Blog Question Of The Day:
Is it called soy sauce because its made of soy or because its intended to make soy products edible?
Monday, May 16, 2005
I wish to try an experiment.
Amongst the 19 dozen thoughts I've had today, I had an idea for something interesting. I'm sure you've all experienced the phenomenon of that new song coming on the radio, and instantly liking. Like all songs though, eventually you get tired of it. What about if you took that idea to its extreme. Pick a new song from the radio, something you really like. Listen to it, repeatedly, until you were sick of it.
For this people, I will need some help.
One, what should the song be?
Two, what is your guess for the number of repeats, until it is irritating?
Amongst the 19 dozen thoughts I've had today, I had an idea for something interesting. I'm sure you've all experienced the phenomenon of that new song coming on the radio, and instantly liking. Like all songs though, eventually you get tired of it. What about if you took that idea to its extreme. Pick a new song from the radio, something you really like. Listen to it, repeatedly, until you were sick of it.
For this people, I will need some help.
One, what should the song be?
Two, what is your guess for the number of repeats, until it is irritating?
Friday, May 13, 2005
Thursday, May 12, 2005
I have a question.
First we have to ask, can the average farmer in Canada earn a decent standard of living, under the current economic model? If we are to believe the lobbyists, we must accept the premise that farmers don't get what it is worth to produce food. So, if we follow the chain of dominos that fall down, then we arrive at the conclusion that, the cost of food in the grocery store is not dependent upon the chain that brings it to market.
And if we accept all of that, does it ever make you wonder whether the fact that beef is more expensive that chicken isn't purely arbitrary?
First we have to ask, can the average farmer in Canada earn a decent standard of living, under the current economic model? If we are to believe the lobbyists, we must accept the premise that farmers don't get what it is worth to produce food. So, if we follow the chain of dominos that fall down, then we arrive at the conclusion that, the cost of food in the grocery store is not dependent upon the chain that brings it to market.
And if we accept all of that, does it ever make you wonder whether the fact that beef is more expensive that chicken isn't purely arbitrary?
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
I would just like to go on the record, one more time, about how I hate Word and all things Microsoft.
What is wrong with this dam program!?! Maybe I'm crazy but what I want to do should NOT require all this screwing around.
I have a specification, that I wrote IN WORD. I formatted it nicely, the way I wanted it, so it had the look of a tabulated spec sheet. I had headings, and minor indents, to show features for each part, of a multi-part equipment specification. It looked exactly the way I wanted, and should have been ready for insertion into any document.
Word, in its infinite, god damn, wisdom, decided that this was all wrong. It removed the indents from some entries. It changed my font sizing and bold-facing. It screwed up my margins. And to truly cap off the experience, it dynamically changed my mind for me, when I tried to fix its damn mistakes.
I HATE MICROSOFT WORD!!!!!
What is wrong with this dam program!?! Maybe I'm crazy but what I want to do should NOT require all this screwing around.
I have a specification, that I wrote IN WORD. I formatted it nicely, the way I wanted it, so it had the look of a tabulated spec sheet. I had headings, and minor indents, to show features for each part, of a multi-part equipment specification. It looked exactly the way I wanted, and should have been ready for insertion into any document.
Word, in its infinite, god damn, wisdom, decided that this was all wrong. It removed the indents from some entries. It changed my font sizing and bold-facing. It screwed up my margins. And to truly cap off the experience, it dynamically changed my mind for me, when I tried to fix its damn mistakes.
I HATE MICROSOFT WORD!!!!!
Monday, May 09, 2005
Okay, so what's the deal with one-way streets?
I'm driving around downtown Regina on Friday. Not the busy, commercial streets like Albert, Broad or Victoria. I'm on the little, dinky side streets. They are so inconsequential that I can't even recall their designations. I think they were numbered, like 12th Ave.
And these little, unimportant streets are one-way. WHY!?! What possible purpose could you hope to achieve by making backwater, unimportant downtown streets one way? There's no traffic! I'm driving around and sure, there are some signs, but you could put it on the honor system for all the traffic that there was. Leave them the easy way, two-way, and stop confusing people. One-way streets just get on everyone's nerves.
I'm driving around downtown Regina on Friday. Not the busy, commercial streets like Albert, Broad or Victoria. I'm on the little, dinky side streets. They are so inconsequential that I can't even recall their designations. I think they were numbered, like 12th Ave.
And these little, unimportant streets are one-way. WHY!?! What possible purpose could you hope to achieve by making backwater, unimportant downtown streets one way? There's no traffic! I'm driving around and sure, there are some signs, but you could put it on the honor system for all the traffic that there was. Leave them the easy way, two-way, and stop confusing people. One-way streets just get on everyone's nerves.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
So I locked myself out of my house this evening . . .
