Sunset over Wisconsin Avenue.
©Aaron 2005
Crass Glass Avarice
I noticed as I was buying lunch today that our local George Webb is running a scam.
I had stopped in to buy some chicken strips after I missed lunch today. They took my order, I paid and I sat down to wait for the strips to come. On a shelf at the side of the store were George Webb products--glass tumblers, metal thermos mugs and water bottles.
The tumblers (not bad looking glasses) go for $4.95. Not unreasonable at all. I'm sure you wouuld get some quality drinkage from them and they appear to hold a generous amount of your beverage of choice. The problem is in the bulk packaging. The $4.95 glasses also can be purchased in a package of four (all the same glass, same logo, etc.) for "only" $19.95. In other words, to buy four of them gets you a price hike of $.15.
Not much of a scam, I guess, but it's a problem. We as consumers expect to save money by buying more of stuff. That's the whole point of Sam's Club, right? If the government doesn't mandate that more stuff should cost less, I'm going to have to take matters into my own hands and not buy those tumblers. Or maybe buy them one at a time on four seperate visits.
I had stopped in to buy some chicken strips after I missed lunch today. They took my order, I paid and I sat down to wait for the strips to come. On a shelf at the side of the store were George Webb products--glass tumblers, metal thermos mugs and water bottles.
The tumblers (not bad looking glasses) go for $4.95. Not unreasonable at all. I'm sure you wouuld get some quality drinkage from them and they appear to hold a generous amount of your beverage of choice. The problem is in the bulk packaging. The $4.95 glasses also can be purchased in a package of four (all the same glass, same logo, etc.) for "only" $19.95. In other words, to buy four of them gets you a price hike of $.15.
Not much of a scam, I guess, but it's a problem. We as consumers expect to save money by buying more of stuff. That's the whole point of Sam's Club, right? If the government doesn't mandate that more stuff should cost less, I'm going to have to take matters into my own hands and not buy those tumblers. Or maybe buy them one at a time on four seperate visits.
Blah
I'm still washing the icky taste out of my mouth as I type this. Someone was kind enought to adorn my last post with a spam commment about the opportunities of investing in fast growing hardwood trees. I don't like spam in my mailbox, but I have filters to get rid of most of it. Spam on my blog is just unacceptable. Who goes to all the effort of either manually entering these things or writing a program to spam blog comments?
Fortunately, I have an idea what we can do with them.
In fact, I would volunteer to help build an automated machine that comes equipped with every computer. Any time someone sent an email to more than 25 people at a time*, it would snap out and administer one solid kick to the backside for every 5 addressees over the limit. Spammers (who often send millions of emails at a time) would quickly find themselves unable to sit down. And no one wants to stand up while using the computer, so the spam problem would be solved.
*I know you might be asking me "What about those people who just have a lot of friends and want to send emails to them?" Well, anyone who is sending emails to more than that many people isn't just sending a friendly, personalized "hello". They are forwarding chain letters about brave little cancer patients and non-existent bills being considered by Congress. We would actually be killing two birds with one stone.
Fortunately, I have an idea what we can do with them.
In fact, I would volunteer to help build an automated machine that comes equipped with every computer. Any time someone sent an email to more than 25 people at a time*, it would snap out and administer one solid kick to the backside for every 5 addressees over the limit. Spammers (who often send millions of emails at a time) would quickly find themselves unable to sit down. And no one wants to stand up while using the computer, so the spam problem would be solved.
*I know you might be asking me "What about those people who just have a lot of friends and want to send emails to them?" Well, anyone who is sending emails to more than that many people isn't just sending a friendly, personalized "hello". They are forwarding chain letters about brave little cancer patients and non-existent bills being considered by Congress. We would actually be killing two birds with one stone.
Some Dork Will Know
I was looking at the lyrics to "Someday We'll Know" by the New Radicals (Don't ask why… Google does strange things to me) when I found these explanations of the lyrics.
Apparently we don't need to wait until "someday" to find out why the sky is blue. Some eager beaver at Wikipedia is glad to link you to articles on "Rayleigh Scattering" and "diffuse sky radiation."
Thanks, but I think those questions are rhetorical.
Apparently we don't need to wait until "someday" to find out why the sky is blue. Some eager beaver at Wikipedia is glad to link you to articles on "Rayleigh Scattering" and "diffuse sky radiation."
Thanks, but I think those questions are rhetorical.
Quick Post
For all of you who read my last post then noticed I didn't post for a while: I have not commited ritual seppuku. Sorry to dash all of your hopes for an exciting story. I just have enough time to drop off a quick picture.
This is Supposed to Be a No Sappy Zone
But, man, tonight is depressing. Almost everybody is gone. I have one more test tomorrow morning and I'm leaving too. Summer never looked so long. Once I get home it will be cool but right now, I'm starting to miss people. I have never in the entire time I've known most of my Marquette friends, gone more than a month without seeing them.
Perhaps a song would be appropriate.
Or maybe not. But it's already there so listen to it.
(Big Dismal - Missing You)
Perhaps a song would be appropriate.
Or maybe not. But it's already there so listen to it.
(Big Dismal - Missing You)
Sorry to Ruin Your Hyperbole…
The email I got from Apple announcing that Dave Matthews Band's new album will now be availble on iTunes was good news, but had the distinct odor of bovine fecal matter (no, thank you Texas Justice).
First of all, Stand Up is not only available on iTunes. It can be purchased in stores and through the Dave Matthews Band website (in this newfangled "compact disc" format too!). I guess it would be safe to say that it is the only legal place to buy it digitally.
Second, this isn't the first time that Dave Matthews Band music has been available digitally. Only counting legal distribution, I Did It was released through Napster back in the days of its battles with Metallica. Then DMB struck a deal with the new, legal Napster.com to have all their songs available for download at a price.
Other than that though, I bet it's really true that the album comes with a video download. Kind of like a low-quality version of the video you can get if you buy the CD/DVD double disc for only $2 more than the price of the regular album!
Please, iTunes, I love you but we need more honesty in this relationship.
Stand Up, available only on iTunes, marks a return to a more natural sound that emphasizes their loose, elastic rhythms. The first time that music by the Dave Matthews Band has been available digitally, this new album comes with a digital booklet and a video download.
First of all, Stand Up is not only available on iTunes. It can be purchased in stores and through the Dave Matthews Band website (in this newfangled "compact disc" format too!). I guess it would be safe to say that it is the only legal place to buy it digitally.Second, this isn't the first time that Dave Matthews Band music has been available digitally. Only counting legal distribution, I Did It was released through Napster back in the days of its battles with Metallica. Then DMB struck a deal with the new, legal Napster.com to have all their songs available for download at a price.
Other than that though, I bet it's really true that the album comes with a video download. Kind of like a low-quality version of the video you can get if you buy the CD/DVD double disc for only $2 more than the price of the regular album!
Please, iTunes, I love you but we need more honesty in this relationship.
Want to See Some Ugly Kids?
I know where to go!
Keep checking back, because this site is under construction. More to come on May 20, they tell us.
On a side note, how did they get models for this site?
Photographer: Ma'am, we think your kid would make a great model. Can we take some pictures?
Mother: Sure. What is it for?
Photographer: Our new website called Ugly Kids.
The more I look at those pictures, I realize that the kids aren't actually that ugly. They've been crudely Photoshopped into the little sideshow attractions they are now.
Keep checking back, because this site is under construction. More to come on May 20, they tell us.
