A very detailed (long, anyway) quiz says that if I was a D&D character I would be, at least for the mood I'm in right now:
Lawful Neutral Human Wizard (5th Level)
Ability Scores:
Strength- 13
Dexterity- 14
Constitution- 13
Intelligence- 14
Wisdom- 13
Charisma- 11
Alignment:Lawful Neutral- A lawful neutral character acts as law, tradition, or a personal code directs him. Order and organization are paramount to him. He may believe in personal order and live by a code or standard, or he may believe in order for all and favor a strong, organized government. Lawful neutral is the best alignment you can be because it means you are reliable and honorable without being a zealot. However, lawful neutral can be a dangerous alignment because it seeks to eliminate all freedom, choice, and diversity in society.
Race:Humans are the most adaptable of the common races. Short generations and a penchant for migration and conquest have made them physically diverse as well. Humans are often unorthodox in their dress, sporting unusual hairstyles, fanciful clothes, tattoos, and the like.
Class:Wizards- Wizards are arcane spellcasters who depend on intensive study to create their magic. To wizards, magic is not a talent but a difficult, rewarding art. When they are prepared for battle, wizards can use their spells to devastating effect. When caught by surprise, they are vulnerable. The wizard's strength is her spells, everything else is secondary. She learns new spells as she experiments and grows in experience, and she can also learn them from other wizards. In addition, over time a wizard learns to manipulate her spells so they go farther, work better, or are improved in some other way. A wizard can call a familiar- a small, magical, animal companion that serves her. With a high Intelligence, wizards are capable of casting very high levels of spells.
Detailed Results:
Alignment:Lawful Good ----- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (20)
Neutral Good ---- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (17)
Chaotic Good ---- XXXXXXXXXXXXXX (14)
Lawful Neutral -- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (20)
True Neutral ---- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (17)
Chaotic Neutral - XXXXXXXXXXXXXX (14)
Lawful Evil ----- XXXXXXXXXXX (11)
Neutral Evil ---- XXXXXXXX (8)
Chaotic Evil ---- XXXXX (5)
Law & Chaos:Law ----- XXXXXXXXXX (10)
Neutral - XXXXXXX (7)
Chaos --- XXXX (4)
Good & Evil:
Good ---- XXXXXXXXXX (10)
Neutral - XXXXXXXXXX (10)
Evil ---- X (1)
Race:Human ---- XXXXXXXXXXXXXX (14)
Dwarf ---- XXXXXXXXXXXX (12)
Elf ------ XXXX (4)
Gnome ---- XXXXXXXX (8)
Halfling - XXXXXX (6)
Half-Elf - XXXXXX (6)
Half-Orc - XXXXXX (6)
Class:Barbarian - (-25)
Bard ------ (-19)
Cleric ---- (-4)
Druid ----- XX (2)
Fighter --- XX (2)
Monk ------ XX (2)
Paladin --- (-19)
Ranger ---- (-6)
Rogue ----- (-4)
Sorcerer -- XX (2)
Wizard ---- XXXXXX (6)
Try it yourself if you're nerd enough.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
"I'm not looking back, but I want to look around me now."
Ok, I'll admit it: I like '80s music. I was in high school from '82 to '87 so that was the kind of stuff I was exposed to in those formative years. I didn't get to hear a lot back then due to "lifestyle limitations", but in the time since I've been able to fill in some of what I missed. Then along came the drug known as i-Tunes. Damn you, Steve Jobs!!! I was able to find a couple of old fave and fill in my collection.
Lately I've discovered the Radio function and I've re-learned that my preferred flavour of '80s music is what is termed "Alternative". Nowadays Alternative really isn't; it's actually pretty mainstream. Back then, Alternative stuff would only get played on the little college or university stations, blasting out with an awesome 50 watts, you could received them almost to the end of the street. I remember listening to CHRW back in 81 or 82 and hearing Depeche Mode, The Church, and other obscure bands. Groups that later got bigger or only became known with the retro phase that started in the 90s.
Now I'm listening to something called 1.FM 80's Alternative channel, and I'm hearing a lot of extremely cool stuff that is entirely new to me! Bands I've never heard of but are great. I love the clean, crisp, slick 80's sounds. Music before record execs ordered their engineers to cram every decibel possible into every frequency, destroying dynamic range for the sake of loudness, turning every tune into a droning buzz, hiding melody for the sake of overpowered, window rattling bass.
So, yes, I like old '80s stuff far better than anything new. So be it. That's what I like, and that's what I'll have.
Thar be a wee bit o' chair dancing going on here!
Lately I've discovered the Radio function and I've re-learned that my preferred flavour of '80s music is what is termed "Alternative". Nowadays Alternative really isn't; it's actually pretty mainstream. Back then, Alternative stuff would only get played on the little college or university stations, blasting out with an awesome 50 watts, you could received them almost to the end of the street. I remember listening to CHRW back in 81 or 82 and hearing Depeche Mode, The Church, and other obscure bands. Groups that later got bigger or only became known with the retro phase that started in the 90s.
Now I'm listening to something called 1.FM 80's Alternative channel, and I'm hearing a lot of extremely cool stuff that is entirely new to me! Bands I've never heard of but are great. I love the clean, crisp, slick 80's sounds. Music before record execs ordered their engineers to cram every decibel possible into every frequency, destroying dynamic range for the sake of loudness, turning every tune into a droning buzz, hiding melody for the sake of overpowered, window rattling bass.
So, yes, I like old '80s stuff far better than anything new. So be it. That's what I like, and that's what I'll have.
Thar be a wee bit o' chair dancing going on here!
Back and intact.
I'm back in Laketown again after a 1 day delay due to evil weather. Thanks to the big ol' snowstorm that rolled through Sunday, my only 2 plausible routes back here were closed. And there was no f&*%ing way I was going to try the back roads in those conditions; I had a big enough scare last Feb to put me off that well and good. Anywho, the roads were open today, so I made my way back. Note that I said "open", not "good". There were areas where the actual location of the road was judged by "ok, aim for the middle of this flattish area", as the view was plain white without any contrast created by, say, previous tire tracks. So some places were a relative crawl. Plus the occasional whiteout from passing trucks or some farmer's snowblower. Again, I'll praise the new snow tires. Worth every penny as Spousal Unit said Sunday.
So I missed a day of work. On the previous job this would have been cause for celebration, followed by an explanation "that management expects us to make every effort to attend regardless of external factors...bla bla bla" or similar bullshit, meaning "I expect you to sacrifice yourself to make me look good". My new employer is much cooler. I offered to trade my vacation day which I'd scheduled for later this week for today, and the response was an easy "Ok, no problem, just put it on your time sheet tomorrow." Sweet. I doesn't hurt that sometimes I actually look forward to going into work.
So I missed a day of work. On the previous job this would have been cause for celebration, followed by an explanation "that management expects us to make every effort to attend regardless of external factors...bla bla bla" or similar bullshit, meaning "I expect you to sacrifice yourself to make me look good". My new employer is much cooler. I offered to trade my vacation day which I'd scheduled for later this week for today, and the response was an easy "Ok, no problem, just put it on your time sheet tomorrow." Sweet. I doesn't hurt that sometimes I actually look forward to going into work.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Can anyone find the old flashlight?
You know the junk drawer? Maybe it isn't even a drawer, but it's that place that just seems to accumulate the miscellaneous thingamajigs that don't get thrown away. You know, the little plastic doohickey from something, or the odd metal dealy with the flanges? I've got a few of those odd, unidentified things in my brain. Not literally of course, except for the crayon lodged up my nose that's been lowering my IQ. No, wait, that's Homer Simpson.
No, these are some odd little memories, or dreams, or memories of dreams. Sometimes I'm not even sure which. These are things that I've been carrying since earliest childhood; indeed, they are some of my earliest memories. And I still can't make much sense of them.
1. This is thing I think of as my earliest memory, and it's stuck with me and bothered me most of my life. It's an image, and an feeling of where I am. I'm in a large, dimly lit room or space. I'm looking up, I think I'm lying on my back. The ceiling is a kind of flat, corrugated steel sheet, the wavy steel sheets often seen in rural areas, but I don't have the feeling this an agricultural place. The air is cool, not cold or uncomfortable though. I think I'm lying on bare wood. And that's it. That's the memory. It's been with me as long as I can remember. And I have no idea if it was a real place or what. It's actually been kind of a haunting feeling. Strange.
2. The next was a recurring dream I had through most of childhood, and once or twice since. It starts with a feeling/image of old, wet wood, slightly rotting. The air feels close and heavy, like just before a thunderstorm. There is light where I am, but the distance background seems dark. Next, there is a huge *something*, I guess best described as a gigantic, white tidal wave, but almost solid, and without texture. It is smooth and even everywhere. And I feel like it is taking me, and carrying me away. And there is a feeling of power, and noise, but in dream logic, there is actually no sound.
