Ramblings of a Crowe

In Search of a Reliable Computer

I want a computer that works. One that suits my needs--which are few. I'm a casual user, checking my e-mail, blogging, downloading a few .avi clips and zip files a few times a week. I want a computer that won't die on me in a year, or even two. Every now and then I play around on Adobe Photoshop.

So I'm searching for a reliable computer and I'm feeling discouraged. I've had the low end e-Machine and I wouldn't recommend one to my grandmother's goat. I have an HP now, which is on its second hard drive and has visited the PC doctor twice now. We got the BSoD again the other day, even after a 500 dollar doctor bill almost a month ago. I've heard several people have had nothing but issues with their Dell computers, hardware failure and crappy customer service. Gateway seems cheezy...and Sony, who I love, seems to be smoking crack lately as a company.

I've been looking hard at a Mac, which I never thought I would. I'm on the fence about it as of right now. If I can't run an application that will allow me to play .avi formats or run a bit torrent client, I won't get one. I've been doing some reading, and it sounds as if it can be done, but not easily. This is my only hang up--that and Adobe Photoshop for Mac is a grand. *shudders*

A PC makes me feel safe, user wise. I could do with out the crappy Windows and all the malware, but at least I know the programs I want to run will work on my operating system. The question is, for how long?

For the time being, my slowly dying computer, with its brand new hard drive will peeter through. Hopefully I can find something that works for me, is built to last, and is reliable.

One can only dream...

So Sesshoumaru does have a heart...

Amazing...

A Video EVERYONE Should Watch

We live in a time of distrust and detachment. We're all guilty of it, walking by that person who seems to be in distress. We see without seeing, making bodies around us invisible. Not even a smile, hello, or an inquiry such as, "Are you ok?" How much do things like that cost us?

Nothing.

One man, standing in an airport one day, decided to do something about it. With a cardboard box and a marker, he found the busiest spot in Sydney. For fifteen minutes he stood there, a sign reading "Free Hugs" over his head. No one seemed to see him. But then someone stopped and told him of all days, today she needed a hug the most. So he hugged her. And when she left, she was smiling.

One man's generosity became a movement. People began to stop and hug him, each other. More signs came out. Then the police showed up and banned Free Hugs. 10,000 signatures later, hugging was reinstated.

So, watch this video and see how all it takes is one person to begin something great. It's not a lie, it's the truth. Then pass this on to the people you know. They might not rush out to hug strangers, but it will leave a smile on their face, and perhaps hope in their hearts.

More videos taken by others who picked up the campaign are found at the officeal Free Hug website.

I Have A Cold

I need a Remedy...

It's Mocking Me

Back to work.

The other day I was working on a project that required me to print many pages off of a data base I'd compiled. For three days, I'd done nothing but print papers and store them in binders. On the third day, I was finishing up my fourth binder when I noticed the printer seemed to be slowing down. I didn't think much of it, despite the fact that since I've returned full time to work, I've had nothing but computer trouble. I continued printing, then turned to my stack of already printed papers. As I thumbed through them, punching holes with that damn hole punch, I noticed that nearly all my pages in this particular stack were blank. All I could think was, "Oh shit." I started pulling out the blank pages, and when I did, I noticed that at the top of each page there was a tiny smiley face. Of course, this made me pause. My first reaction was, "What the hell?" That quickly shifted to a fleeting thought of "It's mocking me." Behind me, the printer kept printing...

Good-bye Fillers!

No, this picture is not upside down.

More Reviews From Stupid People

I love reading online reviews of stuff. Endless hours of great comedy. Last time I posted one of these, it was from some doofus who decided they didn't like a Japanese film because they couldn't understand Japanese on the DVD. I'll let you people put the pieces together on that one.

Today I was looking around at what other people thought of the TV series, The Sopranos. I've seen four episodes and I'm enjoying it, despite the claims that a show about Italians in the Italian Mafia somehow paint all Italians in a bad light. Isn't that sort of like saying shows about Hitler (oops, Godwin's Law) paint all Germans in a bad light? I'm still trying to figure that one out, but anyway...

