My Life is A Drama Free Zone http://blog.the-jdh.com/ I graduated highschool for a reason, and it wasn't to go to college. en Copyright 2008 Sat, 08 Mar 2008 11:37:10 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=3.33 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Selling out to the Americans again. The biggest monopoly on Canadian telephone and DSL service is apparently set to become the biggest US owned Canadian monopoly. Thanks largely to a ruling courtesy a Quebec judge. There are no words for this. Except, that is, a thank you. You see, I didn't think the government could sell us out to the US all on its own. Thanks for the help, moron.

]]> The biggest monopoly on Canadian telephone and DSL service is apparently set to become the biggest US owned Canadian monopoly. Thanks largely to a ruling courtesy a Quebec judge. There are no words for this. Except, that is, a thank you. You see, I didn't think the government could sell us out to the US all on its own. Thanks for the help, moron.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/03/08/selling_out_to_the_americans_again.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/03/08/selling_out_to_the_americans_again.html James And now, an actual update. Because while it was a pretty accurate summary of my opinion of the current situation on Monday, it doesn't really do a whole lot of explaining, well, anything. So here goes (warning: the below is probably going to be an essay. Deal.).

So back in November, they transferred a lot of the overnight folks–okay, *all* of the overnight folks–over to the XPS division. Now, I have no interest whatsoever in doing hardware related support, which is what that department's primarily involved with. Not that I can't do it–it's relatively easy to do, particularly when you're not the one fiddling with the inner workings of the bustified computer. But that's also the problem; it's too freakin easy. If something physical is broken, it either works, or it doesn't. End of story. You either replace the part, or tell the customer he's an idiot and to RTFM and go on to the next call. The longest and quite probably most irritating part of the job now is more than likely going to be waiting for the diagnostics Dell builds into their systems to finish running and tell me which part I'm going to be replacing. Now, I'm all for easy as pie work, usually. But this is ridiculous easy. In a week or two of doing this, I suspect I'll be able to just coast right through it like it's nobody's business. Not good when it's me. I tend to get into things I shouldn't. Like finding random little tidbits about my coworkers about which to insult them on here. But primarily just… being me. Which can and often times is a little freaky in and of itself–just ask any member of my family! So, yeah. This week I'm going through the retraining process that goes along with a rather forced change of career path. On the bright side, it means at least for the next month or so, I'm back to having 3 days off–and an actual weekend to boot! On the not so bright side, holy late. But that's another rant for another day. Like say, on the weekend when we're being hammered yet again by snow–a third rant for the next 3 days. That one I'll probably fire off tomorrow, when I have linkage to back up my pissedness. In the meantime, though, there be hockey on my television, and I barely watch that anymore. So I go do that now.

]]> Because while it was a pretty accurate summary of my opinion of the current situation on Monday, it doesn't really do a whole lot of explaining, well, anything. So here goes (warning: the below is probably going to be an essay. Deal.).

So back in November, they transferred a lot of the overnight folks–okay, *all* of the overnight folks–over to the XPS division. Now, I have no interest whatsoever in doing hardware related support, which is what that department's primarily involved with. Not that I can't do it–it's relatively easy to do, particularly when you're not the one fiddling with the inner workings of the bustified computer. But that's also the problem; it's too freakin easy. If something physical is broken, it either works, or it doesn't. End of story. You either replace the part, or tell the customer he's an idiot and to RTFM and go on to the next call. The longest and quite probably most irritating part of the job now is more than likely going to be waiting for the diagnostics Dell builds into their systems to finish running and tell me which part I'm going to be replacing. Now, I'm all for easy as pie work, usually. But this is ridiculous easy. In a week or two of doing this, I suspect I'll be able to just coast right through it like it's nobody's business. Not good when it's me. I tend to get into things I shouldn't. Like finding random little tidbits about my coworkers about which to insult them on here. But primarily just… being me. Which can and often times is a little freaky in and of itself–just ask any member of my family! So, yeah. This week I'm going through the retraining process that goes along with a rather forced change of career path. On the bright side, it means at least for the next month or so, I'm back to having 3 days off–and an actual weekend to boot! On the not so bright side, holy late. But that's another rant for another day. Like say, on the weekend when we're being hammered yet again by snow–a third rant for the next 3 days. That one I'll probably fire off tomorrow, when I have linkage to back up my pissedness. In the meantime, though, there be hockey on my television, and I barely watch that anymore. So I go do that now.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/03/06/and_now_an_actual_update.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/03/06/and_now_an_actual_update.html James Still way too frickin cold out there. As I told the whacky bus driver this morning–yes, that one was behind the wheel again–it's minus too damn cold outside. I heard in the neighbourhood of -23. I don't care. It's still minus too damn cold. I wanna go back home and to bed. Because bed is awesomely good.

]]> As I told the whacky bus driver this morning–yes, that one was behind the wheel again–it's minus too damn cold outside. I heard in the neighbourhood of -23. I don't care. It's still minus too damn cold. I wanna go back home and to bed. Because bed is awesomely good.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/02/29/still_way_too_frickin_cold_out_there.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/02/29/still_way_too_frickin_cold_out_there.html James What's worse than fixing Microsoft's mistakes? Fixing apple's. What's worse than fixing Apple's mistakes? Fixing that which they already know about. For the record, I never want to get that involved with anything Apple related again. And this from a guy who's got a well documented hatred of Microsoft. But at least their software doesn't break everything else when you're installing a supposedly updated version. Good job, dipsticks.

]]> Fixing apple's. What's worse than fixing Apple's mistakes? Fixing that which they already know about. For the record, I never want to get that involved with anything Apple related again. And this from a guy who's got a well documented hatred of Microsoft. But at least their software doesn't break everything else when you're installing a supposedly updated version. Good job, dipsticks.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/02/28/whats_worse_than_fixing_microsofts_mistakes.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/02/28/whats_worse_than_fixing_microsofts_mistakes.html James My computer sucks... It's a sad, sad day when you work for a computer company, doing tech support, and your computer goes on the blink. Mine's already developed this nasty habbit of restarting for no real apparent reason. And now while making someone pay me to fix their brokenness, my computer started to again display its brokenness by half freezing up on me all over the place. There was much of the suckitude. I wonder if they'll let me bring in the beast from home. At least I know that one works.

]]> It's a sad, sad day when you work for a computer company, doing tech support, and your computer goes on the blink. Mine's already developed this nasty habbit of restarting for no real apparent reason. And now while making someone pay me to fix their brokenness, my computer started to again display its brokenness by half freezing up on me all over the place. There was much of the suckitude. I wonder if they'll let me bring in the beast from home. At least I know that one works.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/02/23/my_computer_sucks.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/02/23/my_computer_sucks.html James Baby, it's cold outside. Another Friday morning which feels more like a Tuesday morning. And another freakishly cold morning. Thank you wind chill for making -12 roughly translate to -19. And now you can go right to hell. And now they're threatening me with snow. I thought I evicted you yesterday? I'll say again, winter sucks.

]]> Another Friday morning which feels more like a Tuesday morning. And another freakishly cold morning. Thank you wind chill for making -12 roughly translate to -19. And now you can go right to hell. And now they're threatening me with snow. I thought I evicted you yesterday? I'll say again, winter sucks.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/02/22/baby_its_cold_outside.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/02/22/baby_its_cold_outside.html James I despise Microsoft Office 2007. Well, actually, I despise Microsoft. But Office 2007 for specific reasons. Primarily, it should not take me, who knows his way pretty much around Office products for the most part like the back of my hand, an hour and a half to figure out where the hell they put this or that setting that in the end it takes me 30 seconds or less to change. Nor should it stick document templates in easily corruptable files that it takes a small army to locate. And also takes 30 seconds to fix (read: delete). Microsoft, you suck. That is all.

]]> Well, actually, I despise Microsoft. But Office 2007 for specific reasons. Primarily, it should not take me, who knows his way pretty much around Office products for the most part like the back of my hand, an hour and a half to figure out where the hell they put this or that setting that in the end it takes me 30 seconds or less to change. Nor should it stick document templates in easily corruptable files that it takes a small army to locate. And also takes 30 seconds to fix (read: delete). Microsoft, you suck. That is all.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/02/21/i_despise_microsoft_office_2007.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/02/21/i_despise_microsoft_office_2007.html James Satan invented winter. Only explanation. I made the stupid mistake back in December of showing up to work when I had plenty of warning about a "significant" snow storm that later turned out to be hell, blanketed in white crap. This morning, Environment Canada has released a statement about two potential major storms, one from Alberta and one from Texas, that will quite probably merge and become yet another "significant" snow storm. Now, I don't have a problem with winter–in fact, I rather enjoy it for the most part. Just… not on days when I have to work, and not on a Sunday when it's already gonna be pushing the limits of an hour and a half getting to work. I'm rather tempted, in fact… very tempted, to just schedule Sunday and Monday off. Mother nature, you tend to give me a rather nifty headache…

]]> I made the stupid mistake back in December of showing up to work when I had plenty of warning about a "significant" snow storm that later turned out to be hell, blanketed in white crap. This morning, Environment Canada has released a statement about two potential major storms, one from Alberta and one from Texas, that will quite probably merge and become yet another "significant" snow storm. Now, I don't have a problem with winter–in fact, I rather enjoy it for the most part. Just… not on days when I have to work, and not on a Sunday when it's already gonna be pushing the limits of an hour and a half getting to work. I'm rather tempted, in fact… very tempted, to just schedule Sunday and Monday off. Mother nature, you tend to give me a rather nifty headache…

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/02/15/satan_invented_winter_only_explanation.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/02/15/satan_invented_winter_only_explanation.html James Winter, we need to talk. I've let this little conversation of ours go unhad for way too long, and it shows. Not only are we being hit with snow on average of every second day, but now you go and throw at us temperatures upwards of -18, *before* wind chill, on top of that? And a wapping -29 after? What ever I did to piss you off, you've just given me reason to do it twice over. Oh, yeah, and go ahead and drown us in snow tomorrow. I have the day off. I can freely bitch you out from the comfort of my own, very heated apartment. Ha and such.

]]> I've let this little conversation of ours go unhad for way too long, and it shows. Not only are we being hit with snow on average of every second day, but now you go and throw at us temperatures upwards of -18, *before* wind chill, on top of that? And a wapping -29 after? What ever I did to piss you off, you've just given me reason to do it twice over. Oh, yeah, and go ahead and drown us in snow tomorrow. I have the day off. I can freely bitch you out from the comfort of my own, very heated apartment. Ha and such.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/02/11/winter_we_need_to_talk.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/02/11/winter_we_need_to_talk.html James I left work nearly 12 hours ago. I'm back at work now. I'm off at 7:00 tonight, barring another 10.5 hour day. Uh, crap on a cracker? The hours I'm billing Dell for are gonna be bloody well insane…

*****************

Ladies and gentlemen. When I left work yesterday, it was snowing like hell. There is more snow in Ottawa's forecast for today. Somebody up there is intent on pissing me off. And it's thinking about working.

