Castle Shima

Alot of people are very extreme, you know. People are very sure on what they believe. You know they are either on the far right or the far left of politics. If you are on the far right or the far left, you know what you've done now? You've gone too far. -- Richard Jeni

Tower View
Random Thoughts Part 205
I've been so preoccupied with other things, I havent had the time nor the energy to update the blog. So here comes everything all at once.

1) Happy Easter to all!

2) Yet again, the news is on about the entire schiavo incident. Protesters are screaming for the govenor to step in again. My apologies to those who believe otherwise, but this is none of the government's business. There is absolutely no reason, legal or otherwise, for them to step in. Like it or not, this is their family matter.

3) The moron protestors are making things worse. For example, this idiot tried to steal a firearm from a gun store. All in the name of saving the girl.

4) Wal-Mart sucks. They just opened yet another one of their damn stores down the street from me. Traffic has now gone from bad to absolutely terrible. These things have been become the Starbucks of the 2000's.

5) I love the fact that Laura is using quotes from Coupling. I have to refrain from sending her several emails with my own personal favorites.

6) The Pretender Season 1 has finally been released on DVD. I always loved the one line from the introduction: Then one day, their pretender ran away...

7) Speaking of DVDs, The Lone Gunmen is coming out this week. Result! I loved this spin-off from the X-files. It was more humourous and off beat than Mulder and Scully were, but scully was definately more attractive. Heh.

8) Mental note: Give Jay major kinds of grief over this Indian medicine made from cow urine. This will serve him right for bring in the Tender vittles Curry every week to the office.

9) Just to make the tick off the SUV hating crowd, here is an article about the annual Jeep Safari. Talk about taking over the town from the hippies... heh... Hat tip: Fark.Com.

10) If you ever get a chance, try Mama Fu's Asian House. They have a great mix of Thai, Japanese, and Chinese fusion type of food. The prices are pretty reasonable and everything was so tasty.
**********

Out In The Yard
The Tour of California is being planned for the 2006 season. Great! Now professional cycling will have a new event: Car Dodging.
**********

SWAT 4 is coming out in two weeks. Just in time for me to buy it and put it on the shelf to collect dust with the rest of the games I dont play.
**********

Ex-Crowded House drummer commits suicide. Hey now, hey now, dont dream its over...
**********

Background Noise
I had to switch back to Richard Jeni's show A Big, Steaming Pile Of Me. I love his idea about advertising to the rest of the world that the US is a great country.

If we could sell bad food, useless thigh cream, and deadly cigerettes, then we could sell the United States if we had the right slogan. Here's the slogan for this country:

America, 20 million illegal aliens cant be wrong!

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

From Andrew Lloyd Webber, the man that brought you "Cats," comes his newest musical "Snot!" -- Robbie at work

Tower View
Tis The Season
The Team Discovery site is up.

With the US Postal Cycling team a thing of the past, the premier US team is looking to compete more in the European races.

Lance has finally decided to try for an unprecedented seventh Tour de France win. The odds are against him considering there are still alot of new faces on the team, but for this team preparation is still the key.

In the years past, Lance would compete in a one day race called the Amstel Gold Race, which is held in the Netherlands, as part of that preparation.

This year he will be defending his title in the Tour of Georgia, which is becoming part of his routine by training more in the States.

This is great for US fans like myself, but unfortunately, I doubt if I will get to go see the ToG. I dont even have the energy to get out of bed.

Matter of fact, I'm amazed I got up to type this... heh...
**********

Out In The Yard
Speaking of training, Lance heads to Paris to compete in classic race. The race is 757 miles long. Somebody better get me a bagel while they are over there.
**********

Numerous dog suicides baffling experts. Maybe the Kibbles & Bits have been spiked?
**********

Consumer Reports names the best cars from 2004. The Suburu WRX won the best Fun Car To Drive. Result!
**********

Background Noise
Everything Will Be All Right by Limp Bizkit

Does anybody really know the secret
Or the combination for this life
And where they keep it?
Its kind of sad
When you dont know the meaning,
But everything happens for a reason.
I dont even know what I should say
Because i'm an idiot,
A loser,
A microphone abuser...
I analyze every second I exist
Beating on my mind
Every second with my fist...

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Tower View
A Word From Our Sponsors
Its been awhile since I've posted. It always seems that there is some kind of drama in my life. Most of it self-inflicted.

So its been tiring and draining these past few weeks. Perhaps I may get into it later although I normally refrain from posting more personal things here. But this started out as therapy for me, so who knows.

In the meantime...
**********

My Neck Isnt That Red

I am 27% White Trash.

The white trash in my blood will not keep me from becoming a doctor or a lawyer, but it will keep me from a good haircut and any sort of fashion sense.

Take the
White Trash Test
@ FualiDotCom

If its in the game, then its in the game! -- theme for EA Sports Madden 2005

Tower View
Are You Ready For Some Football?!
Its Super Bowl Sunday! Time for to watch some football, eat alot of food, and listen to alot of boring interviews.

I cant cook and I know how to change the channel so I guess I will just have to settle on the football. Heh...
**********

I'm A Loser, Baby, So Why Dont You Kill Me?



47% are cooler and 53% are more of a loser than you.

What does this mean? You're cooler than half the people! Great work!

I dont know about that. I took the test so I must be a bigger loser than it thinks.

Hat tip: Tiffany
**********

Out In The Yard
Here is a list of items not allowed into the stadium during the Super Bowl. Wouldnt you think that "weapons" be first on the list?!
**********

The Lion King wins one more. At 38 years old, Mario Cipollini is still one of the fastest sprinters in the world. Gives terrible riders like me some hope. Heh...
**********

Background Noise
The Kingdom II (aka Riget II) is on the Independent Film Channel. I loved The Kingdom and its still one of the scarier films in my collection.

Too bad that Kingdom Hospital was a terrible remake. It could have brought more fans to the series.

I've got the original series in VHS, but the only way to get the DVD verison is as an import.

I'll have to think about this.

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

What did I experience from the NFL Experience?! Standing in some long freaking lines -- my brother, Ric, on his visit to the NFL Experience theme park.

Tower View
Revenge Of The Psuedo-Nerd



Hmm.. I always figured I was more of nerd or at least a geek.

Hat tip: Laura
**********

Out In The Yard
Here is a bunny with some issues. Not necessarily safe for work. Hat tip: Cally from the TLXG
**********

The Grudge comes out tomorrow. I loved the original Japanese version, Ju-On: The Grudge, so I hope the American version is just as decent.
**********

Background Noise
Big Time by Peter Gabriel

My car is getting bigger,
My hand is getting bigger,
My eye is getting bigger,
And my mouth...
Big time...
My belly is getting bigger,
And my bank account...
Big time...
Look at my circumstance..
Big time...
And the bulge in my big
Big big big big big....


***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

How do we spend Martin Luther King day? By having a white sale?! -- Anonymous

Tower View
Drool Drool
Bonus time is coming up.

With all the extra hours I've been putting in, I know they dont qualify for this year's bonus money, but I hope the upper eschelon remembers all the effort for next year.

Actually if they could remember for this year, that would be good too. Heh...