3. Another dream from childhood, and possibly the oddest one and the hardest to describe. This one seemed to happen when I was sick and feverish. It was very odd, and seemed to involve very massive (as in actual weight) blocks. But I could actually "feel" their massiveness. The colours were kind of dim, yellow/gray/brown. And I didn't feel that it was so much me observing this, as I was a point moving through it. The blocks moved but didn't, but spatially, things did not seem to follow the usual geometry or 3 dimensional rules as real life. They seemed to change in size, mass and position as my point moved through them, even though, somehow they didn't actually change. It almost seems (now) like a kind of synethesia (mixing up of senses).
I have no idea what any of these mean, if anything. The first one, as far as I can recall, only occurred once, and I don't think it was a dream. But it seemed so strong and important that it has stuck with me. The other two were dreams that kept coming back year after year.
They likely mean nothing at all. Just the disjointed creations of a young, growing mind. Still, I get that kind of 'that's a bit creepy' feeling when I think about them.
No, these are some odd little memories, or dreams, or memories of dreams. Sometimes I'm not even sure which. These are things that I've been carrying since earliest childhood; indeed, they are some of my earliest memories. And I still can't make much sense of them.
1. This is thing I think of as my earliest memory, and it's stuck with me and bothered me most of my life. It's an image, and an feeling of where I am. I'm in a large, dimly lit room or space. I'm looking up, I think I'm lying on my back. The ceiling is a kind of flat, corrugated steel sheet, the wavy steel sheets often seen in rural areas, but I don't have the feeling this an agricultural place. The air is cool, not cold or uncomfortable though. I think I'm lying on bare wood. And that's it. That's the memory. It's been with me as long as I can remember. And I have no idea if it was a real place or what. It's actually been kind of a haunting feeling. Strange.
2. The next was a recurring dream I had through most of childhood, and once or twice since. It starts with a feeling/image of old, wet wood, slightly rotting. The air feels close and heavy, like just before a thunderstorm. There is light where I am, but the distance background seems dark. Next, there is a huge *something*, I guess best described as a gigantic, white tidal wave, but almost solid, and without texture. It is smooth and even everywhere. And I feel like it is taking me, and carrying me away. And there is a feeling of power, and noise, but in dream logic, there is actually no sound.
3. Another dream from childhood, and possibly the oddest one and the hardest to describe. This one seemed to happen when I was sick and feverish. It was very odd, and seemed to involve very massive (as in actual weight) blocks. But I could actually "feel" their massiveness. The colours were kind of dim, yellow/gray/brown. And I didn't feel that it was so much me observing this, as I was a point moving through it. The blocks moved but didn't, but spatially, things did not seem to follow the usual geometry or 3 dimensional rules as real life. They seemed to change in size, mass and position as my point moved through them, even though, somehow they didn't actually change. It almost seems (now) like a kind of synethesia (mixing up of senses).
I have no idea what any of these mean, if anything. The first one, as far as I can recall, only occurred once, and I don't think it was a dream. But it seemed so strong and important that it has stuck with me. The other two were dreams that kept coming back year after year.
They likely mean nothing at all. Just the disjointed creations of a young, growing mind. Still, I get that kind of 'that's a bit creepy' feeling when I think about them.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
And now a word from our sponsor...
Two posts ago I babbled about buying winter tires. Well, today proved that to be a good idea. I woke up this morning to discover our first big, bad blast of weather for the season. Compared to last February, this wasn't much, but it still made driving a slightly more risky affair. Unlike the usual idiots who don't change their driving habits for the conditions, I took it easy on the way to work, but I could tell by the feel of the car that the grip was better. Indeed, I decended a steep, glassy hill with nary a slip. Not something to test too far, but good to have anyway.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Evil Thought of the Day
Something that popped into my head at lunch today:
"I dislike conflict. That's why I'm going to destroy you quickly."
Said at the beginning of the regular lunchtime card game.
"I dislike conflict. That's why I'm going to destroy you quickly."
Said at the beginning of the regular lunchtime card game.
On a more pleasant note...
...I suppose. I just shelled out $900 for a set of snow tires and rims. Yep, the car has new winter boots: Bridgestone Blizzaks. After the fun I had on the roads up here last winter, this was a must.
Also, a couple of weeks ago I attended a driving course called Skid School, paid for by my employer. I guess they would rather have us arrive at work intact. What nice people! Part of the course involved performing collision avoidance maneuvers with different types of tires. It was quite clear that they were pushing Blizzaks (must be getting advertising bucks from Bridgestone), as they made sure to point how they were superior to the all-seasons, or having snows on just front or back, and the poster in the classroom. Still, the point was made.
Just so you don't think I'm a sucker for a sales pitch, I had previously been considering these tires or the Michelin equivalents. It just turned out that the tire place I went to (recommended by several coworkers) didn't carry Michelins.
So I'll now be a little safer when the weather around here goes completely to hell. Which it will.
The next plan is to put together a winter survival kit for the car, and a first aid kit (my employer trained my on that too).
Also, a couple of weeks ago I attended a driving course called Skid School, paid for by my employer. I guess they would rather have us arrive at work intact. What nice people! Part of the course involved performing collision avoidance maneuvers with different types of tires. It was quite clear that they were pushing Blizzaks (must be getting advertising bucks from Bridgestone), as they made sure to point how they were superior to the all-seasons, or having snows on just front or back, and the poster in the classroom. Still, the point was made.
Just so you don't think I'm a sucker for a sales pitch, I had previously been considering these tires or the Michelin equivalents. It just turned out that the tire place I went to (recommended by several coworkers) didn't carry Michelins.
So I'll now be a little safer when the weather around here goes completely to hell. Which it will.
The next plan is to put together a winter survival kit for the car, and a first aid kit (my employer trained my on that too).
Stand By Me
The spousal unit has gone back to university to finish her degree, and some people don't seem to like it. She has been quite discouraged lately by the response of some. The latest was just yesterday, when a long time friend and his wife decided that Spouse was not making acceptable choices about her life, and that she had no right to blog about things that bothered her. I can only guess that they are leading the correct and proper life and this gives them the right and duty to rudely and arrogantly point out other's errors. I was bothered by this and fired back with my own rebuttal. At this point the former friend made it clear that Spouse was no longer acceptable friend material. I used to like this man, I considered him intelligent, well read, and thoughtful, but now I can only see him as an inflexible, self-righteous dickhead. It seems that anyone who disagrees with him or his wife, or makes choices they wouldn't, is branded as an evil idiot. Apparently we are not the first friends they've thrown away for not matching their ideal way of living. Well, FUCK THEM! Sooner or later they'll find out they've run out of friends.
Real friends will tolerate your mistakes, even if they're the only ones who see them as such. Trust me, I've made this mistake myself twice in my life and regretted both. I threw away one friend for having a drug habit (which he later kicked), and another for cheating on his significant other.
Spouse's parents have been less than supportive as well. Her mother seems of the mind that unless there is a direct, practical, quick payoff to this education it is not worthwhile. She's been giving Spouse the cold shoulder. At least she hasn't disowned us.
Others, however, have different opinions. We have other friends (real friends it seems) who think that this is a wonderful thing. They are very much appreciated right now. We'll be seeing some of them this weekend, and I'll be sure to thank them.
She gave up her chance to finish over ten years ago, instead following me when I took a job out of town. I've learned to understand what that cost her. I won't ask her to give it up again. I believe it is important to complete this, even if it doesn't lead to a monetary payoff. MONEY IS NOT THE ONLY REWARD! OR THE MOST IMPORTANT! I put off leaving a job I hated because of the fear of losing money, to the point where it got me fired. The need for money made me miserable.
We are making sacrifices to do this. I won't say I'm enjoying them, but I see them as necessary.
To hell with those who would abandon us for this, or for defending what we're doing. To those who disapprove but keep it to themselves, so be it; hold your tongues. To those with us, thank you for being true friends.
Real friends will tolerate your mistakes, even if they're the only ones who see them as such. Trust me, I've made this mistake myself twice in my life and regretted both. I threw away one friend for having a drug habit (which he later kicked), and another for cheating on his significant other.
Spouse's parents have been less than supportive as well. Her mother seems of the mind that unless there is a direct, practical, quick payoff to this education it is not worthwhile. She's been giving Spouse the cold shoulder. At least she hasn't disowned us.
Others, however, have different opinions. We have other friends (real friends it seems) who think that this is a wonderful thing. They are very much appreciated right now. We'll be seeing some of them this weekend, and I'll be sure to thank them.
She gave up her chance to finish over ten years ago, instead following me when I took a job out of town. I've learned to understand what that cost her. I won't ask her to give it up again. I believe it is important to complete this, even if it doesn't lead to a monetary payoff. MONEY IS NOT THE ONLY REWARD! OR THE MOST IMPORTANT! I put off leaving a job I hated because of the fear of losing money, to the point where it got me fired. The need for money made me miserable.
We are making sacrifices to do this. I won't say I'm enjoying them, but I see them as necessary.
To hell with those who would abandon us for this, or for defending what we're doing. To those who disapprove but keep it to themselves, so be it; hold your tongues. To those with us, thank you for being true friends.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Back in the Saddle Again....and my ass is sore!
