
This is actually a coloring book promoting tolerance and understanding. It is designed for parents and educators to use.
To see some more of the book, which is strangely fascinating and slightly disturbing go here.
I'm all for understanding and tolerance so this is probably a good thing; yet whenever I read the title it makes me think of some clients that I do want to blow up. But that's a personal issue with corporate greed and bureaucratic stupidity, not race or religion, and they don't have a coloring book for that - yet...
UPDATE: This book brought to you by the same fine folks that produced It's Just A Plant: a children's story of marijuana.
The Plan (Same as the old, but more neato)
As DJ Punk-Roc would say...
"ever get the feeling we been cheated"
Let's see... hmmm....
1 Massive Investment Bank... check
2 Small Airlines... check
1 Jewerly Store... check
1 Bailout for Home Builders (instead of Home Owners)... check
Yep, all the pieces are falling into place. March was one doozey of a month, no doubt. Who would have thought a time would come were I would fancy the idea of sitting at home watching the economic melt-down of North American civilization on CNN while scarfing down microwave popcorn (and I do mean scarf, for those of you who haven't seen me eat popcorn recently, I just can't get the stuff in fast enough).
Really snarky replies will get edited/removed, this is the advance warning ;)
Silent Rave? Is that you?
"Dance in the streets, not in your room."
Silent Disco
Mobile Clubbing
Go Firewire Mobile
It's a sad day for me, sorta... I've been using a sweet Tascam digital mixer (the TM-D1000) for at least 5 years now and it has served me well. So well, that I had no need to upgrade it... until... (wait for it)... well, now.
You see, the whole setup in my PC is based around these two M-Audio PCI cards. One of which connects to the digital mixer to provide 8in/8out. The second card is the dedicated hi power master outs (24bit/96khz for the geeks out there). I was able to piece the setup together for less than a grand (which made the wife super happy), and I got my 5 years out of it for sure.
But now I'm faced with this need to "go mobile" and my current hardware, PCI cards, big mixing desk, etc... just won't do the trick. So, I'm forced to sell, and switch over to dedicated external firewire hardware. This means the M-Audio/Tascam rig is up for sale.
Tascam TM-D1000 Digital Mixer
and PCI Interfaces package
includes:
M-Audio 24/96 PCI Card (including breakout cable)(worth $80 to $100 alone)
M-Audio TDIF interface PCI Card (including breakout cable) (worth $80)
TM-D1000 Mixer (valued at $350 used)
- mixer has the FX-1000 Effects Board already installed providing 2 extra FX channels (adding another $100 value)
- all manuals still in good readable condition
- training Video included and quick reference card
Extra Stuff
- TDIF Link Cable (25') PCI card to Mixer
- MIDI Extension Cable (12') for external MIDI devices
- USB Device Cable (3') for keyboard or other USB recording peripheral
- burned CD with all the newest WinXP and Mac OS X drivers
- all the manuals and documentation,
- plus a training video on how to use the mixer
This setup has been used for mixing with NI Traktor 2/3, integrated with a DM2MIDI dm2 hardware interface and an external DJ mixer for DJ'ing (works awesome). It's been used for recording electronic music, guitar (both unprocessed and processed) and vocals. It's performed admirably every time.
I've setup this mixer to interface with Cubase (3 and up), Nuendo (2 and 3), Ableton Live (versions 5 and 6), Reason (2, 2.5 and 3) and Mackie Tracktion (2 and 3) all with no problems via the unified M-Audio ASIO drivers and the TDIF PCI connector board. The 8 channels in the digital mixer show up as 8 selectable channels in the software environment configs (see the screen caps).
Using Nuendo 2 (my favorite "heavy duty" setup - see screen caps), you can record and playback on a number of tracks simultaneously with minimal setup effort. Integration with NI Guitar Rig 2 was fantastic. Rewire performance was excellent (I would routinely run a 12+ track Nuendo project with another 6 to 8 tracks re-wired in from Reason).
It's a pain in the ass to let this setup go, but the need to 'go-mobile' for live setups has forced me into the MacBook/Firewire interface world. I've played around with a lot of different setups and software, and would be happy to answer any software questions you have before bidding. This is an excellent and complete entry point into digital mixing and recording on your computer that won't cost you $1000+ dollars.
So, there you go.
I gotta let the rig go, to make room for the more agile stuff (less gear for the buck). If I can find somebody I know that wants the stuff, I'm willing to let it all go for $380, otherwise, it's off to eBay/kijiji with it.
If anybody knows of anybody that has a 1GHz computer or faster and wants to get into recording, this is the maximum possible gain for the least amount of pain.
