My opinions of Microsoft are very...frustrating. Yes, they've probably done more to bring computers to people than any other company in the world (in the form of Windows 95), but damned if they aren't frustrating at times.
Case in point is my latest set of issues with my installation of Windows XP. Mind you, this is the Home edition, not the Professional one (and I wonder seriously why this is...), and I've just had to reinstall it after my computer went crazy lately. Every two or three days, the computer claims that it's missing a vital file in the setup folder. So, I boot up Windows from the CD and go to the recovery console.
Mind you, I do nothing else, just go to the recovery console DOS prompt, and exit and reboot the computer. Computer then works fine for about 2-3 days, without a hitch.
I wonder if this problem would mysteriously clear up if I either got Windows XP Professional, or bought Windows Vista. In which case, I'm going to be doing this for a while...there is no way I'm going anywhere NEAR Vista until the SP1 release on DVD. And I upgrade my motherboard and video card to handle the Aero interface. And pay for somebody to replace my cold, unfeeling mechanical heart.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Piss-Poor Excuse
Sad to say, I've been so busy with the rest of my life (namely school and work), I haven't blogged much.
But, seeing this article, I have to comment, even if it's pretty quickly. Why aren't more people going to the movies? When sixty percent of the poll respondents comment that they are avoiding the films because of issues that the studios are responsible for (cost and movies), and the major studios are blaming other factors (namely piracy), there is a serious disconnect.
Honestly, the last few years, most of the movies I've seen have been sausage-a product that is so heavily processed and heavily shaped and stuffed into a focus-group created casing. It takes a director with serious gravitas and authority, or probably kept the studio execs stoned and drunk, to make something that isn't sausage. Most of the nominees for this years Oscars are the "independent" films, not major studio productions. And, most of us don't want to spend $10 for sausage...
Don't know how to solve it. It feels an awful lot like the '70s, when older management in the top in Hollywood were unable to get "cool", and a new generation of directors fought them toot-and-nail to make the films they wanted. My question becomes...who becomes the creative souls needed?
But, seeing this article, I have to comment, even if it's pretty quickly. Why aren't more people going to the movies? When sixty percent of the poll respondents comment that they are avoiding the films because of issues that the studios are responsible for (cost and movies), and the major studios are blaming other factors (namely piracy), there is a serious disconnect.
Honestly, the last few years, most of the movies I've seen have been sausage-a product that is so heavily processed and heavily shaped and stuffed into a focus-group created casing. It takes a director with serious gravitas and authority, or probably kept the studio execs stoned and drunk, to make something that isn't sausage. Most of the nominees for this years Oscars are the "independent" films, not major studio productions. And, most of us don't want to spend $10 for sausage...
Don't know how to solve it. It feels an awful lot like the '70s, when older management in the top in Hollywood were unable to get "cool", and a new generation of directors fought them toot-and-nail to make the films they wanted. My question becomes...who becomes the creative souls needed?
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Not Sure If I Should Be Happy Or Sad...
...that the UK foils a terror plot every six weeks.
Happy that the UK is keeping on top of this, that they're able to prevent terror plots like the soldier beheading attempt...it's like the gang that couldn't shoot straight. That the plots are so...amateur. Damn it, if you're the bad guys, you should have at least something that looks like a competent plot...
Sad that the UK-a major bastion of multi-culturalism and a definite effort by people to "get along"-has a terror plot that gets busted every six weeks. That there is such a flood of hate and anger against a nation that wishes them nothing but the best is scary...
I'm curious about what happens if this keeps up-how will England react? And, through England, the United States...
Happy that the UK is keeping on top of this, that they're able to prevent terror plots like the soldier beheading attempt...it's like the gang that couldn't shoot straight. That the plots are so...amateur. Damn it, if you're the bad guys, you should have at least something that looks like a competent plot...
Sad that the UK-a major bastion of multi-culturalism and a definite effort by people to "get along"-has a terror plot that gets busted every six weeks. That there is such a flood of hate and anger against a nation that wishes them nothing but the best is scary...
I'm curious about what happens if this keeps up-how will England react? And, through England, the United States...
Friday, February 02, 2007
Poached Egg
How my brain feels right now.
There is, somewhere in there, a pretty sharp piece on Iraq...but, I know that if I write it now, and people could understand it...I think the advocacy of saturation nuclear bombardment would come through way too hard, when I think it's probably our last option.
Tomorrow, once the computer's working again (using a friend's laptop for the next day or so...), my brain should be able to write.
It's a neat article, I think.
