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The home of Blerns & Sob
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Hurricane (Information)
To all who may have interest in the horrendous floodings and general situation as regards the area affected by 'Hurricane Katrina', you might as well go here for updates as they come in.
Blogs covering the situation:
Brendon Loy
'NOLA'
It would appear that Britain doesn't really care about all this, but, as I've mentioned many times in the past here, you can never tell when someone might happen to come across this page who could benefit from something I've said. I sincerely hope that these links are useful to some people.
UPDATE: Incidentally, I'd like to leave the blog at this post for until the situation has settled down completely, in hope of reaching people with these links.
On that note, a link to a charity accepting donations to aid the cause:
http://redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp
I put that there for any who would make use of it. I only mean it for people who genuinely want a way to donate simply, since any extra money the Red Cross can raise is a good thing, so don't feel guilty.
To all who may have interest in the horrendous floodings and general situation as regards the area affected by 'Hurricane Katrina', you might as well go here for updates as they come in.
Blogs covering the situation:
Brendon Loy
'NOLA'
It would appear that Britain doesn't really care about all this, but, as I've mentioned many times in the past here, you can never tell when someone might happen to come across this page who could benefit from something I've said. I sincerely hope that these links are useful to some people.
UPDATE: Incidentally, I'd like to leave the blog at this post for until the situation has settled down completely, in hope of reaching people with these links.
On that note, a link to a charity accepting donations to aid the cause:
http://redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp
I put that there for any who would make use of it. I only mean it for people who genuinely want a way to donate simply, since any extra money the Red Cross can raise is a good thing, so don't feel guilty.
Brins would appreciate it if you didn't swear in your comments
Monday, August 22, 2005
The Computer's Lament
I've been working with my old computer recently in a bid to make it better, but that's not the topic of this post.
It's my use of the old computer that's got me to thinking on something strange - why is it that so many old CDs and programs, etc., don't work on modern computers and operating systems (i.e. Windows XP, and so on)? Many old programs, when asked to, say, install, will bring up one of those DOS black screens with white text for a split second, and then disappear, terminating the installation and rendering it impossible to operate the program. The screen is there so briefly you can't possibly read what it says, and no matter what you try, you can't make it stay longer or continue the installation by other means. Even when you tell the program to run under an older Windows (by going into its 'properties'; it comes under a tab somewhere), nothing changes.
If you don't understand, then you might try putting an old CD of yours in the computer and trying to install. Some work, but many will get the result I've just described.
I say all this in relation to when you try to install old software from CD, but this kind of thing seems to occur with many other applications, which don't require installation, that you may have downloaded from the internet, say - that black screen will appear, then nothing happens.
So, this problem is quite a nuisance when you try to run older things. The cause of the problem seems to be dismissed as simply the age of the program, making it unable to work with new computers. If this is indeed true, then it seems very fishy to me. I fail to see why the computer couldn't adapt itself by what it's running in order to make itself work with the program in question. To my knowledge, this kind of thing is done with 'emulators' - programs that allow your operating system to imitate other ones (from Windows to Macintosh, for example), and even let your computer run other types of application. However, if emulators can do this, why don't the computers come pre-installed with an ability to 'backtrack' its parameters to work with these old things? Is it because the IT companies don't want people running old things for some sinister reason? Or perhaps they want you to just buy these emulators, I don't know.
I think the problem might come down to not having MS DOS installed on the computer; that's the operating system that runs these programs that don't work. Still, if my old one came equipped with it, why not the new one?
It's a strange thing, but I doubt that the next wave of computers will fix the problem. Wait, what am I saying, they probably will. Until then, though, I've got to keep working on the old computer.
Anyway, Rob's back from holiday, in case you didn't know. Why don't you go and greet him.
I've been working with my old computer recently in a bid to make it better, but that's not the topic of this post.
It's my use of the old computer that's got me to thinking on something strange - why is it that so many old CDs and programs, etc., don't work on modern computers and operating systems (i.e. Windows XP, and so on)? Many old programs, when asked to, say, install, will bring up one of those DOS black screens with white text for a split second, and then disappear, terminating the installation and rendering it impossible to operate the program. The screen is there so briefly you can't possibly read what it says, and no matter what you try, you can't make it stay longer or continue the installation by other means. Even when you tell the program to run under an older Windows (by going into its 'properties'; it comes under a tab somewhere), nothing changes.
If you don't understand, then you might try putting an old CD of yours in the computer and trying to install. Some work, but many will get the result I've just described.
I say all this in relation to when you try to install old software from CD, but this kind of thing seems to occur with many other applications, which don't require installation, that you may have downloaded from the internet, say - that black screen will appear, then nothing happens.