Why?

Because for this year's big purchase item, I'm after this Sharp Aquos 37" LCD tv.



Oh yes. It will be mine.
**********

Out In The Yard
Sixty six year old woman gives birth. Makes you wonder who will wear the diapers in the family.
**********

Power outage knocked out Live Journal. Cant... blog... Not... enough... power...
**********

Background Noise
Wild Boys by Duran Duran

Wild boys never lose it...
Wild boys never chose this way...
Wild boys never close your eyes...
Wild boys always shine...

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Foo Kew -- seen on a personalized license plate

Tower View
Time To Cash In
I've been working a lot of extra hours for the past three months. The past two have been pretty hard since my manager,Hem, went home to India in mid-December and wasnt supposed to be back until the end of next week.

With Hem gone, I've been covering for most of his duties while another manager handled things that needed an "authorized" signature.

And its been crazy ever since he left.

My director was slightly annoyed that I was working during Christmas and New Year's. Not because things were not done or anything like that, but more to the fact that I was actually having to work during these supposed holidays.

But the fact that I have to do my manager's job and mine, there really wasnt much of a choice.

Then with the tsunamis, we were worried that something may have happened to him and his family. Fortunately, they were nowhere near the events.

Now with things getting even more wild, the other manager, K, was going nut. We planned on getting lawn chairs and planting ourselves at Hem's front yard so when he pulls in, we can sit there and say "Where the hell have you been?!"

So what happens? I found out Friday that Hem wont be back until after Jan 20th, if we are lucky.

Because of family issues, Hem had planned to stay a few more days, but because of the disaster, there are no flights available for quite some time.

So as soon as he gets back, I'm taking a vacation. I'm going to whittle my time down from 70 hours a week to 40.

That should allow for some relaxation time.
**********

Out In The Yard
Lance wins libel case in London. If you are going to accuse someone of steroid abuse, be sure to actually have proof.
**********

Fourth Season of Coupling comes out on Jan. 25. Pardon me while I wait impatiently...
**********

Assault On Precinct 13 comes out on Jan. 19. I hope this one was as good as the original.
**********

Background Noise
$40 A Day is on the Food Network.

I'm not much of a cook, but I actually like the show. If you've never seen it before, the host, Rachel Ray, tours various locations around the world, showing viewers the local cuisine can be tasted for under $40.

Not only does it has Rachel's bubbly personality, the places she visits are actually pretty interesting.

Well, that and its Rachel Ray.



Tonight she visits Martha's Vineyard, but that wasnt the catching point. In one scene where she is buying a bottle of wine, Rachel slips out that she has a boyfriend, John, and that the bottle is for him.

Lucky man.

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

I love cats. They taste like chicken
-- seen on a bumper sticker

Tower View
Aid Rage
Maybe I'm going to sound bitter here about the tsunami relief, but please keep in mind I'm Asian by birth so this is close to home. I also have many friends from the hit regions so I'm watching this very closely.

I'm in agreement with Elizabeth about giving too much US government aid. Our government has now agreed to give over $350 million in aid to the victims, which is very generous considering there are over 120,000 people lost.

But this comes after many countries have been called stingy for the amount of aid given by the government.

The first thought that came to mind was So what if the government is stingy?

If the relief amount was raised from $35 million to only 150$ million, wouldnt that be enough from the US government? We citizens (myself included) have been giving to the private organizations, but why should our government, which we fund with our tax dollars, give the highest amount in the world?

This means as taxpayers, we are donating twice. Even the people who didnt want to donate anything are now giving funds to the relief. And for our country, its their right to not want to give anything.

That other $315 million has to come from somewhere. That means funding for schools, education, defense, as well relief to our own people.

All this for what? Many of the nations that are crying that the US is stingy are the same ones that just a few months ago, didnt want anything to do with us, because we re-elected President Bush. These were the same sods that complained about the US influence in Europe, but then started crying when they found out the US would pull troops out of their country.

Two words for those people: F**k you.

The person you so despised is the one who signed off sacrificing a large amount of help for his country to help out others. If you dont want our help, then why should we give it?

This entry isnt meant to be a pro-Bush one, but more to vent at the hypocrisy of the others. The country many despise is the one offering the most amount of relief from its people and its government.

And what started this tirade? I saw this picture on Neal Boortz's site.



There was no direct link so I had to save the image, but note the man in the tshirt. Was it someone like this person that said "Where is America?"
**********

More Importantly...
Now that the venting phase is out, please donate what you can to the responsible charities. There are already those scumbags that are using this tragedy.

The two I went through were the American Red Cross and the Catholic Relief Services
**********

Its Deca 31, Buck...
If you understand where that title came from, then you are an old timer like myself. hehehe...

And if you have no idea what the heck, I'm talking about, watch the 80's version of Buck Rogers In The 25th Century, which will be out in DVD soon.

And with that being said, Happy New Year's to everyone. Stay safe tonight and we'll see you next year.
**********

Out In The Yard
Linkin Park donates $100,000 to tsunami relief. And in the end, all of it really does matter...
**********

Bummer shows that the Washington Post screws up the facts of Memogate in a single paragraph. Today's lesson in journalism: fact checking. Hat tip to Little Green Footballs
**********

Jerry Orbach passed away. Jerry may be gone, but Lennie Briscoe will live on forever.
**********

Background Noise
Tim Allen is playing on Xm's comedy Channel (channel 150):

I just bought some duct tape. I figure if I cant fix it, duct it

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

I said he could throw the ball in the middle of the field. I didnt say he was supposed to throw it to the other team!
-- Joe Theismann during the Broncos vs Titans game

Tower View
The Christ in Christmas
Since I've been in the office so much lately, most of my observations come around then.

This past week, I've been hearing alot of people wonder about the blatent bias about Christmas. Most of the discussion revolved around non-Catholics saying that Christmas symbols, the tree, lights, Nativity scenes, are offensive to them. But then they have no problems with the Menora, Kwanzaa, and Hannakkauh (sp) symbols being everywhere.

My first comment was "Wtf?! If you dont like one, why the hell is the other any different? More importantly, if you dont want one showing, none of them should be showing."

The second comment was "And why the hell is it so offensive? Do these things make you less of a person because they exist? You would rather complain about it rather than get over it?!"

(Which was shortly followed by "Hey! Get your arses back to work so we can get out of here!" But thats another story...)

Even the Hindu guys I work with were confused by the "offended" comments.

They had been living in the US long enough to get used to the custom and even though they dont believe in the religious aspect, they understood it. One friend even bought his wife something just because he wanted her to have something in this "season of happiness" as he put it.

This conversation came to mind again when I saw the difference in these headlines today:
AP News - Troubles in Iraq
CNN.com - U.S. captures 2 key terror suspects in Iraq
Foxnews.com - Christmas Spirit Crisscrosses the Globe

No wonder I'm preferring Fox News more every day.

So is there a bias? Absolutely.

How are we going to get over it? Celebrate the day and be good to each other every day.

That is until I have to log into work tonight... Stupid after-Christmas deadlines. Some one needs to die for coming up with this schedule.
**********

Out In The Yard
Timmy Chang leads University of Hawaii to a win in the Hawaii Bowl. This was a great game especially with Chang being the one of the top Asian players in the NCAA.