Screen Caps:
 |
| tascam_mau |
virus-free laptop
I just came across this information - a company out in BC has invented a virus-free laptop that costs less than $300 (virus-free because it does not have an internal hard drive - operating data is stored in a ROM chip). It seems that the target market is those who have not yet owned a computer. I'm curious about what your thoughts on this little machine are... how successful it might/might not be, good/bad idea, etc...
Specs
Freescale i.MX31 Processor
Supports 1024 X 768 True Color Video Output*
(RGB and LCD) Plus mpeg 2 hardware decoder
4 USB 2.0 ports, 1 USB 1.1 port (for keyboard)
2 SD slots
256 MB Ram
1 GB NAND Flash, containing read only file system (compressed)
128 MB Flash stick / mp3 player (external)
1 Stereo minipin audio out, stereo minipin line in, stereo minipin mic in
1 RGB out for VGA monitor
10/100 Ethernet jack, USB Wi-Fi
802.11 b/g WiFi
110-220 Volt input power supply
5-8 Hours of battery life
8.6" Diagonal SVGA display (4:3)
Supporting 800 x 600 True Color
*with internal LCD disabled
Instant Party!
Suppose I could convince work to buy one of these with the social fund?
I really want to try one out, see how sensitive it is. Would a dog walking by wagging it's tail trigger a party? Maybe that's a good way to entertain your pets left home alone? I could see Buddy and Nina grooving out all day, in the fog.
Looks like we are one step closer to replacing the DJ with a robot. Enjoy your DJing days while you can.
Hopefully the Jazz Bass Playing Robot takes a little longer to get going.
Come one come all!
I highly recommend you consider this play for a night of entertainment this weekend. I went to last year's version. It was awesome!
(As well, this year's version has a small cameo by yours truly.)
Cubicle Freakout (game - perhaps NSFW??)
So, killing the last few minutes of work today (OK, really more like 15.. OK OK! 20) I stumbled upon another game that made my laff my ass off. Pointless, random & hilarious. And so, I share with you :)
ENJOY
Why Move To Saskatoon?
We have less than a 0.6 vacancy rate, and yet people are still clammering to get in... haven't they seen that we are the the 2nd least-desireable city to live in???
What Am I?
You pick:
A) Brilliant
B) Psychic
C) Visionary
D) All of the above
I'm still flabbergasted by the media's belief that high def downloads (as a total replacement for physical media) are going to be realizable within the next 4 or 5 years, that's patent nonsense.
Let's do this thing!
I missed Rambo, but I will NOT miss this schlock-fest.
I'm off work from Good Friday until the following Wednesday. I'll be trying to get into a matinée that week for sure.
In the words of evil Ash:
"Who's with me?"
Garfield minus Garfield
Stumbled across this and enjoyed it greatly, hope you do too.
"Who would have guessed that when you remove Garfield from the Garfield comic strips, the result is an even better comic about schizophrenia, bipolor disorder, and the empty desperation of modern life? Friends, meet Jon Arbuckle. Let’s laugh and learn with him on a journey deep into the tortured mind of an isolated young everyman as he fights a losing battle against lonliness and methamphetamine addiction in a quiet American suburb."
Teachers' hefty salaries are driving up taxes, and they only work 9 or 10 months a year! It's time we put things in perspective and pay them for what they do--baby sit!
We can get that for less than minimum wage.
That's right. Let's give them $3.00 an hour and only the hours they worked, not any of that silly planning time.
That would be $19.50 a day (7:00 AM to 3:30 (or so) PM with
just 25 min. off for lunch).
Each parent should pay $19.50 a day for these teachers to
baby-sit their children.
NOW...
How many do they teach in a class, 30? So that's $19.50 x 30 = $585.00 a day.
However, remember they only work 180 day s a year!!! We're not going to pay them for any vacations.
LET'S SEE....
That's $585 x 180= $105,300 per year.
What about those special teachers and the ones with master's degrees? Well, I guess we could pay them minimum wage, and just to be fair, round it off to $7.00 an hour.
That would be $7 x 6 1/2 hours x 30 children x 180 days = $245,700 per year.
Wait a minute --there's something wrong here!
Average teacher salary:
$50,000/180 days
= $277/per day/30 students
= $9.23/6.5 hours
= $1.42 per hour per student.
A very inexpensive baby-sitter and they even try (with your help) to EDUCATE your kids!
WHAT A DEAL...