There is, somewhere in there, a pretty sharp piece on Iraq...but, I know that if I write it now, and people could understand it...I think the advocacy of saturation nuclear bombardment would come through way too hard, when I think it's probably our last option.
Tomorrow, once the computer's working again (using a friend's laptop for the next day or so...), my brain should be able to write.
It's a neat article, I think.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Work Fun...
....just a crazy day at my job.
One day, I'll describe to you all how my job works out.
Let's just say that a lot of jobs I'm looking into are going to get me away from this...
One day, I'll describe to you all how my job works out.
Let's just say that a lot of jobs I'm looking into are going to get me away from this...
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
Hardware Woes
It's official.
I'm probably going to have to pull the HD from this computer and put a new one in...it's time. The drive is about four or so years old and probably should have been replaced a year ago.
If I have to do that, I will probably have a whole swapping out of the mobo, processor, and video card. New hardware, yay! Maybe even Vista-ready. Expensive, tho...about $500+, so if this computer can soldier on for a bit longer, it will.
My only issue? If the new mobo requires a SATA connection and can't take IDE, that means the nice, large 200+ gig HD that's my D: drive might have to be replaced...if there isn't a IDE/SATA card that I can use as a bridge.
Yay, the joys of playing with computers.
I'm probably going to have to pull the HD from this computer and put a new one in...it's time. The drive is about four or so years old and probably should have been replaced a year ago.
If I have to do that, I will probably have a whole swapping out of the mobo, processor, and video card. New hardware, yay! Maybe even Vista-ready. Expensive, tho...about $500+, so if this computer can soldier on for a bit longer, it will.
My only issue? If the new mobo requires a SATA connection and can't take IDE, that means the nice, large 200+ gig HD that's my D: drive might have to be replaced...if there isn't a IDE/SATA card that I can use as a bridge.
Yay, the joys of playing with computers.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Finished Off...
....Full Metal Alchemist and Hand Maid May. Opinions?
FMA was tight, very much a story trying to tell a story. What is really scary is something that the story brought up-what truly powers our world? Or worlds?
Hand Maid May was a good fun harem anime. At the very least, it was a definitely an interesting take on the various tropes of time travel and androids...
FMA was tight, very much a story trying to tell a story. What is really scary is something that the story brought up-what truly powers our world? Or worlds?
Hand Maid May was a good fun harem anime. At the very least, it was a definitely an interesting take on the various tropes of time travel and androids...
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Miniatures Wargaming Thoughts
Some of the random thoughts that I've had about any form of new miniature wargames. I'm thinking modern/future gaming-fantasy/historical would require some different concepts.
- Fast, fast combat resolution. While it would be perfect if you could roll one die and both handle to-hit and damage, I can't think of an elegant way to do it.
- A "realistic" system of morale. From what I've been reading, morale rarely just "breaks" in the sense of utter panic except under certian circumstances. Perahps a three or four-level gradiated system that confers different penalties (pinned means that a unit cannot advance towards the enemy, etc...)
- Point-based build system, so you could build anything from a single soldier to a Terminator to battlefield monsters. It would let you settle the perrenial debate of "which sci-fi army could beat another sci-fi army".
- Models for the "official" line would come as 35mm painted plastic ones (for grunt and some specialist units), and unassembled, unpainted metal ones (for "hero" and "elite" units).
- Vehicles...there will be some. Enough rules to run a brigate-sized battle with mech infantry and tanks and walkers and artillery and worse...
- All the things you need to play the game (unless there's a rule dispute) won't take up more than two pages of 8.5x11" paper.
- Compelling backstory! There will be a compelling backstory...
Adobe
I'm about to play the fun game of "how does one use Adoble (insert program here)?" soon...
At least I was able to get it at academic rates.
So, if you see a lot of...strange pictures showing up, it's just me.
At least I was able to get it at academic rates.
So, if you see a lot of...strange pictures showing up, it's just me.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
100 Ideas...
Actually, it's seven ideas.
I'm looking at all the social gathering/group sites, like Tribe.net, Friendster.com, and Myspace.com, and I'm thinking of how I could do it, and better.
Some of my ideas...
I'm looking at all the social gathering/group sites, like Tribe.net, Friendster.com, and Myspace.com, and I'm thinking of how I could do it, and better.
Some of my ideas...
- Lots of tools for "who am I?"....picking "anime" could let you select a slider where you can say you love mecha anime, hate yaoi, and would be vulnerable to death by shonen-ai. Six levels of options above and below "neutral".
- Oh, and personal relations...you can pick six levels from "kinda know them" to "best friends forever". Or "don't really know them" to "despise them".
