Sunday, October 28, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
XMAS XMAS XMAS
I just found my greatest geek xmas gift.
The Wi-Fi Detector Shirt
"Here at ThinkGeek we're pretty lazy when it comes to technology. We expect our gadgets to do all the busywork while we focus on the high level important tasks like reading blogs. That's why we hate to have to crack open our laptops just to see if there is any wi-fi internet access about... and keychain wi-fi detectors, we would have to actually remove them from our pockets to look at them. But now thanks to the ingenious ThinkGeek robot monkeys you can display the current wi-fi signal strength to yourself and everyone around you with this stylish Wi-Fi Detector Shirt. The glowing bars on the front of the shirt dynamically change as the surrounding wi-fi signal strength fluctuates. Finally you can get the attention you deserve as others bow to you as their reverential wi-fi god, while geeky chicks swoon at your presence. You can thank us later."
The Wi-Fi Detector Shirt
"Here at ThinkGeek we're pretty lazy when it comes to technology. We expect our gadgets to do all the busywork while we focus on the high level important tasks like reading blogs. That's why we hate to have to crack open our laptops just to see if there is any wi-fi internet access about... and keychain wi-fi detectors, we would have to actually remove them from our pockets to look at them. But now thanks to the ingenious ThinkGeek robot monkeys you can display the current wi-fi signal strength to yourself and everyone around you with this stylish Wi-Fi Detector Shirt. The glowing bars on the front of the shirt dynamically change as the surrounding wi-fi signal strength fluctuates. Finally you can get the attention you deserve as others bow to you as their reverential wi-fi god, while geeky chicks swoon at your presence. You can thank us later."
Red Sox - World Series
Last night was game 1 of the world, at Fenway park. After much preamble and analysis the Red Sox smashed the pasties of the Colorado Rockies 13-1
I knew things were going to go Boston's way after the first inning where the Red Sox main man, Josh Beckett, pitched a strike out then the Sox' Pedroia led off the bottom of the first inning by belting a solo homer that cleared the Green Monster by inches. Pedroia became the second player in World Series history to lead off the first inning of Game 1 with a home run.
The Red Sox didn't stop there against Francis. Youkilis roped a double to right-center. With one out, Ramirez laced an RBI single to left. Drew stroked an RBI double.
Then the Red Sox broke it open with seven in the fifth.
Woo hoo, bring it on game 2.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
Losers Blame Referees
New Zealand's reaction to defeat by France was predictably - and by now familiarly - lugubrious. But sadness was animated by some waspish criticism of referee Wayne Barnes. The sin-binning of Luke McAlister and the forward pass in the build-up to the winning try by Yannick Jauzion provoked a storm of ref-bashing on all the outlets known to modern humankind.
It took a Kiwi to deal with the Kiwi outrage. 'Grow up,' said head of refereeing at the International Rugby Board, Paddy O'Brien.
O'Brien has been nothing but a success in the job. 'If you have a problem with referees, talk to us.' This has been his mantra from day one. 'Don't blaze away without knowing the full story.'
He has invited anyone who wishes to see the ways of elite referees to their workshops. Maybe I was brainwashed - there may be some proselytising in the new openness - but I left one such session at the Lensbury Club in London with two impressions. First, rugby is faster and more complicated than ever at the topmost level. Second, the refs could not work harder to keep their error-rate low.
New Zealand did not lose to France because of the forward pass. The momentum of the game had already swung. The All Blacks had started imperiously but France were on an irresistible surge.
No side plays the referee better than the All Blacks. The difference between cheating and realising faster than most what the referee will not notice at, say, the breakdown, is fine to the point of non-existent. And nobody reacts quicker to the interpretation of the hour than your rugby-playing New Zealander.
New Zealand, that is, make life as demanding for the rugby referee as they possibly can. They are looking for as much of an advantage from him as they are from their opponents. It is all part of their game. If referee Barnes missed in the blink of an eye a forward pass, it is all part of the circumstances they have created. So, get over it.
As for the sin-binning of McAlister it should be shown in future seminars of a perfect example of how subtle fouls - a check off the ball - can be as disruptive as a spear-tackle. McAlister was spotted. Excellent work by the referee.
It took a Kiwi to deal with the Kiwi outrage. 'Grow up,' said head of refereeing at the International Rugby Board, Paddy O'Brien.
O'Brien has been nothing but a success in the job. 'If you have a problem with referees, talk to us.' This has been his mantra from day one. 'Don't blaze away without knowing the full story.'
He has invited anyone who wishes to see the ways of elite referees to their workshops. Maybe I was brainwashed - there may be some proselytising in the new openness - but I left one such session at the Lensbury Club in London with two impressions. First, rugby is faster and more complicated than ever at the topmost level. Second, the refs could not work harder to keep their error-rate low.