Ok, first post in a while. My lack of updates has been due to a couple of factors: large doses of overtime in the last month while lending my support to the maintenance shutdown (called an outage) which tired me out (60 hrs per week for a month); forgetfulness: I would think of something to write, but by the time I was actually I would forget what I wanted to say, or get distracted by something else; or simple laziness.
A man's got to know his limitations.
Today I was speaking with my friend B-meister, and he was telling me about some of his stresses at work. I do a car-pool type of thing with B, as he works at the same company (different building), and he often talks about work and the very impressive sounding projects he's working on. B is probably one of the smartest and most self-motivated and driven people I know. Understand that I went to university for engineering with B, back in the early 1990's. I managed to get through and graduate from that. Graduation was followed by a hell of a tough time finding work, followed by several increasingly better paying jobs, ending last year. Various people, including B, told me how smart I was because I was able to get through the program and get the degree, etc. However, it seemed every time I turned around, either when looking for a job or when actually doing it that I was often sadly lacking in certain background skills and knowledge, or would make errors that would make me fell like I didn't belong there. Often this caused a paralyzing lack of confidence in actually doing some tasks.
Since grade school I'd always had people telling me they thought I was intelligent, yet my grades were rarely stellar. High school was the same and I was just able to squeak into university. First year U was ok, but after that it was a gradual downward slide, and I ended up taking an extra 2 years to finish. All along though, I was around some very intelligent and capable people, and some self confidence seemed to rub off.
This confidence, and the high expectations I had for myself didn't seem to pay off though. Like I said, real life results didn't measure up. I'd also occasionally hear about the accomplishments of my former peers, and compare mine unfavourably. The last year or so, with getting fired and all, have forced me to re-examine my abilities. I've come to the realization that I'm not as smart as I thought I was, and I likely won't accomplish anything hugely impressive. I'm just an average guy. And I think I'm ok with that. My self image has changed, along with my ambitions. I guess this is just part of my recent experiences, and getting older and, I guess, slightly wiser. Now I think I'll be happy with just doing my job decently, and not screwing up too much. I'll go to work, do my job, and come home. I'll live my quiet little life and just try to be content with what I am, and let others do the great things and suffer the stresses involved.
A man's got to know his limitations.
Today I was speaking with my friend B-meister, and he was telling me about some of his stresses at work. I do a car-pool type of thing with B, as he works at the same company (different building), and he often talks about work and the very impressive sounding projects he's working on. B is probably one of the smartest and most self-motivated and driven people I know. Understand that I went to university for engineering with B, back in the early 1990's. I managed to get through and graduate from that. Graduation was followed by a hell of a tough time finding work, followed by several increasingly better paying jobs, ending last year. Various people, including B, told me how smart I was because I was able to get through the program and get the degree, etc. However, it seemed every time I turned around, either when looking for a job or when actually doing it that I was often sadly lacking in certain background skills and knowledge, or would make errors that would make me fell like I didn't belong there. Often this caused a paralyzing lack of confidence in actually doing some tasks.
Since grade school I'd always had people telling me they thought I was intelligent, yet my grades were rarely stellar. High school was the same and I was just able to squeak into university. First year U was ok, but after that it was a gradual downward slide, and I ended up taking an extra 2 years to finish. All along though, I was around some very intelligent and capable people, and some self confidence seemed to rub off.
This confidence, and the high expectations I had for myself didn't seem to pay off though. Like I said, real life results didn't measure up. I'd also occasionally hear about the accomplishments of my former peers, and compare mine unfavourably. The last year or so, with getting fired and all, have forced me to re-examine my abilities. I've come to the realization that I'm not as smart as I thought I was, and I likely won't accomplish anything hugely impressive. I'm just an average guy. And I think I'm ok with that. My self image has changed, along with my ambitions. I guess this is just part of my recent experiences, and getting older and, I guess, slightly wiser. Now I think I'll be happy with just doing my job decently, and not screwing up too much. I'll go to work, do my job, and come home. I'll live my quiet little life and just try to be content with what I am, and let others do the great things and suffer the stresses involved.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
A somewhat serious post.
Ok, time for my 50th of a dollar on the subject of global warming, climate change, whatever. I'm not going to argue that most scientists believe it, and a few don't. There are a zillion arguments either way, and it seems to me very little clear truth to be sifted from the mess. As usual, everybody spins things to support what they already want to believe. Same as with politics, religion, and sports.
So I'll approach it from a somewhat simpler angle.
1. Hundreds of millions of years ago, life forms started using carbon as a primary component of their bodies and metabolisms. They obtained this carbon from the environment (atmosphere, gasses from volcanos, and such).
2. As these critters and plants snuffed it, many of their itty-bitty bodies ended up in positions where geological processes changed them chemically into coal, oil, gas, and similar types of burnable things.
3. The above two things went on for many hundreds of millions of years, collecting jillions of tons of carbon and locking it away.
4. Jump ahead a while, until the mid-1800's or so. These silly little ape descendants start yanking all this stuff out of the ground and burning it, releasing this carbon back into the environment.
5. Summary: Over hundreds of millions of years, vast and ridiculous amounts of the stuff is hidden away. We dig it up, and put it back in 150 years! How can this not have an effect!
The speed at which things are done matters. Look at the gas tank of your car: burn it a little at a time in a controlled way, and you can get around town. Burn it all at once, and you have a bomb.
So I'll approach it from a somewhat simpler angle.
1. Hundreds of millions of years ago, life forms started using carbon as a primary component of their bodies and metabolisms. They obtained this carbon from the environment (atmosphere, gasses from volcanos, and such).
2. As these critters and plants snuffed it, many of their itty-bitty bodies ended up in positions where geological processes changed them chemically into coal, oil, gas, and similar types of burnable things.
3. The above two things went on for many hundreds of millions of years, collecting jillions of tons of carbon and locking it away.
4. Jump ahead a while, until the mid-1800's or so. These silly little ape descendants start yanking all this stuff out of the ground and burning it, releasing this carbon back into the environment.
5. Summary: Over hundreds of millions of years, vast and ridiculous amounts of the stuff is hidden away. We dig it up, and put it back in 150 years! How can this not have an effect!
The speed at which things are done matters. Look at the gas tank of your car: burn it a little at a time in a controlled way, and you can get around town. Burn it all at once, and you have a bomb.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
From one bunch of clowns to another...
I came across this link on William Gibson's blog:
Clowns KKKick KKK ass!
Good for a chuckle or two.
Ever notice how folks like Nazis, the KKK, religious fanatics, etc. never seem to have a sense of humour? Unless they're laughing at someone else's suffering. A sure sign of mental illness.
Clowns KKKick KKK ass!
Good for a chuckle or two.
Ever notice how folks like Nazis, the KKK, religious fanatics, etc. never seem to have a sense of humour? Unless they're laughing at someone else's suffering. A sure sign of mental illness.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Pointed Sticks at High Velocity
I'm taking up a new hobby. Something to fill the lonely hours that's perhaps a bit more productive and active than sitting in front of a computer decimating hordes of evil whatevers. I'm taking up archery. I've been thinking about it for years, but just never had the initiative to go and do it.
Well, I happened to mention my possible interest during lunch one day, and it turns out that one of my noontime cribbage opponents is an archer. So several weeks ago we went out shooting at a local range. This was the first time I had actually handled a real bow and launched arrows. I was surprised how well I did considering this lack of experience. I only lost one arrow in the woods.
So, I'm looking to join the local club; they'll vote on letting me in next week. And I purchased a used compound bow (has pulleys, the tension lets off as you pull so it's easier to hold the draw). Today I took it to a local shop for a new string, setting up draw length, some arrows, and a quiver.
On top of all this, there is an indoor range within walking distance of home! So I can go shooting all winter. Yay.
Well, I happened to mention my possible interest during lunch one day, and it turns out that one of my noontime cribbage opponents is an archer. So several weeks ago we went out shooting at a local range. This was the first time I had actually handled a real bow and launched arrows. I was surprised how well I did considering this lack of experience. I only lost one arrow in the woods.
So, I'm looking to join the local club; they'll vote on letting me in next week. And I purchased a used compound bow (has pulleys, the tension lets off as you pull so it's easier to hold the draw). Today I took it to a local shop for a new string, setting up draw length, some arrows, and a quiver.
On top of all this, there is an indoor range within walking distance of home! So I can go shooting all winter. Yay.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Locational errors.
Ok, I'm back. It's been a while. We completed to moves to Spousal Unit's apartment, and the new place in the new home town near ye olde atom mill. It was certainly not without incident. Perhaps I'll write on that later.
Currently I'm at Spousal Unit's (SU) place on a visit. She is out being a venue manager at the Fringe Festival here. And as I look around the place, my eyes invariably fall on various items we had at the old house. As I look at them, I can't not think of where in that house they used to sit. I'd thought I wouldn't miss the old house much, as I hadn't felt attached to any place since leaving the house I grew up in. But it seems that 6 years in our house (in the middle of our street) had some effect.
