The Imperial

Worst Excuse Ever

2009-09-27T09:17:00.001-04:00

Man Blames Child Porn on his Ca t

In a strange variation of the "dog ate my homework" a 48 year old man in Jensen Beach, Florida, blamed his cat for the child pornography on his computer.

I's sorry for not updating... very busy...

His Grace

It's a new school year

2009-09-08T17:13:00.001-04:00

Yeah, I got nothing. So sue me.

His Grace

Because I like cute things

2009-09-06T15:32:00.001-04:00

Still not as cute as I am.

His Grace

And I interrupt this hiatus to just post something from XKCD

2009-09-05T09:46:00.001-04:00

Yeah, that's pretty much how my job works.

His Grace

Our public discourse can be really really sad...

2009-08-28T09:05:00.001-04:00

This isn't much of a parody:

Is Using A Minotaur To Gore Detainees A Form Of Torture?

His Grace

A stupid moment

2009-08-15T20:47:00.003-04:00

Now when I call my boss "pervy" and the 8th reincarnation of Hitler, I do so safely behind the anonymity that is this blog because I never have ever given it to her as a joke and she would never infer that it is me here anyways so I am safe to refer to her as the antichrist and "John Denver" as much as I want without fear of retribution. In any case most of this blog is lies anyways, so I can just claim that I'm having a lark when I refer to her as an abomination against God and country and it is totally in no way representative about my deep and dark hatred for her in every fibre of my being.

Or something like that.

Anyways, I think I may actually have a point or something because of this story:

A woman in Britain being called "Lindsay" made a big one this week, and it cost her her job.
First, she came home after a hard day and, rather than complaining to the cat, decided to do it on the web.
Lindsay opened up her Facebook account and posted a fairly vulgar description of her boss.
"OMG, I HATE MY JOB!" Lindsay wrote. "My boss is a total pervvy wanker always making me do s--- stuff." Mistake No. 2.

Look, Facebook is all super awesome and that but just as a reminder be careful what you post there. The boss in question was her friend on facebook, read the post and fired her.

I guess my caution is not only be careful what you post on your profile (mine contains 25% truth at all times) but also don't treat it as a private conversation. My wall posts are a lot more harmless than my email and private messages 'cause well people other than my closest friends can read them.

Anyways just wanted to warn you and give you a dose of schadenfreude

His Grace

Wow

2009-08-13T18:03:00.001-04:00

Just watch

His Grace

Apologies for the extended absense

2009-08-04T19:39:00.002-04:00

In short, I've been busy. Too busy to blog. Not that this blog was a) entertaining or b) relevant to anyone.

To keep you busy, please look at the following story:

NEW YORK (CNN) -- A recent college graduate is suing her alma mater for $72,000 -- the full cost of her tuition and then some -- because she cannot find a job.

Trina Thompson has sued her alma mater, Monroe College of New York.

Trina Thompson, 27, of the Bronx, graduated from New York's Monroe College in April with a bachelor of business administration degree in information technology.

She was a C student and it's a tightening economy. Yet she thinks she is owed a job?

Honestly I do understand the frustration. However, unless the college was guaranteeing her a position (and she would need evidence of this in writing... like say a pamphlet wiht "we have a 100% placement rate") she just doesn't have a case. My cousin, after he graduated, worked at blockbuster for a bit before landing his high paying job. It was more than three months.

His Grace

A few linkz

2009-07-06T19:41:00.002-04:00

I've been busy, and not feeling like writing here. But I just wanted to give you a few links to look at so I can close them in my ongoing browser of doom.

Hitler's Stealth Plane. I kid you not it looks a bit like the B-2 Bomber. Freaking Nazis, how the heck did they do all of this and lose the war? (Short answer: because they took on everyone else)

Oldest Laptop Evah! Because in the 1960s you still needed portability. I would like to travel back in time and show them a freakin' iPhone. Of course, who would give me coverage?

Why Nerds are unpopular? An interesting essay that perhaps I should have read as a child. In short, I agree popularity was too much work and rather boring. High school still wasn't fun though in a lot of respects.

But apparently Math Nerds think differently about crime and child porn than normal people. Even English majors think the dude is guilty. Not knowing the merits of the case I do not know enough to vote, but I know I have better things to do than play around with windows paint and pictures of Hannah Montana. You know, I'm just thinking, on a side note, that it's a shame we got rid of the stocks as public punishment. Honestly, if we want as a society to stop creepy old men from doing crappy porn Photoshops of underage celebrities, perhaps an appropriate punishment might be to, you know, subject them to public ridicule. I thought about making them join the Hannah Montana fan club and wearing appropriate outfits, but that just really disturbed me.

And yes, I shall now leave you with that apparently unpleasant image. Oooh a bird,

His Grace

Happy Belated Canada Day

2009-07-02T19:59:00.004-04:00

Wow, It's July 2nd, I'm back at work and not eating French Cuisine at my boss' expense. Oh Dominion Day, how do you oppress me so?

Seriously Montreal was great. I saw Lyndon LaRouche people. Seriously
Hmm.... Not much to say other than remarkably the country is still intact as I attempted to speak French. Perhaps attempted and speak aren't the words I should use... Something alongside of unmitigated disaster might suffice.

Anyways, I is happy and tired and had a good time a presenting and eating and working. My boss gave me more work which isn't good, but I got a few days rest after the conference.

Hmmm. Not much else I can say, other than hope everyone is having a good time as I am,

His Grace

Woo hoo

2009-06-24T12:35:00.003-04:00

So, my boss decided that I should go to another conference in an undisclosed location that is totally not Montreal and, well, I am flying there this evening.

Yes I am presenting. Yes I am still very pretty.

Oh and I had to apply for some funding for it, in which I had to write reasons why the University should help pay for my trip. And for some reason I couldn't just write "give me a free trip to Montreal on St Jean Baptist weekend" and leave it at that.

So I'm excited and experiencing delusions of grandeur. And this technically counts as work or perhaps better as a working vacation.

I must have poutine... Of course, if I eat too much, I'll never want to leave

His Grace

Sunday Funnies

2009-06-21T14:16:00.001-04:00

The above just rocks.

That is all.

His Grace

Know-it-all

2009-06-20T07:14:00.004-04:00

Sometimes, the burden of being as awesome as I am*

It was an interesting day at work when a friend of mine stopped by my office to totally not distract me from my job or anything. He was working on a philosophy paper for a summer course he was taking. And he was like "Do you, your Grace, know anything about Philosophy?"

And I was like "Well I took an introductory course on it ten years ago?"

And he was like "Well can you tell me how it is useful? That's the question we have to answer."

And I was like "Hmmm it's bull-poopie time"

The sad thing is that my answer, how ethics are based on philosophical underpinnings and philosophy's ability to let you look at many sides of an argument can help a person grapple with complex moral issues, was apparently very useful.

So here I am, expert** at everything again...

Probably get a C for my efforts,

His Grace

*really, I am like THIS [holds hands five inches apart] awesome

**no, not really.

A good idea

2009-06-19T19:03:00.003-04:00

This is a great idea.

Corel® Home Office is a sleek new office suite for word processing, spreadsheets and presentation projects. Designed for the work you do at home, it features a fresh and simple interface with tabbed toolbars for quick navigation. Corel Home Office is easy to learn and use, compatible with Microsoft® Office*, and available at a fraction of the price of other leading office software.

Now, I am forced to use Microsoft Office because well, it is standard. Now luckily because of a really nice program by Redmond, I get the full version at a tenth of the price. But if you are a parent and just need something for the kids school and to occasionally write a document or need to open that spreadsheet the local curling club sent you, (assuming it does what it says it does) for $80 bucks that ain't bad. Home and Student version of office is $150.

Now I know people will ask me, what about openoffice? What about Symphony? Well I do like their products, but at least from the brief tour I have taken, it looks like Corel Home Office looks a heck of a lot like Word/Office. Which is nice for a learning curve. Most people learn computers that way and are shocked and dismayed when the newest version/thingy changes every process they've learned.

Assuming that Corel Home Office is actually a decent product and fulfils the needs of its target audience, then it's a great idea, especially given the contraction of people's wallets.

Corel want to give me free copy to demo for my blog of two readers? (I do own Corel Wordperfect Suite X3, X4 so you wouldn't be losing money)

His Grace

Wow I need an ego trip.

2009-06-15T19:24:00.002-04:00

So, for those of you who follow the blog, you may realize that I am actually at the low end of the totem pole in terms of Acadamia, but I am a research assistant, well, all year round. Woo hoo, I have a job that is cushy, irrelevant and pays well better than minimum wage. And I have actually been asked to use facebook while on the job.

Anyways, the other day a fellow research student who is working on projects unrelated to me, let's call him Prince Caspian, had a weird problem invovling the calculation division of large factorials MOD n.

For those of you not in mathematics, factorials are explained here. Long and short of it is they can become very big numbers quickly. (10! is 3,628,800). Of course you also need to know what mod is, so look here. It's a remainder operator, so 7 mod 3 is 1. 18 mod 2 is 0. 17 mod 5 is 2.

Anyways, he had a big number / another big number mod some other big number.

Needless to say this is hard to program since as I said 10! is in the millions. It's easy to get big. Now the nice thing about the mod operator is that for addition and multiplication are operation preserving.

Thus (a * b) mod n = a mod n * b mod n... and (a + b) mod n = a mod n + b mod n. Hurray, abstract algebra! Everyone rejoice.

Why am I telling you this? Because if I have a big number * another big number mod some third big number, then I can take the "a big number" mod it by some third big number and get a smaller number and then multiply it by the smaller number produced by taking "another big number" mod "some third big number" and I get an equivalent result.

Huh?

OK, take (5 * 7) mod 3. 5 * 7 is 35... 3 * 11 = 33, so 35 mod 3 = (33 + 2) mod 3 = 2 mod 3. 5 mod 3 is clearly 2. (1*3 + 2 = 5) and 7 mod 3 is 1 (2*3 + 1= 7). This is a very useful property because if we have bigger numbers, we can mod them first and get smaller numbers, which our computers can then handle. Thus if I want to calculate n! *(2n)! mod n, I only need to calculate n! mod n and (2n)! mod n rather than the whole huge number.

