(Even if this one is BS)
That's what happens if you leave a Mac in the oven too long.
Monday, November 30
Happy 100 to Me
100 Posts in November. Woo!
(Even if this one is BS)
That's what happens if you leave a Mac in the oven too long.
(Even if this one is BS)
That's what happens if you leave a Mac in the oven too long.
BSOD
Blue Screen of Death Troubleshooting
Author: Molly SmithBlue screen of death can be caused by many reasons including hardware, software and other factors difficult to detect, and it also has quite a few solutions. In the following I will introduce some troubleshooting tips on the blue screen when the computer starts up and shuts down. There are eight tips in this article.
One, hard disk spare space is too small or there are too many disk fragments, so you have to reserve a certain amount of disk space and do the disk fragmentations from time to time.
Two, hardware conflict
Hardware conflict is the common cause of a blue screen; we often encounter conflicts induced by incorrect sound card or video card settings. If a yellow question mark or exclamatory mark beside the device under the Sound, video and game controllers in the Device Manager, try to delete this device and restart. If this way does not work, you can manually adjust or upgrade the relevant drivers, or you can download some professional software like Driver Checker to help you automatically fix these driver problems.
Three, too many programs running on startup is also prone to blue screen. You should not let so many programs running on startup in case they exhaust your system resources.
Four, bugs in some application
Sometimes the error can occur if errors or unstable factors exist in some application.
Five, the system attacked by some unknown programs or virus. You should check it carefully, kill the virus with effective antivirus software and take precautionary measures.
Six, version conflict
Some applications need to invoke a DLL (Dynamic Link Library) of specific version, if the old version covers the new one when installing the software, or delete the DLL files in use by mistake when deleting the application and then error occurs. You need to reinstall this software properly.
Seven, errors or damages in the Registry
Most of the time, it is the main reason for a blue screen. If blue screen often appears in your computer, the first thing you should consider is that maybe your Registry has some problems, check the Registry and repair it immediately to avoid bigger losses.
Eight, incompatibility between software and hardware
New technology is now advancing more and more quickly, if your computer has a blue screen every now and then, probably the motherboard BIOS or its driver is too old, so it could not support its hardware appropriately. If your motherboard BIOS is able to be flashed, flash it to the latest version or use Driver Checker to help install the up-to-date device driver as soon as possible.
About the Author:The author, Molly Smith, is an expert of device driver problems repair and PC optimization. Do visit http://www.driverchecker.com/ for more free and useful information.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Blue Screen of Death Troubleshooting
Sponsored by, you guessed it, DriveChecker. Not to me though, I'm not seeing a dime. I don't know if this stuff is any good or not, but I thought the article itself was pretty good.
1. The Magic Black Box: Perceptions & Reality
Computers are simply marvelous inventions. They sit on our desks happily churning away, day-in, day-out in order to make things easier for us. How many of us really understand what's going on inside those little black boxes? Most of us can confidently list some of its contents: wires, plastic, probably some metal, maybe a couple of precious gems, a fairy, and most likely a gremlin or two. It's what makes all those things work together (or not, as the case may be) harmoniously where our knowledge suddenly hits a brick wall.
I'll spend a lot of time in these articles comparing computers to cars. Both are near and dear to my heart, and both have a lot in common. As the joke goes, thank whatever benevolent deity that Microsoft never went into the car business*. Both cars and computers are iconic, both are complex, and while most people can use them, it generally takes someone professionally trained to be able fix them or use them to their fullest.
The average person knows the following about their car: You put gas in it when it needs some, you change the oil regularly, you keep decent tires on it. If you fail to do these things, the car will sooner or later quit going or become dangerous to use. Common sense, right?
When is the last time you thought of computer maintenance? Computers require maintenance just like your car. If you don't manage its upkeep on occasion, it will either quit working or become dangerous (to your data and possibly others') to use. While this might seem obvious, how many people actually do it? Most people never consider maintenance on their computer. Part of this is the fault of the computer/software companies that have marketed computers as appliances or consumer electronics. A computer can be many things, and it is far more complex and requires more from you, its owner, than your TV or refrigerator.
-----
*Via Snopes.com
At a computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated: “If GM had kept up with the technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25.00 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon.”
In response to Bill's comments, General Motors issued a press release (by Mr. Welch himself) stating:
If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics:
1. For no reason at all, your car would crash twice a day.
2. Every time they repainted the lines on the road, you would have to buy a new car.
3. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left-turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart, and you would havde to reinstall the engine.
4. When your car died on the freeway for no reason, you would just accept this, restart and drive on.
5. Only one person at a time could use the car, unless you bought “Car95” or “CarNT”, and then added more seats.
6. Apple would make a car powered by the sun, reliable, five times as fast, and twice as easy to drive, but would run on only five percent of the roads.
7. Oil, water temperature and alternator warning lights would be replaced by a single “general car default” warning light.
8. New seats would force everyone to have the same size butt.
9. the airbag would say “Are you sure?” before going off.
10. Occasionally, for no reason, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key, and grabbed the radio antenna.
11. GM would require all car buyers to also purchase a deluxe set of road maps from Rand-McNally (a subsidiary of GM), even though they neither need them or want them. Trying to delete this option would immediately cause the car's performance to diminish by 50 percent or more. Moreover, GM would become a target for investigation by the Justice Department.
12. Every time GM introduced a new model, car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.
13. You would press the “start” button to shut off the engine.
I'll spend a lot of time in these articles comparing computers to cars. Both are near and dear to my heart, and both have a lot in common. As the joke goes, thank whatever benevolent deity that Microsoft never went into the car business*. Both cars and computers are iconic, both are complex, and while most people can use them, it generally takes someone professionally trained to be able fix them or use them to their fullest.
The average person knows the following about their car: You put gas in it when it needs some, you change the oil regularly, you keep decent tires on it. If you fail to do these things, the car will sooner or later quit going or become dangerous to use. Common sense, right?
When is the last time you thought of computer maintenance? Computers require maintenance just like your car. If you don't manage its upkeep on occasion, it will either quit working or become dangerous (to your data and possibly others') to use. While this might seem obvious, how many people actually do it? Most people never consider maintenance on their computer. Part of this is the fault of the computer/software companies that have marketed computers as appliances or consumer electronics. A computer can be many things, and it is far more complex and requires more from you, its owner, than your TV or refrigerator.
-----
*Via Snopes.com
At a computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated: “If GM had kept up with the technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25.00 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon.”
In response to Bill's comments, General Motors issued a press release (by Mr. Welch himself) stating:
If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics:
1. For no reason at all, your car would crash twice a day.
2. Every time they repainted the lines on the road, you would have to buy a new car.
3. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left-turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart, and you would havde to reinstall the engine.
4. When your car died on the freeway for no reason, you would just accept this, restart and drive on.
5. Only one person at a time could use the car, unless you bought “Car95” or “CarNT”, and then added more seats.
6. Apple would make a car powered by the sun, reliable, five times as fast, and twice as easy to drive, but would run on only five percent of the roads.
7. Oil, water temperature and alternator warning lights would be replaced by a single “general car default” warning light.
8. New seats would force everyone to have the same size butt.
9. the airbag would say “Are you sure?” before going off.
10. Occasionally, for no reason, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key, and grabbed the radio antenna.
11. GM would require all car buyers to also purchase a deluxe set of road maps from Rand-McNally (a subsidiary of GM), even though they neither need them or want them. Trying to delete this option would immediately cause the car's performance to diminish by 50 percent or more. Moreover, GM would become a target for investigation by the Justice Department.