So, over at Neflix, I stumbled on this gem from a PJB (which I read PB&J for some reason):

My wife and I had heard a lot about this series and noted that it also had a long run. We had to turn off the first episode before we had gone even 30 minutes due to the filthy language that started and kept appearing in most scenes. Anyone desiring to watch this needs to be warned. If I actually used language like this at work, even sporadically, I'd probably be fired.

I laughed out loud reading this. First, the Sopranos was made for HBO, an uncensored channel. Second, I don't recall Tony spending much time at work during the first episode. Most of the time he was passing out or subtly threatening his therapist while retelling stories of his aggravating uncle and even more infuriating mother. Third, this is a show about the Mob. While I can't be sure, I highly doubt mobsters run around saying things like, "Golly Gee, Uncle Tony! I meant to get rid of the body!" or "Now Mr. Jones, you're loan payment is three months over due. I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to shoot you in the head with this water pistol." Just...no.

I am disturbed though, that the reviewer seems more concerned about a few f-bombs than the severe beatings that occur in broad daylight, the torture, and the point blank murder. Is it just me, or is something wrong with this picture?

I Miss Spring

THEN

NOW

Stuff Added

I added a new guest map to the sidebar. Now you can stick a pin in the map and leave me a message.

Also, I may translate the Black Blood Brother novels. I haven't decided if I want to go through that much effort yet. If I do decide to go ahead (I have six novels), I'll probably post them here. We'll see. Considering I just started back to work, I'm going to be busy. However, I recently realized I'm watching a lot of TV these days while mindlessly clicking away on the internet with my free time. I came to the conclusion I should find something constructive to do...

Draw a House: Part 2!!!!

Today I got to looking through some old links and noticed the "Draw a House" clicky on my side bar. I'd totally forgotten about the street I set up last year. So, I went over there to take a look and was shocked to see so many houses. My little neighborhood is growing up *sniff*.

I was disturbed to discover my house had disappeared, and it looks like a few others as well. DR, your house isn't there...at least I don't think it is. LW, yours is, in all it's glory. What a beautiful picture. J's castle is standing strong too, but where is my sister and her husband's homes? *sigh* Vaude's puppy looks so sad. :(

So I drew myself a new house. It's number 45 on CrazyCrowe Butte.

So, my band of merry followers or disgusted watchers, lets draw houses again! Here's the link--> YEAH! DRAW A FRIGGEN HOUSE
and don't forget to to click save when you're done, or your house will be in house limbo. That ruins all the fun. So, go forth and draw!

Back to the Grindstone

Tomorrow I return to work full time. For the past six weeks I've been laid off, which is the norm for my line of work. Most of us in my office look forward to the break, all of us think it's necessary. Without our hiatus, we'd probably kill each other, or our customers, by August.

Big things are going on this year, so I expect to be busy (providing they don't can me like they did last January). I'm still worried about that, though my boss says I'm just gun shy. One thing I've learned working for a big corporation, never believe a word anyone tells you. Proof is in the pudding, so to speak. I'd like to believe I won't get the yo-yo effect going on again this year--most of you remember I was jobless for three months before my job called me back, offered me a raise, and set me to working 40-50 hours a week. Still, those three month were horrible. Finding a job was nearly impossible, even with my schooling and experience. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed things go smoothly this time around. I've been with this company almost 10 years, but in the corporate world that doesn't amount to much.

I'm back in school, still studying my Japanese. I'll finish up my first year (of formal classes) at the end of Spring. After that, I have some decisions to make. Do I find a way to keep up my learning of the language (what my heart says to do), or do I give it up and just finish up my BA in DTC? 分からない--I don't know. If there was a way I could continue to study the Japanese language without moving away from my job, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, the only language people think is important in this town is Spanish. Though that annoys the hell out of me, it is reasonable. We don't have many Japanese people around these parts, and Spanish is everywhere. Then again, I'm of the mind that they should probably learn to communicate with me, not the other way around, so I doubt I'll ever be compelled to take a Spanish class again. *shrug*

So, what to do? I'll figure it out. If I can't take classes in Japanese after my first year is up, I'll continue to self study (which I've been doing for over 2 years already) while working on my DTC degree. Maybe I can work out a way to minor in the language under my Bachelors. Never hurts to ask.

