Dojo Info 10/31/05

1. DEMONIZING CONDI
   It’s been going on for years, but it’s always fun to expose the cheaters.
2. H.S. sorry after two Eagles promote Christian concert
   Why this is something someone has to apologize for shows just how far we’ve come from our religious beginnings.
3. ‘Lost’ finds deeper reality online
   Using the Web to promote the show, and vice versa, is smart thinking. If you haven’t watched lost, go buy Season 1. Seriously, it’s good stuff.
4. Last Call Poker
   No, I haven’t suddenly given in to the spammers, this site is the starting point for an online interactive mystery. It was bound to happen.
5. Fiscal Watch Team Offset Package
   I support the Fiscal Watch Team Offset Package. Do you?
6. Ruby on Rails chases simplicity in programming
   See? One person can make a huge difference.

Confirm Alito

What’s great is that Kennedy, Bradley and others have already praised Alito. Oh wait. That was before they heard he was nominated. Guess they’ll deny it.

The Web’s Only Must Read Blog

If you were posed the ever-popular “you only have one blog on a desert island” question, what would you say? Forget for a moment that if said island was connected to the Internet, what heinous filter must be at work to deny you everything else under the sun. Also forget where the computer came from. Oh yeah, and electricity. Just go with the flow and answer the bloody question. One blog, for eternity, like marriage (is supposed to be).

I’d have to answer Lileks.

No one is as consistenly entertaining, joyfully silly and completely relevant as Captain James. What does this say about me that I chose a man’s blog?!? Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Just do yourself a favor. Bookmark Lileks. Then add it to your Links bar. Then toss a couple shortcuts on your desktop and add it to your RSS reader. Read it for a week and you’ll be trapped like a dolphin in a tuna net.

And “no”, I don’t receive anything for this puny promotion. Well, other than the satisfaction that comes from spreading joy. Even if it is second hand.

Link Fury (Dojo Info Meets Miracle Gro™)

From a stash of saved links comes, Link Fury! 21 links rom a previous time/space continuum (a completely different computer, in fact). And they’re still relevant! Well, I’ll let you be the judge of that.

In alphabetical order from my bookmark folder to your heart.

1. Audi Illusions
   Slick little vid that combines a beautiful automobile with Escher-like movement.
2. I Wish I’d Known This When I Started!
   Just in case you’re just starting out publishing on the Web.
3. A Youth Movement in Christian Goods
   This market is often underserved because on Madison Ave. it’s just not sexy enough.
4. Crayola® Crayon Chronology
   Shades of my youth!
5. Dieselstation
   Some of the most gorgeous cars on the planet.
6. Happy Sanders shows crowd different side
   Barry Sanders was the most gifted running back I ever saw. Today Tomlinson is picking up where Barry left off.
7. Games We Play Splash
   Go ahead… reminisce.
8. Innespace
   Some scientific endeavors have worthwhile public benefit. And then there’s this.
9. Jaws in 30 seconds, re-enacted by bunnies.
   The title says it all.
10. Mystery and Misery
    Great blog dedicated to less popular music. Find your gems here!
11. New search tool gets billionaire’s backing
    Old news but… it could happen. Don’t underestimate the Cuban.
12. Nicholas Nixon
    Having the same characters pose for 25 straight years for a talented photographer and you have something that is beautiful and striking.
13. Tyson Skating
    What? You’ve never seen a bulldog skateboard?
14. Walk of Fame
    “I’d like to thank my agent Tony, my publicist Irene, my beloved family without whom…”
15. PhotoStamps
    Regular stamps are blase. Spice things up with your own shots!
16. Quantum Sleeper
    “The Quantum Sleeper Unit is a high-level security system designed for maximum protection in various hostile environments.”
17. Remote Fart Machine
    I know everyone needs one of these but don’t tell anywhere where you found the link. Especially my Mom. TIA!
18. 1,643 tattoos flaunt Disney fan’s fervor
    1,000 tatoos, sure. But over 1,600?!? C’mon.
19. Transportation Future
    Just so you know what the future will look like.
20. Voiture
    How well do you parallel park? Uh huh, sure. Prove it!
21. Summary of Study on Wages and Working Conditions in Child Care Centres Across Canada
    Amazing numbers. For an opportunity to do so much good, these people get so little compensation. I’m guessing someone will say, “Good works is it’s own reward.”

