So, almost through the Euro cup now.
I'm excited for a sweet Germany/Spain final, after Spain's 3-0 thrashing of Russia.
I haven't decided who I'm rooting for yet, but leaning towards Spain.
Anyone in Toronto who isn't watching the Euro Cup should head down to the Pride Parade on Sunday. Absolutely one of the best parties in the city, even for us straight people.
Thats about it for me today, a bunch of new videos up in the past couple days, so check 'em out.
http://www.youtube.com/livefrommontreal
Nothing else until Monday, because I'm away this weekend.
Have a great weekend all.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Goodbye George Carlin
As many of you may have heard, George Carlin passed away yesterday.
Carlin wasn't just a comedian. He was probably one of the smartest and best sources of social commentary that I can think of. His routines tended to be profane, but that was partly the point. Just watch "7 Words You Can't Say On TV" and you'll see my point. His jokes ranged on topics from current events to euphemisms, religion to social ills.
I know I'll miss Carlin, especially with so many younger comics who, frankly, are just stupid. They go for cheap laughs that don't have any staying value. I can watch Carlin's stuff from decades ago, and it's still hilarious. Let's see how many of today's comics are still funny in 30 years, or even how many can make it to 71 performing as a comedian. Carlin could make fun of anything, and even if you cringed at something he said, he managed to make his point. He uncovered the social stigmas under the attitudes that respond to his jokes.
"May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house."
Carlin wasn't just a comedian. He was probably one of the smartest and best sources of social commentary that I can think of. His routines tended to be profane, but that was partly the point. Just watch "7 Words You Can't Say On TV" and you'll see my point. His jokes ranged on topics from current events to euphemisms, religion to social ills.
I know I'll miss Carlin, especially with so many younger comics who, frankly, are just stupid. They go for cheap laughs that don't have any staying value. I can watch Carlin's stuff from decades ago, and it's still hilarious. Let's see how many of today's comics are still funny in 30 years, or even how many can make it to 71 performing as a comedian. Carlin could make fun of anything, and even if you cringed at something he said, he managed to make his point. He uncovered the social stigmas under the attitudes that respond to his jokes.
"May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house."
Sunday, June 22, 2008
The Russians are Coming!
Wow, so I'm pretty stunned by yesterday's Euro Cup match.
For those of you who don't know, it was Netherlands vs. Russia, in the quarter final.
After completely dominating their group, the Netherlands was pretty heavily favoured among the people I know who follow soccer.
And then Russia annihilated them. 3-1.
This is particularly embarrassing for myself and many of my friends, because we spent most of Friday afternoon saying Russia would lose.
To be fair, watching the Russians play, they completely deserved the win in that game, and their previous ones. Though it's weird, for some reason every vastly superior team the Russians have faced has played like Bhutan when they face Russia.
Conspiracy theorist soccer fans, start your engines.
Hope everyone had a good weekend. I should have a new video up tomorrow.
For those of you who don't know, it was Netherlands vs. Russia, in the quarter final.
After completely dominating their group, the Netherlands was pretty heavily favoured among the people I know who follow soccer.
And then Russia annihilated them. 3-1.
This is particularly embarrassing for myself and many of my friends, because we spent most of Friday afternoon saying Russia would lose.
To be fair, watching the Russians play, they completely deserved the win in that game, and their previous ones. Though it's weird, for some reason every vastly superior team the Russians have faced has played like Bhutan when they face Russia.
Conspiracy theorist soccer fans, start your engines.
Hope everyone had a good weekend. I should have a new video up tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
D(ownload)-Day is Here!
Typing out this entry on two brand new things. First a new Apple wired keyboard that I picked up today, because my previous generation wireless one crapped out on me one too many times. The last straw was when it stopped working in the middle of a COD4 match, and wouldn't reconnect to my computer, even after re-booting into OS X. Anyways, the new keyboard is fantastic, it's the one with the MacBook style keys, but the spacing seems better than on the MacBook, and it has a full set of function keys, and a number pad.
The second new thing is Firefox 3, which was released into the wild today.