Parents sell naughty kids' presents on Ebay. Yah! Thats what I'm talking about. We need more parents like this.
**********

Kevin Bacon is a sex offender. Its his newest role, people. Get your mind out of the gutter. Heh...
**********

Background Noise
Oh Shiela by Ready For The World

ew... I never liked this song, even when it came out in the 80s.

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

That's right! Its Santa day!
-- Kasume from Ranma 1/2: Tendo Family Christmas Scramble

Tower View
And To All, A Good Night
Around this time is the mad rush for those last minute gifts. This is usually when you get the wierdest crap like the Chia pet or really bad perfume.

Hopefully, you wont get any of those in your stocking this year. I expect lots of coal in mine. Heh...

Merry Christmas to everyone! Have a good holiday and stay safe.
**********

Out In The Yard
The Jib Jab guys strike again with Grumpy Santa. I cant remember the last time I got... paid...
**********

The Other Final is an awesome film about a soccer game being played by the two lowest ranked teams in the world. They played for free with no sponsors simply because they love the game. Fat Bastard Moore could learn from this film about what is a real documentary.
**********

Background Noise
Merry F***ing Christmas by Mr. Garrison of South Park

Hey there Mr. Muslim!
Merry f***ing christmas!
Put down that book, the Koran,
And hear some holiday wishes....
In case you havent noticed
Its Jesus' birthday
So get off your heathen Muslim ass
And f***ing celebrate!

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Get up! Its time for the Epcot death march! -- Jon Pinette

Tower View
So, In Review..
I got this from Laura.

1. What did you do in 2004 that you'd never done before?
Bought Furniture. I dont buy furniture. That means people will want to come over.

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No. I wanted to cycle 1,500 miles this year. Currently, I'm not close with my total at 955. I may be able to make 1,000 by 12/31, but that still is pale when compared to the 1,195 miles I did last year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, just some women I knew from work.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, but someone close to my brother did.

5. What countries did you visit?
None.

6. What would you like to have in 2005 that you lacked in 2004?
Money. Heh...

7. What dates from 2004 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Nothing really stands out at this time.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Completing the MS-150.

9. What was your biggest failure?
The Platform Product Project at work. I allowed another project to take up too much of my time and let this one lapse.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Just plain exhaustion.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My TCR Composite bicyle by Giant.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Lance Armstrong. Sure, I'm biased, but the man broke the record and won his sixth Tour de France. I can barely ride down the street now.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I'm not depressed, but definately appalled with Michael Moore. This fat bastard claims to be just like the common man, but makes millions of dollars sponging off of the pain of others.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Computer and video games.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The 2004 election. Its the first time I've ever gotten truly political about anything. What the hell happened to me?

16. What song will always remind you of 2004?
Breaking The Habit by Linkin Park

17. Compared to this time last year, you are:
Older.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Cycling.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Office Work.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Working.

22. Did you fall in love in 2004?
Not this year... And what the hell happened to #21?!

23. How many one-night stands?
None. Nada. Zip. Zero. Zilch.

24. What was your favorite TV program?
Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Notice a pattern here?

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Not really.

26. What was the best book you read?
Crisis On Infinite Earths by Marv wolfman and George Perez. This doesnt qualify as a standard novel, but its always been one of my favorite series.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Xm radio.

28. What did you want and get?
My TCR Composite bicycle by Giant.

29. What did you want and not get?
An AR-15 rifle or the Beretta storm carbine rifle.

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King, Hero

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I worked; Cyber-ancient.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More money.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004?
Really, really lazy.

34. What kept you sane?
who said I was sane?!

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Stephanie March. Yet another reason to watch Law & Order.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Rather-gate. I know this wasnt a real political issue but he should have been fired right on the spot. If you sent in forged paperwork to your employers, do you think they would have put up with that mess?

37. Who did you miss?
My ex. She ducked at the last second and the bullet just missed her. (That is a joke by the way)

38. Who was the best new person you met?
My buddy Robbie at work.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2004:
I am seriously underpaid.
**********

Out In The Yard
Here is the list of the top 25 most annoying newsmakers of 2004. Once again proving the gene pool could use a little more chlorine.
**********

Man beats the hell out of his own car. That is one way to deal with road rage.
**********

Background Noise
Closing Time by Semisonic

So gather up your jackets
And move it to the exits...
I hope you have found a friend...
Closing time...
Every new beginning comes
From some other beginning's end.

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

I found my girlfriend going down on a midget. I cant believe she would stoop so low. -- Dwight York

Tower View
Where Are My Priorities?
In two weeks, I've compiled roughly 130 hours of work.

When the hell did I start working so hard? More importantly, why am I working so hard?! Dont these people realized I'm just here for the paycheck?!

Two days ago, I wrote a 1,500 line Javascript code script using over 4,000 words. That was more than a couple of my chapters from Nanowrimo...

One good thing came out of all this mess.

If you like listening to comedy cds, I recommend Mitch Hedberg's Mitch All Together. This made me laugh throughtout this whole ordeal.
*********

Out In The Yard
Elektra is back for more action. Hopefully this will be better than Daredevil.
**********

Pro cycling teams agree on ethics code. Isnt that like saying that Scott Peterson agrees not to kill anyone?
**********

Background Noise
Sexual Healing by Soul Asylum

It's just wierd hearing these guys singing this song. I suppose I'm so used to Marvin Gaye's version.

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

We've tried psychology. We've tried time outs. None of its worked. Its time to get back to whipping ass. -- Alonzo Bodden on punishing kids.

Tower View
Random Thoughts Again?!
I worked throughout the supposed holiday and have been doing 13 to 15 hours every day since Sunday so I'm abit sluggish. I've been lucky enough to either catch a few hours of sleep and read my list of blogs. Other than that, its been living and breathing code development. I could have qualified as a video game programmer.

I'm finally down to a 12 hour day and am finally getting a chance to update the blog. So here are some things that came up this week:

1) Chocolate is not substitute for real food. It may taste good for the first few minutes, but after fifty candy bars, you tend to get tired of it.

2) Minnie Driver's cd, Everything I've Got In My Pocket is pretty decent, but definately not for everyone, especially when you are really tired. Its so mello that you may find yourself sleeping while behind the wheel of your car.

3) I was able to watch the episode of Overhaulin where Lance Armstrong's GTO was upgraded. It showed how Sheryl Crow is a really sneaky wench. The entire time the tv crew is working on Lance's car, he is paniced over it because he has been tricked into thinking the car was stolen. So what does Sheryl, who is in on the prank, do to this man? She chews him out several times for not having the car insured...

5) So much for Nanowrimo and 50,000 words. I ended with nearly 7,000 words. When time permits, I may finish this, just to say I did it.

4) While grabbing lunch with some of the team, we notice that the car in front of us has the license plate IMA-SPY. I'm still debating about calling Homeland Security...
*********

Out In The Yard
Fury remembers The Great Mountasia Event. After all these years, this story still makes me laugh.
**********

The latest sports incident: Water Polo Hooligans. I didnt even know they allowed beer at water polo games?!
**********

Background Noise
Robert Downey Jr is on The Tonight Show, promoting his new cd, and singing on the show. And he really sucks.