Over the years we've moved many times, each time throwing away more or less "junk". During this last move we disposed of a hell of a lot of stuff. Things that we didn't need, didn't want, or just failed to have any meaning to us ended up in some scrap heap or other. And then I look around at what's left, and remember where it was. Some of it links back to where I grew up. A lot of stuff from back then was pitched or given away years ago, but I sometimes still think of it when I go on little tours of the old place in my mind. I lived there for 22 years, and I can still remember every detail. From the smell of old floor wax in the utility closet, to the dirty linoleum top of the workbench my father built in the basement, to the marks I put in the underside of the built-in desk in my room when I was about 6. The objects in this mental model are part of it. Some of them I still have. Many are gone. Sometimes it feels that by getting rid of them I'm throwing away my past. Or betraying my parents.
But I also see that they are just objects. Just things. And as I get older I realize that things just aren't that important. But I still feel that link to the past through them, either to my origin many years ago, or just to the last house we lived in. Seeing them here, in different, unfamiliar places just feels strange.
Currently I'm at Spousal Unit's (SU) place on a visit. She is out being a venue manager at the Fringe Festival here. And as I look around the place, my eyes invariably fall on various items we had at the old house. As I look at them, I can't not think of where in that house they used to sit. I'd thought I wouldn't miss the old house much, as I hadn't felt attached to any place since leaving the house I grew up in. But it seems that 6 years in our house (in the middle of our street) had some effect.
Over the years we've moved many times, each time throwing away more or less "junk". During this last move we disposed of a hell of a lot of stuff. Things that we didn't need, didn't want, or just failed to have any meaning to us ended up in some scrap heap or other. And then I look around at what's left, and remember where it was. Some of it links back to where I grew up. A lot of stuff from back then was pitched or given away years ago, but I sometimes still think of it when I go on little tours of the old place in my mind. I lived there for 22 years, and I can still remember every detail. From the smell of old floor wax in the utility closet, to the dirty linoleum top of the workbench my father built in the basement, to the marks I put in the underside of the built-in desk in my room when I was about 6. The objects in this mental model are part of it. Some of them I still have. Many are gone. Sometimes it feels that by getting rid of them I'm throwing away my past. Or betraying my parents.
But I also see that they are just objects. Just things. And as I get older I realize that things just aren't that important. But I still feel that link to the past through them, either to my origin many years ago, or just to the last house we lived in. Seeing them here, in different, unfamiliar places just feels strange.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Misplaced good intentions, or dogmatic zealots?
Last week Greenpeace issued a "study" that made the alarming claim that "Pregnant women and children under the age of four should avoid living within 10 kilometres of nuclear power plants". A pretty strong statement. They also state that federal standards allow up to 7,000 Becquerels per litre of tritium in drinking water. This is true. A Becquerel is equivalent to one nuclear decay per second. Tritium is an unstable isotope of hydrogen. It has a half-life of 12.3 years, and decays by emitting a very weak beta particle (electron). It is only a hazard if taken into the body, usually in the form of water.
However their claim of the danger is alarmist and misleading. Here are a few facts that GP didn't make a lot of noise about:
1. Radioactive emissions of all types are closely monitored by the CNSC (Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission). Failure to meet CNSC requirements can result in loss of a licence to operate. With revenues on the order of $1 million per day per reactor, does it seem likely that an operator with take chances on losing a licence? Not to mention the public relations disaster.
2. Industry standards (self imposed) are 70 Bq/l, not 7000. The place I work at maintains less than 20 Bq/l.
3. Drinking 250ml (1 cup) of water with 100 Bq/l would give you a dose of about 0.0004 mrem (milliRem). The same volume of milk: 0.0006 mrem from natural sources. By comparison, you receive 27 mrem per year from cosmic background radiation, 28 from the earth's crust, 50 from naturally occurring elements in your body, and if you smoke 1-2 packs a day you're getting a whopping 1300 mrem per year. In order to get an extra dose equivalent to what the average non-smoker receives in a year (about 250 mrem), you would have to drink about 39000 litres of tritiated water (at 100 Bq/l).
But, of course, they omit little details like this. Like the fact that eating bananas (chock full of that yummy potassium-40) is more dangerous than living around a nuclear plant. To put things in proper perspective would not be spectacular enough. And flashy scare-mongering is what brings in the donations, isn't it?
Don't get me wrong, I think Greenpeace is a good and useful group. They've done some good work in the past, but as far as their attitude to nuclear power goes, I simply believe they're wrong. So does GP founder Patrick Moore.
To be continued.
**In the interest of full disclosure, the facts quoted about are taken from AECL, UNSCEAR, and CNSC.
However their claim of the danger is alarmist and misleading. Here are a few facts that GP didn't make a lot of noise about:
1. Radioactive emissions of all types are closely monitored by the CNSC (Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission). Failure to meet CNSC requirements can result in loss of a licence to operate. With revenues on the order of $1 million per day per reactor, does it seem likely that an operator with take chances on losing a licence? Not to mention the public relations disaster.
2. Industry standards (self imposed) are 70 Bq/l, not 7000. The place I work at maintains less than 20 Bq/l.
3. Drinking 250ml (1 cup) of water with 100 Bq/l would give you a dose of about 0.0004 mrem (milliRem). The same volume of milk: 0.0006 mrem from natural sources. By comparison, you receive 27 mrem per year from cosmic background radiation, 28 from the earth's crust, 50 from naturally occurring elements in your body, and if you smoke 1-2 packs a day you're getting a whopping 1300 mrem per year. In order to get an extra dose equivalent to what the average non-smoker receives in a year (about 250 mrem), you would have to drink about 39000 litres of tritiated water (at 100 Bq/l).
But, of course, they omit little details like this. Like the fact that eating bananas (chock full of that yummy potassium-40) is more dangerous than living around a nuclear plant. To put things in proper perspective would not be spectacular enough. And flashy scare-mongering is what brings in the donations, isn't it?
Don't get me wrong, I think Greenpeace is a good and useful group. They've done some good work in the past, but as far as their attitude to nuclear power goes, I simply believe they're wrong. So does GP founder Patrick Moore.
To be continued.
**In the interest of full disclosure, the facts quoted about are taken from AECL, UNSCEAR, and CNSC.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Musical Meme Thingy
Ok, I've been tagged by the spousal unit with this:
1. Go to www.popculturemadness.com
2. Pick the year you turned 18
3. Get yourself nostalgic over the songs of the year
4. Write something about how the songs affected you
The trick is that I wasn't really much into music back then. We only had an old stereo receiver and an early '70s portable cassette recorder. But I still heard a few things on the radio and around school. Scanning the list...
Robert Palmer, Addicted to Love. Yep, a bunch of identical model types. Just the thing for an 18 year old male.
Bangles, Walk Like an Egyptian. Just something heard around school. Kind of liked it, actually.
Peter Gabriel, Sledge Hammer. Very cool video. Later on I got "introduced" to PG again by some friends. 'So' is still one of my all time fave albums.
Falco, Rock Me Amadeus. Thought is was kind of cool then. Now it just sounds like pretentious Eurotrash. Yes, I hate Kraftwerk too.
Dire Straights, Walk of Life. I've been a big DS fan for a very long time. I used to play a copy of Brothers in Arms in the old mono Sony with one earplug while playing games on my Atari 600XL. This is still a sing-along-in-the-car tune for me.
Anything by Wham! Hated them. I was more than a bit homophobic back then. Now I just hate it for being sickly sweet pop drivel.
I still absolutely despise Bon Jovi. I hate the sound, I hate the image. Pure commercial crap.
Other stuff I was hearing around that time, and still like: Police, Depeche Mode, Psychedelic Furs, Billy Idol.
I know this was supposed to be '86, but here are a few others: Men at Work's Business as Usual still takes me back to my first D&D games. Huey Lewis' Walking on a Thin Line was the tune for playing Pole Position, while Zenyatta Mondatta by the Police was for extended games of Archon.
Then there was Genesis: Take Me Home. Grade 11 field trip. This was played in the bus on the way back. Great song. Bruce Hornsby's The Way it Is, I still think of the cold, snowy December/January days when that came out.
Enough for now.
1. Go to www.popculturemadness.com
2. Pick the year you turned 18
3. Get yourself nostalgic over the songs of the year
4. Write something about how the songs affected you
The trick is that I wasn't really much into music back then. We only had an old stereo receiver and an early '70s portable cassette recorder. But I still heard a few things on the radio and around school. Scanning the list...
Robert Palmer, Addicted to Love. Yep, a bunch of identical model types. Just the thing for an 18 year old male.
Bangles, Walk Like an Egyptian. Just something heard around school. Kind of liked it, actually.
Peter Gabriel, Sledge Hammer. Very cool video. Later on I got "introduced" to PG again by some friends. 'So' is still one of my all time fave albums.
Falco, Rock Me Amadeus. Thought is was kind of cool then. Now it just sounds like pretentious Eurotrash. Yes, I hate Kraftwerk too.
