Are you allergic to reasonable compromise? Are you a one-issue voter? Are you the kind of person who honestly feels that anyone who disagrees with you on anything is evil? Well, it appears you are not alone. A group of religious right republicans are protesting the inclusion of Rudolph Guiliani (for his pro-choice positions) and John McCain because... well... because! They likewise protest Ahnuld's inclusion in the party for his less-than-right-wing views.
While I have some sympathy for these people, I have to say they go WAY too far. I will come out here right now and say, I could not vote for a Republican President who was pro-choice. My mother and brother think I am nutty for holding even that view. But only the president is the automatic party leader, and sets the tone for the entire platform and agenda for 4 to 8 years. But otherwise, I have no problem with welcoming Rudy into the tent, and am glad McCain and Ahnuld are at the table. Political parties are about identifying the core issues, and working together on them. And right now the most important Core Issue is the War on Terror. And Rudy is 100% right on that one.
31 Ağustos 2004 Salı
Moore Is Out
It is now being reported that Michael Moore will not attend any more days of the GOP Convention. While some would choose to see this as evidence of cowardice, I would rather say it is a desire on his part not to provide a rallying point for his "enemies." The prime-time speech of John McCain certainly showed that Mr. Moore is an effective... uh... "foil" to the policies of President Bush. And I doubt he wants to do anything that will strengthen the GOP, or its base.
Who wants to bet that Dan Rather critizes this as "another sign of the articifical nature of the modern political convention"?
Who wants to bet that Dan Rather critizes this as "another sign of the articifical nature of the modern political convention"?
That Pesky "Truth" Thing
Here's a visceral accounting of the heated hatred found within the walls of the RNC last night, courtesy of Democratic Underground,
It's not true.
Anyone who actually bothered to watch the convention would know this, but liberals don't tend to have high tolerance of other's perspectives so they probably weren't watching it. What actually happened is quite the opposite. The crowd did in deed go wild when McCain took his shot at Moore, but there was no sense of "let's go lynch the fat guy." Instead, there were loud cheers of appreciation for McCain saying what most thoughtful Americans know...That Michael Moore is a liar. In addition, Moore was no escorted out during the speech because of the crowd. He was clearly seen sitting there, smiling like the village idiot that he is. He was in no danger, this wasn't the Democratic Underground after all.
But never mind that pesky truth in reporting issue. Let's just say that it happened one way and then we'll call those who disagree a bunch of names and laugh at how dumb they are. That's a lot easier than actually debating the issues, especially when you're on the wrong side of so many.
Fittingly enough, the biggest roar of the night for the Arizona senator's performance came when he singled out Michael Moore as a disingenuous filmmaker, twice. Moore, present with the press corps, was escorted from the hall as the crowd bayed for his blood. Certainly, the overwhelming majority of the delegates here appeared to viscerally hate Moore for actually exercising his freedom to speak out, which led me to conclude that McCain had a point. Some people can't stand the sight of snakes, some recoil from cats and some just plain can’t tolerate dissent. With Moore safely out of harm’s way, McCain resumed his soothing droning until the obligatory climax, when he punctuated his Paxillated prose with a few perfunctory podium thumps. Rapturous applause followed.Now that's some pretty extreme stuff, and some serious alliteration. There's only one problem with it.
It's not true.
Anyone who actually bothered to watch the convention would know this, but liberals don't tend to have high tolerance of other's perspectives so they probably weren't watching it. What actually happened is quite the opposite. The crowd did in deed go wild when McCain took his shot at Moore, but there was no sense of "let's go lynch the fat guy." Instead, there were loud cheers of appreciation for McCain saying what most thoughtful Americans know...That Michael Moore is a liar. In addition, Moore was no escorted out during the speech because of the crowd. He was clearly seen sitting there, smiling like the village idiot that he is. He was in no danger, this wasn't the Democratic Underground after all.
But never mind that pesky truth in reporting issue. Let's just say that it happened one way and then we'll call those who disagree a bunch of names and laugh at how dumb they are. That's a lot easier than actually debating the issues, especially when you're on the wrong side of so many.
RNC: Night One
I felt like the first night of the RNC went pretty well. McCain and Gulianni are both very popular figures across the isle right now and that seemed smart. They're both also good speakers who can appeal to the crowd. I'd say it was a much more lively and optimistic first night then the DNC featured a month ago. McCain did a better job explaining Iraq than the President has in almost two years and the former mayor has authority to speak about 9/11.
But, I hope that they move on now that we've heard it. If this convention continues to be about Iraq and 9/11 then it will reflect the wrong message. The President has done a lot of good things during the past four years but he's also made some serious mistakes and left some important issues out. The rest of the convention now needs to be about what the President will do in the next four years. He can't spend his entire time thinking about the past. We need bold leadership that will take us through the next four years and that's what the President needs to convince us of.
I was a bit surprised by how quickly the Republicans came out swinging. Compared to the soft image the Democrats tried to portray, the President has clearly not ordered a light handed approach in dealing with the other party. McCain mostly avoided mentioning Kerry but his one jab at Moore made up for everything he didn't say about the lunatic left. The mayor wasn't nearly so subtle and his comments were sharp and biting towards Kerry. He is one of the few politicians who might actually be able to get away with making fun of John Kerry and getting away with it. People expect that out of a New Yorker and he certainly fits the bill. It will be interesting to see if the onslaught continues and what direction the convention will take in the coming nights.
But, I hope that they move on now that we've heard it. If this convention continues to be about Iraq and 9/11 then it will reflect the wrong message. The President has done a lot of good things during the past four years but he's also made some serious mistakes and left some important issues out. The rest of the convention now needs to be about what the President will do in the next four years. He can't spend his entire time thinking about the past. We need bold leadership that will take us through the next four years and that's what the President needs to convince us of.
I was a bit surprised by how quickly the Republicans came out swinging. Compared to the soft image the Democrats tried to portray, the President has clearly not ordered a light handed approach in dealing with the other party. McCain mostly avoided mentioning Kerry but his one jab at Moore made up for everything he didn't say about the lunatic left. The mayor wasn't nearly so subtle and his comments were sharp and biting towards Kerry. He is one of the few politicians who might actually be able to get away with making fun of John Kerry and getting away with it. People expect that out of a New Yorker and he certainly fits the bill. It will be interesting to see if the onslaught continues and what direction the convention will take in the coming nights.
Apple unveils new iMac!
Apple Computer has revealed their next, next generation iMac. Taking a page from the flat-screen plasma TVs, the new iMac is still an all-in-one form factor, but now everything sits behind the monitor in what looks like something you can hang on your wall. They are advertising it as "the perfect complement to your iPod" and frankly it does look the part.
Two concerns for me:
1. How much cooler would this be if it were actually light enough to hang on a wall? Dorm rooms all over the country would be transformed!
2. Anyone else weirded out by the fact that this new marketting campaign makes the iPod more important than the iMac? Does this mean Apple really is going to become mostly a music company?
Two concerns for me:
1. How much cooler would this be if it were actually light enough to hang on a wall? Dorm rooms all over the country would be transformed!
2. Anyone else weirded out by the fact that this new marketting campaign makes the iPod more important than the iMac? Does this mean Apple really is going to become mostly a music company?
30 Ağustos 2004 Pazartesi
UN Useless on Sudan, Again?
The Christian Science Monitor has up a pretty good editorial on the Sudan situation and the inability of the UN to really deal with it.
Sounds familiar, doesn't it? When the U.N. is unwilling to take action on this clear and present genocide is it any wonder that we had to go it alone in Iraq?
Once again, the UN's reputation is on the line, as it was in recent crises over Rwanda, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Iraq. Its members have conflicting interests in Sudan, from buying oil exports to not wanting to offend the Muslim world by "invading" Sudan so soon after the US occupied Iraq. How much will those interests be laid aside for the sake of thousands of people?
Sounds familiar, doesn't it? When the U.N. is unwilling to take action on this clear and present genocide is it any wonder that we had to go it alone in Iraq?
Considering the Bush Presidency
There's a worthwhile read on the President's first term at The Economist. It's not very long and worth the read even just for some fairly non-partisan perspective.
FCC Concerned at Lack of Convention Coverage
Dan Rather may find it boring, but at least one FCC Commissioner finds the lack of convention coverage (of both sides) to be a violation of the public trust. Might this signal a move to enforce more network coverage next time around?
I can't help but find it funny that network news anchors criticize conventions for "just being a television event" when they are the ones who have made it so! Does anyone doubt that the major parties have skewed their conventions to cater to the coverage style they are forced to deal with?
I can't help but find it funny that network news anchors criticize conventions for "just being a television event" when they are the ones who have made it so! Does anyone doubt that the major parties have skewed their conventions to cater to the coverage style they are forced to deal with?
Ain't I Cute? Elect My Dad!
I can't tell if it is really cool or really sad that both the Bush girls and John Kerry's daughters are getting into the campaigns this year, and early-on. While it is nice to see folks of the younger generations finding a voice and taking action, I have the same problems with these beautiful women as I do with the First Ladies (or First Gentleman the year Libbie Dole ran for the nomination): We are not electing the presidential family, we are electing the president!
But maybe I am just an old fuddy-duddy today because I am home sick. After all, all four of these ladies are a lot easier on the eyes than their fathers!
But maybe I am just an old fuddy-duddy today because I am home sick. After all, all four of these ladies are a lot easier on the eyes than their fathers!
And Now For Something Completely Different
This is sure to be good news that many won't accept as realistic. The end of the world might not be quite as close as some had suspected. According to new research, the amount of violence is decreasing around the world. This isn't especially hard for me to believe. After all, I tend to think the world is going to get much much better rather than much much worse. But I realize that many are convinced that things will only fall apart more. Despite the horrors we see around the world, we can achieve much higher progress and the US should be leading the way through compassion and love.
More Looking Into the Numbers
I'm not a big fan of Dan Rather, but his Convention Journal has some good insight from experts and campaigners on both sides concerning how some of the numbers are playing out. I guess I'm just in the mood for stats today.
The Electoral Count, Not Looking So Good for Kerry
There's a link over in that section to an interesting site with a group collecting polling data to keep a running tab on the Electoral College. For the first time, neither candidate has the required 270 votes.. This would seem like bad news for an incumbent, if not for the fact that Kerry was up by over a hundred votes a month ago. Now, he's ahead by less than twenty. Considering how we keep hearing that John Kerry is winning the swing states, that kind of polling info can't be good for his campaign.
Wacko Disrupts Olympic Marathon
I doubt many folks have missed this, but yesterday a wacko in a brightly-colored kilt ran onto the Olympic marathon track and pushed Brazil's champion off the road! Vanderlei De Lima was gracious towards the assailant, but wound up finishing 3rd instead of 1st. He has appealed for a dupliucate gold medal. The wacko is a defrocked priest with a history of interfering in sporting events in order to get his "message" out. Unfortunately, he seems unclear as to exactly what that message is.
At least we can thank God the worst thing he was carrying was a kilt and knee-socks. It still does not speak well for Greek security.
At least we can thank God the worst thing he was carrying was a kilt and knee-socks. It still does not speak well for Greek security.
29 Ağustos 2004 Pazar
New INCREDIBLES Clip
Gotta love Pixar! This site has up a short new clip about their new upcoming film The Incredibles.
Al-Sadr Even Worse than We Thought?
Healing Iraq has up an interesting piece on Al-Sadr which claims that he may be even more of a thug and mobster than we here in the West have been lead to believe. Apparently, Al-Sistani - the most respected cleric in Shiite Iraq - while intervening to get his fellow cleric out of the Ali Shrine - is calling attention to an ancient treasury located inside which holds historical religious treasures.
If Al-Sadr has sent these priceless artifacts to Iran, it erases all doubt as to whose man he is and what his vision may be for a new Iraq. Here is hoping the Iraqis themselves are smart enough to realize that under Al-Sadr, their lives would quickly degenerate into a serfdom under Nuclear Iran.
This treasury which is located inside a safe locked basement beneath the shrine contains historical artifacts, priceless manuscripts and a significant amount of gold and gems. These have been gifted and donated to the shrine by Shia from all over the world for centuries. No one has ever dared touch that treasury except the family that holds the keys to the shrine. Radhwan Al-Rufai'i was forced to give over the keys to one of Sadr's aides last April...Sistani's office has been placing these obstacles on Sadr in response to rumours that a large part of the treasury has been stolen and possibly smuggled to Iran. If true, Sadr would be in a very bad position since he was practically responsible for the shrine's contents and would also expose him as the gangster he is.