12. Every time GM introduced a new model, car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.
13. You would press the “start” button to shut off the engine.
Rocket-Surgery: Self-Help for the Average Joe
Rocket Surgery: (1) The most difficult thing ever (2) A play on words with “rocket science” and “brain surgery”, both considered very difficult tasks that ordinarily take specially-trained professionals to perform.
Most people consider buying, working on, and using computers like “rocket surgery”, something that takes either a professional, or someone with special knowledge. Sadly, we should know this isn't true.
Most businesses use computers in almost all aspects of their business today. Almost everyone, from the rocket scientist to the truck driver, from the doctor to the retail clerk, use computers in some form during their daily activities.
Why is it then that so many people, who otherwise appear to be complete competent in their day jobs, get completely flustered when it's time to buy a new computer or work on theirs when it breaks?
This will attempt to get you past that barrier of “rocket surgery”, to a place where you will know what you need to know to make intelligent, informed decisions on computer matters.
Most people consider buying, working on, and using computers like “rocket surgery”, something that takes either a professional, or someone with special knowledge. Sadly, we should know this isn't true.
Most businesses use computers in almost all aspects of their business today. Almost everyone, from the rocket scientist to the truck driver, from the doctor to the retail clerk, use computers in some form during their daily activities.
Why is it then that so many people, who otherwise appear to be complete competent in their day jobs, get completely flustered when it's time to buy a new computer or work on theirs when it breaks?
This will attempt to get you past that barrier of “rocket surgery”, to a place where you will know what you need to know to make intelligent, informed decisions on computer matters.
Rocket-Surgery: Self-Help for the Average Joe
I'm going to launch a new feature of articles that I've been putting together that will discuss all-things (almost, anyway) computer for everyone.
If you're a neophyte, hopefully you'll be able to glean some useful information from these.
If you're an expert, hopefully you'll at least find them entertaining.
If you're a neophyte, hopefully you'll be able to glean some useful information from these.
If you're an expert, hopefully you'll at least find them entertaining.
Those Guys Are Smart, but I'll Believe it When I See it
MIT analysis backs Obama's healthcare plan by showing smaller premiums and less out-of-pocket expense
It sounds good on paper, but when has the government (Democrat- or Republican-run) ever been effecient enough to pull it off?
Only Old Hickory spings to mind. Only time in our nation's history when we didn't have a national debt and the budget was balanced. Maybe we should work on digging up Andy?
It sounds good on paper, but when has the government (Democrat- or Republican-run) ever been effecient enough to pull it off?
Only Old Hickory spings to mind. Only time in our nation's history when we didn't have a national debt and the budget was balanced. Maybe we should work on digging up Andy?
Way-Back Machine
I wasn't very happy with the new look, and from the poll, most weren't that happy either.
Going back to the old one for now. I'll try again later.
Going back to the old one for now. I'll try again later.
Sunday, November 29
Lego Sorter
My son needs one of these in the worst way. His Legos are all in a huge plastic tub that you basically have to dump out to find that one part you're looking for.
Took me an hour last week to make a tank.
Slightly Disappointed
Superman movie franchise on hold until further notice
I guess I'd rather they get it right than rush something half-a$$ed out.
I guess I'd rather they get it right than rush something half-a$$ed out.
Liberal Atheist Lesbian Bacon Wrapped Porn
Porn causes tsunamis and earthquakes apparently.
Guess I've been doing it wrong all these years. All I got was sweaty.
Guess I've been doing it wrong all these years. All I got was sweaty.
Thursday, November 26
And a Hush Fell Over the Crowd
Seems even the 'green-ies' are miffed about the bogus global-warming data. It's even being called "Climate-gate" now. Heh.
I almost hate to say I told you so, but I don't really.
I almost hate to say I told you so, but I don't really.
Damon WAS Asked to be in Star Trek
...but not as Captain Kirk. Or at least, not that Captain Kirk.
Matt Damon was asked to play his dad.
Matt Damon was asked to play his dad.
Wednesday, November 25
Working on Stuff
As the week progresses, I'll be adding (and probably removing) some stuff.
Big item on my to-do list is to change the way things are listed.
I hope to have a menu at the top that links to specific category listings.
Stay tuned for further tuning. :-)
Big item on my to-do list is to change the way things are listed.
I hope to have a menu at the top that links to specific category listings.
Stay tuned for further tuning. :-)
Change of Venue
OK, here's what I've been working toward.
I'm "re-branding" a bit and dropping the old "Diary of a Mad IT Manager" trope, especially as I am no longer an IT manager.
Now it's Rocket-Surgery.
I'll be making some more changes to the site look/function/feel over the next couple of days.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I'm "re-branding" a bit and dropping the old "Diary of a Mad IT Manager" trope, especially as I am no longer an IT manager.
Now it's Rocket-Surgery.
I'll be making some more changes to the site look/function/feel over the next couple of days.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Still Working
Looks like another light night for me on blogging.
I'm working on re-vamping the site a bit. Hopefully I'll be back up to speed tomorrow.
I'm working on re-vamping the site a bit. Hopefully I'll be back up to speed tomorrow.
Tuesday, November 24
Light Night Part Deux
Pardon the sparcity of new stuff.
I'm actually working on a new project. If I can work out the bugs, I'll have more info in a day or two.
Stay tuned.
I'm actually working on a new project. If I can work out the bugs, I'll have more info in a day or two.
Stay tuned.
Classic Microsoft
Why is it they think up really great ideas but the implementation is always horrible? I don't know how they couldn't see this one coming:
"Microsoft and various retailers have teamed up to bring you cashback onHell, that was the first thing I thought of when I heard it.
purchases made via Bings price comparison feature. There is a little snag though
— it seems that when you have a Bing cookie living in your browser, some
retailers will quote you a higher price than if you come with no Bing cookie in
your system."
Monday, November 23
Nice Car, but is it that nice?
Plymouth Road Runner Concept Car on Ebay
Yours for only $950,000. What cracked me up was the "low monthly payments" link next to the Buy It Now button.
Yours for only $950,000. What cracked me up was the "low monthly payments" link next to the Buy It Now button.
Unemployed Dads
Examiner.com has a nice article for newly unemployed dads and how to cope.
I know from my own experience what a blow this can be to the male psyche. Depression, check. No clue how to deal, check. Loss of self-esteem, check.
I find their recommendations spot on. When I lost my job, I spent the first week just keeping busy. I didn't look for a job, I tried to find my center. I cleaned the garage. I cleaned the house. I did everything on my honey-do list. And then I made a plan.
One of the big things that ironically helped me was my wife coming down with the flu. She was sick for almost 2 straight weeks. This gave me impetus to actually get up in the morning, get the kids ready and to school, and to keep moving! When she got better, I found I resented her ursurping my new role. It was keeping me sane and giving me grounding. I had developed a very much needed schedule, and I had people (my kids) depending on me. It felt good to be needed.
Even though she took back over most of her "duties", I continued trying to be helpful, just in different ways. I definitely set myself a schedule. I never allowed myself to sleep late, always getting up with the rest of the family. Helping to get the kids ready and to take them to school.
Those weren't the best days of my life, but I still value them. I really reconnected with my family.
My advice for unemployed dads: Get on a schedule, just like going to a job everyday. Make some time to perform your job seeking (that's your new job) and stick to it daily. Help out when and where you can. And here's a biggie: Just remember that you're not alone. You aren't the only one stressed-out. Your family wants you to succeed and they want to help you. You don't have to shoulder the burden alone. That was a tough one for me to learn. Hopefully it won't be for every Dad.