I dont know if its exhaustion or me being punchy, but I cant understand a word that Downey is even saying.

What is even worse is that he reminds me of William Shatner singing, just like he did for those Priceline.Com commercials.

At least I could understand Shatner.

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Jade: Brent Sienna! Where is Skull?
Brent: I had him kenneled.
-- from PvP

Tower View
Surviving The Days
Thanksgiving wasnt as stressful as last year, which unfortunately, means that it wasnt as humourous as it was last year. So the best I could do is the high and low points of the past few days.

High Point: We werent going to have dinner at my parents' home since its under heavy reconstruction.
Low Point: Having to listen to my cousin who lives in a large home with her family, continuously asking the man with the one bedroom apartment (aka me) "What do you think? Should we have it here? What do you think?"

High Point: All the food was going to be set up by a local grocery store so the amount of cooking was going to be limited.
Low Point: Standing in the self checkout line, watching the moron in front of me, trying to scan the wrong side of their package for five minutes.

High Point: Finally getting to wake up on a Thursday morning at 7a and not having to fret about work.
Low Point: I was supposed to be at a local bicycle ride at 7a.

High Point: I got to catch up on some of my movie viewing with Shrek 2 and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Low Point: I also had to sit thru a viewing of The Terminal, which is very typical of a modern Steven Spielburg movie. Its a fairly decent movie, but 30 minutes too long. The entire subplot with Catherine Zeta Jones could have been skipped.

High Point: I got to catch up on some of my riding since I rode my offroad bike to do the shopping on "Black Friday."
Low Point: I spent way too much money.

High Point: I got to laugh at all the people trapped in their cars when they couldnt find a parking space while I simply rode up and parked at a bike rack.
Low Point: I still spent way too much money.

High Point: FIFA 2005 was on sale at Target.
Low Point: I bought another game that I really dont have time to play. Matter of fact, I'm still supposed to be writing for Nanowrimo?!

High Point: I got to buy a different kind of wine from the interesting company known as Fat Bastard Wines.
Low Point: I know I'm not much of a wine drinker, but have you actually tasted this stuff?! Gah...
*********

Fit The Bill
Its pretty sad when you represent alot of the comments from You Know You Are Addicted To Cycling When

* You no longer require a hankie to blow your nose.
- Plug up one nostril and blow really hard. Be sure to towards the ground to avoid hitting those riders behind you.

* You see nothing wrong with discussing the connection between hydration and urine color.
- It should normally be semi-clear to yellowish... Ummm.. nevermind...

* You refuse to buy a couch because that patch of wallspace is taken up by the bike.
- Besides, the floor is still a available as a place to sit.

* You see a fit, tanned, Lycra-clad young woman ride by, and the first thing you check out is her bicycle.
- This is because I've greater chance of getting to ride the bicycle.

* When you move to a new area the first thing you look for is a bike shop.
- And its only 4 miles down the road...

* Your bikes are worth more than your car.
- I'll get a new car... One day...

* You have more money invested in your bike clothes than in the rest of your combined wardrobe.
- I plead guilty.

* You have more bike jerseys than dress shirts.
- Once again, guilty as charged.
*********

Out In The Yard
Here are some voodoo dolls for dogs. If they start doing human sacrifices, get really worried.
**********

The Lego Wars have broken out! At least you could build your own foxhole.
**********

Lance is getting overhauled. Damn. Now I'm going to have to watch a "Fix My Car/House/Life" show.
**********

Background Noise
The Riders of Rohan have entered the battle for Gandor. Theoden King leads his calvary into the Orc hordes, cutting a path thru their center. Soon the elephants of Mordor will enter the fray...

Thats it. I've definately watched Return Of The King a bit too much...

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Well, sure... Dark Elves are bastards. -- Skull from Player vs Player

Tower View
Work To Live
The past two weeks I've been working an average of 9 to 10 hour days by leaving the office, goofing off for awhile, then logging in from home. I know that is not a long day as compared to some jobs, but for a desk jockey, I'm working way too hard.

The worse part is that I actually dont mind working from home because then I can avoid the barrage of silly questions. I know there is no such thing as stupid questions, but there are plenty of silly ones.

Yesterday, someone from the marketing area called me, asking if it would be possible for me to do a very large, very important report and send her the results within the next couple of hours. I mentioned that I wasnt available to do it since I'm no longer with the freelance programming team.

I mentioned since that team sits one row over from me, I knew a couple of the programmers were available. She could send an email and ask for them to do it. The downside was that the team would have to charge her dept for the work because doing programs like this is how they got paid.

She then asked Do you think they could do it without charging our dept?

When I reminded her that their team got their paycheck based on the programs they wrote for people, she replied I know, but I dont think that we can afford to pay for it. Are you sure you couldnt do this?

The phrase Are you $%^#ing kidding me?! almost slipped out.

Instead, I stated that if I did the work, it would cost her dept three times more than the other team. That was why I had left that team.

I also noted that I wouldnt even be available to do any freelance work until next month because I was totally booked. I even made commented the freelance programming team would not only be less expensive, they could actually get it done.

She thought for a moment and said Well, we really dont need the report that badly. Thanks...

And people wonder why I prefer to work at home now.
*********

Yet Another Survey
Apparently, I'm more of a Sagittarian than most. This should not be a surprise to anyone.

You are 73% Sagittarius

*********

Out In The Yard
The latest ingredient for the chef in all of us. Thank God I cant cook. (Not safe for work. Hat tip: Avatar)
**********

Here is a site to rate people's external work. I thought it was just a load of crap, but that is my opinion. (Not safe for work. Hat tip: Fury)
**********

Background Noise
Numb by Linkin Park & Jay-Z

Its a remix of the original song with Jay-Z is rapping and Linkin Park providing the music and chorus. This is the first time I've heard this and I'm pretty impressed. I'll have to see about getting this version.

XM Radio in the house is a good thing.

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

I'm not pregnant! It's a miracle! I shagged and shagged and shagged and all the little bastards missed! -- Jane from Coupling

Tower View
More Random Notes
1. Seriously, if you absolutely, positively hate living here, then move. Go to the Ivory Coast or perhaps Sudan and see what you are missing.

2. There is no way in heck I'm going to finish Nanowrimo. Have I mentioned 50,000 words is alot of $%^&ing words?!

3. I've been reading I Burn For You instead of writing. Good blog. Bad distraction.

4. Thanks to Alexa for including my entry in the Carnival of Sins.

5. Here is the ultimate online role playing game. Fury got caught up in the action.
*********

Out In The Yard
Djork! Djork! Nerd rock rules.
**********

The 30 Second Bunnies Theatre Strike Again! Movies will never be the same.
**********

Background Noise
Who Can It Be Now by Men At Work

Who can it be knocking at my door?
Go away,
Dont come around here no more...
Cant you see that its late at night?
I'm very tired
And i'm not feeling right...