*****************

Can someone please tell me, just once, why it is the Writers Guild of America was holding out and being a bunch of royal panzies for the sake of higher royalties to have material streamed over the internet? Are they, perhaps, not aware that if the TV stations weren't doing it, some other generous soul with a nack for getting his hands on free content–not me, RIAA/MPAA, relax–would just do it instead? I mean, not that I haven't thought about it. But really, if that's the only reason they're striking, which is sort of what the article in question's leading me to believe, it is making me contemplate perhaps watching significantly less actual TV content than I already do. Realisticly, I only have a TV right now so I can watch hockey and/or baseball. And since my team's biting the suckitude bullet something fierce, it's going to end up just being baseball. At least this year. And hey, that I can probably get online, too!

*****************

The computer they have me working on at the office has developed a habbit of randomly and inexplicably restarting without warning. No error message, no blue screen, no notta. Just I'm in the middle of typing/reading/whatever, and then kerpoof. I bitched a little about that last night. And I'm still thinking about taking the bitching to our I/T folks and flat out giving them the option. Give me access to something as uber basic/simple/non-retarded as MSConfig and let me tell you what the hell's wrong with this thing. That way all you need to do is replace the faulty component I know exists, and then get out of my hair. I wish I could work in I/T…

*****************

It has been decided. OC Transpo isn't *all* evil. I only took an hour and 15 minutes or so to get here today. An improvement, really, over a week ago. I'm… not quite to the point of irritated. Yet.

]]> I'm back at work now. I'm off at 7:00 tonight, barring another 10.5 hour day. Uh, crap on a cracker? The hours I'm billing Dell for are gonna be bloody well insane…

*****************

Ladies and gentlemen. When I left work yesterday, it was snowing like hell. There is more snow in Ottawa's forecast for today. Somebody up there is intent on pissing me off. And it's thinking about working.

*****************

Can someone please tell me, just once, why it is the Writers Guild of America was holding out and being a bunch of royal panzies for the sake of higher royalties to have material streamed over the internet? Are they, perhaps, not aware that if the TV stations weren't doing it, some other generous soul with a nack for getting his hands on free content–not me, RIAA/MPAA, relax–would just do it instead? I mean, not that I haven't thought about it. But really, if that's the only reason they're striking, which is sort of what the article in question's leading me to believe, it is making me contemplate perhaps watching significantly less actual TV content than I already do. Realisticly, I only have a TV right now so I can watch hockey and/or baseball. And since my team's biting the suckitude bullet something fierce, it's going to end up just being baseball. At least this year. And hey, that I can probably get online, too!

*****************

The computer they have me working on at the office has developed a habbit of randomly and inexplicably restarting without warning. No error message, no blue screen, no notta. Just I'm in the middle of typing/reading/whatever, and then kerpoof. I bitched a little about that last night. And I'm still thinking about taking the bitching to our I/T folks and flat out giving them the option. Give me access to something as uber basic/simple/non-retarded as MSConfig and let me tell you what the hell's wrong with this thing. That way all you need to do is replace the faulty component I know exists, and then get out of my hair. I wish I could work in I/T…

*****************

It has been decided. OC Transpo isn't *all* evil. I only took an hour and 15 minutes or so to get here today. An improvement, really, over a week ago. I'm… not quite to the point of irritated. Yet.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/02/10/i_left_work_nearly_12_hours_ago.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/02/10/i_left_work_nearly_12_hours_ago.html James So yesterday was apparently senior citizens' day? So this week's work routine started off as per usual at 7:00 or so on Wednesday. And… got very different after that. A guy I work with got shown the door due to cost cutting measures, or so that's what the rumor mill says anyway. So as of that afternoon, I'm back making regular use of Ottawa's ever so very lovely transit system. So yesterday, I get on in the morning as I suspect I'll be doing for the foreseeable future, and the bus I take to actually get me to work just so happens to be driven by one of the older gentlemen on staff. Which, okay, I'm all for that. I mean, hell, I like the idea in Ontario that you can actually keep right on working 'til you damn well don't wanna. But in certain cases, like yesterday morning… he really should have not wanted to. Harsh-ish? Yeah quite probably. But true. So I catch his bus at 6:00 yesterday morning. It's a pretty straight forward route–through the busy part of Kanata, down a couple back roads, loop around and come back up pretty much up the street from where I work. So my plan was to get off at the corner and just walk from there to work. It wasn't *too* freezing cold yesterday, so I could get away with it. Well, if the moron didn't flat out miss my stop. So rather than be half an hour early for work, I ended up being rather half an hour late. And that's not one of those buses where you can just get off at some random stop and catch one going the opposite direction in 5-10 minutes. There's one bus an hour, it goes one direction, and if you miss where you have to get off, you get to go around again. So I got to go around again. And because it was his last run on that route, I got to go back to the original stop where he picked me up from, call my boss to tell him I'd be late, and hop *another* bus to work. Pretty pretty. But not really. And then coming home after work, I had the pleasure of being driven home by another senior citizen. Who also missed my stop going back. That one, at least, decided it'd be better if he just dropped me off at the halfway point so I wouldn't have as long to wait to catch the second one I need. So I still didn't get home too insanely late last night, all things considered. Pissed me right off though, for sure. And of course this morning, senior citizen number 1 was behind the wheel again when I caught that bus, so to say the least, I wasn't exactly bursting with confidence. But, um, I'm here. And I was here on time this morning. And I didn't kill anyone. But I'm not all that thrilled about the prospect of the return trip. And people might die on that one.

]]> So this week's work routine started off as per usual at 7:00 or so on Wednesday. And… got very different after that. A guy I work with got shown the door due to cost cutting measures, or so that's what the rumor mill says anyway. So as of that afternoon, I'm back making regular use of Ottawa's ever so very lovely transit system. So yesterday, I get on in the morning as I suspect I'll be doing for the foreseeable future, and the bus I take to actually get me to work just so happens to be driven by one of the older gentlemen on staff. Which, okay, I'm all for that. I mean, hell, I like the idea in Ontario that you can actually keep right on working 'til you damn well don't wanna. But in certain cases, like yesterday morning… he really should have not wanted to. Harsh-ish? Yeah quite probably. But true. So I catch his bus at 6:00 yesterday morning. It's a pretty straight forward route–through the busy part of Kanata, down a couple back roads, loop around and come back up pretty much up the street from where I work. So my plan was to get off at the corner and just walk from there to work. It wasn't *too* freezing cold yesterday, so I could get away with it. Well, if the moron didn't flat out miss my stop. So rather than be half an hour early for work, I ended up being rather half an hour late. And that's not one of those buses where you can just get off at some random stop and catch one going the opposite direction in 5-10 minutes. There's one bus an hour, it goes one direction, and if you miss where you have to get off, you get to go around again. So I got to go around again. And because it was his last run on that route, I got to go back to the original stop where he picked me up from, call my boss to tell him I'd be late, and hop *another* bus to work. Pretty pretty. But not really. And then coming home after work, I had the pleasure of being driven home by another senior citizen. Who also missed my stop going back. That one, at least, decided it'd be better if he just dropped me off at the halfway point so I wouldn't have as long to wait to catch the second one I need. So I still didn't get home too insanely late last night, all things considered. Pissed me right off though, for sure. And of course this morning, senior citizen number 1 was behind the wheel again when I caught that bus, so to say the least, I wasn't exactly bursting with confidence. But, um, I'm here. And I was here on time this morning. And I didn't kill anyone. But I'm not all that thrilled about the prospect of the return trip. And people might die on that one.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/02/01/so_yesterday_was_apparently_senior_citizens_day.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/02/01/so_yesterday_was_apparently_senior_citizens_day.html James Mother nature doth hate me. Why else would, out of 3 days I had off, it picked the 4th day when I work to decide there's going to be a freezing rain and flash freeze warning? Winter, you and I haven't had that long and drawn out conversation yet. Does this have to be the start of it?

]]> Why else would, out of 3 days I had off, it picked the 4th day when I work to decide there's going to be a freezing rain and flash freeze warning? Winter, you and I haven't had that long and drawn out conversation yet. Does this have to be the start of it?

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/01/30/mother_nature_doth_hate_me.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/01/30/mother_nature_doth_hate_me.html James 24 hours without phone service. I was hoping I wouldn't have to take the day off to actually have this delt with, but apparently, someone over at Bell needs to be called back, blasted, and then properly instructed on how best to fix my freakin' phone line so it actually works for more than an afternoon. Apparently, it's not about to fix itself, however. And I'm not waiting until Monday to have it looked at a second time. The call gets made, tonight. And it'll be pretty one-sided. In the meantime… I've received possible alternatives to mother Bell. They will be investigated.

]]> I was hoping I wouldn't have to take the day off to actually have this delt with, but apparently, someone over at Bell needs to be called back, blasted, and then properly instructed on how best to fix my freakin' phone line so it actually works for more than an afternoon. Apparently, it's not about to fix itself, however. And I'm not waiting until Monday to have it looked at a second time. The call gets made, tonight. And it'll be pretty one-sided. In the meantime… I've received possible alternatives to mother Bell. They will be investigated.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/01/23/24_hours_without_phone_service.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/01/23/24_hours_without_phone_service.html James Why am I paying for service I'm not getting? For the third time this month, and the second time in 2 days, I presently have no home telephone line. Which, for whatever reason, has no effect whatsoever on my DSL service. My overall pissedness with the ISP side of my phone company is already well documented, but I've yet to actually make mention to the problems I have with the phone company side of it. Which makes sense, really–until this month, I've had none. But, as it stands right now, I currently have no dial tone. I've had no dial tone since I'm not sure when this morning. I had no dial tone until the technician showed up yesterday at about noonish to replace the phone line. We know it's a problem with the actual building. Meaning, the line going from building to main box a couple streets over. Which means at least it didn't cost me anything to replace it. However, it *should* also mean that once the technician replaced it, it should be fixed. Not so much. Granted, it worked yesterday afternoon. And last night, until I'm not sure when. But she no worky now. And it's not sitting well with me. fortunately, after outage number 1 I got smart and had my home phone number forwarded to my cell, so at least now any incoming calls I should be expecting won't be missed. But I purchased home phone service through these fools for two reasons. It makes teh interwebs cheaper, and I still need to call folks long distance. Not doing that on my cell, thankyaverymuch. So now I'm paying for a phone line I'm only using for internets, and a long distance service I can't use until the internets people start doing their phone company job, too. And all of this comes wrapped in a neat little what the fuck package. Tempted am I to ditch Bell/Sympatico entirely. Except I'm not a big fan of VOIP, and the only real alternative to them for the internet is Rogers. Um, can we say no thank you please? Suggestions are welcome. If the 1.25 of you who actually read this thing have any. Until then, mother Bell can kiss my ass.