Dire Straights, Walk of Life. I've been a big DS fan for a very long time. I used to play a copy of Brothers in Arms in the old mono Sony with one earplug while playing games on my Atari 600XL. This is still a sing-along-in-the-car tune for me.
Anything by Wham! Hated them. I was more than a bit homophobic back then. Now I just hate it for being sickly sweet pop drivel.
I still absolutely despise Bon Jovi. I hate the sound, I hate the image. Pure commercial crap.
Other stuff I was hearing around that time, and still like: Police, Depeche Mode, Psychedelic Furs, Billy Idol.
I know this was supposed to be '86, but here are a few others: Men at Work's Business as Usual still takes me back to my first D&D games. Huey Lewis' Walking on a Thin Line was the tune for playing Pole Position, while Zenyatta Mondatta by the Police was for extended games of Archon.
Then there was Genesis: Take Me Home. Grade 11 field trip. This was played in the bus on the way back. Great song. Bruce Hornsby's The Way it Is, I still think of the cold, snowy December/January days when that came out.
Enough for now.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Making changes...
As we trudge towards the big relocation, now about a month away, and try to ensure we cover every last detail, I'm making one other small adjustment. As the area I'm moving to is one of the few places in Canada that the Rogers vast telecom octopus hasn't suckered onto, I will be moving to another service. This means losing the old e-mail address, and their Yahoo based browser. Not a huge loss in my opinion. So I've grabbed the opportunity to switch browsers to Firefox. I've just downloaded and installed it, without any trouble whatsoever. I was actually surprised how easy it was. So far I like it. A nice clean, neat, logical interface. The only hassle is going to be with bookmarks. Yahoo has a web-based bookmark thing, where the list was stored on some server somewhere, and not on my good ol' electric abacus. So there's no easy translation. This means the tedious, one-at-a-time, go-to-the-site-and-bookmark-it method. I also need to check out the security features before I try any banking. But, so far, so good.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Going down....
I just heard Jerry Falwell died today. And the world is a slightly better place. Nasty thing to say, I know, but I can't bring myself to shed a tear for that bloated bigot. The man represented what I consider many of the worst aspects of religion. He was an intolerant, self-righteous, arrogant slime. Ever since I heard him speak back in the 80's, he's made me cringe.
There is an animation in an episode of Monty Python which features a wide-faced pastor, grinning ear-to-ear, spouting some crap about how much his church loves you, bla bla... Then the grin spreads around his head and the top lifts off to reveal a devil swimming around the goo inside. He then tries to nail the top of his head back into place. I always thought of Falwell whenever I saw this.
Well, sir, enjoy the hell that you were so eager to condemn others to.
There is an animation in an episode of Monty Python which features a wide-faced pastor, grinning ear-to-ear, spouting some crap about how much his church loves you, bla bla... Then the grin spreads around his head and the top lifts off to reveal a devil swimming around the goo inside. He then tries to nail the top of his head back into place. I always thought of Falwell whenever I saw this.
Well, sir, enjoy the hell that you were so eager to condemn others to.
New stress
Ok, so we sold the house. Now I've got about 6 weeks left to find a new place near the atom mill, get all the legalities, money crap, and other junk done so I can move. The spousal unit has already found a place to stay while finishing school.
The problem is that the atom mill creates a pretty big demand for housing around here, so there isn't that much that fits the price range we're looking at. I'll be looking at a place in couple of days, and if it looks halfway decent for a reasonable price, I'll probably snap it up. Meanwhile, the fluttery insects are partying in the digestive tract.
The problem is that the atom mill creates a pretty big demand for housing around here, so there isn't that much that fits the price range we're looking at. I'll be looking at a place in couple of days, and if it looks halfway decent for a reasonable price, I'll probably snap it up. Meanwhile, the fluttery insects are partying in the digestive tract.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Another Triumph for Science!
This is the kind of research to be doing:
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=070425164048.jxev9w4o&show_article=1&catnum=9
Mmmm....beer.
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=070425164048.jxev9w4o&show_article=1&catnum=9
Mmmm....beer.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
He who laughs last, thinks slowest? -or- "Funny, you don't smell like you fell in shit."
Ok, now that the last of the severance payments has been received and deposited, all ties back to the hell where I spent 7.5 mostly miserable years are now cut. As far as I'm concerned, me, and the assholes who fired me, are now completely through with each other. And good riddance to them.
So now I'm working at the ol' atom mill about 2 hours drive north of here, renting out a room and coming home on weekends. And I'm happy to report that I am enjoying this job a hell of a lot more. Actually, occasionally I feel I can look back at my previous employers and laugh, imagining that they expected my career to nose dive after this. Well, the trick was to dump a career that I hated. Perhaps the new job isn't engineering, but so what?; I'm not out the thrill anyone with titles. So I am now a "Radiation Protection Technician", or more commonly, "Rad Tech". That's ok with me.
So let's look at some of the advantages of this new vocation:
1. I am starting out at a base pay rate of about 85% of what I was making at my peak in the old job. And things are starting to look like this will go up rapidly. The potential is to earn up to 30 or 40% more than I was at! This doesn't include the annual bonus paid to everyone, dependant on company performance (last year it was $1500!), and overtime. Overtime is 2x. Sweet.
2. The benefits are top notch. My sister in law works for the benefits provider, and she says the package is one of the best around.
3. Straight day shift, except for overtime and such.
4. I'm in the union. Yep, that's right, this long time, white-collared, raise anti-unionist is now a card carrying brother worker, with a definite bluish tinge around the neck. At least I now have some defense against the whims of upper management.
5. Coolness factor is high. I'm working in a nuclear power plant! To me, that is a major tweaking of my inner tech geek side.
6. Related to the coolness factor, I'm learning tons of stuff about nuclear physics, various gizmos, and the like. Beats hell out of learning to meet the latest idiotic demand from some knob at GM or Ford.
7. I can relax a bit. The expectations are much more realistic. No more being responsible for things I have no control over.
8. A beautiful place to live, on the western shore of a large lake. The winters can be brutal, but I'm told the rest of the year more than compensates.
9. Working with some good folks. For the most part, all the folks in my department are very cool. Lots of joking around and good-natured ribbing, but also making sure the job gets done.
10. Lots of exercise. The size of the place, and the nature of the job result in lots of walking and stair climbing. I'm feeling better already.
So there it is. Last summer I fell in a pile of manure, and this spring I'm coming out smelling sweet. And I can now think of my previous employer and laugh.
So now I'm working at the ol' atom mill about 2 hours drive north of here, renting out a room and coming home on weekends. And I'm happy to report that I am enjoying this job a hell of a lot more. Actually, occasionally I feel I can look back at my previous employers and laugh, imagining that they expected my career to nose dive after this. Well, the trick was to dump a career that I hated. Perhaps the new job isn't engineering, but so what?; I'm not out the thrill anyone with titles. So I am now a "Radiation Protection Technician", or more commonly, "Rad Tech". That's ok with me.
So let's look at some of the advantages of this new vocation:
1. I am starting out at a base pay rate of about 85% of what I was making at my peak in the old job. And things are starting to look like this will go up rapidly. The potential is to earn up to 30 or 40% more than I was at! This doesn't include the annual bonus paid to everyone, dependant on company performance (last year it was $1500!), and overtime. Overtime is 2x. Sweet.
2. The benefits are top notch. My sister in law works for the benefits provider, and she says the package is one of the best around.
3. Straight day shift, except for overtime and such.
4. I'm in the union. Yep, that's right, this long time, white-collared, raise anti-unionist is now a card carrying brother worker, with a definite bluish tinge around the neck. At least I now have some defense against the whims of upper management.
5. Coolness factor is high. I'm working in a nuclear power plant! To me, that is a major tweaking of my inner tech geek side.
6. Related to the coolness factor, I'm learning tons of stuff about nuclear physics, various gizmos, and the like. Beats hell out of learning to meet the latest idiotic demand from some knob at GM or Ford.
7. I can relax a bit. The expectations are much more realistic. No more being responsible for things I have no control over.
8. A beautiful place to live, on the western shore of a large lake. The winters can be brutal, but I'm told the rest of the year more than compensates.
9. Working with some good folks. For the most part, all the folks in my department are very cool. Lots of joking around and good-natured ribbing, but also making sure the job gets done.
10. Lots of exercise. The size of the place, and the nature of the job result in lots of walking and stair climbing. I'm feeling better already.
So there it is. Last summer I fell in a pile of manure, and this spring I'm coming out smelling sweet. And I can now think of my previous employer and laugh.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Today I heard someone whistling the theme music for Chariots of Fire. You know, that slow, majestic tune that accompanies a bunch of guys running in slo-mo on a beach in the 1920's. And it reminded me of something that had occurred to me many years ago, when I first heard it played: this tune is "On Top of Spaghetti"! (or the original, "On Top of Old Smokey". Think about it. It's the same tune, just slowed down and softened. You can even sing along. It couldn't be a more blatant rip off.