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

I'm John Kerry and I'm reporting for unemployment! -- from The Tonight Show

Tower View
Well thanks to Nanowrimo, work, and just plain illness, I'll have to start shortening my entries. So without further adieu...

First Things First
I never got a chance to say this yesterday, but Bush Wins! Bush Wins!

Ok, now that I've gotten that out of my system, here are some random thoughts on this while I gloat a little:

1) Four more years! Four more years! Ha! Sorry.. I just had to say that so I could tease my friends that voted for Kerry.

2) See what happens? You people just had to have Boston Red Sox win the Series so that had to mess up the Redskins' prediction.

3) Speaking of predictions, the DNC should have known they were screwed when Fatboy Moore began backing Kerry. No candidate that Moore endorses has ever won.

4) While we are on the topic of Fatboy, its interesting how his gloating letter of a Kerry win suddenly disappeared from his website.

5) It was really fun seeing Dan Rather, Tom Brokow, and even Katie Couric look so depressed as things went on. I was actually awake until 4a watching the returns and got to see Dan almost break down in tears. Even Brokow got irritable when NBC predicted Ohio for Bush.

6) For the San Francisco protestors that marched AFTER the damn election was over, how many of these morons actually voted?! The number of voters age 18 to 25 didnt increase and from the pictures I've seen of the protestors, there were alot 18 to 25 year olds.

7) If you are really upset over the election and absolutely hate it here, then #$%^ING MOVE! If you believe that this isnt the place for you, then #$%^ING MOVE! Just remember Canada may not want you. Iraq could use the population boost.

8) Kerry did the proper thing by conceding defeat. It was the honorable thing to do.

9) I felt bad for a lesbian couple I know that were big Kerry supporters. During the summer they were proud to announce that they were for Kerry because they didnt want Bush in office to wreck their marriage. But when Kerry took the shot at Cheney's daughter during the debates, they werent as proud to announce their support. It hadnt dawned on them that Kerry would not be any different when it came to their marriage. To add insult to injury, the ban on gay marriage passed in every state that had this on their ballot. So they arent too happy right now.

And for the record, I have no issues with gay marriages. They should have the chance to pay higher taxes, divorce lawyers, alimony, and child support just like every one else.

10) Regardless of how it turned out, I'm glad that so many people actually voted.
*********

Out In The Yard
Neil Cavuto notes that Kerry did win respect. Definately.
**********

Oil prices begin to drop. One day later and things are already better.
**********

Schoolgirl lesbian TV drama series announced. Dont we already have this? Its called p()rn...
**********

Background Noise
Take My Breathe Away by Jessica Simpson

I'm not going to bother with the words since its a cover of the Berlin song. I just wish they would take her away...

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Men have dogs because they want a best friend dumber than they are. Women want that too, but they already have men. -- Bill Engvall

Tower View
Are You Sure About This?
A friend from work, Baker, is getting married this weekend. So of course, he is getting emails galore with jokes and harrassment.

Here was my contribution:
1. Remember, if she isnt happy, then you arent happy.
2. What is her's belongs to her. What is your's belongs to her.
3. When she asks "What are you thinking about?", never tell her what you are really thinking.
4. When she asks "Does this dress make me look fat?", laughing hysterically is not a proper response.
5. If there are any questions, see rule #1.
*********

And So It Begins
Tomorrow is election day. I can spend the next hour ranting about what is going on out in the world except I have to get started on my 50,000 word essay for Nanowrimo.

Have I mentioned that 50,000 words is alot of $%^&ing words?!
*********

Out In The Yard
College students arrested for forging Subway Sub Club stamps. It cost these morons more to print the damn things than it did to buy the sandwich.
**********

Cyclist assaulted by magpie. Dive bomber! Dive Bomber!
**********

Top Ten Resume hints. Especially for those of you looking for a job after graduating college 2 years ago and still living at home.
**********

Background Noise
Ruby, Dont Take Your Love To Town by Cake.

She's leaving now
Cause I just heard the slamming of the door
The way I know
I've heard it slam 100 times before...
And if i could move I'd get my gun
And put her in the ground...
Oh Ruby...
Dont take your love town

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

The same law that gives you the right to say anything you want also gives me the right to ridicule what you say mercilessly. -- Dennis Miller

Tower View
Who?
For the Doctor Who fan, its looks like the new series is set for 2005. Although the comedian Eddie Izzard didnt get the part, accomplished actor Christopher Eccleston will be the ninth Doctor.

Eccleston is not well known in the US, but has some done work here. He played the bad guy in the remake of Gone In 60 Seconds and was Nicole Kidman's husband in The Others.

The hard part is that its doubtful the series will make it to the US any time soon.
*********

Someone Is To Blame
With November coming up its time for Nanowrimo, which is short for National Novel Writing Month.

Basically the premise is to write a novel with the minimum of 50,000 words in the month of November. For aspiring and non-aspiring writers, this is a way to test your skills as well as have fun. After all, this event is about quantity, not quality.

And for some stupid &$^%ing reason, I signed up to participate. How the hell did I get talked into this?

I had never heard of Nanowrimo before,but then last year, I read Cynical Tyrant's entry about participating in the event and it sounded like fun.

After all, as a game reviewer, blogger, chatter, and technical systems person, I'm used to typing alot. And it wouldnt have to be anything good. Its not like I'm out to get published. It was something different to do.

Then it hit me.

I barely have time to blog or chat, I left the video game reviewing business years ago, and I hate typing technical systems.

That and 50,000 words is alot of $%^#ing words. I barely type 1,000 words in a single day. How am I going to type 50,000?!

Then there is plot development, character development, and environment descriptions...

Have I mentioned that 50,000 words is alot of $%^#ing words?

So I'm blaming the Cynical Tyrant for me signing up for this monstrosity. Its not really her fault; I'm just going to blame her for it.

Thats my story and I'm sticking to it.
*********

Out In The Yard
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas comes out this week. Great. Another game I dont have time to play.
**********

Sinclair wimps out to political threats. Apparently freedom of speech is for everyone as long as we like your message.
**********

Top Ten Geekiest Hobbies. Sad part was I fell into six of those.. (Hat tip: Fark)
**********

Background Noise
Paint It Black by Vanessa Carlton.

I look inside myself
And see my heart is black.
I see my red door
And its heading into black.
Maybe I will fade away
And not have to face the facts.
Its not easy facing up
When your whole world is black

Yes, I know this was originally a Rolling Stone song. I will admit that I like the cover version by Gob, but Vanessa's version will do in a pinch.

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Study. That's all. It's not tough. You're not picking cotton. You're not picking up the trash. You're not washing windows. You sit down. You read. You develop your brain. -- Bill Cosby in a recent lecture to kids.

Tower View
I never intended on the blog to be a political one, but lately whenever I want to rant, things like this come up.

Censorship Now!
Its ironic that the Democratic National Committee is upset over the Sinclair Broadcasting Group televising an Anti-Kerry documentary over their stations. They are so incensed that this documentary is being shown that they've gone crying to the FCC to try to prevent this from being aired.

Where was there outrage when Farencrap 9/11 was being put out in the theaters? Apparently it wasnt that upsetting to them when this piece of $%^# was rushed out on DVD for the home audience.