I know from my own experience what a blow this can be to the male psyche. Depression, check. No clue how to deal, check. Loss of self-esteem, check.
I find their recommendations spot on. When I lost my job, I spent the first week just keeping busy. I didn't look for a job, I tried to find my center. I cleaned the garage. I cleaned the house. I did everything on my honey-do list. And then I made a plan.
One of the big things that ironically helped me was my wife coming down with the flu. She was sick for almost 2 straight weeks. This gave me impetus to actually get up in the morning, get the kids ready and to school, and to keep moving! When she got better, I found I resented her ursurping my new role. It was keeping me sane and giving me grounding. I had developed a very much needed schedule, and I had people (my kids) depending on me. It felt good to be needed.
Even though she took back over most of her "duties", I continued trying to be helpful, just in different ways. I definitely set myself a schedule. I never allowed myself to sleep late, always getting up with the rest of the family. Helping to get the kids ready and to take them to school.
Those weren't the best days of my life, but I still value them. I really reconnected with my family.
My advice for unemployed dads: Get on a schedule, just like going to a job everyday. Make some time to perform your job seeking (that's your new job) and stick to it daily. Help out when and where you can. And here's a biggie: Just remember that you're not alone. You aren't the only one stressed-out. Your family wants you to succeed and they want to help you. You don't have to shoulder the burden alone. That was a tough one for me to learn. Hopefully it won't be for every Dad.
The Code Don't Lie
I've avoided talking about the leaked CRU data and e-mails floating around on Al Gore's internets. Not because I wouldn't want to gloat. Nope, because I was afraid it was a bogus attempt to sling some crap. I figured the information was either totally made-up or taken way out of context.
But now I and others have had an opportunity to review the code, I can say I now believe it. Yep, Global-Warmers altering data to fit their hypotheses. Who would've thunk it?
Watts Up With That? broke the original story and continues working to bring the shameful hoax that is global warming into the light of scrutiny.
Carry on, brothers.
But now I and others have had an opportunity to review the code, I can say I now believe it. Yep, Global-Warmers altering data to fit their hypotheses. Who would've thunk it?
Watts Up With That? broke the original story and continues working to bring the shameful hoax that is global warming into the light of scrutiny.
Carry on, brothers.
Just in Time for the Zombie-pocalypse
Zombie Outbreak Simulator
It uses Google maps but right now only does Washington DC. Funny, instructive, and fun! Two thumbs way up!
It uses Google maps but right now only does Washington DC. Funny, instructive, and fun! Two thumbs way up!
Friday, November 20
Caveat Emptor: Netbooks Have Higher Failure Rate
From /.
"Netbooks are more likely to fail within the first year than their more expensive laptop brethren, according to new research. SquareTrade, an independent US warranty provider, analyzed the failure rates of more than 30,000 laptops covered by its own warranties. It found that 5.8% of netbooks malfunctioned within the first year, compared to 4.7% for regular laptops and 4.2% for premium laptops costing more than $1,000. The research also raises question marks over the legendary reliability of Macs. Three PC manufacturers — Asus, Toshiba, and Sony — boasted better reliability rates than Apple. Macs have a 17.4% malfunction rate over three years, compared to market-leader Asus, which has a 15.6% failure rate. HP was the worst of the nine PC vendors listed, with a malfunction rate of 25.6% over three years."
This /. user seems to sum it up: "So you're telling me that something cheap isn't as well made as something expensive? Allow me to go re-evaluate my life..."
At first, I thought this might be a use related issue. Let's face it, netbooks are more likely to be treated more roughly than their full-sized counterparts due to their very nature, but that seems to have been taken into account in the data analysis. The rates are based on extended warranty plan failure rates, so you know they aren't going to pay when it's user-fault issues.
It still seems mostly related to manufacturer. Obviously, some produce better product than others. Duh.
"Netbooks are more likely to fail within the first year than their more expensive laptop brethren, according to new research. SquareTrade, an independent US warranty provider, analyzed the failure rates of more than 30,000 laptops covered by its own warranties. It found that 5.8% of netbooks malfunctioned within the first year, compared to 4.7% for regular laptops and 4.2% for premium laptops costing more than $1,000. The research also raises question marks over the legendary reliability of Macs. Three PC manufacturers — Asus, Toshiba, and Sony — boasted better reliability rates than Apple. Macs have a 17.4% malfunction rate over three years, compared to market-leader Asus, which has a 15.6% failure rate. HP was the worst of the nine PC vendors listed, with a malfunction rate of 25.6% over three years."
This /. user seems to sum it up: "So you're telling me that something cheap isn't as well made as something expensive? Allow me to go re-evaluate my life..."
At first, I thought this might be a use related issue. Let's face it, netbooks are more likely to be treated more roughly than their full-sized counterparts due to their very nature, but that seems to have been taken into account in the data analysis. The rates are based on extended warranty plan failure rates, so you know they aren't going to pay when it's user-fault issues.
It still seems mostly related to manufacturer. Obviously, some produce better product than others. Duh.
Yep, I'll be Sitting Next to Dennis Leary on the Bus
I'm going straight to Hell for laughing so hard, but honestly, I can't help myself.
I just discovered the website, People of Wal-Mart. Yeah, the milk shot right out of my nose.
I just discovered the website, People of Wal-Mart. Yeah, the milk shot right out of my nose.
"I can’t even imagine where someone would be coming from wearing golf shoes, short jorts, a fanny pack, and a Bob Segar shirt besides the greatest party of all time.
Indiana"
Black Friday Sales and Hibernation
Black Friday. The day I'll be hiding in my basement, supposedly keeping an eye on the rug-rats, while the wife begins her all day shopping extravaganza.
If you're like me, you avoid leaving the house on the day after Thanksgiving.
On the other hand, if you prefer to be out in the madness, you might appreciate this article on USA Today in which they list some great sources of information about all the Black Friday only deals.
Good luck with that.
If you're like me, you avoid leaving the house on the day after Thanksgiving.
On the other hand, if you prefer to be out in the madness, you might appreciate this article on USA Today in which they list some great sources of information about all the Black Friday only deals.
Good luck with that.
Quoting Uncle
Uncle, of SaysUncle.com, is an old friend of mine, and over the years we've had many interesting conversations.
Uncle, as you can imagine, has quite the lively imagination.
One of my favorites was his definitions. Believe it or not, Uncle has a degree in psychology. His definition for psychology is *ahem* interesting. He claims that the word "psychology" is from the Greek "Psyche", or the mind, and "-ology", to make stuff up. Literally, he translates it as psychology means to make stuff up about the mind. Funny stuff.
Well, taking his definition a bit farther, we have climatology, or to make stuff up about the climate.
If you read here on a semi-regular basis, you'll know I think global warming is totally made up. We just don't have enough climate data to predict what's coming and what the causes are. Saying mankind is responsible for global warming is even more ludicrous when you look at the polution emitted by volcanoes each year. Sorry guys, but mankind's polution has been a drop in the bucket comparitively speaking. I'm not saying I'm for raping the earth, strip mining, and wholesale polution. I'm actually for being environmentally sound and keeping our home clean. What I am against is white guilt.
White (caucasian) people seem to have this obsessive need to feel guilty about stuff. Whether it be destroying the Earth or slavery or shipping butt-loads of guns to Mexico (see the Mexican Gun Canard), we seem to have this innate desire to blame ourselves for it. We really need to get over this obsession.