That said, the kiddo turned 12 the other day. Makes me feel old.

I decided to make a list of things I've always wanted to do and hang it up. A check off sheet, if you will. I'm going to attempt to do the things on that list. So far, I have two accomplishments completed, which makes me happy. It's sort of fulfilling to do something you've always talked about, isn't it? Maybe dreams aren't always so far away...

Anyway, I'm thinking of maybe conning my sister into a few escapades. *laughs* I don't mind doing things on my own, but having another person to drag along is always fun too. Right, sis? Ha ha~

The Only Good Thing to Come From Naruto Fillers

Yura Yura by Hearts Grow:

And for fun, lets look at the difference between a Japanese opening theme (above) and a US version opener (below) of the same show!

Thankfully, though the US producers still feel compelled to mess around with the animated scenes of the openers, they've at least started using the Japanese tracks and have dropped that nasty DBZ theme crap. Maybe they're learning that American kids aren't as xenophobic as their grown-up counterparts and might actually enjoy a song that's not in English?

There is hope.

A thanks to the people on You Tube who share these videos.

I'm "loosing" my mind here!

So much for loosing him in the crowd.

For the love of God and all things holy--unless someone has turned a tiger into the crowd, it is LOSING not loosing!

Why is the difference between these two words so hard for millions of people to understand? They mean completely different things! Here, I'll help everyone out:

lose /luz/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[looz] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, lost, los·ing.
–verb (used with object)
1. to come to be without (something in one's possession or care), through accident, theft, etc., so that there is little or no prospect of recovery: I'm sure I've merely misplaced my hat, not lost it.
2. to fail inadvertently to retain (something) in such a way that it cannot be immediately recovered: I just lost a dime under this sofa.
3. to suffer the deprivation of: to lose one's job; to lose one's life.
4. to be bereaved of by death: to lose a sister.
5. to fail to keep, preserve, or maintain: to lose one's balance; to lose one's figure.
6. (of a clock or watch) to run slower by: The watch loses three minutes a day.
7. to give up; forfeit the possession of: to lose a fortune at the gaming table.
8. to get rid of: to lose one's fear of the dark; to lose weight.
9. to bring to destruction or ruin (usually used passively): Ship and crew were lost.
10. to condemn to hell; damn.
11. to have slip from sight, hearing, attention, etc.: to lose him in the crowd.
12. to stray from or become ignorant of (one's way, directions, etc.): to lose one's bearings.
13. to leave far behind in a pursuit, race, etc.; outstrip: She managed to lose the other runners on the final lap of the race.
14. to use to no purpose; waste: to lose time in waiting.
15. to fail to have, get, catch, etc.; miss: to lose a bargain.
16. to fail to win (a prize, stake, etc.): to lose a bet.
17. to be defeated in (a game, lawsuit, battle, etc.): He has lost very few cases in his career as a lawyer.
18. to cause the loss of: The delay lost the battle for them.
19. to let (oneself) go astray, miss the way, etc.: We lost ourselves in the woods.
20. to allow (oneself) to become absorbed or engrossed in something and oblivious to all else: I had lost myself in thought.
21. (of a physician) to fail to preserve the life of (a patient).
22. (of a woman) to fail to be delivered of (a live baby) because of miscarriage, complications in childbirth, etc.
–verb (used without object)
23. to suffer loss: to lose on a contract.
24. to suffer defeat or fail to win, as in a contest, race, or game: We played well, but we lost.
25. to depreciate in effectiveness or in some other essential quality: a classic that loses in translation.
26. (of a clock, watch, etc.) to run slow.

