Friday, March 10, 2006
Legal precedent that closed source software is untrustworthy
Closed source applications screw up you're voting; now you're seeing them screw up DUI convictions. Of course, in this case it's because judges are agreeing with defense attorneys that the rights of the accused to examine the case against them are being neglected. Maybe this sets a hopeful precedent to challenge Diebold.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
The Amazing Race 9--"I'm Filthy and I Love It!"
Ah...real racing...so good. They even avoided the stupid premiere episode campout last week.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
World Baseball Classic
Alright, I admit it--I've got nothing to keep my posting pledge with. But I can remind you that the World Baseball Classic has started--you can listen on the Internets at mlb.com for $10 (for the whole thing.) The Asian bracket is starting earlier so they can get over here and aclimate for the second round. I'd like this tourney better if it were in November, and not so neutered with the pitch counts and what not. But it's still baseball after a cold winter.
Monday, February 27, 2006
The Amazing Race 9--"Here We Go, Baby, Off to Win a Million Bucks! "
Listen to me clearly: Around the World. Around the World.
Hopefully the return to real racing will include an actual circumnavigation, better tasks, and less "baby." Oops.
Hopefully the return to real racing will include an actual circumnavigation, better tasks, and less "baby." Oops.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Places not to have Pit Stops
With a real Amazing Race premiering in less than a week, I bring you a link to places they probably won't be visiting.
I would invite you to contemplate, as I did, who in their right mind would have even thought about going to any of those places on holiday anyway. Except Papau New Guinea--I hadn't heard the situation there before this article.
I would invite you to contemplate, as I did, who in their right mind would have even thought about going to any of those places on holiday anyway. Except Papau New Guinea--I hadn't heard the situation there before this article.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Olympic Hockey Medal Round
The pairing are set and only bear the slightest resemblance to my preview. I got seven of eight medal round teams right, but a reasonably intelligent chimpanzee could have done that.
Anyway, here is the bracket:
Winner of Finland vs. U.S.A. plays winner of Russia vs. Canada in one semifinal
Winner of Slovakia vs. Czeck Republic plays winner of Switzerland vs. Sweden
Brief Preview and picks:
Sw game
The Swiss scored two surprising upsets over the Czechs and Candians; then proceded to tie two lesser teams. It didn't cost them 2nd place in the group, but still--they were outscored in the preliminary round, and that speaks to a team that isn't as good as its wins look. The Swedes are a better team, and don't want to have a third straight Olympic quarterfinal ouster...I think they'll take it 3-2.
Czechoslovakia game
The formerly united countries face off...the Czech team underperforming and hurt; Slovakia is undefeated and on a roll. I do think the Slovak defense will come back to haunt them, but I think the roll will continue here; Slovaks 4-2.
Summit Series '72 Game
Canada and Russia, minus the whole animosity thing. Did Canada get back on track in defeating the Czechs? The Russians are playing well, only losing to Slovakia while showing the best offensive output of pool play. Canada will probably try to keep this game low scoring and physical--but the Russians are clicking, and Canada will have to find its scoring touch in a hurry. Toughest game for me to call; I'll take Russia in a 5-4 final. This is the most likely game to need a shootout, and if it goes to one I have no idea what will happen.
Game with no catchy reference
Finland allowed two goals in five games. The U.S. has been struggling to score. Gee, what do we think will happen here? The U.S. has improved every game--their effort is closer to where it needs to be, but they still are having difficulty finding the back of the net. Or sometimes, given all the times I've heard "shot wide," finding the net at all. They're also making too many mistakes in giveaways and not covering odd man chances. I don't think they'll find the offense against the currently dominating Finns. Three of the U.S. goals today were against the Russian backup. I say Finland 4, U.S. 1.
Beyond that, I'll run with Finland over Russia; Sweden over the Slovaks; with Finland gold, Sweden silver, and Russia bronze. Note how quickly I abandon my Canada/Sweden/Czech Republic prediction, which is still possible.
Anyway, here is the bracket:
Winner of Finland vs. U.S.A. plays winner of Russia vs. Canada in one semifinal
Winner of Slovakia vs. Czeck Republic plays winner of Switzerland vs. Sweden
Brief Preview and picks:
Sw game
The Swiss scored two surprising upsets over the Czechs and Candians; then proceded to tie two lesser teams. It didn't cost them 2nd place in the group, but still--they were outscored in the preliminary round, and that speaks to a team that isn't as good as its wins look. The Swedes are a better team, and don't want to have a third straight Olympic quarterfinal ouster...I think they'll take it 3-2.
Czechoslovakia game
The formerly united countries face off...the Czech team underperforming and hurt; Slovakia is undefeated and on a roll. I do think the Slovak defense will come back to haunt them, but I think the roll will continue here; Slovaks 4-2.
Summit Series '72 Game
Canada and Russia, minus the whole animosity thing. Did Canada get back on track in defeating the Czechs? The Russians are playing well, only losing to Slovakia while showing the best offensive output of pool play. Canada will probably try to keep this game low scoring and physical--but the Russians are clicking, and Canada will have to find its scoring touch in a hurry. Toughest game for me to call; I'll take Russia in a 5-4 final. This is the most likely game to need a shootout, and if it goes to one I have no idea what will happen.
Game with no catchy reference
Finland allowed two goals in five games. The U.S. has been struggling to score. Gee, what do we think will happen here? The U.S. has improved every game--their effort is closer to where it needs to be, but they still are having difficulty finding the back of the net. Or sometimes, given all the times I've heard "shot wide," finding the net at all. They're also making too many mistakes in giveaways and not covering odd man chances. I don't think they'll find the offense against the currently dominating Finns. Three of the U.S. goals today were against the Russian backup. I say Finland 4, U.S. 1.
Beyond that, I'll run with Finland over Russia; Sweden over the Slovaks; with Finland gold, Sweden silver, and Russia bronze. Note how quickly I abandon my Canada/Sweden/Czech Republic prediction, which is still possible.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Renewing the Call
Time for me to renew my call to modify the federal holidays. Yes, Washington was very important to this country and we should be cognizant of our history. But we just had a Monday off in January (MLK) after the holiday season; we don't need another day off of work now, in a cold, crappy month, with no holidays coming until the end of May.
When we need it is the first Monday of April. Opening Day. National Pastime, National Holiday--it's got to happen. Tons of people skip work to go to the games anyway, and tons more like me are just this side of useless that day. How does this not make sense? Who's with me?
When we need it is the first Monday of April. Opening Day. National Pastime, National Holiday--it's got to happen. Tons of people skip work to go to the games anyway, and tons more like me are just this side of useless that day. How does this not make sense? Who's with me?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)