Thanks to Dave Barry, the Olympics are interesting again.
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Fantastic Contraption
Fantastic Contraption. I just wasted a whole morning of my life on this.
The I-Patriot Act
Internet Censorship is On it’s Way. Of course, there’s some speculation here, but it is commonly believed that an i-9/11 event is imminent. “These are clearly not the ravings of some paranoid cyber geek.”
Flobots — Handlebars
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Leeroy Jenkins
Leeroy Jenkins: The video was released by the World of Warcraft Alliance player guild “Pals for Life” on the Laughing Skull PvP realm. It features a group of players discussing a detailed battle strategy for an area known as the Blackrock Spire while one of their number, Ben Schultz, is away from his computer. Their plan is ruined when Ben Schultz returns and, ignorant of the strategy, immediately charges headlong into battle shouting a prolonged cry of “Leeroy Jenkins”. His subsequent actions ruin the meticulous plan and the encounter ends in failure for the group.
I can’t believe I never saw this video. Absolutely hilarious.
The Lebowski Theory Site
Lebowski Theory. Much respect for the people behind these ideas. It really made me think. The thought was, “WTF is this crap?!” Bowling is symbolic for a man controlling and using a woman to manipulate other men?! SRSLY? Hell. Maybe I’m misreading the essay. Maybe it’s just asserting that in the movie bowling was being used to symbolize this kind of male/female power play. In that case, sure, I can see how a movie might try to use bowling to make a point. But I don’t think that the game of bowling itself is in any way symbolic of anything.
Apple With Worms
Nik wrote a freakin’ sweet article on the absurdity that exists in how many Apple fans also claim to support open systems. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Apple is no different than Microsoft in philosophy. All the reasons that people point to Microsoft and say “They’re evil!” apply equally, if not moreso, to Apple. Interestingly, in the comments section on the article linked above, the best (and most common) reason to use Apple products is revealed in the very first comment when Chris W. said, “Ah, who cares. It’s an amazing product.” Me? I’m with Pink Floyd. I’d rather have a walk-on part in a war than a lead role in a cage.
Downtown Duck Hero
Downtown Duck Hero. I started tearing up when I read this. I’m such a sap when it comes to animals. Makes one wonder why I’m not a vegetarian.
Lifehacker Top 10: Top 10 Computer Annoyances and How to Fix Them
Top 10 Computer Annoyances and How to Fix Them. Good list. Mostly new ideas.
Real Life Li’l Brudder
The puppy born without front legs who uses toy wheels to get around. OMG! It’s Li’l Brudder! And here’s the link to the Strong Bad email featuring Li’l Brudder.
10 Things to Keep in Mind When Starting Out as a Freelancer
10 Things To Keep In Mind When Starting Out As A Freelancer. Written just for me (it seems).
America Accused of Stealing Constitution From Ukraine
America is accused of stealing constitution from Ukraine. And if this were the RIAA or MPAA, America would now be sued for everything it’s worth, regardless of the truth of the accusation.
My WoW Character
If you want to see my WoW character, check out The World of Warcraft Armory
Jim Manzi on Conservatives & Science on National Review Online
Jim Manzi on Conservatives & Science on National Review Online.
Serious scientists in fields dominated by integrated complexity are constantly trying to develop methods for testing hypotheses, but the absence of decisive experiments makes it much easier for groupthink to take hold. A much larger proportion of scientists self-identify as liberal than conservative, so when scientific questions of integrated complexity impinge on important political questions, the opportunities for unconscious bias are pretty obvious. Hasty conservative political pushback (e.g., “global warming is a hoax”) naturally creates further alienation between these politicians and scientists. The scientists then find political allies who have political reasons for accepting their conclusions; consequently, many conservatives come to see these scientists as pseudo-objective partisans. This sets up a vicious cycle. Unfortunately, that’s where we find ourselves now in far too many areas.
designersalaries.gif (GIF Image, 786×754 Pixels)
How much do designers make? More than a youth pastor, that’s for sure (actually, about double their salary on average).
How Freelancers Can Compete With Large Design Studios
How Freelancers Can Compete With Large Design Studios. Simple, better customer support.
Rands in Repose: One Lesson From a Night Elf
Rands In Repose: One Lesson from a Night Elf. Rands In Repose is one of the better-written nerd blogs I read and this is a somewhat older article I felt would be worth sharing now that I’ve developed a taste for WoW.