I came home just before 6:00 tonight. That's something that seems to have become kind of standard. The weather is nice, I dart out just before six so I can get a steak from the meat store. That's what happened today. I drove home all excited about the meal I was going to make for myself. Came in as usual, locking the door behind me. Threw my stuff down, turned the oven on for the fries, and went out the back door to start the barbeque. As is my habit, I closed the door behind me.
And that was my critical mistake.
Turns out that when I turned the knob and pushed, to go outside, I engaged the locking mechanism of the door knob. When I turned around to come in, to my surprise, and more to my dismay, the door was locked. And that was pretty much that. I tried the front door but I knew the result that was going to have. I'm obsessive about the front door, so obviously it was going to be locked.
Which brings us to my sock footed walk across town. What choice did I have? Everything I own was locked away on me. Truck had everything locked in, and now so did the house. My only recourse was to walk across town in my socks. Which didn't bother me as much as you might think, because the socks I was wearing are in horrible shape. I have tender feet though, so not all the surfaces I came across were easy on my sensitive soles.
So that is my shame. Feel free to laugh at me, because I truly deserve it. And don't think my heart wasn't in my throat when I bent down to turn of the propane, and my knee nudged the door fully closed again.
I came home just before 6:00 tonight. That's something that seems to have become kind of standard. The weather is nice, I dart out just before six so I can get a steak from the meat store. That's what happened today. I drove home all excited about the meal I was going to make for myself. Came in as usual, locking the door behind me. Threw my stuff down, turned the oven on for the fries, and went out the back door to start the barbeque. As is my habit, I closed the door behind me.
And that was my critical mistake.
Turns out that when I turned the knob and pushed, to go outside, I engaged the locking mechanism of the door knob. When I turned around to come in, to my surprise, and more to my dismay, the door was locked. And that was pretty much that. I tried the front door but I knew the result that was going to have. I'm obsessive about the front door, so obviously it was going to be locked.
Which brings us to my sock footed walk across town. What choice did I have? Everything I own was locked away on me. Truck had everything locked in, and now so did the house. My only recourse was to walk across town in my socks. Which didn't bother me as much as you might think, because the socks I was wearing are in horrible shape. I have tender feet though, so not all the surfaces I came across were easy on my sensitive soles.
So that is my shame. Feel free to laugh at me, because I truly deserve it. And don't think my heart wasn't in my throat when I bent down to turn of the propane, and my knee nudged the door fully closed again.
Monday, May 02, 2005
This is my big complaint about the cooking and eating for yourself cycle.
When its just one person doing the eating, it never takes anywhere close to as long to eat it, as you have to waste making it. And that's even when you do something simple, like eat the leftovers from some other meal, conveniently saved in the freezer.
There is this horrible, sick muted feeling, as the food disappears in about 3 to 5 minutes. And then its gone and you realize that's about as good as its going to get, for sensory pleasures, for that night. All that is left is to deposit the used dishes in the sink, and sigh mournfully as you return, again, to your lonely perch a top whatever piece of furniture you prefer, in your empty, lifeless living room.
When its just one person doing the eating, it never takes anywhere close to as long to eat it, as you have to waste making it. And that's even when you do something simple, like eat the leftovers from some other meal, conveniently saved in the freezer.
There is this horrible, sick muted feeling, as the food disappears in about 3 to 5 minutes. And then its gone and you realize that's about as good as its going to get, for sensory pleasures, for that night. All that is left is to deposit the used dishes in the sink, and sigh mournfully as you return, again, to your lonely perch a top whatever piece of furniture you prefer, in your empty, lifeless living room.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Monday, April 25, 2005
I've decided what is my biggest bone of contention with video games.
You can't play them in a window
Its 10 years now we've been sold down this windowed world view to computing. And down this road we have not reached my holy grail of computing. I want to do more than one thing at a time. My favorite games are the ones that aren't knuckle biting action the whole time. I like a lazy game. Explore a gentle world to solve a puzzle. Quietly establish my own little world, with my eyes the ones of God. Set up my little civilization to co-exist peacefully with computer generated rulers. These games exist, but the means to play them does not. We can have dual-core CPU's, displays that can number into double digits, but a good game still monopolizes your display.
Why does it have to be this way?