]]> For the third time this month, and the second time in 2 days, I presently have no home telephone line. Which, for whatever reason, has no effect whatsoever on my DSL service. My overall pissedness with the ISP side of my phone company is already well documented, but I've yet to actually make mention to the problems I have with the phone company side of it. Which makes sense, really–until this month, I've had none. But, as it stands right now, I currently have no dial tone. I've had no dial tone since I'm not sure when this morning. I had no dial tone until the technician showed up yesterday at about noonish to replace the phone line. We know it's a problem with the actual building. Meaning, the line going from building to main box a couple streets over. Which means at least it didn't cost me anything to replace it. However, it *should* also mean that once the technician replaced it, it should be fixed. Not so much. Granted, it worked yesterday afternoon. And last night, until I'm not sure when. But she no worky now. And it's not sitting well with me. fortunately, after outage number 1 I got smart and had my home phone number forwarded to my cell, so at least now any incoming calls I should be expecting won't be missed. But I purchased home phone service through these fools for two reasons. It makes teh interwebs cheaper, and I still need to call folks long distance. Not doing that on my cell, thankyaverymuch. So now I'm paying for a phone line I'm only using for internets, and a long distance service I can't use until the internets people start doing their phone company job, too. And all of this comes wrapped in a neat little what the fuck package. Tempted am I to ditch Bell/Sympatico entirely. Except I'm not a big fan of VOIP, and the only real alternative to them for the internet is Rogers. Um, can we say no thank you please? Suggestions are welcome. If the 1.25 of you who actually read this thing have any. Until then, mother Bell can kiss my ass.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/01/22/why_am_i_paying_for_service_im_not_getting.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/01/22/why_am_i_paying_for_service_im_not_getting.html James I hate to say I told you so, but... Well, okay, so I don't. And I did. There's no real such thing as "medicinal marijuana", there never was, and there never will be. And this is only really proven by a supreme court decision that, really, should never have had to happen. But, thank you again, Steven Harper, for reminding me why it is I believe you should be taken out back, tied to a tree next to George Bush, and shot. According to this article, users of "medicinal marijuana" can now actually pick their own grower. Now, how in the hell they intend to enforce something like that in a way that the government can still have its fingers all over it is beyond me, but to me, it sounds an aweful lot like "Buy from whoever you want, and have fun doing it.". Which, okay, I can see the point of it from a constitutional point of view, but still–bad, bad move. Never mind stupid, stupid move. Forever ago, I went on my own mini rant on the subject, after a discussion on a blindness related mailing list I'm a part of–the email that prompted that one was also quoted in the linked entry. I won't just plain up and say it's ridiculous–primarily because really, if you have half a brain, you don't need me to say it. But from the brief look at the outlines points in the judge's ruling, it very much does sound like a choose your dealer type of situation. And I still maintain the opinion that, next to the entire decision to actually allow the idea of medicinal marijuana, this is quite possibly *the* worst decision our dear court system could come up with. It makes me cringe to say it, but I really hope the government decides to appeal this one. For a change, I actually like their idea better. Which… mostly means I dislike it less. But, I suppose if I had to pick between two crappy poker hands…

]]> Well, okay, so I don't. And I did. There's no real such thing as "medicinal marijuana", there never was, and there never will be. And this is only really proven by a supreme court decision that, really, should never have had to happen. But, thank you again, Steven Harper, for reminding me why it is I believe you should be taken out back, tied to a tree next to George Bush, and shot. According to this article, users of "medicinal marijuana" can now actually pick their own grower. Now, how in the hell they intend to enforce something like that in a way that the government can still have its fingers all over it is beyond me, but to me, it sounds an aweful lot like "Buy from whoever you want, and have fun doing it.". Which, okay, I can see the point of it from a constitutional point of view, but still–bad, bad move. Never mind stupid, stupid move. Forever ago, I went on my own mini rant on the subject, after a discussion on a blindness related mailing list I'm a part of–the email that prompted that one was also quoted in the linked entry. I won't just plain up and say it's ridiculous–primarily because really, if you have half a brain, you don't need me to say it. But from the brief look at the outlines points in the judge's ruling, it very much does sound like a choose your dealer type of situation. And I still maintain the opinion that, next to the entire decision to actually allow the idea of medicinal marijuana, this is quite possibly *the* worst decision our dear court system could come up with. It makes me cringe to say it, but I really hope the government decides to appeal this one. For a change, I actually like their idea better. Which… mostly means I dislike it less. But, I suppose if I had to pick between two crappy poker hands…

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/01/11/i_hate_to_say_i_told_you_so_but.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2008/01/11/i_hate_to_say_i_told_you_so_but.html James I should not be allowed to think before 9, ever again. Bad things happen. For example, yesterday. I went to work, which ordinarily wouldn't be all that big a deal. Except I saw the exact same warning I posted about yesterday, in preliminary form, on Saturday. I guess I should have got the hint when the first three words of the warning are "near crippling snowstorm", but again, shouldn't be allowed to think before 9. So I went into work yesterday morning. And by about noon, we were talking about closing the office. So yes, I'm an idiot. But I survived. And now, I get to take down a list of names of folks I get to send emails to wondering exactly what crack they were on when they decided,, nah… it's not gonna snow up here. You wimps can go to work. Yeah, about that. I think next time I'll just preemptively book the day off. Thanks for a whole load of absolutely nothing, jackasses. You're lucky I happen to like my job.

]]> Bad things happen. For example, yesterday. I went to work, which ordinarily wouldn't be all that big a deal. Except I saw the exact same warning I posted about yesterday, in preliminary form, on Saturday. I guess I should have got the hint when the first three words of the warning are "near crippling snowstorm", but again, shouldn't be allowed to think before 9. So I went into work yesterday morning. And by about noon, we were talking about closing the office. So yes, I'm an idiot. But I survived. And now, I get to take down a list of names of folks I get to send emails to wondering exactly what crack they were on when they decided,, nah… it's not gonna snow up here. You wimps can go to work. Yeah, about that. I think next time I'll just preemptively book the day off. Thanks for a whole load of absolutely nothing, jackasses. You're lucky I happen to like my job.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/12/17/i_should_not_be_allowed_to_think_before_9_ever_again.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/12/17/i_should_not_be_allowed_to_think_before_9_ever_again.html James This is where I check out. I have no idea why I think of about 3/4 of the things I do. But apparently some random part of me finds it amusing. I will seak help immediately.

*****************

Winter storm warning for: City of Ottawa">
Someone tell me they can see why I seriously thought about the possibility of not going to work today. Although granted, the predictions were worse yesterday. It's still nothing anyone should ever have to be out in, never mind have to go to work in. Bleh.

*****************

I think I'm managing to come down with my first winter cold. And a week before Christmas. Go me. At this rate I should be half dead by new years.

*****************

I thought we were supposed to suck this year? The team I'm beginning to love to hate has started pulling themselves together. And I was just beginning to accept another season of golf…

*****************

Conrad Black officially makes less than me. According to this storry (thank you, CTV), he'll be making 12 cents an hour in prison. See, I'd complain, but what expenses has he got there? His food and housing's paid for. Besides, he made enough money breaking the law, he can afford to lose some following it.

*****************

If anyone ever has to know why it is I absolutely despise vista, just try and set up file/printer sharing. You will pull your hair out. I nearly wanted to… thank god today's my Friday. Oh. My. Lord. Good thing I'm not easy to piss off.

*****************

Another spyware call. Another bloody mac user/windows newbie. Wonder how long I can drag this call out before people start pointing fingers at me. Anyone taking bets?

*****************

And lastly, mother nature, please and thank you kindly, stop it with the freakin' white stuff. It's bad enough I get to freeze my ass off on the way to work. Again, bleh. Nature sucks.

]]> I have no idea why I think of about 3/4 of the things I do. But apparently some random part of me finds it amusing. I will seak help immediately.

*****************

Winter storm warning for: City of Ottawa">
Someone tell me they can see why I seriously thought about the possibility of not going to work today. Although granted, the predictions were worse yesterday. It's still nothing anyone should ever have to be out in, never mind have to go to work in. Bleh.

*****************

I think I'm managing to come down with my first winter cold. And a week before Christmas. Go me. At this rate I should be half dead by new years.

*****************

I thought we were supposed to suck this year? The team I'm beginning to love to hate has started pulling themselves together. And I was just beginning to accept another season of golf…

*****************

Conrad Black officially makes less than me. According to this storry (thank you, CTV), he'll be making 12 cents an hour in prison. See, I'd complain, but what expenses has he got there? His food and housing's paid for. Besides, he made enough money breaking the law, he can afford to lose some following it.

*****************

If anyone ever has to know why it is I absolutely despise vista, just try and set up file/printer sharing. You will pull your hair out. I nearly wanted to… thank god today's my Friday. Oh. My. Lord. Good thing I'm not easy to piss off.

*****************

Another spyware call. Another bloody mac user/windows newbie. Wonder how long I can drag this call out before people start pointing fingers at me. Anyone taking bets?

*****************

And lastly, mother nature, please and thank you kindly, stop it with the freakin' white stuff. It's bad enough I get to freeze my ass off on the way to work. Again, bleh. Nature sucks.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/12/16/this_is_where_i_check_out.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/12/16/this_is_where_i_check_out.html James Could the Leafs be looking at a whole new lineup next year? It really couldn't hurt. While earlier today I did refer to them rather directly as a steaming pile, there are a few faces I'd love to see stick with the team while the rest of it gets blown to hell. Immediately coming to mind is Sundin, but only because at least as it stands now, he's the best performer this team's got. Who would I most like to see get blown off the roster? Mister good for nothing Ferguson, for starters. Further proof he was a ridiculous choice for GM–he goes out and builds himself a crap team, then tries to fire Paul Maurice because the players he picked are stinking up the place. Sorry Ferg, but… I wouldn't of picked Raycroft or Toskala either. Toronto will officially be known as the place where old fogies go to retire if JFJ has his way. MLSE, do us all a favour please and fire that man. Fire that man now. Before he really gives me a reason to abandon the team I grew up watching.

]]> It really couldn't hurt. While earlier today I did refer to them rather directly as a steaming pile, there are a few faces I'd love to see stick with the team while the rest of it gets blown to hell. Immediately coming to mind is Sundin, but only because at least as it stands now, he's the best performer this team's got. Who would I most like to see get blown off the roster? Mister good for nothing Ferguson, for starters. Further proof he was a ridiculous choice for GM–he goes out and builds himself a crap team, then tries to fire Paul Maurice because the players he picked are stinking up the place. Sorry Ferg, but… I wouldn't of picked Raycroft or Toskala either. Toronto will officially be known as the place where old fogies go to retire if JFJ has his way. MLSE, do us all a favour please and fire that man. Fire that man now. Before he really gives me a reason to abandon the team I grew up watching.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/26/could_the_leafs_be_looking_at_a_whole_new_lineup_next_year.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/26/could_the_leafs_be_looking_at_a_whole_new_lineup_next_year.html James Sympatico pisses me off again. For the second time in just over a month, my internets decided they would go south on me. Not pretty. It happened sometime between when I woke up at 5, rolled over, checked the time, cursed, and went back to sleep, and when I finally dragged my ass out of bed at about 7:20 or somewhere thereabouts. I have no idea what the hell caused it this morning–probably another attempt to prevent me from continuing to rebuild my video library (a month or so and counting!). At any rate, it's irritating as hell. And making me contemplate the possibility of canning Sympatico as my DSL provider. It's also making me consider the possibility of creating a 'Sympatico' category on here. Hey, I did it for moronic cellebrities. Would this be any different? I didn't think so. In the meantime, Sympatico, fix your crap service.