On a side note, how did they get models for this site?
Photographer: Ma'am, we think your kid would make a great model. Can we take some pictures?
Mother: Sure. What is it for?
Photographer: Our new website called Ugly Kids.
The more I look at those pictures, I realize that the kids aren't actually that ugly. They've been crudely Photoshopped into the little sideshow attractions they are now.
Cubs Fans Smell Like Poo
Well, not all Cubs fans. I know a few who are more like armpit.But the guys who rag on Steve Bartman are definitely the pooiest. I say this because I'm watching a special on ESPN about Mr. Bartman and the Cubs game. They threw stuff at him and were getting so violent that he had to be escorted out for his own safety. I realize the fans were mad but that was totally uncalled for. That's what beer and frustration do to people.
If I had to put a percentage on it, I would say that Bartman deserves maybe nothing% of the blame. The rest goes to various Cubs for not playing baseball. Here's how ESPN ranks the top five reasons:
5) Alou loses his cool. With Alou jumping up and down and yelling, the rest of the team got worked up too.
4) Dusty Baker doesn't do anything. The team was shaken, but he didn't even leave the dugout to talk to them until after the lead was blown.
3) Alex Gonzalez messed up the easy groundball. That probably relates to #4, Dusty Baker's failure to calm the team down.
2) Losing game 7. A Harvard professor did the math and discovered that the Cubs still had a 91% chance of winning the game, even after the dropped ball.
1) The Marlins were better.
Darth Vader M&M!
I'm sure you're wondering what this is. And I would tell you right now, except that then the text wouldn't wrap around the picture. Instead I'll keep you in suspense for a few more words then say "HERE!" Feel better now?Darn, that picture is just way bigger than any text I can justify using to describe it.
Two Cents on the Pope
I've been meaning to post about the election of Pope Benedict XVI but hey, I'm lazy. And busy lately too. Instead, I'm going to shamelessly link to an article I wrote on another blog.
Tribune v. Ratzinger
Tribune v. Ratzinger
Area 51
A guy using satellite images found what seems to be Area 51 (although some says it's just an Air Force base). I'm less interested in what it is. What really amuses me are the comments people made on his LiveJournal.
Why I Love Fark.com
Kinda feel like a sesame seed bun
Don’t we all
Wait, let me get my gun
Let’s make a McDonald’s run
McGansta
Pope John Paul II 1920-2005
I wrote this out in my head earlier but I couldn't get to the computer to type it out until now.
Karol Wojtyla pray for us.
One of the greatest world leaders of the last century died today, and I wonder if anyone noticed. I was at Johnston Hall finishing my work with the paper when the news came on the Pope John Paul II had died. I had expected the earth to shake, the sky to go black and silence to fall over the land. But when I got outside the sun was still shining in a bright blue sky spotted with puffy white clouds. People were everywhere, living their lives, playing Frisbee, going to and from the library. The only sign that anything was different from every other moment of every other day was one lonely bell tolling slowing from the tower of Johnston Hall. I thought the whole world was rather unceremoniously happy.
But maybe that's how is was supposed to be. Maybe God was reminding me that the Pope's life was a reason for celebration, not sorrow. I think it was Theresa of Lisieux who said she wasn't afraid of death because in Heaven she would be able to pray for her loved ones even more. I get the feeling that's how John Paul felt as his body began to weaken over the last few days.
Karol Wojtyla pray for us.
Car or Khartoum?
A government typist learns that there's a difference between Sedan and Sudan.
Especially when it comes to dropping nuclear weapons.
Especially when it comes to dropping nuclear weapons.
Poetry!
In a link from No-Sword, I came across some great poetry by some guy named Tao Lin. It's on Bullfightreview.com.
Another good one by the same guy.
Strong language alert on the first link, but it's still good stuff.
Another good one by the same guy.
Strong language alert on the first link, but it's still good stuff.
Looking for Lebanese Women?
Shop e-bay and save!
See the ad about halfway down the page.
EDIT: (3/14/05) Sadly, the ad has changed. It no longer offers to help you find Lebanese women cheap on e-bay. I guess I'm left with Plan B: Russian mail order brides.
See the ad about halfway down the page.
EDIT: (3/14/05) Sadly, the ad has changed. It no longer offers to help you find Lebanese women cheap on e-bay. I guess I'm left with Plan B: Russian mail order brides.
Stick Around for More Updates…
It's 7:50 pm. Do you know where your silly putty is?
I don't and that's a scary thing. I shudder to think what it may have stuck itself to the bottom of.
I don't and that's a scary thing. I shudder to think what it may have stuck itself to the bottom of.
Paul McCartney Didn't Play at the Superbowl!
I've been reading up on Paul McCartney lately and it turns out that he's been dead since 1966. Little did I know, he's been played by a guy named Billy Shepherd, or Billy Campbell or something like that shutupandbelievemefool.I think this is the most convincing "believer" site I have read.
The autor of the site says that McCartney's death was an accident. The CIA was actually trying to off his manager Brian Epstein. While that whole plot seems shaky, it does fill in some holes in other conspiracies. Such as, why did the Beatles keep his death under wraps? This site explains that they did it to keep the CIA off their backs.
This one's disturbing.
The very first picture of "Paul" (Billy Shepherd?) naked. (He's covered enough to be safe, but just barely.) Those gifs of the morphing faces are really creepy too.
I think the credibility of the site is undermined for several reasons. First of all, it refers the alleged impostor as "Billy Shepherd." Just about every other source calls him "Billy Campbell." Secondly, it lists Paul's date of death as September 11, 1966. This is probably a misunderstanding of the actual date given by most theories of 11-9 (November 9). The site has a .it ending, so the writer probably assumes the European custom of date before month. The writer might also be looking for some 9-11 connections.
From the BBC's h2g2 network.
This source seems pretty skeptical. It has a lot of things that seem to add up, though. Some of the stuff is kind of creepy.
This one's in-depth.
It believes that the "Paul is dead" theory is fake, but it goes into more details and clues than I've seen anywhere else.
I Should Have Known
There was a link in my Hotmail account to an article headlined Is Marc Controlling J.Lo? In a fit of silliness, I clicked the link. It confirmed what I had suspected all along. Try it yourself.
Are You a Serial Killer?
Click here to find out. I got it right, strangely enough. But I cheated. The voices told me the answer.
Scientists Are Funny People
If you ever wondered what the fruitfly genome might sound like hooked up to a computer's music snythesizer, wait no longer! Just click here.
You've Probably Already Seen This…
But for those of you who are missing out, here it is.
It's about 2 minutes of some guy singing falsetto to techno music in front of his computer. Don't let my bland description rob you of the pleasure of seeing this for yourself.
Here is a site with subtitles and translation. Any guess on the language?
It's about 2 minutes of some guy singing falsetto to techno music in front of his computer. Don't let my bland description rob you of the pleasure of seeing this for yourself.
Here is a site with subtitles and translation. Any guess on the language?
Proof that Europeans are Weird
From the the English version of the official website for Philipps Universität in Marburg Germany.
Click the "Where is Marburg?" link and wait for the strangeness to ensue.
Click the "Where is Marburg?" link and wait for the strangeness to ensue.
Disturbing Dating Ad
I found this ad running down the side of a page while I was checking my hotmail account.
What exactly is this ad saying?
"True Dating Service: If you're looking for someone to grab your butt, you're in the right place"?