You can't play them in a window
Its 10 years now we've been sold down this windowed world view to computing. And down this road we have not reached my holy grail of computing. I want to do more than one thing at a time. My favorite games are the ones that aren't knuckle biting action the whole time. I like a lazy game. Explore a gentle world to solve a puzzle. Quietly establish my own little world, with my eyes the ones of God. Set up my little civilization to co-exist peacefully with computer generated rulers. These games exist, but the means to play them does not. We can have dual-core CPU's, displays that can number into double digits, but a good game still monopolizes your display.
Why does it have to be this way?
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Friday, April 22, 2005
Thursday, April 21, 2005
I need to get something off my chest.
What's wrong with people? And this is primarily a shot at old people, as they are the ones that are most prone to this behaviour. You go to a fast food establishment, or for that matter, any location that serves its product in a fashion designed for speed. The whole menu is laid out for you, to peruse as you stand in the ever present line.
In my experience there are two types of situations you are likely to encounter in a place lie, for example, McDonalds. Condition A is, its an off-peak time, and you don't have to wait in line. But conversely, the counter staff are not being pressed to be quick, because there is no one else. Thus you have a few moments to examine the choices, and then make a selection. Condition B is, its a rush time, and every till has a line of people. Again, you have time to examine the posted menu, and make a selection.
So why is it then that you can get to the front of the line and either a) not know what you want or b) tell them you don't care, and you'll take whatever.
Condition (b) drives me right up the wall. The god damn menu is right up there for you to see. You had time to look it over. There's no mysteries hidden in it. You've probably been here 100 times before. Just pick something!!! The poor girl at the till doesn't know what you want. Her job is to take your order, place your order, and then deliver the food. All at a premium of time. Consulting with you about your beverage choice is not up to her. Just pick one from the list, tell her, and she'll get it for you. You screw up her whole procedure if she's gotta tell you the merits of all the choices, only to have you come back with, 'oh, I'll just take whatever is easy'
ALL THE CHOICES ARE EASY FOR HER!!! JUST PICK SOMETHING YOU IDIOT!!!
I will never understand humanity. And my frequent attempts to do so serve only to elevate my blood pressure. If you need me, I'll be the guy in the clock tower with his gun oil and a wet rag.
What's wrong with people? And this is primarily a shot at old people, as they are the ones that are most prone to this behaviour. You go to a fast food establishment, or for that matter, any location that serves its product in a fashion designed for speed. The whole menu is laid out for you, to peruse as you stand in the ever present line.
In my experience there are two types of situations you are likely to encounter in a place lie, for example, McDonalds. Condition A is, its an off-peak time, and you don't have to wait in line. But conversely, the counter staff are not being pressed to be quick, because there is no one else. Thus you have a few moments to examine the choices, and then make a selection. Condition B is, its a rush time, and every till has a line of people. Again, you have time to examine the posted menu, and make a selection.
So why is it then that you can get to the front of the line and either a) not know what you want or b) tell them you don't care, and you'll take whatever.
Condition (b) drives me right up the wall. The god damn menu is right up there for you to see. You had time to look it over. There's no mysteries hidden in it. You've probably been here 100 times before. Just pick something!!! The poor girl at the till doesn't know what you want. Her job is to take your order, place your order, and then deliver the food. All at a premium of time. Consulting with you about your beverage choice is not up to her. Just pick one from the list, tell her, and she'll get it for you. You screw up her whole procedure if she's gotta tell you the merits of all the choices, only to have you come back with, 'oh, I'll just take whatever is easy'
ALL THE CHOICES ARE EASY FOR HER!!! JUST PICK SOMETHING YOU IDIOT!!!
I will never understand humanity. And my frequent attempts to do so serve only to elevate my blood pressure. If you need me, I'll be the guy in the clock tower with his gun oil and a wet rag.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Monday, April 18, 2005
Spring has begun.
It may yet to aborted by a late season snow storm, but make no mistake, the beginnings of spring have taken root in this place of the world. My nose is twitching, and I can feel the burn in my nose that says pollen in the air.
Enjoy what promises to be an exhilarating part of the year!
It may yet to aborted by a late season snow storm, but make no mistake, the beginnings of spring have taken root in this place of the world. My nose is twitching, and I can feel the burn in my nose that says pollen in the air.
Enjoy what promises to be an exhilarating part of the year!
One of my friends is having a bad day. She's finding the weather in her office to be counter to that which provides comfort. I think we can all relate to that feeling about this time of year. Its just on the borderline between, do we turn off the boilers, and go to the A/C system, or is there another blast of winter, just around the corner?
I bring this up because it reminds me of something I was thinking about as I drove home from Regina last night. When its dark, and there's nothing else to do, I tend to have deep, introspective conversations with myself. One of last night's was about air conditioners.