I haven't had much time with it, but so far all is good. It feels much snappier than Firefox 2, and I like the new UI.
Anyways, enough of the nerd-speak for today. What's really news is that gay marriage is legal in California now, bringing that state into line with Canada, Spain, The Netherlands, Massachusetts, and another country I can't remember. Personally, I don't see the big deal some people make of gay marriage. I don't see how legitimizing homosexual relationships will take the meaning out of the relationships of my fellow heterosexuals. Western countries always claim that they don't discriminate based on many things, including sexual orientation, and yet the United States still doesn't allow openly gay people in their military, and 48/50 states don't allow gay marriage. It's well past time to move past saying we don't discriminate, and actually giving everyone an even playing field.
UPDATE 20/06/08:
Firefox3 still works quite well, though it seems not all of my bookmarks got transferred over.
Also, my NES plug-in isn't compatible with 3 yet.
Verdict: overall worth the upgrade (much better speed, nice new UI) but I'd keep #2 around just to make sure you don't lose a vital bookmark, or a handy plug-in.
The second new thing is Firefox 3, which was released into the wild today.
I haven't had much time with it, but so far all is good. It feels much snappier than Firefox 2, and I like the new UI.
Anyways, enough of the nerd-speak for today. What's really news is that gay marriage is legal in California now, bringing that state into line with Canada, Spain, The Netherlands, Massachusetts, and another country I can't remember. Personally, I don't see the big deal some people make of gay marriage. I don't see how legitimizing homosexual relationships will take the meaning out of the relationships of my fellow heterosexuals. Western countries always claim that they don't discriminate based on many things, including sexual orientation, and yet the United States still doesn't allow openly gay people in their military, and 48/50 states don't allow gay marriage. It's well past time to move past saying we don't discriminate, and actually giving everyone an even playing field.
UPDATE 20/06/08:
Firefox3 still works quite well, though it seems not all of my bookmarks got transferred over.
Also, my NES plug-in isn't compatible with 3 yet.
Verdict: overall worth the upgrade (much better speed, nice new UI) but I'd keep #2 around just to make sure you don't lose a vital bookmark, or a handy plug-in.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Facebook is Stalkier!
Well, Facebook just got even more creep-tastic.
It was already pretty bad, and then they added the whole "people you might know" thing.
That was weird enough, having them suggest I add friend's friends or siblings, but at least I knew OF most of the people it suggested to me. Then today, I was on the old stalker-net, and there was a name I didn't recognize in the "people you might know" part. We had exactly zero friends in common, and they were in the Spain network. A completely different continent.
Now I'm wondering if my name is turning up on people's newsfeeds in Qatar or something.
Anyways, apparently now I can creep on people I don't even know.
Sweet.
It was already pretty bad, and then they added the whole "people you might know" thing.
That was weird enough, having them suggest I add friend's friends or siblings, but at least I knew OF most of the people it suggested to me. Then today, I was on the old stalker-net, and there was a name I didn't recognize in the "people you might know" part. We had exactly zero friends in common, and they were in the Spain network. A completely different continent.
Now I'm wondering if my name is turning up on people's newsfeeds in Qatar or something.
Anyways, apparently now I can creep on people I don't even know.
Sweet.
Saturday Update
So, as most of you probably know by now, The Netherlands totally destroyed France yesterday in the Euro Cup. It was a massive 4-1 victory, and a fantastic game to watch. The Netherlands was weak through most of the first half, and saved many times by incredible goal-tending. However, in the second half, they completely dominated. Ribery was fantastic for France, but nobody else on the team really seemed into the game. Even Henry missed a whole bunch of shots that should have been goals.
Finally got a new full-length video up today. My only excuse for the delay is laziness. Check it out for my "People Who Annoy Me: Bike Path Edition".
The Incredible Hulk came out this weekend, and I'm pretty excited for it, I might go see it during the week.
It just occurred to me that my desk is horribly equiped. It is certainly bad when I reach for something to write a note with, and end up with an old lottery ticket, and a pencil crayon. Ugh. Desk cleaning time I guess.
Have a great weekend all.