- The site will have two tiers-a "basic" site that will have ads, and a "preferred" one where people pay a small fee, don't get ads, and their profiles go up top. Oh, and for adult forums, you have to prove that you're an adult...by having a credit card in your name.
- Fun, fun tools of all sorts. We want this to be THE place for social networking...
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Dating Myself
I hate to say it, but Brett is partially right...KITT is a good Cylon, while KARR is the evil Cylon.God, how many people would have gotten those references? Of course, I would want to jump a drawbridge with the Bluesmobile, or a hill with the General Lee...hell, travel through time with a DeLorean with a-grav and a time device to see how hot some of the ladies of fame are...
I'm feeling odd and old...
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
Con's Over...
Yay, fun.
Having to deal with drama in all directions.
Yes, I like solving problems. But, whom helps to solve mine?
Having to deal with drama in all directions.
Yes, I like solving problems. But, whom helps to solve mine?
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Con Excitment
Running any major portion of a fan convention has been aptly described as...chaotic.
Will tell the stories on Monday, when I'm home, safe and sound, and can think...
But, I can say this...there will be promotions.
Will tell the stories on Monday, when I'm home, safe and sound, and can think...
But, I can say this...there will be promotions.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Friday, January 19, 2007
Smuggler's Blues
There's trouble on the streets tonight, I can feel it in my bones
I had a premonition, that he should not go alone
I knew the gun was loaded, but I didn't think he'd kill
Everything exploded and the blood began to spill
I'm starting to sober up from being very, profoundly drunk.
To understand my situation, the last...three hours, I've been charming, wittiy, and cuddly. And, working through at least two marguritas and a "phaser shot" and a dirty martini.
So baby, here's your ticket, put the suitcase in your hand
Here's a little money now, do it just the way we planned
You be cool for twenty hours and I'll pay you twenty grand
So, Johnny boy is drunk. And running on that odd place between sober and drunk, where my brain doesn't care, and I can write without fear, without soundng or seeming stupid.
I wonder if this is the state that authors aim for, the pure bliss of creation without the Critic behind them.
I'm sorry it went down like this,
And someone had to lose,
It's the nature of the business,
It's the smuggler's blues
Smuggler's blues
I'm starting to come back. Scary thoughts.
Starting to come back to the scary, scared human being that I am, sober and afraid. No wonder alcohol has been called "liquid courage". I'd like to think that the things that I've done, I'd do if I was sober...but I wonder, as my body starts to grow...dense.
The sailors and pilots, the soldiers and the law,
The pay-offs and the rip-offs, and the things nobody saw
No matter if it's heroin, cocaine, or hash,
You've got to carry weapons 'cause you always carry cash
There's lots of shady characters, lots of dirty deals
Every name's an alias in case somebody squeals
It's the lure of easy money, it's got a very strong appeal
Alcohol is easy. So are drugs-it's so easy to escape, to become what I am when I have nothing but reactions and responses-and that when I'm this way, it's excuseable.
Hell, I make my own beer....which I'm sharing tomorrow night.
Perhaps you'd understand it better
Standin' in my shoes
It's the ultimate enticement,
It's the smuggler's blues
Smuggler's blues
But, I wonder-the so very Scottish personality that comes out when I'm in that fuzzy land between drinking and drunk, whom has no fear.
Whom goes up to women that when sober, I'd be scare of. And wouldn't ask out, wouldn't touch, wouldn't ask if they wanted to be touched...
See it in the headlines, you hear it every day
They say they're gonna stop it but it doesn't go away
They move it through Miami, sell it in L.A.
They hide it up in Telluride, I mean it's here to stay
It's propping up the governments in Columbia and Peru,
You ask any DEA man, he'll say, "There's nothin' we can do"
From the office of the President, right down to me and you, me and you
I wonder...and fear. I need to know where this knife's edge is-tomorrow night, I come in kilt and boots, ready to drink and stand and fight without hesitation. To find my dream, that I will come home with someone to earn another tail at con...
It's a losing proposition,
But one you can't refuse
It's the politics of contraband,
It's the smuggler's blues
Smuggler's blues
We wil see.
Saturday comes up. My kilt remains unfolded.
And, if I am happy...I shall win.
We...will see.
I had a premonition, that he should not go alone
I knew the gun was loaded, but I didn't think he'd kill
Everything exploded and the blood began to spill
I'm starting to sober up from being very, profoundly drunk.
To understand my situation, the last...three hours, I've been charming, wittiy, and cuddly. And, working through at least two marguritas and a "phaser shot" and a dirty martini.