OK, I sorta kinda get your fun lunacy... Wooo hoo math is fun, but you were talking division, what then?

Well, mod n has a neat property in that if n is prime or that if for any x mod n the greatest common divisor of x and n is 1, then x mod n will have an inverse.

You lost me

Well, yes... This is abstract algebra. Everyone hates it. But think of division as the reverse of multiplication 1/7 * x is the reverse of multiplying x by 7. In modular multiplication, if the gcd of x and n are 1, then there exists some number b between 1 and n such that b * x = 1.

ok, I don't understand but so how is this useful?

Well if we are calculating "a big number" / "some other big number" mod n, if we could convert it to multiplication we could write it as "a big number" mod n * "some other big number" mod n... both of which would be nicer smaller numbers to work with.

OK, but how do we do that?

Well if the GCD of "some other big number" and n is 1 then some other big number has an inverse in the ring of integers n. so 1/"some other big number" mod n can be written as "some inverse of another big number mod n."

Huh?

Let's try and do this with small numbers. Say I have 2 / 3 mod 5... 3*7 = 21 mod 5 is 1, therefore 1/3 = 7 mod 5. thus 2/3 mod 5 = 2* 7 mod 5 = 2 mod 5 * 2 mod 5 = 4.

Ok, I have no idea what you did there, but I'm assuming you are actually sane today so that the above works, what is the point of this story anyways?

Well, the point is that my method allows for the calculation of the big number / another big number mod n for really big certain numbers. And my other point is that I came up with this last week, and worked on it with Prince Caspian in my spare time, even though I am an edumakation researcher. The neat thing is that the prof he's working with on this told him TODAY to use the method that I a lowly undergraduate came up with.

So you wrote this incredibly long winded post which defies comprehension merely to gloat about how you came up with the same thing a prof did for a mathematics problem?

Yes... and was told by Prince Caspian "I think we know where you're going."

Smartypants...

His Grace.

Computer Issues

2009-06-14T12:06:00.000-04:00

Well, Vista service pack 2 came out a little while ago. Like any computer geek, I wanted to try it out right away... I downloaded the standalone version and attempted to install it. Instead, it gave me an element not found error. I searched the interwebs, attempting to fix the issue, but none of the things that were mentioned, which included disabling my antivirus worked.

So Microsoft offered free support for me to deal with this, so I decided to take them up on it. My guess was something was corrupted and perhaps the best thing was just to wait and reformat/reinstall on the weekend, pain as that is.

Reformating/Reinstalling is always a pain for anyone. The advantage I have over most people is that when I do it, I a) don't have to pay someone to do it and b) I can save my data unless there is a damaged hard disk in play. The worst thing about it is it just simply takes time to back up all the data, reinstall windows, install all the updates, install the service packs, install your security programs, install device drivers, install the other programs you use, restore your data and then tweak everything so it is how you want it.

For me, it usually takes about 1-2 evenings to get a working environment and then a week to get everything back so (or in a new so, in case I feel like experimenting).

Anyways, I thought I'd test out the Microsoft Tech support... They had online chat and took my computer over from me from India. They did a bunch of things, and couldn't fix the issue, so they promised a real technician would call me.

So he did. And he told me to uninstall sp1... And I went to installed updates to do so and couldn't find it... And he was flustered and thought it would be there. He kept pressing me to do this though so I went and found manual uninstall commands from the internet here... And I did so, though I was a bit worried about how he was explaining that Vista was corrupt and b) things were behaving a bit weirdly. So I decided to trust him... command executed, reboot and, well, black screen explaining that windows could not boot.

I attempted to use my Vista cd to repair windows, but it reported that it could not do that. He asked me to attempt a system restore, but that was a'screwy anyways. His final recommendation was that I should reformat/reinstall, which at 9:15 pm was not going to do, seeing as it would take another day and I had work in the morning.

Honestly it wasn't the tech's fault, though I remain convinced that I knew as much as he did. I'm just annoyed that he couldn't have given me options in the beginning... it was only at the end that he was like "can you get a SP1 CD?" and recognized that I might have a clue as to what I was doing.

It's not his fault that 99% of the people he deals with aren't screwy. I just wish that there was some sort of aptitude test I could pass so that I could get flagged as someone who has a clue of what to do. It would save headaches. "Hi, it's not working" "K windows is corrupt, can you get your hands on a sp1 cd? Otherwise you'll have to attempt to uninstall sp1 and if that doesn't work reformat/reinstall" That would have saved me a couple of hours.

Also, Microsoft, would it KILL you to easily provide ISOs for windows Vista online? I could enter my product key and after registering somehow (.net passport? You use that with dreamspark afterall) I could download it. I'd even pay a small fee if you needed to offset bandwidth costs (or perhaps you could look into private torrent tracker-like technology). I know I can order DVDs, but I asked and they aren't ready yet with SP2. Either that or make it easy to slipstream service packs onto your own Vista dvds... I've tried vlite, but perhaps because of my computer troubles, it didn't seem to take... I could slipstream XP easily though (and yes, I know the technical reasons because of the image like nature of the Vista DVD, how much harder it is... still Microsoft could release a tool that could do it and make your own ISO).

The good news is that my baby is up and running again... And yes SP2 is now installed. I am happy. Now hopefully this version isn't corrupted and that the image I made with Acronis isn't either.

His Grace

Man, I wish Obama would do this for me...

2009-06-13T10:22:00.002-04:00

Seriously, that's just awesome for the kid. You know, sometimes in politics everything is spin and looks good. And I know it makes a good story. Still, it was pretty cool of Obama to do that and yes, had George Bush done it for someone (and perhaps he did or will do it) it would still be awesome.

Smile of the day!

His Grace

D-day 65 years on

2009-06-06T15:32:00.002-04:00

65 years ago today, men far braver than I embarked on one of the greatest military operations of all time. Canadians, British, Poles and Americans crossed the English Channel and began liberating France and the rest of Europe from Hitler's tyranny.

It is a bit of editorializing I know... and even if the western Allies hadn't invaded, Hitler would have gone down thanks to the Soviets. Still Europe today lies free and prosperous thanks to the sacrifices of many.

The name greatest generation isn't a misnomer.

So thanks to all who bravely sacrificed and endured... Hopefully my generations appreciation will extend further than "wow that makes a cool movie."

His Grace

Random reflection of the day

2009-06-02T19:39:00.001-04:00

When driving a 3/4 ton truck down a residential street one is very hesitant when one sees a youth playing with a soccer ball down the middle of the road whilst talking on a cellphone.

His Grace

Happy Towel Day

2009-05-25T20:34:00.003-04:00

Yes, for those who didn't know May 25th is Towel Day.

Of course I celebrated.

Highlights of the day include

My extremely astute co-worker, the Marchioness of Glenridge worked with me for an hour before noticing and then going "Your Grace, ummm, why are you wearing a towel?"
My boss asked me about it as the first item of business of our meeting. She did teh google to verify my insanity.
I had to deal with the tech support people and, well, I believe that's why they were laughing behind my back as I left.
It can be difficult to keep a towel on while on a 17 km bike ride.
Most people have never read hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy, which is for shame.
This year I didn't spot anyone wearing a towel, which was disappointing...
I will need to launder my towel after the previously mentioned bike ride.

All in all, a good day. Consider this a closed thread.

His Grace

(So long and thanks for all the fish)

And now for some random sacrilege

2009-05-24T15:04:00.003-04:00

Yes it is childish. Yes it is offensive. Honestly, though, it makes more sense than my religious beliefs... Of course, it is supposed to be that way.

His Grace

The Weird Stuff that the Internet finds for you open thread

2009-05-22T19:07:00.002-04:00

Link...

Would I be a bad deadbeat parent if I wanted my illegitimate son's PSP to come equipped with one of those?

Anyways, not sure when normal posting will resume...

His Grace

The month late Year in Review

2009-05-19T19:27:00.003-04:00

So I just realized that I hadn't posted an update to those who use this blog as a means of, err, well, keeping track of my actual antics. Of course determining my actual antics from the imaginary ones can be a bit troublesome to a paranoid schizophrenic, but we'll skip that for now.

It was a rough year... But I maintained my average almost, down about 0.6%... which, given the difficulty of the courses and the other stuff I had to deal with is more than satisfactory from where I stand.

I'm proud of how well I did, even in some really hard courses and even when I screwed up I kept going. There's a lot I can't still talk about, certainly in the public non-anonymity of the interwebs, but, well, some things just you have to deal with.

My job is awesome. I have 4 peer reviewed papers with my name on them and I wrote large sections of 3 of them. I have presented to a room full of professors twice and lived to tell the tale. I went to Ottawa for free to boot. And this summer Montreal baby... Applications of Computer Algebra Conference Computer Algebra in Education Session.

This though may be the highlight of the whole trip

Patricia Leinbach and Carl Leinbach propose to give two consecutive sessions on the topic of “Using Forensic Investigations and Computer Algebra to Motivate the Study of Mathematics.” Each session will remain within the usual Education session format (20-minute lecture, 10-minute question/discussion period).
The first session will deal with the layout of a crime scene based on Patricia’s experience and use actual scene materials to the extent that they do not compromise individual’s rights to privacy to show where mathematics is used and also the type of mathematics. The second session will deal with the student use of CAS to analyse the material and data gathered at the scene of the coroner’s investigation

Can anybody call out for Numb-three-ers? Man, I so wanted this to be in my modelling courses but no, we had to study predator prey relationships and the heat equation.

Hmm... anything else? Not that can be discussed on ether... It was a terrible year... it was a great year. Time to keep going.

His Grace

Because I'm short of time and short of unimportant things to say

2009-05-16T18:23:00.002-04:00

Isn't the above just awesome... I was looking for the worlds worst fight scenes mainly to look at this)... I came across this page...

Oooohb oooh ooooh... I also found this:

Bad action movie dubbed in German aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand it features wheelchair martial arts.