So, those numbers seem a little inflated in certain places, so even if we take the conservative minimums, what the 'babysitting' cost would be is more like this:
$3/hour x 6 hours/day x 24 students per class = $432
$432 x 180 school days in a year = $77,760
(and this very low conservative estiamte provides zilch for extra curricular and prep time, which I'm sure almost doubles it)
As for the current cost per chilld, let's re-use these numbers to see the actual figure, again, this won't include any time outside of the conservative 6 hours / day that we used above.
Average teacher salary:
$50,000/180 days
= $277/per day/24 students
= $11.57/6 hours
= $1.92 per hour per student.
No matter how you crunch the numbers it's an amazingly good deal. And in my opinion, it's not just a theoretically good deal, it's an actually good deal. Investment in our children is the only way to have a shot over the long haul.
As the investment in our health and education for our kids goes down, so will the chances at having a better future for them to live in. Seems like common sense to me.
Faith Fighter Game (NSFW)
NOTE: Not suitable for work environments or for those who are offended by religious parody.
This is a fun little game that I stumbled upon and wanted to share - it's worth a play, just to unveil the boss :)
I'm speechless
I guess it was inevitable...
Who is this guy? Maybe Colbert has it right:
The topic is ripe for ridicule: On The Colbert Report in January, host Stephen Colbert asked Levy, "Are these people who can't establish relationships with other human beings, are they by any chance people who write about love and sex with robots?"
Enemies Everywhere (Princeton)
Those bastards at Princeton are back to undermining north americas security again!
Well, it looks like we can't protect our computer data after all (and using Linux vs. Windows is apparently no protection, that makes me laugh so hard that it actually hurts a little).
But here's the big question in my mind.
Imagine if some 15lam0faci0 group uses this technique to steal important security data from a stolen laptop, and then subsequently uses that information to carry out a successful attack. Does that make these researchers accomplices to that act of terror? Are they not helping the evil-doers (jihadis and black-hats alike) by making this discovery public? Where is the outrage?
More importantly, where can I get a copy of there Bitunlocker software to use to amaze friends and co-workers with acts of digital legerdemain (say that 5 times fast)?
PS - word out to Rippin Kittin' for Friday night.
"Murder Me" Elmo Soon To Hit Shelves!
A mother in Florida replaced the batteries in her son James' Elmo doll only to have it start uttering death threats.
"Kill James" it says, which the kid is now repeating. Fisher Price says they are looking into it, but to me it smells like angry employee revenge!
I bet sales for the item increase ten-fold as Goth kids buy them for their boyfriends and girlfriends with the hope of Elmo uttering some sweetly homicidal greeting.
Hit the link to view the news report.
Apparently, Southern Cal and Nevada have been experiencing quite a few earthquakes in the last week. I found this map interesting.
Maybe its time to start buying up land in eastern Nevada. 50 years from now, "Memorial Coast" will be the place to be. ;)
I Say We All Move to Dubai
Really, what's stopping us?
What's going to be left here in North America if the US really falls? I'm a rat, and I will desert a sinking ship (every day of the week, and twice on Sunday).
If you can bear it:
The Fall of CRE
A real Tsunami that the world will feel
Bobby Fischer... Who Knew?
Everyone should be familiar with the name Bobby Fischer - a chess prodigy who dazzled the world with his prowess before going into reclusion.
Well apparently he died recently and in the wake of the announcement about the bio being made about him the video in the link was released. Somehow I don't think the material in the video will make it to the big screen, but if it does I may be forced to watch...
I'm not commenting one way or another. The interview segment in the short video took place mere hours after the 9/11 attacks.
Be warned the video has NSFW audio, so wear headphones if you're watching at work.
AT&T Decodes You
Stumbled upon this by accident, and couldn't believe the story.
Anybody else watch that pathetic excuse for a SoTU address last night? At least Obama's response was good. To bad he'll probably never be elected.
Left Handed?
Another national survey has found that more Americans believe the news media leans more to the left than the right.
The study by Sacred Heart University Polling Institute found 45.4 percent of the respondents think journalists and broadcasters are mostly or somewhat liberal. Just 15.7 percent think they are conservative.
44.9 percent view CNN as liberal; 41.9 believe The New York Times leans left; 40.3 for National Public Radio and 38.8 for MSNBC. 48.7 percent said FOX News is mostly or somewhat conservative.
And, as far as which outlet is "most trusted?" FOX News led the way with 27 percent, CNN at 14.6 percent; NBC News at 10.9 percent; ABC at 7 percent; local news 6.9 percent; CBS at 6.8 percent; MSNBC at 4 percent and Public Broadcasting at 3 percent.
FOX News led the way. I think that puts the whole American condition into perspective. ;)
Finished Shooting Batman 2
I hope they are finished shooting that movie, 'cause, he's dead.