Well, I guess if you're going to plagiarize, it's best to steal from the public domain so you don't get sued.
Well, I guess if you're going to plagiarize, it's best to steal from the public domain so you don't get sued.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Mood music.
Something that was crawling around in my skull a few weeks ago:
For some unknown reason, I was in a bit of an odd mood today. I guess thinking about selling the house and all the upcoming changes have got me in an introspective way. A combination of the weather and some tunes reminded me of a time about 18 or so years ago, back when I was young and insane. Funny how the right music at the right time can take you back.
The music in question was Dire Straits Alchemy Live album. Way back when, I had this on cassette tape (remember those, kids?) and I played it in my car until the tape was stretched and the sound distorted. A gray day driving around town with this playing gave me a hint of how I felt back then. Kind of like a burp that reminds you of a past meal. But it was only a hint of the feeling; it was clear that I could never have more than that. It's like that meal was a delicious roast of some animal that is now extinct, and the belch just reinforces the fact that you'll never have it again.
For some unknown reason, I was in a bit of an odd mood today. I guess thinking about selling the house and all the upcoming changes have got me in an introspective way. A combination of the weather and some tunes reminded me of a time about 18 or so years ago, back when I was young and insane. Funny how the right music at the right time can take you back.
The music in question was Dire Straits Alchemy Live album. Way back when, I had this on cassette tape (remember those, kids?) and I played it in my car until the tape was stretched and the sound distorted. A gray day driving around town with this playing gave me a hint of how I felt back then. Kind of like a burp that reminds you of a past meal. But it was only a hint of the feeling; it was clear that I could never have more than that. It's like that meal was a delicious roast of some animal that is now extinct, and the belch just reinforces the fact that you'll never have it again.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Take this Meme and shove it.
A meme thingy stolen from the spousal unit.
How tall are you barefoot?
6' 1", more if I lie down.
Have you ever flown first-class?
Yes, on a business trip years ago. The secretary who booked my flight must have liked me. Nice. Bigger seats, better food, drinks, and in case of a nose first crash I'd be one of the first to die.
One of your favorite books when you were a child?
Define child. I don't remember much of what I read before high school. Then it was The Lord of the Rings. I actually almost cried at the end. After investing so much time in it, it felt like I was saying goodbye to good friends.
A good restaurant in your city?
The spousal unit introduced me to Bertoldi’s Italian trattoria. Awesome food, but a little pricey. All my old favourites are gone or sadly degenerated in quality.
What is your favorite small appliance?
The Amazing Ronco Turnip Twaddler! But seriously, it would have to be the microwave, as I am a lazy cook.
One person that never fails to make you laugh?
Terry Pratchett, author of the Discworld books. Read any beyond the first two, and you'll see.
First LP you ever bought?
The soundtrack to The Empire Strikes Back. I was such a little sci-fi nerd!
Do you do push-ups?
No, but I've recently re-started some weight lifting. A bench press is kind of an upside-down pushup, isn't it?
What was one of your favorite games as a child?
Again, define child. I started playing Dungeons & Dragons in grade 9 or so, and have loved the game ever since, though I never got to play as much as I would have liked. (still don't)
When you were twelve years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I never really thought about it back then. I was more concerned with my dad and helping him cope with his medical problems.
Your favorite Soup of the Day?
Spousal unit's spicy, bacon-cheeseburger soup. Great stuff. Even better the next day.
Have you ever met someone famous?
Douglas Adams, author of the Hitchhiker's Guide series, at a book signing in university. He had just travelled from Toronto through a nasty blizzard and wasn't in a very talkative mood. However, I was near the front of the line and snagged a couple of autographs before his hand got tired.
Date Of Birth?
See the profile.
From what news source do you receive the bulk of your news?
Daily Show, Colbert Report, Fark, Boing-Boing, Slashdot, CBC Newsworld, CTV Newsnet.
Current worry?
That the new job will fall through.
Current hate?
My ex-boss still has a special, dark, cold, spider-infested place in my heart. I'm sure this will fade to a socially acceptable background level with time.
Favorite place to be?
At home with Spousal-unit and the cats, or out being silly with our friends.
Least favorite place to be?
Any of the various circles of Hell. But I guess that's the point.
Any place playing loud, crappy music.
Do you consider yourself well organized?
Reasonably, when given the time and quiet to concentrate.
Do you believe in an afterlife?
Rationally, no. Deep down gut feeling: I certainly hope so.
Where do you think you will be in 10 Yrs?
In the bustling metropolis of Kincardine, and still working at the ol' atom mill.
Do you burn or tan?
In the sun, I tan. When on fire, I burn.
Are you more optimistic or pessimistic about the future?
Optimistic, mostly.
"The glass is neither half full or half empty, it is simply twice as big as it needs to be."
What did you fear was going to get you at night as a kid?
Nuclear war. Seriously, during the 80's I figured I probably wouldn't live to adulthood.
What’s in your pockets right now?
A magic ring of power....why does it wants to know, precious?
Last thing that made you laugh?
The 8th episode of the Hitchhiker's Guide Radio Series, to which I was just listening.
Worst injury you’ve ever had?
I've never had anything really serious. I guess the nasty scrape down my ribs from the corner of a railing after slipping on ice.
How many TVs do you own?
One. But someday I hope to have a room with fifty or more, so I can watch everything at once.
Best compliment received?
Pass.
What leaves you speechless?
Lack of oxygen.
What is your favorite book?
I can’t choose just one.
Last meal you cooked for the opposite sex?
Hell, I don't remember the last meal I cooked for myself!
What were you doing at 12 midnight last night?
Stalking the streets in search of evildoers to thwart. I'm Batman!
How tall are you barefoot?
6' 1", more if I lie down.
Have you ever flown first-class?
Yes, on a business trip years ago. The secretary who booked my flight must have liked me. Nice. Bigger seats, better food, drinks, and in case of a nose first crash I'd be one of the first to die.
One of your favorite books when you were a child?
Define child. I don't remember much of what I read before high school. Then it was The Lord of the Rings. I actually almost cried at the end. After investing so much time in it, it felt like I was saying goodbye to good friends.
A good restaurant in your city?
The spousal unit introduced me to Bertoldi’s Italian trattoria. Awesome food, but a little pricey. All my old favourites are gone or sadly degenerated in quality.
What is your favorite small appliance?
The Amazing Ronco Turnip Twaddler! But seriously, it would have to be the microwave, as I am a lazy cook.
One person that never fails to make you laugh?
Terry Pratchett, author of the Discworld books. Read any beyond the first two, and you'll see.
First LP you ever bought?
The soundtrack to The Empire Strikes Back. I was such a little sci-fi nerd!
Do you do push-ups?
No, but I've recently re-started some weight lifting. A bench press is kind of an upside-down pushup, isn't it?
What was one of your favorite games as a child?
Again, define child. I started playing Dungeons & Dragons in grade 9 or so, and have loved the game ever since, though I never got to play as much as I would have liked. (still don't)
When you were twelve years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I never really thought about it back then. I was more concerned with my dad and helping him cope with his medical problems.
Your favorite Soup of the Day?
Spousal unit's spicy, bacon-cheeseburger soup. Great stuff. Even better the next day.
Have you ever met someone famous?
Douglas Adams, author of the Hitchhiker's Guide series, at a book signing in university. He had just travelled from Toronto through a nasty blizzard and wasn't in a very talkative mood. However, I was near the front of the line and snagged a couple of autographs before his hand got tired.
Date Of Birth?
See the profile.
From what news source do you receive the bulk of your news?
Daily Show, Colbert Report, Fark, Boing-Boing, Slashdot, CBC Newsworld, CTV Newsnet.
Current worry?
That the new job will fall through.
Current hate?
My ex-boss still has a special, dark, cold, spider-infested place in my heart. I'm sure this will fade to a socially acceptable background level with time.
Favorite place to be?
At home with Spousal-unit and the cats, or out being silly with our friends.
Least favorite place to be?
Any of the various circles of Hell. But I guess that's the point.
Any place playing loud, crappy music.
Do you consider yourself well organized?
Reasonably, when given the time and quiet to concentrate.
Do you believe in an afterlife?
Rationally, no. Deep down gut feeling: I certainly hope so.
Where do you think you will be in 10 Yrs?
In the bustling metropolis of Kincardine, and still working at the ol' atom mill.
Do you burn or tan?
In the sun, I tan. When on fire, I burn.
Are you more optimistic or pessimistic about the future?
Optimistic, mostly.
"The glass is neither half full or half empty, it is simply twice as big as it needs to be."
What did you fear was going to get you at night as a kid?
Nuclear war. Seriously, during the 80's I figured I probably wouldn't live to adulthood.
What’s in your pockets right now?
A magic ring of power....why does it wants to know, precious?
Last thing that made you laugh?
The 8th episode of the Hitchhiker's Guide Radio Series, to which I was just listening.
Worst injury you’ve ever had?
I've never had anything really serious. I guess the nasty scrape down my ribs from the corner of a railing after slipping on ice.
