So, for Father's day this year, my wife (and kids to a lesser extent) got me the new Kindle 2 from Amazon. If you really love to read, this is for you. Naturally, I love it.
She was torn between the Kindle and the Sony Reader. They're remarkably similar, but the Sony has a few more bells and whistles, but it's missing the 3G wireless capability of the Kindle. I would have been happy with either, I'm sure.
The kindle is cool because it has the ability to download a book without having to find a hotspot, or some other external network connection. Also, it has a built-in web browser and online dictionary that is really handy. It also has a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time... no wait, that's the Red Rider Air Rifle... Anyway, it's pretty Geektacular.
A buddy of mine found a couple of websites that have free downloads, mostly classical stuff, so I went ahead and grabbed a few dozen. Loading them to the Kindle was as simple as copying and pasting (the kindle attaches as a removable hard drive).
The only actual purchase I've made thus far is a subscription to Newsweek. It's only $1.49 a month and I can cancel at any time.
One final thing is this - you can download a sample (2 or 3 chapters) of pretty much anything to "try before you buy". When you get to the end of the sample, you're just one click away from purchasing the download (which only takes a minute or two).
I have to say, I'm really enjoying my new g-toy. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to go read my free download of Voltaire's Candide. Suck on that, chumps!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Camp Quality
Back from camp - tanned, rested and ready!
I do this thing every now and again where I volunteer as basically a camp counselor. It's a 5 day long camp and it's always a lot of fun. I believe the kids even have fun from time to time.
This year, I got a new camper. I missed the last couple of years due to my forced exile in Sidney, so the camper I used to have grew up and moved to Jakarta, I believe.
Anyway, my new kid is 16 and his name is Alex. He's a good kid - smart, and kind of a trouble-maker. I have no idear why they paired us up... weird.
Anyway, we spent most of the time at camp trying to get away with stuff without getting caught. We did pretty well most of the time, but the director was wise to our ways and caught us as often as not.
The best part for me was the rock wall. It was about 40 or 50 feet high (but looked like a couple hundred). I clambered up that thing like a well-oiled monkey in record time to the amazement of the other campers and staff. Ok, they were mostly bored just waiting for their own turn, but it was pretty impressive nonetheless.
My camper didn't care much for the wall, so opted for the zip line instead. From the ground, he looked really nervous. But, little did we know he was just planning his ride. He jumped off the ledge and immediately spun to an inverted cross position. This, naturally, delighted most of the kids and a lot of the adults, but not so much the director or the staff. Something about liability and the fact that the harness isn't designed to be used upside down since all the support is in the other direction.
Not surprisingly, an edict was immediately put out warning any other campers that a repeat performance would be considered a violation of the "rules". Bah!
It was really cool. You've never lived until you've vigorously sung ridiculous campfire songs at full volume surrounded by like-minded weirdos, while simultaneously licking the remnants of s'mores off your fingertips.
It was a very fulfilling experience and I encourage you to give it a try if you ever get the chance. If you can imagine me in shorts and a t-shirt unashamedly singing campfire songs, eating lunchroom chow and braving the great outdoors (ok, it was a dorm with showers, toilets and AC), then surely anyone can enjoy it.
I'm already planning the end-of-camp skit we'll do next year! Something about the periodic table and a bunch of mini-einsteins running around... ;-)
I do this thing every now and again where I volunteer as basically a camp counselor. It's a 5 day long camp and it's always a lot of fun. I believe the kids even have fun from time to time.
This year, I got a new camper. I missed the last couple of years due to my forced exile in Sidney, so the camper I used to have grew up and moved to Jakarta, I believe.
Anyway, my new kid is 16 and his name is Alex. He's a good kid - smart, and kind of a trouble-maker. I have no idear why they paired us up... weird.
Anyway, we spent most of the time at camp trying to get away with stuff without getting caught. We did pretty well most of the time, but the director was wise to our ways and caught us as often as not.
The best part for me was the rock wall. It was about 40 or 50 feet high (but looked like a couple hundred). I clambered up that thing like a well-oiled monkey in record time to the amazement of the other campers and staff. Ok, they were mostly bored just waiting for their own turn, but it was pretty impressive nonetheless.
My camper didn't care much for the wall, so opted for the zip line instead. From the ground, he looked really nervous. But, little did we know he was just planning his ride. He jumped off the ledge and immediately spun to an inverted cross position. This, naturally, delighted most of the kids and a lot of the adults, but not so much the director or the staff. Something about liability and the fact that the harness isn't designed to be used upside down since all the support is in the other direction.