K, got fireworks soon... @Nbalez: Don't call the police again this time... That was uncool, especially given the fact that I had just broken out of the institute that week.

His Grace

Those games we play...

2009-05-12T19:39:00.002-04:00

Link

The porn names game has a few variations, but the information that all of the versions elicit is the same. To find your "porn name" you are asked to take the name of your first pet, and combine it with the street you grew up on or your mother's maiden name. Silly, sure. But look more closely: All of these are common security questions. By playing the game, you could be revealing private information that Web scoundrels could potentially use to access your online accounts and bank information.

Identity thieves are a tricky bunch. It is a game that a lot of people might play... and not realize how much trouble might come from just doing something dumb on twitter

or my name isn't Duchess Saturn Crescent.

His Grace

The new Star Trek is just wrong...

2009-05-11T18:14:00.004-04:00

Trekkies Bash New Star Trek Film As 'Fun, Watchable'

Look, for more of what Star Trek truly is... check this out... Kirk is a legendary fighting MACHINE!!!

Or something...

His Grace

Just copying from Failblog

2009-05-10T16:14:00.002-04:00

Hey, I'm busier than I expected to be so, umm, yeah, I'm just going to generate a post based on failblog... wooo hoo...

see more pwn and owned pictures

Just a note... A big shout out to police officers everywhere. That you had to deal with the above with a straight face speaks volumes of your own professionalism. I for one cannot imagine ever calling the police over bacon, even if my wife ate five pounds of it secretly.

see more pwn and owned pictures

I have never, ever done this.

His Grace

Random Thought

2009-05-07T20:42:00.002-04:00

If I had twitter I could post irrelevant things that have no bearing on my life even less often than I blog.

His Grace

Random reflection of the day

2009-05-05T21:11:00.002-04:00

I was on a bike ride... saw an an 11 year old (approximately) on another bike. She asked me if my sticking my left arm out I was signalling to turn... I felt grateful to our educational system.

His Grace

Nothing...

2009-05-02T17:33:00.002-04:00

So I have essentially been doing nothing for over a week now... Boss' orders that I actually take a break from well, I'm not sure exactly what it is I do, but I am supposedly getting a degree in this and am getting paid for it too, so *shrug*.

Truth be told the term was a go go go go, which would have been fine if it wasn't for other things that made me *frumple*. Oh well, it's over, if for whatever reason I still haven't gotten all my marks back yet. Which leaves the year end revue for this school year out in the cold for now, completed AFTER I start work on Monday.

Which reminds me, I still have a job, which means I have to get up and start a'writing my next paper (bringing my co-authorship up to four now) two days from now. Yes I get paid to do this. Yes I actually like it.

Unfortunately I haven't felt like writing much. I am unsure as to why actually. Mostly my life has been so crazy as of late, writing has just added to the stress rather than act as a catharsis as it had before. Also with my job involving writing (and that actually requiring proofing) it saps a bit of my strength when it comes to that part of the brain.

Anyways, I am exhausted from well, doing random things...

Cya around

His Grace

Good for them

2009-04-27T17:04:00.002-04:00

Just in case people were wondering if I ever had an activist side.

This might be a nice charity to donate to.

Yes I'm biased, but come on these guys do good work
Jenny is a student at Carleton University who is finishing her honours degree in psychology. Married with a three-year-old daughter, Jenny says her passion for horseback riding and animals keeps her centred, helping her face her daily battle with obsessive-compulsive and bipolar disorders. Jenny believes that acceptance and support are essential for recovery, and each day, she demonstrates that people with mental illnesses can lead fulfilling and productive lives.

At a risk of being murdered by people angry that a show called the view exists, "you go girl."

His Grace

PS Bipolar? Pffft... That's not a real mental illness... "Oh I'm moody, please give me pills to change this"

Oh yeah, well a schizo is all about "I'm traumatized because I hear someone reading a lunch menu backwards and believe I am the reincarnation of Orson Welles"

OH yeah, well Bis are all moody and then you have to change the meds arbitrarily because suddenly they're hyper cheerful and you go from emo to stepford in nothing flat... sheesh how about a LITTLE consistency in your psychosis

Well at least we don't start believing in random conspiracies all the time. I mean you've accused your doctor of working for the Trilateral Commission and the Bilderberg group. Come on, get it through your head, no matter what truths you've accidentally stumbled on to, nobody would believe you anyways which is why they let you live in the first place

(Actually mental illness may vary)

How is this possible?

2009-04-26T07:06:00.003-04:00

Now, I am no cellphone expert (and yeah, the guy in question deserved to be slapped hard for using data without a roaming plan) but a $62 000 cell phone bill?

Alberto tried to contest the charge and the carrier reduced the bill to $17,000, arguing that the five-figure charge was what it cost them to deliver the movie.

Seriously, if it cost you $62 000 to deliver that amount of data your network is either really sucky and overpriced OR you should at least put some sort of warning on your damn phones that pops up if a person is stupid enough to do this.

And no, the customer in question shouldn't get off scot-free... He clearly didn't think this through. But yeesh, $62 000? I am never taking my cell phone on vacation ever.

His Grace

Well, we've been missing things

2009-04-16T13:30:00.003-04:00

Greetings and Salutations from the Realm... Umm, school has been doing its best to murder me in a slow painful fashion, so I haven't been posting much.

But let's look at one thing that caught my eye:

Math pupils learn how to drown Turks

“How would you place Christians and Turks on a sinking ship so that only the latter drowned?”, reads a problem in a math textbook for Poland’s primary school pupils.

“On board a sinking ship there are fifteen Christians and fifteen Turks. In order to save the ship from going to the bottom, half of the crew needs to be thrown overboard. One of the Christians proposes that the whole crew form a circle and every ninth person jump overboard. How should the Christians place themselves so that only the Turks are drowned?”reads a problem, quoted the lay Catholic newspaper Tygodnik Powszechny.

Wow this combines my interests of mathematics, education and the murder of ethnic minorities*

The best part of this is that the problem is wrong... If you go by every 9 persons, after 10 persons the cycle will repeat. So the cold blooded murder of only the Turks wouldn't actually work by the rules of the game... Seriously these guys need to take lessons, you'd have to go by every 7th person (or 11th, or 13th or something that is relatively prime to 30 = 2*3*5) so that you could arrange for the ethnic cleansing...

Which is what I am assuming why we are all here in the first place anyways

His Grace

*not an actual interest

UPDATE:

Not that anyone cares, but given further thought, any number that had a GCD of 2 with 30 would also work, seeing as it would have order 15, and thus you could also commit crimes against humanity... Ain't math fun?

Ah Internet, can you do me no wrong...

2009-04-07T21:26:00.003-04:00

Sometimes the Internet deals us with an extra dose of awesome. Remember, when you read something on th interwebs IT MUST BE TRUE...

Angela Merkel was born in the D.D.R., the Communist portion of Germany in 1954. Her biography says she was born on July 17, 1954, and that she is the daughter of a Lutheran minister from an East German-controlled church. Recently, however, Soviet KJB archive files reveal an entirely different story. Stasi GDR files indicate that she was born on April 20th, 1954, and details of her birth were included in the records of the German Dr. Karl Klauberg, who was one of the Nazi "death doctors" convicted by Soviet courts and imprisoned. When he later was recognized as a brilliant scientist, he was released after seven years and was recognized as the father of artificial insemination. The Soviets were even more intrigued when they discovered Dr. Klauberg had preserved frozen samples of the sperm of Adolf Hitler. The forces of darkness in high places decided to try to produce a child from Hitler's sperm, obviously for occult and illuministic purposes. Dr. Klauberg then brought the youngest sister of Eva Braun (Hitler's wife), whose name was Gretl, to Eastern Germany, and the result of the experiment produced not a biological son of Hitler, but rather a daughter. Amazingly, Adolf Hitler was born on April 20th, 1889, and Angela Merkel was born on April 20th, 1954. (April 20th is 11 days before the witches' high sabat of Beltaine.) Angela became a custodian of the Catholic Church through its connections with the East German Lutheran Church. Once a German Pope would take the Roman throne, Angela Merkel was to also take her biological father's position as German Chancellor. On April 20th, 2005, the Nazi Joseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI, (16th), precisely on the 116th birthday of Adolf Hitler. Then on November 22nd, 2005, Hitler's biological daughter, Angela Merkel was elected Chancellor of Germany. The day of that election, November 22nd, was the anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin's Origin of the Species, which is an antichrist publication denying the Creator of the universe.

Boo Ya! You read that right, the Chancellor of Germany is Hitler's daughter. And somehow the Pope (who actually was in the Hitler Youth) is in on it too! I love the Internet...

For those of you interested, which is none of you, I did write my first exam today... I still have 1 more to go and two presentations. But I hope that the year is winding down, though as expected, computer calls have started to return...

Hopefully I may be able to updatages again, but until then keep me happy by not commenting and not reading the blog...

His Grace

I want to go to this school.

2009-03-31T00:00:00.002-04:00

link

Boston Latin School headmaster Lynne Mooney Teta issued a notice to parents and students yesterday quashing rumors of vampires at the school. An odd move for the head of a historic elite preparatory school, but Teta and Boston public school officials declined to elaborate on what triggered the unusual message.

My guess? An actual vampire infestation/NSA cover up. It's the most logical explanation.

Anyways I'm busy busy busy, so expect no posting while I sort through the end of the year. And then expect no postings because I work.

Click on the ads dagnabit,

His Grace

Oh Wikipedia, you amaze me.

2009-03-20T17:44:00.001-04:00

List of Wyoming-related topics.

I bet people are wondering how I ended up at the above. I'd rather leave it as a mystery for the ages.

His Grace

I'm sometimes glad I'm not in Texas

2009-03-18T17:59:00.002-04:00

Now, to some of my American friends, I'm sure the above is reassuring to see so many patriots ready to defend themselves in a moment of peril. And yes, I won't deny it is their right. We have a different notion of how firearms are supposed to be part of society in Ontario, so it is these moments when you realize how different our two countries are in some respects. Personally I am glad there is no second amendment up here, mainly because as a paranoid schizophrenic I believe it should be, well, hard for me to obtain firearms and/or explosives. But then why pay attention to me anyways?