New Zealand did not lose to France because of the forward pass. The momentum of the game had already swung. The All Blacks had started imperiously but France were on an irresistible surge.
No side plays the referee better than the All Blacks. The difference between cheating and realising faster than most what the referee will not notice at, say, the breakdown, is fine to the point of non-existent. And nobody reacts quicker to the interpretation of the hour than your rugby-playing New Zealander.
New Zealand, that is, make life as demanding for the rugby referee as they possibly can. They are looking for as much of an advantage from him as they are from their opponents. It is all part of their game. If referee Barnes missed in the blink of an eye a forward pass, it is all part of the circumstances they have created. So, get over it.
As for the sin-binning of McAlister it should be shown in future seminars of a perfect example of how subtle fouls - a check off the ball - can be as disruptive as a spear-tackle. McAlister was spotted. Excellent work by the referee.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Launchball
Launchball is a great little game from the Science Museum.
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/launchpad/launchball/
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Mature Rugby Team?
All Blacks coach Graham Henry mounted a stirring defence of his side's character after arriving back in Christchurch today.
He made a point of emphasising the development and maturity of the 30-man squad during a four year reign tarnished by last weekend's shock quarterfinal loss to France in Cardiff.
He was clearly unaware of the drama involving the All Blacks' leading try scorer, Doug Howlett.
Reports suggested Howlett was jumping on cars and a hotel room had also been trashed. The NZRU later confirmed that two cars parked in the hotel's car park were damaged in the incident.
Howlett was not among the 17 players who arrived back in New Zealand today after losing to France in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Police said a 29-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage to two vehicles outside the Hilton in London.
A Scotland Yard spokesman told NZPA the incident happened at 3am yesterday (3pm NZT).
The man was taken to the police station where he was later bailed, the spokesman said.
It was not known if he had been ordered to stay in the country as part of the bail conditions, but he was expected to report to Heathrow police at the end of the month.
Heh, Bad LOSERS?
http://stuff.co.nz/4232896a10.html
He made a point of emphasising the development and maturity of the 30-man squad during a four year reign tarnished by last weekend's shock quarterfinal loss to France in Cardiff.
He was clearly unaware of the drama involving the All Blacks' leading try scorer, Doug Howlett.
Reports suggested Howlett was jumping on cars and a hotel room had also been trashed. The NZRU later confirmed that two cars parked in the hotel's car park were damaged in the incident.
Howlett was not among the 17 players who arrived back in New Zealand today after losing to France in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Police said a 29-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage to two vehicles outside the Hilton in London.
A Scotland Yard spokesman told NZPA the incident happened at 3am yesterday (3pm NZT).
The man was taken to the police station where he was later bailed, the spokesman said.
It was not known if he had been ordered to stay in the country as part of the bail conditions, but he was expected to report to Heathrow police at the end of the month.
Heh, Bad LOSERS?
http://stuff.co.nz/4232896a10.html
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Question...
Q: What do you call 15 guys sitting around the TV watching the Rugby World Cup final?
A: The All Blacks
Courtesy of Marx Marx, and Spew Zealand for LOSING. Ahahahaha. Will this joke ever grow old?
A: The All Blacks
Courtesy of Marx Marx, and Spew Zealand for LOSING. Ahahahaha. Will this joke ever grow old?
Greatest Try of All-Time?
Watch the Barbarian run that results in the try. The guy who collects the ball from the Spew Zealand kick is none other than Phil Bennett - My second cousin.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Spew Zealand stunned by All Blacks' exit
Before:
During:
After:
"The All Blacks' dramatic early exit from the Rugby World Cup has sent shockwaves through rugby-obsessed New Zealand.
There were tears of disbelief among stunned Kiwi supporters as they watched France come from behind to beat the tournament hot favourites 20-18 in Cardiff."
From the BBC News website - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7032466.stm
What makes this story all the better is that the quarter-final elimination was the All Black's worst-ever World Cup performance
"Within minutes of the final whistle, New Zealand supporters were venting their disappointment and frustration through telephone texts and radio talkback.
Parents described children as inconsolable. Others talked of family or workmates reduced to tears."
Oh, oh, what makes it better than that is the referee was English, ahahahaha.
In an online poll by New Zealand's TV3 network, 55% of respondents blamed referee Barnes for the loss, but New Zealand's own Paddy O'Brien, who heads the International Rugby Board referee's panel, told TV3 that the loss could not be blamed on refereeing. He said, "We've got to remember that France played very, very well, and as a country I think we have got to grow up."
New Zealand radio commentator Murray Deaker was among those who blasted the All Blacks, claiming they lacked intelligence under pressure.