Update:

I have decided, I'll lose nothing anyway. Category created.]]> For the second time in just over a month, my internets decided they would go south on me. Not pretty. It happened sometime between when I woke up at 5, rolled over, checked the time, cursed, and went back to sleep, and when I finally dragged my ass out of bed at about 7:20 or somewhere thereabouts. I have no idea what the hell caused it this morning–probably another attempt to prevent me from continuing to rebuild my video library (a month or so and counting!). At any rate, it's irritating as hell. And making me contemplate the possibility of canning Sympatico as my DSL provider. It's also making me consider the possibility of creating a 'Sympatico' category on here. Hey, I did it for moronic cellebrities. Would this be any different? I didn't think so. In the meantime, Sympatico, fix your crap service.

Update:

I have decided, I'll lose nothing anyway. Category created.]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/26/sympatico_pisses_me_off_again.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/26/sympatico_pisses_me_off_again.html James 'Crunch'? My parking lot does not 'crunch'. At least, it sure didn't yesterday. But apparently, someone thought they'd be funny and dump a whole crapload of white stuff on it this morning. And in my half-asleep-ness as I usually am, the fact that it was late November didn't immediately register–so I was, understandably, a tiny bit confused when normally solid ground went crunch. Of course, when I was finally 3/4 awake–thank you, colder than hell snow that still has yet to let up–I just had to wonder if, perhaps, we hadn't already had this discussion at least once. Of course, then the trusty archive of my various random ramblings and rantings that is my blog reasures me that, indeed, we have. At which point, of course, I shall now point out yet again, my parking lot should not go crunch. At least not until December. Or until I find some vacation time. Both applies and either would be awesome!

]]> At least, it sure didn't yesterday. But apparently, someone thought they'd be funny and dump a whole crapload of white stuff on it this morning. And in my half-asleep-ness as I usually am, the fact that it was late November didn't immediately register–so I was, understandably, a tiny bit confused when normally solid ground went crunch. Of course, when I was finally 3/4 awake–thank you, colder than hell snow that still has yet to let up–I just had to wonder if, perhaps, we hadn't already had this discussion at least once. Of course, then the trusty archive of my various random ramblings and rantings that is my blog reasures me that, indeed, we have. At which point, of course, I shall now point out yet again, my parking lot should not go crunch. At least not until December. Or until I find some vacation time. Both applies and either would be awesome!

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/22/crunch_my_parking_lot_does_not_crunch.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/22/crunch_my_parking_lot_does_not_crunch.html James If at first you don't succeed, sue and sue again. I've been finding an aweful lot of stupidity floating about the headlines lately. Almost scary, really. Article of stupidity number 1054? Fred Goldman's lawyers will continue to go after O.J. Simpson, no matter how his robbery trial plays out. At first, the article spelled serious grudge/vendetta. Which, okay, the guy killed his son–it's understandable. But really, take a read at that article and tell me it's not more about money and trying way too hard to get his greasy little hands on it. I mean, I know Americans just love a good lawsuit, but come off it already. You can't try a guy for a crime multiple times for a reason. You had your day in court already, Fred my man.

Why I think it's a hell of a money grab:


When news broke that Simpson was in trouble in Las Vegas for a Sept. 13 armed heist of sports memorabilia he claimed had been stolen from him, Goldman's lawyers were back in court so fast that Goldman obtained an order to get the items before Simpson was arrested. The items, including photos, footballs and jerseys, could fetch tens of thousands of dollars if they are found to belong to Simpson.

Yup, money grab alright. He says in the exact same article that all save, like $5000 was taken up already by legal fees. Well gee, freddy, you just added a few more dollars to that bill. How much of that $5000 did you plan to actually keep?

Goldman's $19 million share of the judgment has risen to approximately $39 million with interest, but he knows it's unlikely he'll ever collect more than a fraction, no matter how many court battles he wins.

Good reason to stop trying in my book, bud. Never mind the fact you've *already* gone and doubled your potential earnings. Gees, if you wanted to just give the guy an excuse to start throwing counterclaims back at you, you're doing it. Hm, query to those people insane enough to be studying US law. What's the statute of limitations on a whackjob situation like this before it stops being a punishment and starts being harassment? Inquiring minds want to know.

PS:

One of these days, I'd love for the whole Simpson affair in general to get the hell off the headlines. Any volunteers to make that happen?]]> I've been finding an aweful lot of stupidity floating about the headlines lately. Almost scary, really. Article of stupidity number 1054? Fred Goldman's lawyers will continue to go after O.J. Simpson, no matter how his robbery trial plays out. At first, the article spelled serious grudge/vendetta. Which, okay, the guy killed his son–it's understandable. But really, take a read at that article and tell me it's not more about money and trying way too hard to get his greasy little hands on it. I mean, I know Americans just love a good lawsuit, but come off it already. You can't try a guy for a crime multiple times for a reason. You had your day in court already, Fred my man.

Why I think it's a hell of a money grab:


When news broke that Simpson was in trouble in Las Vegas for a Sept. 13 armed heist of sports memorabilia he claimed had been stolen from him, Goldman's lawyers were back in court so fast that Goldman obtained an order to get the items before Simpson was arrested. The items, including photos, footballs and jerseys, could fetch tens of thousands of dollars if they are found to belong to Simpson.

Yup, money grab alright. He says in the exact same article that all save, like $5000 was taken up already by legal fees. Well gee, freddy, you just added a few more dollars to that bill. How much of that $5000 did you plan to actually keep?

Goldman's $19 million share of the judgment has risen to approximately $39 million with interest, but he knows it's unlikely he'll ever collect more than a fraction, no matter how many court battles he wins.

Good reason to stop trying in my book, bud. Never mind the fact you've *already* gone and doubled your potential earnings. Gees, if you wanted to just give the guy an excuse to start throwing counterclaims back at you, you're doing it. Hm, query to those people insane enough to be studying US law. What's the statute of limitations on a whackjob situation like this before it stops being a punishment and starts being harassment? Inquiring minds want to know.

PS:

One of these days, I'd love for the whole Simpson affair in general to get the hell off the headlines. Any volunteers to make that happen?]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/17/if_at_first_you_dont_succeed_sue_and_sue_again.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/17/if_at_first_you_dont_succeed_sue_and_sue_again.html James So this morning. Hella freezing. Why? That pretty much summarizes it. Yesterday, it was bordering on springlike weather. At least to the point where I thought about taking 5 minutes before the bus came and throwing my jacket back inside. This morning? Freaking, cold. I walk out my back door and across the parking lot to where they've stashed my bus stop, and I wanna turn around and grab a coffee. It royally, and painfully, sucked! And it's not about to suck any less, if the weather netework's got anything to say about it. That's it, I'm calling in sick tomorrow. And every day until it goes above freezing. Winter should be illegal. The cold doesn't bother me usually, except when I have to stand in it for upwards of 20 minutes between buses. *Then* it bothers me just a bit. And *then* I get bitchy. Or maybe it's just that then I have a reason to. Same difference.

]]> That pretty much summarizes it. Yesterday, it was bordering on springlike weather. At least to the point where I thought about taking 5 minutes before the bus came and throwing my jacket back inside. This morning? Freaking, cold. I walk out my back door and across the parking lot to where they've stashed my bus stop, and I wanna turn around and grab a coffee. It royally, and painfully, sucked! And it's not about to suck any less, if the weather netework's got anything to say about it. That's it, I'm calling in sick tomorrow. And every day until it goes above freezing. Winter should be illegal. The cold doesn't bother me usually, except when I have to stand in it for upwards of 20 minutes between buses. *Then* it bothers me just a bit. And *then* I get bitchy. Or maybe it's just that then I have a reason to. Same difference.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/16/so_this_morning_hella_freezing_why.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/16/so_this_morning_hella_freezing_why.html James The Hilton effect strikes again! Did she receive special treatment? Survey says… quite probably yes! Why else, after all, would miss Lohan spend a grand total of 84 minutes in a cell for a DUI charge that'd quite probably wind anyone else up spending a whole lot more? Even Paris, for all her moronicness and being the reason for the creation of a whole new category on here, spent nearly a month behind bars for the same damn thing. Where's the fairness in that? And this be why I j ust have to say… only in America can you take a public shit and not get called out for it. Only in America.

]]> Did she receive special treatment? Survey says… quite probably yes! Why else, after all, would miss Lohan spend a grand total of 84 minutes in a cell for a DUI charge that'd quite probably wind anyone else up spending a whole lot more? Even Paris, for all her moronicness and being the reason for the creation of a whole new category on here, spent nearly a month behind bars for the same damn thing. Where's the fairness in that? And this be why I j ust have to say… only in America can you take a public shit and not get called out for it. Only in America.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/16/the_hilton_effect_strikes_again.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/16/the_hilton_effect_strikes_again.html James I wouldn't mind seeing that proof. Apparently, according to a recently published study anyway, this here federal government of ours is adicted to temps. Which, also according to this here study, hurts… just about everyone else's chances of getting their foot in the door. Of course, to this I have only to say–uh, no, not really. Work experience in general hurts that. I should know, I thought about applying for a government job… that's part of the reason why I'm working at Dell. So, while their efforts to do what they're good at and overstate the obvious are appreciated, in my honest opinion they're just the slightest bit off the mark. Besides, Trish rather enjoys temping. Like I'd vote to take that away from her.

]]> Apparently, according to a recently published study anyway, this here federal government of ours is adicted to temps. Which, also according to this here study, hurts… just about everyone else's chances of getting their foot in the door. Of course, to this I have only to say–uh, no, not really. Work experience in general hurts that. I should know, I thought about applying for a government job… that's part of the reason why I'm working at Dell. So, while their efforts to do what they're good at and overstate the obvious are appreciated, in my honest opinion they're just the slightest bit off the mark. Besides, Trish rather enjoys temping. Like I'd vote to take that away from her.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/13/i_wouldnt_mind_seeing_that_proof.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/13/i_wouldnt_mind_seeing_that_proof.html James Wherein my opinion of relying on other people gets more confirmation it doesn't need. So remember when I was looking forward to the day shift because I could catch the decent buses going to and from work? Well apparently, they neglected to make that the case on Saturdays. Now, Sundays is understandable–bus service sucks on a good day then anyway. But I distinctly recall seeing that there was a bus running this morning, at the usual 5:20 or 5:21 time slot, just as it did on a normal day. So, silly little me goes out and freezes his ass off waiting for said bus to show up. 5:45 gets here, and… yup, still no bus. Now, ordinarily I wouldn't particularly care–just go to the next stop and catch another bus that's heading in the same general direction, and I'll meet up with my transfer on the other end. Except the only other bus running that early? One that leaves at… you guessed it, 5:46 in the morning. And that particular bus stop is a 20 minute walk from my house, and from the stop I was currently standing at-. 25 if I decided I couldn't be bothered to cut through my building to get there–it's freezing cold. Yeah freaking right. So thanks to OC Transpo misinforming me, my shift was a writeoff before I got out the door. The end result? A phone call in sick, an explanation to my manager of all of 4 days that I did not, in fact, decide to take a Saturday off whether I had one or not, and… I get to enjoy an unplanned Saturday off. Which, okay, can't complain about that. But it would have been nice to have actually planned that unplanned Saturday off, rather than OC Transpo deciding that I didn't want to go to work anyway. Well, I guess on the bright side, I can get some housework done around here. Eventually. Meaning… just as soon as I figure out whether or not I want to go grab a couple more hours' sleep. It's not like I don't have the option now.