If Al-Sadr has sent these priceless artifacts to Iran, it erases all doubt as to whose man he is and what his vision may be for a new Iraq. Here is hoping the Iraqis themselves are smart enough to realize that under Al-Sadr, their lives would quickly degenerate into a serfdom under Nuclear Iran.
The Tech of Protest
CNN has up an interesting article on how technology is transforming protests, and especially the protests in NYC planned for this week's GOP Convention. From websites to text messaging to camera phones, this will likely be the most-protested and most-documented political event since Florida 2000. Some protesters are coming to oppose Bush and boost John Kerry. Others are just showing up to make a lot of noise, and protest anything mainstream. Either way, cell phones, wireless networks, digital cameras, and other bits of tech are changing the way political messages make their way into the public consciousness.
One side of me wants to ask where these creative and annoying protesters were for the DNC convention. But the fair side of me notes that it is entirely fair to protest a president, even if you have no interest in his opponent. I imagine (but have not researched) that Bill Clinton got more protesters than Bob Dole in 1996, after all.
One side of me wants to ask where these creative and annoying protesters were for the DNC convention. But the fair side of me notes that it is entirely fair to protest a president, even if you have no interest in his opponent. I imagine (but have not researched) that Bill Clinton got more protesters than Bob Dole in 1996, after all.
28 Ağustos 2004 Cumartesi
USA Basketball Only Goes Bronze
Well, it is official. For the first time since NBA players were allowed into th Olympics America did not win the Gold. While I am a believer that the Olympics should go to the best team in the competition, and not to America just because we are there, this is pretty much a disgrace. Why? Because the real reasons for the loss were (1) most NBA players asked to compete refused for amazingly convincing reasons like "I don't wanna," and (2) the team players finally showed up only a few days before competition began. It is time for the NBA to start taking the Olympics more seriously, and to penalize players who refuse to represent their country. I have no problem with Shaq sitting out - he has been on a Golden Dream Team before - but the others have absolutely no excuse.
Passion of the [Insert Name Here] News
Two big "Passion of the" bits of news for our readers:
It is a great time to be alive... and has so little of a life that movie releases actually impress you.
- Mel Gibson's new religious classic The Passion of the Christ is coming to DVD. You can be sure I will be running out to buy this one for my over-flowing collection.
- Kevin Smith has announced that he is making a sequel to his original film "Clerks" tenatively called Passion of the Clerks.
It is a great time to be alive... and has so little of a life that movie releases actually impress you.
27 Ağustos 2004 Cuma
9/11-Themed Toy?!
This is just sick. The company that makes this toy claims it is not a reference to the Twin Towers. However, what is the product number on the front? "9011"
The distributor is pulling the toy from all shelves, while the manufacturer is calling his lawyers. Bad choice, people.
The distributor is pulling the toy from all shelves, while the manufacturer is calling his lawyers. Bad choice, people.
If You Thought Vietnam Couldn't Get Any Worse...
...John Kerry is proving it can. And apparently, it is more of a quagmire for him than any war George W. Bush may have ordered. Now some real investigative reporters are probing John Kerry's record and finding out that even simple claims made by him and by his official website are just plain wrong.
You know, it the campaign had let this thing quietly die, we'd all be talking more about the olympics right now. But instead, they keep arguing back and fanning the flames. Didn't his mommy ever teach him that shouting at a bully is the surest way to egg him on?
The DD214 form, an official Defense Department document summarizing Kerry's military career posted on johnkerry.com, includes a "Silver Star with combat V."But according to a U.S. Navy spokesman, "Kerry's record is incorrect. The Navy has never issued a 'combat V' to anyone for a Silver Star." Naval regulations do not allow for the use of a "combat V" for the Silver Star, the third-highest decoration the Navy awards. None of the other services has ever granted a Silver Star "combat V," either.
You know, it the campaign had let this thing quietly die, we'd all be talking more about the olympics right now. But instead, they keep arguing back and fanning the flames. Didn't his mommy ever teach him that shouting at a bully is the surest way to egg him on?
Top Ten Sci Fi Movies of All Time?
Did you think you know the best science fiction film of all time? I'll bet you were thinking of STAR WARS, STAR TREK 2, or maybe even a more obscure title like GATTACA or EQUILIBRIUM. But apparently, you'd be wrong. The Guardian Unlimited got together a bunch of "professional scientists" and had them decide. Their determination? Bladerunner the Ridley Scott film based on Philip K. Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep is the best of all time. Check it out to see if any of your favorites made the rest of their top-ten countdown.
While I am a semi-rabid Philip K. Dick fan and enjoyed Bladerunner (mostly the director's cut, since Harrison Ford's voiceover work in the original is like fingernails on the chalkboard) I would have a hard time saying it is the #1 sci fi flick of all time. There are films with better acting, better effects, better ideas, and better characters. Still, while I have major problems with the #1 choice, the top ten are harder to argue with.
While I am a semi-rabid Philip K. Dick fan and enjoyed Bladerunner (mostly the director's cut, since Harrison Ford's voiceover work in the original is like fingernails on the chalkboard) I would have a hard time saying it is the #1 sci fi flick of all time. There are films with better acting, better effects, better ideas, and better characters. Still, while I have major problems with the #1 choice, the top ten are harder to argue with.
26 Ağustos 2004 Perşembe
DVD Quicky Reviews
Goodbye, Lenin!
Rating: R
The premise to this film is one that makes you laugh in and of itself. So much so, that I am shocked the script was not snatched up by an American director some time ago. An East German (for those who don't remember, that was Communist Germany) woman goes into a coma shortly before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Freedom and reunification comes to all of Germany while she sleeps, and her children begin a life under capitalism with all of its joys and pitfalls. Then months later the woman awakens from her coma. Her doctor tells her children that *ANY* shock, however small, could kill her at this point. So they bring her home and proceed to ensure that she never knows about the fall of Communism or the coming of the Western world to East Germany.
While the premise is good enough for Hollywood, it was made in Germany by a director who grew up in East Germany. The landscapes are authentic East (or should it be lower-case "east" now?) German locales, and the problems faced by the characters are the ones that German actually faced over reunification. While the movie's main plot is about the deception required to keep the old woman alive, it really mostly serves as a foil to compare real life in free Germany against. Was communism better, because everyone had a job? Is capitalism really better, if it means a faster pace of life, advertisements everywhere, and a new me-generation attitude?
This is a good film, though prospective viewers should be aware it is in German with English subtitles. There is a good plot, strong characters, and some very decent humor through it all. It is a new perspective on life that Americans would do well to experience. However, viewers with young children should be aware that this film includes a very brief scene showing the coming of pornography to the East, and a very large use of German profanity.
Mystic River
Rating: R
I have a friend who loves any film, so long as it is "artistic." By this, he generally means either it was made before 1960, has extremely strong visual elements and no plot, or is an actor's movie where there is lots of emoting and not much else. I, on the other hand, tend to like "writer's movies," which are strong on structure, dialogue, and ideas. Kevin Smith films are great for the snappy banter, Momento was great for its inverted story-telling technique, and Gattaca is great for the ideas it plays with. Therefore, it should come as no great surprise that my artistic friend loved MYSTIC RIVER, and it failed to thrill me.
MYSTIC RIVER is a sort of detective story. It takes place about 30 years after one of three friends is kidnapped by child molesters. While the child did escape, it was not before he recieved considerable emotional scars. Now, all three friends have grown up and have very different lives. One is a mobster, another a cop, and the third barely-employed but with strong opinions on sports and beer. One night, the one who was molested as a child comes home bloody with his hand severely bruised. He has no satisfactory explanation. The same night, the mobster's daughter is murdered after her secret batchelorette party before she elopes. The mobster is crushed and furious, the cop is assigned to the case, and the other is suspiciously eyed by both of the others.
This film was directed by an actor - Clint Eastwood - and is filled with great actors (Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, etc.) So it quickly becomes clear that it is an actor's movie. There are a lot of speeches, every character has a significant subplot, and no one comes out looking very good. There is a pretty good plot, and a twist at the end. But this is not a writer's movie. The "twist" was obvious about halfway thru to anyone who understands foreshadowing, the dialogue is well-delivered but uninteresting, and the morality of the whole piece is muddy so you are left without any sense of having learned anything. I am left with respect for the film and its players, but have no desire to ever see it again.
Rating: R
The premise to this film is one that makes you laugh in and of itself. So much so, that I am shocked the script was not snatched up by an American director some time ago. An East German (for those who don't remember, that was Communist Germany) woman goes into a coma shortly before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Freedom and reunification comes to all of Germany while she sleeps, and her children begin a life under capitalism with all of its joys and pitfalls. Then months later the woman awakens from her coma. Her doctor tells her children that *ANY* shock, however small, could kill her at this point. So they bring her home and proceed to ensure that she never knows about the fall of Communism or the coming of the Western world to East Germany.
While the premise is good enough for Hollywood, it was made in Germany by a director who grew up in East Germany. The landscapes are authentic East (or should it be lower-case "east" now?) German locales, and the problems faced by the characters are the ones that German actually faced over reunification. While the movie's main plot is about the deception required to keep the old woman alive, it really mostly serves as a foil to compare real life in free Germany against. Was communism better, because everyone had a job? Is capitalism really better, if it means a faster pace of life, advertisements everywhere, and a new me-generation attitude?
This is a good film, though prospective viewers should be aware it is in German with English subtitles. There is a good plot, strong characters, and some very decent humor through it all. It is a new perspective on life that Americans would do well to experience. However, viewers with young children should be aware that this film includes a very brief scene showing the coming of pornography to the East, and a very large use of German profanity.
Mystic River
Rating: R
I have a friend who loves any film, so long as it is "artistic." By this, he generally means either it was made before 1960, has extremely strong visual elements and no plot, or is an actor's movie where there is lots of emoting and not much else. I, on the other hand, tend to like "writer's movies," which are strong on structure, dialogue, and ideas. Kevin Smith films are great for the snappy banter, Momento was great for its inverted story-telling technique, and Gattaca is great for the ideas it plays with. Therefore, it should come as no great surprise that my artistic friend loved MYSTIC RIVER, and it failed to thrill me.
MYSTIC RIVER is a sort of detective story. It takes place about 30 years after one of three friends is kidnapped by child molesters. While the child did escape, it was not before he recieved considerable emotional scars. Now, all three friends have grown up and have very different lives. One is a mobster, another a cop, and the third barely-employed but with strong opinions on sports and beer. One night, the one who was molested as a child comes home bloody with his hand severely bruised. He has no satisfactory explanation. The same night, the mobster's daughter is murdered after her secret batchelorette party before she elopes. The mobster is crushed and furious, the cop is assigned to the case, and the other is suspiciously eyed by both of the others.
This film was directed by an actor - Clint Eastwood - and is filled with great actors (Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, etc.) So it quickly becomes clear that it is an actor's movie. There are a lot of speeches, every character has a significant subplot, and no one comes out looking very good. There is a pretty good plot, and a twist at the end. But this is not a writer's movie. The "twist" was obvious about halfway thru to anyone who understands foreshadowing, the dialogue is well-delivered but uninteresting, and the morality of the whole piece is muddy so you are left without any sense of having learned anything. I am left with respect for the film and its players, but have no desire to ever see it again.
The Joys of Moving
Today was the day I knew would be coming. I've been moved from my old place at work. I've got a much bigger desk in a much better ventilated room and a nice guy for a new boss so I'm happy so far. I'm still doing the same work, which means I still need the same programs. That's where the problems started. It's amazing how difficult it is to get even the most simple of computer programs transferred over without incident. Let alone the hardware issue. I use an $18,000 scanner that, as it turns out, can't run on Windows XP. Both of my new computers are as nice of Windows machines as I've ever seen and I'd hate to have to send one of them to IT to get a crummy 2000 machine again. Talk about a downgrade! Then there is re-installation issues that have already come up to top it all off.
But the atmosphere is much nicer and I'm technically where I belong, at the Faculty Info Commons. No more students to deal with and I'm closer to the people who actually have to do with my work so that means less walking. Well, I'll have to see how it works out, but things are looking good so far with the technical exception.
But the atmosphere is much nicer and I'm technically where I belong, at the Faculty Info Commons. No more students to deal with and I'm closer to the people who actually have to do with my work so that means less walking. Well, I'll have to see how it works out, but things are looking good so far with the technical exception.
More Than They Bargained For
Some women want lots of platinum and others want larger breasts. Now, there's a way to have both!
Return of the "Red Box"?