Finally got a new full-length video up today. My only excuse for the delay is laziness. Check it out for my "People Who Annoy Me: Bike Path Edition".
The Incredible Hulk came out this weekend, and I'm pretty excited for it, I might go see it during the week.
It just occurred to me that my desk is horribly equiped. It is certainly bad when I reach for something to write a note with, and end up with an old lottery ticket, and a pencil crayon. Ugh. Desk cleaning time I guess.
Have a great weekend all.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Euro Cup '08!
Just the Euro Cup on my mind today, a couple of really sweet, surprising games.
I spent the first part of my afternoon watching Germany get absolutely destroyed by Croatia. Like most people I know, I was expecting Germany to either squeak a victory, or just plain run the show. Damn was I surprised, Germany looked like Italy did in the Italy/Netherlands game. The German team was completely disorganized, frustrated, and plain just kept screwing up. Certainly makes Group B a little more interesting.
Then the second game, with Austria somehow pulling a 92nd minute tie with Poland. The days games certainly did not go as expected.
Looking forward to tomorrow's games, especially the France/Netherlands game.
Hopefully I'll have a video up tomorrow, I know I've kind of been skimping this week.
I spent the first part of my afternoon watching Germany get absolutely destroyed by Croatia. Like most people I know, I was expecting Germany to either squeak a victory, or just plain run the show. Damn was I surprised, Germany looked like Italy did in the Italy/Netherlands game. The German team was completely disorganized, frustrated, and plain just kept screwing up. Certainly makes Group B a little more interesting.
Then the second game, with Austria somehow pulling a 92nd minute tie with Poland. The days games certainly did not go as expected.
Looking forward to tomorrow's games, especially the France/Netherlands game.
Hopefully I'll have a video up tomorrow, I know I've kind of been skimping this week.
Monday, June 9, 2008
The Second Coming is Here!
Well, I managed to get nice and sun burned this weekend. A job hazard of being pale I guess.
No video today because I was busy, but hopefully tomorrow, and certainly Wednesday.
Anyways, as all the Apple fans already know, the second coming of the Jesus-phone was announced today and, unlike Christianity's second coming, this one has a firm date. July 11.
Yes, the 3G iPhone was announced today, with a whole whack of new features, and at half the price of the O.G. iPhone. Will I be getting one? In short, I doubt it. While I would love one, I'm still not crazy about paying 200$ for a phone and, being in Canada, I can't see the plans for the iPhone being very affordable. Our cell contracts are pretty much muggings. That said, I do think it will sell quite well.
No video today because I was busy, but hopefully tomorrow, and certainly Wednesday.
Anyways, as all the Apple fans already know, the second coming of the Jesus-phone was announced today and, unlike Christianity's second coming, this one has a firm date. July 11.
Yes, the 3G iPhone was announced today, with a whole whack of new features, and at half the price of the O.G. iPhone. Will I be getting one? In short, I doubt it. While I would love one, I'm still not crazy about paying 200$ for a phone and, being in Canada, I can't see the plans for the iPhone being very affordable. Our cell contracts are pretty much muggings. That said, I do think it will sell quite well.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Please, No Clinton VP
Sorry this post is late, but I decided to enjoy the nice weather yesterday.
Anyways, here's why I don't think Clinton should be Obama's running mate. (Just for the record, I do think she should have an important role in the next administration, just not VP)
First of all, she's easy pickings for the Republican political attack machine, especially with all her mistakes and lies during the primary season.
Secondly, Obama is running on a platform of change and, except for being a woman, Clinton represents everything of the current American political system. She would be an anchor, keeping a movement for change from coming out of the past. She is very much an "establishment" candidate instead of a "change" candidate.
Moving on, everyone would know that Clinton REALLY wants to be President, and would be accepting a consolation prize. Obama would have to put a lot of effort into reminding everyone that he's in charge and not her. Adding to this would be the fact that Clinton is a very divisive character, I can almost guarantee that there would be rivalries and friction in the White House if she were to be Vice President.
My Pics for VP? Edwards or Richardson.