Let's face it. We really don't know what causes global warming or global cooling or Al Gore. They're forces of nature and right now, we just don't know enough to truly understand it. Until we do, we need to lay off the blame game and spend our resources figuring out what's really going on instead of playing political games.
Speaking of which: Climatologists Baffled by Global Warming Time-Out
That's a fairly even look at the current trend in global warming, or lack there-of, and the narrow-mindedness of some scientists who completely deny their own data. I can see why, though. No one will pay you to figure out what to do about global warming if there isn't any.
It's all about the benjamins, I guess.
Uncle, as you can imagine, has quite the lively imagination.
One of my favorites was his definitions. Believe it or not, Uncle has a degree in psychology. His definition for psychology is *ahem* interesting. He claims that the word "psychology" is from the Greek "Psyche", or the mind, and "-ology", to make stuff up. Literally, he translates it as psychology means to make stuff up about the mind. Funny stuff.
Well, taking his definition a bit farther, we have climatology, or to make stuff up about the climate.
If you read here on a semi-regular basis, you'll know I think global warming is totally made up. We just don't have enough climate data to predict what's coming and what the causes are. Saying mankind is responsible for global warming is even more ludicrous when you look at the polution emitted by volcanoes each year. Sorry guys, but mankind's polution has been a drop in the bucket comparitively speaking. I'm not saying I'm for raping the earth, strip mining, and wholesale polution. I'm actually for being environmentally sound and keeping our home clean. What I am against is white guilt.
White (caucasian) people seem to have this obsessive need to feel guilty about stuff. Whether it be destroying the Earth or slavery or shipping butt-loads of guns to Mexico (see the Mexican Gun Canard), we seem to have this innate desire to blame ourselves for it. We really need to get over this obsession.
Let's face it. We really don't know what causes global warming or global cooling or Al Gore. They're forces of nature and right now, we just don't know enough to truly understand it. Until we do, we need to lay off the blame game and spend our resources figuring out what's really going on instead of playing political games.
Speaking of which: Climatologists Baffled by Global Warming Time-Out
That's a fairly even look at the current trend in global warming, or lack there-of, and the narrow-mindedness of some scientists who completely deny their own data. I can see why, though. No one will pay you to figure out what to do about global warming if there isn't any.
It's all about the benjamins, I guess.
Frickin' Laser Beams
Laser system destroys unmanned aerial vehicles in tests
Yeah, now that's what I'm talking about. If we can only make it small enough to strap to the heads of sharks...
Yeah, now that's what I'm talking about. If we can only make it small enough to strap to the heads of sharks...
Thursday, November 19
That Should Make Money Feel Better
Money worries about robots taking over the world, especially cannibalistic-sniper variety robots. (That website's just a front. Ask the guys in the black helicopters)
But if this is the best they can do, I'm not too terribly concerned. Look at that, they need an entire floor of computers to simulate the brain of a cat.
Of course, if they pack all that into a giant-robot cat, that would be terrifying.
But if this is the best they can do, I'm not too terribly concerned. Look at that, they need an entire floor of computers to simulate the brain of a cat.
Of course, if they pack all that into a giant-robot cat, that would be terrifying.
Keeping Them Guessing
I love the fact that Google can't figure out what to advertise on my blog.
The sidebar just contained ads for:
The sidebar just contained ads for:
- Machu Picchu
- Sharpe guns (probably paintball stuff--have I ever mentioned paintball?)
- Fashion fans stuff (um, yeah, I'm a fashion maven)
- Obama & Bernanke's secret war on the dollar (ok, definitely not a consipiracy kind of guy - I may rag on Obama, but then, I rag on everyone)
- Another add for paintball guns (seriously?)
Usually there's some stuff about dating geeks and Star Trek/Wars or finding an IT job.
Isn't Google cute?
What Every Family Needs
Especially if you have small children. Or live in Baghdad.
Bomb-proof wallpaper
Bomb-proof wallpaper
Best Of What's New 2009: Bombproof Wallpaper Test from PopSci.com on Vimeo.
Big Brother: Chicago
It's estimated that the Chicago PD has access to some 15,000 camera feeds.
So be careful where you pick your nose in Chicago. There's probably someone watching.
So be careful where you pick your nose in Chicago. There's probably someone watching.
Taking Geek to a Whole New Level
Dad only speaks to his son in Klingon for 3 years.
I'm a Trekkie, but dude, that's just going too far.
I'm a Trekkie, but dude, that's just going too far.
Wednesday, November 18
Face Rings a Bell
This is truly awful and I apologize completely, but it still makes me laugh.
Once there was a church that had a bell that no one could ring. One day, a boy came and asked the priest if he could try. So the boy went up into the tower and ran straight into the bell, face-first. The bell tolled loud and clear. The shocked priest gave him the job. But one Sunday, he ran straight toward the bell with his face and missed and fell off the tower and died.
"Congregation," the priest said before the assembled masses. "Does anybody know this boy's name? Because I don't know him, but his face rings a bell."
Once there was a church that had a bell that no one could ring. One day, a boy came and asked the priest if he could try. So the boy went up into the tower and ran straight into the bell, face-first. The bell tolled loud and clear. The shocked priest gave him the job. But one Sunday, he ran straight toward the bell with his face and missed and fell off the tower and died.
"Congregation," the priest said before the assembled masses. "Does anybody know this boy's name? Because I don't know him, but his face rings a bell."
The Ultimate SUV?
So, you're in the market for a new SUV, and you're fairly picky about the options.
It needs to have:
- Body armor (actually, the MOST body armor)
- Gold-plated windows
- Diamond encrusted grill and gauges
- 450 HP v-8
- Pure Tungsten exhausts
- Comes with really expensive alcohol
- and has all whale-penis leather interior
Let me introduce you to the Monaco.Red.Diamond.
The car company has thrown three bottles of Russo-Baltique, the vodka brand it created this year to mark its100th anniversary, Motor Authority reported.Oh, and it's rocket-grenade proof (they say). Sweet!
Last year, a bottle retailed for £790,000. It is not a meant to be drunk, the company's website explains - instead it should be displayed as art.
That's because the bling of the bottle frankly puts the SUV to shame.
According to the Dartz company's website, the flask, a replica of the radiator guard used for the Russo-Baltique cars, is made from gold coins minted between 1908 and 1912. This is around the time the company manufactured its first car.
The flask cap is made from white and yellow gold and contains a diamond-encrusted replica of the Russian Imperial Eagle.
And finally, the bottle itself is made of bulletproof glass 30cm thick - just in case.
The car - and vodka - were produced especially for the mega-exclusive Top Marques luxury motor show in Monaco next year.
The car is made by the company that produced armoured vehicles for Vladimir Lenin, Leon Trotsky, and Tsar Nicolas.
Light Night
Probably light blogging tonight.
I'm studying for my electricity test tomorrow. Actually, I've been studying for it since last week (when I found out I needed to take it for a possible job opening), but I'm spending my last few waking hours cramming.
I just took the self-assessment and made a 25/25, so hopefully that means I'm ready.
Wish me luck! This would basically double my salary and put me into a new job that's hopefully not completely night-shift.
Update: I qualified, so I don't have to take that test again for another 7 years. Now I move on to the second test, digital communications, which I actually know something about.
I'm studying for my electricity test tomorrow. Actually, I've been studying for it since last week (when I found out I needed to take it for a possible job opening), but I'm spending my last few waking hours cramming.