In the days when what became MacOS X was still in early development, Apple developers put forth an intriguing idea. If one of the main goals of Apple Computer had to be the conversion of Windows users to Mac users, why not make the transition as easy as possible? Just as the new MacOS would have a "blue box" to run MacOS 9 applications transparently (now known as the "Classic Layer") why not have a "red box" that would allow them to run Windows apps transparently on Mac hardware? It was a brilliant idea, but abandoned when someone in Apple realized this had been the strategy of OS/2 - a Windows competitor sold by IBM for a while. Why is this significant? Anyone seen OS/2 in a while? Nope! They failed because users universally realized there was no point in buying a system that ran Windows apps slolwly if what they really needed were the Windows apps. And developers realized there was no reason to creat new native versions of their own apps, because "After all, OS/2 users can run them under Windows emulation."
But now a new user group is looking add something like this to MacOS X with the new DarWine project. Looks interesting, and if it (like VirtualPC) is not native to the OS but an add-on there is little risk. After all, only experienced Mac users would use this thing, not the ones vulnerable to the OS/2 argument.
But now a new user group is looking add something like this to MacOS X with the new DarWine project. Looks interesting, and if it (like VirtualPC) is not native to the OS but an add-on there is little risk. After all, only experienced Mac users would use this thing, not the ones vulnerable to the OS/2 argument.
25 Ağustos 2004 Çarşamba
Farscape Trailer Online!
The Fascape Miniseries trailer is now online on Apple's site. I can't wait!
Partisanship CAN Be Funny
I totally disagree with the sentiment, but you gotta love the creativity of this guy.
Reminds me of the "Sore Loserman" bumper stickers of the Florida crisis, which were the only funny highlight of the whole time.
Reminds me of the "Sore Loserman" bumper stickers of the Florida crisis, which were the only funny highlight of the whole time.
Wait, There's a War on Terror Now?
As John Kerry struggles to keep the American eye on Vietnam (but not the Vietnam any other veterans may have experienced) Michelle Malkin reminds us that we are actually at war now. And perhaps it is time for a mainline political figure (anyone, really) to bring our attention back to the porous nature of our borders.
Personally, I am very much in favor of immigration. After all, just about all Americans are either immigrants themselves or the children of immigrants. (Grandchildren, great grandchildren, whatever.) But is it really a bad thing to keep immigration to the legal kind?
George P. Bush calls it "barbarous" that we arm Border Patrol agents with plastic pellet guns. The true disgrace is that we have rendered our border guards defenseless, handing them toy guns instead of real weapons. The criminals in Mexico who traipse across our border have no problems with "macho" displays of barbarism. Park Ranger Kris Eggle was murdered by an AK-47-wielding Mexican drug smuggler two years ago this month. Kris was 28 when he was gunned down -- the same age as George P. Bush.
Personally, I am very much in favor of immigration. After all, just about all Americans are either immigrants themselves or the children of immigrants. (Grandchildren, great grandchildren, whatever.) But is it really a bad thing to keep immigration to the legal kind?
The Politics of War
Max Cleland has rolled himself to Crawford for the purpose of delivering a note to the President calling on him to denounce the Swift Boat Ads.
While this may appear to be a "bold" and "important" step by the far left who have no concept of how a democratic system works, it's clearly just more of the horse and pony show that the Democrats have been parading in front of us for the past couple of months. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to know that any one of the senators who signed the petition could have delivered it to President Bush at any number of meetings he holds with them. There are plenty of sensible routes this could have taken. Cleland could have even tried to get Congress on his side and actually have done something about the 527 groups. Instead, he choose a politically irrelevant faux-populist approach that is sure to wow those who already love Kerry and do nothing for those who don't. I might start to buy the line if he rolls up to Kerry's mansion with a letter demanding that his candidate condemn the MoveOn types and their absurd claims.
While this may appear to be a "bold" and "important" step by the far left who have no concept of how a democratic system works, it's clearly just more of the horse and pony show that the Democrats have been parading in front of us for the past couple of months. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to know that any one of the senators who signed the petition could have delivered it to President Bush at any number of meetings he holds with them. There are plenty of sensible routes this could have taken. Cleland could have even tried to get Congress on his side and actually have done something about the 527 groups. Instead, he choose a politically irrelevant faux-populist approach that is sure to wow those who already love Kerry and do nothing for those who don't. I might start to buy the line if he rolls up to Kerry's mansion with a letter demanding that his candidate condemn the MoveOn types and their absurd claims.
Um...Can I Get a Refund For This Procedure?
That must have been how this guy felt in his last few minutes on earth. The irony is almost too much, almost.
No, I Meant That All the Vets Not Voting For Me Were Evil Baby Killers
Kerry is apparently getting desperate now that the Swift Boat issue is refusing to go away despite Kerry's deepest desires to sweep it under the rug. First, his campaign threatened to sue stations running the ads (Good move, you freedom loving liberals!) and now he's actually phoned a fellow swift boat member to cry on his shoulder. The story itself is interesting, I suppose. But the real item that stuck on me was this quote,
"When we dedicated swift boat one in '92, I said to all the swift guys that I wasn't talking about the swifties, I was talking about all the rest of the veterans."So after Kerry's own words have been aired making it explicitly clear exactly what he meant, now he claims that it was all those other vets that were responsible for war crimes. It wasn't really the guys he previously accused (you know, his "friends") but instead it was those other evil American vets who were the disgrace. Seriously, does this man have no level he won't sink to?
24 Ağustos 2004 Salı
Having a Problem Finding a Girl?
Yes, it has finally happened. Someone has invented a Virtual Girlfriend for geeks, nerds, dweebs, and cowards unable to find a flesh-and-blood girlfriend. But this lady is a lot more demanding than some real ones, requiring regular feeding, flowers, etc. day and night. Of course the one strange thing is that this female lives in your cell phone. Of course, that is not so different from many teenage relationships I have been witness to these days.
Pledge Challenge Falls Flat Again
The Supreme Court has ruled 8-0 against the California athiest who tried to sue to have the words "Under God" taken out of the Pledge of Allegiance. The courts seem to be on a role in recent weeks, we can only hope that this continues. This will hardly be the end of the issue, I'm sure the guy will just get one of his atheist friends with custody of their children to file a suit next. Then the whole process will start again all because some petty jerk is mad that his Christian wife wants to raise his child with a belief in God. And yet, it's Christians who are the bigots? Please.
So Far, "Elektra" Not So Complex
Aint It Cool News has a link up to a promotional clip from the new Jennifer Garner movie "Elektra." The clip is pretty cool and implies that this franchise might be somewhat better than the one that spawned it (Daredevil with Ben Affleck). Then again, Ms. Garner was easily the best thing about that movie - even considering the big-name actors playing every other role.
Elektra was not a big character when I was reading comics (late 80s, early 90s) so I am not exactly sure what to expect from this one. But it looks so far like a showcase of martial arts and obscure weapons in use by a beautiful woman. I can think of worse excuses for a big summer movie!
Usual warning for the feint of heart: AICN has an unmoderated comments system which is prettu much guaranteed to have inappropriate language on this one. Keep away from the Talkbacks, though, and you should be fine.
Elektra was not a big character when I was reading comics (late 80s, early 90s) so I am not exactly sure what to expect from this one. But it looks so far like a showcase of martial arts and obscure weapons in use by a beautiful woman. I can think of worse excuses for a big summer movie!
Usual warning for the feint of heart: AICN has an unmoderated comments system which is prettu much guaranteed to have inappropriate language on this one. Keep away from the Talkbacks, though, and you should be fine.
23 Ağustos 2004 Pazartesi
Political Animals
We dog people know that every smart man avoids the cats and spends his time campaigning with dogs. Just ask Bill Clinton. Hillary got Spot, but Bill got Billy!
Star Wars SEquels Now?
It is being reported that the folks working at the Skywalker Ranch are being asked to sign NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) about Star Wars episodes 7, 8, and 9 (which would be sequels to the classic trilogy). Fan sites are taking this little ball and running with it to posit that George Lucas much now be making these movies. It is certainly at least interesting, but one must wonder if (1) Lucas is just covering his bases or (2) this is the only way Lucas could think of to keep his people from speculating wildly and thus encouraging these kinds of fan stories.
Either way, I suspect that GL is not planning on the sequels, but is ready to make 'em if he can't make any other kind of successful movie. In the meantime, be watching for Indiana Jones 4!
Either way, I suspect that GL is not planning on the sequels, but is ready to make 'em if he can't make any other kind of successful movie. In the meantime, be watching for Indiana Jones 4!
The Bible and Hooters
Yes, you read that correctly. A youth group meeting at Hooters. Now look, I've been called theologically liberal before but this is going a bit far. The article claims that they've made some converts and that's great. I have no problem whatsoever with Christians ministering at Hooters. But a youth group? That just doesn't seem the place for hormone driven teenage boys who can't think about anything except for females to be studying the Word of God. And, it's likewise not an appropriate place for young teenage girls to spend time with those boys, dealing with the feelings of inadequacy and body image that teenagers already have to take on.
If adults wanted to do this ministry, great. But we should be much more careful about where we drag our children to and the unconscious affects that it can have.
If adults wanted to do this ministry, great. But we should be much more careful about where we drag our children to and the unconscious affects that it can have.
Swift Boat Vets and Bush
President Bush has recently found himself in a political tight spot because of the web the Democrats have spun over the past couple of weeks. They've called for him to renounce the swift boat ads, claiming that the President's people are responsible for the work being done by that organization. This puts him in a bad place. If he refuses to refute the ads, then it appears that he condones them. If he does refute them, then the Democrats will argue that he was actually the one running the whole affair and was, therefore, breaking the law.
Sadly, the President has decided to take the later option and has called on the swift boat members to stop their ads. The shame is that the President could have taken this opportunity to point out all the 527 money going to the Democrats via MoveOn.Org and other leftist hack groups. Instead, he choose what he thought was the more civil option and backed down. This makes him look bad and it lets the Democrats off the hook for their own bad behavior.
The one possible redeeming option is that President Bush can now, having fully condemned the ads, launch an even greater offensive against 527 groups and still use them to pin Kerry to the wall with his own refusal to outrightly condemn the 527 groups on his own side of the isle. Let's hope that Bush and Co. don't let up on this but continue to take the fight to the other party.
Sadly, the President has decided to take the later option and has called on the swift boat members to stop their ads. The shame is that the President could have taken this opportunity to point out all the 527 money going to the Democrats via MoveOn.Org and other leftist hack groups. Instead, he choose what he thought was the more civil option and backed down. This makes him look bad and it lets the Democrats off the hook for their own bad behavior.
The one possible redeeming option is that President Bush can now, having fully condemned the ads, launch an even greater offensive against 527 groups and still use them to pin Kerry to the wall with his own refusal to outrightly condemn the 527 groups on his own side of the isle. Let's hope that Bush and Co. don't let up on this but continue to take the fight to the other party.
Fed Up with Airport Security
One MSNBC columnist is fed up with indicriminate airport security which searches the sick, elderly, and infirm just as closely as it searches the young men who profiling would tell us are most likely to be Islamic terrorists. What drove her over the edge recently was not ths story about Ted Kennedy being unable to fly, having ben "accidentally" added to the "No-Fly" list, but her elderly father whose body is riddled with lymphoma and who had to carry an oxygen bottle to breathe.
While I feel very sorry for the columnist's father, my very first flight was a few weeks after 9/11/01 and my last flight was in July for Sean's wedding. I must say that while airport security is no picnic, it has gotten much better since my first flight. Then, I was searched head to toe after they found a tiny pen knife in my bag (it had been brought on an earlier trip and got lost in the lining so I missed it when looking myself). This time, they scanned my bag, had me walk thru the scanner, and that was it. While things may still be a bit tighter than they have to be, it seems to me we are moving in the right direction.
While I feel very sorry for the columnist's father, my very first flight was a few weeks after 9/11/01 and my last flight was in July for Sean's wedding. I must say that while airport security is no picnic, it has gotten much better since my first flight. Then, I was searched head to toe after they found a tiny pen knife in my bag (it had been brought on an earlier trip and got lost in the lining so I missed it when looking myself). This time, they scanned my bag, had me walk thru the scanner, and that was it. While things may still be a bit tighter than they have to be, it seems to me we are moving in the right direction.
22 Ağustos 2004 Pazar
BlondeStar?
I don't normally find blonde jokes funny enough to commemorate on a high-quality site like this, but this one is hilarious. FYI, the link is to an MP3 which should load in your browser, but which might launch your MP3 player software depending on how your computer is set up.