I noticed the fine print at the bottom (tee hee!) says "We screen for felons and married people." I have questions about whether or not that's true (or even possible), but that's not the point. Shouldn't they screen for dirty minded men who want to feel girls up in the middle of a poppy field? Look at the expression on that guy's face. He's not thinking good thoughts, I'll tell you that. And considering the surroundings, I bet he's an opium dealer. I guess they can't screen out future felons.
On another note, something about this picture just doesn't look right. The guy's arms are situated really awkwardly. And where are his legs? I only see one set (and they are coming out of the girl's hips). Maybe the guy was born without legs. The only way he can keep his balance while this girl carries him is by *ahem* holding on tight.
There's No Such Thing as Too Much Pirate
What's yarrr pirate name?
My pirate name is:
Black Harry Rackham
Like anyone confronted with the harshness of robbery on the high seas, you can be pessimistic at times. You have the good fortune of having a good name, since Rackham (pronounced RACKem, not rack-ham) is one of the coolest sounding surnames for a pirate. Arr!
Get your own pirate name from fidius.org.
Look out if you try to post your results. The code is ugly. I had to fix some of it myself.
My pirate name is:
Black Harry Rackham
Like anyone confronted with the harshness of robbery on the high seas, you can be pessimistic at times. You have the good fortune of having a good name, since Rackham (pronounced RACKem, not rack-ham) is one of the coolest sounding surnames for a pirate. Arr!
Get your own pirate name from fidius.org.
Look out if you try to post your results. The code is ugly. I had to fix some of it myself.
Baby Got Book
"Baby I wanna read witcha
Cause that Bible you have's got pictures…"
No further explanation would do.
Cause that Bible you have's got pictures…"
No further explanation would do.
Spelling Nazi On the Loose!
Why Just Respond When You Can Post?
I was working on a reply to CrackerSnacker's comment in my music post, but it got so long that I figured it deserved its own post.
Probably you haven't heard of a lot of these bands because quite a few of them are Christian groups (and not well known in the Christian industry either).
For example, Earthsuit is a crazy sounding raggae/rap/rock group that's just a lot of fun. They broke up after their first album, Kaleidoscope Superior. The members formed two new groups, Macrosick and Mute Math. (Listening to Earthsuit or looking at their album art or even reading their new band names is a like an acid trip. Or what I assume an acid trip would be like.)
Burlap to Cashmere is an ethnic Latin/Greek/acoustic folk group. (Yes, I like bands that are hard to categorize) Much like Earthsuit, they put out an incredible debut album (Anybody Out There) that was just too different to get a lot of play on mainstream Christian radio. After a bit of industry drama, their label fell through and the band died out. Steven Delopoulos was their lead singer who now has an amazing solo album called Me Died Blue. If you have any experience with Cat Stevens or other '70's singer-songwriter types, you'll like him.
Relient K is just a fun pop-punk band. Lately pop-punk has become a whipping boy for music critics because it has gained a teeny-bopper following. Relient K is much better than that. Fun music and witty lyrics that really have something deep to say. Their breakout album was the hilarious Anatomy of the Tongue and Cheek. Their latest, which is also great, is called mmhmm.
Rich Mullins may well be the greatest songwriter in Christian music. A good sample of his sound would be the album Songs. He died about 7 or 8 years ago, but had an some unfinished demos for an album called The Jesus Album. They are rough sounding tape recordings that have been remastered to CD, but they're great.
The Benedictine Monks I mentioned are just that, monks doing chants in Latin. Their album is called Chant Noel. It's great music to put on in the background.
Other than that, the only song people probably haven't heard of is Concrete Girl by Switchfoot. It comes from The Legend of Chin their first album (no, The Beatiful Letdown wasn't their first album). A lot of people consider it their best work. I'm not sure I can go that far. All of their albums are so solid that it's hard to pick a favorite.
Probably you haven't heard of a lot of these bands because quite a few of them are Christian groups (and not well known in the Christian industry either).
For example, Earthsuit is a crazy sounding raggae/rap/rock group that's just a lot of fun. They broke up after their first album, Kaleidoscope Superior. The members formed two new groups, Macrosick and Mute Math. (Listening to Earthsuit or looking at their album art or even reading their new band names is a like an acid trip. Or what I assume an acid trip would be like.)
Burlap to Cashmere is an ethnic Latin/Greek/acoustic folk group. (Yes, I like bands that are hard to categorize) Much like Earthsuit, they put out an incredible debut album (Anybody Out There) that was just too different to get a lot of play on mainstream Christian radio. After a bit of industry drama, their label fell through and the band died out. Steven Delopoulos was their lead singer who now has an amazing solo album called Me Died Blue. If you have any experience with Cat Stevens or other '70's singer-songwriter types, you'll like him.
Relient K is just a fun pop-punk band. Lately pop-punk has become a whipping boy for music critics because it has gained a teeny-bopper following. Relient K is much better than that. Fun music and witty lyrics that really have something deep to say. Their breakout album was the hilarious Anatomy of the Tongue and Cheek. Their latest, which is also great, is called mmhmm.
Rich Mullins may well be the greatest songwriter in Christian music. A good sample of his sound would be the album Songs. He died about 7 or 8 years ago, but had an some unfinished demos for an album called The Jesus Album. They are rough sounding tape recordings that have been remastered to CD, but they're great.
The Benedictine Monks I mentioned are just that, monks doing chants in Latin. Their album is called Chant Noel. It's great music to put on in the background.
Other than that, the only song people probably haven't heard of is Concrete Girl by Switchfoot. It comes from The Legend of Chin their first album (no, The Beatiful Letdown wasn't their first album). A lot of people consider it their best work. I'm not sure I can go that far. All of their albums are so solid that it's hard to pick a favorite.
Pray for the Pope
I received this in an email today.
His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, is specifically requesting that we pray for him in the knowledge that his time among us is limited. Please pray an "Our Father" for him; then copy and forward this to as many people around the world as possible. Pope John Paul made this request about 3 weeks ago on praying the Angelus before the pilgrims in St. Peter's Square. At Lourdes a few weeks ago he mentioned being at the end of his pilgrimage.
Online Music Quiz
I found this at thejist.com. Feel free to copy and paste it with your own information.
My Random Top 10 Singles
(this is really random for me. My favorite songs change minute by minute.)
In no particular order:
1) Boulevard of Broken Dreams - Green Day
2) 100 Years- Five for Fighting
3) Fields of Gold - Sting and the Police
4) Daisies and Roses - Burlap to Cashmere
5) All I Want is You - U2
6) Whch to Bury, Us or the Hatchet? - Relient K
7) The Song that Jane Likes - Dave Matthews Band
8) Hard to Get - Rich Mullins
9) Chant Noel - Benedictine Monks
10) Rocky Boat - Steven Delopoulos
What is the total amount of music files on your computer? 1418
The last CD I bought was : How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb - U2
The last song listened to before this message? Said the Sun to the Shine - Earthsuit
Write down five songs you often listen to, or that mean alot to you:
1) Electrical Storm - U2
2) Pig - Dave Matthews Band
3) The One I'm Waiting For - Relient K
4) Brick - Ben Folds
5)Concrete Girl - Switchfoot
There ya go. I did this for you!
My Random Top 10 Singles
(this is really random for me. My favorite songs change minute by minute.)