I just took the self-assessment and made a 25/25, so hopefully that means I'm ready.
Wish me luck! This would basically double my salary and put me into a new job that's hopefully not completely night-shift.
Update: I qualified, so I don't have to take that test again for another 7 years. Now I move on to the second test, digital communications, which I actually know something about.
Tuesday, November 17
We're So Proud
Bud, Bud, Bud... *shakes head and pinches nose*
I know it's embarrassing, but get a grip, dude. Believe it or not, you - yes you - are representing our state.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Bud Adams, owner of the Tennessee Titans, in all his glory. Let me just say, he's a real class act.
Maybe he can just claim he's senile and thought he was still back in the Civil War or something....
I know it's embarrassing, but get a grip, dude. Believe it or not, you - yes you - are representing our state.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Bud Adams, owner of the Tennessee Titans, in all his glory. Let me just say, he's a real class act.
Maybe he can just claim he's senile and thought he was still back in the Civil War or something....
Boobs back. Men Everywhere Rejoice.
I just had to run with this one, because I am a HUGE fan of female anatomy.
Pointy conical bras on the up
Pointy conical bras on the up
'Sales have shown that women are no longer hiding their breasts under minimiserHeck yeah.
bras but embracing their assets and using them to their advantage,'
Monday, November 16
Caveat Emptor
If you've been watching the news, you know that Microsoft banned a crap-ton of XBox Live users for hacking their systems.
Those systems are starting to show up on places like Ebay and Amazon. While you could play games on them, the machines themselves are perma-banned from XBox Live, so forget using the internet or downloading anything with them.
If you go to buy one, be sure to take Ebay's advice and use Paypal or a similar service where you can dispute the purchase if the seller lied about the Xbox not being banned.
Source
Those systems are starting to show up on places like Ebay and Amazon. While you could play games on them, the machines themselves are perma-banned from XBox Live, so forget using the internet or downloading anything with them.
If you go to buy one, be sure to take Ebay's advice and use Paypal or a similar service where you can dispute the purchase if the seller lied about the Xbox not being banned.
Source
Let Me Make Sure I've Got This Right...
Global warming will cause an ice age, and apparently damned quickly at that.
Just wanted to make sure I was catching what they're throwing.
Actually, this is the best information I've seen on the whole global warming-thingy, and I can buy into this one. So, stock up on kerosene and blankets. Gotcha. I was planning on doing that anyway.
Kerosene soaked blankets make zombies burn real good.
Just wanted to make sure I was catching what they're throwing.
Actually, this is the best information I've seen on the whole global warming-thingy, and I can buy into this one. So, stock up on kerosene and blankets. Gotcha. I was planning on doing that anyway.
Kerosene soaked blankets make zombies burn real good.
Now Why Can't Knoxville Have Something Like This?
Tacos & T & A in Houston
I mean, come on! I'd definitely eat there. It's like a two-for-one kind of deal.
Besides, I love tacos.
I mean, come on! I'd definitely eat there. It's like a two-for-one kind of deal.
Besides, I love tacos.
Made of Awesome
If you haven't noticed, I love to read.
I read just about everything I pick up. I insatiable when it comes to books, and fortunately I'm not too picky, nor do I mind re-reading. Otherwise we'd be broke.
I thought I'd give a mention on one of my favorite resources: Project Gutenberg
They've got over 30,000 books online for free and you can download them onto any reader or computer.
I read just about everything I pick up. I insatiable when it comes to books, and fortunately I'm not too picky, nor do I mind re-reading. Otherwise we'd be broke.
I thought I'd give a mention on one of my favorite resources: Project Gutenberg
They've got over 30,000 books online for free and you can download them onto any reader or computer.
Video Workout
My wife is interesting in getting a Wii Fit. I'm not certain if it's more for her benefit or mine.
ChicagoNow looks at the benefits of a video game workout vs. the gym
ChicagoNow looks at the benefits of a video game workout vs. the gym
Confirmed: R2-D2 Finally Discovered In Star Trek
That little rascal really gets around. He was last seen in Transformers 2.
And no, that's not photoshopped in. The quote is from Gizmodo where someone at ILM confirmed it was inserted as a joke into the new Trek movie.
This time there's absolutely no doubt about it: It's been confirmed by ILM.
And no, that's not photoshopped in. The quote is from Gizmodo where someone at ILM confirmed it was inserted as a joke into the new Trek movie.
Lost Version of 2nd Star Trek Pilot Found
Wow, I'm getting really burned out on studying for my electronics test later this week. Eef, I knew there was a reason I never went into electrical engineering or wanted to be an electrician.
Taking a break (and my nose out of my book), I noticed that some Trek stuff has been going on this weekend. Let's lead off with probably the most interesting:
Taking a break (and my nose out of my book), I noticed that some Trek stuff has been going on this weekend. Let's lead off with probably the most interesting:
I remember being told that there were in fact three pilots for the originalThe story from Sci-Fi Storm.
Star Trek - "The Cage", with Jeffery Hunter, and "Where No Man Has Gone Before",
that we are all familiar with. But I never really heard what the missing third
pilot was. Apparently it has been found, and will be included in the upcoming Blu-ray release of Season 3, due out on December 15th. Apparently this third pilot was merely an alternate version of "Where No Man Has Gone Before", with a different opening and music, and edited differently. This more than likely the actual pilot, which was later re-edited into an episode (interestingly, the third aired episode) which was then called a "pilot" as well. Read More for some clips - the video is not great (the film was 40 years old after all) and the audio level is unstable...
Friday, November 13
Mad Man's Top 5 Inexpensive Gunny Gift Ideas
Gun-guys/gals are usually ridiculously hard to buy for. Usually, like me, they can't wait and go out and get it themselves.
Here's hoping Mrs. Mad will be watching to get some Christmas/birthday ideas.
I've chose mostly from Amazon.com because they do fantastic at just-in-time shipping if you are like me and are a last minute shopper, and they have a wide variety of toys.
1. Hoppe's Universal Gun Cleaning 26-Piece Accessory Kit or alternately Outers® Universal Gun Cleaning Wood Tool Box - I haven't had a new cleaning kit in years.
2. Octagon Gun Clock Dark Oak or alternately Mantle Hide - a - gun Clock Dark Oak - a) I love clocks, b) I love guns. Why not combine the two?
3. WWW M16 Rubberband Gun - Who doesn't love to play shoot-out with the kids Christmas morning? If they get Nerf guns, it's only fair I get something, too! (although, I wouldn't say "no" to a Nerf gun either)
4. The Gun Tool - This would be handy to carry along to the range because it's very compact.
5. M.O.B. MIDDLE OF BACK HOLSTER - I had to go outside of Amazon for this one, but I've always been a HUGE Galco fan. Anything from Galco would be welcome.
That's my list. Got any other suggestions?
Here's hoping Mrs. Mad will be watching to get some Christmas/birthday ideas.
I've chose mostly from Amazon.com because they do fantastic at just-in-time shipping if you are like me and are a last minute shopper, and they have a wide variety of toys.
1. Hoppe's Universal Gun Cleaning 26-Piece Accessory Kit or alternately Outers® Universal Gun Cleaning Wood Tool Box - I haven't had a new cleaning kit in years.
2. Octagon Gun Clock Dark Oak or alternately Mantle Hide - a - gun Clock Dark Oak - a) I love clocks, b) I love guns. Why not combine the two?