Beware the Ides of March...

2009-03-15T16:49:00.002-04:00

I know. I missed Pi Day. But today is equally as awesome, as I will always remember my friend telling me "ndayay ouyay sloayay?" Good times... Good times.

Honestly, I know people follow this blog because it literally doesn't have a purpose and are betting whether I am suffering from a severe head injury or merely forgetting to take my meds (hint it can be both). But I have lost a fair bit of enthusiasm for blogging as of late. I know, I know everyone wants to hear about the dream life, in which the Duke of Colnmore seduces all those beautiful um, women and jet skis across Lake Louise while being chased by Christopher Walken and Tammy Dewitt. And while all those stories are true and will be shortly released in my upcoming book How I took over the world without firing a shot and other true stories, I just feel blargy about posting such updatages to the interwebs.

For those uninterested, School is going ok, work is going fine, and I am attending another conference in the summer, this time in Mount Royal. I even get to present, the thought of which deeply terrifies me but excites my boss.

I just want the term to be over so I can vacation on Titan again...

His Grace

What I spent today doing...

2009-03-13T22:52:00.002-04:00

Besides handing in 3 assignments, working and well enslaving the earth...

That's right, I gots me ssh onto my iPod Touch 2G... I really need to get a girlfriend don't you think?

Oh and well, I am going to Montreal to apparently present at a space conference... (the kind of mathematics and CAS conference the Astronauts present at) so yay me.

Consider this a clsoed thread,

His Grace

Ok, I feel like ranting...

2009-03-07T19:29:00.003-05:00

This is actually not unexpected.

The family of a man who was beheaded on a Greyhound bus says his killer is "getting away with murder," but the judge who found him not criminally responsible for the "barbaric" slaying says the law doesn't unnecessarily punish the mentally ill.

[snip]
"He is getting away with murder," said McLean's older sister, Vana Smart. "He'll never have a criminal record. After the review board decides that he can be medically managed in the community, he can get a job in a daycare. He can cross the border.

"He'll never have this stigma attached to him ... He will be able to pursue his life as he pleases."
[snip]

That was cold comfort to McLean's mother, Carol deDelley, who said Li may be mentally ill, but he still killed her 22-year-old son in the most brutal possible way.

"Whether he was in his right frame of mind or not, he still did the act," she said. "There was nobody else on that bus holding a knife slicing up my child. Nobody else did that. Just one individual did that."

DeDelley said the law needs to be changed so someone can be found not psychologically accountable but still criminally responsible for a crime.

I will be the first to say that I cannot understand the family's pain. I'm lucky to have lived a life untouched by that kind of horror inflicted on a loved one. I certainly understand their desires for justice, though I doubt they really understand how unlikely it will be that Vince Li will ever be a free man. If he had been found guilty, unless labelled a dangerous offender, he would have been eligible for parole in 16 years. With this process he actually has fewer rights than a convicted criminal.

That may be very cold comfort to Tim McLean's family. I don't know what to do in this situation morally. From a logical standpoint, Vince Li wasn't criminally responsible for the crime because in order to be guilty of a crime under our law you have to have to be aware of your actions. Unless he is a very good actor, Mr. Li is not. On the other hand, from a different logical standpoint, Vince Li did commit the crime, even if he wasn't responsible.

Should he carry a stigma with it in the unlikely event he is let out again? I actually semi-agree with this point, though I am unsure of what legal stigma we could give and what teeth it would or should have.

Is the point moot? Probably not. I doubt that Vince Li will ever set foot outside an institution again. I honestly don't think he got away with murder, but then I could be wrong on both counts.

I really don't know

His Grace

Goody

2009-03-05T11:41:00.003-05:00

Well in case you don't know yet, the dude who cut of that poor soul's head on the bus in Manitoba has been found not criminally responsible.

Money quote: Two psychiatrists testified that he is schizophrenic and was hearing a voice he believed was God ordering him to kill McLean because the young man was a force of evil. [emphasis mine].

Well, Vince Li is off to a mental institution, where it is extremely unlikely that he will ever see the light of day ever again. I really don't have time to watch the news on this, nor do I have time to gauge public opinion, so I'll just make some sweeping generalizations:

I hope that the fact that he is mentally ill is not pushed or if not that sincerely hope that people do not equate schizophrenia with likely to cut off my head and mutilate the remains. This is an extreme case.
I hope that people do not perceive "being found not criminally responsible" as got off scot free.
I hope people will refrain from making amateur diagnoses about disturbed individuals the next time a sensational crime like this happens.

Yes, Yes I know, I'm tarring people with as much a brush as I feel myself being tarred. Well, ok, but you've never been in a classroom where people have suggested they shouldn't hire a schizophrenic professor because "he might do something." or "go crazy." Plus I'm tired and I didn't want to deal with this today.

Oh well,

Peace out and have a good one,

His Grace.

The Science of "The Watchmen"

2009-02-26T08:27:00.000-05:00

On general principles, I usually shy away from scientific explanations of superhero movies, or space operas. Not to be rude, but most of the time science takes a back seat to plot, and the hoops that scientists sometimes are forced to jump through to justify something that looks really cool as a special effect but in general violates several known laws of physics can make such presentations painful. (And no, I know that books like The Science of Star Wars do contain criticism of the more outlandish plot devices, however, Lucas was looking for a (theoretically) good story, not one that used the latest research in string theory.

Still the above is really cool and you might actually learn something. Wait, no, that's bad. This blog is supposed to help in the dumbing down of the universe. Forget that. Just think how cool the movie will be. Also think of how great it would be to have sex with Angelina Jolie (especially if you are a hot woman, because that's hawt!!!!). Few, together we just saved the world.

His Grace

I wish I was this awesome

2009-02-25T20:11:00.000-05:00

see more pwn and owned pictures

Seriously, I wish criminals could practise witchcraft. It would really make great TV.

His Grace

Motivation

2009-02-24T19:25:00.002-05:00

I often am not asked, your Grace, what motivates you to do the things you do. Most people do not wish to contemplate such destructive impulses. Most people, if not sane, are at least willing to not dabble in the dark arts for fear of their own souls.

Still, as my therapist always says "Oh God, oh God, how did you find me? Where are my children? What have you done?" I can't quite figure out all the psychobable but I figure it will make sense one day. Therapy is hard work they say.

Of course, on remarking on my remarkable life to my boss, I said something along the lines of "I just can't seem to have anything resembling a normal life." To which my boss deftly replied (made all the more awesomer by a Quebecois accent) "You'd be bored if you had one."

Very quite possibly, but still for whatever reason I crave one. I am a duality it seems on one hand embracing the most ridicurus things imaginable such as a home to come home to, a wife who greets me at the door and children who drive me crazy, on the other hand craving simple stupid things like absolute power over everything in the universe, a death ray of some sort, and yes, my name written on the moon... In Arial Bold font. Google Point.

Ah I wish, but, well, I needed to post SOMETHING.

Ergo this. No, I haven't gotten into the tequila...

His Grace

because I haven't posted something from Failblog in a while

2009-02-21T20:23:00.000-05:00

Note: When I called 911, I was probably half as competent, just FYI.

His Grace

I'm sorry

2009-02-19T19:54:00.004-05:00

You'd think I was a blogger or something... Sorry, it's been busy on my "week off."
So as always in a passive aggressive fashion, I well, will give you Mr. T rapping.

The point of this music video seems to be Mr. T likes to beat people up. Which you should know... If only Chuck Norris and Mr. T could have their own rap video.

His Grace

A day late and a dollar Over

2009-02-15T21:00:00.003-05:00

The Terrifying Truth Behind Valentine's Day -- powered by Cracked.com

I'll steal from my brother the above and well, rant a bit. Well it is February 15th, and, actually I had a relatively good Valentine's Day. It started off right with me driving home from the greatest not-date of my life and then I woke up to a frantic person shouting Italian through my window and discovered I had to call 911.

Those of you who follow my rantings on this little intertube portal may know how hard the midpoint of February is for me. This year rather than sulk, I tried to change my attitude a bit. I will never, ever, ever love that day, but I at least tried to focus on the positive parts of my life for nineteen days before the dreaded day and, well, it did work.

A big shout out to all of my friends who supported me in this and, well, you know who you are. Maybe one day we will dance on the bones of the Hallmark Executives who oppress us all, but until that day, we still have each other.

I just want to close out to anyone who doesn't like the day to remember that there is a difference between frustration, anger, loneliness and bitterness. I fall into the latter category always, but you don't have to be like me. If the day has any meaning, then it is of the people in your life that you love and that matter to you, regardless of whether you have the impossible fairytale romance our society has given us expectations of.

His Grace

Still posting video clips open thread

2009-02-12T12:16:00.003-05:00

Pay careful attention to the above... I've missed many a clever Blackadder joke by laughing too hard.

His Grace

In which I'm just copying stuff off Digg, etc.

2009-02-11T19:14:00.001-05:00

I gots a midterm tomorrow baby... and Lost is Tonight. Sooo, entertain yourselves darnit, isn't that what the interwebs is for?

His Grace

The surreal side of life.

2009-02-10T20:06:00.002-05:00

One of the tasks in my busy, busy, busy schedule has been to--get this--write my own letter of recommendation. And no, not because I am my own boss at my extremely, part, part time computer consulting gig.

For reasons that cannot be explained, I require a letter of recommendation to apply for some mysterious thing that is totally not a passport so I can flee to South America. However, when I asked the referee, this individual asked me to write it to give him an idea of what I expected to be in there. It's not a final copy mind you, just intended to help the guy understand what I want to be said as part of the process. Plus he digs my writing style, with those awesome things I do while blogging like confuse words like starring and staring and, well, generally butchering the English Language while at the same time infuriating world opinion

So, like all the things I do, I, well, did it. But is an uneasy feeling praising yourself, knowing that the person you are writing it for will at least go through the motions of reading it before signing his name. And while one must stay away from effusively praising oneself in as saccharinely a way as possible, one still has to actually say good things, or otherwise what is the frickin' point.

