The Red Rings of Death

And right on cue, just as the big GTA IV weekend was about to take place, my 360 decided to die. Brand new in March '07, the most failure-ridden console of all time...failed. While we were watching "A Bug's Life". Which doesn't stress the internal components like a game does.

Good job Microsoft. Love the games, hate the machine.




I would like to point out that my Dreamcast, purchased in 1999, is still running beautifully. As is my PS2, acquired way back in 2000. I need not point out the NES machines that are still running today.



So, off I go to the Postal Station to send in my unit for its replacement. You see, Microsoft has so much money that it is more efficient for them to send me a new (and guaranteed to fail) unit, than to fix it. Or to get it right when it comes off the line. Must be nice to be rich beyond the dreams of Warren Buffet.

At least I can say that the 360 lasted as long as my 20G Ipod photo. 18 months and kaput. And another $450 out the door. This is why I don't recommend tech stuff; I am obviously an idiot. Couldn't be them.

Fun With Photos: Part Eleventy Seven

I lieu of attempting a well-crafted commentary on the current elections in both Canada and the U.S., I thought I would fall back on a much simpler idea. Go to Flickr, type in a keyword, and choose the first downloadable picture. The results are not hilarious, nor are they indicative of anything.

In other words, perfect fodder for this blog.

Conservative



Liberal



Republican



Democratic



McCain


Here is a bonus comics reference for Senator McCain.


Obama



Stephen Harper



Stephane Dion



Jack Layton



Broccoli stew

Cross Country Truck Cam

I freely admit that I find this webcam mesmerizing. I suppose it brings back memories of cross-country trips with my parents. The fact that he is typing responses to people in his live chat is a little unsettling though.

If you happen to find this too exciting, causing you to reach for your pink pills, there is always the Atlantic Forestry Centre cam from beautiful Fredericton, NB. Where you almost literally watch the grass grow.

There is such a thing as not having a clue

Roger Ebert blogs satirically, and, holy fuck, a biologist doesn't get it!

PZ Myers, where the fuck have you been? Internet. Jokey. Some bad writing. You keep your bullshit filter running. When you bite, and the hook takes, you don't blame the fisherman. Besides, when I want a lesson in either satire or irony from a biologist instead of a professional writer...well, I am never going to want a lesson in writing from a biologist. PZ, you are to writing as Michael Jordan is to baseball. Back off your self importance for a few minutes and stop being such a cracker-fucking wacko.

I was going to mock some other bloggers about how they bought into this "Ebert is a creationist!", or "Ebert has been hacked!" meme without giving it a few hours to percolate (just SHRIEK at the top of your lungs to get a feel for the considered responses). But why bother as it will only get their Underoos in a twist. And who needs the drama? But if you need to be out in front of an "issue", you have to take the hit and be ready to eat some crow when you get the horns (now that be some ritin!). Sadly, most of them blame Ebert for their pwnage, and not their sanctimonious selves.

Of course, your opinion may differ.

Nobody Ever Told Me...

...That having children was going to result in a permanently injured wind pipe. One aggressive horsey ride and it is goodbye larynx.

You coulda warned a brother.

Line Of The Night

For this beaut, we have to go to Dancing With The Stars.

Apropos of contestant Kim Kardashian, judge Bruno said:

"(you have) a treasure trove that everybody would want to explore.
But you have to make it more available."

If you haven't spit out your coffee, I give you the NSFW Kim Kardashian.

I know, I know, this is but mental cotton candy. But it keeps my stress level low.

Road Trip, 1974 Style

"Fully loaded 400 V-8 with A/C, cruise control, pwr steering, pwr disc brakes, AM-FM stereo radio, electric windows and pwr door locks, dual side remote mirrors. Cargo rack and air dam, six passenger, imitation lthr seating, lower rear cargo storage area in lieu of third rear seat."

Yup. No baby/child seats. No seat belts. No idea how badly injured we could have been. And a beer cozy for the "traveller".

Our parents are lucky we don't sue their asses.

Ahh, who am I kidding. It was a sweet ride.

One Year In Suburbia

One whole year in the midst of real live urban life. What have I learned?

Turns out this is how I see some neighbours.



And this is how they see me.




Now excuse me whilst I go and yell at some high-school kids who walked near my house.

Great Moments In Failed Negotiations

Don't trust the duck.

What, Me Worry?

If you're Thomas Montag, trading division head of Merrill Lynch, how are you going to spend your 76 million dollar buyout after riding Merrill Lynch into the ground?



Sweet.