]]> So remember when I was looking forward to the day shift because I could catch the decent buses going to and from work? Well apparently, they neglected to make that the case on Saturdays. Now, Sundays is understandable–bus service sucks on a good day then anyway. But I distinctly recall seeing that there was a bus running this morning, at the usual 5:20 or 5:21 time slot, just as it did on a normal day. So, silly little me goes out and freezes his ass off waiting for said bus to show up. 5:45 gets here, and… yup, still no bus. Now, ordinarily I wouldn't particularly care–just go to the next stop and catch another bus that's heading in the same general direction, and I'll meet up with my transfer on the other end. Except the only other bus running that early? One that leaves at… you guessed it, 5:46 in the morning. And that particular bus stop is a 20 minute walk from my house, and from the stop I was currently standing at-. 25 if I decided I couldn't be bothered to cut through my building to get there–it's freezing cold. Yeah freaking right. So thanks to OC Transpo misinforming me, my shift was a writeoff before I got out the door. The end result? A phone call in sick, an explanation to my manager of all of 4 days that I did not, in fact, decide to take a Saturday off whether I had one or not, and… I get to enjoy an unplanned Saturday off. Which, okay, can't complain about that. But it would have been nice to have actually planned that unplanned Saturday off, rather than OC Transpo deciding that I didn't want to go to work anyway. Well, I guess on the bright side, I can get some housework done around here. Eventually. Meaning… just as soon as I figure out whether or not I want to go grab a couple more hours' sleep. It's not like I don't have the option now.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/10/wherein_my_opinion_of_relying_on_other_people_gets_more_confirmation_it_doesnt_need.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/10/wherein_my_opinion_of_relying_on_other_people_gets_more_confirmation_it_doesnt_need.html James Quebec strikes again. Warning: If you don't want to read the below rant, scroll down to the next entry.

Quebec has officially managed to screw itself over in more than one way, but this time methinks they're desperately looking for any old excuse to cut themselves off from Canada. And as I've said before, I won't miss it any. But really, can they really find so little to complain about nowadays that they need to cry about the fact that, like *every* other government telephone system, you are given the option to choose between English and French instructions at the *beginning* of the interaction? Apparently they answer is yes, because they are. And I can only say one tiny little thing on that one. Jesus fucking christ just cut the chord and be done with it already. I didn't want anything to do with them before, and now if I don't have to bother with them at all, I'll be thrilled. Extatic, even. And headache free! Say, how long before they go running to the US? Anyone placing bets?

]]> Warning: If you don't want to read the below rant, scroll down to the next entry.

Quebec has officially managed to screw itself over in more than one way, but this time methinks they're desperately looking for any old excuse to cut themselves off from Canada. And as I've said before, I won't miss it any. But really, can they really find so little to complain about nowadays that they need to cry about the fact that, like *every* other government telephone system, you are given the option to choose between English and French instructions at the *beginning* of the interaction? Apparently they answer is yes, because they are. And I can only say one tiny little thing on that one. Jesus fucking christ just cut the chord and be done with it already. I didn't want anything to do with them before, and now if I don't have to bother with them at all, I'll be thrilled. Extatic, even. And headache free! Say, how long before they go running to the US? Anyone placing bets?

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/10/quebec_strikes_again.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/10/quebec_strikes_again.html James Well now. That was cold. The walk and subsequent bus ride to work, that is. Uber, freaking, cold. Somebody must hate me. It's not even January yet, either. Ladies, gentlemen, and people of indeterminate genders, I officially hate winter in Canada. And it's neither snowed nor actually become winter yet. Bloody hell times 6. I wanna go home…

Required dose of optimism: I think the Leafs play tonight. That means pizza. Which means I don't have to cook. I like this arangement.

]]> The walk and subsequent bus ride to work, that is. Uber, freaking, cold. Somebody must hate me. It's not even January yet, either. Ladies, gentlemen, and people of indeterminate genders, I officially hate winter in Canada. And it's neither snowed nor actually become winter yet. Bloody hell times 6. I wanna go home…

Required dose of optimism: I think the Leafs play tonight. That means pizza. Which means I don't have to cook. I like this arangement.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/09/well_now_that_was_cold.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/09/well_now_that_was_cold.html James An open letter to winter. Dear winter,

I would just like to point out that you have, once again, managed to show up way too freaking early. You aren't supposed to be anywhere near here until December at the earliest. It should not *be* this cold in early November. And there's a nasty rumor floating around that there was a snow sighting this morning. You are not welcome here. Kindly screw off until December.

Sincerely, me.

PS: If it gets any colder tomorrow, you and I are going to have a very long, very one-sided conversation.

]]> Dear winter,

I would just like to point out that you have, once again, managed to show up way too freaking early. You aren't supposed to be anywhere near here until December at the earliest. It should not *be* this cold in early November. And there's a nasty rumor floating around that there was a snow sighting this morning. You are not welcome here. Kindly screw off until December.

Sincerely, me.

PS: If it gets any colder tomorrow, you and I are going to have a very long, very one-sided conversation.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/07/an_open_letter_to_winter.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/07/an_open_letter_to_winter.html James So there's this idiot brother... I thought I could avoid it. I thought after he got pissed off with her and cancelled the wedding, that'd be it. Then they got back together, but swore they weren't going to try to get married again–always room, then, to call it quits before one of them winds up in jail for murder. So the bomb shell that got dropped a couple days ago just now means this family's screwed. He and my once again future bitch-in-law are, after all, getting married. And I can only say this time, I'm not taking the time off work for it–I can't. I took my last bit of vacation time for their first attempt. They're not coming back to Pembroke for it, it looks like. Which… actually suits me just fine, really. Less of a chance I can attend, then. I saw her all of twice, maybe 3 times since the wedding that never happened. And my opinion of her hasn't changed all that much–she's still an immature bitch. Marrying her will probably cut his life in half faster than any millitary asignment overseas, but… heh, I could never accuse him of being all that bright. A little backwards, maybe–he's from Pembroke, it's expected. Ah well, this this much milage between us and both of us working the hours we are, at least I don't have to talk to his again fiance and again soon-to-be bride/bitch. Hm, on the other hand, I don't really feel sorry for the guy, either–he brought this one on himself. Twice. I still hope they never have kids.

]]> I thought I could avoid it. I thought after he got pissed off with her and cancelled the wedding, that'd be it. Then they got back together, but swore they weren't going to try to get married again–always room, then, to call it quits before one of them winds up in jail for murder. So the bomb shell that got dropped a couple days ago just now means this family's screwed. He and my once again future bitch-in-law are, after all, getting married. And I can only say this time, I'm not taking the time off work for it–I can't. I took my last bit of vacation time for their first attempt. They're not coming back to Pembroke for it, it looks like. Which… actually suits me just fine, really. Less of a chance I can attend, then. I saw her all of twice, maybe 3 times since the wedding that never happened. And my opinion of her hasn't changed all that much–she's still an immature bitch. Marrying her will probably cut his life in half faster than any millitary asignment overseas, but… heh, I could never accuse him of being all that bright. A little backwards, maybe–he's from Pembroke, it's expected. Ah well, this this much milage between us and both of us working the hours we are, at least I don't have to talk to his again fiance and again soon-to-be bride/bitch. Hm, on the other hand, I don't really feel sorry for the guy, either–he brought this one on himself. Twice. I still hope they never have kids.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/01/so_theres_this_idiot_brother.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/11/01/so_theres_this_idiot_brother.html James Put a wall around Quebec. Then fill it with water. Or at least put a wall around it. Mayhap then the separatist movement will be content. It's apparently not good enough, after all, when someone who isn't even from Canada and has already learned english, and *only* came to Canada to play hockey, doesn't speak french. Sacreligious, I'm tellin ya! What ever will we do about it? Oh, I know, let's throw the world's biggest hissy fit and further prove you're deserving of the moron of the year 2008 award! I've said it once, twice, 3 times before–the sooner Quebec goes buh bye, the better. I have no problem whatsoever with people from Quebec. Or French-speaking people in general. I do, however, have a problem with the holier than thou attitude certain groups in Quebec like to adopt. News flash, folks–thou art not holy. You are not the exception to the rule. If you would like to continue believing you are, you may walk thyself off the nearest cliff. And thank you for trying to screw with my game. even if it isn't my team.

]]> Or at least put a wall around it. Mayhap then the separatist movement will be content. It's apparently not good enough, after all, when someone who isn't even from Canada and has already learned english, and *only* came to Canada to play hockey, doesn't speak french. Sacreligious, I'm tellin ya! What ever will we do about it? Oh, I know, let's throw the world's biggest hissy fit and further prove you're deserving of the moron of the year 2008 award! I've said it once, twice, 3 times before–the sooner Quebec goes buh bye, the better. I have no problem whatsoever with people from Quebec. Or French-speaking people in general. I do, however, have a problem with the holier than thou attitude certain groups in Quebec like to adopt. News flash, folks–thou art not holy. You are not the exception to the rule. If you would like to continue believing you are, you may walk thyself off the nearest cliff. And thank you for trying to screw with my game. even if it isn't my team.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/10/31/put_a_wall_around_quebec_then_fill_it_with_water.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/10/31/put_a_wall_around_quebec_then_fill_it_with_water.html James And this is why I don't vote liberal. so maybe 2% from a GST standpoint isn't a whole hell of a lot. I'd still rather the 5 cents on a case of coke stays in my pocket rather than makes it to the government. but then, I'm also a cheap little man, too. So when I came across this article that suggests the liberal leader would reverse the GST cut if elected, I was… well… just a little tiny bit pissed. but then, I probably shouldn't be surprised–they haven't exactly been doing a whole lot to save us money when they were in office. A large part of the reason why they now aren't. Well, that, combined with the fact that I, personally, don't want another bloody Quebec Prime Minister. We finally got rid of Cratien… why inflict dion on this country instead? And yes, I'm ignoring the fact they've done a complete 180 so far as what they promise in elections–but then again, you show me a political party that doesn't. Ah well, a penny saved on taxes is a penny kept away from people like dion. I'll take that, too.