Blog Question Of The Day:
Do I buy a $600, portable air conditioner for my bedroom so I don't have to remove the glass and frame structure from the downstairs window? Or do I remove the window, put in my existing small A/C unit and build in a replacement wood structure, to make it more 'break-in' proof?
I bring this up because it reminds me of something I was thinking about as I drove home from Regina last night. When its dark, and there's nothing else to do, I tend to have deep, introspective conversations with myself. One of last night's was about air conditioners.
Blog Question Of The Day:
Do I buy a $600, portable air conditioner for my bedroom so I don't have to remove the glass and frame structure from the downstairs window? Or do I remove the window, put in my existing small A/C unit and build in a replacement wood structure, to make it more 'break-in' proof?
Friday, April 15, 2005
I gotta say something.
I like it when people show initiative, and when you come to them with a problem, they accept it as their own, and help you solve it. That happened to me this afternoon. And I gotta say, I'm damn impressed.
We have, in previously built plants, canisters for holding fabric would filter cartridges. This is for particle filtration. If the particle is larger than 5 microns in size, it won't go through the filter. Or so the theory says.
We've now innovated this. The fabric material has been replaced by stainless steel. The size has been reduced to 4 micron, and its absolute. If you're a 5 micron particle, there's no way in the world you're getting through this cartridge.
The problem however, is the standard manufacturing of these stainless steel filters is such that they are just slightly larger than the fabric ones. And in one particular canister, because stainless won't 'squish', you can't get the fifth cartridge into the canister.
So I phone up the people in Watson that make us these stainless steel filters. The guy I talk to understands my problem, and he has a fix to get us out of this situation. Now, if you phone any ordinary manufacturer, they'd say we could have the fix in a week. My problem is, we just found this out, and we're going back to the place, who's name we do not speak. They happen to have these 5 cartridge canisters. Now this is where they guy saves me ass. No only does he promise to make me some blanks to make the system work, he promises to have them for 10:00 AM Monday morning. Now THAT is service.
If you need stainless steel filters, go to FPS in Watson. They rock.
I like it when people show initiative, and when you come to them with a problem, they accept it as their own, and help you solve it. That happened to me this afternoon. And I gotta say, I'm damn impressed.
We have, in previously built plants, canisters for holding fabric would filter cartridges. This is for particle filtration. If the particle is larger than 5 microns in size, it won't go through the filter. Or so the theory says.
We've now innovated this. The fabric material has been replaced by stainless steel. The size has been reduced to 4 micron, and its absolute. If you're a 5 micron particle, there's no way in the world you're getting through this cartridge.
The problem however, is the standard manufacturing of these stainless steel filters is such that they are just slightly larger than the fabric ones. And in one particular canister, because stainless won't 'squish', you can't get the fifth cartridge into the canister.
So I phone up the people in Watson that make us these stainless steel filters. The guy I talk to understands my problem, and he has a fix to get us out of this situation. Now, if you phone any ordinary manufacturer, they'd say we could have the fix in a week. My problem is, we just found this out, and we're going back to the place, who's name we do not speak. They happen to have these 5 cartridge canisters. Now this is where they guy saves me ass. No only does he promise to make me some blanks to make the system work, he promises to have them for 10:00 AM Monday morning. Now THAT is service.
If you need stainless steel filters, go to FPS in Watson. They rock.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
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Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Seeing as how today is my birthday, I find myself reflecting on how I've changed. Specifically on my mind is the changes that have occurred in my abilities, and how I used to do some things that are now not possible. One of which is sleep, and how much of it I need.
I came home from work a little early today. Usually I'm there until 6:00 at the least. As today is my birthday, I figured I was entitled to an earlier day. By shortly after 5:00 I was at home. Oddly enough, I felt more tired than when I stay later. So I lay down on the bed. 3 hours later I awoke.
Now all of this makes me ask the question.
Blog Question Of The Day:
If I were seriously attempting to, how long could I go without sleep now?
I came home from work a little early today. Usually I'm there until 6:00 at the least. As today is my birthday, I figured I was entitled to an earlier day. By shortly after 5:00 I was at home. Oddly enough, I felt more tired than when I stay later. So I lay down on the bed. 3 hours later I awoke.
Now all of this makes me ask the question.
Blog Question Of The Day:
If I were seriously attempting to, how long could I go without sleep now?
Monday, April 11, 2005
I gotta get something off my chest.
Do people HAVE to wear those irritating sandals that go 'snap-snap' when they walk? That sound is SO irritating. I'm calmly sitting here, minding my own business and all I can hear, resonating within the canyon of my brand, is this horrendous 'whack-whack' noise, as one of the women in my office, walks around.