loose /lus/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[loos] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation adjective, loos·er, loos·est, adverb, verb loosed, loos·ing.
–adjective
1. free or released from fastening or attachment: a loose end.
2. free from anything that binds or restrains; unfettered: loose cats prowling around in alleyways at night.
3. uncombined, as a chemical element.
4. not bound together: to wear one's hair loose.
5. not put up in a package or other container: loose mushrooms.
6. available for disposal; unused; unappropriated: loose funds.
7. lacking in reticence or power of restraint: a loose tongue.
8. lax, as the bowels.
9. lacking moral restraint or integrity; notorious for his loose character.
10. sexually promiscuous or immoral; unchaste.
11. not firm, taut, or rigid: a loose tooth; a loose rein.
12. relaxed or limber in nature: He runs with a loose, open stride.
13. not fitting closely or tightly: a loose sweater.
14. not close or compact in structure or arrangement; having spaces between the parts; open: a loose weave.
15. having few restraining factors between associated constituents and allowing ample freedom for independent action: a loose federation of city-states.
16. not cohering: loose sand.
17. not strict, exact, or precise: a loose interpretation of the law.
18. Sports.
a. having the players on a team positioned at fairly wide intervals, as in a football formation.
b. (of a ball, hockey puck, etc.) not in the possession of either team; out of player control.
–adverb
19. in a loose manner; loosely (usually used in combination): loose-flowing.
–verb (used with object)
20. to let loose; free from bonds or restraint.
21. to release, as from constraint, obligation, or penalty.
22. Chiefly Nautical. to set free from fastening or attachment: to loose a boat from its moorings.
23. to unfasten, undo, or untie, as a bond, fetter, or knot.
24. to shoot; discharge; let fly: to loose missiles at the invaders.
25. to make less tight; slacken or relax.
26. to render less firmly fixed; lessen an attachment; loosen.
–verb (used without object)
27. to let go a hold.
28. to hoist anchor; get under way.
29. to shoot or let fly an arrow, bullet, etc. (often fol. by off): to loose off at a flock of ducks.
30. Obsolete. to become loose; loosen.
—Idioms
31. break loose, to free oneself; escape: The convicts broke loose.
32. cast loose,
a. to loosen or unfasten, as a ship from a mooring.
b. to send forth; set adrift or free: He was cast loose at an early age to make his own way in the world.
33. cut loose,
a. to release from domination or control.
b. to become free, independent, etc.
c. to revel without restraint: After the rodeo they headed into town to cut loose.
34. hang or stay loose, Slang. to remain relaxed and unperturbed.
35. let loose,
a. to free or become free.
b. to yield; give way: The guardrail let loose and we very nearly plunged over the edge.
36. on the loose,
a. free; unconfined, as, esp., an escaped convict or circus animal.
b. behaving in an unrestrained or dissolute way: a bachelor on the loose.
37. turn loose, to release or free, as from confinement: The teacher turned the children loose after the class.

Get it now? Understand?

Next time I'll scream about the misuse of then and than. *shudders*

Bleach is Back on Track

The fillers are over! Now the story resumes it's regular storyline, starting with episode 110.

110. Resuming the Substitute Business! The Terrifying Transfer Student
Daikou Gyou Saikai! Kyoufu no Tenkousei 「代行業再開！恐怖の転校生」

111. Shock! The Fathers' True Identity
Kyougaku! Oyajitachi no Shoutai 「驚愕！親父達の正体」

112. The Commencement of War, Vizard and Arrancar
Tatakai no Hajimari, Vaizaado to Arankaru 「戦いの始まり、仮面の軍勢と破面」

113. Prelude to the Apocalypse, The Arrancar Offensive
Sekai Houkai he no Jokyoku, Arankaru Shuurai 「世界崩壊への序曲、アランカル襲来！」

114. Ichigo and Rukia Reunite
Saikai, Ichigo to Rukia 「再会、一護とルキア」

Guess who?

Sworn In

Keith Ellison was sworn into the House of Representatives while placing his hand on Thomas Edison's copy of the Quran on Thursday. When he first revealed his intentions, he came under fire and was accused of 'threatening American values' when he refused to use the Bible at his ceremony--because, you know, all Americans value the word of the Bible and stuff.

I think Ellison's mother has the right idea:

Ellison's mother, Clida Ellison, said in an interview that she thought any controversy over her son's choice was good, "because many people in America are going to learn what the diversity of America is all about."

Tigger Getting Sued

Tigger punches kid, now he's getting sued. Is it just me, or does that video look like the kid is leaping on Tigger?

Fundie Dinos

The Christian Answers site is full of endless entertainment, allowing a person to throw away all logic and forget thousands of years of science.