In no particular order:
1) Boulevard of Broken Dreams - Green Day
2) 100 Years- Five for Fighting
3) Fields of Gold - Sting and the Police
4) Daisies and Roses - Burlap to Cashmere
5) All I Want is You - U2
6) Whch to Bury, Us or the Hatchet? - Relient K
7) The Song that Jane Likes - Dave Matthews Band
8) Hard to Get - Rich Mullins
9) Chant Noel - Benedictine Monks
10) Rocky Boat - Steven Delopoulos
What is the total amount of music files on your computer? 1418
The last CD I bought was : How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb - U2
The last song listened to before this message? Said the Sun to the Shine - Earthsuit
Write down five songs you often listen to, or that mean alot to you:
1) Electrical Storm - U2
2) Pig - Dave Matthews Band
3) The One I'm Waiting For - Relient K
4) Brick - Ben Folds
5)Concrete Girl - Switchfoot
There ya go. I did this for you!
Hey World, Lighten Up!
Dearest World
My love for you is like the grass of the fields, stretching onward in every direction, blowing in the wind just like your beautiful golden locks. I want nothing but the best for you, my love. So I feel I have no choice but to be frank in my words with you.
I have received several emails in the last few days informing me of the horrors of a website that has, like iLazarus, risen from the CyberGrave of EtherDeath. Yes my friends, I mean BonsaiKitten.com.
While I realize many of you out there love cats (and that might also be the same mental defect that makes you want to send me forwarded emails), there is no reason to worry. BonsaiKitten.com is a joke. I think anyone who actually reads the site would be tipped off by many things, including this piece of "news", which I quote here (portions that should indicate that this is a joke are bolded):
"
If that doesn't make it clear enough, look at their link logo. Does this look like the product of real commercial site?
I understand that humans have a natural desire to change the world, to do something good for others. But Bonsai Kittens need your help just about as much as the endangered purple peanut-eating platypus. Meaning not at all, because they don't exist. If you are looking for a way to help, there are many worthy causes.
Right to Life
Red Cross Tsunami Relief
Repairers of the Breach (Milwaukee)
The "Pay for Aaron's College Education" Fund
Until we meet again,
Aaron
My love for you is like the grass of the fields, stretching onward in every direction, blowing in the wind just like your beautiful golden locks. I want nothing but the best for you, my love. So I feel I have no choice but to be frank in my words with you.
I have received several emails in the last few days informing me of the horrors of a website that has, like iLazarus, risen from the CyberGrave of EtherDeath. Yes my friends, I mean BonsaiKitten.com.
While I realize many of you out there love cats (and that might also be the same mental defect that makes you want to send me forwarded emails), there is no reason to worry. BonsaiKitten.com is a joke. I think anyone who actually reads the site would be tipped off by many things, including this piece of "news", which I quote here (portions that should indicate that this is a joke are bolded):
"
News Flash! Bonsai Kittens save your brain!
Recent research, reported in The Scotsman and other news corporations, shows that the keeping of unmodified cats puts people at risk of a host of debilitating mental disorders:
US scientists have found evidence that cats really do drive people mad.
Researchers from Baltimore's Johns Hopkins University say their findings show keeping a furry pet can lead to schizophrenia, manic depression and even permanent brain damage.
Dr Robert Yolken and his colleague, Dr Fuller Torrey, who have conducted years of tests, believe a parasite found in cat faeces called toxoplasma gondii infects the human brain.
Worryingly, pregnant women who contract the parasite, can transmit it to the foetus, with devastating effects on brain development.
No doubt this explains the crank e-mail we sometimes receive!
The integral waste management systems of Bonsai Kittens, of course, prevent their owners from ever having to come into direct contact with the cats' feces, thus protecting them from harm. Your mental health is one of the most precious gifts you have -- don't you owe it to yourself and your family to make the switch to a Bonsai Kitten today? As a public service in response to this newly-discovered health risk, for a limited time we will be offering free disposal of your dangerous old cat with each purchase of a Bonsai Kitten -- please contact us for drop-off details.
"
If that doesn't make it clear enough, look at their link logo. Does this look like the product of real commercial site?
I understand that humans have a natural desire to change the world, to do something good for others. But Bonsai Kittens need your help just about as much as the endangered purple peanut-eating platypus. Meaning not at all, because they don't exist. If you are looking for a way to help, there are many worthy causes.
Right to Life
Red Cross Tsunami Relief
Repairers of the Breach (Milwaukee)
The "Pay for Aaron's College Education" Fund
Until we meet again,
Aaron
100 Years- Five for Fighting
To quote Peter Griffin, this song is freakin' sweet.
Listen to it in the music section of Five for Fighting.com.
The lyrics are amazing. (Thanks, lyrics007.com.) He describes a man thinking about being a teenager as he literally journeys through his life. He describes important stages of life as he reaches them.
What really makes the song is the way the melody and the lyrics work together. The bridge is a great example:
Half time goes by (A)
Suddenly you're wise (A)
Another blink of an eye (A)
67 is gone (B)
The sun is getting high (A)
We're moving on... (B)
The first three lines build as they repeat practically the same tune and rhyme scheme (A). Then the rhyme changes (B) as well as the melody of the line. The fourth line goes back to the A rhyme and tune, building to climax. It lets off all that steam with the slow, almost sad "We're moving on…" (Thanks to Paul for pointing out the bridge to me.)
So in conclusion, (as I try my hardest to make this sound like it was written by a 4th grader) this is a great song. Give it a good hard listen.
Would I lie to you?
iSpecialists
I'm on hold with Apple's Apple Care tech support team right now. This funky music is making me want to dance. If I had an iPod, I would cha cha like a fool right now. Of course, if I had an iPod I wouldn't be talking to these tech support guys.
I wish they would just admit that it's broken and needs to be repaired or (preferably) replaced. I don'think resetting it for the 5th time will get us anywhere we haven't already been.
I wish they would just admit that it's broken and needs to be repaired or (preferably) replaced. I don'think resetting it for the 5th time will get us anywhere we haven't already been.
Ladies and Gentlemen…Cory!
| My good friend Cory started a blog of his own. It's at IntelWarrior.blogspot.com.
Everybody give Cory a nice round of applause and click over to his page. Kermit won't be happy if you don't. And I won't be happy unless I post enought text to make this table line up without too much white space. This is enough. | 
|
|
| Introducing…!
|
What Did I Do Before My iPod?
All over the world, life is hard. In Indonesia people are recovering from losing everything in the tsunami. In India children are starving in the streets. People are killed by wars and oppressive regimes. And yet, here is my whiny little post.
I miss my iPod. How did I go 19 years of my life without one? What accompanied me on long walks to and from classes and between buildings at night? And yet, only a month after I bought it, my iPod is, for all intents and purposes, dead. It still has battery power and plugs properly into my computer. The hard drive is still spinning as usual but it can't receive commands from me, its master. The scroll wheel and clicker buttons are kaput. I have to send it in to Apple Care, where they will probably keep it for a month, tinker with it until it works then charge me return shipping to get it back. In the mean time I will walk these empty streets on the boulevard of broken technologies. It is a lonely road but it's the only one I've ever known.
I miss my iPod. How did I go 19 years of my life without one? What accompanied me on long walks to and from classes and between buildings at night? And yet, only a month after I bought it, my iPod is, for all intents and purposes, dead. It still has battery power and plugs properly into my computer. The hard drive is still spinning as usual but it can't receive commands from me, its master. The scroll wheel and clicker buttons are kaput. I have to send it in to Apple Care, where they will probably keep it for a month, tinker with it until it works then charge me return shipping to get it back. In the mean time I will walk these empty streets on the boulevard of broken technologies. It is a lonely road but it's the only one I've ever known.