]]> so maybe 2% from a GST standpoint isn't a whole hell of a lot. I'd still rather the 5 cents on a case of coke stays in my pocket rather than makes it to the government. but then, I'm also a cheap little man, too. So when I came across this article that suggests the liberal leader would reverse the GST cut if elected, I was… well… just a little tiny bit pissed. but then, I probably shouldn't be surprised–they haven't exactly been doing a whole lot to save us money when they were in office. A large part of the reason why they now aren't. Well, that, combined with the fact that I, personally, don't want another bloody Quebec Prime Minister. We finally got rid of Cratien… why inflict dion on this country instead? And yes, I'm ignoring the fact they've done a complete 180 so far as what they promise in elections–but then again, you show me a political party that doesn't. Ah well, a penny saved on taxes is a penny kept away from people like dion. I'll take that, too.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/10/31/and_this_is_why_i_dont_vote_liberal.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/10/31/and_this_is_why_i_dont_vote_liberal.html James Where's my invitation to the Britney pity party? You know she's getting exactly what she's after when now she's got a church pretty much begging for its members to send her love during her supposedly troubled period. Keeping in mind, of course, it's a troubled period she brought on herself. This is why I have to laugh at churches from time to time–they make her out like some fallen angel, some innocent thing who's just lost her way. News flash, folks–she was never all that innocent to begin with, nor was she ever that bright to begin with. And now she gets to realize, guess what–people thought you were just another teenaged drama queen in the beginning, and now you're proving it. Good job, moron of the year.

I gotta have a bit of a laugh at the comparison the priest at this church draws, though.


If she were your next-door neighbor in the same situation without the money and success, wouldn't you care about her problems? Wouldn't you pray for her and offer her support and encouragement?

Nope, not really. I wouldn't offer her or loan her squat, to be blatantly honest–I'd be very likely to either have it not returned or have it completely and totally wasted. I like to think I can get along with just about anyone. But not people who so openly make themselves out to be complete and total idiots, and then still manage to draw people's pity based solely on the fact they used to be famous and a somewhat not all that horrible singer. I saw it coming, and I can't say she didn't deserve it. Hey, maybe next time her and Paris can be cell mates…

]]> You know she's getting exactly what she's after when now she's got a church pretty much begging for its members to send her love during her supposedly troubled period. Keeping in mind, of course, it's a troubled period she brought on herself. This is why I have to laugh at churches from time to time–they make her out like some fallen angel, some innocent thing who's just lost her way. News flash, folks–she was never all that innocent to begin with, nor was she ever that bright to begin with. And now she gets to realize, guess what–people thought you were just another teenaged drama queen in the beginning, and now you're proving it. Good job, moron of the year.

I gotta have a bit of a laugh at the comparison the priest at this church draws, though.


If she were your next-door neighbor in the same situation without the money and success, wouldn't you care about her problems? Wouldn't you pray for her and offer her support and encouragement?

Nope, not really. I wouldn't offer her or loan her squat, to be blatantly honest–I'd be very likely to either have it not returned or have it completely and totally wasted. I like to think I can get along with just about anyone. But not people who so openly make themselves out to be complete and total idiots, and then still manage to draw people's pity based solely on the fact they used to be famous and a somewhat not all that horrible singer. I saw it coming, and I can't say she didn't deserve it. Hey, maybe next time her and Paris can be cell mates…

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/10/28/wheres_my_invitation_to_the_britney_pity_party.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/10/28/wheres_my_invitation_to_the_britney_pity_party.html James If the intent is to keep something quiet, perhaps you shouldn't scream about it on camera? Ah, Paris. If only you had a clue. But no, you seem to be having difficulty with locating your common sense. Only real explanation, isn't it, for pretty much acting about 13 and throwing one hell of a hissy fit over walking into a porno store and seeing posters of that stupid sex tape of hers on the wall. Now, personally, I was never a Paris Hilton fan–I rather thought she was a stupid tramp. Now, though, after pretty much taking notice that she's proven the number 1 rule about keeping things quiet correct, I've reached the conclusion that she's an immature, stupid tramp. An immature, stupid tramp who has just taken the Streisand effect to a whole new, real life level. You can look at Wikipedia for the definition, or check out Techdirt's website. One of its authors initially came up with that particular phrase referring to most moronic attempts to keep something shushed on the internet, only to have it wind up on about 50 billion places on the internet. Paris, my dear, you have made that list. Shall we define the real life version of the same to the Hilton effect?

]]> Ah, Paris. If only you had a clue. But no, you seem to be having difficulty with locating your common sense. Only real explanation, isn't it, for pretty much acting about 13 and throwing one hell of a hissy fit over walking into a porno store and seeing posters of that stupid sex tape of hers on the wall. Now, personally, I was never a Paris Hilton fan–I rather thought she was a stupid tramp. Now, though, after pretty much taking notice that she's proven the number 1 rule about keeping things quiet correct, I've reached the conclusion that she's an immature, stupid tramp. An immature, stupid tramp who has just taken the Streisand effect to a whole new, real life level. You can look at Wikipedia for the definition, or check out Techdirt's website. One of its authors initially came up with that particular phrase referring to most moronic attempts to keep something shushed on the internet, only to have it wind up on about 50 billion places on the internet. Paris, my dear, you have made that list. Shall we define the real life version of the same to the Hilton effect?

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/10/26/if_the_intent_is_to_keep_something_quiet_perhaps_you_shouldnt_scream_about_it_on_camera.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/10/26/if_the_intent_is_to_keep_something_quiet_perhaps_you_shouldnt_scream_about_it_on_camera.html James Can we vote for a law against morons in power now? And they wonder why people don't speak up when shit happens. The Western University of Oregon, in a brilliant act of absolute unrivaled genius, came about *that* close to expelling a student for violating one of the university's policies. And, for the record, it was a policy that basicly said if a student was found to have accessed confidencial information that was *accidentally* left in a publicly accessible area of the network, the student would be responsible for it and thus have to take the fall. Now, keep in mind the only reason he was known to actually have the information was because he reported it. Do I *really* have to explain how stupid, backwards, and outright brainless that is? The idiot factor of this dumbass move makes it perhaps the most hillarious thing I've posted on here. Ever. If… you find retarded policies and the morons that enforce them hillarious. Of course, if not, there's always other websites–Google's full of 'em. But still, the way I see it, the university has preetty much just told this kid, look, yes we screwed up. But you're not getting paid–you're expendable. If it were me, I'd certainly think twice about reporting anything else I accidentally discover. Just in case they've got a policy against that, too. How much you wanna bet even though they didn't expell him, he doesn't catch it good in the end anyway? That's the danger of technology, I guess–there will always be someone there who doesn't have a clue how it works, and blames everything on people doing what they're not supposed to be doing just because they fucked up in the first place. And I get paid to talk to some of them. Somebody save me.

]]> And they wonder why people don't speak up when shit happens. The Western University of Oregon, in a brilliant act of absolute unrivaled genius, came about *that* close to expelling a student for violating one of the university's policies. And, for the record, it was a policy that basicly said if a student was found to have accessed confidencial information that was *accidentally* left in a publicly accessible area of the network, the student would be responsible for it and thus have to take the fall. Now, keep in mind the only reason he was known to actually have the information was because he reported it. Do I *really* have to explain how stupid, backwards, and outright brainless that is? The idiot factor of this dumbass move makes it perhaps the most hillarious thing I've posted on here. Ever. If… you find retarded policies and the morons that enforce them hillarious. Of course, if not, there's always other websites–Google's full of 'em. But still, the way I see it, the university has preetty much just told this kid, look, yes we screwed up. But you're not getting paid–you're expendable. If it were me, I'd certainly think twice about reporting anything else I accidentally discover. Just in case they've got a policy against that, too. How much you wanna bet even though they didn't expell him, he doesn't catch it good in the end anyway? That's the danger of technology, I guess–there will always be someone there who doesn't have a clue how it works, and blames everything on people doing what they're not supposed to be doing just because they fucked up in the first place. And I get paid to talk to some of them. Somebody save me.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/10/17/can_we_vote_for_a_law_against_morons_in_power_now.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/10/17/can_we_vote_for_a_law_against_morons_in_power_now.html James My interwebs were one huge clusterfuck. It, apparently, started last night at some point, and didn't get straightened out until about 6:00 this morning. Not sure if anything I did to correct it actually helped or not, but at least in doing so I could tell it wasn't anything within my control that was screwed. Translation: Sympatico sucks. Loads. But it's still better than Rogers. I'd switch to Primus for DSL–they already have my long distance service, but they still use Bell's phone lines, so that'd just be shooting myself in the foot in the long run. Damn, we need more choices for internet service up here. That aren't dialup.

]]> It, apparently, started last night at some point, and didn't get straightened out until about 6:00 this morning. Not sure if anything I did to correct it actually helped or not, but at least in doing so I could tell it wasn't anything within my control that was screwed. Translation: Sympatico sucks. Loads. But it's still better than Rogers. I'd switch to Primus for DSL–they already have my long distance service, but they still use Bell's phone lines, so that'd just be shooting myself in the foot in the long run. Damn, we need more choices for internet service up here. That aren't dialup.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/10/13/my_interwebs_were_one_huge_clusterfuck.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/10/13/my_interwebs_were_one_huge_clusterfuck.html James I didn't think they'd leave it alone. Way back when, I ranted the hell out of the prospect of Quebec actually being considered a nation. And I distinctly remember saying if and when that day gets here, they should have no say whatsoever in how the *rest* of Canada is run. So what's the Bloc Quebecois go and do now? Why, they decide that rather than just cutting themselves off from the rest of the country and getting it over with, parliament should instead bend over backwards and just kinda rewrite a handful of laws/bills/what have you, including the federal labour code, to basicly say the official language of Canada, that being the only language that actually matters to most Canadians not stuck in the past, is only applicable outside of Quebec. Yet another "except for Quebec" rule, not entirely unlike just about every other law they've managed to push through–minimum wage, anyone? Call me prejudiced if it makes you feel better, but… really, either shit or get off the pot. either follow Canada's rules and regulations *as they're written*, and as they've been written for, like, ages, or get out. And take Gilles Duceppe and his backwards party with you.