Wonder why he was in the apartment of an Olsen twin.
Truth be told...
I think this really captures the essence of the situation.
Is the end near?
Once Warner Brothers jumped ship, and Paramount started making similar noises, it was almost inevitable that the Next Gen DVD War might be drawing to an end. Too bad that it's gonna be Blu-Ray though - it proves to Sony that if they stamp their feet like an angry child they will eventually get their way.
Oh, well. I'll give it a while before I call this over, but the future looks dim for HD-DVD.
It is worth noting that Bill Gates, in a recent interview, had a good point when he stated that the future will see the end of discs as downloads and portable storage get cheaper, more reliable, and more prevalent.
We Are the Toys
Sorry Gang,
No image on this one (still trying to figure out the Mac I now use at my new work).
Make sure you have sound and enjoy!
Marginally NSFW (but only if you're in a very conservative environment).
Should be especially relevant to you Gen Xers.
Now that I work in advertising I'll be periodically posting the best damn ads there are up here.
In the meantime:
Enjoy, We Are The Toys, and happy holidays!
are they seriously serious?!?
Saw a trailer for this on TV last night. All I can do is shake my head...
It's Coming...
I'm reserving judgement on this one until I see it - in January!
Dungeon Siege, The Movie
Thought some of you might be interested in seeing this one, a couple big names on the cast list.
Christmas Day Night (25th)
I think it's okay to still say Merry Christmas! around here, so I would like to start by wishing everybody such.
It sure has been another totally crazy year. Hard to believe where things are at considering where they were - if you take my meaning. I'd like to extend a warm invitation for all friends (who are really more like family) to please come by our place the night of Christmas Day after you are finished visiting with family.
Merry Holidays, Seasons Happiness and Christmas Greetings (or some other conjugations of those terms that best suit). Hopefully we see all of you that night!
UT3 for PS3 to have mouse/keyboard support
While this is an older review, the promise of 'true' FPS gaming on the PS3 peaked my interest. Here's what the reviewer posted on the subject:
"For those of you hardcore PC purists, mouse and keyboard controls will be available in the PS3 version through the USB ports on the front of the machine. In addition, the Sixaxis controller will get its usual nod and the motion sensor can be used to control where you look. The Sony rep apologized for it not being accessible on the demo I was playing, and he suggested that it was actually very accurate once you got the hang of it."
I think I'll wait on the FragFX.
Fear The Mighty Ninja!
You are cordially invited to become, for this one special day, a ninja!
Embrace your inner shadow and know the tranquility that overcomes one after performing an unobserved assassination!
You must bring your own shuriken, be prepared to spill blood (yours and others) and a healthy hatred of pirates (damn scurvy dogs!)
Check the link above for more info, including:
How to make a Ninja hood from a T-shirt
How to make paper shuriken
And of course: take THE QUIZ!
Welcome to the shadows my friends...
Open call for schitt heads.
The plan is for food at Winstons and movie at Galaxy (Hitman) TONIGHT
The details:
- meet at 6pm (or a little earlier) at Winstons for food
- see the 7:15pm showing of Hitman (the movie) at Galaxy
I'll Buy That For A Dollar!
The Movie Blog horror writer Serena makes a case for Nicholas Brendan - "Xavier" from Buffy - to be cast as Ash in the upcoming Evil Dead remake.
Sam Raimi has already confirmed that the remake is going to happen, so really, when I look at some of the other folks that have been considered for the role (Stifler for Christ's sake!!) Brendon seems like a damn spiffy choice for me.
What do you cats think?
Save your pennies
The cost of True Love ...?
Hm hm hm hm hm hmm-hm hm hm hm hm hm hmmm...
F1 Lawn Shredding
Take it to the next level by hooking up a remote and webcam and turning it into a game on the PS3!
Yardwork will never be the same again...
Who's Headed for the Theatre?
I have no time to see these films, but I really want to try and see at least two of them in the theatre over the next three to six weeks. I wonder if anybody else has an inclination and we can start talking about dates and times?
I've put them in order of what I want to see most, but I can be flexible about it.
Beowulf - what more do I need to say? I'll even be okay with the fact that Angelina "I might parachute in and stealth adopt your kid on you if you're not careful" Jolie is in it, as long as she doesn't suck to badly.
No Country for Old Men - I've never heard of the guy who is the 'killer' in this movie, but he looks hella menacing. The only apprehension I have is that the trailer for it self declaratively reported that it is an "instant classic", which sometimes translates as "total shiate". Tommy Lee Jones is in it - which goes both ways sometimes too - so I'm interested.