I've Got Plenty of Time!
Over a billion seconds!
Sadly, I will be outlived by Britney Spears
Thanks to DeathClock.com
PS, I googled Britney Spears, hoping to put picture on this post. Unfortunately, all the pictures Google turned up on the first page were fairly inappropriate for my target audience (non-perverts), so I gave up. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Sadly, I will be outlived by Britney Spears
Thanks to DeathClock.com
PS, I googled Britney Spears, hoping to put picture on this post. Unfortunately, all the pictures Google turned up on the first page were fairly inappropriate for my target audience (non-perverts), so I gave up. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Spring 2005!
Dave Matthews Band is putting out a new studio album in Spring 2005, according to the appropriately named dmbnewstudioalbum.com. There's not much there now, but more will come. Supposedly, someone hacked the site and found the next update. I haven't seen it yet, but there is a link in the discussion on AntsMarching.org's forums.
All Rise! Higher, Please!
I just accidentally bought two pairs of medium-rise mens' pants. I didn't even realize there was such thing as medium-rise pants. At least until I put them on. Then I realized pretty quickly that they were a little tight around the, um, "inseam region."
What is the idea behind low-rise mens's pants (there were some of those at the store too)? Please help. I'm not being rhetorical. I'm really stumped.
What is the idea behind low-rise mens's pants (there were some of those at the store too)? Please help. I'm not being rhetorical. I'm really stumped.
Since We're Taking Quizzes…
Are you a music nerd? I know you tell yourself that when you look in the mirror in the morning. But do you have the guts to find out if it's really true? If so, click here.
I scored a 24.6%. Apparently that's good enough to make me a "Total Music Nerd."
I scored a 24.6%. Apparently that's good enough to make me a "Total Music Nerd."
Thanks a Lot, Sharkey
He said it was the worst personality quiz ever and he was right.
Let's see… one right (you know which one, smart aleck!) The rest are all either "no" or "I hope not."
Sorry about the grandkids, mom!
Let's see… one right (you know which one, smart aleck!) The rest are all either "no" or "I hope not."
Sorry about the grandkids, mom!
I Got a New Toothbrush
Yes, after being sick for the last 24 hours, I decided my toothbrush probably wasn't fit to be put in my mouth again. It's always sad to take Old Yeller back to the trash can in the bathroom, but I swallowed my emotion (and a big gulp of Scope to calm my nerves) and put it down.
My new toothbrush is very complicated. I'm used to the thin white bristles. I'm also used to the thin colored bristles. What I can't get used to are the thick rubber fingers that are attached to the head of the toothbrush. I was confused until I read the label of my toothbrush package. It said the rubber fingers were for "massaging" my gums. Maybe I'm missing something, but I have no idea why my gums need to be massaged at all. Do they do any work? They don't hold my teeth in. That's the job of the periondontal ligament. (Most scientist refer to it as "the teeth holder thingy." Most people from Arkansas refer to it as "the tooth holder thingy.") In fact, my gums are a lot like Vanna White. Sure, they touch the white squares, but what do they actually do? Nothing! They're just there for show.
If we're going to be working massagers into random hygiene products, I can think of better ones. Take deodorant for example. Wouldn't it be great to go to work every morning knowing not only that you smell fresh, but also that that special "getting tickled by midgets" feeling would last all day too?
Or Dr. Scholl's(©) shoe pads. You'll never want to take your shoes off again! And it would be better for everyone else if you didn't.
My new toothbrush is very complicated. I'm used to the thin white bristles. I'm also used to the thin colored bristles. What I can't get used to are the thick rubber fingers that are attached to the head of the toothbrush. I was confused until I read the label of my toothbrush package. It said the rubber fingers were for "massaging" my gums. Maybe I'm missing something, but I have no idea why my gums need to be massaged at all. Do they do any work? They don't hold my teeth in. That's the job of the periondontal ligament. (Most scientist refer to it as "the teeth holder thingy." Most people from Arkansas refer to it as "the tooth holder thingy.") In fact, my gums are a lot like Vanna White. Sure, they touch the white squares, but what do they actually do? Nothing! They're just there for show.
If we're going to be working massagers into random hygiene products, I can think of better ones. Take deodorant for example. Wouldn't it be great to go to work every morning knowing not only that you smell fresh, but also that that special "getting tickled by midgets" feeling would last all day too?
Or Dr. Scholl's(©) shoe pads. You'll never want to take your shoes off again! And it would be better for everyone else if you didn't.
Red Pill, Red Hat
I just saw a guy who looked like Morpheus walking down the street. He was big and tough looking and he even had similar sunglasses. But he was wearing a Santa hat!
+ 
= Weird.
+ = Weird.
Lap pillows. They don't go on your lap--they are a lap.
Latest News on Eagles/Warriors
Thanks to Tommy for writing this excellent opinion piece.
Marquette Board of Trustees reached decision: They are indeed girly-men.
After 6 months of controversey on the debate between Marquette's nickname of the Golden Eagles verses the former nickname of Warriors, the board of trustees finaly came to a decision. They infact decidecd yesterday that they were not going to decide.
One board member was quoted as saying, "I am really too scared to decide. Either way someone will be upset and will probably hurt me. Thats just not the Jesuit ideal."
Spokesmen from groups on all sides of the issues spoke out after the decison of no decision. Students For Warriors supporter Brian Collar was seen toting his big flag chasing down a board member calling him a no good overpaid girly man.
Representatives of the Demonstration for Dignity who were oppossed to the Warriors could not be reached as they were planning their next event. Apparently they are off to defend squirrels in the Marquette area stating that the term "garbage eating rodents" simply is not supporting the squirrels dignity.
Students for Hilltoppers are still yet to be seen.
Man Massacres Nightclub. Journalist Does His Own Job on the English Language
According to nbc41.com.
"It was unclear as to whom shot the alleged gunman."
NO! It was unclear who shot the alleged gunman. "Who" is used when the unknown person is the subject of the sentence. "Whom" is used when the unknown person is the object of the sentence. You could also properly say "It was unclear whom the gunman shot."
An easy test is to insert "he" into the sentence and see if it makes sense. You wouldn't say "It was unclear if him shot the gunman." You could say "It was unclear if he shot the gunman."
Looks like my work here is done.
"It was unclear as to whom shot the alleged gunman."
NO! It was unclear who shot the alleged gunman. "Who" is used when the unknown person is the subject of the sentence. "Whom" is used when the unknown person is the object of the sentence. You could also properly say "It was unclear whom the gunman shot."
An easy test is to insert "he" into the sentence and see if it makes sense. You wouldn't say "It was unclear if him shot the gunman." You could say "It was unclear if he shot the gunman."
Looks like my work here is done.
I Had a Really Funny Image of a Dancing Bear…
…but I can't find it now. I know it's somewhere online so I'll put it right here for you once I've relocated it.
This ESPN Poll is Ridiculous
^Like, yeah, man.
Nice picture, too.
ESPN.com has a poll asking how people feel about the report that Barry Bonds took steroids. They ask some good questions, but their answers are ridiculous. Their options are so extreme that there isn't any room between "I want to lick Barry's shoes clean" and "Burn, Barry, burn."
One questions asks:
"8) How will Barry Bonds be remembered years from now?