]]> Way back when, I ranted the hell out of the prospect of Quebec actually being considered a nation. And I distinctly remember saying if and when that day gets here, they should have no say whatsoever in how the *rest* of Canada is run. So what's the Bloc Quebecois go and do now? Why, they decide that rather than just cutting themselves off from the rest of the country and getting it over with, parliament should instead bend over backwards and just kinda rewrite a handful of laws/bills/what have you, including the federal labour code, to basicly say the official language of Canada, that being the only language that actually matters to most Canadians not stuck in the past, is only applicable outside of Quebec. Yet another "except for Quebec" rule, not entirely unlike just about every other law they've managed to push through–minimum wage, anyone? Call me prejudiced if it makes you feel better, but… really, either shit or get off the pot. either follow Canada's rules and regulations *as they're written*, and as they've been written for, like, ages, or get out. And take Gilles Duceppe and his backwards party with you.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/10/10/i_didnt_think_theyd_leave_it_alone.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/10/10/i_didnt_think_theyd_leave_it_alone.html James The unknown element is still unstable. Vesa Toskala. The man some have pinned their hopes and dreams for this season on. The man who, in spite of the fact he's still not got a whole lot in front of him–we just happened to score more goals on Saturday, that's all–still pretty much proved 2 losses against Ottawa still doesn't mean we're tanking the season. The man who, as of right this very minute, has given me absolutely no reason as yet to actually fall in love with the guy. Not helped in the slightest I'm sure by having been ker-shmucked by a team who, last year, *did* tank the season. And why? Well, I wanna blame the new guy–'cuz that's just what I do. but really, he's the last line of defense here. granted I didn't exactly watch the game tonight–have I mentioned lately I hate, hate, hate that I can't get half these games, even for 10 minutes, from work? But, that being said… what the hell? Why, for the love of God, did we have little to nothing going all night? Defensively, *or* offensively? Can *anyone* explain that to me? I mean, granted I'm going by Yahoo's ever so explanatory description of the game–it's all I have until I plunk myself down in front of a TV, sue me–but really. If the way to the net was as open most of the game as I'm getting the impression? Oh. My. Freaking. God. Just call off the season now. It'd be less painful. And all you Vesa supporters (I'm looking at you, Boonmaster, I challenge you. If you really think he'll do any better than Raycroft, which at this point is doubtful and growing less likely, prove it. Bets are open in the comments. Not that I think Raycroft's the starter of 07-08, but… neither's toskala if we wanna go cup hunting. Or at least make the first round. And that's the opinion of a Leafs fan stuck in Ottawa.

]]> Vesa Toskala. The man some have pinned their hopes and dreams for this season on. The man who, in spite of the fact he's still not got a whole lot in front of him–we just happened to score more goals on Saturday, that's all–still pretty much proved 2 losses against Ottawa still doesn't mean we're tanking the season. The man who, as of right this very minute, has given me absolutely no reason as yet to actually fall in love with the guy. Not helped in the slightest I'm sure by having been ker-shmucked by a team who, last year, *did* tank the season. And why? Well, I wanna blame the new guy–'cuz that's just what I do. but really, he's the last line of defense here. granted I didn't exactly watch the game tonight–have I mentioned lately I hate, hate, hate that I can't get half these games, even for 10 minutes, from work? But, that being said… what the hell? Why, for the love of God, did we have little to nothing going all night? Defensively, *or* offensively? Can *anyone* explain that to me? I mean, granted I'm going by Yahoo's ever so explanatory description of the game–it's all I have until I plunk myself down in front of a TV, sue me–but really. If the way to the net was as open most of the game as I'm getting the impression? Oh. My. Freaking. God. Just call off the season now. It'd be less painful. And all you Vesa supporters (I'm looking at you, Boonmaster, I challenge you. If you really think he'll do any better than Raycroft, which at this point is doubtful and growing less likely, prove it. Bets are open in the comments. Not that I think Raycroft's the starter of 07-08, but… neither's toskala if we wanna go cup hunting. Or at least make the first round. And that's the opinion of a Leafs fan stuck in Ottawa.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/10/10/the_unknown_element_is_still_unstable.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/10/10/the_unknown_element_is_still_unstable.html James I promised you a rant, and here it be. Warning: this could get very, very long-winded. Possibly requiring it not be posted until the end of my shift–taking one look at how busy we are right now (35 people currently on hold, just for the record) with about 20 minutes before I have to actually start, it might take me that long. So anyvay. I get on the bus yesterday, same old routine I've been doing since, oh… about the first day I started here. Except this time, there happens to be a Senators game. In Ottawa. No big deal, there'll just be a tiny bit of a delay. Except that tiny bit of a delay turned out to be 20 minutes. Which, for those of us keeping score, chalks up one more reason for me to not rely on other people–I recall saying as much at least once on this here blog. Although being at work, I'm not about to take the time to find exactly where. so, I've pretty much missed the bus I normally catch. Which… again, no big deal. I'd just show up 45 minutes to an hour early for work anyway. except the next bus drops me off right smack at 8:00. Which means by the time I haull ass from the bus stop to the office–for the record, they call the cubicle I'm currently sitting in an office–it's kissinig 20 after. And I still have to fire up all the crapola I need to refer to during the process of taking calls. By the time it comes around to actually start working, I have 10 seconds to breathe. Then I go head first into a pile of anywhere from 23 to 31 calls waiting, and don't really come up to breathe again until my break.

sidenote: I'm so not complaining about the job–I love it. It's the other people interfering with the getting to the job that I'm not entirely a huge fan of. The bus driver and I today actually reached a sort of agreement, something I really think they should make law. Every time the Senators win, they should give us a day off to be used when the Senators next play at home. that way, those of us who're sick enough to actually like that particular team can go watch them, and those of us who hate the team (toronto fan over here) and the sudden massive influx of trafic their games provoke can stay home, watch *our* team, or do… anything else that doesn't involve fighting through that mess to get to work. That's it, I've decided. I'm gonna have a look at the Senators' schedule after about January or so, and every game they play at home, I'm booking vacation time for. Before they make me late. Chew on that, mr. Murphy!

]]> Warning: this could get very, very long-winded. Possibly requiring it not be posted until the end of my shift–taking one look at how busy we are right now (35 people currently on hold, just for the record) with about 20 minutes before I have to actually start, it might take me that long. So anyvay. I get on the bus yesterday, same old routine I've been doing since, oh… about the first day I started here. Except this time, there happens to be a Senators game. In Ottawa. No big deal, there'll just be a tiny bit of a delay. Except that tiny bit of a delay turned out to be 20 minutes. Which, for those of us keeping score, chalks up one more reason for me to not rely on other people–I recall saying as much at least once on this here blog. Although being at work, I'm not about to take the time to find exactly where. so, I've pretty much missed the bus I normally catch. Which… again, no big deal. I'd just show up 45 minutes to an hour early for work anyway. except the next bus drops me off right smack at 8:00. Which means by the time I haull ass from the bus stop to the office–for the record, they call the cubicle I'm currently sitting in an office–it's kissinig 20 after. And I still have to fire up all the crapola I need to refer to during the process of taking calls. By the time it comes around to actually start working, I have 10 seconds to breathe. Then I go head first into a pile of anywhere from 23 to 31 calls waiting, and don't really come up to breathe again until my break.

sidenote: I'm so not complaining about the job–I love it. It's the other people interfering with the getting to the job that I'm not entirely a huge fan of. The bus driver and I today actually reached a sort of agreement, something I really think they should make law. Every time the Senators win, they should give us a day off to be used when the Senators next play at home. that way, those of us who're sick enough to actually like that particular team can go watch them, and those of us who hate the team (toronto fan over here) and the sudden massive influx of trafic their games provoke can stay home, watch *our* team, or do… anything else that doesn't involve fighting through that mess to get to work. That's it, I've decided. I'm gonna have a look at the Senators' schedule after about January or so, and every game they play at home, I'm booking vacation time for. Before they make me late. Chew on that, mr. Murphy!

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/10/05/i_promised_you_a_rant_and_here_it_be.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/10/05/i_promised_you_a_rant_and_here_it_be.html James Even Dell technicians hate Dell technicians. And Sympatico, and Microsoft, and... Welp, as some of you know and others of you guessed I'm sure by now, the formerly Vista and now XP computer is up and running. Well, partially. No wireless network support and there's still a rather lengthy list of devices Windows doesn't have drivers for. But I'm slowly piecing that together. Now, here's why every time I have to call tech support, I cringe. And not because I am one. So I call up Del on Monday, because their support site doesn't have a driver for my built-in wireless card. Not for XP, at least–which, okay, no big deal; it came with Vista, after all. So I check the Vista drivers list, like I've been doing with a few other things, and there's none listed there. So I just flat out asked the technician I spoke to on Monday, "does this machine even come with a driver for the wireless card?" Honest question, and a simple enough yes or no question to be sure–if I were sitting on the *other* end of that conversation, I could have probably told myself one way or another in about a minute and a half. But, not with this guy, who first wanted to spend 5 minutes making *sure* I wasn't a moron calling up with the misguided belief that, because I got this new fangled desktop thing sitting in my living room, it automaticly comes with a wireless card. Did I mention I pointed out to him at least once I'm employed with Dell, doing things like network troubleshooting on a daily basis? So I know when a computer's supposed to come with a wireless card–like, say, when in your order information, it says that one was specificly requested. So, we get by that round about, and he finally decides he actually wants to varify whether or not it does. So he tells me to go to their support site–I guess he wasn't listening when I said I've already been there and they don't have it. He finally just decides to put me on hold and do some "research"–for the record, when a hardware tech says they're doing some research, you know they're asking one of their l2's if this is a good enough reason to transfer them to the Dell on Call department. About 20 minutes go by, and he comes back, saying he can't find the wireless card on my system. Insert long, exasperated, frustrated sigh, and me telling him, yet again, that it doesn't give a brand name in the order details, but, and this is where I think I drive the point home that I work for the same company, I tell him the training material *should* say what brand the wireless card option includes for my particular model of computer. Silence. Then he asks to put me on hold again. Another few minutes go by. Presumeably, more "research". Then he comes back, says he thinks he found the brand and model of the wireless card, the exact details I honestly don't remember–for the record, when a technician says "I think", it's never pretty–and tells me that it looks like the support for that particular model is built directly into Vista. And there are no drivers for XP. So, not wanting to argue the point, I hang up, and plug that particular model into the almighty goog. And sure enough, inside of 10 minutes, I could have called that particular technician a liar. But… rather than openly and blatantly advertising the obvious, I just dinked around a bit, installed a few things I needed to install, and called it a night–I had to work the next night, and it was 5:00 or later in the morning before I finally decided to fall into bed. So it got to sit there until tonight, when I ended up not going to work–thank you, public transportation, for showing up early and thus making me miss the only bus that'd actually get me there before I was well into my shift. So I go back to that computer, figuring if the support is built into one version of Windows, the other version should have *something*. So I do a little fiddling, and sure enough, one wireless driver, for windows XP, located and installed. What was that you were saying about it was only designed to work with Vista? Now, the problem comes up that it's telling me to make sure the actual card's turned on. Now, they have a funky little keyboard command where you can do that for laptops, but I wasn't sure about this particular desktop. Cringing again, I called tech support. Shoulda figured it out myself. First guy first of all had the same hearing problem as the last technician I spoke to, in that it took me 3 tries before he accepted that yes, Dell technician who troubleshoots networking problems on a daily basis does have a wireless router, does have it turned on, and does have it in the next room, well in range of the card that is trying to look for it. All I wanted to know was the one thing he either didn't know how or didn't want to tell me–was there a switch or something on the back of the bloody machine to turn the card on manually, or is there a similar command via the keyboard to do so as there is in laptops? He finally at least gets me over to the wireless department, and the girl on the other end actually has a brain. And is using it. If it wasn't against the rules, I'd of done my own troubleshooting at work when I went in tomorrow… there, I'd at least have access to the same things these people do, and could have found the answer in probably 45 seconds, instead of 45 minutes and 2 technicians. Move on, now, to what I have to get done so I can actually get the antivirus software I'm using set up on my other computer. First requires actually getting the password from Sympatico for my current email address, so I can resurrect a really, really old one I haven't used since I moved out of Pembroke nearly a year ago. Now, Sympatico uses Microsoft's hotmail interface–so yes, a uber craptastic service to be sure–to manage their web interface for all things email. So in order to change, create or delete email addresses, I have to log into that craptastic interface. Not an altogether too thrilling experience, to say the least. But, I do it anyway, because for reasons beyond my control, I have to. So I enter my email address, and move onto the next screen to enter my password. And it sits there, loading… and loading… and loading… then shows me the logout screen… then sits there loading… and loading… and loading… eventually, I just said screw it, and closed the window. I can think of a lot of things I'd like to do on an unplanned but certainly not unwelcome night off. One of those is not deal with the idiocy of people I have no choice but to trust to keep methods of accessing services I pay for from going tits up. So instead, I shall go drop in on an RPG I haven't played in forever. I'll curse at the evil that is Hotmail, and the stupidity that is Sympatico's decision to join forces with Microsoft, later. For the next hour or so, I'm planning to have fun. Or something.