3. WWW M16 Rubberband Gun - Who doesn't love to play shoot-out with the kids Christmas morning? If they get Nerf guns, it's only fair I get something, too! (although, I wouldn't say "no" to a Nerf gun either)
4. The Gun Tool - This would be handy to carry along to the range because it's very compact.
5. M.O.B. MIDDLE OF BACK HOLSTER - I had to go outside of Amazon for this one, but I've always been a HUGE Galco fan. Anything from Galco would be welcome.
That's my list. Got any other suggestions?
I Wonder When UT Gets Theirs?
Northwestern University putting together a Quidditch team.
Seriously. I would not BS you about something like this. And get this: There's a freakin' Quidditch league.
If you're in the dark, fear not. Here's an explanation.
Update: Just had to add this. It brought up all sorts of interesting visuals:
Seriously?
Seriously. I would not BS you about something like this. And get this: There's a freakin' Quidditch league.
If you're in the dark, fear not. Here's an explanation.
Update: Just had to add this. It brought up all sorts of interesting visuals:
While the Snitch is a magical object within the canon of the Harry Potter
novels, in Muggle Quidditch the Snitch is most often a sort of neutral player,
usually dressed in all gold, sometimes adorned with wings. The Snitch, after
release, is usually allowed to roam an area beyond the playing field. When
played on a college campus the range is often the entire campus.
Seriously?
Thursday, November 12
Choose Your Own
Remember choose-your-own adventure books? I used to love these things. They introduced me to role-playing games and were a terrific way to encourage kids to read. Heck, they still are. My wife found a bunch of them recently and brought them home to my kids. They've loved them! So much so, that I had to setup a mini-library where they could check them out, otherwise they were hording them in their rooms to keep the other two from getting them. Ah, kids!
I ran across this neat site where an attempt has been made to digitize and make a choose-your-own adventure website. Very nice!
I ran across this neat site where an attempt has been made to digitize and make a choose-your-own adventure website. Very nice!
Wilma! Pebbles! Come See This New DVD!
Start-up claims its DVDs last 1,000 years
It's made of synthetic stone, but otherwise similar to the manufacture of current DVD's. They're working on Blue Ray, too.
Beware the pop-ups.
It's made of synthetic stone, but otherwise similar to the manufacture of current DVD's. They're working on Blue Ray, too.
Beware the pop-ups.
Wednesday, November 11
Top 5 Most Popular Guns
HowStuffWorks has a nice article on the top 5 most popular guns
I'll save you a click.
1. Thompson/Center Arms Muzzle Loader
2. Remington 870 Pump-Action
3. Bushmaster AR-15
4. Smith & Wesson Model 10
5. Colt M1911
Now you've got the "what", but if you want the "why", you'll just have to click anyway.
I'll save you a click.
1. Thompson/Center Arms Muzzle Loader
2. Remington 870 Pump-Action
3. Bushmaster AR-15
4. Smith & Wesson Model 10
5. Colt M1911
Now you've got the "what", but if you want the "why", you'll just have to click anyway.
Tuesday, November 10
You're That Landshark, Aren't You?
Well, I suppose if it were underwater, that wouldn't really count.
Western Australia sea level rising faster than elsewhere
I'm sorry, how does that work? Wouldn't the sea level rise everywhere the same way? Can one part of the sea be higher than the next? Doesn't liquid tend to level out? Can anyone possibly explain WTF they're talking about?
Western Australia sea level rising faster than elsewhere
I'm sorry, how does that work? Wouldn't the sea level rise everywhere the same way? Can one part of the sea be higher than the next? Doesn't liquid tend to level out? Can anyone possibly explain WTF they're talking about?
Freakin' Hell, Way to Kill It Before It Gets Rolling
Verizon is nickle-and-diming Droid customers to death.
I was seriously thinking of getting one of these things. Uncle seems to like his well enough, but if they're going to charge absolutely obnoxious rates for their services, forget it. I'll go back to an iPhone.
Verizon, can you hear me now?
Update: Speaking of which, where the United Kingdom used to be, a carrier is offering to unlock the iPhone for use on other carriers after their contract is ended. Bet this will happen as well if AT&T loses their exclusive contract.
I was seriously thinking of getting one of these things. Uncle seems to like his well enough, but if they're going to charge absolutely obnoxious rates for their services, forget it. I'll go back to an iPhone.
Verizon, can you hear me now?
Update: Speaking of which, where the United Kingdom used to be, a carrier is offering to unlock the iPhone for use on other carriers after their contract is ended. Bet this will happen as well if AT&T loses their exclusive contract.
Monday, November 9
Caves of Steel
If you recognize the title, you'll understand what I'm talking about.
Vermont city almost encased in a 1 mile dome
Neat idea, but will it really manage to recoup their investment in power savings? Time will tell.
Vermont city almost encased in a 1 mile dome
Neat idea, but will it really manage to recoup their investment in power savings? Time will tell.
Oh That's Where I Put That Army
Vanished Persian army said found in desert
50,000 soldiers believed buried by a cataclysmic sandstorm in 525 B.C.
Believe it or not, I studied archaology for a couple of years. This sort of thing fascinates me.
50,000 soldiers believed buried by a cataclysmic sandstorm in 525 B.C.
Believe it or not, I studied archaology for a couple of years. This sort of thing fascinates me.
Some Things Never Get Old: Schroedinger's Cat
I was perusing some of the photos off the old DAMIT site and ran across this one:
I'll post more later as I find some oldies-but-goodies!
 |
| Diary of a Mad IT Manager |
I'll post more later as I find some oldies-but-goodies!
I Want One
...but it would sooooo get me killed, and not necessarily by the wife.
The motorcycle that thinks in Linux
The motorcycle that thinks in Linux
Antimatter in Lightning
From /.
Still looking for the paper that discusses the amount of energy released in a matter/anti-matter explosion.
Update: OK, from what I can see, there's actually 2 opinions in the scientific community relating to "anti-matter explosions". Some say that a matter/anti-matter reaction will make a large badda-boom. Others say that the anti-matter interactions with regular matter will can generate large amounts of energy, but it will be in the form of light and gamma radiation. Now by definition, energy creates heat by exciting the molecules of things it impacts upon, so I can't see how they don't define this as "explosive", but perhaps it's because there's no blast wave. As I don't have enough of a mathematical background to make heads-or-tails of the relative merits of each theory, I'll have to take their words for it.
Basically, mixing matter/anti-matter is bad, um-kay?
Here's where I did my research: Google Scholar
"The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, launched last year,Again, if anti-matter + matter = Big-badda-boom, then where's the big boom?
detects gamma rays from light years away, but recently it detected gamma rays from lightning on Earth. And the energy of the gamma rays is specific to the decay of positrons, which are the antimatter flavor of electrons. Finding antimatter in lightning surprised researchers and suggests the electric field of the lightning somehow got reversed."
Still looking for the paper that discusses the amount of energy released in a matter/anti-matter explosion.
Update: OK, from what I can see, there's actually 2 opinions in the scientific community relating to "anti-matter explosions". Some say that a matter/anti-matter reaction will make a large badda-boom. Others say that the anti-matter interactions with regular matter will can generate large amounts of energy, but it will be in the form of light and gamma radiation. Now by definition, energy creates heat by exciting the molecules of things it impacts upon, so I can't see how they don't define this as "explosive", but perhaps it's because there's no blast wave. As I don't have enough of a mathematical background to make heads-or-tails of the relative merits of each theory, I'll have to take their words for it.