•Greatest HR hitter of all-time
•Greatest HR hitter of his era
•Steroid user"
There isn't anywhere for me to put my opinion that he is among the best of all time, but not the greatest. Not even necessarily the best of his era. And there will probably be a bit of a stain on his memory from steroid speculation, but I don't see it keeping him out of the Hall of Fame or anything like that. To use a political metaphor, I think he will be remembered more like Bill Clinton than Richard Nixon.
Here are some reactions to ESPN.com's story.
I'm not sure how long those links will stay up, so if you can't connect to this story in a couple of days, leave a comment and I'll send you your money back.
Nice picture, too.
ESPN.com has a poll asking how people feel about the report that Barry Bonds took steroids. They ask some good questions, but their answers are ridiculous. Their options are so extreme that there isn't any room between "I want to lick Barry's shoes clean" and "Burn, Barry, burn."
One questions asks:
"8) How will Barry Bonds be remembered years from now?
•Greatest HR hitter of all-time
•Greatest HR hitter of his era
•Steroid user"
There isn't anywhere for me to put my opinion that he is among the best of all time, but not the greatest. Not even necessarily the best of his era. And there will probably be a bit of a stain on his memory from steroid speculation, but I don't see it keeping him out of the Hall of Fame or anything like that. To use a political metaphor, I think he will be remembered more like Bill Clinton than Richard Nixon.
Here are some reactions to ESPN.com's story.
I'm not sure how long those links will stay up, so if you can't connect to this story in a couple of days, leave a comment and I'll send you your money back.
Honest, Professor, I Wanted to Do My Homework.
I wasn't in a great mood after my run-in with a bum-with-attitude today. But then, it snowed.
Oh, did it snow.
Oh, how the snow goes.
It snowed on a fox,
And on Kevin Knox,
And even on homeless guys in a box.
No, thank you, Dr. Seuss.
After the Bellarmine meeting, the snow was about half an inch deep. It was fluffy and wet, just like professional snowballers like it. No had even walked on it yet. It was perfectly smooth, pristine and beautiful. Naturally, we jumped right in with a giant snowball fight.
Tom, Becky, Rebecca, Jose and I pelted each other with snowballs for almost half an hour. I had snow in my hair, coat, shirt, shoes and pants. I like to think that I got off lighter than the rest of them.
It was Jose's first actual snowfall (he's from Chile), so he was impressed by the whole thing. We made a snowman. Jose couldn't believe people actually rolled balls of snow on the ground to make snowmen. "I've only seen this on Snoopy!" he said. The snowman had four segments and looked kind of like this. You can guess whe we named her.
After I had to go the library, but the pandemonium continued outside. For two hours students pelted each other with snow. Dan had a water balloon launcher that could shoot snowballs a mile. He was "going artillery-style on their a**es," to quote a source at the scene. I think it could literally knock someone out at short range. Not that we're going to try that tomorrow about 7 o'clock in front of Cobeen.
When I passed the Union, where Mrs. Butterworth had been, she was nowhere to be found. There wasn't even a trace of wreckage. I suspect she was entirely salvaged for snowballs. Hopefully there will be more tomrrow. Not that I'll have time to play in in it, since I didn't do anything tonight.
Now I have to go to bed and get 5 1/2 hours of sleep for class tomorrow.
Oh, did it snow.
Oh, how the snow goes.
It snowed on a fox,
And on Kevin Knox,
And even on homeless guys in a box.
No, thank you, Dr. Seuss.
After the Bellarmine meeting, the snow was about half an inch deep. It was fluffy and wet, just like professional snowballers like it. No had even walked on it yet. It was perfectly smooth, pristine and beautiful. Naturally, we jumped right in with a giant snowball fight.
Tom, Becky, Rebecca, Jose and I pelted each other with snowballs for almost half an hour. I had snow in my hair, coat, shirt, shoes and pants. I like to think that I got off lighter than the rest of them.
It was Jose's first actual snowfall (he's from Chile), so he was impressed by the whole thing. We made a snowman. Jose couldn't believe people actually rolled balls of snow on the ground to make snowmen. "I've only seen this on Snoopy!" he said. The snowman had four segments and looked kind of like this. You can guess whe we named her.
After I had to go the library, but the pandemonium continued outside. For two hours students pelted each other with snow. Dan had a water balloon launcher that could shoot snowballs a mile. He was "going artillery-style on their a**es," to quote a source at the scene. I think it could literally knock someone out at short range. Not that we're going to try that tomorrow about 7 o'clock in front of Cobeen.
When I passed the Union, where Mrs. Butterworth had been, she was nowhere to be found. There wasn't even a trace of wreckage. I suspect she was entirely salvaged for snowballs. Hopefully there will be more tomrrow. Not that I'll have time to play in in it, since I didn't do anything tonight.
Now I have to go to bed and get 5 1/2 hours of sleep for class tomorrow.
We'd Excommunicate Him If We Could
Conversation between a Muslim kid on my floor and the (Catholic priest) chaplain:
Z: "Have you read Orwell?"
Father: "No, I haven't."
Z: "Jeez, Father! What are you good for?"
Z: "Have you read Orwell?"
Father: "No, I haven't."
Z: "Jeez, Father! What are you good for?"
No Habla Español is Ok
The Marquette Chileans have a website. If you speak Spanish you might understand what it says, too.
OpMario.4t.com
OpMario.4t.com
"What You Got, What You Got in Your Hand?" a Father Said to Son
Yes, Mr. Matthews, that is a nice vat of pickles.
Thanks to AntsMarching.org for the link to this photo.
Thanks to AntsMarching.org for the link to this photo.
Jerk Alert!
Read the whole description.
Edit: eBay took it down. It was a guy selling a picture of his computer. Last I checked bidding was around $625.
Edit: eBay took it down. It was a guy selling a picture of his computer. Last I checked bidding was around $625.
Testing, Testing…
I just got FireFox on my computer. If you're still using Internet Explorer, change now!
And to make up for the fact that this is totally wasted post, I'll tell you some late political jokes.
Joke #1
John Kerry walks into a bar. The bartender says, "Hey, why the long face?"
Joke #2 (Thanks to Mr. Packer)
George W. Bush walks into a bar. The bartender says, "Hey, I haven't seen you since 1982!"
And to make up for the fact that this is totally wasted post, I'll tell you some late political jokes.
Joke #1
John Kerry walks into a bar. The bartender says, "Hey, why the long face?"
Joke #2 (Thanks to Mr. Packer)
George W. Bush walks into a bar. The bartender says, "Hey, I haven't seen you since 1982!"
Here, Have Some Cheese With That
With the finalization of the presidential election, the liberal elite is out in full force. There is a small but vocal section of the population that thinks they know what the average American needs better than the average American does. A perfect example is last night (Wednesday November 3)'s episode of The Daily Show.
The tone all night was bitter toward people who voted for Bush. Don't get me wrong, it was fairly funny. But the standard line of thought went something like this: "59 million people voted against the person I voted for. Those people are stupid." At one point, John Stewart concluded that voters must "smoke crack." Then one of his correspondants stated that Bush didn't have "mandate" last term. What the heck is mandate? Is it some kind of permission to act as president? The Constitution says you get to be president when you get a majority of the electoral votes. I doesn't mention "mandate" anywhere. I interpret that to mean that you get all the powers of the presidency whether you win by 2 or 200 electoral votes, but then again, I'm not a Supreme Court justice. Maybe "mandate" is hiding somewhere next to "right to privacy."
I Didn't Even Know They Had They Internet In Small Town New Hampshire
Maybe it should be revoked if they can't think of anything better than this to post.