So baby, here's your ticket, put the suitcase in your hand
Here's a little money now, do it just the way we planned
You be cool for twenty hours and I'll pay you twenty grand
So, Johnny boy is drunk. And running on that odd place between sober and drunk, where my brain doesn't care, and I can write without fear, without soundng or seeming stupid.
I wonder if this is the state that authors aim for, the pure bliss of creation without the Critic behind them.
I'm sorry it went down like this,
And someone had to lose,
It's the nature of the business,
It's the smuggler's blues
Smuggler's blues
I'm starting to come back. Scary thoughts.
Starting to come back to the scary, scared human being that I am, sober and afraid. No wonder alcohol has been called "liquid courage". I'd like to think that the things that I've done, I'd do if I was sober...but I wonder, as my body starts to grow...dense.
The sailors and pilots, the soldiers and the law,
The pay-offs and the rip-offs, and the things nobody saw
No matter if it's heroin, cocaine, or hash,
You've got to carry weapons 'cause you always carry cash
There's lots of shady characters, lots of dirty deals
Every name's an alias in case somebody squeals
It's the lure of easy money, it's got a very strong appeal
Alcohol is easy. So are drugs-it's so easy to escape, to become what I am when I have nothing but reactions and responses-and that when I'm this way, it's excuseable.
Hell, I make my own beer....which I'm sharing tomorrow night.
Perhaps you'd understand it better
Standin' in my shoes
It's the ultimate enticement,
It's the smuggler's blues
Smuggler's blues
But, I wonder-the so very Scottish personality that comes out when I'm in that fuzzy land between drinking and drunk, whom has no fear.
Whom goes up to women that when sober, I'd be scare of. And wouldn't ask out, wouldn't touch, wouldn't ask if they wanted to be touched...
See it in the headlines, you hear it every day
They say they're gonna stop it but it doesn't go away
They move it through Miami, sell it in L.A.
They hide it up in Telluride, I mean it's here to stay
It's propping up the governments in Columbia and Peru,
You ask any DEA man, he'll say, "There's nothin' we can do"
From the office of the President, right down to me and you, me and you
I wonder...and fear. I need to know where this knife's edge is-tomorrow night, I come in kilt and boots, ready to drink and stand and fight without hesitation. To find my dream, that I will come home with someone to earn another tail at con...
It's a losing proposition,
But one you can't refuse
It's the politics of contraband,
It's the smuggler's blues
Smuggler's blues
We wil see.
Saturday comes up. My kilt remains unfolded.
And, if I am happy...I shall win.
We...will see.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
First Day At Con...
...busy is the best term I can think of. VERY, very busy.
The usual last-minute disasters.
Running around to get stuff.
Oh, cute girls too...
Must get out of the room more...
The usual last-minute disasters.
Running around to get stuff.
Oh, cute girls too...
Must get out of the room more...
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Roasting Pork
Wow.
Fifteen pounds of pork takes about three or so hours to cook.
It's an interesting smell, one that I can enjoy a great deal.
The people at con will love the results, I bet...
Fifteen pounds of pork takes about three or so hours to cook.
It's an interesting smell, one that I can enjoy a great deal.
The people at con will love the results, I bet...
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
The Cookie Blitz
(Imagine, "Weird Al" doing a parody of Ballroom Blitz)
One of the big things I do for conventions is bake cookies.
A LOT of cookies.
In about three days, I've gone through about sixteen sticks of butter, a pound bag of chocolate chips, half a pound of raisins, and a whole bunch of other stuff...all so that Staff Feed can eat well.
It's one of those strange jobs....it beats working, at least at where I work. And, I can nibble on cookie dough to my heart's content (it turns out to be small quantities...). And, it gives me more time to watch anime!
Sadly, the third DVD of HMLV was defective, so I'm waiting for a new one from Greencine.com. Did get to see UHF, and that movie was just plain crazy. And fun.
One of the big things I do for conventions is bake cookies.
A LOT of cookies.
In about three days, I've gone through about sixteen sticks of butter, a pound bag of chocolate chips, half a pound of raisins, and a whole bunch of other stuff...all so that Staff Feed can eat well.
It's one of those strange jobs....it beats working, at least at where I work. And, I can nibble on cookie dough to my heart's content (it turns out to be small quantities...). And, it gives me more time to watch anime!
Sadly, the third DVD of HMLV was defective, so I'm waiting for a new one from Greencine.com. Did get to see UHF, and that movie was just plain crazy. And fun.
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