Chronicles of a Cornrowed Black Man

Budapest Tulips

2011-06-30T19:14:00.001-04:00

Budapest Tulips, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

Avec l'eau.

Mother Peacon

2011-06-27T11:27:00.001-04:00

Mother Peacon, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

A mother peacon & her chicks. It was incredibly cute.

Prague

2011-06-27T11:25:00.005-04:00

Prague, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

More Prague.

Prague

2011-06-27T11:25:00.003-04:00

Prague, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

More Prague.

Prague

2011-06-27T11:25:00.001-04:00

Prague, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

More Prague.

Prague

2011-06-27T11:21:00.005-04:00

Prague, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

A few shots from Prague.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Prague

2011-06-27T11:21:00.003-04:00

Prague, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

A few shots from Prague.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Prague

2011-06-27T11:21:00.001-04:00

Prague, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

A few shots from Prague.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Cooked Crabbe Mistake

2011-06-24T20:16:00.001-04:00

Cooked Crabbe Mistake, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

So instead of a sea slug to eat (this is typical French/Bretagne food) and
various other "sea fruits", this little crabbe had found a home in this
shell. Too bad it cost him his life.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Petit Crabbe

2011-06-24T20:07:00.001-04:00

Petit Crabbe, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

A dead crab that Aurelie found... otherwise she insists she would hold it
this way.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Farmer Ranch Ants

2011-06-24T20:01:00.001-04:00

Farmer Ranch Ants, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

Farmer Ants, ranching their Aphid cattle. This picture is cooler than I
could have hoped for.

Pretty House

2011-06-23T20:34:00.001-04:00

Pretty House, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

Easily one of my favorite pictures. The blue really adds pop to the
picture.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

On The Way to Morbihan

2011-06-23T20:17:00.001-04:00

On The Way to Morbihan, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

This house an excpetionally green lawn... at a time where they had a water
restriction in place. My friend wasn't impressed.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

On The Way to Morbihan

2011-06-23T20:12:00.003-04:00

On The Way to Morbihan, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

Still on the way.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

On The Way to Morbihan

2011-06-23T20:12:00.001-04:00

On The Way to Morbihan, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

Still on the way.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

On The Way to Morbihan

2011-06-23T19:57:00.007-04:00

On The Way to Morbihan, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

On the way along the beach to Morbihan.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

On The Way to Morbihan

2011-06-23T19:57:00.005-04:00

On The Way to Morbihan, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

On the way along the beach to Morbihan.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

On The Way to Morbihan

2011-06-23T19:57:00.003-04:00

On The Way to Morbihan, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

On the way along the beach to Morbihan.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

On The Way to Morbihan

2011-06-23T19:57:00.001-04:00

On The Way to Morbihan, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

On the way along the beach to Morbihan.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Old Boat

2011-06-23T19:48:00.001-04:00

Old Boat, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

I loved this boat. Such character.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Cafe

2011-06-23T19:43:00.001-04:00

Cafe, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

Late Cafe dans Ville De Vannes

To Danny Tschind-Kassap

2011-05-06T02:54:00.000-04:00

I have seen something else under the sun:

The race is not to the swift

or the battle to the strong,

nor does food come to the wise

or wealth to the brilliant

or favour to the learned;

but time and chance happen to them all.

Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come:

As fish are caught in a cruel net,

or birds are taken in a snare,

so people are trapped by evil times

that fall unexpectedly upon them.

--Ecclesiastes 9:11-12

I remember hearing the news of Danny's heart attack two and a half years ago. I remember talking to a coworker (a doctor) who worked in an ICU in a major hospital, and him telling me that no matter how stressed the athlete a 26 year old shouldn't have a heart attack. I remember being in awe of the fact that it had happened in what was the perfect place (short of a hospital) to have a heart attack. High profile race, where the world record would eventually be set. Early in the race where there were still a lot of people. I knew then that had it happen on a training run, even with us (& no defibrillator) he wouldn't have made it then. I remember being grateful, not for the heart attack, but for it happening in the place that it did.

I remember talking about it with Danny, shortly after he came back. How he felt it was a second chance. How fortunate he was, to not only survived, but to recover quickly. He had amazed the doctors, much like he always amazed us. I could tell, even then, he was going to run again.

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the Gift." -- Steve Prefontaine

How could he not? It was his passion. As a runner, few had his talents and fewer still had his passion for it. No matter how fast he was going, he always looked like this was an easy pace. His running style was the definition of smooth. I don't know how many workout I've done with him, but they were never enough. He never raced you in a workout, he would often pause slight, match your pace, then try to pull you along. It always gave me extra lift when he ran by me. Even when he didn't say one word, I always came out thinking to run faster. It was inspiring to be beaten by him. His passion was running, but his gift was his generosity. I have no doubt that if he had the time, he would have made a major splash. With his talent and his work ethic, how could he not?