How can anyone not be annoyed by this? I don't get it. You walk around creating this cacophony of irritation and you're completely oblivious. I don't understand. Don't you FREAKIN' hear that!?!
AARRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!
Do people HAVE to wear those irritating sandals that go 'snap-snap' when they walk? That sound is SO irritating. I'm calmly sitting here, minding my own business and all I can hear, resonating within the canyon of my brand, is this horrendous 'whack-whack' noise, as one of the women in my office, walks around.
How can anyone not be annoyed by this? I don't get it. You walk around creating this cacophony of irritation and you're completely oblivious. I don't understand. Don't you FREAKIN' hear that!?!
AARRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!
Saturday, April 09, 2005
I've been watching WTBS a lot. The self-proclaimed 'Superstation' Turns out that the commercial free movie channels are a cultural wasteland of crap that holds NO appeal for me.
WTBS began its life as an Atlanta, Georgia station, and evolved into a cable basic throughout wherever I've travelled. But its still an Atlanta channel, and consequently, they still have some Atlanta-centric advertisements.
Take for instance the Remodel America commercial. And during this stellar piece of marketing, they are promoting the benefits of the CedarMax home siding material.
I hate this commercial. Is anyone duped by this? Its a total joke. And the commercial is just cheesy to a degree that I don't have words. How can any well-thought person be drawn in by this? Is the worst kind of obvious scam. At the very least, if you wanna sell me, make an effort. This commercial just pisses me off.
WTBS began its life as an Atlanta, Georgia station, and evolved into a cable basic throughout wherever I've travelled. But its still an Atlanta channel, and consequently, they still have some Atlanta-centric advertisements.
Take for instance the Remodel America commercial. And during this stellar piece of marketing, they are promoting the benefits of the CedarMax home siding material.
I hate this commercial. Is anyone duped by this? Its a total joke. And the commercial is just cheesy to a degree that I don't have words. How can any well-thought person be drawn in by this? Is the worst kind of obvious scam. At the very least, if you wanna sell me, make an effort. This commercial just pisses me off.
Friday, April 08, 2005
I need to get something off my chest.
What the hell is wrong with people that leave voice messages!?! Okay, you didn't manage to catch me live. You have to leave a message. Can you just leave a semi-useful one? Its not that hard. Cover some very basic facts.
name
reason for calling
what response you want
And its the, what response, that trips people up. They'll talk for two minutes leaving the message, and then not request what they want in return. Do you want me to solve something? Do you want a document for records? Or my personal favorite, please call me. But OH, OH, OH, you give me your phone number at 200 mph. How in the F&%K am I supposed to decipher the spew of noise you made that is supposed to be a phone number. 2-7-blbhalbhalhbalhblahblahbolah Oh yeah, that means a LOT to me.
To hell with you! I am NOT re-listening to your voice mail 19 times trying to get every digit. Be a weiner with me and I'll return the favor.
Idiots.
What the hell is wrong with people that leave voice messages!?! Okay, you didn't manage to catch me live. You have to leave a message. Can you just leave a semi-useful one? Its not that hard. Cover some very basic facts.
name
reason for calling
what response you want
And its the, what response, that trips people up. They'll talk for two minutes leaving the message, and then not request what they want in return. Do you want me to solve something? Do you want a document for records? Or my personal favorite, please call me. But OH, OH, OH, you give me your phone number at 200 mph. How in the F&%K am I supposed to decipher the spew of noise you made that is supposed to be a phone number. 2-7-blbhalbhalhbalhblahblahbolah Oh yeah, that means a LOT to me.
To hell with you! I am NOT re-listening to your voice mail 19 times trying to get every digit. Be a weiner with me and I'll return the favor.
Idiots.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Never let it be said that I refuse to do the necessary housework. Tonight I completed the following housecleaning projects:
- laundry
- cleaned the bathroom
- vacuumed the stairs
- vacuumed my living room and office/closet
- washed all the dishes
Sure, it doesn't constitue a full 'house cleaning' but I took care of necessary business. I should be good for another 8 to 10 months.
Toodles!
- laundry
- cleaned the bathroom
- vacuumed the stairs
- vacuumed my living room and office/closet
- washed all the dishes
Sure, it doesn't constitue a full 'house cleaning' but I took care of necessary business. I should be good for another 8 to 10 months.
Toodles!
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
What an incredible couple of days!