NJ Governor Defends Drawing Out Resignation
Today's New York Times editorial page includes a letter from James McGreevey, the governor of New Jersey who admitted last week that (1) he is gay and (2) he had an affair with a male staffer, whom he had been showing considerable patronage to and (3) that he had made himself a target of blackmail over the whole thing. The governor defends his decision to delay his resignation until November 15, a move which his critics on both sides are saying is simply a move to avoid a special election which might not favor his friends.
In other words, (1) I want to pass a few more laws before I go (even though the legislature is sure to prevent any lame-duck legislation from going thru) and (2) no one can force me to leave. Now, I will admit I have never liked or trusted Mr. McGreevey. But doesn't this sound more like a cranky 5-year-old than a statesman?
First, there are immediate public policy considerations and actions, which need to be completed. Simply put, there are demands and projects which need to be addressed and put in place now....The second major reason is that our 1947 state constitution establishes the Senate president as the official who would succeed a governor in an unexpired term. I acknowledge that the constitution would permit a special election to occur if I were to resign at or about the first week of September. But the constitution does not outline provisions or state requirements for the timing of a resignation. While the constitution does provide the mechanism for an election, the decision of when to make that resignation effective is a personal one.
In other words, (1) I want to pass a few more laws before I go (even though the legislature is sure to prevent any lame-duck legislation from going thru) and (2) no one can force me to leave. Now, I will admit I have never liked or trusted Mr. McGreevey. But doesn't this sound more like a cranky 5-year-old than a statesman?
21 Ağustos 2004 Cumartesi
The Language of Science in the Hands of Marketing
Sometimes, it amazes me that people think anything that sounds even vaguely scientific can be used to sell brightly colored plastic.
By "anion" I think they mean "anode ion" or in other words, electrons. I guess their product produces electricity, which is natural, which is therefore good. Or something. Now, I actually own an Ionic Breeze air purifier for my place and it works great. But somehow I think this is not the way to sell them.
Anion is everywhere .Thundering and lightning which can oftern be seem actually is a kind of way to sterilize and purify the air for they can release a large quantity of anions.This solves the mystery why we will feel the air particularly fresh after raining. In the analysis of the air quality, scientists fin the air in forests , waterfalls, mountains or seashore very fresh . This is because there are also a lot of anions in these areas.This arouses the curiosities of many scientist.It is approved that negative ion is everythere in the nature.
By "anion" I think they mean "anode ion" or in other words, electrons. I guess their product produces electricity, which is natural, which is therefore good. Or something. Now, I actually own an Ionic Breeze air purifier for my place and it works great. But somehow I think this is not the way to sell them.
P2P Apps Legal After All
Information Week is reporting that after a long series of trials and appeals, courts have upheld the rights of companies to produce peer-to-peer (P2P) applications for file sharing. Movie and record-producing companies have been suing to shut down all P2P apps as they are the main source for illegally copied MP3s, movies, and warez (i.e. cracked software). This goes back to the old VCR case where the courts ruled that VCRs were legal for recording television programs, and that manufacturers could not be held responsible if a small minority of their users misused the technology for illegal activities like selling copies of pirated TV shows.
This is good news for all kinds of people, and proof again that in the USA you can not ban good tech just because some idiot can misuse it somewhere, somehow, maybe. It is also a blow to the efforts of the RIAA and MPAA to stop piracy, as now they have to actually go after the people trading these illegal files. Which means more bad press.
This is good news for all kinds of people, and proof again that in the USA you can not ban good tech just because some idiot can misuse it somewhere, somehow, maybe. It is also a blow to the efforts of the RIAA and MPAA to stop piracy, as now they have to actually go after the people trading these illegal files. Which means more bad press.
20 Ağustos 2004 Cuma
Foxtrot on Campaign Finance
You know, with John Kerry protesting the Swift boat veterans who have been criticizing him it seems like a good time for a little look back at that whole "campaign finance reform" thing.
After all, the McCain-Feingold Bill solved everything, didn't it? It is not like Moveon.Org and other so-called "527 groups" are pouring more money than ever into campaigns, is it?
Oh, wait...
After all, the McCain-Feingold Bill solved everything, didn't it? It is not like Moveon.Org and other so-called "527 groups" are pouring more money than ever into campaigns, is it?
Oh, wait...
One Rocker Gets It
At least one rock star realizes that no one cares what his political views are. Thank you Alice Cooper. You can read the interview here but the link is unreliable today. So, following is the best part.
In the eyes of Alice Cooper, all the rock stars campaigning for Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry are guilty of one thing: treason. The shock-rock legend, a staunch Republican who attends NBA games in Phoenix with Arizona Senator John McCain, was disgusted when he learned of plans by Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, R.E.M. and other bands to hold a series of concerts aimed at unseating U.S. President George W. Bush.Too bad more stars don't get it.
“To me, that’s treason. I call it treason against rock ‘n’ roll because rock is the antithesis of politics. Rock should never be in bed with politics,” says the 56-year-old Cooper, who begins a 15-city Canadian tour on Aug. 20 in Thunder Bay, Ont.
“When I was a kid and my parents started talking about politics, I’d run to my room and put on the Rolling Stones as loud as I could. So when I see all these rock stars up there talking politics, it makes me sick.
“If you’re listening to a rock star in order to get your information on who to vote for, you’re a bigger moron than they are. Why are we rock stars? Because we’re morons. We sleep all day, we play music at night and very rarely do we sit around reading the Washington Journal."
South Park Republicans
Here is an interesting take on one part of the new conservative movement. Neo-Cons have been getting a lot of press lately, but there's another side to the party that gets lost in the all the stereotyping.
I've been constantly amazed how many other Christians I meet who are faithful (pun intended) viewers of South Park. But 99% of what they say really tends to speak to me. So what can I say? I guess I'm a big heathen.
I've been constantly amazed how many other Christians I meet who are faithful (pun intended) viewers of South Park. But 99% of what they say really tends to speak to me. So what can I say? I guess I'm a big heathen.
Homer Speaks
Well, at least his voice talent does. There's a nice little fluff piece about the Simpsons here. 16 seasons is just amazing, even more so for an animated show.
Ted Kennedy a Terrorist?
Yahoo! news is reporting that Ted Kennedy was "accidentally" added to the No-Fly list recently designed to keep terrorists off of commercial airliners. Allegedly, he was stopped from boarding two Washington-to-Boston shuttles, and was only able to get onto the plane after calling Tom Ridge personally for clearance! Currently, he is using these incidents as illustrations of beaurocratic inepitude and the need to provide more accountability for the No-Fly list. After all, the average joe who was accidentally added, probably doesn't have Mr. Ridge's cell phone number handy.
Of course, you have to wonder if this is really a snafu, or if there is a Republican clerk somewhere laughing hysterically. Normally, I wouldn't be suspicious of such a development, but when it strikes Ted Kennedy - John Kerry's number one supporter - you really have to be skeptical. I doubt that anyone high up in the Bush Adminstration would abuse their authority this way, but I would not be shocked at all if some minor functionary is enjoying telling the story of how he was a giant-killer at some Washington bar every night.
Of course, you have to wonder if this is really a snafu, or if there is a Republican clerk somewhere laughing hysterically. Normally, I wouldn't be suspicious of such a development, but when it strikes Ted Kennedy - John Kerry's number one supporter - you really have to be skeptical. I doubt that anyone high up in the Bush Adminstration would abuse their authority this way, but I would not be shocked at all if some minor functionary is enjoying telling the story of how he was a giant-killer at some Washington bar every night.
19 Ağustos 2004 Perşembe
DVD REVIEW: Kill Bill, Volume 2
I saw Kill Bill, Volume 1 in the theater because I had enjoyed previous Quentin Tarrantino films and all the reviewers guaranteed it was a spectacle only fit for the big screen. I enjoyed it quite a bit, despite a good deal of over-the-top gore, until we reached a point about 2/3 of the way thru the movie, which explained the origin of one of the bad girls: Oren Rishi. (Did I spell that right?) Anyway, the film suddenly switched to Anime (Japanese 2D animation) and it quickly became clear just why. You can show things in animation that the MPAA would never allow on film otherwise. And QT proceeded to show a few unspeakable things. At that point, I decided that no matter what else I heard, I was NOT going to see Kill Bill, Volume 2 in the theater. At least at home, you can hit the SKIP or FAST-FORWARD button when the director decides to dip into the worst sides of himself.
After many months of waiting, reading reviews from the not-so-reliable reviewers, and finally checking my own conscience to see if I could see the follow-up in good faith, I decided to get the DVD from NetFlix and see it. The reviews sounded like there were no anime-as-torture scenes, and that the film overall was more of a character piece. So I placed the order and watched it last night while suffering from some stress-induced insomnia. The verdict? Not bad and actually better than the first installment, but I am SO glad I didn't see it in the theater!
For those who may have forgotten, or who avoided these films altogether, the Kill Bill movies are a story of revenge of a woman known only as "The Bride" (well, mostly) whose wedding party were murdered in the chapel, and who was herself put into a coma for 4 years by her boss and friends from a former life as an assassin. After awakening, she seeks out each of the people who violated her wedding, ending up with her boss, the eponymous "Bill." Part One was a battle royale to prove "The Bride" was really, really tough. She fought a kunf-fu housewife, and 88 japanese mafia men, and won. (If you think that is a spoiler, obviously you missed the fact that "Volume 1" implies that there will be a "Volume 2" which pretty much requires the main character to be alive.) Part Two is more of an examination of the relationship with Bill, and the others she kills to get to him are pretty much there to show Bill's other sides. The good brother to his alcoholic sibling "Bud," the tend!
er lover to his new squeeze "Elle," and another "nice guy" side for a character I will not reveal here. Each battle is unique to film (at least the films I have seen) and brutal in ways only QT brings to the screen. But it also has a strong story, and deep character moments. This is not a bad film at all. And there is virtually no chance that it will NOT be a standard for future films to come.
However, there is that ONE moment that our readers should be aware of, which might keep some away. I am claustrophobic - brought on by being trapped on a bus for 12 hours when I was a teenager. Well, I had a very hard time watching a scene in which "The Bride" is buried alive, and the viewer is invited to share every moment of the entombing, the burying, and the eventual face-to-face confrontation with suffocation and immanent death in a dark, closed-in place. I was thankful for the pause button, and the ability to look away while watching this in my own house. In a theater, this would likely have been nigh-unto-overwhelming, and I would have had to walk out and argue with a manager for my money back. Readers beware. But at least there is no anime this time around.
After many months of waiting, reading reviews from the not-so-reliable reviewers, and finally checking my own conscience to see if I could see the follow-up in good faith, I decided to get the DVD from NetFlix and see it. The reviews sounded like there were no anime-as-torture scenes, and that the film overall was more of a character piece. So I placed the order and watched it last night while suffering from some stress-induced insomnia. The verdict? Not bad and actually better than the first installment, but I am SO glad I didn't see it in the theater!
For those who may have forgotten, or who avoided these films altogether, the Kill Bill movies are a story of revenge of a woman known only as "The Bride" (well, mostly) whose wedding party were murdered in the chapel, and who was herself put into a coma for 4 years by her boss and friends from a former life as an assassin. After awakening, she seeks out each of the people who violated her wedding, ending up with her boss, the eponymous "Bill." Part One was a battle royale to prove "The Bride" was really, really tough. She fought a kunf-fu housewife, and 88 japanese mafia men, and won. (If you think that is a spoiler, obviously you missed the fact that "Volume 1" implies that there will be a "Volume 2" which pretty much requires the main character to be alive.) Part Two is more of an examination of the relationship with Bill, and the others she kills to get to him are pretty much there to show Bill's other sides. The good brother to his alcoholic sibling "Bud," the tend!
er lover to his new squeeze "Elle," and another "nice guy" side for a character I will not reveal here. Each battle is unique to film (at least the films I have seen) and brutal in ways only QT brings to the screen. But it also has a strong story, and deep character moments. This is not a bad film at all. And there is virtually no chance that it will NOT be a standard for future films to come.
However, there is that ONE moment that our readers should be aware of, which might keep some away. I am claustrophobic - brought on by being trapped on a bus for 12 hours when I was a teenager. Well, I had a very hard time watching a scene in which "The Bride" is buried alive, and the viewer is invited to share every moment of the entombing, the burying, and the eventual face-to-face confrontation with suffocation and immanent death in a dark, closed-in place. I was thankful for the pause button, and the ability to look away while watching this in my own house. In a theater, this would likely have been nigh-unto-overwhelming, and I would have had to walk out and argue with a manager for my money back. Readers beware. But at least there is no anime this time around.