I hope that I struck a balance between praising me and letting my accomplishments (I got dressed today) speak for themselves. I hope it works out, otherwise the extradition may go as planned.

His Grace

Heat Vision and Jack Open Thread

2009-02-08T16:48:00.003-05:00

Because I want everyone to watch the greatest sci-fi series never made

Watch Heat Vision And Jack - Part 1  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Watch Heat Vision And Jack - Part 2  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Watch Heat Vision And Jack - Part 3  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Yes I have posted this before, still, I have to give you something other than Mr. T.

His Grace

Open thread

2009-02-07T21:15:00.001-05:00

Just in case you wanted to know what I've been up to...

Here.. Yes... Yes it says Bible UFO connection.

I dare you to look at it.

His Grace

It's time for a serious conversation...

2009-02-06T17:10:00.003-05:00

Wait, what, seriousness from this, err, does it even qualify as a blog?????

I'm referring to these two stories: A 60 year old woman gives birth to twins and let's not forget about Octuplet lady with six kids in California.

Ranjit Hayer was determined to have children.
She suffered three miscarriages. She sought fertility treatments, only to be turned down by Canadian physicians. She went to India for in-vitro fertilization, only to be cheated of her savings. So she saved up and returned to India last year to receive the treatment.
Now she has twins. And, at 60, she's one of the oldest women to give birth in Canadian history

I understand that these kids will be loved. I even admire the lengths that Ranjit went to and her determination, if not her sense. But does it occur to her that when her sons are ten, she'll be 70 and that when they reach 15, their father will be past the average life span of a male in this country?

Look, I think encouraging people to have kids is a good thing and that the medical miracles that we as a people have created are, well, a joyous blessing. But not to get all tut-tutting about this, but I think we need to start really, really, really thinking what we are doing with this technology. I know in the 60 year old woman's case, she was (thankfully) refused treatment in this country. And yes, once invitro-fertilized, she was (thankfully) taken care of by our medical system.

To switch topics to an equally disturbing case of pregnancy:

The 33-year-old single, unemployed woman has been harshly criticized for having a fertility procedure and risking multiple births when she already has six children, ages 2 to 7.
With in vitro fertilization, doctors frequently implant more than one embryo to improve the odds that one will take. However, the U.S. fertility industry has guidelines suggesting, in general, that no more than two embryos be implanted for women under 35.
Experts say there is a small chance that embryos can divide, which apparently led to the octuplets.
Suleman said she had six embryos implanted for each of the previous in vitro procedures that resulted in her other six children.
“All I wanted was children. I wanted to be a mom. That’s all I ever wanted in my life,” she said. “I love my children.”

Ummm, errr, I am sure you do. But how do you plan to take care of 14 children? Without a job? Isn't planning that a part of loving your offspring?

Look, I think that maybe we need to get some sort of international regulation on how this technology is used, because, well, it just seems like it is being used very unethically. Just because we can do something doesn't mean we should do something. I'm all for helping people who want kids to have kids, but that needs to be done with care and thought or we'll end up like this:

(cf)

His Grace

'Cause I haven't inflicted something on you guys for a while...

2009-02-04T16:37:00.003-05:00

Alright, 'cause for some insane reason I'm on a Mr. T. kick, here's the cartoon in all of it's glory:

I know, can you possibly believe that I had a Mr. T sleeping bag? Just some random lessons I learned from watching: Mr. T thinks that it is a good idea to slit up and send 3 teenagers to investigate a goon squad alone. Also the police seem to be a useless enterprise in this universe. And Mr. T's middle name is period.

Question: How many times can I watch this before having an aneurysm?

His Grace

Happy Groundhog Day open thread...

2009-02-02T15:45:00.003-05:00

I can think of no other way to honour this day other than this...


	Make your own at MoreCowbell.dj

I am unsure if you can outawesome Mr. T + More Cowbell, but by all means, attempt to do so.

His Grace

So we need 6 1/2 hours of analysis for one game eh?

2009-02-01T16:32:00.003-05:00

Well, it's February 1st, which means that there just might be a big football game on the TV. Do I care? No, not really. I am more of the "Can I just bet that both teams have a good time" sorta guy, although if I am in a room full of Steelers fans, I wouldn't hesitate to be the lone guy supporting the Cardinals (but only if they were losing).

Ah quickness and the glory that is football commentary: "If they want to stay in this game, they're gonna have to score more touchdowns."

But since it is February, we have to stop and reflect that it is that sucky time of year. And yes, I usually get myself worked up for oh, I don't know, a month and a half of self-pity and hatred. It sucks when you don't fit well into society's carefully articulated narrative, although few (if any) do. Just for me it can be a teensy bit more of a jarring disconnect.

But I decided this year that I wasn't going to (completely) wallow in agony for nearly two months. One of my larger psychological problems (yay therapy) is my self-destructive behaviour of letting the bad things that happen to me turn my days into bad days. So... the contest.

I got bet that I couldn't have an equal number or greater of good days to bad from Monday 26th of January to February 13th 2009. (Considering 19 is odd, it's either over/under I guess). So I am taking up this project, namely because I don't want to be too depressed this year. There's too much to celebrate. Plus I just have to learn to accept that I am human and that feeling lonely is natural and acceptable. Just I shouldn't let it get to me.

Oh and for whatever reason they are reciting poetry at the Super Bowl right now...

The Antichrist must be rising...

His Grace

Lighten up...

2009-01-31T20:37:00.002-05:00

Really, if atheists want to raise money telling us that there is no heaven or hell, fine. I don't see it as any different as me telling everyone is going to hell.

No really, you all are.

No seriously, all of you, every one of the six billion people alive on this world currently, and well, all your parents and their parents and their parents parents, etc. Hell. Yes. Eternal damnation and torture. Why? Because you suck and didn't vote for Sanjaya.

Everyone but me is wrong, including those who agree with me.

Ok, but I do have to deal with Charles McVety for a second here..

(from the Star article)

"If they want to do it on their own, no problem. But if they want to attack other people and show intolerance for (their) belief systems, then that is ... bigotry and public space is no place for bigotry."

OK, but quick question, shoe other foot?

Harper said during the French-language leaders' debate Thursday that he would not use the notwithstanding clause on same-sex marriage. Harper's declaration was "not appreciated," said Charles McVety, head of Canada Christian College and a founder of the Defend Marriage Coalition.

Obviously advertising on a bus = intolerant and attacking other people's belief systems. Using notwithstanding clause to annul same-sex marriage between consenting adults--totally not intolerant and attacking other people's belief systems.

As a side note: Atheists, I don't care either. The great thing about this country is we are supposedly free to believe and darn fool thing we want. Unlike some, I acutally don't think religion is the biggest threat to humanity's freedom, but, well, I know I am pretty much always wrong, so go with it.

Although please repeat the line, "If you talk to God, that's called prayer. If God talks to you that's called schizophrenia." I always love that one.

His Grace

Dear God please, if there is any mercy left on earth... no...

2009-01-29T21:17:00.003-05:00

For whatever reason the internets have delivered this list of Canadian musicians InMusic would like to see as politicians to me. No I don't know how, the internets are truly mysterious in how we encounter such randomness. I thought I was working both in education and bashing hard drives with a hammer (yes you can get paid money to do so).

Anyways, I know, I know, how much worse would we be off if Avril Lavigne spouted her pink highlights at 24 Sussex. Surely she could do better than Stephen Harper who despite professing to be a conservative largely wrote a budget that could have come from Paul Martin, Jr. Possible? Yes. Would one want to try out by experiment?

Well, it could be worse, we could still have nukes...

His Grace

Yes I'm just wasting everyone's time

2009-01-28T21:22:00.001-05:00

Get used to it... it's the Internet

I do this all the time. No I am not trying to be informative in any way.

His Grace

Fifteen Minutes of Fame

2009-01-27T11:44:00.006-05:00

As many may know, I am friends with the legendary ~~Dan Radice~~ Colonel Jankerson of fatboydiet.wordpress.com. Now, if one reads the plan of said diet, one might ask "Are you sure you wish to be friends with someone who may have suffered brain damage?"

"Haha" I say. "Stop making fun of those people who act crazy. It's almost as bad as making fun of people who genuinely are crazy (like me)."

Yes, I do parenthesizes in quotes... and quotes in air quotes.

Anyways, ~~Dan~~ the colonel has become a bit of a minor celebrity with his present insanity, and even has an article in the New York Daily News.

The 360-pound Niagara Falls, Ontario, man is trying 14 fad diets in 18 weeks, in hopes of dropping some serious weight.
It's what he calls "The Fad Diet Experience" and it's working - at least the first one did.

Now, I am not wholly sure that this is a healthy thing to do, but I do want to give ~~Dan~~ Colonel Jankerson my support as his friend, since, I do want him to lose weight and be healthy and live well. Any archnemesis has to be in pristine condition, otherwise his or her defeat is, well, trivial and you become the Amoeba Boys of supervillainry.

I am also pleased that he is getting support and enthusiasm from others, because that support means a lot when one is trying to lose weight... believe me I know. I just want to say that though I am on some level glad that the publicity may give ~~Dan~~ Jankerson encouragement, said fame is always fleeting.

Besides, the media is interested in a story for as long as it can make them money. Past that, well, if you expect anything else, then you really don't understand how the world really works. Cynical? Yes, but I speak from experience.

I am not trying to dampen my friend's parade. He is a talented man and deserves recognition for those things, even if one can doubt his sanity at some points. My friend has lost 9 pounds on a one week diet. I hope he understands that I see that as a greater achievement than appearing in a New York newspaper.

Keep it up good sir,

His Grace

Monday night open thread

2009-01-26T21:13:00.001-05:00

I wonder what it must be like to be Japanese and watch Canadian Television. I know, why would anyone watch Canadian TV?

His Grace

PS I'll tell you all about the project later...

Sunday Morning I can't believe this non-open thread.