Lions for Lambs - taut political thriller/action with Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep. But Redford is in charge, and I really like his stuff, so maybe Tom can't or won't Scientoligize the whole project and it will deliver on the promise. Trailer looks great.
Golden Compass - nothing to report here, either you get it or you don't. On a related note, I still haven't seen Stardust (maybe it will be released on Blu-Ray and I'll see it all hi-defy on my anti-gravity field generating 1/2 blu-ray player, 1/2 video game machine*).
Hitman - I know, I know. It's a slashie (game/movie), but it looks like it might be neat. You'll also notice it's last on the list, but if enough people want to check it out, let's roll.
* or that Scottish Console for those of you who've been paying attention the last couple months.
So, any interest?
No, not to George Takei's backend! (sickos)
Revel in your nerdiness while on the links with this spiffy Enterprise putter!
Ooo, just in time for Christmas!!
Live long and prosper my friends! But just in case you wear a red uniform, or are planning on sacrificing your life to save the universe (again...) you may want to spend some of your soon to be useless galactic credits to buy yourself a Star Trek themed coffin or urn.
Time travel accidents or cellular regeneration on Genesis planets leading to resurrection is solely the responsibility of the customer.
Please ensure you have a significant other before purchasing one of these items, otherwise you will, in all likelihood, negate any chances of getting laid anytime soon!
Gmail Plus Addressing
Forced to give your email address?
Want to track where things come back from?
Gmail supports plus addressing, where you can include a bit of text, a 'memo' of sorts, to help you determine where things come from. Check out the linked article - having a Gmail address is one of those gifts that just keeps on giving.
Rock on.
(and Zombie was like 135.48% better than Ozzy, yeah, those are the facts and they are undisputed)
Brutal Super Mario
This just kills me. Granted, it contains very strong language and pretty stupid and mindless humor, but everytime Mario dies I can't help but giggle. The "worst thing ever" comment in the second video still makes me giggle every time I think about it.
Who's Impartial?
When big oil/old energy funds research, the impression is always that the research is tainted. But I'm starting to wonder what research isn't? I think the problem is that we live in such a deeply partisan society now, that the majority of research begins with an established conclusion firmly in mind.
It feels like the earth sciences have really lost their way - the search for truth has been replaced by the desire to be right. Just a few examples (at far extremes): Is anthropogenic carbon destroying the world? Is milk good for you?
Talisman energy. That just sounds ominous.
Quote of the day
This is off the website the movieblog.com about the new hitman movie.
"A source close to the project and a Fox rep both confirmed that director Xavier Gens is still on board, and the movie will absolutely come out with an R rating. Sources say it will most likely be a “hard R,” in fact. Which makes sense, since turning intense action game Hitman into a PG-13 movie would be like making a PG-13 biopic about Paris Hilton: What’s the point?"
When Techs Go Bad
Being a former tech and knowing whats wrong with computers in advance, I have seen this kinda thing when bringing parts in for replacement. It really is ridiculous.
Album Distribution
I'm sure / hope you have all heard about this, but I'm interested in starting a discussion about it.
Radiohead is releasing a new album, October 10th. They are offering it for sale digitally on their website for "what you want". So you choose how much you want to pay for a digital version of their album. For the collectors you can also order a huge box set that has 2 cds, art, records, and other stuff for 40 pounds or something.
What is everyone's thoughts on the actual album though? I currently pre-order it for $0 with the intent that once I listen to it, I will decide how awesome it is, and the buy it again for more to support the band, and this means of album distribution. I really like it because I don't like having the physcial cd crap cluttering my room, and I'll rip it to digital right away anyway, and put it on my ipod, and likely not touch the cd again. However, I can see how this wouldn't work as well for an unknown or less popular artist. Although costs are dropped immensely as there is not physical printing, so even if your fans are cheap, it is money going straight into your pockets as profit. Especially when you see stats that say only about $1 of a cd sales goes to the artist. I can't imagine even the evil cd pirates objecting to getting a full album for only $1 which would give Radiohead as much profit as a normal cd. Plus I don't have to give a cut to the evil corporations that I think are hurting music more than helping it.
Other thoughts?
Too funny
So, this isn't really related to anything that is usually discussed here; but I laughed so hard I think I peed a little:
I can't decide what's funnier; watching her go down like a 6 foot tall baby giraffe, or the fact that the newsmen can't contain themselves!
Site
Hey all, here is a site that I frequent, even though it is not updated all that often. The content that he talk's about is things that I am interested in, and I think that a lot of you will be as well.
Give it a look and I hope you enjoy.