Movie: Dial ‘M’ for Murder

Scattered throughout my Netflix queue are the “famous” films. These are films that I feel I should, at some point in my life, watch so that I can be at least marginally knowledgable about what the critics revere as film’s best.

Inevitably, I’ll watch the movie and say, “They thought that was good?!?” Lawrence of Arabia, Midnight Cowboy and The Graduate come quickly to mind. (I won’t even watch The English Patient. Thanks Elaine.)

So it’s with the lowest of expectations that I’ll pop one of these movies into my DVD player and hit “Play.” To what did my wondering eyes did appear, but an amazingly well-crafted film. What I’m talking about is Alfred Hitchcock’s Dial ‘M’ for Murder.

It was filled with more twists and turns than a roller coaster; more crafty antics than a shelf of Sherlock Holmes books. I even smiled at the olde tyme “Intermission” graphic midway through the film. And how can you not love Grace Kelly. Had I been a man of her era, me thinks I’d see each and every film she was in.

This film is truly a great movie and well worth watching. Now, I wonder what I’ll say of The Great Escape or Citizen Kane.

9.5 out of 10

Survivor Guatamala: Week 7

Blammy! I can’t seem to pick any of these things. Cyclonic Survivor has a stranglehold on 1st Place in Fantasy Survivor. And, “Yes”, I am trying to jinx him.

So the tribes merge early huh? Not that I was keeping track but the players seemed surprised. This has to help Gary the most because if Yaxha lost another immunity challenge he’d be the next in line for the bon voyage.

Cindy is flying so low she’s underground.

It turns out Jamie has a bad attitude. Nobody likes a sour puss. It wouldn’t surprise me a bit to see folks turn on him. Well, everyone except Judd.

Judd’s mouth took the week off. I expect it back and in full effect this week.

For a fishmonger, Lydia has caught precious few fish. Seriously.

Mr. Happy might be able to save his neck if he doesn’t come off too “up.” Then again, he couldn’t climb up a ladder so there’s no way he’ll be winning any immunity challenges.

Sooner or later the tribe will turn on Steph and Bobby Jon. When they do, adios muchacha. Maybe they could go all Lord of the Flies on everyone (including Jeff) and claim themselves victorious! Then they could win every immunity challenge. Mwahahaha.

I had this thought last night. What if Bobby Jon wasn’t his real name. In fact, what if he was a British actor playing a role. Wouldn’t that be freakin’ awesome?!? Don’t tell me you wouldn’t be impressed. Do they give Oscar’s for television shows?

So far so good. Even though he was born without a personality, it doesn’t seem to have aversely affected Brandon.

Danni is fine. I’m fine with Danni.

Gary is in a tight spot and he needs to start schmoozing, if that’s in his repertoire.

Don’t forget to make your picks over at Fantasy Survivor. I’ve lost some ground to the Cyclonic but I’m in tight with the Webmaster so who knows what “scoring mishap” might bump up my score a bit.

Fantasy Survivor Reminder

It’s a friendly reminder from Papa Paladin to make your picks for tonights episode of Survivor.

Miers’ 1993 Speech

Can’t say I was too pleased with the latest supreme court nomination, Harriet Miers. Aside from no one expecting her to receive the nod, she doesn’t have a track record we can analyze to determine where her heart lies. Here are some troubling quotes from a speech she gave in Dallas in 1993:

The ongoing debate continues surrounding the attempt to once again criminalize abortions or to once and for all guarantee the freedom of the individual [woman's right] to decide for herself whether she will have an abortion.