2009-01-25T08:33:00.004-05:00

Part of my job includes reading tech support FAQs, be it for a client or just my own hardware or software. In this case I'm looking at thi s which is part of a FAQ about a wireless N usb adapter that I own.

Q: Can I use the DWA-142 as a hockey puck?

A: No, regardless of the shape, you cannot use the DWA-142 as a hockey puck. The impact to the case could cause damage to the internal components, as well as damage the external casing of the DWA-142. Doing so will void the warranty.

Above: The wireless USB adapter in question. Note the stylish cord and the vaguely hockey puck like shape

Now, forgive me for saying this, but why is this in the FAQ? Apparently it happens often enough for it to be worth mentioning on Dlink's support website. I pray---oh how I pray---this is just there because the kids are picking up expensive computer equipment, destroying it through sheer stupidity and then Dlink is putting it there for legal reasons to warn Mommy and Daddy that they'll be shelling out for a new one.

Because if someone takes one look at a vaguely hockey puck like object (with a cord) and decides that spending $70 on it means that it should have some other sports-related purpose than connecting to their wireless router... we are doomed people. Hockey pucks cost what? $1? I found a Team Canada one here for $3.99.

The thing of it is, since I have worked tech support in and out for ten years I know that it might not just be the kids. I used to think that the coffee cup holder CD-ROM stories were urban legends...

Above: supposed urban legend

Then I actually had a computer destroyed when a 40 year old man thought that was what the drive was for.

In short, I fear we will probably kill ourselves.

His Grace

Nirvana

2009-01-24T19:56:00.001-05:00

This is apparently what my cousin spends her time doing in her History Class. Now you might wonder why her teacher hasn't told her to stop watching Youtubes and learn about Confederation. Apparently he was the one who shows her this kind of stuff.

Now I want to take that course. *Sigh* I guess I have to settle for Analysis.

His Grace

This is a good idea

2009-01-23T16:18:00.004-05:00

OK, so at my university in amongst the halls there, I found this:
Yup it's a CRT monitor... I figure it might be 19". Sitting all alone in the Hall unguarded, but could be yours for $1 (or best offer).

I'm tempted to believe that the person who put it there wants it to be stolen and put a price on it to encourage a less than reputable person wondering by that the thing actually has value. I'd be happy to oblige him or her, but even I can't think of a use for a gigantic CRT monitor.

It's not because I am reputable after all,

His Grace

Yay Tech support

2009-01-22T20:20:00.004-05:00

I've had an overabundance of tech support calls as of late... and as usual my clients give me the oh so flattering endorsement that I am better than the Geek Squad.

I know they think it is a compliment and that they mean it as a compliment. Just, ok, I don't know if any Geek Squad or Best Buy employees actually read anything I rant about on the blog, but please take offence to this: Look, you guys suck.

You don't know the freakin' products in your own store... Your solution for everything is reformat/reinstall and, well, you cannot provide an adequate backup service. Ever hear of windows file and settings transfer?

Anyways been very busy as of late. When one computer goes wrong, it seems like it is psychically connected to all the computers of people I know and, well, they break too.

So blogging will be light for a bit, at least until I get all these outstanding "oh God why" calls taken care of.

His Grace

Well, they've done it.

2009-01-20T21:33:00.002-05:00

In case you haven't been paying attention, and really who really does, the United States have elected a secret-Muslim/secret-marxist/Black Racist/Usurper as President and he was, like sworn in today.

Personally I have no desire to be President. Besides the fact that the job would likely kill me due to the awesome responsibility to not destroy the earth (which, sadly, despite 8 years of trying the previous administration didn't quite manage to do such a thing).

Anyhoo, while it is a historic moment, I just can't but help but want to scream "Are you out of your GOSH DARN MIND!!!!" Recession, War, Trillion Dollar Deficits, Global Warming... I mean, you'd have to be a freakin' mad scientist to be able to deal with all that.

The guy has high expectations of him... but after 8 years of marvellous incompetence perhaps there is a hope that mere adequacy might just be enough to save the day.

His Grace

Oh God No.

2009-01-14T09:19:00.003-05:00

Via Download Squad, this.

Now all your music tracks can have More Cowbell! Also as much Christopher Walken as you can stand.

We are totally not living in the end of days,

His Grace.

The Japanese must be stopped

2009-01-13T20:09:00.000-05:00

This is perhaps the most awesome idea for a gameshow yet...

Go to a library and well randomly do *expletive* to one of the group that is intended to make the person make noise. I guess you lose if you get kicked out?

I'd like to think that I am not this demented, but sadly I know that I would be more than inclined to do something like this, even if I didn't have a desire for it to show up on Facebook, let alone ebaum's world.

His Grace

Because I will inflict this on you

2009-01-12T19:18:00.003-05:00

Japanese Spiderman is perhaps the most awesome thing that has been invented by Marvel yet... Spiderman has missiles and a giant robot... all we need is Abe Lincoln and it would be complete.

His Grace

Windows 7

2009-01-11T18:34:00.002-05:00

Yes I have the beta. Yes both the 32 and 64 bit versions. Yes I have 5 or so keys that will work.

Is it better than Vista? Yup. I am awfully tempted to make it my default OS, though moving everything over is a pain... Sigh. Plus the beta is temporary, and I'd have to move everything BACK before it expired...

Honestly if you are even a mild computer enthusiast you might consider checking it out here. The new taskbar is nice and I find it very fast compared to Vista, though I have yet to load it down with a lot of programs.

So just for those keeping track this machine is now Quadruple booted with Windows Vista Ultimate x64, Windows XP Professional, Ubuntu 8.10 and Windows 7 Beta. And I don't use any of them except Vista very often, which totally justifies the partitioning. At least I can argue that I need 1 terabytes of hard disk space plus 1.5 terabytes on a NAS for backup.

Yes I don't have a girlfriend, how can you tell?

His Grace

Random Video Fridays

2009-01-09T20:22:00.002-05:00

(Rock Band) Blue Öyster Cult Don't Fear The Reaper Expert 5* - Click here for more amazing videos

Yay! Rockband! I am one of the few people in the universe who actually doesn't think Rockband is the greatest game evah!!! I know, I'm sad.

His Grace

So I'm boycotting Chapters

2009-01-08T18:03:00.003-05:00

I have been a loyal customer of Chapters.indigo.ca for a while. I did like the fact that the country was Canadian, but I also felt that they offered decent prices, plus their shipping policy was more reasonable than Amazon.

Amazon.ca, if you ordered a book that hadn't come out yet, they would hold your order until they could ship it all to you at once. Chapters.indigo.ca on the other had, would ship you books as they were available, thus making their free shipping option very attractive to me. I could place orders for books published months in the future and pay no shipping, and I was happy with this.

Well, now, you can't do what I am doing... and when I was ordering books in the spirit of Boxing Day, I put together an order... and decided to pre-order a book that was coming out in April. Imagine my surprise when I discovered I would be paying a $5.99 fee (for a book worth about $18) for the joys of preordering. To be fair, Chapters was offering me a new service, in which I would receive the book on the publication date. Which would be wonderful, and actually for some books it might actually be worth such a fee if it WASN'T A THIRD OF THE COST OF THE BOOK and no, I couldn't opt out of it.

I do understand the need to generate revenue and I am sure that some people would find it worth while to spend that kind of money on shipping. And yes, I know I am a very cheap man... but even if I wasn't, I'd have a hard time justifying that kind of markup, just so I get to read the book a couple of days earlier... I love to read, though work and school deprive me a bit too much of that hobby. Even so, there are very few books that I have to read right away... even the last Harry Potter.

I did email to complain (and since I am a member of their advisory survey system I have also noted my displeasure in that forum as well). I received acknowledgement of my email complaint, but no redress of my grievances.

More than anything it's the lack of opting out that bothers me. Sure I'd like it as an option, and maybe could be given an incentive to use it at some time, if I was convinced I was getting $6 of value for delivery a few days early. I sincerely doubt this, but it could be possible.

Anyways, chapters, I'm sorry but this is the last straw. I'm not purchasing any additional books from you from now on. That includes the store. At least until you give my my money back and allow me to opt out of this plan. Though I regret no longer backing a Canadian company, just I don't appreciate being charged for something I do not want.

Now, I have had disputes with Chapters before. For some reason, the VP of loyalty marketing and customer insight did stop by, so, if there are any Chapters.indigo.ca executives who just want to make their case on this blog, again they are free to do so. I'm against free speech but well, I haven't managed to outlaw it yet.

His Grace

WTF?

2009-01-07T22:10:00.002-05:00

Re: Porn industry seeks federal bailout

Another major American industry is asking for assistance as the global financial crisis continues: Hustler publisher Larry Flynt and Girls Gone Wild CEO Joe Francis said Wednesday they will request that Congress allocate $5 billion for a bailout of the adult entertainment industry.

Oooookaaaaaaaaaaaay...

His Grace

The future of this blog

2009-01-06T18:32:00.000-05:00

As those who follow my ramblings might have noticed, I have been posting at a reduced rate. The reasons for this are long and complicated and completely mysterious, mainly because English is too primitive a language to express myself in... Why couldn't I have been born on Relnak anyways?

I hope to continue this blog, as it is my goal to actually earn money from blogging (and we have about $45 to go) and it has been therapeutic at times.

Mostly I use this as a means to inform people who might miss my "charm" or zany opinions on, well, the random stuff that happens to me. That and position my armies of darkness so that the final assault can begin.

Anyways, we'll see how this goes, but other things may keep me from writing frequently for a while.

His Grace

Sometimes you gotta

2009-01-05T17:51:00.002-05:00

Well, a friend of mine has started a blog, which will be supremely better than this poor excuse for dementia. Anyways, he has, for reasons not completely known to me, embarked on embracing a series of fad diets to lose weight..

I am unsure of his sanity, but then it is probably not a thing a mental patient should be opining too much on.

I just want to say that this blog supports my friend's (let's call him Colonel Jankerson) efforts and wish him well. So if there are actually any out there who pay attention to what I write here, well, umm, let me just say that losing weight is hard work and a person attempting it, no matter how insane this may be, deserves our kindness, respect and support.