P.S. Lord Jim, you should watch the video on the latest post, it is a bit long, but you will get a kick out of it...
Music and lyrics by Bono and The Edge (does his wife call him The?).
Really guys and gals, if some Hollywood-Broadway puds can waste this much time and money on a project that was probably conceived during a 48 hour E and cocaine binge we aren't we merging our talents to at least make something original? I mean Kyro and I were joking about making a full-cast radio play for fun, why not do that and make our own first million?
Jesus, what will they puke up next...
I-rack
Saw this video and laughed my ass off. You would think that the jokes would stop being funny by now.
Frostburn
I've been playing in a new weekly D&D game lately. One of the features of the game is an online campaign wiki where we can put in-character and out-of-character talk, to allow us to role-play a bit between sessions. It works brilliantly. If I ever get to run a game again, I'll certainly be using this technique.
I thought that I might post a few of the bits I have been writing for my character, a Barbarian from northern Forgotten Realms named Vaa-dain, just for people to read and comment if they want to. I guess I'll start with his background, and maybe add a tid-bit here and there over the next couple months of the campaign.
--------------------------------------
Vaa-dain
Uthgar (Human) Barbarian of the North (Clan of the Great Wyrm)
Age: 21 Height: 5'10
Born with true white hair and dark green eyes, Vaa-dain was never comfortable with his own people. As soon as he was able to carry a spear, he began keeping his own company along the periphery of the territory that his clan had laid ancient claim too. In this role he became valuable to his people as a first-contact, intercepting those who would enter clan lands unannounced before they could penetrate deeply. The most important accomplishment during this time was his brokerage of a truce and trade arrangement between the clan and the mysterious Winter Witches of the darkest northern netherwood. Vaa-dain enjoyed the company of the witches.
As adulthood approached, he began to recognize a certain sensitivity to the arcane. This inclination did not go unnoticed to a certain other young and ferocious warrior of the clan - Rha-zuul - the last son of the great Zuul-Huk-Sho bloodline and future Chieftain. Rha-zuul saw that Vaa-dain would often easily ascertain the purpose of mystical objects and conversed well and comfortably with travellers that would come into their great frosted forest home. When the Winter Witches would come to trade with the clan they would always seek Vaa-dain out and prefer his company over any others. This made Rha-zuul very jealous of the perceived unearned status Vaa-dain enjoyed with these mystics and other powerful travellers. To this insult was added the injury of the fact that Eura-zuul - daughter of the chieftain and sister of Rha-zuul - clearly doted on Vaa-dain.
On one occasion, a travelling half-elven wizardess by name of Azure-Skye stopped within the tribes dense boreal pines with her troupe so that they might rest and stock provisions. She told of their journey north toward the great spine of the world to seek secrets lost there in ages past. Vaa-dain invited them to spend their night with the clan, in safety. Breathtakingly beautiful and radiant with power, she passed over Rha-zuul to spend her time with Vaa-dain and to ask him very unusual questions about his family. She sensed something in him, as he did inside himself. Rha-zuul was furious.
A day passed after Azure-Skye had departed with her adventuring company, and in the very early moments of particularly cold dawn a host of black riders came roaring into forest and stormed the clan hold. They demanded information about a half-elven vagabond thief known to be in these parts. Rha-zuul wasted no time in telling them anything they wanted to know about the wizardess and her chosen path toward the worlds spine. Vaa-dain loudly objected to this betrayal of the stranger, but the chief stood with his son in acquiescence to the requests of the black host of riders. With great laughter the black riders declared the tribe fortunate, for in exchange for their information they agreed to take but one person alive, instead of all of them dead. The Chieftain and his son struggled as mightily as they were able, but could not stop the black armored riders from storming off with Eura-zuul.
Rha-zuul pointed to Vaa-dain. If Vaa-dain had not invited the bastard elven bitch to their camp, this would not have happened. Others began hissing threats, why had Vaa-dain done this to them? Why had he brought great misery down upon the Zuul-Huk-Sho line? Was he an agent of darkness? With a heavy heart, he knew that the time had come to leave his people. He set off to make his own mark and determine what it was about him that was so different - why was he was created just so?
Though he has been away from his clan lands for barely a year he has greatly expanded his knowledge of the lands of north and grown hungry to understand the reasons why his blood burns with the craving of powerful magic and great treasure. A keen mind and natural cunning are complemented by his great strength. His rages, when let loose, are alarmingly vicious yet disciplined – more thinking predator than blind savage. His predatory nature is tempered by his good judge of character, and he has found brotherhood with an unusual mix of arctic kin - a Snow Elf named Farok and a strange Ice Gnome by name of Taelin.