Anyways, here's why I don't think Clinton should be Obama's running mate. (Just for the record, I do think she should have an important role in the next administration, just not VP)
First of all, she's easy pickings for the Republican political attack machine, especially with all her mistakes and lies during the primary season.
Secondly, Obama is running on a platform of change and, except for being a woman, Clinton represents everything of the current American political system. She would be an anchor, keeping a movement for change from coming out of the past. She is very much an "establishment" candidate instead of a "change" candidate.
Moving on, everyone would know that Clinton REALLY wants to be President, and would be accepting a consolation prize. Obama would have to put a lot of effort into reminding everyone that he's in charge and not her. Adding to this would be the fact that Clinton is a very divisive character, I can almost guarantee that there would be rivalries and friction in the White House if she were to be Vice President.
My Pics for VP? Edwards or Richardson.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
No Graduation For You!
Well, in addition to my video yesterday, I also put up a video response to one of sxephil's videos. The issue in question is whether students at some high school should have been allowed to graduate. They were prevented from graduating because they wore t-shirts with the Rebel Flag on them at school.
I caught a little flack from some people over my response, where I stated that they should be allowed to graduate. In the video, I said that there shouldn't be an issue unless the shirt had something obscene on it, and someone pointed out that some people do think the Rebel Flag is obscene.
Personally, I don't think a high school administration does have or should have the authority to decide what is considered obscene. And even if schools were given that authority, preventing a student from graduating because you don't like what is on their t-shirt is absolutely rediculous. There are many other avenues the school can try. They can ask the students to change their shirts, send them home for the day, etc. It is a small, but important, abuse of power.
Besides, if a student feels more attachment to the Rebel Flag and the south than they do to the rest of the country and the American Flag, who can tell them that they're wrong? These students are being persecuted for their own personal and political beliefs.
And I don't even like the Rebel Flag. I am someone who associates it with slavery, but I don't have any ties to the south. The General Lee has a Rebel Flag on it. Unless the shirts had racist slogans on them, I don't think they should have been an issue.
I caught a little flack from some people over my response, where I stated that they should be allowed to graduate. In the video, I said that there shouldn't be an issue unless the shirt had something obscene on it, and someone pointed out that some people do think the Rebel Flag is obscene.
Personally, I don't think a high school administration does have or should have the authority to decide what is considered obscene. And even if schools were given that authority, preventing a student from graduating because you don't like what is on their t-shirt is absolutely rediculous. There are many other avenues the school can try. They can ask the students to change their shirts, send them home for the day, etc. It is a small, but important, abuse of power.
Besides, if a student feels more attachment to the Rebel Flag and the south than they do to the rest of the country and the American Flag, who can tell them that they're wrong? These students are being persecuted for their own personal and political beliefs.
And I don't even like the Rebel Flag. I am someone who associates it with slavery, but I don't have any ties to the south. The General Lee has a Rebel Flag on it. Unless the shirts had racist slogans on them, I don't think they should have been an issue.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Keep the DMCA South of the Border
Another video went up today.
The main part of it is me hating on the DMCA, I do make a mistake in the video though, where I say that Canada's government wants to update the DMCA. What I should have said is that the Canadian government wants to make our copywrite laws match the American DMCA. Oops.
Anyways, our copywrite laws are already considered to be better than the American ones, and they allow the purchaser a lot of fair use.
http://www.ccer.ca for more
The main part of it is me hating on the DMCA, I do make a mistake in the video though, where I say that Canada's government wants to update the DMCA. What I should have said is that the Canadian government wants to make our copywrite laws match the American DMCA. Oops.
Anyways, our copywrite laws are already considered to be better than the American ones, and they allow the purchaser a lot of fair use.
http://www.ccer.ca for more
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Nothing Interested Me Today
No video today, partly because I didn't really hear very much interesting news, but mainly because of laziness. Look for one sometime tomorrow.
Also, rumour has it that Hillary wants to be Obama's VP. I'll probably go into that tomorrow for a minute or two.
Also, for a whole bunch of celebrity mugshots, go to http://www.clumsycrooks.com/mugshots
Also, rumour has it that Hillary wants to be Obama's VP. I'll probably go into that tomorrow for a minute or two.