So The Imperial stands with Colonel Jankerson and wishes him great success. Death to your enemies and all that.

This message was made possible thanks to the generous support of weight-watchers, jenny craig and Dr. Ben Stein's Weight loss clinic/soul removal technique.

His Grace

A closer approximation to hell may not be possible....

2009-01-03T08:02:00.003-05:00

Due to embedding being disabled, you'll have to click through to see this gem.

However all I can say is that someone, somewhere, thought that one should gather Christopher Walken and surround him with as many impersonations of him as possible. Somehow, this did not result in the destruction of the universe and all we hold dear.

His Grace

Valkyrie

2008-12-29T08:35:00.002-05:00

Ah Nazi movies are awesome, although a friend of mine suggested that the shorter version of the movie could simply be Germans (in WWII) could be people too.

Warning, this post does contain spoilers for the movie, as a friend of mine suggested that I (as a person of non-knowledge on the subject) comment on its accuracy.

Though I am loath to believe in the stability of Tom Cruise (see jumping on Oprah's couch or the power of Scientology) he does give an impressive performance as Colonel Count von Stauffenberg, one that makes me wish that movie-Cruise resembled more of real life Cruise.

We however, don't get such choices.

Anyhoo, the July 20th plot isn't really my area of expertise, though even calling me an amateur historian is more than a stretch. I do like history and have read extensively on the Second World War, though I would characterize my knowledge as biased and fairly ignorant compared to most enthusiasts.

The movie is important in that it does tell the story of the German resistance movement (whose destruction was largely caused by the failed July 20th plot). It is important to note that there were Germans who did resist the Nazis during the war and most paid heavily through their lives and lives of their family through the hands of the Gestapo.

The movie is (for a Holly wood film) surprisingly accurate. Certainly for any film, historical accuracy has to be shed for convenience of plot and time. The overall story is (mostly) correct. There was a resistance movement in the Wehrmacht centred on the General staff who planned to use Hitler's own home army to seize power from the Nazis after assassinating Hitler.

There are some really nice touches. Goebbels was to be arrested by the coup plotters but they failed to cut the telephone lines, and thus the German troops were made aware that Hitler still lived. General Fromm did try to hide his complicity (or at least inaction in reporting on the coup) by summarily executing Stauffenberg and other plotters the night of July 20th. The Gestapo did execute people via pianowire nooses.

There are some minor details that didn't bother me, such as Tom Cruise being given a more central role to the story, or the lack of mention of how the Gestapo used the plot as an excuse to settle scores with the Army. Even the rose coloured portrayal of the German resistance movement as a pro-democracy faction (a hallmark of any heroic role in Hollywood writing and very much far from the case) can be excused as creative story writing, at least in my mind.

The writers also took liberties when the historical record (which given that no leaders of the plot survived) had gaps in it. It is unknown why the July 15th attempt was called off for instance, though the movie did accurately portray how the plotters managed to convince others that Valkyrie's mobilization had been a drill. Also the film's near-insistence that General Olbricht's handwringing had caused the plot to fail can be (at least in my mind) excused at least because it provided a plot device. It is true that Valkyrie wasn't implemented immediately, mainly due to failure of the bomb to kill Hitler and the subsequent confusion. Like in the movie, Count von Stauffenberg did believe that Hitler was dead, who was saved, like in the movie, due to a last minute movement of the briefcase which concealed the explosive.

Largely the plot failed due to the survival of Hitler, and the lack of ruthlessness and thoroughness on the behalf of the plotters. This is largely a failing of the movie, one that doesn't really do anything for the story, but I wish was more present in our popular culture take on the Second World War.

Adolf Hitler was a ruthless and dangerous man. The movie fails in its portrayal of him, not only by its constant use of evil background music whenever he was in the room. Thank you but I already know (and I suspect practically everyone but that idiot who named his 3 year old son in New Jersey after him) that he is evil. Why Hitler is evil is a bit more complicated and is very much compounded by our popular culture version in it.

We tend to portray Hitler as a deluded fool and full of rage. There is no denying that as the war turned against the Nazis, Hitler became more and more withdrawn from reality, no doubt due to the fact that his underlings were afraid of telling him the truth, lest in a fit of anger something permanently unsettling happen to them. His temper tantrums are also the stuff of legends. But one of the things that we have failed to convey is that this man was also very human and not some bad caricature of a supervillain. That's one of the thing that makes him oh so scary. Personally I find his portrayal in Downfall (yes it's in German) as a weak, deluded but human man far more frightening than the standard Hollywood fare.

The other weakness in the portrayal and one of the more frightening things about Hitler was that he took a beaten and largely disarmed country and managed to come close to defeating the combined might of the United States, the British Empire and the Soviet Union. Though we celebrate our grand victory in the Second World war as largely inevitable though a noble and hard sacrifice, our popular cultural record tends to overlook the desperation on the Allied side of 1940-42 and even after the tide turned decisively in '43 how the Nazis and yes Japanese kept going even in the face of inevitable defeat.

It is in this context in which the movie also makes a glaring error, again not so much as a movie, but more in how I wish we would reflect on the time: Namely the reasons of the plotters for attempting the coup.

It is important to note that while there were genuine democrats (and in fact genuine socialists) among the plotters, the Army's motives were, well extremely pragmatic. Namely they feared the consequences of the Red Army, which in July of 1944 was nearing the eastern border of Germany. The savagery of the Eastern Front is one of the more glaring omissions from our popular conception of the war. An author I once read put it succinctly as "Germany did its best to murder the Soviet Union." Stalin and his troopers were not even remotely inclined for mercy as they advanced into the heart of the Third Reich.

It is in this context that the plotters conspired. They wished to kill Hitler and take over in hopes of a peace overture to the Western Allies, in hopes of averting the Red Army from paying back the Germans in kind. They were not primarily grand democrats, or wanting to make a noble stand against Nazism. Their views and concerns were largely pragmatic and, well fairly delusional.

It is unknown what would have happened if the coup had succeeded, however it should be noted that the not just the plotters alone were guilty of wishful thinking. The Nazi leadership refused to believe that the British and the Americans would help the Soviets to destroy Germany. This misplaced belief stemmed from the idea that capitalist and communism cooperation was ideologically impossible.

What the Germans (both the plotters and the Nazi leadership) failed to appreciate was that while the Soviets and the Western powers largely had an alliance of convenience, as I have said, the Germans came far too close to winning (and had done far to many unspeakable things in that process) to be allowed anything more than unconditional surrender. While the politics of the subsequent Cold War have largely led to the scrubbing of this certainty from our popular historical mindset, it is important to note that the Allies were largely concerned at this point in time in ensuring that Germany would be incapable of launching a Third World War.

Well this has been a long winded post, of which I am sure if even one more educated person comes along I will have to retract most if not all of what I have posted. I also note that I do not provide cites or anything, so as always take this with about two pounds of salt and read on the period from educated authors of varying perspective. In short it is fairly good movie and a story that does indeed need telling. Its greater failings are not really those of the director or writing but more of larger problems we have with our own history.

Of that, I am fairly certain we will always have such glaring omissions.

His Grace

Boxing Day Eve Open Thread

2008-12-25T22:54:00.001-05:00

To all, have a Merry Christmas or whatever. No, I didn't steal it this year like I did last December. Sorry about that by the way, although I'm happy about what Santa brought other people today. Yes, I know Kris. Don't worry, your wife will be released as promised... yes she's unharmed...

His Grace

UPDATE: To those suggesting that I am inebriated in the comments, no it's crystal meth. Keep it straight Morans.

Christmas Boxing Day Eve Day Eve Open Thread

2008-12-24T16:33:00.002-05:00

This has been on the intertubes for I'm guessing 10 years. Well actually it's this that has been but, well, you know.

Happy non-denominational politically correct holiday observance. Or Merry Christmas or something. And remember BOXING DAY IS IN TWO DAYS!!!!!!! (And starts @ 8pm tonight online).

To all readers of the Imperial have a good one on behalf of the absolutely in no way hard working individuals who run this blog. Merry Christmas. Happy Boxing Day.

His Grace

Happy Festivus Open Thread

2008-12-23T22:24:00.002-05:00

It is also my Godfather's birthday. Hurray... He's 25!

His Grace

Politicking

2008-12-22T16:55:00.002-05:00

Weee.... My buddy Steve is packing the Senate.

Broadcaster Mike Duffy, his former colleague Pamela Wallin and Olympic skier Nancy Greene Raine were among 18 Conservatives hoisted into the velvet chamber on Monday.

Most of those appointed to the Senate were not household names, but well-connected Tories such as defeated candidates, campaign organizers and party fundraisers.

Senate Reform. Or something. Honestly, I do agree with him that the senate appointments needed to be filled, but, yeah, even the Liberals were a bit less subtle in appointing cronies en mass. They also do lack a bit of legitimacy seeing, you know, he freakin' prorogued parliament so he wouldn't face a confidence motion.

*Sigh* Look, the biggest obstacle for senate reform is the fact that while Canadians agree that the upper house is rather useless and is kinda like a political retirement home, we have never been anything close to good at agreeing what we should do instead.

Right now, the Grits in the upper house can be a tad of nuisance for Harper. Imagine however, if they were elected and held a majority in that chamber... One would wonder how much legislation Harper would get passed in such a case.

If Harper is serious about making the upper house elected, than we have to have a serious constitutional discussion on what role that elected house will have and what mechanisms will be in place to prevent gridlock. Otherwise, well, what the heck is the point?

Other than stacking the upper house with your friends and apparently Mike Duffy.

His Grace

Winter Solstice Open Thread

2008-12-21T21:57:00.002-05:00

It's a wonderful day for a snow storm don't you think?

May all your enemies be slain in as creative a method as possible.

(Just trying to get everyone into the Boxing Day Spirit)

His Grace

Dumb ideas

2008-12-20T18:46:00.002-05:00

Now when I see a headline like

How to use Facebook to be more productive

I think, no, the article really can't be that full of stupid can it?