Even DNC chairman Terry McAuliffe believes we are too stupid to operate our own televisions:

McAuliffe said the program would be a different story, if the documentary was offered on a pay-per-view station so people could choose whether or not to watch it.

Two points came to mind when I read this:
1) Apparently, we cant think enough for ourselves to change the frigging channel, put in a movie, or even turn the television off!

2) Its ok if people are charged money to see the film, just like Fatboy Moore did, but its wrong to show it for free, where everyone can see it.

Someone has forgotten about the First Amendment. Remember that pesky little thing? This is the part of the Constitution that says people have the freedom of speech, even if we dont like the content.

If Sinclair Broadcasting wishes to lose money from its advertisers by showing this film, that is their choice. We as viewers have the choice to watch or not watch it.

So will the DNC raise as much ire if this documentary is released on DVD for free??
*********

Vietnam Vets For Kerry

*********

Out In The Yard
Fellowship 9/11 looks at how we were tricked into the War of Middle Earth. Aragorn lied, people died!
**********

Free bicycle program cancelled at Perdue. Remember this the next time you whine about gas prices.
**********

Morgan Webb poses for FHM. Where were the female gamers when I was that old?
**********

Tourists threatened by swordsman. This is what you get when you ban firearms.
**********

Background Noise
The Day After Tomorrow is on the player.

How was I ever talked into getting this atrociously bad movie? More importantly, why is it still playing?! Ha!

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Once again, Kat, it seems the geek subculture has out-geeked itself -- Heart from Heart of the City

Tower View
Remembering The Son From Krypton
Christopher Reeves, the man that played Superman for so many years, passed away.

Reeves had always made us believe we could fly, but after the crippling accident, he showed us something else. Real courage. Real strength. This was the stuff that made him a true hero.

Although Reeves will always be remembered as the Man Of Sttel, some of his other works include Noises Off, Deathtrap,Village of the Damned, and Above Suspicion.

In Above Suspicion, Reeves plays a cop who is accused of murdering his wife and brother. This movie may have the always hot Kim Cattrall as the wife, but the reason to watch is to see Reeves as a cold, calculating man who would be just ruthless enough to kill.

The ironic part? The movie came out just before his accident and Reeves' character is paralzyed.
*********

Out In The Yard
Stickman vs Stickman. My.. Kung fu.. not.. strong... enough...
**********

The ultimate drum machine. That is one way to use your head.
**********

Its good to be in D.C.! Hurray! Hurray!
**********

Background Noise
One For The Mockingbird by Cutting Crew.

I have learned through
All my past mistakes
Not to let the hurdles sap my energy...
Time will tell
And time is all it takes...
You won't see the bastards
Knock the running out of me...

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

We have no objection to humans continuing with their superstitious ceremonies so long as its made quite clear that they are wrong. -- Slitherigy Community Leader from Doctor Who: Flip Flop

Tower View
I've actually reached 100... posts that is. So I figured this was appropriate somehow.

You Know You Are Getting Old Part 1005
1. Having to tell someone the same directions 6 times in less than 15 minutes really isnt funny any more.

2. Instead of downloading pron, you are looking up home improvement ideas.

3. Those Haggar slacks with the elastic waistbands are starting to look better all the time.

4. All the guys in the office are ogling a pretty lady and your reply was "What woman? Where?"

5. You actually know what a valance is.
*********

Out In The Yard
Rodney Dangerfield passes away. Now he'll get some respect.
**********

This is when angry Democrats attack. Once again, showing the true jackasses.
**********

Darth Vader assaults pizza delivery boy. The Force was strong with that one.
**********

Team America finally wins its R rating. Its pretty sad when a puppet movie has to fight the Ratings board to get an R. I cant wait to see this!
**********

Background Noise
Doctor Who: Flip Flop by Big Finish Studios.

No, this isnt referring to John Kerry, but instead, its actually a storyline from the Doctor Who audio series. Unlike, books on audio, this series is like the radio adventures made popular throughout the thirties, long before television.

For those who have never heard of Doctor Who, this started out as a tv science fiction series in the 1960's and ran for 30 years. The main character, The Doctor, is a time traveler that has adventures all through time and space with a variety of sidekicks. One of the interesting facests about the show was that when the Doctor reached as certain stage in life, his body chemistry would eventually force him to regenerate into an entirely different body. This helped explain the various actors who played The Doctor and allowed him to live on for so long.

Although the tv show faded away in 1989, the character has been alive and well. There have been an asundry of movies, books, and cds created over the character(s). The character himself was even brought back in a tv movie in 1996.

Since then the audio series has become the main staple. It allows all the previous actors that have ever played in the series or movies to return for more adventures.

With the production costs so much less than a tv show, Big Finish is able to release a new adventure monthly as well as put out several different storylines for the various Doctors and his sidekicks. For this year alone, the studio has put out ten cds. There are at least six more to be published by the end of the year.

Flip Flop is a great story which bring ups some interesting questions.

Are oppressed minorities really oppressed when they control your culture? What role does a single person play in our lives? If you went back in time and changed the past, would the future really be better than what you knew?

This particular storyline is composed of two cds and it doesnt matter which one you play first. The story goes back and forth between the cds in order to tell a tale of two histories and two futures.

As a side note for Doctor Who fans, Eddie Izzard is the front runner to play the ninth Doctor in the new tv series, which will start next year.

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

This job wouldnt be so bad if it werent for the f**ing customers -- Randel from Clerks

Tower View
Why Bother?
Have you ever noticed that some people try too hard to be as confused as possible? I dont mean that if they dont understand something, they may not be grasping the answer or the explanation wasnt clear.

Instead, they work as hard as possible not to listen to the answer either because they dont like it or its totally slipped through their ears.

Prime examples:
1) Paraphrasing from a recent email conversation -
Customer: Please review the attached spreadsheet. We reviewed the data and it appears incorrect. Please get back with us ASAP because we need to report back to others.

Me: Please send me the original report created by your application. I can see the data in the spreadsheet, but I need to review the formulas you used in that original report.

Customer: No problem. I've attached the spreadsheet here.

Me: Sorry, but can you send me the original report? I really need to look at all the information on that report before you pasted it onto the spreadsheet.

Customer: All I have is that spreadsheet. I ran the original report, saved it to my hard drive, then copied the data to spreadsheet.

2) From a conversation with one of my document writers -
Me: I want you to go through this documentation in Microsoft Excel. Any data field that ends with the description PRIOR, change that word to HISTORY. For example, "Customer County - Prior" will now be called "Customer County - History." Got it?

Mac: Got it. PRIOR is now HISTORY. But what do I do about this one called "Customer Last Name - Prior?"

Me: Change the word PRIOR to HISTORY.

Mac: What about this section called "Customer Information - Prior?"

Me: Like I said, just change the word PRIOR to HISTORY.

Mac: Even the section called "Geography - Prior?"

Me: Yes.

Mac: Wait a minute. I'm confused.

The sentence Are you f**king kidding me?! has come to mind alot lately.
**********

Random Thoughts Part 1000
1) The computer game Sims2 needs to be banned. This game is so addicting that it could almost be considered electronic Crack. If you dont play it for even a few minutes, your hands begin to shake and it becomes hard to typwasdfefjvcle....