I'm busy all the time but the last two days have been retarded. There were three jobs closing this week. (Now only two, as one was deferred a week because the spec changed) Consequently my phone was ringing off the hook. Call after call after call looking for pricing, questions about what's included, and general chatter about the projects. On top of that has been a bunch of new projects coming up out of the ground. We were the named supplier in one that just came out, and I didn't even know about it. Someone called for pricing and we didn't even know it was up for tender yet!
On the good news front, we got a big one in Manitoba. It was confirmed we were low-bid on a 200 USgpm plant just north and east of Winnipeg. So, for all of you that live in the greater Winnipeg area, I'll probably be in town at some point this summer. But with that project, and the one that closes tomorrow, we're going to be in excellent position as we move into the summer construction season.
I've been trying to get things finished and when I get home, I don't last long before I fall asleep on the couch. I need a better plan that this. :-)
Toodles!
I'm busy all the time but the last two days have been retarded. There were three jobs closing this week. (Now only two, as one was deferred a week because the spec changed) Consequently my phone was ringing off the hook. Call after call after call looking for pricing, questions about what's included, and general chatter about the projects. On top of that has been a bunch of new projects coming up out of the ground. We were the named supplier in one that just came out, and I didn't even know about it. Someone called for pricing and we didn't even know it was up for tender yet!
On the good news front, we got a big one in Manitoba. It was confirmed we were low-bid on a 200 USgpm plant just north and east of Winnipeg. So, for all of you that live in the greater Winnipeg area, I'll probably be in town at some point this summer. But with that project, and the one that closes tomorrow, we're going to be in excellent position as we move into the summer construction season.
I've been trying to get things finished and when I get home, I don't last long before I fall asleep on the couch. I need a better plan that this. :-)
Toodles!
Monday, April 04, 2005
2005 NCAA Men's Basketball Champions
North Carolina Tar Heels
What a great basketball game. And it went right to the wire. The play that sealed it was the errant pass from the Illini player, with half a minute to go. If he doesn't try that goofy shot, this game goes to overtime.
An amazingly entertaining game. Way to go Tar Heels!!!
North Carolina Tar Heels
What a great basketball game. And it went right to the wire. The play that sealed it was the errant pass from the Illini player, with half a minute to go. If he doesn't try that goofy shot, this game goes to overtime.
An amazingly entertaining game. Way to go Tar Heels!!!
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Friday, April 01, 2005
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
I was just sitting here, watching a show that had a segment that covered the growth of the internet through the late 90's. Now for some reason, this brought to my mind an almost completely unrelated question.
Rather than develop new games for the limited hardware of something like the Gameboy Advance, why not buy up the existing software for games that have become extinct on the computer platform?
Given the level of complexity that the Gameboy Advance is capable of, there should be a wealth of really cool games from the late nineties. For instance:
Commander Keen
Rise Of The Triad
Codename:Iceman
Doom
about a hundred sport or driving games
This is all software that was developed for systems that are less powerful than you can now get in a handheld. The key to success for any gaming platform is having games you can play. Why not scavenge from something that already exists?
Just a thought.
Rather than develop new games for the limited hardware of something like the Gameboy Advance, why not buy up the existing software for games that have become extinct on the computer platform?
Given the level of complexity that the Gameboy Advance is capable of, there should be a wealth of really cool games from the late nineties. For instance:
Commander Keen
Rise Of The Triad
Codename:Iceman
Doom
about a hundred sport or driving games
This is all software that was developed for systems that are less powerful than you can now get in a handheld. The key to success for any gaming platform is having games you can play. Why not scavenge from something that already exists?
Just a thought.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
I'm watching K19-The Widowmaker tonight. I have a question.
In one scene, the soldiers are given little towels with which to cleanse themselves. The explanation is, they only shower once a week. Now why would that be? For showering, does it really matter if its salt-water? Just bring in some raw from the ocean, and then drain it back out of the ship. Why use precious 'stored' water?
Just a thought.
In one scene, the soldiers are given little towels with which to cleanse themselves. The explanation is, they only shower once a week. Now why would that be? For showering, does it really matter if its salt-water? Just bring in some raw from the ocean, and then drain it back out of the ship. Why use precious 'stored' water?
Just a thought.
Sunday, March 20, 2005
The internet really is a beautiful thing.
I've been checking every place I can think of, trying to find a copy of hockey for my Game Boy Advance. I really like the little toy but not surprisingly, as it comes from Nintendo, the roster of available games is a bit on the juvenile side. Now I'm as juvenile as any 30 year old you might find, but the standard Nintendo offerings weren't thrilling me, even 2/3 of my life ago.
So I went on eBay. I haven't done a lot of eBay shopping in my life, but the few occasions I've tried it, its worked out great. And for GameBoy game, its a safe attempt. The one I found was $10 US. I can afford to lose that much, if it doesn't go great.