How many TVs do you own?
One. But someday I hope to have a room with fifty or more, so I can watch everything at once.
Best compliment received?
Pass.
What leaves you speechless?
Lack of oxygen.
What is your favorite book?
I can’t choose just one.
Last meal you cooked for the opposite sex?
Hell, I don't remember the last meal I cooked for myself!
What were you doing at 12 midnight last night?
Stalking the streets in search of evildoers to thwart. I'm Batman!
Lousy Commies!
Well, I'm back. For a while I just didn't feel like writing. Then when I finally did, I realized I had forgotten my username and password. D'oh! I've been trying to remember too many other passwords of late.
Anyway, now I discover that I'm being forced to use the new version of Blogger (no longer in beta), which I had been intentionally avoiding. The spousal unit and others had complained about it after switching. I hate being forced to change to something that is not necessarily better. But now that the Google Empire has swallowed Blogger, we must comply. Resistance is futile! You will be assimilated!
Well, life has been eventful over the last couple of months. I'm not ready to reveal all just yet, but here are a couple of thoughts:
1. I've had a painful revelation about my distant past. I'm still trying to digest it and will probably write some more about it later.
2. Q: Why do chicken coops have two doors? A: Because if they had four doors they would be chicken sedans!
Groan! So bad it's good.
3. "He who laughs last, thinks slowest." I'll be laughing last about something, which I will explain in about 4 weeks.
Now, let's see what this evil regime does with my post...
Anyway, now I discover that I'm being forced to use the new version of Blogger (no longer in beta), which I had been intentionally avoiding. The spousal unit and others had complained about it after switching. I hate being forced to change to something that is not necessarily better. But now that the Google Empire has swallowed Blogger, we must comply. Resistance is futile! You will be assimilated!
Well, life has been eventful over the last couple of months. I'm not ready to reveal all just yet, but here are a couple of thoughts:
1. I've had a painful revelation about my distant past. I'm still trying to digest it and will probably write some more about it later.
2. Q: Why do chicken coops have two doors? A: Because if they had four doors they would be chicken sedans!
Groan! So bad it's good.
3. "He who laughs last, thinks slowest." I'll be laughing last about something, which I will explain in about 4 weeks.
Now, let's see what this evil regime does with my post...
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Terror idiots
Seems like you can't go one day without hearing about some mental midget blowing himself up and murdering a few dozen folks who were just out for the daily shopping. Now we all know that this is a horrible and evil act* But the thing that I just don't understand is this: "Mr. Terrorist/rebel/"freedom fighter", how does this vile act advance your cause one inch? You have a gripe with the government? With a religion? With the big, bad USA? So you kill a bunch of women, children, average people. Does the government suddenly say, "Oh, all right then. You guys take over, we give up!"? Nope. Does the other sect (whose view of the 'true faith' only differs from yours by the position of a comma on page 751, so they are heretics and must die!) suddenly realize their horrible error and convert? Nope. Does George the thickey agree that American-style hypercapitalism is a mistake and order all corporations to close down their foreign operations? As much chance as a snowball in a supernova.
And now the big question: HAS A SINGLE TERRORIST OPERATION IN THE LAST 50 YEARS ACTUALLY ACHEIVE THEIR GOALS BY KILLING PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THESE GOALS? Again, a resounding NO!
So, from a strictly practical point of view, it just doesn't work! The IRA finally figured that out after 75 years. To get what you want takes the real source of power: money. To paraphrase Tony Montana of Scarface, "First you get the money, then you get the power, then you get what you really want." Real political power takes money, and lots of it.
Strapping on a bomb and getting on the subway just won't do it.
That's my babbling rant for the day.
*I like to use the Terry Pratchett definition of evil: "Treating people like things". Treating them like vermin, cattle, expendable resources, etc. I think this can be found at the root of just about everything considered evil.
And now the big question: HAS A SINGLE TERRORIST OPERATION IN THE LAST 50 YEARS ACTUALLY ACHEIVE THEIR GOALS BY KILLING PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THESE GOALS? Again, a resounding NO!
So, from a strictly practical point of view, it just doesn't work! The IRA finally figured that out after 75 years. To get what you want takes the real source of power: money. To paraphrase Tony Montana of Scarface, "First you get the money, then you get the power, then you get what you really want." Real political power takes money, and lots of it.
Strapping on a bomb and getting on the subway just won't do it.
That's my babbling rant for the day.
*I like to use the Terry Pratchett definition of evil: "Treating people like things". Treating them like vermin, cattle, expendable resources, etc. I think this can be found at the root of just about everything considered evil.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Scaredy Cat
Well, we picked up little Sir William last night and brought him home. He's been very quiet, hardly said a word. We had one of the spare bedrooms set up as his 'transitional room'. Yesterday I rented a carpet cleaner and did all the upstairs floors. Plus we had gone through a lot of stuff up there in pitch/pack/giveaway mode, both in preparation for Willy the Wonder Cat and for eventually moving.
We did some shopping yesterday for the little guy: food dish, litter box, catnip, feathery-thing-on-a-stick, water dish (electric, recirculating, dome gizmo). He came with his own bed, some toys, food, and a carpet covered furniture/climby thing.
He spend most of last night scared. I sat in the room for a couple of hours until he finally poked his head out of the carrier. After very cautiously surveying the room, he hid under my chair. Eventually, I left the room to give him a chance to check things out privately. I went downstairs to watch a little TV. Soon came the thumping sounds of cat playing. Later, when I checked on him, he had eaten, used the litter, and played with one of his toy mice, but was back hiding. We checked on him a couple of times more last night and left the blinds open for some light.
Today he's still nervous. Spousal unit is sitting in there with him now. Given time I'm sure he'll adapt. We may wait up to a week before introducing him to Mowgli.
Mo is very curious about who's in that room, but she does not seem upset. A good sign, I think.
We did some shopping yesterday for the little guy: food dish, litter box, catnip, feathery-thing-on-a-stick, water dish (electric, recirculating, dome gizmo). He came with his own bed, some toys, food, and a carpet covered furniture/climby thing.
He spend most of last night scared. I sat in the room for a couple of hours until he finally poked his head out of the carrier. After very cautiously surveying the room, he hid under my chair. Eventually, I left the room to give him a chance to check things out privately. I went downstairs to watch a little TV. Soon came the thumping sounds of cat playing. Later, when I checked on him, he had eaten, used the litter, and played with one of his toy mice, but was back hiding. We checked on him a couple of times more last night and left the blinds open for some light.
Today he's still nervous. Spousal unit is sitting in there with him now. Given time I'm sure he'll adapt. We may wait up to a week before introducing him to Mowgli.
Mo is very curious about who's in that room, but she does not seem upset. A good sign, I think.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Meet the Hairy Things
We have finally decided that our cat Mowgli needs a new friend. Her best buddy, Floyd, died almost 2 years ago at the age of 17 (we think). Since then she has lost much of her spark and energy. About all she does now is sleep. Now, this is typical of cats anyway, but she's sleeping even more than that. It's clear she is lonely and bored. So we figured this might be a good time to introduce a new critter to the household; give us some time to adjust before I head off to the new job, and some time to bond to Mo before we sell the house.
We contacted an organization called Animalert, which arranges foster homes and adoptions for animals. They look at each situation and try to pick animals whose personalities might be a good match. We were recommended two options: first is a pair of male cats who already know each other, and the other is an individual male whose friend was adopted a couple of months ago.
We met with the pair (Jay and Molson a.k.a. Carrot-Top) last Saturday. We liked them. Jay was quite energetic, and a bit friendly, while Molson was quiet and a bit timid. They were great, and I could certainly imagine them in our home.
Today we met the other cat, William. I have to say, I love this cat already. There is a chemistry there that I just didn't feel with the other two. For one thing he was very friendly and playful, and seemed to like me quite a bit, for a stranger he had just met. Initially I thought my reaction could be because he looks very similar to my lost pal Floyd. There were some superficial similarities in behaviour as well, but we was quite different in personality. I can't totally explain, but I had a strong gut-feeling that this was the cat for me (us). I think we will adapt well to Mo, and she will be able to get along with him as well.
So we came home and discussed it for maybe 5 minutes. But by this point, Sir William had won me over. There was no doubt. I liked Jay and Molson, but I really liked William. We'll be contacting Animalert tomorrow to let them know. We figure it will take about 3 weeks to determine if he'll fit in here with Mowgli.
Here's a picture of William:
We contacted an organization called Animalert, which arranges foster homes and adoptions for animals. They look at each situation and try to pick animals whose personalities might be a good match. We were recommended two options: first is a pair of male cats who already know each other, and the other is an individual male whose friend was adopted a couple of months ago.
We met with the pair (Jay and Molson a.k.a. Carrot-Top) last Saturday. We liked them. Jay was quite energetic, and a bit friendly, while Molson was quiet and a bit timid. They were great, and I could certainly imagine them in our home.