Not surprisingly, an edict was immediately put out warning any other campers that a repeat performance would be considered a violation of the "rules". Bah!
It was really cool. You've never lived until you've vigorously sung ridiculous campfire songs at full volume surrounded by like-minded weirdos, while simultaneously licking the remnants of s'mores off your fingertips.
It was a very fulfilling experience and I encourage you to give it a try if you ever get the chance. If you can imagine me in shorts and a t-shirt unashamedly singing campfire songs, eating lunchroom chow and braving the great outdoors (ok, it was a dorm with showers, toilets and AC), then surely anyone can enjoy it.
I'm already planning the end-of-camp skit we'll do next year! Something about the periodic table and a bunch of mini-einsteins running around... ;-)
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Fucktards on Jeopardy
One thing I really can't stand is Computer Geeks on TV who continue to perpetrate the stereotype. For instance, there were two geeks on Jeopardy recently who went way out of their way to be complete and utter douche bags.
Actually, one of these fucknuts had been on the show a couple of days as the returning champion. He cited his shiny, maybe-leather jacket for his success. He had some kind of really long, triangular-ish beard/goatee thing hanging off his chin (perfectly symmetrical, I might add) that lent an air of otherworldly mystique to his already super-cool image. Of course, this is all in addition to the receding-hairline-yet-still-wearing-a-ponytail sexiness he was pulling off. Truly, a complete and utter tool.
The other fuckwheel (my own word, by the way, thank you very much) was new to the show, but no less retarded. He wore a charcoal grey suit with a black silk-ish shirt and some kind of bizarre blue and black tie that I'm sure glowed under a black-light. To add to this visual delight, he shaved his head bald, affected a frightening, probably-a-Satanist glare, and a fu-man-chu mustache thing that only the most awesome system administrators could even consider trying to master.
If the first guy was a tool, this guy was a whole ratchet set. They both should have been doused in kerosene a set ablaze, if not for my immediate entertainment, then at least to help cleanse the gene-pool a bit.
I get it that you really only get one chance to make a statement on national television, but was that really the statement these assholes-in-a-hat wanted to make? "Hah! Who's laughing now, quarterback of the football team who used to beat me up and shove me into my own locker twice a week??"
People just sicken me...
Of course, tomorrow night is the first actual competition night for SYTYCD. The top 20 will be paired randomly (with maybe just a little help from the producers) and try to avoid becoming the first to be eliminated.
I'm only a little excited... tee hee. ;-)
p.s. Thanks for sticking in there, Fred!
Actually, one of these fucknuts had been on the show a couple of days as the returning champion. He cited his shiny, maybe-leather jacket for his success. He had some kind of really long, triangular-ish beard/goatee thing hanging off his chin (perfectly symmetrical, I might add) that lent an air of otherworldly mystique to his already super-cool image. Of course, this is all in addition to the receding-hairline-yet-still-wearing-a-ponytail sexiness he was pulling off. Truly, a complete and utter tool.
The other fuckwheel (my own word, by the way, thank you very much) was new to the show, but no less retarded. He wore a charcoal grey suit with a black silk-ish shirt and some kind of bizarre blue and black tie that I'm sure glowed under a black-light. To add to this visual delight, he shaved his head bald, affected a frightening, probably-a-Satanist glare, and a fu-man-chu mustache thing that only the most awesome system administrators could even consider trying to master.
If the first guy was a tool, this guy was a whole ratchet set. They both should have been doused in kerosene a set ablaze, if not for my immediate entertainment, then at least to help cleanse the gene-pool a bit.
I get it that you really only get one chance to make a statement on national television, but was that really the statement these assholes-in-a-hat wanted to make? "Hah! Who's laughing now, quarterback of the football team who used to beat me up and shove me into my own locker twice a week??"
People just sicken me...
Of course, tomorrow night is the first actual competition night for SYTYCD. The top 20 will be paired randomly (with maybe just a little help from the producers) and try to avoid becoming the first to be eliminated.
I'm only a little excited... tee hee. ;-)
p.s. Thanks for sticking in there, Fred!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Revealed! I am a Buddhist!
Ok, I'm not a buddhist in the traditional sense. Rather, like the Buddha himself, I try to comprehend the Four Noble Truths and follow the Eightfold Path.
The Path is really just a guideline for living and has very little to do with the afterlife, etc. Basically, it's the golden rule plus some good common sense: Treat everyone the way you want to be treated and take everything in moderation. Also, endeavour to become both aware and self-aware.