Also, for a whole bunch of celebrity mugshots, go to http://www.clumsycrooks.com/mugshots
Monday, June 2, 2008
National Accordion Recognition Month!
My fourth video went up today, it's my personal rant to Clinton supporters (the crazy ones, not the everyday ones). It's a little short because I was in a hurry, and it didn't turn out quite as angry sounding as I'd hoped, but I still thought it would be good to put up.
Also, it is now officially Accordion Recognition Month, so if you or someone you know plays the accordion, they are ridicule free until the end of June.
Also, all the best to Edward Kennedy, word is that his surgery today went very well. I wish him luck.
Also, it is now officially Accordion Recognition Month, so if you or someone you know plays the accordion, they are ridicule free until the end of June.
Also, all the best to Edward Kennedy, word is that his surgery today went very well. I wish him luck.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
2012: The End of the Internet
I just came across this video, and I thought I'd share it.
It's from a group of YouTube vloggers who are very into net neutrality, and I highly recommend it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2XPiqhN_Ns
Net neutrality is a very important issue to me, and it should be important to anyone who uses the internet on a regular basis.
Together, we can save the internet.
It's from a group of YouTube vloggers who are very into net neutrality, and I highly recommend it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2XPiqhN_Ns
Net neutrality is a very important issue to me, and it should be important to anyone who uses the internet on a regular basis.
Together, we can save the internet.
The Race is Over, Hillary
So the Democratic Rules and By-laws committee finished meeting, and decided to seat the Florida and Michigan delegates with a half vote each. Apparently Clinton supporters are still unhappy, saying its unfair to those voters.
Clinton agreed to the rules of the process to chose a Democrat candidate. Florida and Michigan willfully violated those rules. When it looked like she would be a shoo-in to be the presidential candidate, she supported having Florida and Michigan stripped of their delegate votes, and all her supporters on the committee that decided to do that voted to have Florida and Michigan stripped of their delegates.
Now, in an effort to appease Clinton supporters, the Democratic Party has moved the goalposts, and changed the rules.
I've said it before, and hopefully I won't have to say it again, but if Hillary wants to keep campaigning, she can go right ahead, but it's sleazy dealing to change the rules of a contest part way through. Sure the rules are archaic and bizarre, but they're the rules that all the other candidates had to play by.
This is not, as some have said, a conspiracy in the Democratic Party to get rid of the Clinton's influence (hell, both Hillary and Bill are superdelegates). This is the Democratic Party bending over backwards to try and appease them, without at the same time hijacking Obama's victory. The democrats know that Obama brought a lot of people into this race who might not have even bothered to vote otherwise.
I'm feeling I might have a similar rant in my next video.
Happy Sunday.
Oh, and just as an end note, any democrat who says they will vote for McCain if their preferred candidate loses is a moron.
Clinton agreed to the rules of the process to chose a Democrat candidate. Florida and Michigan willfully violated those rules. When it looked like she would be a shoo-in to be the presidential candidate, she supported having Florida and Michigan stripped of their delegate votes, and all her supporters on the committee that decided to do that voted to have Florida and Michigan stripped of their delegates.
Now, in an effort to appease Clinton supporters, the Democratic Party has moved the goalposts, and changed the rules.
I've said it before, and hopefully I won't have to say it again, but if Hillary wants to keep campaigning, she can go right ahead, but it's sleazy dealing to change the rules of a contest part way through. Sure the rules are archaic and bizarre, but they're the rules that all the other candidates had to play by.
This is not, as some have said, a conspiracy in the Democratic Party to get rid of the Clinton's influence (hell, both Hillary and Bill are superdelegates). This is the Democratic Party bending over backwards to try and appease them, without at the same time hijacking Obama's victory. The democrats know that Obama brought a lot of people into this race who might not have even bothered to vote otherwise.
I'm feeling I might have a similar rant in my next video.
Happy Sunday.
Oh, and just as an end note, any democrat who says they will vote for McCain if their preferred candidate loses is a moron.
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