September 3, 2008 at 2:42 pm · Filed under everything
I don’t know why this popped into my head today. Maybe it’s because I’ve uninstalled WoW at work and now my brain is searching for some other distraction, but I’ve always been interested in genealogy.
I remember when I was a kid, my dad had this hard bound case that contained this old and tattered book inside with the words ‘Holmes Genealogy’ pressed into the front cover. I also remember spending hours going through it and reading the names of my ancestors and making up stories - fabricated histories if you will - of the names I saw. It was better than any book I read. Where is this book now? Sadly, I don’t know. It’s been misplaced from all the moves and all the years. Maybe my parents have it tucked away somewhere, maybe it’s in an old bookstore or maybe it’s just plain lost.
Well, this little thought bubble prompted me to use the google to search for ‘create your family tree’, and lo and behold, I stumbled on this site: Geni
It really is amazing how much I remembered when I was punching in the names of my family. I was lost in whirring of stories and memories as entered each individual name into their easy to use tree maker.
It was great.
There is also an obvious feature to add email addresses to each entry you make with the option of auto sending an email to each person. So, naturally, I entered the email addresses that I knew and now I’m anxiously awaiting to see if anyone bites.
I think this is a very neat new toy. I hope ‘the fam’ bite and that I can see my tree expanding.
September 2, 2008 at 10:06 am · Filed under everything
Well, a little earlier in the year - about a month ago - I was contacted by matchstick.ca and chatthreads.com to be one of the 300 canadians to test drive an 8gb Zune. Naturally, I said ‘OK’ and as promised, I received the Zune to my door! All i had to do - if I wanted to - was write something about it. Sooo, I’ve gotten of my lazy ass and here we go.
The Zune: an 8GB, super thin, easy to use media device. K, I’m done…
Premium Headphones - and let me tell you, they are premium;
Case, extra earbuds for the headphones;
A/C adapter;
USB cable;
A link to download the software.
So, the first thing I noticed - and was very impressed with - was the size of the unit. Super thin. In fact, I thought I was going to break it when I pulled it out of the box, but it has proven to be a very durable little unit.
Second - but #1 most favorite thing - the premium headphones. Can I just add that I’ve been looking for earbud style headphones with good sound for a long time and have settled on SkullCandy earbuds. The SkullCandy’s were much better than my standard iPod earbuds (which suck my balls) but didn’t really have the fantastic sound quality that the Zune premium earbuds had. Fantastic I say! They’re comfortable, have great sound quality and have amazed me time and time again with this magical no tangle feature on them. Needless to say, I love them.
The software. I like it. It’s very flashy and easy to use, unlike the clunky, restrictive iTunes. The only real issue I had was with adding podcasts to the Zune. It was a little tricky, but I eventually got most of the ones that I like to listen to onto my Zune.
All in all, I’ve really enjoyed my use of the Zune. I’ve recommended it to a fair amount of people who have asked me about it.
What’s next….
more software reports, Zune to Zune, the social aspect of the Zune and Zune vs my iPod.
verb (used with object) - to make slow; delay the development or progress of (an action, process, etc.); hinder or impede.
verb (used without object) - to be delayed.
noun - a slowing down, diminution, or hindrance, as in a machine.
Slang: Disparaging. (a) a mentally retarded person. (b) a person who is stupid, obtuse, or ineffective in some way: a hopeless social retard.
Automotive, Machinery. an adjustment made in the setting of the distributor of an internal-combustion engine so that the spark for ignition in each cylinder is generated later in the cycle.
I’m getting sick and tired of people getting their panties in a bunch over the word retard.
Ah shit, now monkeys are going to come after me for my implication that only monkeys fart.
Anyways, my point being is that retard is only a word and of the 5 definitions listed above, only one definition applies…and it’s a slang version! It’s obvious that the bleeding hearts at the above organizations aren’t seeing the point of the movie for what it is. A satire on the film industry and just how seriously it takes itself.
Again, this is a clear cut case of this political correctness idiocy getting taken way too far. Or some bleeding heart with too much time on their hands…I actually vote for both.
I’m going to see the movie, and I’m probably going to laugh my retarded ass off. Anyone care to join me?
I’d like to say Good Job O.P.P. guys! I’m specifically talking about the ones on the commuter line from Hamilton to Toronto (Markham). Let me ’splain.
For those of you who don’t know, we have commuter lanes going through Mississauga and up the 404. These lanes are designated for vehicles with 2 or more passengers in them…or apparently for inconsiderate prick yuppies who think that the rules don’t apply to them. You’ve seen them…the singly occupied, road raged, impatient, Starbucks in one hand and cell phone in the other, cutting off 6 people so they can get into the commuter lane people? If you couldn’t tell, I don’t hold these guys in the highest regard.
It really grinds my gears when I see these people smugly driving by me as I’m stalled in traffic. It’s not because I’m stuck in traffic and they’re blowing by me. It’s because…no wait….it is that. But, over the last couple of months, I’ve felt great redemption in seeing those same Starbuck swilling retards pulled over by the O.P.P. It actually makes me so happy that I laugh out loud like a maniac as I drive by them when they’re pulled over.