Clearly, I'm paraphrasing here. The Buddha was little more than a wise man who begged his followers not to make a religion out of his teachings. After he died, his followers said, "Hey, let's make a religion out of his teachings." And, so they did.
Idiots, these people.
The Buddha posited Four Noble Truths:
1. Life means suffering.
2. The origin of suffering is attachment.
3. The cessation of suffering is attainable.
4. There is a path to the cessation of suffering - namely, the Eightfold Path.
So, here's a breakdown of the actual Eightfold Path:
(The first two relate to Wisdom)
- Right View: To see and understand things are they actually are.
- Right Intention: A commitment to ethical and mental self-improvement.
(The next three refer to Ethical Conduct)
- Right Speech: Words can break or save lives, make enemies or friends, start war or create peace.
- Right Action: Refers to deeds that involve bodily actions. Don't kill, don't steal, etc.
- Right Livelihood: One should earn one's living in a righteous way and that wealth should be gained legally and peacefully.
(The last three relate to Mental Development)
- Right Effort: Misguided effort distracts the mind from its task, and confusion will be the consequence.
- Right Mindfulness: The controlled and perfected faculty of cognition.
- Right Concentration: A state where all mental faculties are unified and directed onto one particular object.
There are some really good Buddha quotes, but if you've never studied the history of the Buddha (not Buddhism), they're probably not as interesting. For instance:
"Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity."
Few people realize that the Buddha was born a prince. He gave up his royal heritage for a life of asceticism . Eventually, that life of forced misery led to his enlightenment (or "awakening") after which he developed his own philosophy. It's a really interesting story...
So, there you have it. Now, back to SYTYCD! What a great night of dancing!! It was really sad watching people have their dreams smashed upon the rocks of reality, but the people who make it through the fire are going to be better for it. This season looks to be their best so far! The tall, blond gymnast is my early pick. She's ridiculously beautiful, graceful and limber, not to mention a fantastic lyrical/ballet dancer.
Tomorrow night is the final elimination to reveal the top 20 (10 guys and 10 girls). I can't wait to see if my girl makes it through!
The Path is really just a guideline for living and has very little to do with the afterlife, etc. Basically, it's the golden rule plus some good common sense: Treat everyone the way you want to be treated and take everything in moderation. Also, endeavour to become both aware and self-aware.
Clearly, I'm paraphrasing here. The Buddha was little more than a wise man who begged his followers not to make a religion out of his teachings. After he died, his followers said, "Hey, let's make a religion out of his teachings." And, so they did.
Idiots, these people.
The Buddha posited Four Noble Truths:
1. Life means suffering.
2. The origin of suffering is attachment.
3. The cessation of suffering is attainable.
4. There is a path to the cessation of suffering - namely, the Eightfold Path.
So, here's a breakdown of the actual Eightfold Path:
(The first two relate to Wisdom)
- Right View: To see and understand things are they actually are.
- Right Intention: A commitment to ethical and mental self-improvement.
(The next three refer to Ethical Conduct)
- Right Speech: Words can break or save lives, make enemies or friends, start war or create peace.
- Right Action: Refers to deeds that involve bodily actions. Don't kill, don't steal, etc.
- Right Livelihood: One should earn one's living in a righteous way and that wealth should be gained legally and peacefully.
(The last three relate to Mental Development)
- Right Effort: Misguided effort distracts the mind from its task, and confusion will be the consequence.
- Right Mindfulness: The controlled and perfected faculty of cognition.
- Right Concentration: A state where all mental faculties are unified and directed onto one particular object.
There are some really good Buddha quotes, but if you've never studied the history of the Buddha (not Buddhism), they're probably not as interesting. For instance:
"Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity."
Few people realize that the Buddha was born a prince. He gave up his royal heritage for a life of asceticism . Eventually, that life of forced misery led to his enlightenment (or "awakening") after which he developed his own philosophy. It's a really interesting story...
So, there you have it. Now, back to SYTYCD! What a great night of dancing!! It was really sad watching people have their dreams smashed upon the rocks of reality, but the people who make it through the fire are going to be better for it. This season looks to be their best so far! The tall, blond gymnast is my early pick. She's ridiculously beautiful, graceful and limber, not to mention a fantastic lyrical/ballet dancer.
Tomorrow night is the final elimination to reveal the top 20 (10 guys and 10 girls). I can't wait to see if my girl makes it through!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
WCWS - Final word
They call me "The Amazing Anthony". Not only did I predict the College Player of the Year (Danielle Lawrie), I also predicted that Washington would win the series. Who's got two thumbs and went 2 for 2 on his predictions? This guy!!