Did you know that the Tyrannosaurus Rex was actually Eden's equivalent of a Newfie? A big, slobbering, doodie head that ate seeds and nuts? Thought those sharp teeth were for crunching bones and tearing meat, didn't you? Ha ha! Wrong! Everyday Adam would take his playful pet Rex out for a walk in the roses and play with the Apatosaurus. They had good times together, Adam and Rex.

Back in the day, dinosaurs didn't kill as many people as people killed dinosaurs. Barney doesn't seem so wrong now, does he?

If you get bored of Dinosaurs, there are a ton of game reviews to check out. For example, Devil May Cry. Indeed, a perfect game for Christian Fundies to play.

"Dante's attitude is pretty rough. He's a really cocky kid. He repeatedly mocks the bosses, and uses phrases such as "This is going to be one hell of a party!". However, we can all look up to Dante for fighting his inner demon."

Indeed, Dante is a cocky 'kid'...he fights his inner demon so much he turns into it on a regular basis. Go to God, Dante! Go to God!

This site has a place for everyone. Questions about sex and relationships? Never fear! All your questions are answered! Have a love for Archeology? Got a place for that too!

Happy un-learning folks!

The Delusions of Laurell K Hamilton

I used to love her books. They were fun to read, entertaining, with characters that were interesting enough to follow from one book to the next. Books like hers were hard to come by, so it was a treat to discover them.

But good things rarely last, and LKH's books are no exceptions. I think the most frustrating part is her fans have told her again and again and again how discouraged they are with what the stories have become and have been ignored or written off as 'negative'. We aren't negative. We want quality. So when our favorite author starts down the road of all that is sparkly and twisty, we got a bit worried.

Laurell is a wanker--in the wankiest sense. When her fans started expressing their concern, it was our fault for not understanding her. No, we don't understand her. We don't want to. Most of us couldn't care less about Laurell. We care about her stories. Poor Ms. Hamilton doesn't seem to see the difference. It's obvious in her books, which the main characters (both Anita and Merry) have become nothing but sad self inserts. I don't know about other people, but I didn't start the series to read about LKH's fantasy. I read Anita because she was one mean bitch with a pair the size of China. Merry has always just been ok for me, bunch of fluff and schmooze in between Anita books. Never expected much of Merry.

So when thousands of fans start questioning the state of Anita and Merry, what does Laurell do? She writes a blog. Another one. At least she isn't at Amazon.com screaming at her fans like Ann Rice, but what's location anyway?

Here's some choice bits from her latest blog:

There are books with less sex in them, God knows. There are books that don't make you think that hard. Books that don't push you past that comfortable envelope of the mundane. If you want to be comforted, don't read my books. They aren't comfortable books. They are books that push my character and me to the edge and beyond of our comfort zones.

Laurell, honey, your books aren't thought provoking. Even in their better days, they weren't. They're candy, entertaining and fun for the duration of their read. Books that provoke thought are books like, "I, Lucifer", "Poisonwood Bible", "To Kill a Mockingbird", "Grimm's Fairytales", "Homer", "White Oleander", etc. "Anita Blake: Vampire Executioner" has a long way to go to spark some deep thought cranking in my brain. I won't even talk about Merry Gentry: Fairy Slut. We just won't go there.

When I decide not to read an author, or series again. I don't go on their message board and keep talking about the books I don't want to read.

Point to Laurell. I'm happy to say I've never posted on her message board and said her stories suck donkyballs. I say it here. And I'm so sad I keep reading them in hopes they'll get better again. I'm such a masochist. After this last book though, I think I'll renew my library card and just borrow the next book instead. Forking out the dough for drivel...well, I'm too poor to keep up that habit. I just discovered the Dresden Files, my money seems to be better spent there.

Let this post also put to rest the idea that I don't know that a small minority, albeit a loud minority, hates my series. I've known that for awhile.

Yes, that small minority is the one who gave your last book a measly 2.5 stars over at Amazon.com.

My characters are real to me in a way that makes me miss them. For God's sake, I'll be in the mall and see something, and go, "Oh, it's the perfect gift for (fill in the blank)." I've been in line with the present in my hand, before I go, "Wait, these are make believe people. I can't buy them a Christmas present."