Democrats on Steroids
It's been hard to miss the Democratic makeover lately. TLC couldn't have done a better job remodeling the facade of the Democratic party from soft and flabby to testosterone injected manhood in such a short time. But it seems that at least some of us aren't buying it. Does the Democratic party really believe that anyone outside of their own ranks will buy this?
Look guys, you're the Democrats. Leave the war-mongering and killing to the Republicans. That's what they do well. You guys are the softer, caring side of the government. You're the ones who pick up the poor after they've been laid off because of the big corporations the Republicans build up to keep our economy running. No one will believe that you actually have the courage to go hunt down and kill terrorists. You're here to ensure that the terrorist get fair treatment after the Republicans let the military loose to go get them. We need both sides to do what they do. The system works that way. No one can get too extreme and get anywhere in our electoral system and that's a good thing.
Now, you Democrats might argue that no one will vote for you unless you say you want to kill lots of terrorists too. And that might be the case for the next generation or two. Until then, just keep doing what you do and don't worry about your party falling apart. Don't worry about your positions becoming outdated and your support drying up. And if you cease to exist? Well, I'm sure someone new will show up to take your place. So go on back to your candidate, the king of nuance. I'm sure people will buy the new Democratic look. And those loyal Democratic voters who don't...Well, they'll see through the guise and vote for you anyway.
Look guys, you're the Democrats. Leave the war-mongering and killing to the Republicans. That's what they do well. You guys are the softer, caring side of the government. You're the ones who pick up the poor after they've been laid off because of the big corporations the Republicans build up to keep our economy running. No one will believe that you actually have the courage to go hunt down and kill terrorists. You're here to ensure that the terrorist get fair treatment after the Republicans let the military loose to go get them. We need both sides to do what they do. The system works that way. No one can get too extreme and get anywhere in our electoral system and that's a good thing.
Now, you Democrats might argue that no one will vote for you unless you say you want to kill lots of terrorists too. And that might be the case for the next generation or two. Until then, just keep doing what you do and don't worry about your party falling apart. Don't worry about your positions becoming outdated and your support drying up. And if you cease to exist? Well, I'm sure someone new will show up to take your place. So go on back to your candidate, the king of nuance. I'm sure people will buy the new Democratic look. And those loyal Democratic voters who don't...Well, they'll see through the guise and vote for you anyway.
Grrr...
Now that gays have been allowed to marry in Massachusetts, they've decided that it's not quite good enough. Now, a few radicals are insisting that gay couples from outside the state should be allowed to marry in Massachusetts and have the marriage recognized in other states.
So they've won the battle to force the states to decide, but that's not good enough. Now they will try to circumvent state's rights (which they have claimed to be their salvation all along) in order to force their will on society. As much as I dislike the idea of the federal amendment, it might yet be a necessity unless someone reigns in the out-of-control gay lobby. The gay community has clearly shown that it is not their intention to legally work through the issue but instead to act like children who throw a fit when they don't get what they want. Sadly, you can't reason with people acting in such a manner. I will continue to hope that the courts stand up for the rule of law and this doesn't need to become a federal issue but I'm growing less optimistic all the time.
So they've won the battle to force the states to decide, but that's not good enough. Now they will try to circumvent state's rights (which they have claimed to be their salvation all along) in order to force their will on society. As much as I dislike the idea of the federal amendment, it might yet be a necessity unless someone reigns in the out-of-control gay lobby. The gay community has clearly shown that it is not their intention to legally work through the issue but instead to act like children who throw a fit when they don't get what they want. Sadly, you can't reason with people acting in such a manner. I will continue to hope that the courts stand up for the rule of law and this doesn't need to become a federal issue but I'm growing less optimistic all the time.
Democrats Announce New Plan to Lose Election
In the latest attempt by Democrats to ensure a clear run for Hillary in 2008, they have begun a campaign against the re-alignment of US troops throughout the world. Never mind that the leaders of Germany, South Korea, and NATO have all endorsed the planned troop movement. Never mind that we've got soldiers in Germany to protect a border that doesn't exist from an enemy that doesn't exist. Never mind that Kim Jong Il has nuclear capabilities so it doesn't matter if our troops are ten miles from the border or fifty.
It's amazing how much the liberals in this country hated the Cold War. They argued that it was the worst move we could make, that we were arrogant, that we were going to end the world in a horrible nuclear disaster. Apparently, without notifying anyone else of the fact, they have decided that they now love the Cold War so much that they don't want to officially bring it to an end. Now they'd like for our troops to stay on in Germany fulfilling a job that was finished ten years ago.
And the real kicker is that now we have to watch the press treat Wes Clark as if he had a brain again. Does no one remember the disgraceful manner in which this incompetent man ran the Kosovo campaign? Even more importantly, have we forgotten that he was fired from his job by Bill Clinton for being so incompetent? Of course, the Democrats are jumping on the fact that McCain is also "worried" about this shift. I like McCain, I think he's got some good ideas. But he's wrong on this and it's becoming a parody that the Democrats love him so much.
Deep down, this reflects exactly what is wrong with the Democrats this year. They have no agenda. They claim that they do, but a brief glance reveals the cold bitter truth. They have nothing to run on save disgust for George W. Bush. That has been their entire platform since the primaries began and it is still serving to guide their actions. They will criticize anything that this President says just because of how much they hate him. Kerry has officially become the anti candidate. That's not a platform I'd be interested in supporting.
It's amazing how much the liberals in this country hated the Cold War. They argued that it was the worst move we could make, that we were arrogant, that we were going to end the world in a horrible nuclear disaster. Apparently, without notifying anyone else of the fact, they have decided that they now love the Cold War so much that they don't want to officially bring it to an end. Now they'd like for our troops to stay on in Germany fulfilling a job that was finished ten years ago.
And the real kicker is that now we have to watch the press treat Wes Clark as if he had a brain again. Does no one remember the disgraceful manner in which this incompetent man ran the Kosovo campaign? Even more importantly, have we forgotten that he was fired from his job by Bill Clinton for being so incompetent? Of course, the Democrats are jumping on the fact that McCain is also "worried" about this shift. I like McCain, I think he's got some good ideas. But he's wrong on this and it's becoming a parody that the Democrats love him so much.
Deep down, this reflects exactly what is wrong with the Democrats this year. They have no agenda. They claim that they do, but a brief glance reveals the cold bitter truth. They have nothing to run on save disgust for George W. Bush. That has been their entire platform since the primaries began and it is still serving to guide their actions. They will criticize anything that this President says just because of how much they hate him. Kerry has officially become the anti candidate. That's not a platform I'd be interested in supporting.
Awful, Wonderful Humor
My taxidermist friends (yes, I actually have a few) may not laugh, but the rest of us have to!
Makes you wonder how the hunter who took out Bambi's mom feels these days. (Dude, Bambi was a fictional character. Get over it!)
Makes you wonder how the hunter who took out Bambi's mom feels these days. (Dude, Bambi was a fictional character. Get over it!)
18 Ağustos 2004 Çarşamba
Dirty Pool in NYC?
Y'know it is a real lesson on the double-standard that the democratic party is playing with this year that the worst thing the GOP did during the convention was sending down Ann Coulter to cover it, while the party of John Kerry is writing things like this:
So as of now we have Ann Coulter on one side, and hacker attacks and outright physical threats on the other. Gotta love it. The party of tolerance, indeed.
Tourists are pleasantly surprised when New Yorkers act as friendly and polite as the people back home in Maybury. However, delegates to this month's Republican National Convention shouldn't expect to be treated to our standard out-of-towner treatment. The Republican delegates here to coronate George W. Bush are unwelcome members of a hostile invading army. Like the hapless saps whose blood they sent to be spilled into Middle Eastern sands, they will be given intentionally incorrect directions to nonexistent places. Objects will be thrown in their direction. Children will call them obscene names.
So as of now we have Ann Coulter on one side, and hacker attacks and outright physical threats on the other. Gotta love it. The party of tolerance, indeed.
Hackers Target GOP Convention
Just when you thought hackers were the nice, friendly people they claimed to be, Wired News is reporting that liberal and anarchist technophiles ar distributing utilities to activists that will allow them to take down Republican websites. The idea is to have thousands of Kerry-ites or simple ne'er-do-wells running utilities that simulate hundreds of thousands of hits on these sites. The servers will be unable to keep up with the traffic and eventually crash.
You gotta love it when the folks who claim that censorship can never, ever be justified by a government entity, even to protect children, decide to proactively censor websites they dislike. Of course, since Wired predicts that the number of people who will see the convention on TV outnumbers those who will check out the web 1000:1, so maybe they are applying their efforts in the wrong direction.
You gotta love it when the folks who claim that censorship can never, ever be justified by a government entity, even to protect children, decide to proactively censor websites they dislike. Of course, since Wired predicts that the number of people who will see the convention on TV outnumbers those who will check out the web 1000:1, so maybe they are applying their efforts in the wrong direction.
Analysis of Star Wars DVD Sales
USA Today ha a brief story on the Star Wars DVD set due out September 21. This 4 disk set will include all three of the original films (IV, V, and VI) in the "Special Edition" versions, plus a new documentary. The only really new information here is confirmation that there will be director's commenraries on all three versions.
I don't know about you, but I will be grabbing these off of the shelves (real or virtual is still undecided) as soon as they appear. Star Wars may have come down somewhat from the epic that it was before Sir George started monkeying with them, but they are still among the best things on celluloid of all time.
I don't know about you, but I will be grabbing these off of the shelves (real or virtual is still undecided) as soon as they appear. Star Wars may have come down somewhat from the epic that it was before Sir George started monkeying with them, but they are still among the best things on celluloid of all time.
17 Ağustos 2004 Salı
How Long Can a Windows PC Last?
The uber-geek website Slashdot is reporting that an unpatched Windows computer will last an average of 20 minutes on the internet before being compromised. This is HALF the uptime seen last year on the same kind of test. And since many Windows security patches require half an hour to install (with a slow connection for multiple patches) this means many Windows PCs can not stay online long enough to become secure. Any wonder that Bill Gates has been forced to declare "Trusted Computing" as Microsoft's #1 priority.
Of course, this ignores the fact that an Apple or Linux computer would last a heck of a lot longer. If you are buying today, and security is a concern of yours, consider an alternative to Windows!
Of course, this ignores the fact that an Apple or Linux computer would last a heck of a lot longer. If you are buying today, and security is a concern of yours, consider an alternative to Windows!
Tool Award
Now that New Jersey governor McGreevey has come out as an adulterous gay American, it will undoubtedly not take long before a new civil rights movement comes up to protect the rights of adulterous gay Americans throughout the country. After all, even though this group might be a very tiny minority, it is important that they are treated just like all non-adulterous straight Americans.
Kudos to this brave man for daring to stand up and proudly proclaim, "I am an adulterous gay American!" My eyes wet when I think of the courage. Our culture is so bigoted against adulterers, and the fact that Governor McGreevey is a gay adulterer will certainly make his path that much more difficult. And think of how brave he is in boldly holding onto his post for another three months in order to ensure "a well-planned transfer to another Democrat." Just imagine what could happen in the evil Republicans managed to win the seat if our brave, adulterous, gay, American governor gave the up the post immediately. New Jersey might no longer be safe for adulterous gay Americans.
So, Governor McGreevey, for defending your political party before the interest of your state, for sexually harassing a staff member paid absurd amounts of money to perform a job he was underqualified to have, for reminding us that sexual harassment doesn't have to only be for straights, and especially for lifting the plight of adulterous gay Americans high, you are a model example of what it means to be a tool! Congratulations!
Kudos to this brave man for daring to stand up and proudly proclaim, "I am an adulterous gay American!" My eyes wet when I think of the courage. Our culture is so bigoted against adulterers, and the fact that Governor McGreevey is a gay adulterer will certainly make his path that much more difficult. And think of how brave he is in boldly holding onto his post for another three months in order to ensure "a well-planned transfer to another Democrat." Just imagine what could happen in the evil Republicans managed to win the seat if our brave, adulterous, gay, American governor gave the up the post immediately. New Jersey might no longer be safe for adulterous gay Americans.
So, Governor McGreevey, for defending your political party before the interest of your state, for sexually harassing a staff member paid absurd amounts of money to perform a job he was underqualified to have, for reminding us that sexual harassment doesn't have to only be for straights, and especially for lifting the plight of adulterous gay Americans high, you are a model example of what it means to be a tool! Congratulations!
John the Baptist's Cave Found?