2) My fantasy football team really sucks.

3) I'm going to miss Belle De Jour. she's closed her blog in order to make time for other things in her life. Isnt that the way it always is? Real life gets in the way of the fun things?

4) I've added A New York Escorts Confession as a new link. Hat tip to Alexa for her great blog. Check it out, but dont let her bite you unless you like that sort of thing... Heh...

6) Why does every frigging commercial now have the words I approve this message?

7) My fantasy football team really does suck.

8) If you ever go for a tattoo, make sure the artist isnt high when he does the work. Ow!

9) Does Dan Rather think we are that stupid to the point that we wouldnt know that he was involved in Rathergate?!

10) Have I mentioned that myfantasy football team really sucks?
*********

Out In The Yard
Twinkie makers get a loan in order to keep in business. Smoke them if you got them.
**********

Exotic dancers go to court for indecent exposure in a bar. Isnt it their job to be exposed in a bar?!
**********

BMW builds the fastest steam powered car. But they cant fix the damn thermostat in my car? Wtf?!
**********

Background Noise
Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel

I want to be your sledgehammer...
Why dont you call my name?
You better call the sledgehammer...
Put your mind at rest...
I'm going to be the sledgehammer...
This will be my testimony...
I'm your sledge hammer,
Let there be no doubt about it.

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Me: Are we there yet?
Jodie: Five more minutes.
-- An ongoing theme during the MS-150.

Tower View
Spinning Away
I rode again for a major charity event, the MS-150 and unlike last year, I was able to finish the ride. This year I switched teams and rode with the KB Team, which was definately a better experience for me.

What else did I learn from this year?
01. Never leave your car keys with Kelly. She likes to leave them in the car... while its running.

02. If the team leader says to be at the registration booth at 6a, you know darn well no one shows up til 6:30a.

03. No matter what anyone says, energy gels taste absolutely nasty.

04. The Rio Forge was definately a good investment.

05. Dont race another team that likes keeping the pace at 18mph. You may outrun them for awhile, but they eventually catch up, especially when you are by yourself.

06. Anyone that rides 80 miles in a day, then makes the comment I need to go for a run really needs to be slapped.

07. Road kill smells terrible, but nothing can compare to the scent of skunk, armadillo, and wild boar.

08. If you ever need to get a tooth removed, just ride over broken roads or cobblestones and shake that tooth loose.

09. The one downside to doing an event like this is getting the leg cramps 6 hours afterwar... ow! ow! ow!

10. I need to stop taking that extra day off to recover. Apparently, the sky falls at the office when I'm not around because two people on my own team have to send emails back and forth instead of getting up and walking the 20 feet to talk to each other.
**********

Out In The Yard
Man waits at hospital for 22 hours to have nail removed from finger. Ummm.. Ow!
**********

Avril Lavigne in a non-exposing photo shoot for Maxim. Geez, why bother at that point?
**********

Play Whack A Nerd. This way you can hit someone and you wont get into trouble.
**********

Background Noise
Guilty Conscience by Eminem w/ Dr. Dre

F*ck that! Do that sh*t!
Shoot that bitch!
Can you afford to blow this sh*t?!
Are you that rich?!
Why you give a f*ck if she dies?
Are you that bitch?
Do you really think she gives a f*ck
if you have kids?!

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Robbie: Hey! That's a typewriter! Now there is something you dont hear nowadays.
Me: Yeah, especially if you work for CBS News.
-- from a conversation at work.

Tower View
Nuff Said

From Cox And Forkum.
**********

Out In The Yard
60 Minutes is under fire for presenting memos on Bush supposedly typed in 1973, but were in fact computer generated. Seems that Dan Rather has followed the Michael Moore approach: "If you cant find the evidence, make it yourself."
**********

Fable comes out this week! Cant wait... Kung Fu... not strong enough...
**********

Bra padding gives a new meaning to take out. No comment from the Chinese Minister of Restaurants.
**********

Background Noise
Wonderwall by Oasis

And all the roads
We have to walk are winding...
And all the lights
That lead us there are blinding...
There are many things that I would
Like to say to you,
But I don't know how
Because maybe,
You're gonna be the one that saves me...
And after all
You're my wonderwall

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Jay Leno: So what is this picture we are looking at, Lance?
Lance Armstrong: Umm... This is a picture of a bunch of guys peeing, Jay.
-- from The Tonight Show

Tower View
Tis The Season
Its football season again!

I've been waiting impatiently over the summer, constantly playing NCAA Football 2005 and Madden 2005 in order to satisfy that football urge.

Along with the video games comes Fantasy Football season. For those that have never played Fantasy Football, this is when you and other players pretend you are NFL managers. You draft the players from the real NFL in attempt to create your own team. Then you take your team and play all the other teams as if it was a real football game. When the real players score points, you score points. The team that scores the most points wins the game.

My league consists of sixteen folks since we all work for the same company; 15 men and 1 woman. I had to throw that it since I know there are a few women who know about football.

The league commissioner, Robert, is a devout Democrat. When it came time for the managers to draft their teams, several of us gave him all kinds of hell. Not because some were Republican or such, but just because Robert can take it all in stride.

Blurbs would slip out like "So was Randy Moss in Cambodia in 68?", "I heard Jeff Garcia has a bad back. I think he is up for a Purple Heart", and "I have to pick Faulk. I want him for *cough* 4 more years *cough*".

I got my shot in. When the software Robert was using went slightly haywire I snickered "Look, the program isnt working, just like Kerry's campaign."

So after all was said and done, here is the team that I drafted.

Quarterbacks: Mark Brunell (Wash), Carson Palmer (Cinn)

Running Backs: Corey Dillion (NE), Rudi Johnson (Cinn), Eddie George (Dall)

Wide Receivers: Jimmy Smith (Jax), Reggie Wayne (Indi), Kevin Johnson (Balt)

Tight End: Jeremy shockey (NYG)

Kicker: Ryan Longwell (GB)

Defensive Player: Brian Russell (Minn)

Team Defense: Seattle

Its going to be a long season.
**********

Out In The Yard
Delta Airlines refuses to allow returning soldier to take seat of other passengers that gave up theirs for her. Shame on you, Delta. Southwest and Continental will enjoy my business.
**********

Michael Moore is a f**king moron. This is humourous, but dont play it too loud at work. Hat tip to Moorewatch.
**********

Evil Genius has been making quite an impression. The demo is available so give it a shot.
**********

Background Noise
Twilight Zone by Golden Earring

Help I'm stepping into the Twilight Zone...
The place is a madhouse...
Feels like being cloned...
My beacon's been moved
Under moon and star...
Where am I to go
Now that I've gone too far?

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Besides, when I read the list of people who are supporting Kerry, if I wasn't already a Bush supporter, I would have immediately switched. Linda Ronstadt? Don Henley? Geez, that's a good reason right there to vote for Bush. -- Alice Cooper

Tower View
The Rings To Mortal Men
Unlike alot of my contemporaries, I loved watching the Olympics. It feels strange not having it on at night or not watching it as soon as I get home from work. I know that this event doesnt hold the majesty that it once did, but I love watching the international competition. This is what the world is supposed to be like, being together in a (somewhat) peaceful environment.