And this is where it gets really crazy. This is Laurell's downfall. Reality and make-believe have blurred. So much that her main characters are no longer themselves, but a self insert of herself. Readers don't want to read about Laurell's fantasies. They want to read about Anita and Merry. Unless Ms Hamilton seeks help, these series are doomed.

If that level of involvement with imaginary friends seems crazy to you, well, then I can't explain it. You either understand that the biggest disappoint some years is that I can't walk into the other room and hand that imaginary person a present that I know they would love.

My son is 12 and not even he believes in imaginary friends. Sometimes he'll say to me, "I wish so and so was real" but that's where it stops. When that line blurs, something is wrong. Wishing is one thing, but forgetting imaginary people are imaginary...it says to me that there is something lacking in a person's life.

I can understand loving the characters you write. I love the characters in the stories I write. For three years, I've worked on developing them, their world, their personalities. I can understand the attachment Laurell feels for her brethren. But I've never stood in a grocery store with a Twinkie and thought, "Man, _______ gonna love this when I get it home." The closest my character might get to the Twinkie is when I accidentally smear some filling on my notebook.

Or maybe this will not move you, maybe you do not feel for the loneliness of the vampires that have not known love for centuries.

Is this the part where a single silver tear falls down my cheek? (line used about 10 times in every LHK book published)

It must be some failing in the writing, in me, but whatever the cause it does not speak to you. Go, and find someone who does speak to you. Someone who's characters are plot devices, so the books are neat, understandable, clinical, and utterly organized.

As an author, you have failed when thousands of fans run screaming. That should speak to you more so than your characters. Reality check please!

My books are logical, to me, understandable to the vast majority of my readers, but they are not neat, they are not utterly organized or clinical. They are big, messy books, a lot like life.

Is this supposed to be an excuse for the horrible editing? Repeat sentences, bad dialogue, ugly clichés--that's not writing. It's putting words on paper, nothing more. Readers expect more from books. "I, Lucifer" was a messy book, but you know what? It made sense. It was interesting. It provoked thought!!! Stop making excuses, Laurell. I've seen fan fiction written by 16 year old girls better than your books.

That being said, I'm on the look out for more books to replace the Anita series. As I said, I recently discovered Harry Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. A little dry, but I've only read the first book.

Also, for those who haven't picked up the Rachel Morgan series by Kim Harrison--do so! This is my favorite series to date. Funny, great characters, well written, exciting--can't go wrong with a book where a demon who eats chocolate frosting locks his summoners inside a closet while raiding the fridge. If you want to leave demons and vampires behind, I highly recommend Sharon Shinn's Twelve Houses series. More akin to high fantasy, but different enough to be unique, I've read the first three books twice. Another series at the top of my list (and in the fantasy genre) is Sarah Monette's series about Felix Harrowgate and brother Mildmay Foxe. I can't express enough how beautifully written this story is. I've read the first two novels four times. There are two more scheduled.

Happy reading!

Oh, yeah...

I was watching TV the other day (I can't remember what movie) and I noticed that the censors bleeped out the 'hole' in asshole.

I'm confused.

It's ok to say 'ass' on TV, but not hole? Can someone explain this to me?

We're Back

Well, the computer came home today with some updated drivers. Apparently the router card was giving the thing issues. We'll see. My CD Burner is still being a pain in the ass. If I tap on the top after pushing the button, it opens, so I'm not going to worry about it for now. I hope the damn thing still burns though. Haven't tried that out yet.

After all has been said and done, I should've just bought another computer. That sort of burns me. But at this point in time, I don't know what kind I would get. I'm sure some people are shouting, "Mac", but I don't think a Mac is would work for me. Nor do I think there is such thing as a reliable desk top computer. Maybe I'll buy a Dell...but after hearing some people's experiences with the company, I don't know if that's a good idea. HP is out of the question. I won't ever buy another one of their computers again. And eMachine is just a joke. Not only are the computers crappy, but their customer service is horrible. I'd rather talk to some guy in India than deal with the asshole I had to talk to when I had my eMachine.

Oh well. I've got the stupid computer back. I suppose I should be happier about it, but I'm not...

*sigh*