So, this problem is quite a nuisance when you try to run older things. The cause of the problem seems to be dismissed as simply the age of the program, making it unable to work with new computers. If this is indeed true, then it seems very fishy to me. I fail to see why the computer couldn't adapt itself by what it's running in order to make itself work with the program in question. To my knowledge, this kind of thing is done with 'emulators' - programs that allow your operating system to imitate other ones (from Windows to Macintosh, for example), and even let your computer run other types of application. However, if emulators can do this, why don't the computers come pre-installed with an ability to 'backtrack' its parameters to work with these old things? Is it because the IT companies don't want people running old things for some sinister reason? Or perhaps they want you to just buy these emulators, I don't know.
I think the problem might come down to not having MS DOS installed on the computer; that's the operating system that runs these programs that don't work. Still, if my old one came equipped with it, why not the new one?
It's a strange thing, but I doubt that the next wave of computers will fix the problem. Wait, what am I saying, they probably will. Until then, though, I've got to keep working on the old computer.
Anyway, Rob's back from holiday, in case you didn't know. Why don't you go and greet him.
Brins would appreciate it if you didn't swear in your comments
Monday, August 15, 2005
Leerbook ([Somewhat personal]Essay)
I did mention last post that I had received my school Year Book. It's the last thing I'll ever see from my year, which is a bit of a shame, but they're better off without me, anyway.
The book contents (i.e. the entries, written by pupils) were written mostly mid-early on in the year, so it's a shame that most people weren't in the mood to reflect or end more definitively than they clearly would be while the prospect of leaving was less in the fog. Still, this perhaps helps to reflect their personalities better, which is, I guess, what they'll marvel over when looking at the book in generations to come.
Still, what to say, what to say? My classmates mostly drifted away into maturity in the last year, so I didn't get much opportunity to remain as close-knit in the community as before (it's a shame, but I respect the reasons for this). Besides, my fear of the Common Room got quite in the way of that. Having said that, I wasn't sectioned off from the year, and we came together for various reasons (the talent show comes to mind).
Resultantly, to cut a long story short, 90% of entries in that book are incomprehensible to me, considering that I wasn't much part of the year that crucial year, and so stories are told and occasions are reminisced upon which just don't involve me. That's why I'm glad that I wrote my entry the way no-one else would - as what you might call the formal farewell, from within the pupils to the pupils. Mine's is the message which I wrote hoping that they'd look back on it and appreciate that we did have feelings of goodwill for each-other amongst the year as well. (It has to come across somehow, and I guess it's me it comes through. Since most others don't touch much on this 'we all care for each-other' message in the book, I'm glad I did! Besides, I couldn't think of anything else to say that they'd be interested in.)
But all this aside, I've barely seen anyone in my year, really, since I left school. That's not a bad thing, but I suppose they're all enjoying themselves. I certainly hope they are. What's scary is that I bet somebody decides to get us all scrambled back again with that Friends Re-united website, or whatever it is. As is worded on the front of the Year Book itself, it would be cheaper to simply view Crimewatch.
So, you likely don't want to hear all this. That's why I wrote '[Somewhat personal]' at the title - there's a small minority out there that might feel heart-felt to read something of this form, and I write this FOR THEM!!
But even so, I think it was the Americans that started the Year Book idea. It's a concept that works quite well, I'm sure, for when adults want to look back on younger years, from just a couple of years to a whole lifetime! But before such years pass, it's a book. Namely, a book which gets put somewhere and promptly lost for many years. But, perhaps, found again, to much nostalgia and glee. It's nice when you find something you weren't looking for and you like it anyway, isn't it? Take my old Rupert the Bear videos...
...em, wait, I, er, ah, on second thought, please don't.
I did mention last post that I had received my school Year Book. It's the last thing I'll ever see from my year, which is a bit of a shame, but they're better off without me, anyway.
The book contents (i.e. the entries, written by pupils) were written mostly mid-early on in the year, so it's a shame that most people weren't in the mood to reflect or end more definitively than they clearly would be while the prospect of leaving was less in the fog. Still, this perhaps helps to reflect their personalities better, which is, I guess, what they'll marvel over when looking at the book in generations to come.
Still, what to say, what to say? My classmates mostly drifted away into maturity in the last year, so I didn't get much opportunity to remain as close-knit in the community as before (it's a shame, but I respect the reasons for this). Besides, my fear of the Common Room got quite in the way of that. Having said that, I wasn't sectioned off from the year, and we came together for various reasons (the talent show comes to mind).