I ordered before the movie I watched at 8:30. It was a 'Buy It Now' item, so I didn't have to wait for an auction close. By the time I came back online, all the confirmations had been sent, and the guy selling sent me a personal email to let me know my game would go out in the mail tomorrow.
Saskatchewan retail = 0, eBay = 1
I've been checking every place I can think of, trying to find a copy of hockey for my Game Boy Advance. I really like the little toy but not surprisingly, as it comes from Nintendo, the roster of available games is a bit on the juvenile side. Now I'm as juvenile as any 30 year old you might find, but the standard Nintendo offerings weren't thrilling me, even 2/3 of my life ago.
So I went on eBay. I haven't done a lot of eBay shopping in my life, but the few occasions I've tried it, its worked out great. And for GameBoy game, its a safe attempt. The one I found was $10 US. I can afford to lose that much, if it doesn't go great.
I ordered before the movie I watched at 8:30. It was a 'Buy It Now' item, so I didn't have to wait for an auction close. By the time I came back online, all the confirmations had been sent, and the guy selling sent me a personal email to let me know my game would go out in the mail tomorrow.
Saskatchewan retail = 0, eBay = 1
For those of you that take an interest in such things (Hi Greg) I have finally bothered to put encryption on my wireless access port, here in Saskatoon. I didn't actually do it to be more secure, but I theorized that perhaps my problem is related to there being other network activities in the vicinity of my house that may be upsetting my access port.
For those of you that have your own wireless equipment, when you're at my house, the password I put on is . . .
***************
For those of you that have your own wireless equipment, when you're at my house, the password I put on is . . .
***************
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Friday, March 18, 2005
Thursday, March 17, 2005
What's with all these investment commercials? I know its that time of year. Everyone is looking for a place to invest, to get the old 'taxable income' number down. However this basketball telecast seems to be sheltering an abundance of these commercials. Is it a demographic thing? Do they expect that middle aged men are the most likely viewers of college men's basketball, and then a good bet for their advertising dollar?
What I'm not seeing is the usual preponderance of beer commercials. Perhaps that's the problem. Being college basketball, they are loathe to be supported by products that the bulk of the competitors 'shouldn't' be able to get. With that void created, we are visited with ads for mutual funds.
As was pointed out to me today, I think to much. Enjoy the basketball!!
What I'm not seeing is the usual preponderance of beer commercials. Perhaps that's the problem. Being college basketball, they are loathe to be supported by products that the bulk of the competitors 'shouldn't' be able to get. With that void created, we are visited with ads for mutual funds.
As was pointed out to me today, I think to much. Enjoy the basketball!!
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Monday, March 14, 2005
Blog Survey Of The Day:
Assume for a moment you could add ANYTHING you wanted to your office. You could move in some new options to make your office more comfortable. The purpose of your additions would be to convert the space into an vastly more enjoyable place to spend, what often turns out to be, the bulk of your waking hours.
Given no limitations, what three options would you add to your office?
Assume for a moment you could add ANYTHING you wanted to your office. You could move in some new options to make your office more comfortable. The purpose of your additions would be to convert the space into an vastly more enjoyable place to spend, what often turns out to be, the bulk of your waking hours.
Given no limitations, what three options would you add to your office?
I would like to take this opportunity to make a request of my readership.
There is a great majority of my daily readers that will know my buddy Sean. I would like it if those of you that do know him, would send him a quick email, and wish him well. We were all in Regina for some gaming, and I witnessed just how bad his cold was. Quite the trooper, he battled it out with all of us, on the computer, while still in the grips of a debilitating cold (if that's all that it is)
I am sure it will brighten his day if we all wish him a speedy recovery from the nastiness that has sapped all of his energy.
Get well Sean!!!
There is a great majority of my daily readers that will know my buddy Sean. I would like it if those of you that do know him, would send him a quick email, and wish him well. We were all in Regina for some gaming, and I witnessed just how bad his cold was. Quite the trooper, he battled it out with all of us, on the computer, while still in the grips of a debilitating cold (if that's all that it is)
I am sure it will brighten his day if we all wish him a speedy recovery from the nastiness that has sapped all of his energy.
Get well Sean!!!
Friday, March 11, 2005
Thursday, March 10, 2005
What follows is a story that needs to be said.
My father is having a birthday soon. Two and a half weeks from now is the hallowed occasion. As a point of interest, my father and I are separated by exactly two weeks, on our date of birth. (just a little factoid)
As his birthday is coming up, I asked him what he wanted. First on the list was a weed whacker that had a clip to guarantee it doesn't come unplugged. But after listing to his precise requirements for this device, I decided it wasn't the right gift to give.