Hope You're Not Sick of Relient K or All the Songs They Play
Relient K released their new CD mmhmm today. I don't have it yet, but I'm waiting for it to come in the mail. A source who commented on the condition of anonymity* reported that his face was "melted" from being rocked off. We'll see. The Flametroll is ready to rock.
*Sharkey
I Was Thinking Over Thinking
I am in the middle of doing my Java programming homework right now and it's hard as a presidential candidate's hairspray job. Yeah, I'm whining but I know I'm not getting any sympathy here, because I'm stuck in the middle in terms of computer skill. People who don't know computers probably would think I'm some kind of god because I can print strings of insults out on the screen. On the other hand, people who actually code Java are laughing at me because I'm struggling with do-while loops. Right now they are thinking of insults that they can print about me. They will probably not use do-while loops. What a bunch of pansies.
But the point of that explanation is to say that I have no idea why my brain feels so tired. What part of the brain is it that wears out? It doesn't have muscle fibers that break down with wear. I don't picture my noodle being like those huge guys that intimidate me while I work out with my 25 pound weights at the gym (not that I'm dwelling on those muscle bound mouth breathers who. . . ooh, please don't hurt me. Ow, please?) I'm hoping the grey matter can't just start to dissolve. (I do have to blow my nose though. I better weigh my head.) So to find out the science behind this phenomenon, I consulted Dr. Imadeanameup.
According to the good doctor, scientists have studied the effects of concentrated effort on the brain, but haven't yet come to any conclusions. Usually this is because they spend most of the time playing the "xerox my butt" prank with the CAT scanners. Scientists are apparently a silly lot. I mean, it's obvious they made this up. I'm a little concerned about those bones. Has anyone seen Elijah Wood lately?
I guess that just goes to show that science doesn't have all the answers and I'm going to have to do the research myself. As soon as these CAT scans print out.
But the point of that explanation is to say that I have no idea why my brain feels so tired. What part of the brain is it that wears out? It doesn't have muscle fibers that break down with wear. I don't picture my noodle being like those huge guys that intimidate me while I work out with my 25 pound weights at the gym (not that I'm dwelling on those muscle bound mouth breathers who. . . ooh, please don't hurt me. Ow, please?) I'm hoping the grey matter can't just start to dissolve. (I do have to blow my nose though. I better weigh my head.) So to find out the science behind this phenomenon, I consulted Dr. Imadeanameup.
According to the good doctor, scientists have studied the effects of concentrated effort on the brain, but haven't yet come to any conclusions. Usually this is because they spend most of the time playing the "xerox my butt" prank with the CAT scanners. Scientists are apparently a silly lot. I mean, it's obvious they made this up. I'm a little concerned about those bones. Has anyone seen Elijah Wood lately?
I guess that just goes to show that science doesn't have all the answers and I'm going to have to do the research myself. As soon as these CAT scans print out.
More Poll Numbers
Zzzzzz…
PollingReport.com, as usual.
It's a lot more mixed than its been in the last couple of weeks. And I'm too lazy to copy the numbers over. Click the link, already.
PollingReport.com, as usual.
It's a lot more mixed than its been in the last couple of weeks. And I'm too lazy to copy the numbers over. Click the link, already.
I Am Not Making This Up
Dave Barry taking a year-long sabbatical!
Now what am I going to read on Sunday mornings? Other than Dilbert, I mean.
Now what am I going to read on Sunday mornings? Other than Dilbert, I mean.
When you see this, post a bit of poetry in your blog (and also post this heading, otherwise people will think your blog has become a poetry blog)
Master Matt has commanded so obey I must.
I left college and came home with a box.
All I wanted was to change my socks.
But my mom's loathing
Of washing my clothing
Had led her to change all the locks.
I left college and came home with a box.
All I wanted was to change my socks.
But my mom's loathing
Of washing my clothing
Had led her to change all the locks.
No Headline is Suitable
The Cardinals are in the World Series for the first time since 1987. And I am out of my mind with joy.
We Kept on Fighting 'Til the End
Actually, we just kept on showing up. Yes, it's official: Team M.E.A.N. (Marquette Engineers and Nurses) is the new champion of the Fall 2004 Co-Ed Softball B League. "Why do I care?" you might be asking yourself right now. The answer is you don't. You most likely don't even know me and you're only coming here to be amused. So if that's what you want, then I will simply answer your questions.
YOU: So, yeah. Why do I care?
Flametroll: Because it was epic softball play that can be seen as a symbol of life itself. M.E.A.N. was a team that was thrown together from a group of freshmen who barely knew each other. From mere acquaintances it became a cohesive team that outlasted the more seasoned opposition. In fact, all of the opposing teams were covered in much more garlic than any M.E.A.N. player ever was.
Although its record was a mere 2-3, M.E.A.N. came back against all odds. It was a team that (due to bracket oddities) had to win three games to become champions rather than the 1 or 2 wins the other teams needed. Most of all it was a team that got its collective backside out of bed every Sunday morning to make eleven o'clock or noon game time. This turned out to be the decisive factor.
Y: Why?
FT:Because the teams M.E.A.N. was supposed to play in the semi-finals and finals both forfeited because their players failed to show up.
Y: What a bunch of losers!
FT: That's what we think too. Although we would never say so.
Y: You that this applies to life itself. What was that supposed to mean?
FT: I never said that.
Y: Yes, you did.
FT: Did not.
Y: Did too.
FT: Oh yeah, I did. But I didn't mean it.
Y: Are you looking for a way out of debt?
FT: Leave me alone.
Y: But I swear I can get you some V1a:graa! or Ci@lis reeel cheep!
YOU: So, yeah. Why do I care?
Flametroll: Because it was epic softball play that can be seen as a symbol of life itself. M.E.A.N. was a team that was thrown together from a group of freshmen who barely knew each other. From mere acquaintances it became a cohesive team that outlasted the more seasoned opposition. In fact, all of the opposing teams were covered in much more garlic than any M.E.A.N. player ever was.
Although its record was a mere 2-3, M.E.A.N. came back against all odds. It was a team that (due to bracket oddities) had to win three games to become champions rather than the 1 or 2 wins the other teams needed. Most of all it was a team that got its collective backside out of bed every Sunday morning to make eleven o'clock or noon game time. This turned out to be the decisive factor.
Y: Why?
FT:Because the teams M.E.A.N. was supposed to play in the semi-finals and finals both forfeited because their players failed to show up.
Y: What a bunch of losers!
FT: That's what we think too. Although we would never say so.
Y: You that this applies to life itself. What was that supposed to mean?
FT: I never said that.
Y: Yes, you did.
FT: Did not.
Y: Did too.
FT: Oh yeah, I did. But I didn't mean it.
Y: Are you looking for a way out of debt?
FT: Leave me alone.
Y: But I swear I can get you some V1a:graa! or Ci@lis reeel cheep!
Poll Result Source
In an earlier post, I promised to keep my loyal reader(s) updated on presidential poll results. They seem to jump all over the place remarkably considering everybody says only 5-10% percent of the electorate is undecided. Well, let your heart not be troubled! I have found a website that updates major poll sources as they report their numbers. That sentence didn't really make much sense, but I think you know what I mean. It's PollingReport.com.