Basically, mixing matter/anti-matter is bad, um-kay?
Here's where I did my research: Google Scholar
That's Vile
Malware is now capable of downloading child pornography to your computer.
Seriously, that's beyond wrong. WTF is wrong with people who write this crap?
Seriously, that's beyond wrong. WTF is wrong with people who write this crap?
Silly Linux
It seems with every update, I have to rebuild my Nvidia graphics drivers. It's getting a little old. Not certain what the problem is, but even when using hard drivers downloader, it screws up.
I have to go to Nvidia's site (if I don't have them ready) and download the latest and then re-install. The upside is that I'm getting quite good at doing it. What used to take half-an-hour of stumbling through now takes less than 5 minutes, so that's something, I suppose.
I have to go to Nvidia's site (if I don't have them ready) and download the latest and then re-install. The upside is that I'm getting quite good at doing it. What used to take half-an-hour of stumbling through now takes less than 5 minutes, so that's something, I suppose.
Friday, November 6
Trek Movie Goodies
Since the DVD/Blueray Star Trek releases in less than 2 weeks, if you haven't already ordered a copy, you might want to know who has the extra goodies when you buy/rent your copy.
The Little Black Hole Engine That Could
Louis Crane & Shawn Westmoreland have put together a theory about using black holes to power starships.
The first couple of sections are really interesting reading, discussing various proposals to power starships and which are practicle and why.
One thing on their discussion of anti-matter: I thought it would only destroy exactly as much matter as there was anti-matter. Why then are we talking about large scale destruction? Did I miss something?
The first couple of sections are really interesting reading, discussing various proposals to power starships and which are practicle and why.
One thing on their discussion of anti-matter: I thought it would only destroy exactly as much matter as there was anti-matter. Why then are we talking about large scale destruction? Did I miss something?
Thursday, November 5
Muppets Away!
Interactive graphic of 101 Muppets
Next time you get into a brutal game of Muppet Trivial Pursuit, you'll thank me.
Next time you get into a brutal game of Muppet Trivial Pursuit, you'll thank me.
Bioware: The Next Blizzard
I've loved Bioware games for years. Probably the first game from Bioware I played was the venerable Ice Wind Dale. Awesome D&D title. I played the sequal, and then Neverwinter Nights came out. That game, and the fantastic little community that spawned around it, kept me entertained literally for 3 years. I once even worked with Money on coding our own server. Fantastic game. Admittedly, the sequal wasn't that great, but it wasn't bad either.
How about Knights of the Old Republic series? Those games were so amazing, I replayed them both several times (as did the Mrs.).
Now Bioware's latest title is Dragon Age. I remember them talking about this when I was into Neverwinter Nights. They've been working on this title forever (almost as long as Duke Nukem Forever). But unlike other vaporware, they released it, and from the reviews I've been reading, it was worth the wait.
Joystiq's review
Kokugamer's review
Blizzard's always been a great gaming company, cranking out some memorable and well-made games. Bioware's ready to jump up on center stage with them, I believe, especially with Dragon Age and the new MMORPG Knights of the Old Republic. Warcraft killer? Probably not, but I'm willing to bet it will be big.
How about Knights of the Old Republic series? Those games were so amazing, I replayed them both several times (as did the Mrs.).
Now Bioware's latest title is Dragon Age. I remember them talking about this when I was into Neverwinter Nights. They've been working on this title forever (almost as long as Duke Nukem Forever). But unlike other vaporware, they released it, and from the reviews I've been reading, it was worth the wait.
Joystiq's review
Kokugamer's review
Blizzard's always been a great gaming company, cranking out some memorable and well-made games. Bioware's ready to jump up on center stage with them, I believe, especially with Dragon Age and the new MMORPG Knights of the Old Republic. Warcraft killer? Probably not, but I'm willing to bet it will be big.
Wednesday, November 4
Don't Fear the Penguins...But the Koala is a Different Story
Some Early Adopters Stung By Ubuntu's Karmic Koala via /.
Glad I decided to wait. Every release seems to be buggy. Best to let them sort it out first.
"Ubuntu 9.10 is causing outrage and frustration, with early adopters wishing
they'd stuck with previous versions of the Linux distro. Blank and flickering
screens, failure to recognize hard drives, defaulting to the old 2.6.28 Linux
kernel, and failure to get encryption running are taking their toll, as early
adopters turn to the web for answers and log fresh bug reports in Ubuntu
forums."
Glad I decided to wait. Every release seems to be buggy. Best to let them sort it out first.
Freakin' Pig-Sty
I haven't been to Atlanta in years, but when I lived there, it was a fairly clean city.
How bad must it be now to lose to Las Vegas of all places? The last time I was in Vegas, there was crap all over the streets (flyers for hookers/strippers, empty bottles, and just general trash, etc.).
I have to say, the cleanest city I ever visited was San Fransisco. I'm not big on California, but man, I loved visiting SF.
How bad must it be now to lose to Las Vegas of all places? The last time I was in Vegas, there was crap all over the streets (flyers for hookers/strippers, empty bottles, and just general trash, etc.).
I have to say, the cleanest city I ever visited was San Fransisco. I'm not big on California, but man, I loved visiting SF.
I Beg Your Pardon?
Esquire magazine has an article on what President Obama's done since entering office. They contend, contrary to popular opinion, that he's been very effective.
Let's take a look at that:
Unless I'm terribly mistaken, aren't there still prisoner's at Club Gitmo?
Well, at least we now know where all the "medical" marijuana's been going.
Let's take a look at that:
A week before he was sworn in, Obama jammed part two of the bank bailout downHmmm, I dont' think I would say he "jammed" anything down their throats. This was Bush's bailout, plain and simple.
the throat of his own party — a $350 billion accomplishment.
Two days after he was sworn in, Obama banned the use of "harsh interrogation"
and ordered the closing of Guantánamo.
Unless I'm terribly mistaken, aren't there still prisoner's at Club Gitmo?
A day later, Obama reversed George W. Bush's funding cutoff to overseas familyWow, he really is just like Superman and Jesus rolled into one. Oh, and he's not afraid of ninjas, I hear. Um, what? He decided to spend more money, what's so surprising about that?
planning organizations — saving millions of lives with the stroke of a pen.
Three days after that, Obama gave a green light to the California car-emissionsOK, the whole cooler planet thing is debatable, but I'll grant California's skies could be cleaner. Still, to force the state that's robbing its citizens in order to pay its bills (excuse me, borrowing from its citizens), into spending more money for emissions is just idiotic.
standards that Bush had been blocking for six years — an important step on the
road to cleaner air and a cooler planet.
Two weeks after that, Obama signed the stimulus bill — a $787 billionYep, let's all spend more money on companies that will likely go under anyway. It was a dumb idea when Bush started it.
accomplishment.
Ten days after that, Obama formally announced America's withdrawal from Iraq.Aren't we still in Iraq?
A week later — we're in early March now — Obama erased Bush's decision toOK, I'm ok with stem-cell research. Just not the way the Dems want to do it.
restrict federal funding for stem-cell research.
In April and June, Obama forced Chrysler and GM into bankruptcy.Well, we see how well that's worked out. I heard a report yesterday that said the American public would never see that money again.
In June, Obama reset the tone of our relations with the entire Arab world with aYeah, he sent Hillary to really piss off the Palestenians. They set relations back 10 years.
single speech — an accomplishment that the Bush administration failed to achieve
despite a series of desperate PR moves (anyone remember Charlotte Beers?) and a
"public diplomacy" budget of $1 billion a year.