Resultantly, to cut a long story short, 90% of entries in that book are incomprehensible to me, considering that I wasn't much part of the year that crucial year, and so stories are told and occasions are reminisced upon which just don't involve me. That's why I'm glad that I wrote my entry the way no-one else would - as what you might call the formal farewell, from within the pupils to the pupils. Mine's is the message which I wrote hoping that they'd look back on it and appreciate that we did have feelings of goodwill for each-other amongst the year as well. (It has to come across somehow, and I guess it's me it comes through. Since most others don't touch much on this 'we all care for each-other' message in the book, I'm glad I did! Besides, I couldn't think of anything else to say that they'd be interested in.)
But all this aside, I've barely seen anyone in my year, really, since I left school. That's not a bad thing, but I suppose they're all enjoying themselves. I certainly hope they are. What's scary is that I bet somebody decides to get us all scrambled back again with that Friends Re-united website, or whatever it is. As is worded on the front of the Year Book itself, it would be cheaper to simply view Crimewatch.
So, you likely don't want to hear all this. That's why I wrote '[Somewhat personal]' at the title - there's a small minority out there that might feel heart-felt to read something of this form, and I write this FOR THEM!!
But even so, I think it was the Americans that started the Year Book idea. It's a concept that works quite well, I'm sure, for when adults want to look back on younger years, from just a couple of years to a whole lifetime! But before such years pass, it's a book. Namely, a book which gets put somewhere and promptly lost for many years. But, perhaps, found again, to much nostalgia and glee. It's nice when you find something you weren't looking for and you like it anyway, isn't it? Take my old Rupert the Bear videos...
...em, wait, I, er, ah, on second thought, please don't.
Brins would appreciate it if you didn't swear in your comments
Brinsria Shall Live (About Brins)
Now that the Year Book is received and read, I can now confirm that I have indeed been voted most likely to take over the world, which I would say is quite an honourable position to win. I might not be expected as Prime Minister, but, then again, who cares when you rule over the head of British parliament, and indeed everyone else on the planet?
I shouldn't reveal plans about my impending conquest, but I will anyway: I aim to do nothing.
I think it would be rather mean and egoistic of me to rule over everyone else and consider myself capable of handling such a role. The world is quite a large place to rule, nevermind take over, and I would probably have difficulty appeasing all peoples and nations in an appropriate manner. Not to mention, I'd be very arrogant to announce myself as master of the world.
Don't worry, though; I'll be sure to do my studying before embarking on any global dominating. For practice, perhaps I should try taking over a small planet first, like Mercury. That's quite small, isn't it?
The only thing left to do is found my own religion. I won't do that.
It's time to acknowledge that, of course, I'm only joking about all this. No, not about not starting my own religion; but I won't take over the world. I respect everyone on it too much to subjugate them. Because everyone deserves respect, don't they? We're all equals, after all.
Now that the Year Book is received and read, I can now confirm that I have indeed been voted most likely to take over the world, which I would say is quite an honourable position to win. I might not be expected as Prime Minister, but, then again, who cares when you rule over the head of British parliament, and indeed everyone else on the planet?
I shouldn't reveal plans about my impending conquest, but I will anyway: I aim to do nothing.
I think it would be rather mean and egoistic of me to rule over everyone else and consider myself capable of handling such a role. The world is quite a large place to rule, nevermind take over, and I would probably have difficulty appeasing all peoples and nations in an appropriate manner. Not to mention, I'd be very arrogant to announce myself as master of the world.
Don't worry, though; I'll be sure to do my studying before embarking on any global dominating. For practice, perhaps I should try taking over a small planet first, like Mercury. That's quite small, isn't it?
The only thing left to do is found my own religion. I won't do that.
It's time to acknowledge that, of course, I'm only joking about all this. No, not about not starting my own religion; but I won't take over the world. I respect everyone on it too much to subjugate them. Because everyone deserves respect, don't they? We're all equals, after all.
Brins would appreciate it if you didn't swear in your comments
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
The Land of Rob (Something Else)
I've recently been reading a book called 'How to Rule the World'. It's very interesting, so I might well live up to my peers' expectations of me ruling the world one day.
But what would the world be like if I were in charge? Well, we'll have to wait and see. Meanwhile, Rob still plans to rule the world with his own theme tune for the 'Land of Rob'.
At any rate, let's have a look at the exciting things that will be happening on this blog soon.
For one, I think I will actually indeed set up a new blog dedicated to my reviewing things, whatever and wherever they be/are. Despite absolutely no-one caring given my previous poll on this topic, I think people may well still appreciate having my reviews around, even if they arne't bothered enough to voice their opinions on it. So, you should all be looking forward to that in due course.
Secondly, it's time I wrote a theme tune for my country when I take over. Let's see...
Brinsria
Brinsria, Brinsria, I pledge my life to Brins,
Protect I shall the rightful land from Argentinians,
Whoever may doubt the glory of Brins,
doesn't matter anyway.