(It's better if you imagine I'm pointing my thumbs at myself...)
It was a pretty sloppy game in the first couple of innings, but Washington was able to hold onto a one-run lead to seal the deal.
Lawrie struck out the last batter with a high change-up. Everybody cheered, except for the losers, of course, who cried.
So, you won't have to hear me rambling on about any more stupid softball. From now on, it's strictly SYTYCD only!! Ok, maybe I'll throw in a little political humor from time to time, or some religious stuff every now and again, but other than that, nothing but good old non-gay dancing.
Here's a non sequitur for you: I hate it when people say heighth, instead of height. It ends in a T, not a TH. That kind of shit drives me crazy.
Also, have you ever noticed that most of the women who are against abortion are women you wouldn't want to fuck in the first place? Hmmm... just a thought.
(It's better if you imagine I'm pointing my thumbs at myself...)
It was a pretty sloppy game in the first couple of innings, but Washington was able to hold onto a one-run lead to seal the deal.
Lawrie struck out the last batter with a high change-up. Everybody cheered, except for the losers, of course, who cried.
So, you won't have to hear me rambling on about any more stupid softball. From now on, it's strictly SYTYCD only!! Ok, maybe I'll throw in a little political humor from time to time, or some religious stuff every now and again, but other than that, nothing but good old non-gay dancing.
Here's a non sequitur for you: I hate it when people say heighth, instead of height. It ends in a T, not a TH. That kind of shit drives me crazy.
Also, have you ever noticed that most of the women who are against abortion are women you wouldn't want to fuck in the first place? Hmmm... just a thought.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Women's College World Series - redux
What a fantastic game tonight! The team that I picked to take it all (#3 University of Washington) has just beaten the #1 team (Florida) 8-0. At least 2 (and possibly 3) runs were scored as a direct result of errors on the part of the losing team - henceforth to be referred to as "The Losers". Even if you subtract those runs, at worst it's a 5-0 game.
I'm especially jazzed because I also accurately predicted the College Player of the Year, who just happens to be Washington's star pitcher, Danielle Lawrie. She's one of the few (if not only) hitting pitchers who, incidentally, knocked in a grand slam home run last night in a devestating victory over Georgia. Most other pitchers don't even come to the plate, relying on Designated Players or pinch hitters instead.
Since it's a best of 3 series, it ain't over till the fat lady sings, so I'm not counting any chickens yet. But, I like their chances.
The championship series was supposed to have been a pitcher's duel, but "The Losers'" pitcher never really got into the game and was pulled in the 5th inning (not that it did any good). Her self-esteem has got to be at an all-time low, unlike Danielle Lawrie who's confidence level is somewhere between Lance Armstrong at his best and any army that's ever faced the French. Hmmm, I guess that's about the same thing.
The point is, if Washington can pull out just one more win in the next two nights, they'll be the WCWS Champions, and "The Losers" will have to fly home to rainy, nasty, overcast Florida and hang their heads low... in shame... because they lost...
I really hope they win tomorrow night, because I don't want to have to decide on Wednesday whether to watch the third and deciding game or my favorite show of all time, So You Think You Can Dance. That's a tough call for me to make...
More tomorrow! Maybe I'll talk about something other than softball or dancing... Not bloody likely, though!
I'm especially jazzed because I also accurately predicted the College Player of the Year, who just happens to be Washington's star pitcher, Danielle Lawrie. She's one of the few (if not only) hitting pitchers who, incidentally, knocked in a grand slam home run last night in a devestating victory over Georgia. Most other pitchers don't even come to the plate, relying on Designated Players or pinch hitters instead.
Since it's a best of 3 series, it ain't over till the fat lady sings, so I'm not counting any chickens yet. But, I like their chances.
The championship series was supposed to have been a pitcher's duel, but "The Losers'" pitcher never really got into the game and was pulled in the 5th inning (not that it did any good). Her self-esteem has got to be at an all-time low, unlike Danielle Lawrie who's confidence level is somewhere between Lance Armstrong at his best and any army that's ever faced the French. Hmmm, I guess that's about the same thing.
The point is, if Washington can pull out just one more win in the next two nights, they'll be the WCWS Champions, and "The Losers" will have to fly home to rainy, nasty, overcast Florida and hang their heads low... in shame... because they lost...
I really hope they win tomorrow night, because I don't want to have to decide on Wednesday whether to watch the third and deciding game or my favorite show of all time, So You Think You Can Dance. That's a tough call for me to make...
More tomorrow! Maybe I'll talk about something other than softball or dancing... Not bloody likely, though!
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