Also in June, Obama unveiled the "Cash for Clunkers" program, a "socialist"Yep, dealers were able to dump a ton of cars that they had over-produced anyway at taxpayer expense. I sure call that a win.
giveaway that reanimated the corpse of our car industry — leading, for example,
to the billion-dollar profit that Ford announced on Monday.
I haven't even mentioned Sonia Sotomayor, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, theSotomayor? Wasn't she that racist? I don't know about that act, so I wont' say anything. Yeah, that end of the war against medical marijuana has gone well. Didn't California just do a major bust on a supplier this week? Stopped the financial collapse? 150,000 more people lost their jobs last month! For Christ' sake, the unemployment figure the government releases is at 9.9%! I don't care if they say the economy is growing. It's a lie. Just like the cake.
order to release the torture memos, Obama's push for charter schools, his $288
billion tax cut, or the end of Bush's war on medical marijuana. Or the minor
fact that he seems to have — with Bush's help, it must be said — stopped the
financial collapse, revived the credit markets, and nudged the economy toward
3.5 percent growth in the last quarter.
Oh, and one more thing: President Obama is now a month or two from accomplishing*cough*Bulls%&t!*cough* I don't think so, sparky.
the awesome and seemingly impossible task that eluded mighty presidents like
FDR, LBJ, and WJC — health-care reform.
Obama's early returns also include a host of remarkably cautious and prudent
national-security decisions that seem, these days, to have been completely
forgotten:
Appointing a conservative Bush holdover like Robert Gates as Secretary ofLike he had anyone else qualified?
Defense.
Appointing an establishment centrist like Leon Panetta at CIA.Centrist? Whatever.
Appointing a hard-ass like Stanley McChrystal to head up our military forces inOK, so, we'll put someone under suspicion in charge of our forces. Great plan! You can't tell me there wasn't anyone more qualified? Puh-lease.
Afghanistan, despite McChrystal's dubious involvement in torture and the
cover-up of Pat Tillman's death.
Increasing the number of drone attacks on Al Qaeda — more in the last year thanUm, ok. How do they know it's Al Qaeda? From the information in the European/Middle-Eastern sources, it's been against anything that moved. I'm not certain this is absolutely accurate. But then again, I'm not certain any of this is, sooooo.......
all the Bush years combined.
Reinstating, with tweaks, Bush's military tribunal system for GuantánamoI thought you said he closed that place?
prisoners.
Fighting, in another unexpected defense of a controversial Bush policy, lawsuitsThat's because he likes this one. National security and all that. And you're proud of this?
against the "warrantless wiretapping" program — as recently as this weekend with
a decision that a leading civil liberties group called "extremely
disappointing."
Sending, way back in February, seventeen thousand more soldiers to Afghanistan.Um, ok. I'm pretty sure that was already planned before he came to office, but whatever.
As Fareed Zakaira recently pointed out, this was just three thousand fewer
soldiers than Bush sent to Iraq for his famous "surge."
Well, at least we now know where all the "medical" marijuana's been going.
Tuesday, November 3
Think Tech Isn't a Big Deal?
Mossad Hacked Syrian Official’s Computer Before Bombing Mysterious Facility
Obviously this type of thing has been happening even since computers have been around, but it's still cool to hear about.
The official reportedly left his computer in his hotel room when he went
out, making it easy for agents to install the malware that siphoned files from
the laptop. The files contained construction plans for the Al Kabir complex in
eastern Syria — said to be an illicit nuclear facility — as well as letters and
hundreds of detailed photos showing the complex at various stages of
construction.
Obviously this type of thing has been happening even since computers have been around, but it's still cool to hear about.
Android, it seemed, would kill the iPhone, monster Windows Mobile, cure cancer and bring your ancestors back from the dead.
What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
In a tip of the hat to my buddy, Money, here's another story for you about the military designing drones. In this particular case, it's eerily reminiscent of the squid drones in the Matrix movies.
Military Links Drones into Unmanned Squadrons from FoxNews
People Will Bitch About Anything
Wal-Mart slashing prices on toys for Christmas
And people are crying about it.
Read the stupidity and weep.
And people are crying about it.
Read the stupidity and weep.
Noticing a Trend Here....
No, I did NOT wake up this afternoon and decide I was going to bash Apple.
Sometimes things just work out that way.
I'll resume bashing Microsoft later.
Sometimes things just work out that way.
I'll resume bashing Microsoft later.
Developing Apps
You know, working at night, I have a TON of time to think s%*# up.
I was driving home the other night (morning?) and thought of a great idea for an iPhone app.
So, when I get up later in the afternoon, I go to Apple's site to see about downloading the dev kit to start developing my app. It shouldn't have come as a surprise to me that it was just not going to happen.
You see, you have to run OSX before you can use the developer kit. Well, son of a biscuit eater!
It would make sense if Apple would produce a dev kit that would work on other platforms, but nooooooooo!
Well, I hope Android eats your lunch, Apple. I know I'm going to work on developing apps for it. And I guarantee that when I'm in a position to recommend to someone what phones our department should use, it sure as hell won't be the iPhone.
Speaking of which, Brandweek looks at Android and iPhone apps development.
I was driving home the other night (morning?) and thought of a great idea for an iPhone app.
So, when I get up later in the afternoon, I go to Apple's site to see about downloading the dev kit to start developing my app. It shouldn't have come as a surprise to me that it was just not going to happen.
You see, you have to run OSX before you can use the developer kit. Well, son of a biscuit eater!
It would make sense if Apple would produce a dev kit that would work on other platforms, but nooooooooo!
Well, I hope Android eats your lunch, Apple. I know I'm going to work on developing apps for it. And I guarantee that when I'm in a position to recommend to someone what phones our department should use, it sure as hell won't be the iPhone.
Speaking of which, Brandweek looks at Android and iPhone apps development.
Adobe to Apple: $#%@ You!
If you have an iPhone or an iPod Touch, you know it's frustrating to try to view or visit a website that uses Flash. Just not gonna work there, Sparky.
Seems Adobe has a thing or two to say about it.
Seems Adobe has a thing or two to say about it.
*Sigh* Another Year Gone
Another Halloween gone.
This year's was a real disappointment, too. First, my wife and kids went to a cookout down the street. Or rather, I should say my wife and girls. My son decided he would rather stay home and play video games. So I had to stay home, too. Then when Mrs. MadMan returned, one of the girls went trick-or-treating with one of the neighbor's kids and her dad (instead of me).
I was very upset, obviously. I wanted the family to actually spend some time together.
My middle child took pity on me and let me trick-or-treat with her around the neighborhood before she and the wife left to go to another friend's house and trick-or-treat in their neighborhood.
And to top it off, it started raining so I only had 12 kids drop by all night.
All-in-all, it was not a very good Halloween.
Here's hoping for next year.
This year's was a real disappointment, too. First, my wife and kids went to a cookout down the street. Or rather, I should say my wife and girls. My son decided he would rather stay home and play video games. So I had to stay home, too. Then when Mrs. MadMan returned, one of the girls went trick-or-treating with one of the neighbor's kids and her dad (instead of me).
I was very upset, obviously. I wanted the family to actually spend some time together.
My middle child took pity on me and let me trick-or-treat with her around the neighborhood before she and the wife left to go to another friend's house and trick-or-treat in their neighborhood.
And to top it off, it started raining so I only had 12 kids drop by all night.
All-in-all, it was not a very good Halloween.
Here's hoping for next year.
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