As of this post (October 16 at 3:35 pm CST):
Newsweek-> Bush 50 - Kerry 44%
Zogby-> Bush 48 - Kerry 44%
Newsweek-> Bush 50 - Kerry 44%
Tipp-> Bush 48 - Kerry 45%
ABC-> Bush 48 - Kerry 48%
Washington Post-> Bush 48 - Kerry 48%
GQRR-> Bush 48 - Kerry 48%
CBS-> Bush 48 - Kerry 45%
ICR-> Bush 48 - Kerry 43%
Gallup-> Kerry 49 - Bush 48%
As of this post (October 16 at 3:35 pm CST):
Newsweek-> Bush 50 - Kerry 44%
Zogby-> Bush 48 - Kerry 44%
Newsweek-> Bush 50 - Kerry 44%
Tipp-> Bush 48 - Kerry 45%
ABC-> Bush 48 - Kerry 48%
Washington Post-> Bush 48 - Kerry 48%
GQRR-> Bush 48 - Kerry 48%
CBS-> Bush 48 - Kerry 45%
ICR-> Bush 48 - Kerry 43%
Gallup-> Kerry 49 - Bush 48%
Eat It, Roger Clemens!
As I was typing another post, Larry Walker nailed a homerun off of future Hall of Famer Roger Clemens. Just thought y'all might like to know.
Bloom on, sweet opiates of liberty! Bloom on!
I have found a new blog to amuse myself with. Just when I thought the whole blogosphere was a pile of pinko commies dumping on George Bush (with a few right wing nutjobs mixed in), I found fafblog. I can't say I understand, but why should that stop me? It doesn't keep me from appreciating the theory of relativity or Coldplay's lyrics or people from the south.
Sure, it's fairly liberal, but read the post called "Faf the Vote." Where does that stuff come from?
Sure, it's fairly liberal, but read the post called "Faf the Vote." Where does that stuff come from?
Check Local Listings
I'm not sure if it made ESPN or not, but I was a basketball star here at Marquette. We (those of us who "are Marquette") were celebrating Midnight Madness last night. It was the first time that NCAA rules allowed the basketball team to practice together officially, so they started right at midnight to avoid losing precious practice time. Marquette put on a party around the big day by introducing the players, having a 3-on-3 tournament and bringing in a cover band that played too much Maroon 5. They also brought some students down from the stands to take part in a shooting contest on the floor.
There were six people playing Hot Shot, three on a team. Each person had 30 seconds to go out and make as many shots as possible from one of several marked spots on the floor. Somehow, I got chosen. Less surprisingly, my team won. I say this not because I'm an arrogant jerk (I admit I'm not very good at basketball), but because--as far as I could tell--our team had the only two sober guys on it. As a prize, I won a Pizza Shuttle gift certificate and another gift certificate for BookMarq. I also got a cheering section for a short period of time. That was nice, too.
There were six people playing Hot Shot, three on a team. Each person had 30 seconds to go out and make as many shots as possible from one of several marked spots on the floor. Somehow, I got chosen. Less surprisingly, my team won. I say this not because I'm an arrogant jerk (I admit I'm not very good at basketball), but because--as far as I could tell--our team had the only two sober guys on it. As a prize, I won a Pizza Shuttle gift certificate and another gift certificate for BookMarq. I also got a cheering section for a short period of time. That was nice, too.
Margin of Error
In an attempt to make some sense of poll numbers that show Kerry up 5, then Bush up 10, then dead heat, then…blahblahblah, I am going to record evry poll result I come across right here.
Reuters-Zogby->Kerry 45%-Bush45% (+- 2.9)
CNN/USA Today/Gallup-> Kerry 49%- Bush 48% (+- 3.5)
Reuters-Zogby->Kerry 45%-Bush45% (+- 2.9)
CNN/USA Today/Gallup-> Kerry 49%- Bush 48% (+- 3.5)
Duh of the Day
Instructions in a Marquette University safety brochure (emphasis mine):
"Tell the caller that the call is being traced, press several numbers on the phone and hang up. Please note that technique is intended to scare the caller and does not actually begin a tracing procedure."
"Tell the caller that the call is being traced, press several numbers on the phone and hang up. Please note that technique is intended to scare the caller and does not actually begin a tracing procedure."
Next Item-the Locks
I got home from only five weeks away at college and discovered that there have already been a few changes around here. Some of them are fairly minor-a new soap dispenser in the bathroom, a new phone in the kitchen. A few of them, though, have been more drastic and disconcerting. My car, for example, not longer has my presets on the radio. I used to have FM1 settings and my sister had FM2. Now, her stations have flooded over into both FM sets. Also, my San Damiano cross hanging from the rearview morror has been replaced by a lei. The St. Louis Cardinals air freshener is now a strawberry. I'm scared to leave and come back again. I may not have a room next time.
What Would This Site Be Without Weird Links?
Like this.
I love this prayer. It sounds like something from Braveheart.
A Warrior's Prayer
Great Creator God, who rules the world in glory and honor, I regret my dishonor and am ashamed of the honors I have not won. My sins are great and noisome, unbefitting a warrior, and they have brought me no glory and no honor, but only the taste of ashes. I am leaderless and lost without a foe. Your brave death was bought with great pain, and it was glorious,
for in that death upon the cross, you defeated death, sin and Satan. Lord God, I accept your atoning death as the sacrifice which covers my sin and shame. Enter into this warrior's heart and become emperor of my life. I trust in you my commander and willingly follow you into battle. Direct me now in my deeds so that I may be worthy of the honor you have bought for me!
Qapla'!
I love this prayer. It sounds like something from Braveheart.
Great Creator God, who rules the world in glory and honor, I regret my dishonor and am ashamed of the honors I have not won. My sins are great and noisome, unbefitting a warrior, and they have brought me no glory and no honor, but only the taste of ashes. I am leaderless and lost without a foe. Your brave death was bought with great pain, and it was glorious,
for in that death upon the cross, you defeated death, sin and Satan. Lord God, I accept your atoning death as the sacrifice which covers my sin and shame. Enter into this warrior's heart and become emperor of my life. I trust in you my commander and willingly follow you into battle. Direct me now in my deeds so that I may be worthy of the honor you have bought for me!
Qapla'!
I Swear I'm Not Making This Up…
Sorry, Dave Barry.
I was walking through an office building at Marquette today and I heard this complaint (without a trace of irony), which I repeat for you verbatim:
"Some people are so repetitive, they repeat themselves and keep saying the same thing over and over in different ways."
I was walking through an office building at Marquette today and I heard this complaint (without a trace of irony), which I repeat for you verbatim:
"Some people are so repetitive, they repeat themselves and keep saying the same thing over and over in different ways."
Computer Update
Seeing that my F7 key got away with messing around when it was supposed to be working, my hard drive followed suit. The computer froze up yesterday and restarted with a blinking question mark (meaning no hard drive found). I panicked but it restarted several hours later and appeared to be working fine. Then this morning, it froze again. Now the computer won't even spin the hard drive or show anything at all on the screen. Needless to say, further posts will be spotty until I get this fixed or get a new computer.
I Lost a Key on My Computer.
I was never a big fan of F7 anyway, but the gaping hole in my keyboard matches the the special place I had in my heart for my formerly intact computer. Does anyone know how to reconnect the F keys on a G3 iBook?
Ha Ha, He Said "Poop!"
It's amazing what you look for when you google late at night.
*EDIT* I didn't even read the page before I posted the link. I am not responsible for objectionable material that may appear on this site.
*EDIT* I didn't even read the page before I posted the link. I am not responsible for objectionable material that may appear on this site.