]]> Welp, as some of you know and others of you guessed I'm sure by now, the formerly Vista and now XP computer is up and running. Well, partially. No wireless network support and there's still a rather lengthy list of devices Windows doesn't have drivers for. But I'm slowly piecing that together. Now, here's why every time I have to call tech support, I cringe. And not because I am one. So I call up Del on Monday, because their support site doesn't have a driver for my built-in wireless card. Not for XP, at least–which, okay, no big deal; it came with Vista, after all. So I check the Vista drivers list, like I've been doing with a few other things, and there's none listed there. So I just flat out asked the technician I spoke to on Monday, "does this machine even come with a driver for the wireless card?" Honest question, and a simple enough yes or no question to be sure–if I were sitting on the *other* end of that conversation, I could have probably told myself one way or another in about a minute and a half. But, not with this guy, who first wanted to spend 5 minutes making *sure* I wasn't a moron calling up with the misguided belief that, because I got this new fangled desktop thing sitting in my living room, it automaticly comes with a wireless card. Did I mention I pointed out to him at least once I'm employed with Dell, doing things like network troubleshooting on a daily basis? So I know when a computer's supposed to come with a wireless card–like, say, when in your order information, it says that one was specificly requested. So, we get by that round about, and he finally decides he actually wants to varify whether or not it does. So he tells me to go to their support site–I guess he wasn't listening when I said I've already been there and they don't have it. He finally just decides to put me on hold and do some "research"–for the record, when a hardware tech says they're doing some research, you know they're asking one of their l2's if this is a good enough reason to transfer them to the Dell on Call department. About 20 minutes go by, and he comes back, saying he can't find the wireless card on my system. Insert long, exasperated, frustrated sigh, and me telling him, yet again, that it doesn't give a brand name in the order details, but, and this is where I think I drive the point home that I work for the same company, I tell him the training material *should* say what brand the wireless card option includes for my particular model of computer. Silence. Then he asks to put me on hold again. Another few minutes go by. Presumeably, more "research". Then he comes back, says he thinks he found the brand and model of the wireless card, the exact details I honestly don't remember–for the record, when a technician says "I think", it's never pretty–and tells me that it looks like the support for that particular model is built directly into Vista. And there are no drivers for XP. So, not wanting to argue the point, I hang up, and plug that particular model into the almighty goog. And sure enough, inside of 10 minutes, I could have called that particular technician a liar. But… rather than openly and blatantly advertising the obvious, I just dinked around a bit, installed a few things I needed to install, and called it a night–I had to work the next night, and it was 5:00 or later in the morning before I finally decided to fall into bed. So it got to sit there until tonight, when I ended up not going to work–thank you, public transportation, for showing up early and thus making me miss the only bus that'd actually get me there before I was well into my shift. So I go back to that computer, figuring if the support is built into one version of Windows, the other version should have *something*. So I do a little fiddling, and sure enough, one wireless driver, for windows XP, located and installed. What was that you were saying about it was only designed to work with Vista? Now, the problem comes up that it's telling me to make sure the actual card's turned on. Now, they have a funky little keyboard command where you can do that for laptops, but I wasn't sure about this particular desktop. Cringing again, I called tech support. Shoulda figured it out myself. First guy first of all had the same hearing problem as the last technician I spoke to, in that it took me 3 tries before he accepted that yes, Dell technician who troubleshoots networking problems on a daily basis does have a wireless router, does have it turned on, and does have it in the next room, well in range of the card that is trying to look for it. All I wanted to know was the one thing he either didn't know how or didn't want to tell me–was there a switch or something on the back of the bloody machine to turn the card on manually, or is there a similar command via the keyboard to do so as there is in laptops? He finally at least gets me over to the wireless department, and the girl on the other end actually has a brain. And is using it. If it wasn't against the rules, I'd of done my own troubleshooting at work when I went in tomorrow… there, I'd at least have access to the same things these people do, and could have found the answer in probably 45 seconds, instead of 45 minutes and 2 technicians. Move on, now, to what I have to get done so I can actually get the antivirus software I'm using set up on my other computer. First requires actually getting the password from Sympatico for my current email address, so I can resurrect a really, really old one I haven't used since I moved out of Pembroke nearly a year ago. Now, Sympatico uses Microsoft's hotmail interface–so yes, a uber craptastic service to be sure–to manage their web interface for all things email. So in order to change, create or delete email addresses, I have to log into that craptastic interface. Not an altogether too thrilling experience, to say the least. But, I do it anyway, because for reasons beyond my control, I have to. So I enter my email address, and move onto the next screen to enter my password. And it sits there, loading… and loading… and loading… then shows me the logout screen… then sits there loading… and loading… and loading… eventually, I just said screw it, and closed the window. I can think of a lot of things I'd like to do on an unplanned but certainly not unwelcome night off. One of those is not deal with the idiocy of people I have no choice but to trust to keep methods of accessing services I pay for from going tits up. So instead, I shall go drop in on an RPG I haven't played in forever. I'll curse at the evil that is Hotmail, and the stupidity that is Sympatico's decision to join forces with Microsoft, later. For the next hour or so, I'm planning to have fun. Or something.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/09/27/even_dell_technicians_hate_dell_technicians_and_sympatico_and_microsoft_and.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/09/27/even_dell_technicians_hate_dell_technicians_and_sympatico_and_microsoft_and.html James You don't know this person? That's okay, here's some junkmail. Moron. Of. The. Year. Canada Post has given me reason to conduct all my business via email. A new policy has been introduced, with no shortage of resistance, that pretty much means any junkmail that shows up there, whether the person it's intended for or not actually lives there. Brilliance unmatched. Really. Let's just legalise spam by the can over here. Only in the land of ice and snow…

]]> Moron. Of. The. Year. Canada Post has given me reason to conduct all my business via email. A new policy has been introduced, with no shortage of resistance, that pretty much means any junkmail that shows up there, whether the person it's intended for or not actually lives there. Brilliance unmatched. Really. Let's just legalise spam by the can over here. Only in the land of ice and snow…

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/09/20/you_dont_know_this_person_thats_okay_heres_some_junkmail.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/09/20/you_dont_know_this_person_thats_okay_heres_some_junkmail.html James This is America's scientific future. It took a university level student to come up with a study that pretty much advertises the obvious. If gas prices go up, people won't drive as much, and will lose weight. yay obvious! Give this man a Captain Obvious award! Oh, wait… I guess we should actually see this as a scientific fact now, eh? Nothing to do with common sense? Oh–it's the US. As I've said many a time… common sense is a foreign idea to the US. And, like anything foreign, it's either ignored, laughed at, walked on, or deported. Hey, what's it doing on TV in Canada then? I worry for thee, Canada. I thought the worst was already here when Harper was elected. Oh, le sigh. I'd move to britain but I'd probably find something over there to mock.

]]> It took a university level student to come up with a study that pretty much advertises the obvious. If gas prices go up, people won't drive as much, and will lose weight. yay obvious! Give this man a Captain Obvious award! Oh, wait… I guess we should actually see this as a scientific fact now, eh? Nothing to do with common sense? Oh–it's the US. As I've said many a time… common sense is a foreign idea to the US. And, like anything foreign, it's either ignored, laughed at, walked on, or deported. Hey, what's it doing on TV in Canada then? I worry for thee, Canada. I thought the worst was already here when Harper was elected. Oh, le sigh. I'd move to britain but I'd probably find something over there to mock.

]]> http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/09/14/this_is_americas_scientific_future.html http://blog.the-jdh.com/2007/09/14/this_is_americas_scientific_future.html James T Hos lifts the highschooler ban, highschools become babysitters? If I were still in highschool, I'd probably be given a bit more reason not to be. Now, I think I'll start planning my coffee runs based on how close the Tims is to the local highschools. A tim Hortons restaurant made the rather smart decision to force highschool students to buy their shit, and get the hell out of the way so people that matter can actually enjoy their coffee/lunch/breakfast in peace without having to fight with a potential dropout who'd rather hang out at Tims than go to class for a table. Of course, then they went and reversed that decision, proving anyone will cave if enough people cry about it. Of course, now the highschool who's students were crying about the ban has decided to stick its staff in there over the lunch hour to keep the kids from being proper terrors. So basicly, I give it a week and they'll go terrorise and subsequently be banned from the local McDonalds. But at least they'll keep their relationship with Tims squeeky clean. Which is really all that matters, right? When I was in highschool, I went to the Subway halfway across town because the highschool irritated me. with this rather… idiotic decision, I wouldn't blame anyone for avoiding Tim Hortons like the plague now, just for the simple fact of it'd feel like an extension of the highschool. Which I, personally, was trying to avoid. But that being said, even now, not being in highschool, I'll avoid that place if ever I find myself in this particular area, just based on the fact that… uh, well, duh–I'm not in highschool. So why would I bother going to some place where it's being monitored by the highschool staff? What, pray tell, if you so kindly could, would be the point in that? Oh–right, there is none. Go back to banning the highschoolers. Make it a chain-wide ban. It's good for business. Trust me.

]]> If I were still in highschool, I'd probably be given a bit more reason not to be. Now, I think I'll start planning my coffee runs based on how close the Tims is to the local highschools. A tim Hortons restaurant made the rather smart decision to force highschool students to buy their shit, and get the hell out of the way so people that matter can actually enjoy their coffee/lunch/breakfast in peace without having to fight with a potential dropout who'd rather hang out at Tims than go to class for a table. Of course, then they went and reversed that decision, proving anyone will cave if enough people cry about it. Of course, now the highschool who's students were crying about the ban has decided to stick its staff in there over the lunch hour to keep the kids from being proper terrors. So basicly, I give it a week and they'll go terrorise and subsequently be banned from the local McDonalds. But at least they'll keep their relationship with Tims squeeky clean. Which is really all that matters, right? When I was in highschool, I went to the Subway halfway across town because the highschool irritated me. with this rather… idiotic decision, I wouldn't blame anyone for avoiding Tim Hortons like the plague now, just for the simple fact of it'd feel like an extension of the highschool. Which I, personally, was trying to avoid. But that being said, even now, not being in highschool, I'll avoid that place if ever I