Today we met the other cat, William. I have to say, I love this cat already. There is a chemistry there that I just didn't feel with the other two. For one thing he was very friendly and playful, and seemed to like me quite a bit, for a stranger he had just met. Initially I thought my reaction could be because he looks very similar to my lost pal Floyd. There were some superficial similarities in behaviour as well, but we was quite different in personality. I can't totally explain, but I had a strong gut-feeling that this was the cat for me (us). I think we will adapt well to Mo, and she will be able to get along with him as well.
So we came home and discussed it for maybe 5 minutes. But by this point, Sir William had won me over. There was no doubt. I liked Jay and Molson, but I really liked William. We'll be contacting Animalert tomorrow to let them know. We figure it will take about 3 weeks to determine if he'll fit in here with Mowgli.
Here's a picture of William:
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Butthead of the Week Award...
...goes to the dork sitting in his vehicle in front of the grocery store last night. Spousal unit and I went to pick up a few items to keep us going for a few days, so we parked in one of the many open designated parking spaces, like good little shoppers. As we're walking up to the store we notice this week's number one bozo sitting in his idling vehicle, apparently waiting for someone to come out. We often see people parked along the front of the store like this. Apparently they are far too important to be bothered by parking with the lowly masses.
So, anyway, Captain Smeghead here is sitting there wasting gas and helping us to have no more white Christmases ever while waiting for someone else to finish shopping. Someone who can't stand to walk to 40 or 50 feet to the nearest, actual, designated parking spot. Fine. We've seen this kind of thing before. Shrug it off.
Twenty minutes later, we've complete our purchase and are making the horrid, grueling trek back to our car, and guess what, there's the man the dinosaurs died for, still sitting there with the engine running.
As far as I'm concerned, this knob is out of the game:
* Idling your vehicle unnecessarily for 20+ minutes, puking out some more greenhouse gases to fuck up the world some more. Strike 1!
* Blocking space in front of the store because he and/or his wife are too fucking lazy to walk from a regular parking spot! Strike 2!
* And Strike 3 is that jerkboy is doing this in an SUV that, I can almost guarantee, has never been off pavement.
* And Strike 4 (my game, I make the rules), is that the thing was a BMW X5 or whatever. A BMW, I might have known. I've observed over the years that approximately 90% of BMW drivers are total assholes. Somehow they figure that overpaying for some Nazi land yacht makes them into some kind of superior, Eurotrash, uber-pinhead. "This isn't a parking lot! This is my personal autobahn!"
Spousal unit and I drove away in our humble Honda Civic, with a mixture of disgust and smug superiority.
So, anyway, Captain Smeghead here is sitting there wasting gas and helping us to have no more white Christmases ever while waiting for someone else to finish shopping. Someone who can't stand to walk to 40 or 50 feet to the nearest, actual, designated parking spot. Fine. We've seen this kind of thing before. Shrug it off.
Twenty minutes later, we've complete our purchase and are making the horrid, grueling trek back to our car, and guess what, there's the man the dinosaurs died for, still sitting there with the engine running.
As far as I'm concerned, this knob is out of the game:
* Idling your vehicle unnecessarily for 20+ minutes, puking out some more greenhouse gases to fuck up the world some more. Strike 1!
* Blocking space in front of the store because he and/or his wife are too fucking lazy to walk from a regular parking spot! Strike 2!
* And Strike 3 is that jerkboy is doing this in an SUV that, I can almost guarantee, has never been off pavement.
* And Strike 4 (my game, I make the rules), is that the thing was a BMW X5 or whatever. A BMW, I might have known. I've observed over the years that approximately 90% of BMW drivers are total assholes. Somehow they figure that overpaying for some Nazi land yacht makes them into some kind of superior, Eurotrash, uber-pinhead. "This isn't a parking lot! This is my personal autobahn!"
Spousal unit and I drove away in our humble Honda Civic, with a mixture of disgust and smug superiority.
Monday, January 01, 2007
2006, I'm glad that's finally over!
I'll be blunt, for me 2006 royally sucked! Our reproductive attempts failed, succeeded, and failed. I was fired from a job I'd been at for 7.5 years (although, that may turn out to be a good thing in the longer term), by a drab little, no-nothing, Dilbert-level boss with a Napoleon complex. And the marriage thing got a bit of a shake up (in my mind, anyway). The year has been a roller-coaster ride of brutal ups and downs, mostly downs. I began to seriously question my sanity, and fear what the future would bring. However, the year ended with the bright note of a new job (almost certainly).
2007 will be difficult, but potentially rewarding. I've been doing a fair bit of daydreaming over the last while, imagining what life will be like:
1. The new job will take me away from this town and the Spousal Unit. She plans to stay and finish her university degree. This will take a couple of years. I understand why she wants to do this, but it won't be easy for either of us, and I worry about what it might do to our marriage. But, we've lasted more that 16 years together (13 married), through bad times and good, so I think we're strong enough to make it through this.
2. I'll be renting a room out temporarily until we can sell this house and get a place up there. Getting this place ready to sell, packing, and moving will be a serious annoyance. We'll probably buy a smaller place, possibly a condo, and use the equity money to finance Spousal Unit's schooling.
3. The time alone may actually be good for something. I'll have more time to concentrate on doing things myself. I can learn to cook (better). I'll spend more time exercising, reading, learning useful things, and less on stupid time wasting things like watching TV and playing games. Not to slag Spousal Unit, but often I find it hard to maintain the self discipline to avoid junk food and exercise regularly when she is around. I'm hoping a more regular schedule will help this.
Things I want to do while/after settling in:
1. Drop all but basic cable TV, or perhaps all TV. I'll keep the internet connection, of course.
2. Buy a new computer. I've been putting off upgrading for years because of money. The money freed up by getting a smaller home will clear off some debt, and allow us to make a few long wanted purchases. Yes, I'll get some new games, too. I won't go cold-turkey on those.
3. Buy Lego Mindstorms and start building robots and strange machines to irritate the cat.
4. Get another cat. Mo is lonely, and will be even moreso without Spousal Unit around. She needs someone to play with and keep her company when I'm at work.
5. Maybe set up a home gym. A power rack, a bench, a bar, a couple of dumbbell bars, and 3 or 4 hundred pounds of plates would set me up nicely. Until then, I may use the facilities at my new employer. I'll have to see what they have.
6. If possible, find a group in the new town that plays D&D or some other similar game. I'd like to get into a regular, reliable game.
7. Enjoy my new job. Enjoy the learning process. Keep a positive attitude. Study a few job-related self-improvement books, perhaps. I want to take a different approach than I had with the last job, which I had learned to hate.
8. Have the occasional visit with the Spouse. As much as possible. And, I hope, she will eventually want to join me in the new place permanently.
Anyway, that's my rough idea for 2007. We'll see.
2007 will be difficult, but potentially rewarding. I've been doing a fair bit of daydreaming over the last while, imagining what life will be like:
1. The new job will take me away from this town and the Spousal Unit. She plans to stay and finish her university degree. This will take a couple of years. I understand why she wants to do this, but it won't be easy for either of us, and I worry about what it might do to our marriage. But, we've lasted more that 16 years together (13 married), through bad times and good, so I think we're strong enough to make it through this.
2. I'll be renting a room out temporarily until we can sell this house and get a place up there. Getting this place ready to sell, packing, and moving will be a serious annoyance. We'll probably buy a smaller place, possibly a condo, and use the equity money to finance Spousal Unit's schooling.
3. The time alone may actually be good for something. I'll have more time to concentrate on doing things myself. I can learn to cook (better). I'll spend more time exercising, reading, learning useful things, and less on stupid time wasting things like watching TV and playing games. Not to slag Spousal Unit, but often I find it hard to maintain the self discipline to avoid junk food and exercise regularly when she is around. I'm hoping a more regular schedule will help this.
Things I want to do while/after settling in:
1. Drop all but basic cable TV, or perhaps all TV. I'll keep the internet connection, of course.
2. Buy a new computer. I've been putting off upgrading for years because of money. The money freed up by getting a smaller home will clear off some debt, and allow us to make a few long wanted purchases. Yes, I'll get some new games, too. I won't go cold-turkey on those.
3. Buy Lego Mindstorms and start building robots and strange machines to irritate the cat.
4. Get another cat. Mo is lonely, and will be even moreso without Spousal Unit around. She needs someone to play with and keep her company when I'm at work.
5. Maybe set up a home gym. A power rack, a bench, a bar, a couple of dumbbell bars, and 3 or 4 hundred pounds of plates would set me up nicely. Until then, I may use the facilities at my new employer. I'll have to see what they have.
6. If possible, find a group in the new town that plays D&D or some other similar game. I'd like to get into a regular, reliable game.
7. Enjoy my new job. Enjoy the learning process. Keep a positive attitude. Study a few job-related self-improvement books, perhaps. I want to take a different approach than I had with the last job, which I had learned to hate.
8. Have the occasional visit with the Spouse. As much as possible. And, I hope, she will eventually want to join me in the new place permanently.
Anyway, that's my rough idea for 2007. We'll see.
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