Apparently Anyone Can Get In A Movie Now-A-Days...
The news is quietly dropped on the MMA Blog via the following quote: "Couture is set to leave for South Africa to film a lead role in, “The Scorpion King: The Akkadian,” next month."
I wonder how long the casting director lasted before screaming like a little girl to be let go of the death grip Randy had on him and produce a contract?
Well good luck Mr. Coutre, experience has shown us that you will need it - and there's no defense against millions of viscous little bloggers.
Ski Trip
No matter what else happens, I'm going skiing this winter. My bike trip was foiled by work and weather (equally), but I'm sure I can get away for a two day ski trip if I plan ahead (yeah, go figure).
So, I'm throwing this out there: who skis anymore? I'll go alone if I have to, but it would be cool to try and arrange a group (or even a pair if that's all I can get is one travel buddy*). If you think this is something you'd like to do, post here, or email me.
Some trip planning notes
-If we can do it during the week, that is preferred, travel Sunday, ski Mon/Tues/Wed (maybe) and travel Wed/Thurs
-I'd like to avoid the Banff/Louise/Sunshine area if possible. I've skied there so much
-If we can go through Calgary I might be able to line up a place to stay one night there for free (if our numbers are four or less), but we don't have to go through CowTown if a route to Jasper is selected
-I'm willing to go as early as first week of December, I'd prefer not to go any later than first week of March
-If you come across any good deals but don't plan to come, at least let me know!
* CPM doesn't really want to ski anymore, she has this ladies shopping trip to Edmonton thing that she likes way better than the mountains - ya, I know she's crazy - like a fox!
Dangerous Knowledge
As a computer scientist, I've really been enjoying this BBC documentary on four very famous mathematicians: Georg Cantor, Ludwig Boltzmann, Kurt Godel, and Alan Turing. The common thread between these individuals is alluded to by the title of the documentary, "Dangerous Knowledge" -- the monumental and revolutionary discoveries that these people made ultimately drove them to insanity and suicide. While this is not entirely accurate, the documentary is nonetheless fascinating. It's long, at 90min, but in my opinion, worth watching.
I've been listening to the original motion picture soundtrack for "Cool As Ice" for the past week, and I've gotta tell ya, the album is brilliant. The mix of 80's white bread rap/hip hop and slow techno ballads is a welcome change of pace from anything else I've been listening too lately. Here are some highlights:
1. Cool As Ice (Title Track) by Vanilla Ice (feat. Naomi Campbell)
What can I tell you? The track opens with this pipes and synths section that is wonderfully musical. Then it moves into the main song section with electronic beats and fantastic sound effects and orchestral work in the background. Add to that the 'epic' V.I. rapping and Naomi Campbell (who sings really well for a model) and you have a wonderfully enjoyable song.
4. Love 2 Love U by Partners In Kryme (feat. Debbie Cole)
Smooth mainstream accessible 80's rap with accents of strong vocal work and rolling bass lines. At the time, would have been too radical for radio play, but easily out shines a large body of todays contemporary 80's inspired commercialized techno-ish tracks that get air time.
7. Forever by D'New (feat. Temple)
Another pairing of a fairly forgettable electronic act (D'New) with a very memorable elegant and silky voice (Temple) to produce a song that has a much greater emotional impact that you would first think possible. The use of minor root key and subtle discord in juxtaposition with sections of very clever harmony is powerful. This is a song I recently woke up with running in my head. Great stuff.
10. Get Wit' It by Vanilla Ice
To seal the deal with his reinvented James Dean image the album finishes with an excellent technically produced piece of electronica. The use of sounds that move in space (stereo imaged) as well as with pitch creates a fascinating listening experience. V.I.'s rapping is, of course, totally self-indulgent, but strangely appropriate once you set the perspective in the mind of a self-absorbed ego maniacal bubble head (and I'm being pretty kind here). There are little tid bits in this song that I intend to lift and remix into something a little heavier.
It's got me inspired to watch the actual film again too. So, I tracked down an avi copy. This is an open invite for people to join me in watching it at my place sometime over the next week or two.
Anybody out there willing to take it up with me?
World Clock
This does not tell time, but it does count. I watched it go for about a minute, then I couldn't watch anymore. The only word I really have for it is alarming.
Cycle Trip - MOVED
The wet conditions and other time constraints that have been imposed on this weekend make it ill suited to attempt the planned cycle trip. I know there was some interested parties planning on joining me in the wee hours of Sunday morning, but I think we will be looking at a date in September to 'fall' back on (pun intended).