"Sadly, we are a dumb rugby nation," he said. "We don't play the big matches well. On the big occasions we choke."
In downtown Auckland, Cock & Bull Tavern duty manager Ric Togapuna watched in disbelief.
"The referee cost us the game," he said. "Heaps of French errors went unpunished."
Former All Black Stu Wilson believes the team wasted too many opportunities.
So there you have it, Spew Zealand LOST - the public blame it on the ref, but those in the know, i.e. the actual professionals, blame it on the immature team.
I guess there's one thing to come out of it - finally Spew Zealanders show emotion for something, anything.
During:
After:
"The All Blacks' dramatic early exit from the Rugby World Cup has sent shockwaves through rugby-obsessed New Zealand.
There were tears of disbelief among stunned Kiwi supporters as they watched France come from behind to beat the tournament hot favourites 20-18 in Cardiff."
From the BBC News website - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7032466.stm
What makes this story all the better is that the quarter-final elimination was the All Black's worst-ever World Cup performance
"Within minutes of the final whistle, New Zealand supporters were venting their disappointment and frustration through telephone texts and radio talkback.
Parents described children as inconsolable. Others talked of family or workmates reduced to tears."
Oh, oh, what makes it better than that is the referee was English, ahahahaha.
In an online poll by New Zealand's TV3 network, 55% of respondents blamed referee Barnes for the loss, but New Zealand's own Paddy O'Brien, who heads the International Rugby Board referee's panel, told TV3 that the loss could not be blamed on refereeing. He said, "We've got to remember that France played very, very well, and as a country I think we have got to grow up."
New Zealand radio commentator Murray Deaker was among those who blasted the All Blacks, claiming they lacked intelligence under pressure.
"Sadly, we are a dumb rugby nation," he said. "We don't play the big matches well. On the big occasions we choke."
In downtown Auckland, Cock & Bull Tavern duty manager Ric Togapuna watched in disbelief.
"The referee cost us the game," he said. "Heaps of French errors went unpunished."
Former All Black Stu Wilson believes the team wasted too many opportunities.
So there you have it, Spew Zealand LOST - the public blame it on the ref, but those in the know, i.e. the actual professionals, blame it on the immature team.
I guess there's one thing to come out of it - finally Spew Zealanders show emotion for something, anything.
So Macs are More Reliable huh?
Apple's new iMac has been plagued by random—but reproducible for some—freezing issues, and it appears that the ATI Radeon HD graphics card and its drivers could be to blame. According to users participating in official Apple support discussions (here and here), the iMac continues to run during the freeze, but users are unable to control the programs with mouse clicks or keyboard commands without rebooting. Apple is apparently aware of the issue, but at this point, no official fix has been released. Some users have even reported that the latest round of video driver updates have made the problem worse.
Full story at Gizmodo
Full story at Gizmodo
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Thanks NZ - Thanks for the Karma
I really have to thank both spew zealand tonight for adding a healthy dose of karma to an otherwise exciting saturday evening.
I really wish I could convey via a text message just how much I am laughing.
(o:
I really wish I could convey via a text message just how much I am laughing.
(o:
France 20 - NZ 18
AHHHHHHH YEAH!!!
FRANCE just beat spew zealand to knock them out of the Rugby World Cup and advance to the semi-final stage where they will play England next Saturday 13th October.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7030471.stm
FRANCE winners
spew zealand - LOSERS!
Did I mention that the 'scary-mary' all blacks are LOSERS?
Even the little disco-dance they do before the match couldn't save them.
FRANCE just beat spew zealand to knock them out of the Rugby World Cup and advance to the semi-final stage where they will play England next Saturday 13th October.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7030471.stm
FRANCE winners
spew zealand - LOSERS!
Did I mention that the 'scary-mary' all blacks are LOSERS?
Even the little disco-dance they do before the match couldn't save them.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Giant spider moves to Thames
A giant spider took up residence on the banks of the River Thames on Wednesday, but Arachnophobes can relax -- it doesn't bite or even move.
The nine metre (30 feet) high and wide creature is made of bronze, stainless steel and marble and is the creation of renowned artist Louise Bourgeois.
Created in 1999 and named Maman in tribute to the artist's mother, its appearance outside the Tate Modern art gallery is the first time it has been on display outdoors in Britain.
The nine metre (30 feet) high and wide creature is made of bronze, stainless steel and marble and is the creation of renowned artist Louise Bourgeois.
Created in 1999 and named Maman in tribute to the artist's mother, its appearance outside the Tate Modern art gallery is the first time it has been on display outdoors in Britain.
The Elegant Universe
You can watch the Elegant Universe on the PBS website. Just in case you couldn't finish the book.
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