Many different news sources are reporting that archeologists may have found a cave where John the Baptist may have lived and baptised his disciples.
Very cool. Yet more archeological evidence for a Biblical figure, though it must be admitted that not all biblical or archeological scholars are yet willing to accept this as "proof" of the existence of John the Baptist. But it seems like another piece of the puzzle to me.
The explorers uncovered 28 steps leading to the bottom of the cave. On the right, a niche is carved into the wall - typical of those used in Jewish ritual baths for discarding the clothes before immersion. Near the end of the stairs, the team found an oval stone with a foot-shaped indentation - about a shoe size 11. Just above, a soapdish-like niche apparently held ritual oil that would flow through a small channel onto the believer's right foot...Crude images were carved on the walls, near the ceiling, and Gibson said they tell the story of John's life...One is the figure of the man Gibson spotted on his first visit to the cave. The man appears to have an unruly head of hair and wears a tunic with dots, apparently meant to suggest an animal hide. He grasps a staff and holds up his other hand in a gesture of proclamation.
Very cool. Yet more archeological evidence for a Biblical figure, though it must be admitted that not all biblical or archeological scholars are yet willing to accept this as "proof" of the existence of John the Baptist. But it seems like another piece of the puzzle to me.
16 Ağustos 2004 Pazartesi
DVD Review: How to Deal
After seeing Mandy Moore in this summer's sleeper flop Saved!, I was inspired to go to NetFlix and rent both of her other films. She was radiant in A Walk to Remember as a girl preserving her innocence at a modern high school. She was hilarious as the big baddie in Saved! even if the rest of American did not come out to see it. So how would she do in this one?
HOW TO DEAL is the story of Halley Martin, the teenaged daughter of two adults who have just divorced and the sister of a 20-something who is about to marry a man she sometimes appears to hate. Halley has decided that all men are scum, and that love is a myth embraced by people looking to fill the emptyness in their lives. Her cynicism is further deepened when her best friend's boyfriend dies suddenly on the soccer field, proving to her that love is just way to open yourself up for pain when you are left whether due to divorce or death. Into this swamp of cynicism dives "Macon" a non-traditional boy with apparently no idea of how to comb his hair out of his eyes. He does all he can to break through her emotional walls and show her that love can be a wonderful thing.
HOW TO DEAL is a sweet movie and one worth seeing, though it may be a bit depressing to watch at the wrong moments. So many things go wrong in front of Halley's eyes and she has to overcome so much to find any inkling of love, that some may find it hard to get through. But ultimately, the good guys all win, and the bad guys... well... there really are no bad guys. Just clueless guys who need to be taught the truth by a stoned grandmother. No, seriously. And Mandy Moore again proves that she is perhaps a better movie star than she is a singer. She brings a strong presence and heart to the part, and holds our attention even though she spends much of the movie as little more than a bystander to what is happening to everyone else. This is a woman whose career will be worth watching, so long as she can avoid the traps that stars like Brittany Spears have fallen into. Stay on the straight and narrow, Ms. Moore, and you may well be the next big thing of your generation.
HOW TO DEAL is the story of Halley Martin, the teenaged daughter of two adults who have just divorced and the sister of a 20-something who is about to marry a man she sometimes appears to hate. Halley has decided that all men are scum, and that love is a myth embraced by people looking to fill the emptyness in their lives. Her cynicism is further deepened when her best friend's boyfriend dies suddenly on the soccer field, proving to her that love is just way to open yourself up for pain when you are left whether due to divorce or death. Into this swamp of cynicism dives "Macon" a non-traditional boy with apparently no idea of how to comb his hair out of his eyes. He does all he can to break through her emotional walls and show her that love can be a wonderful thing.
HOW TO DEAL is a sweet movie and one worth seeing, though it may be a bit depressing to watch at the wrong moments. So many things go wrong in front of Halley's eyes and she has to overcome so much to find any inkling of love, that some may find it hard to get through. But ultimately, the good guys all win, and the bad guys... well... there really are no bad guys. Just clueless guys who need to be taught the truth by a stoned grandmother. No, seriously. And Mandy Moore again proves that she is perhaps a better movie star than she is a singer. She brings a strong presence and heart to the part, and holds our attention even though she spends much of the movie as little more than a bystander to what is happening to everyone else. This is a woman whose career will be worth watching, so long as she can avoid the traps that stars like Brittany Spears have fallen into. Stay on the straight and narrow, Ms. Moore, and you may well be the next big thing of your generation.
New Poll
There's a new poll up. Make sure and vote! The winner of the last poll was option A. I know it didn't actually get the most votes but it's the winner anyway because it's RIGHT. So get over it. =)
Civil War Take 2?
Some people never learn. That's the only way to explain this story. We can only hope that they never achieve even their most basic goals. And Christians wonder why people look at us as if we're stupid?
Observations From a Computer Game
I'm a HUGE fan of the Civilization series. I still remember playing the first Civ for hours on our first computer back in early high school. Those games are ones that I find myself just going back to often, even long after I've seemingly moved on to other games. I started up a saved game from Civ 3 this weekend for the first time since we went to into Iraq. It was very interesting to experience some situations that made me appreciate not only the game more for its realism but also our situation even more. Here are the issues I ran into:
Military conquests cost major money. Seriously, it takes a lot. This won't come as a shock so much since we've seen the amount of money we've been spending, but still consider this. My country (I'm playing as Russia right now) was one of eight other Civs on the map (the other four or so had already been destroyed long ago.) My country is by far the most powerful militarily and economically. I doubled the nearest enemy in military hardware and I had over 30,000 gold. That much money takes a long time to get in Civ 3. It's like 2244AD or something and I've been saving for at least 200 turns. So, as I said, I'm way beyond any of the computer players. I proceeded to oversee (through military action and pacts) the destruction of the weakest of the remaining players. Gone, hardly a problem. They only had a few cities and I destroyed most of them. Only two armored units, a couple of archers...hardly worth the effort. Then I set my sights on a neighbor (China) who was effectively cutting my lands in half because I had destroyed another civ on the other side of them. I aligned with the only remaining civ on my continent and attacked China. China fell in under five turns, it was a spectacular victory. But, even though we were the two strongest civs, it still cost me major money to defeat and take over China's land. By the time I had destroyed them, I had spent over half of my money. My gold was down to 14,000. I had barely lost any units, instead sending in my armies to do the bulk of the work. So why did it cost so much? Because, every time I took over a city, I had to quickly produce new units to come up from my lands to occupy the city. In addition, many of the buildings in said city would be destroyed so I would need to spend major money just to rebuild basic structures to keep the people happy enough to not riot. It took major resources for me to take down even a small industrialized society. Even worse, though their army was small and could not launch any meaningful invasion into my land, they had nukes. Thankfully, my SDI system was able to destroy all three that they launched at me. A fourth probably would have hit had they had one (SDI blocks 75%.)
So just think, all that to destroy even the weakest of the remaining countries. I'm stunned imagining how many units and how much money I will need to take on the next one. I also share a large border with the next civ, so that will be especially brutal as they will send units across to attack my cities as well as defend against me. As tough as war is, it's what comes after that's the truly challenging part. And it's a lesson that we've all seen in real life recently.
Military conquests cost major money. Seriously, it takes a lot. This won't come as a shock so much since we've seen the amount of money we've been spending, but still consider this. My country (I'm playing as Russia right now) was one of eight other Civs on the map (the other four or so had already been destroyed long ago.) My country is by far the most powerful militarily and economically. I doubled the nearest enemy in military hardware and I had over 30,000 gold. That much money takes a long time to get in Civ 3. It's like 2244AD or something and I've been saving for at least 200 turns. So, as I said, I'm way beyond any of the computer players. I proceeded to oversee (through military action and pacts) the destruction of the weakest of the remaining players. Gone, hardly a problem. They only had a few cities and I destroyed most of them. Only two armored units, a couple of archers...hardly worth the effort. Then I set my sights on a neighbor (China) who was effectively cutting my lands in half because I had destroyed another civ on the other side of them. I aligned with the only remaining civ on my continent and attacked China. China fell in under five turns, it was a spectacular victory. But, even though we were the two strongest civs, it still cost me major money to defeat and take over China's land. By the time I had destroyed them, I had spent over half of my money. My gold was down to 14,000. I had barely lost any units, instead sending in my armies to do the bulk of the work. So why did it cost so much? Because, every time I took over a city, I had to quickly produce new units to come up from my lands to occupy the city. In addition, many of the buildings in said city would be destroyed so I would need to spend major money just to rebuild basic structures to keep the people happy enough to not riot. It took major resources for me to take down even a small industrialized society. Even worse, though their army was small and could not launch any meaningful invasion into my land, they had nukes. Thankfully, my SDI system was able to destroy all three that they launched at me. A fourth probably would have hit had they had one (SDI blocks 75%.)
So just think, all that to destroy even the weakest of the remaining countries. I'm stunned imagining how many units and how much money I will need to take on the next one. I also share a large border with the next civ, so that will be especially brutal as they will send units across to attack my cities as well as defend against me. As tough as war is, it's what comes after that's the truly challenging part. And it's a lesson that we've all seen in real life recently.
The Olympics and the Numbers Games
Yahoo News is reporting that tickets are being given away to bolster the horrible attendance so far at the Olympics. Apparently, Greece isn't the first nation to have the problem. But it seems to be the first to get this kind of coverage. I've only watched a little here and there, but the seats have definitely been open. It's almost to the point of parody right now. The organizers are saying that it's several factors: vacations, religious obligations, nobody cares...Oh wait, they didn't say that last one. I suppose they're leaving us to come to that conclusion inductively.
Disney's Next Film "Rapunzel Unbrainded"?
Ain't It Cool News is reporting that Disney's next big film will be Rapunzel Unbraided. Sounds like a new take on the old long-haired-girl story, which certainly could be interesting. It would be nice to see Disney returning to something like their roots with old-time Germanic fairy tales out of the Brothers Grimm. I must admit that that the last Disney cartoon I really liked was Aladdin, though I thought their adaptation of Hercules at least had potential.
Still, you have to wonder if Disney can ever regain the animation crown from Pixar while Michael Eisner is at the helm.
Still, you have to wonder if Disney can ever regain the animation crown from Pixar while Michael Eisner is at the helm.
15 Ağustos 2004 Pazar
Airport Security vs. Nerf Guns?
Sorry that posting has been a bit light this weekend, short on quantity, but hopefully long on quality. Anyway, here is a little lighter fare from one of our favorite artists.
Hopefully, the rest of this week will be a bit less busy than the last few days have been. Then again,
Hopefully, the rest of this week will be a bit less busy than the last few days have been. Then again,
Happy Birthday, Mom!!!!
14 Ağustos 2004 Cumartesi
When DVDs Need Not Be DVDs
There were two things that I learned on the trip out to visit Sean in Seattle:
It was great to have some movies around on the plane (especially the small ones that have no in-flight movie) and in the hotel room. But unlike my brother, I like to carry around the DVDs in their keep cases, so that I always have the disk together with the critical documentation. Plus, playing DVDs in your computer saps the battery terrribly, so your "5 hour battery" winds up lasting maybe 2 hours. If you are lucky.
Well, I have found the solution for me. Mac the Ripper is a FREE program (based on Open Source software) that lets you rip DVDs to your hard drive. Then you can play any of those ripped DVDs straight from the hard drive, through the Apple DVD Player! It even includes all of the Menus and Extras (though you can use options to only save off the Main Feature, if you do not care to use up gigabytage saving useless extras). I have ripped 4 such DVDs to my new MiniBook so far, my favorites that I am always in the mood to watch. And running the hard drive is FAR less demanding than running the DVD-ROM Drive, so battery life can be greatly extended in the meantime.
What are the downsides? Well, your average DVD is between 4 GB and 8 GB. So you use up hard drive space quickly. Luckily, my new 'Book has 20 more GB than my old one, I can afford the extra space wasting. Also, not every DVD I tried to rip worked. And finally, you must be aware that legally you can only rip DVDs you actually own. That is called "Fair Use." Still, these downsides are ones I can definitely live with for the joy of easy movie watching.
- DVDs are essential on a plane trip,
- DVDs take up too much space if you transport them in their packaging.
It was great to have some movies around on the plane (especially the small ones that have no in-flight movie) and in the hotel room. But unlike my brother, I like to carry around the DVDs in their keep cases, so that I always have the disk together with the critical documentation. Plus, playing DVDs in your computer saps the battery terrribly, so your "5 hour battery" winds up lasting maybe 2 hours. If you are lucky.