Then she urged her listeners to remember that:

“we gave up… legislating religion or morality.”

And lastly:

“When science cannot determine the facts and decisions vary based upon religious belief, then government should not act.”

Hopefully she doesn’t hold those view today, but if she does and she gets confirmed, we’re likely to have another O’Connor on our hands.

Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion

I’ve never played a video game with a more expansive gaming world. The land of Vvardenfell is so vast yet extremely rich in detail it’s a wonder they fit then entire game on one CD (Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind). Authors are even writing fiction based on this world. It’s a bit overwhelming.

Now Bethesda is back with their next installment and if these screenshots are any indication, it’s sure to please. And those are just the XBox version!

They’re bringing out the big guns for their audio as well, with Patrick Stewart, the absolute epitome of dramatic British accents. Check out the trailer. Set to arrive on November 21st, Oblivion is a game many a kid will be pining for this holiday season. (And yes, even those of us who haven’t grown up yet too.)

No Way I’m Giving the Devil His Due

In light of Coach K being named to coach the U.S. Olympic team, Patrick Hruby is calling for all Duke dissidents to relocate. Why? Because, for us it’s a no-win situation. With recent performances at an all-time low, expectations are down. Coach K can’t do any worse than that last guy, right? And since more of the NBA’s superstars are likely to play this time, Kry-shushi will likely come out smelling like roses. Catch-22 meet devil his due. Ouch.

How’s the cost of living in Australia?

Like-a-Bike

Why does it seem that the best designers in the world hail from Europe? Sure the Like-a-Bike is extremely expensive, but it’s designed to size up as the child grows. Smart and stylish!

Dominate the Dojo 10/25/05

1. Walgreen’s Mum About Gay Games Support
   Walgreen’s Corporate Communications department doesn’t list their $100k donation to the Gay Games on their press release page. Why would they be ashamed to announce their support of such a “noble” cause?
2. Tell Congress to Cut “Pork” in Trade for Hurricane Relief
   Take action. Tell Congress to spend more wisely. How can we be building highways in Alaska when people in the hurricane path have almost nothing?
3. The ACLU Vs. America: Exposing the Agenda to Redefine Moral Values
   Many think picking sides regarding the ACLU is a left vs. right thing. But really it’s a mainstream vs. extremist thing. Read this book and you’ll understand.
4. Comprehensive Enforcement and Immigration Reform Act of 2005 (.pdf)
   Illegal immigration is a problem that isn’t going to go away on its own. The legislation is needed, and needed now.
5. ESPN.com 2005-06 preseason Top 25
   We’re only mere weeks away from college basketball season. I’m giddy with anticipation. Everyone’s evil enemy Duke is topping the pre-season chart.

Photo of Five

Since our site was down during our last ultra-sound I wasn’t able to post this latest shot. In this photo “Five” is 20 weeks and growing. Yes, the wife and I are still arguing about the name. ;^)

The Thaddeus Young Lottery

Recruiting will drive you crazy. Honestly. Here we have 17- and 18-year-olds who each believe they no one can check them. Praise and scholarship offers are coming in from around the country. Do we expect them to not let it go to their heads?

Today Mr. Thaddeus Young, one the most highly considered high school players in the country is expected to declare which school has won the right to have him play for them. He’s a special kid with a slew of adults trying to “get a piece of him” while they still can. Rivals has the contenders down to: Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Memphis, North Carolina and Tennessee.

Speculation on the message boards is rampant. Some say North Carolina is out. Others say he’s a lock for Arkansas. Me? I’m just a Kentucky fan crossing his fingers hoping we win the T.Y. Lottery. The announcement in only hours away…

Wonders of Our World

Sometimes I just spend time browsing some of the amazing photos on Flickr. What started out as regular shots by regular people is now showcases briliant photographs by regular people. Take this incredible photo, for instance.