So, my short list is of "pretty sure I'm coming" is:
- Kurt Saunders
- Dawn Ophiem
- Mike Diakuw
I know there were some others that showed interest, but haven't gotten back to me. Does anybody have a date in Sept. that they think works well? What about the long weekend Monday September the 3rd? If the weather stays relatively dry most of the mud should be passable by then.
Please post here with your preference.
Tracking Books
These days I'm finding it harder and harder to keep track of the books/authors I have read in the past as well as my "to read" list. I know that among us there are plenty of avid readers as well as internet junkies. Have any of you found a decent website for tracking your reading habits?
At a glance I found http://www.goodreads.com and while it mostly fits what I'm looking for. I don't quite feel that its interface is very good. It also seems to be missing an easy way to track favorite authors.
Any suggestions?
Take It Up With The Committee
The month of August has been absolutely nuts.
Most bizarre is certainly the machinations of the Vanscoy Highway Committee, of which I am the last (and youngest) member of NINE persons!
For those who do not know, allow me to quickly summarize...
The Dept. of Highways (federal?) has decided that it should complete the twin highway segment from where the highway merges (at the first mine) through to Delisle. Since my town lies along the highway, one of the chief project problems is what to do with us. (BTW - when asked in the provincial house this week about it, our minister for highway development said he had no knowledge of any plan to develop this highway.)
In early July, the engineers office contracted to design the stretch presented three alternative plans for how it could work (really only two as you shall see). At the end of the open presentation, they distributed forms asking for community feedback.
Options 1 & 2 were through Vanscoy where the road is now, with option 2 designed to gobble up the property along the edge of town (i.e. my house). Option 3 called for the new high-speed highway to go north of town - and was clearly the preferred option that the designers wanted to go with. Nobody likes Option 1 (the road through town, narrow, with a lower speed limit). But from my point of view, both option 2 and 3 are great! Allow me to explain...
Option 2: the highway goes through town, they buy my property and I'm forced to move. So, I would buy a lot in the north end of town, and either build a new house, or move my existing house onto a new foundation. This results in no more road noise and a new basement*. I win.
Option 3: the highway goes north around town. I stay where I live. Because of my hugely increased property value, I go ahead with planned reno's in the basement*. This results in no more road noise. I win.
For the last two months I've been meeting with this committee listing to their arguments on how best to convince the Dept. of Highways (and contracted engineers office) that Option 2 (through town, gobble property) is the way to go. We've constructed a clear set of compelling reasons to put the highway through town (there is of course a clear set of compelling reasons to go around town also but the committee isn't really interested in that for the most part, and like I said, I'm okay either way).
After all the wrangling and gnashing of teeth, it looks like the Dept. of Highways plans to go ahead with their original plan anyway - pretty obviously - to go north around town regardless of what us local folks had to say about it.
Now begins the long protracted experience of having no idea what is ultimately going to happen with the project, preventing me from moving ahead with any planned renovations OR relocating. The only bad possible outcome! A perfect situation for preventing me from being able to do anything! I guess I'll keep looking at the same terrible carpet downstairs and putting up with shoddy bathrooms for another FIVE TO EIGHT years while this shakes out.
What kills me about this is, I was in a win/win position, which was a pleasant change. But no, instead we have a conspiracy to make it into a total bummer. You can gag me with an vx missile.
Back To The Front
So, it looks like WotC has finally officially announced the impending release of D&D 4 (or should I say 4.0, because we can all see 4.x.x coming down the pipe already). I'm assuming this is at the behest of corporate parent Hasbro to bring the visibility of their flagship RPG system back to the market forefront after the dismal performance of D&D Online against World of Warcraft.
I would have linked this article to the WotC D&D root page, but it is currently having such a high volume of traffic that the server has failed.
There are some interesting possibilities for changes that could make 4e a good system. Less static (more flexible) character classes, the abolition of the division between arcane and divine magic, and the improvement of the usability of the wizard/sorcereous way of spell casting, just to name a few.
In other interesting news, The Gamer: Dorkness Rising will be showing at GenCon this year. Ah, to really embrace the inner Dork. How can you beat that? To wit:
It's Raining Frenchies!
Somehow he's scraped together $14 million worth of funding (hello corporations - if you're looking for tax write-offs I can give you tonnes of useful way to give me your money...). He'll be taking off from Battleford and landing who knows where; so if you hear "Sacre bleu!," "Mon dieux!," or "MERDE!" from above you do not look up, but immediately start ninja-like dive rolls into cover.
Geez, if I'm 62 and looking for excitement I think I'll opt for 26 year old Redhead with scientifically enhanced boobs...