Well, I have found the solution for me. Mac the Ripper is a FREE program (based on Open Source software) that lets you rip DVDs to your hard drive. Then you can play any of those ripped DVDs straight from the hard drive, through the Apple DVD Player! It even includes all of the Menus and Extras (though you can use options to only save off the Main Feature, if you do not care to use up gigabytage saving useless extras). I have ripped 4 such DVDs to my new MiniBook so far, my favorites that I am always in the mood to watch. And running the hard drive is FAR less demanding than running the DVD-ROM Drive, so battery life can be greatly extended in the meantime.
What are the downsides? Well, your average DVD is between 4 GB and 8 GB. So you use up hard drive space quickly. Luckily, my new 'Book has 20 more GB than my old one, I can afford the extra space wasting. Also, not every DVD I tried to rip worked. And finally, you must be aware that legally you can only rip DVDs you actually own. That is called "Fair Use." Still, these downsides are ones I can definitely live with for the joy of easy movie watching.
13 Ağustos 2004 Cuma
Notes from My PowerBook Changeover
Finally, I have finished saving the critical data on my old, dying Titanium PowerBook so that it can be moved onto my new Aluminum MiniBook. It occurred to me that I have now done this switch several times. (First from my old Pismo PowerBook to the TiBook, then several times from backups.) Yet I had never really documented how I did it. So here are the methods, for myself and for our loyal Mod-BLog readers. Please note, if you are buying a new Apple computer and your old one is not dying the way that mine is, the new start-up agent will do a lot of this for you. All of these procedures were performed under MacOS X 10.3.5.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I am NOT an expert at this. This is merely what has worked for me. Neither I, nor anyone here at Mod-BLog, provide any guarantee, warrantee, or other -tee that this will not completely mess up your computer, old or new.
Copying E-mail Between MacOS X Computers
Copying Safari Bookmarks Between MacOS X Computers
Please Note: If you are a .Mac subscriber, all you have to do is run iSync on both computers with "Sync Bookmarks" checked off. Otherwise, this is how you proceed. In my case, iSync died long before the rest of the hard drive did, so I had a number of unsync'd bookmarks on my old Powerbook.
Copying the Address Book Between MacOS X Computers
Copying the iPhoto Library Between MacOS X Computers
Copying iTunes and iPod Info/LIbraries Between MacOS X Computers
IMPORTANT NOTE: I am NOT an expert at this. This is merely what has worked for me. Neither I, nor anyone here at Mod-BLog, provide any guarantee, warrantee, or other -tee that this will not completely mess up your computer, old or new.
Copying E-mail Between MacOS X Computers
- Make sure you have the same version of Mail on both computers. If you do not, proceed at your own risk
- Make sure you have been using Mail.App as your mail program on the old computer. If not, these instructions will not be of use to you - so stop now.
- Save from your old computer to a backup drive:
- the MAIL folder located at the location Users/[Your Username]/Library (where [Your Username] is the name you use to log into your computer - if you never log in, just use the one not called SHARED)
- the file called "com.apple.mail.plist" at the location Users/[Your Username]/Library/Preferences (you may need to expand the window to see the full name)
- Shut down, remove the backup drive from the old computer, and attach it to the new one. (I recommend an external FireWire hard drive for this, though depending on how big your Mail directory is, a ZIP disk or a CD may be big enough)
- When the backup drive appears on the desktop of your new computer:
- Copy the MAIL folder on the backup drive over the one located at Users/[Your Username]/Library/
- Copy the file "com.apple.mail.plist: on the backup drive over the one located at Users/[Your Username]/Library/Preferences
- Open the Mail program on the new computer. It should now have the same data the one on your old computer used to have
Copying Safari Bookmarks Between MacOS X Computers
Please Note: If you are a .Mac subscriber, all you have to do is run iSync on both computers with "Sync Bookmarks" checked off. Otherwise, this is how you proceed. In my case, iSync died long before the rest of the hard drive did, so I had a number of unsync'd bookmarks on my old Powerbook.
- Make sure you have the same version of Safari on both computers. If you do not, proceed at your own risk
- Save from your old computer to a backup drive
- the SAFARI folder located at the location Users/[Your Username]/Library (where [Your Username] is the name you use to log into your computer - if you never log in, just use the one not called SHARED)
- the "com.Apple.safari.plist" at Users/[Your Username]/Library/Preferences to your backup drive
- Shut down, remove the backup drive from the old computer, and attach it to the new one. (I recommend an external FireWire hard drive for this, though depending on how big your Mail directory is, a ZIP disk or a CD may be big enough)
- When the backup drive appears on the desktop of your new computer:
- Copy the SAFARI folder on the backup drive over the one located at Users/[Your Username]/Library/
- Copy the file "com.apple.safari.plist: on the backup drive over the one located at Users/[Your Username]/Library/Preferences
- Open the Safari program on the new computer. It should now have the same data the one on your old computer used to have
Copying the Address Book Between MacOS X Computers
- Honestly, I just did it thru iSync, because I had not added to my address book on the old computer in a long time. Sorry, wish I had more data to offer.
Copying the iPhoto Library Between MacOS X Computers
- Make sure you have the same version of iPhoto on both computers. If you do not, proceed at your own risk. This is a bigger risk than most of the others. The last few versions of iPhoto (like 3.0.4 and 3.0.3) have not been compatible in sharing their libaries.
- Save from your old computer to a backup drive
- the IPHOTO folder located at the location Users/[Your Username]/Library (where [Your Username] is the name you use to log into your computer - if you never log in, just use the one not called SHARED)
- the "com.Apple.iphoto.plist" at Users/[Your Username]/Library/Preferences to your backup drive
- Shut down, remove the backup drive from the old computer, and attach it to the new one. (I recommend an external FireWire hard drive for this, though depending on how big your Mail directory is, a ZIP disk or a CD may be big enough)
- When the backup drive appears on the desktop of your new computer:
- Copy the IPHOTO folder on the backup drive over the one located at Users/[Your Username]/Library/
- Copy the file "com.apple.iphoto.plist: on the backup drive over the one located at Users/[Your Username]/Library/Preferences
- Open the Safari program on the new computer.
- iPhoto will say it can not find an iPhoto library, and offer you several options, Select "Find Library"
- Navigate to Users/[Your Username]/Library/IPHOTO and click "OPEN"
- iPhoto should now have the same data the one on your old computer used to have
Copying iTunes and iPod Info/LIbraries Between MacOS X Computers
- Honestly, my method is to use the iPod.iTunes application, which will pull all of the information right off of your iPod legally.
DVD Review: THE FOG OF WAR
Robert McNamara was the first president of Ford Motor company who was not from the Ford family, which would have been enough of a crowning achievement for most men - even the ambitious ones. But instead, 5 weeks later, he quit the job and accepted President John F. Kennedy's invitation to become Secretary of Defense. Mr. McNamara had fought in World War II and now was the top man, next to the president, during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the start of the Vietnam War. He stayed on when JFK was assasinated and served as LBJ's Secretary of Defense for some time, before being fired for stark disagreements with Johnson. Relatively new to DVD is the documentary "The Fog of War" which is essentially a 107 minute interview with Mr. McNamara about what he has learned in his life, being at such critical places during some of the darkest moments of our republic.
The film is broken up into about 11 segments based around lessons that Mr. McNamara feels have shaped his life, and his goal in the film is to bring the lessons of hindsight before a new generation, so that they can avoid the mistakes that he made in his own time. And Mr. McNamara is not shy about admitting mistakes. He bravely admits that the data which lead to the Gulf of Tonkin resolution was wrong, and that America never really understood the mind of the North Vietnamese people. He willingly talks about his relationship with JFK which was one of mutual admiration and understanding, where he seems to have felt like a virtual extension of the president. He contrasts it with his relationship with LBJ, where he sums up the entire relationship in two photographs from the time: one where Johnson is slumped down in a chair listening to McNamara with a look on his face of absolute conviction that McNamara is wrong, and another which shows McNamara leaning on his hand in des!
pair at the decisions the new president was making. And perhaps the most self-incriminating and yet fascinating story is one he tells of going back to Vietnam, only a few years ago, and talking with the man who was the lead general of the time about what could have been done. The general indicates that the North Vietnamese were convinced (and the Soviets likewise) that the USA was pursuing a colonial policy for control, while McNamara indicates that the USA was merely keeping the Chinese from invading all of Asia. "The Chinese?" The general responds, "We have been at war with them for 1000 years! We'd sooner die, every last man, than cooperate with them. And we'd die to our last man to keep you from taking control of us as well." The entire conflict, the confusion of decades, is laid bare as a simple misunderstanding.
The documentary is amazing. It is made with a strong sensibility that attempts to bring back the feel of the world in JFK's time when the Domino Theory obsessed everyone in power, as they watched Communism roll across Europe and Asia. Footage from the time is mixed with strong symbolic imagery, and the words of Mr. McNamara to get you back into the minds of top men in that day. There is a definite darkness to the film - it knows its end from the very beginning, and the end is the failure of the USA in the Vietnam War - but it only serves to give the experience a definite flavor. It does not claim to be an impartial observer, and thus lets you relax and listen because you know where it is coming from. I highly recommend this film to all of our readers. It gives an amazing picture of its times, but also brings out much truth about human nature, the American psyche, and the recent history. If you are liberal, you will see President Bush's cabinet in this man. If you are!
a conservative, you will be amazed by the lessons that America has learned. If you are a centrist, you will be hit by the profound truth that history does repeat itself, because human nature never changes.
The film is broken up into about 11 segments based around lessons that Mr. McNamara feels have shaped his life, and his goal in the film is to bring the lessons of hindsight before a new generation, so that they can avoid the mistakes that he made in his own time. And Mr. McNamara is not shy about admitting mistakes. He bravely admits that the data which lead to the Gulf of Tonkin resolution was wrong, and that America never really understood the mind of the North Vietnamese people. He willingly talks about his relationship with JFK which was one of mutual admiration and understanding, where he seems to have felt like a virtual extension of the president. He contrasts it with his relationship with LBJ, where he sums up the entire relationship in two photographs from the time: one where Johnson is slumped down in a chair listening to McNamara with a look on his face of absolute conviction that McNamara is wrong, and another which shows McNamara leaning on his hand in des!
pair at the decisions the new president was making. And perhaps the most self-incriminating and yet fascinating story is one he tells of going back to Vietnam, only a few years ago, and talking with the man who was the lead general of the time about what could have been done. The general indicates that the North Vietnamese were convinced (and the Soviets likewise) that the USA was pursuing a colonial policy for control, while McNamara indicates that the USA was merely keeping the Chinese from invading all of Asia. "The Chinese?" The general responds, "We have been at war with them for 1000 years! We'd sooner die, every last man, than cooperate with them. And we'd die to our last man to keep you from taking control of us as well." The entire conflict, the confusion of decades, is laid bare as a simple misunderstanding.
The documentary is amazing. It is made with a strong sensibility that attempts to bring back the feel of the world in JFK's time when the Domino Theory obsessed everyone in power, as they watched Communism roll across Europe and Asia. Footage from the time is mixed with strong symbolic imagery, and the words of Mr. McNamara to get you back into the minds of top men in that day. There is a definite darkness to the film - it knows its end from the very beginning, and the end is the failure of the USA in the Vietnam War - but it only serves to give the experience a definite flavor. It does not claim to be an impartial observer, and thus lets you relax and listen because you know where it is coming from. I highly recommend this film to all of our readers. It gives an amazing picture of its times, but also brings out much truth about human nature, the American psyche, and the recent history. If you are liberal, you will see President Bush's cabinet in this man. If you are!
a conservative, you will be amazed by the lessons that America has learned. If you are a centrist, you will be hit by the profound truth that history does repeat itself, because human nature never changes.
The Search for E.T. Finds Us...A Rock?
Russian scientist have recently set out to fully explore the nearly 100 year old Siberian crater that has often been alleged to have been the product of an alien event. Apparently, they claim to have found parts of the spaceship. So what did they send to analyzed? A rock. They claim they found alien technology, but they want the rock to be sampled? Maybe those cold Siberian nights have gotten to them.
Kerry, Still Not Ready
If you need any further proof that Kerry isn't ready to lead this nation, just consider his fabricated Cambodia story. The man served in Vietnam, everyone's willing to give him credit for that. He should be viewed with respect for that time. Now, some might say that it's not fair to look at his military service with intent to dig into every dark secret. Normally, I would agree. However, Kerry has made his time in Vietnam a central piece of his campaign. Therefore, it's completely fair that people dissect that time and see just how honest he's being about it. He willingly brought his Vietnam record into the debate and he can't claim that it's just a "smear tactic" to hold him accountable for that record.