*sigh*

Anyone who seriously considers combining facebook and work is looking for trouble. I'm not even sure you should ever even let work you even suppose facebook exists, given that employers have been known to check it prior to interviewing.

But here, let's discuss this...

Australian call centre employee Kyle Doyle wishes he hadn't. He became infamous after admitting via his Facebook status that he was still too drunk after a heavy night to make it to work. When Doyle tried to claim the day as sick leave, his employer sent him a screenshot of his Facebook page, at the top of which was written: "Kyle Doyle is not going to work: I'm still trashed. Sickie woo!" Unsurprisingly, he didn't get his day off certified.

Yeah, that's pretty dumb. Amazingly stupid even. I set my facebook status to drunk all the time, but that's so that people assume I'm sober.

Really though, the idea of using facebook as a collaboration tool flies in the face of security, since Facebook's servers would, you know, host all your data. Which, if you are a company working on a secret (or even not secret) project, is not a very good idea.

The idea of facebook is that it is supposed to be unproductive. You can catch up with that guy you met at that bar one time, or outrageously lie to your ex-girlfriend about how happy you are. Or post drunken photos of yourself because you hope your boss will see you and fire you. You know, stupid, meaningless stuff that is the antithesis of workin' 9-5.

But what do I know anyways?

His Grace

And I'm not sure when I'll resume posting...

2008-12-19T21:46:00.002-05:00

see more pwn and owned pictures

I have no idea when I'll feel like blogging again... It has been a kwazy term. And there doesn't seem to be enough alcohol in the universe to guarantee coherent thought...

So, in the following interlude, enjoy these parting words:

Pants are the enemy.

His Grace

Read the whole thing...

2008-12-12T07:52:00.002-05:00

As everyone who doesn't read this blog knows, I am a proponent of mental health, my writing being such a great example of what happens when you don't take your meds.

I do want to refer my readers to this story and hope that they will give it some consideration.

A brief excerpt that caught my eyes:

There was the cold-blooded calculation that every $1 spent to treat mental illness and addiction saves a potential $7 in costs, he said. Beyond that, however, was the responsibility to alleviate human suffering that is "difficult to price."

It should be noted that mental health costs (from the article) the economy 22 billion per year. I like fiscal arguments which are always needed, though the moral ones are the ones that should (but usually aren't) be paid attention to.

As they say, read the whole thing.

His Grace

Fricking Serious

2008-12-01T21:52:00.002-05:00

Wow...

NDP Leader Jack Layton and Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion have signed an historic accord to form a coalition government to replace Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Conservatives.

In an extraordinary scene on Parliament Hill late this afternoon, Dion and Layton signed a formal deal to work together through to June, 2011.

And they signed an agreement with Bloc Quebecois Gilles Duceppe that commits the separatist party to support the coalition through to June, 2010.

I think it is clear that Prime Minister Harper has badly miscalculated... Whether or not the opposition also has, well, I really can't say. We've never had a government like this (and maybe we won't), but then, Harper seemed to expect Dion to, well, play the same game he did prior to the election. Clearly, much to Harper's chagrin, that ain't the case no more...

I'll guess we'll see what happens in the coming weeks.

(And I'll be in Ottawa for the vote of non-confidence... sweet, my political machinations are, well, space awesome*)

His Grace

*The kind of awesome the astronauts use.

Serious Hardball

2008-11-28T15:40:00.002-05:00

Things I am pretty sure are not a bright idea...

2008-11-28T11:50:00.002-05:00

I guess you can put me down for concern trolling but this story kinda makes me worried...

Former Liberal prime minister Jean Chretien and one-time NDP leader Ed Broadbent met on Parliament Hill on Friday to discuss the possibility of a coalition government

As they say, read the whole thing... The Grits and the NDP, did get more of the popular vote combined than the Tories. However, the Tories were elected with a strengthened minority, and the Liberals in particular suffered from a large decrease in votes this past election.

Look, I honestly don't like Harper but, he was elected, fairly decisively for a minority government. Honestly a Liberal-NDP coalition propped up by the Bloc would have a governing life of about oh say a month. I'd like to be surprised, but I doubt I will be. I'm not saying the action isn't legit, I'm just hoping they're doing this in hopes of getting better concessions out of Harper and not because they think it's a swell idea.

Although, if it worked, Stephane Dion would not be the second Liberal leader since confederation to have the distinction of not sitting in the Prime Minister's Chair... Perhaps he'd be content with that... Whether the country would...

His Grace

Life imitates art imitates life imitates art

2008-11-27T18:33:00.003-05:00

All I can say is wow. I never thought this day would come. I eagerly await the LOLCAT sitcom, premiering this January on the CW.

His Grace

Unsure

2008-11-18T07:48:00.002-05:00

In case you haven't seen it... (And go to here for a better version).

Certainly are enough explosions, and the unexplained semi-nudity is a necessary component of successful SCI-FI. I certainly felt that a reboot of Star Trek was necessary if they wanted to move forward with it. Whether or not this will be successful I can't tell, though it certainly looks promising.

The bridge more resembles an action figure playset, rather that something Star Fleet would use.

His Grace

An awesome comic

2008-11-11T11:03:00.001-05:00

Link.

So true... yes I got it off Digg.

And for the ladies... (not that any read this blog, it's a manly man's blog for manly men who are men).

His Grace

Bwhahahaha

2008-11-08T13:17:00.002-05:00

Get the latest news satire and funny videos at 236.com.

Just for fairnesss sake, let's make fun of Obama supporters as well...

Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To Realize How Empty Their Lives Are

I'm still busy... Project 73 is still ongoing...

His Grace

In honour of Guy Fawkes Day

2008-11-05T21:48:00.003-05:00

Since the US elected a Marxist*, I figure a celebration is in order. In other news I really need a hug.

His Grace

*If you actually believe Obama is a Marxist then you obviously do not understand anything about Marxism... I'd suggest learning the difference between income tax cuts and seizing the means of production.

O-BAM-A

2008-11-05T07:34:00.003-05:00

And I was calling it for Bob Barr... Geeze...

In my brilliant, totally non-amateur analysis, Obama, for all of his being a Secret Muslim, Black Militant, Marxist and Friend of Terrorists, really knew his game. He knew how to raise money. He knew how to get out the vote. And he made John McCain fight in supposedly safe places like Indiana, Virginia, North Carolina rather than just a repeat of Florida, Iowa, Missouri and Ohio.

In 3 months, we'll see if he can govern as effectively as he campaigns and probably learn how truly deep the mess the United States finds itself in is.

His Grace

Busy week

2008-11-02T22:14:00.002-05:00

I'll try and keep my three readers semi-entertained.

His Grace

Mean but hilarious

2008-10-29T09:11:00.000-04:00

Via.

Republication...

2008-10-28T20:29:00.001-04:00

Tried posting this the other day...

Yes the internets are truly a waste of all time.

His Grace

We are doomed people...

2008-10-27T20:22:00.002-04:00

Watch the above interview of Vice Presidential Candidate Senator Joe Biden. I think my favourite part of the whole thing is when the supposed media person asked "How is that not Marxism?" Look, I'm not exactly a full blown socialist... compared to, hmmm, I don't know, Eugene Debs, I'm probably a reactionary... but next to Barack Obama who would find much common ground with a blue Tory from Alberta, I'm a freaking radical.

A little advice. If you are going to accuse someone of being a Marxist, one should have a clear idea of what Marxism is and not confuse a middle class tax cut financed by increasing taxes on the wealthy with seizing the means of production.

His Grace

Holy Crap Matlock is still alive

2008-10-26T08:29:00.001-04:00

Now that I got your attention: Watch.

See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die

Hat tip to Jack for sending me this.

His Grace

Proof the Internet is truly pointless and awesome

2008-10-25T16:22:00.003-04:00

Isn't technology wonderful?

His Grace

The Imperial

Worst Excuse Ever

Man Blames Child Porn on his Cat

It's a new school year

Because I like cute things

And I interrupt this hiatus to just post something from XKCD

Our public discourse can be really really sad...

A stupid moment

Wow

Apologies for the extended absense

A few linkz

Happy Belated Canada Day

Woo hoo

Sunday Funnies

Know-it-all

A good idea

Wow I need an ego trip.

Computer Issues

Man, I wish Obama would do this for me...

D-day 65 years on

Random reflection of the day

Happy Towel Day

And now for some random sacrilege

The Weird Stuff that the Internet finds for you open thread

The month late Year in Review

Because I'm short of time and short of unimportant things to say

Those games we play...

The new Star Trek is just wrong...

Just copying from Failblog

Random Thought

Random reflection of the day

Nothing...

Good for them

How is this possible?

Well, we've been missing things

Ah Internet, can you do me no wrong...

I want to go to this school.

Oh Wikipedia, you amaze me.

I'm sometimes glad I'm not in Texas

Beware the Ides of March...

What I spent today doing...

Ok, I feel like ranting...

Goody

The Science of "The Watchmen"

I wish I was this awesome

Motivation

because I haven't posted something from Failblog in a while

I'm sorry

A day late and a dollar Over

Still posting video clips open thread

In which I'm just copying stuff off Digg, etc.

The surreal side of life.

Heat Vision and Jack Open Thread

Open thread

It's time for a serious conversation...

'Cause I haven't inflicted something on you guys for a while...

Happy Groundhog Day open thread...

So we need 6 1/2 hours of analysis for one game eh?

Lighten up...

Dear God please, if there is any mercy left on earth... no...

Yes I'm just wasting everyone's time

Fifteen Minutes of Fame

Monday night open thread

Sunday Morning I can't believe this non-open thread.

Nirvana

This is a good idea

Yay Tech support

Well, they've done it.

Oh God No.

The Japanese must be stopped

Because I will inflict this on you

Windows 7

Random Video Fridays

So I'm boycotting Chapters

WTF?

The future of this blog

Sometimes you gotta

A closer approximation to hell may not be possible....

Valkyrie

Boxing Day Eve Open Thread

Man Blames Child Porn on his Ca t