And to Brinsria, our thanks are poured,
along with 50% VAT and other such nominal fees,
But you don't need that money,
because Brins owns your families.
I would propose a toast to Brins,
but then he would execute me for standing up higher than himself,
So what I will do is continue to sing,
which is permissable as I have paid my hourly singing tax for such an occasion,
But may I remind those who have not done likewise,
to report to Brins to face exiliation.
Brinsria, Brinsria, we owe you everything we own,
but then you did give us it on loan.
And there we have it. Sing, and sing with pride.
I've recently been reading a book called 'How to Rule the World'. It's very interesting, so I might well live up to my peers' expectations of me ruling the world one day.
But what would the world be like if I were in charge? Well, we'll have to wait and see. Meanwhile, Rob still plans to rule the world with his own theme tune for the 'Land of Rob'.
At any rate, let's have a look at the exciting things that will be happening on this blog soon.
For one, I think I will actually indeed set up a new blog dedicated to my reviewing things, whatever and wherever they be/are. Despite absolutely no-one caring given my previous poll on this topic, I think people may well still appreciate having my reviews around, even if they arne't bothered enough to voice their opinions on it. So, you should all be looking forward to that in due course.
Secondly, it's time I wrote a theme tune for my country when I take over. Let's see...
Brinsria
Brinsria, Brinsria, I pledge my life to Brins,
Protect I shall the rightful land from Argentinians,
Whoever may doubt the glory of Brins,
doesn't matter anyway.
And to Brinsria, our thanks are poured,
along with 50% VAT and other such nominal fees,
But you don't need that money,
because Brins owns your families.
I would propose a toast to Brins,
but then he would execute me for standing up higher than himself,
So what I will do is continue to sing,
which is permissable as I have paid my hourly singing tax for such an occasion,
But may I remind those who have not done likewise,
to report to Brins to face exiliation.
Brinsria, Brinsria, we owe you everything we own,
but then you did give us it on loan.
And there we have it. Sing, and sing with pride.
An appendix: Oh, and incidentally, you may have noticed that 'exiliation' is not in fact an official alteration on the word 'exile'. In fact, officially, it doesn't seem to exist. However, Brinsria has been decreed as not pertaining to any laws which should inconvenience Brins in any way, so 'exilation' exists. Brins said so.
Brins would appreciate it if you didn't swear in your comments
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Arise, Sir Rob (Site Update/An Announcement)
I've spruced up the right-hand menu somewhat after noticing it's a bit overbearing for casual users to make use of. So, it's better categorised, headings make more sense, and the links have been altered.
The main point of this post is to announce that, in a bout of insanity, I have decided to confer my newly devised, highly sought-never Brins Award to Rob's website/blog, Rob on the Net.
The reason for this is that his fairly new freewebs site shows much promise for greatness, especially since he's cleverly managed to cheat the system for more webspace (it's all legal, as he says). Plus, the Brins Award, being the thing that it is, might make his website famous.
He'll receive this exquisite award personally in due course. Meanwhile, here it is (in prototype form) for you to see:
I am delighted also to inform all visitors that, for an indefinite time, I (Brins) offer my prestigious Brins Award to ANY AND ALL web-managers/owners who request one.
I've spruced up the right-hand menu somewhat after noticing it's a bit overbearing for casual users to make use of. So, it's better categorised, headings make more sense, and the links have been altered.
The main point of this post is to announce that, in a bout of insanity, I have decided to confer my newly devised, highly sought-never Brins Award to Rob's website/blog, Rob on the Net.
The reason for this is that his fairly new freewebs site shows much promise for greatness, especially since he's cleverly managed to cheat the system for more webspace (it's all legal, as he says). Plus, the Brins Award, being the thing that it is, might make his website famous.
He'll receive this exquisite award personally in due course. Meanwhile, here it is (in prototype form) for you to see:
I am delighted also to inform all visitors that, for an indefinite time, I (Brins) offer my prestigious Brins Award to ANY AND ALL web-managers/owners who request one.
For a fully-verified, official Brins award (complete with Brins' autograph and caption), simply email me with the subject title 'Brins award', and I'll reply with the award, along with all other attachments which go with it.
Yes, you can just copy the award from here and paste it to your site, but without its caption and signature, it is quite invalid. Besides, I'd appreciate your asking instead, plus I'll gladly attach your site to my links section (provided there's no outrageous material in it. That's at Brins' discretion) if you do so.
The idea of the Brins award is that it's an award for all who want it - if your site/blog doesn't get the recognition you feel it deserves, I'll be glad to kick-start your reputation with my award. (and since it's so rare, everyone'll wonder what on earth it is!)
So, apply now!
Brins would appreciate it if you didn't swear in your comments