Even if all the other claims by the swift boat veterans are false, it has been admitted by his campaign now that Kerry lied about being in Cambodia. He continues to reflect an incredible problem with telling the truth, very reminiscent of another Democrat that we can all remember rather clearly. Kerry isn't going to convince many people that he's really truly changed colors and will now fight a hard war against terrorists when he can't even be trusted about basic details of his own life.
Even if all the other claims by the swift boat veterans are false, it has been admitted by his campaign now that Kerry lied about being in Cambodia. He continues to reflect an incredible problem with telling the truth, very reminiscent of another Democrat that we can all remember rather clearly. Kerry isn't going to convince many people that he's really truly changed colors and will now fight a hard war against terrorists when he can't even be trusted about basic details of his own life.
12 Ağustos 2004 Perşembe
Paying for Partisanship?
Feeling like the Center is a lonely place these days? In the mood to annoy your left-wing wacko buddies or your right-wing radical friends? I just found these two stores, which had me laughing out loud: RIghtWing Stuff Store and Joe's Left-Wing Stuff You gotta love it!
You know, one of the problems with being in the middle? No really good funny t-shirts to make fun of the opposition!
You know, one of the problems with being in the middle? No really good funny t-shirts to make fun of the opposition!
The East Coast Loses Another Governor
I used to be proud to live on the East Coast. It is the best part of the USA to live in, I thought. None of the corruption you read about in the South (I was reading about Hewie Long at the time). None of the weirdos you see out West (apologies to Governor Ahnuld). And yet more intellectual folks then you usually see in the MidWest. But as of now, it seems it is hard to respect the government of the East Coat, once Rudy Guilinani left office. First, the governor of my own state - John Rowland - resigned under fire for ethics violations and charges or corruption and bribery. Now, the governor of my birth state - New Jersey - Jim McGreevy is resigning in the face of the twin revelations that he is gay and that he allegedly sexually harrassed one of his male employees. His wife appears especially shocked by the revelations. After my trip out West to visit Sean for his wedding, I am starting to wonder if I need to go elsewhere to find government officials worth respecting.
Now, I have never liked Jim McGreevy. For those not in the know, he is a rich liberal who bought his way into the governor's mansion and has steadfastly passed libery policies with little regard for the opinion of New Jerseyans. He has been dogged by scandals among his friends and contributors. And he has shown NO respect for anyone in his state not of his party. So, I was not shocked to learn that Mr. McGreevy has even sleezed his way out of office. He is resigning November 15. Why? It is JUST after the election, and JUST far enough away that New Jersey law does not compel an election to fill his office. While I know that you play the game by the rules, but this smells more than a little funny.
Now, I have never liked Jim McGreevy. For those not in the know, he is a rich liberal who bought his way into the governor's mansion and has steadfastly passed libery policies with little regard for the opinion of New Jerseyans. He has been dogged by scandals among his friends and contributors. And he has shown NO respect for anyone in his state not of his party. So, I was not shocked to learn that Mr. McGreevy has even sleezed his way out of office. He is resigning November 15. Why? It is JUST after the election, and JUST far enough away that New Jersey law does not compel an election to fill his office. While I know that you play the game by the rules, but this smells more than a little funny.
A Win For the Law
Judges in California have struck down the legal standing of the nearly 4000 gay marriages in San Francisco. Declaring that the mayor was responsible for trying to sow "anarchy", the court ruled that the legislators and voters must decide on the issue, not the mayor.
Even though I support gay marriage rights, this is a great move and it's almost unimaginable coming from California judges. If gays want the right to marry, then they need to get out and change hearts and minds rather than trying to force themselves onto majority through legal action.
Even though I support gay marriage rights, this is a great move and it's almost unimaginable coming from California judges. If gays want the right to marry, then they need to get out and change hearts and minds rather than trying to force themselves onto majority through legal action.
A Closer Look at Why We Went Into Iraq
Here's a part of a well written speech explaining exactly why we did what we did in Iraq. I think it's worth the read so I will link to the entire article at the end.
For those who would like to see the entire speech, you can find it here. You can also watch the video or listen to the audio.
Earlier today, I ordered America's armed forces to strike military and security targets in Iraq. They are joined by British forces. Their mission is to attack Iraq's nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs and its military capacity to threaten its neighbors.That seems sound so far, I beleive. Let's continue.
Their purpose is to protect the national interest of the United States, and indeed the interests of people throughout the Middle East and around the world.
Saddam Hussein must not be allowed to threaten his neighbors or the world with nuclear arms, poison gas or biological weapons.
I want to explain why I have decided, with the unanimous recommendation of my national security team, to use force in Iraq; why we have acted now; and what we aim to accomplish.
Six weeks ago, Saddam Hussein announced that he would no longer cooperate with the United Nations weapons inspectors called UNSCOM. They are highly professional experts from dozens of countries. Their job is to oversee the elimination of Iraq's capability to retain, create and use weapons of mass destruction, and to verify that Iraq does not attempt to rebuild that capability.
The international community had good reason to set this requirement. Other countries possess weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles. With Saddam, there is one big difference: He has used them. Not once, but repeatedly. Unleashing chemical weapons against Iranian troops during a decade-long war. Not only against soldiers, but against civilians, firing Scud missiles at the citizens of Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Iran. And not only against a foreign enemy, but even against his own people, gassing Kurdish civilians in Northern Iraq.Again, so far this sounds pretty reasonable to me. The argument is well made. Let's see what else there might be.
The international community had little doubt then, and I have no doubt today, that left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will use these terrible weapons again.
The United States has patiently worked to preserve UNSCOM as Iraq has sought to avoid its obligation to cooperate with the inspectors. On occasion, we've had to threaten military force, and Saddam has backed down.
Faced with Saddam's latest act of defiance in late October, we built intensive diplomatic pressure on Iraq backed by overwhelming military force in the region. The UN Security Council voted 15 to zero to condemn Saddam's actions and to demand that he immediately come into compliance.
I made it very clear at that time what unconditional cooperation meant, based on existing UN resolutions and Iraq's own commitments. And along with Prime Minister Blair of Great Britain, I made it equally clear that if Saddam failed to cooperate fully, we would be prepared to act without delay, diplomacy or warning.That sounds pretty solid to me. So what conclusion can we come to? Again, the speech does this for us.
The conclusions are stark, sobering and profoundly disturbing. In four out of the five categories set forth, Iraq has failed to cooperate. Indeed, it actually has placed new restrictions on the inspectors. Here are some of the particulars.
Iraq repeatedly blocked UNSCOM from inspecting suspect sites. For example, it shut off access to the headquarters of its ruling party and said it will deny access to the party's other offices, even though UN resolutions make no exception for them and UNSCOM has inspected them in the past. Iraq repeatedly restricted UNSCOM's ability to obtain necessary evidence.
So Iraq has abused its final chance. As the UNSCOM reports concludes, and again I quote, "Iraq's conduct ensured that no progress was able to be made in the fields of disarmament. In light of this experience, and in the absence of full cooperation by Iraq, it must regrettably be recorded again that the commission is not able to conduct the work mandated to it by the Security Council with respect to Iraq's prohibited weapons program." In short, the inspectors are saying that even if they could stay in Iraq, their work would be a sham.Saddam's deception has defeated their effectiveness.How many guesses do you need to figure out when this speech was given? It was delivered by the President of the United States in December of 1998. We proceded to bomb Iraq for several nights before ending that mission and forgetting about them for another few years. Everything President Clinton said is exactly what President Bush is doing and what the Democrats now claim is a travesty against world law. I suppose a lot can change in six years if the Democratic party really sees things so differently now. I wonder where the outraged leftists were in '98? I don't remember hearing much about them. And yet we're supposed to believe that politics aren't involved at all in the lunatic left.
Instead of the inspectors disarming Saddam, Saddam has disarmed the inspectors. This situation presents a clear and present danger to the stability of the Persian Gulf and the safety of people everywhere. The international community gave Saddam one last chance to resume cooperation with the weapons inspectors. Saddam has failed to seize the chance. And so we had to act and act now...
The decision to use force is never cost-free. Whenever American forces are placed in harm's way, we risk the loss of life. And while our strikes are focused on Iraq's military capabilities, there will be unintended Iraqi casualties. Indeed, in the past, Saddam has intentionally placed Iraqi civilians in harm's way in a cynical bid to sway international opinion. We must be prepared for these realities. At the same time, Saddam should have absolutely no doubt if he lashes out at his neighbors, we will respond forcefully. Heavy as they are, the costs of action must be weighed against the price of inaction.
If Saddam defies the world and we fail to respond, we will face a far greater threat in the future. Saddam will strike again at his neighbors. He will make war on his own people. And mark my words, he will develop weapons of mass destruction. He will deploy them, and he will use them. Because we're acting today, it is less likely that we will face these dangers in the future.
Let me close by addressing one other issue. Saddam Hussein and the other enemies of peace may have thought that the serious debate currently before the House of Representatives would distract Americans or weaken our resolve to face him down.
But once more, the United States has proven that although we are never eager to use force, when we must act in America's vital interests, we will do so. In the century we're leaving, America has often made the difference between chaos and community, fear and hope. Now, in the new century, we'll have a remarkable opportunity to shape a future more peaceful than the past, but only if we stand strong against the enemies of peace.
Tonight, the United States is doing just that.
May God bless and protect the brave men and women who are carrying out this vital mission and their families. And may God bless America.
For those who would like to see the entire speech, you can find it here. You can also watch the video or listen to the audio.
Gay Activism: The Silent Majority?
There's an interesting read up concerning the gay movement that captures a lot of why I think we have to walk a fine line in supporting "gay rights." It's a lengthy piece and I'm not going to go into a lot of what is said. I don't agree with some of the writer's attitudes but I think he hits many of the right notes.
I wonder if the bulk of the gay community will eventually speak up or if they will continue to let the fringe speak for them? My guess is that as long as they keep getting results and as long as we keep treating all gays like second class citizens, most gays will not speak out. They'll quietly sit by and let the lunatic fringe speak for them because they feel that it is the only way they will make gains.
I wonder if the bulk of the gay community will eventually speak up or if they will continue to let the fringe speak for them? My guess is that as long as they keep getting results and as long as we keep treating all gays like second class citizens, most gays will not speak out. They'll quietly sit by and let the lunatic fringe speak for them because they feel that it is the only way they will make gains.
The Real Victims of WWII?
That's how some Germans seem to think of themselves according to this Washington Times piece,
In what might seem an act of monumental nerve, a group of Germans is seeking compensation from Poland for property lost at the end of World War II. The war began with Germany's invasion of Poland, which it ruled in brutal fashion and made home to its most infamous concentration camps. But at the end of the war about 12 million Germans were ousted from regions ceded to Poland under Soviet pressure, mainly in East Prussia and eastern Germany, and the former owners are now seeking restitution or financial compensation.I guess you've got to give them credit, they sure have nerve. Yet, I still have trouble feeling a lot of sympathy for Nazi's who had their illegally taken land taken back from them after they lost a war that they started. Cry me a river.
PASSION OF THE CHRIST Convicts A Man Literally This Time
Folks may recall a story from a few months back where a man saw the movie PASSION OF THE CHRIST, and was so stricken by Christ's sacrifice that he turned himself into authorities for murdering his girlfriend. Well, now the man in question has plead guilty to the crime after initially pleading "Not Guilty."
Many movies talk about their power to move the audience, but can even Michael Moore really hope for this kind of change to someone's life and outlook?
Many movies talk about their power to move the audience, but can even Michael Moore really hope for this kind of change to someone's life and outlook?
11 Ağustos 2004 Çarşamba
Insomnia is no one's friend
Everybody sing along!
If you've got insomnia and you know it, bang your head...
If you've got insomnia and you know it, gnash your teeth...
If you've got insomnia and you know it, then your face should surely show it...
If you've got insomnia and you know it, stop posting on the web and go to bed!!!
If you've got insomnia and you know it, bang your head...
If you've got insomnia and you know it, gnash your teeth...
If you've got insomnia and you know it, then your face should surely show it...
If you've got insomnia and you know it, stop posting on the web and go to bed!!!
Is There Life Out There?
I found a cool web tool that lets you plug in your own numbers for Drake's equation. My numbers are much less than Drake's, at 156 communicating civilizations out there. If you head over, post your number in the comments section so we can all see the results. It's fun and only takes a couple of minutes.
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