I was impressed with the opening and ending ceremonies. The Chinese performances for the closing ceremonies were just a taste of what is to come in 2008.

The one thing that I noticed was during the ending festivities, the parade of nations wasnt as large as it was during the opening one. I guess the Phillipine delegation already ran away.
**********

Out In The Yard
Woman with last her $2 wins $18 million. Time to go to Vegas!
**********

Woman pepper sprays grocer for food. She really wanted his meat.
**********

Farscape:The Peacekeeper Wars comes out soon. I'm not a fan of the series, but I know plenty of other folks who are.
**********

Vengence came for the cake. At least he didnt give them a whiff of his Bat-gas.
**********

Hero has finally come out in the US! This is a Chinese period piece similiar to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon so dont watch it if you are expecting a no brainer action movie.
**********

Background Noise
Housequake by Prince

We got the baddest jam in the land
Everybody shut up...
Listen to the band...
Housequake!
Shut up already...
Damn...

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

What the? Did you just shoot at me with your eyes closed?! -- Detective Spooner from I, Robot

Tower View
Both Sides Of The Coin
Whenever someone asks me what I do for a living, I have to explain that I am a systems analyst with a specialities in data warehousing, data marts, business intelligence tools, and project management.

In English, that means I work with computers and data.

Whenever I talk about my work or computers in general, I try to keep the conversation as non-technical as possible. This is because not everyone knows all the little abbreviations that geeks like me tend to talk about. Almost everyone at one point or another has had to deal with a computer person practically speaking in tongues, especially when they need computer help.

Apparently, even we computer folks are not invunerable to this kind of thing.

Home networking is not forte, but I've been lucky enough to have my friends, Fury and Methos, help me set up a miniature newtork by linking my computers to a router, then to my cable modem.

For those that dont know what a router is, its a small box that lets you hook up multiple computers to it. Then this box would pass signals from your computers to the cable modem. This way they all can share the same modem.

Last week, when I couldnt connect to the Internet, the first thing that came to mind was that the modem went bad. After all, it was several years old.

When I called my cable company's technical support, the technician walked me thru several procedures. After a few minutes, he suggested that I exchange the old modem for a new one then to call them back to get it set up for the network.

After running down to one of their offices and exchanging modems, I hooked up the new device and called the technical support team again. A different tech responded, but once again, she walked me thru several steps.

Thirty minutes later we realized that the original modem was fine, but that both my router and network card had burned out. Before we could do anything else, a shopping trip was required.

The good part was that, according to this technician, I should be able to simply connect their modem to my new network router, turn everything off, and then turn everything back on. The connections would work automatically afterwards.

I believed the tech since Methos, who works for this company and specializes in networking, had told me the same thing a few weeks back.

So of course, it didnt work for me.

When I returned home with the new parts and got them set up, there was still no response from the modem. My computer could see the router and the modem could see the router, but the router would not let my computer talk to the modem.

This was going to require yet another call to the cable company's technical support.

This time, a technician named Pauline responded to my call. When I explained my problem to Pauline and asked what I was doing wrong, she told me "Remove the router. You dont need to to use it."

When I asked her how this was going to solve my problem, she simply replied "Your computer will be able to reach the Internet."

Well, duh.

I asked her how this was going to resolve my issue of connecting my multiple computers to the cable modem. Pauline told me "Just connect the wire from the modem to whichever computer you want to use for the Internet."

I almost blurted out Are you f**king kidding me?!

As calmly as I could, with my hands shaking slightly, I asked why I would do something like that. Pauline then tells me that her company doesnt handle routers and they dont support home networks.

So I said the first thing that came to my mind. "Let me get this straight. You are telling me that your company, which spends thousands of dollars promoting the home networking capability on television and on your website, which recommends the very same router I have here, does not support home networks."

"Oh no, sir. We just sell separate connections to people that want to use multiple computers."

The sentence almost came out again: Are you f**king kidding me?!

Needless to say, that call ended shortly afterwards. I know I should have gotten her manager right after that, but the sentence kept wanting to be screamed out.

Fortunately, Fury was able to help me get the connection working properly. After that I wrote a letter to the cable company praising the first 2 technicians and then recommending that Pauline be hung upside down by her toes.

Actually, I was abit kinder than that. I should have suggested beating her head in with the company manual.

That might have helped, but somehow I doubt it.
**********

Out In The Yard
Tyler wins the Gold in the Olympic Time Trial. Rah!
**********

Parody video from MoveOnPlease.Org takes a shot at Mooreon.. Have fun with this one!
**********

Here is the lazy man's sniper rifle from Barrett. I'm going to have to get me one of those...
**********

Background Noise
Stand Or Fall by The Fixx

Is this the value of high existance?
should we proclaim with such persistance?
Our destiny relies on conscience...
Red or blue,
Whats the difference?
Stand or fall...
state your peace tonight...

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

There are those days where I just crave that taste in my mouth. -- Patty at work, discussing spicy food. Right.

Tower View
Sarcasm Part 1
The prosecutor in the Kobe Bryant rape trial wants to delay the hearing. Apparently they dont feel they can get a fair trial now.

Gee I wonder why. The case has been blown open now. The accuser may actually have to testify about the fact she had sex with another man after her time with Kobe. That this event was so traumatic that she had to have sex again just to figure out it was a rape.

Either that or he was so bad that she had to compensate with another man...

So what else is there to do? Try to squeeze money out of the man if you cant prove the truth to twelve of your peers! I thought matters like these were never supposed to be about the money.

Who am I kidding? Of course it was about the money.

So on with the civil suit...
**********

Sarcasm Part 2
Is it me or is Walmart contributing to the death rate? I say this because every time I go inside that store, I always feel like I want to kill myself.

Twice I went there last week. Twice I felt my will to live just sucked right out of me.

Why is everyone in there always have LOTS of teeth missing and wear clothing with more holes than swiss cheese? And those are the employees.

The clientele range from those believing that bedroom slippers are appropriate footwear in public to those that may not to have bathed in over a week.

I know I'm a snob. I know that not every person that walks into Walmart is a backwoods, tobacco chewing, mullet wearing redneck. But its really hard to deny the fact that when every time I walk in there, I'm surrounded by these stereotypes.

This is what I get for trying to find an inexpensive backpack at 10p at night.

Just put me on suicide watch.
**********

Out In The Yard
Swordwielding thief shot by police. Never bring a sword to a gun fight.
**********

Two men engage in a "sword" fight at Home Depot. So where are the outraged people out to ban those deadly 2x4's?
**********

Man escapes police by drowning himself. He avoided jailtime, didnt he?
**********

Live Strong goes across the nation. Now I wont have to keep explaining why I have a yellow wristband to everyone.
**********

Background Noise
Who Knows by Avril Lavigne

Find yourself
Because I cant find you.
Be yourself.
Who are you?
Who knows what could happen.
Do what you do,
Just keep on laughing.
One thing's true,
There is always a brand new day...

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************