So I asked him for suggestion number 2.
After some prodding he responded with, a Swiffer WetJet.
A Swiffer WetJet!?! A SWIFFER WETJET!?!?!
After that, I had no words. I still don't. If this thing showed emoticons, you'd be looking at the shocked one.
8-|
My father is having a birthday soon. Two and a half weeks from now is the hallowed occasion. As a point of interest, my father and I are separated by exactly two weeks, on our date of birth. (just a little factoid)
As his birthday is coming up, I asked him what he wanted. First on the list was a weed whacker that had a clip to guarantee it doesn't come unplugged. But after listing to his precise requirements for this device, I decided it wasn't the right gift to give.
So I asked him for suggestion number 2.
After some prodding he responded with, a Swiffer WetJet.
A Swiffer WetJet!?! A SWIFFER WETJET!?!?!
After that, I had no words. I still don't. If this thing showed emoticons, you'd be looking at the shocked one.
8-|
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Please, someone! I can't be the only person that's annoyed like this.
I don't doubt that the Sandra Shmirler Foundation has a noble purpose. I get why they chose the 'Hurry' vocal, that goes with their commercial. She's a curler. That's a common refrain during a match. Its also symbiotic with the Foundation's need for cash.
But my GOD!!! Could they not have composed the commercial in such a way that the shrill, shrieking female voice didn't bite into you, like the incisors of a rabid dog? I have to hit the damn mute button every time this commercial plays. And being a curling broadcast, they play it A LOT!!!
Won't someone save me from this auditory nightmare!?!
I don't doubt that the Sandra Shmirler Foundation has a noble purpose. I get why they chose the 'Hurry' vocal, that goes with their commercial. She's a curler. That's a common refrain during a match. Its also symbiotic with the Foundation's need for cash.
But my GOD!!! Could they not have composed the commercial in such a way that the shrill, shrieking female voice didn't bite into you, like the incisors of a rabid dog? I have to hit the damn mute button every time this commercial plays. And being a curling broadcast, they play it A LOT!!!
Won't someone save me from this auditory nightmare!?!
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Monday, March 07, 2005
Well, I'm back.
One more round in the eternal struggle between good (or at least I think I am) and 'the place we shall not name'. We tried, they seemed to get that, but we walked out of the place with only the fuzziest of good feelings. We'll see what happens this week but I'm cautiously optimistic. If any of you do that prayer thing, maybe say a quick word for me and my unending struggle.
And if you do, thank you.
One more round in the eternal struggle between good (or at least I think I am) and 'the place we shall not name'. We tried, they seemed to get that, but we walked out of the place with only the fuzziest of good feelings. We'll see what happens this week but I'm cautiously optimistic. If any of you do that prayer thing, maybe say a quick word for me and my unending struggle.
And if you do, thank you.
Friday, March 04, 2005
Thursday, March 03, 2005
I bought something at Visions awhile ago. I don't know exactly what it was that I bought, because that information was not in the letter I recieved. Apparently, at the time of purchase, I indicated that I wanted the extended warranty option, and I must have paid for it as well.
The extended warranty period expired, and I did not use the warranty service. They have now credited me the $49.95 I spent on the added warranty. If I make a purchase worth $200 or more, I get $49.95 off the purchase price.
I don't currently need anything from Visions in the $200 and up department. Does anyone else need some electronics, that they could acquire from Visions, and thus use this credit?
The extended warranty period expired, and I did not use the warranty service. They have now credited me the $49.95 I spent on the added warranty. If I make a purchase worth $200 or more, I get $49.95 off the purchase price.
I don't currently need anything from Visions in the $200 and up department. Does anyone else need some electronics, that they could acquire from Visions, and thus use this credit?
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Am I the only person that remembers the old weekend afternoon show Par 27?
It was this ultra cheesy/low budget sports program they'd have on a Saturday afternoon to fill 30 minutes. Two guys would play three par 3 holes. But the trick was, they'd play three balls per hole. Thus they'd have scores for 9 balls, and that was the competition. It was stupid and low-end, but I remember so many instances of sitting and watching it, because there was nothing else on.
It was this ultra cheesy/low budget sports program they'd have on a Saturday afternoon to fill 30 minutes. Two guys would play three par 3 holes. But the trick was, they'd play three balls per hole. Thus they'd have scores for 9 balls, and that was the competition. It was stupid and low-end, but I remember so many instances of sitting and watching it, because there was nothing else on.