So, to sum up this rant - Good Job O.P.P.! Everytime I see you guys pull over one of those impatient jerk-offs, just let it be known that you’ve made my day.
So, the buzz around the interweb is that Ford is handing out Ford Focus’s to test drive. I’m wondering why they haven’t asked me?? I don’t get it? I’m good looking, I’m young, I’m a bit of a gear ‘n gadget guy, I have a big commute in the morning, I’m good looking….ummm…
It must be my Ninja double life that worries them. I don’t think they want me to get my throwing stars stuck in the upholstery.
Please, someone get back to me and let me know why I’m being ignored! I’m starting to feel ignored! You won’t like a Ninja when he feels ignored!
Just in case I wasn’t clear: I want a Ford Focus to play with!!
June 23, 2008 at 10:25 am · Filed under everything
Another Icon of our time is down for the count. The socially charged loudmouth that I’ve grown to love is dead at 71. I can’t really think of another comedian that made me laugh the way he did, and at the same time made me think and ponder what was going on around this terrible planet of ours.
At 71, I think he had a pretty good run. George, wherever you are now, have a good one, and thanks for the laughs.
Finally! It’s been quite a while since I’ve been inspired to listen to a full album by one of today’s cookie cutter artists (think alexis on fire, et al), but I’ve recently acquired the latest Raconteurs album ‘Consolers of the Lonely’ and I must say - “Job well done boys!”.
It’s the first album in a long time that I’ve listened to from start to finish and actually enjoyed every track. It just makes me think that when the artists have their own creative freedom (which I’m hoping is the case here) that great music can again be achieved.
I had waves of Led Zeppelin, Queen, Black Crowes and of course The Raconteurs when I had the chance to absorb this album. Again, great job boys.
Last thing, I must mention is how super fly awesome I think their site is. Being a bit of an older school geek, I fell in love with the key press navigation. It reminded me of when I got to make my own choose your own adventure games in Basic when I was in high school. Oops, I think i just dated myself.
So, visit the site, download the album (off their site) and enjoy a great album.
April 30, 2008 at 9:10 am · Filed under everything
So, I’m listening to the Dean Blundell show this morning and they gave the public a quick overview of the suffering that is the Oil conglomerates. Here you go:
Now, I’m no analyst…not by any means, but I’m not too bad at math. Let’s say that $5 billion of BP and Shell is Canadian profit, same for Esso; the full 1.08 billion for Petro-Can and let’s say the same for ConocoPhillips (because I’ve never heard of them). $5B + $5B + $1.08B + $1.08B = $12.16 billion in Canadian revenues….give or take..for this quarter.
Now, my heart goes out the oil barons because according to Petro-Can their entire profit only comes from 2% of our ridiculous gas prices. So, $12.16 billion is their 2% cut of the gas prices. That’s how I’m evaluating it and here’s the pie chart to prove it! (note: heavy sarcasm due to lack of sympathy)
35%. 35% is what Petro-Can is claiming the government is taking in taxes. So, if my math is right, the Canadian Government is making 17.5 times more off the gas than the oil barons are. That would put the tax earnings for the Government of Canada at approximately $220 billion…for one quarter. If indeed one quarter means one quarter, the math would dictate that I should be able to multiply that $220B by 4 for annual gas tax raking for the Canadian Government… so let’s do that:
$220 billion x 4 = $880 billion
Huh.
That’s just on the gas taxes.
How do we factor in the >50% taxes that the Canadian Government takes from us every year? What other taxes…land transfer tax, GST, PST, Frack-me-in-the-ass-ST. I’m thinking that’s a whole pile of money our wonderful officials get to pull down each year. The part that completely baffles me is with this one piece of the pie, we are still getting reamed on our health care and education.
This is what I propose we do. Have you ever seen the movie Fight Club? Let’s bring everything back to Zero.
Thoughts: We’ve done it! We really have! Conrad, Robin, Zoe and I (special mention to Tim, Mike and Michelle)! We’ve done the 6 in one fell swoop! Pats on the back all around!!
I think this is definately my favorite. Green chicks, funky bands, Leah in a skimpy outfit…good shite. But, I’m tired and I’m going to bed…so alas, I will finish this another day. Thanks for tuning in yo!
Thoughts: at 8:30pm it appears that Zoe is examining the inside of her eyelids. Robin followed suit not too much longer. I’m not sure if they actually saw the end of Empire, but they are still troopers nonetheless. We’re almost done now, 1 left! Going into Jedi…I think that may be my favorite.
Giddy up! It’s been a long, long day, but very worth it. Good times!
So, the buzz around the interweb is that Ford is handing out Ford Focus’s to test drive. I’m wondering why they haven’t asked me?? I don’t get it? I’m good looking, I’m young, I’m a bit of a gear ‘n gadget guy, I have a big commute in the morning, I’m good looking….ummm… 