But it's not Danny the runner I'll miss. It's Danny, a friend, a man of a generous heart, who I'll miss.

It's hard to believe I wont see him again. I wont see him fly by, smooth strides belaying his speed. His gold chain the only sign of hard effort. I wont see his trademark smile, his easy laugh and joking manner.

I can't believe the years will pass, and he will not be there. He wont see my life change, I wont see his. I wont see him getting old and watch his children play. He wont see mine. We wont make a bet to see who's kid will be faster, all the while hoping that both our kids will be fast regardless. But instead he's gone.

A friend dad happen to be praying for him at 1am on the night of his heart attack. He'd been praying for Danny for the last two and a half years. So maybe we didn't get robbed of his life. Maybe instead we received an extra 2.5 years with him. We got the extra opportunity to get to know him better. Instead of losing him suddenly in 2008, we got to keep him around until 2011.

And maybe, when this is said and done, when we go join him, we will meet again. Where we can spend more time with one another.

For this I hope and pray.

Thank you Danny, for being yourself.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Happiness comes & goes...

2010-06-30T04:16:00.001-04:00

Happiness come and goes. It's an emotion we feel depending on what is happening. Are you really going to be happy if you broke your favorite mug? I doubt it, and why should you be? It's okay to be sad about... it's was a great mug. But even though I can be sad at that moment that I lost my favorite mug, I can still be thankful and joyous that I even had a great mug to begin with.

Paul encourages the Thessalonians* to be "joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus". Think about it, he commands joy. Which implies that it's a choice. He commands gratitude, which implies it's a choice. And finally he indicated this is what God's plan for us is.

Joy, prayer and gratitude.

In a time of fortune telling, and horoscope reading he gives a simple understanding of what is expected of us.

And you know what? It doesn't take a whole book, to get this message across. But it does take us a lot of time and energy to get it down.

So, today I'll practice the first.

Joy.

You should too... or not, but it is your choice.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

*1 Thess 5:16-18

Listen Up by Heather

2010-04-25T01:54:00.003-04:00

Listen Up by Heather on Piano! from clipontie on Vimeo.

Easily the most talented 9 year old you'll hear in a long time. You will likely hear from her in the future. And she wrote this song! Obviously she's still learning the piano, so we can forgive the piano playing (cause we, of course, demand unnecessary perfection from all internet celebs, duh!).

I think I enjoy her faces almost as much as her song... almost.

Neighbour says lesbians taunted them with racial slurs

2010-03-24T19:17:00.001-04:00

The Star
Published On Wed Mar 24 2010

Neighbour says lesbians taunted them with racial slurs

Two Oshawa women who were allegedly assaulted by a black man constantly harassed and used racial slurs against their black neighbours, a court has heard.

Diane Campbell, who lives two doors from Anji Dimitriou and Jane Currie, testified she has called police eight or nine times over the couple's behaviour.

"They're very aggressive people. They call my family 'n---s' and they're constantly attacking us," Campbell said on Tuesday. She testified the couple called her son a "black tar baby monkey."

Campbell was called as a defence witness for Mark Scott, 45, who has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault causing bodily harm against Dimitriou and Currie. The charges arise from an altercation outside Gordon B. Attersley Public School on Nov. 3, 2008 in which Scott, who is black, and the same-sex couple got into a yelling match.

The women have denied using racial epithets during the confrontation, which was witnessed by school children and parents. However, they have accused Scott of using derogatory terms about their sexual orientation. Days before the incident at the school, Campbell overheard a conversation outside her home involving Dimitriou, 32, and Currie, 38, and three other people, court was told.

Dimitriou referred to "f---ing n---s" and someone said "we're going to get those n---s" the next day, Campbell testified.

"I was scared, thinking they're going to do something to myself or my husband."

The group didn't refer to her family by name and nothing happened, Campbell said, but a few days later her daughter told her about an incident at the school involving Dimitriou and Currie. She didn't elaborate.

The harassment continued after the couple learned Campbell was coming to court to testify, she told defence lawyer Mark Jacula.

Earlier on Tuesday, Angela Hustins, who witnessed the dispute in the school's parking lot, said she heard Currie hurl an "ugly racial slur" at Scott after he punched her and Dimitriou in the face.

"Jane screamed out very loudly, 'you goddamn f---ing n-----. This is why people can't stand your kind'," Hustins told Jacula. "For her to say something like that, it was disgusting. The whole thing made my stomach ill."

Hustins said Scott started the fight by hitting Dimitriou as many as three times, knocking her to the ground. But Dimitriou hit and kicked back, Hustins testified.

"I remember thinking 'this is a full-out brawl'," she said, adding that the slur upset her because she later had to explain it to her young daughter.

Hustins described the scene as "chaotic" with swearing, yelling and "finger-pointing just inches from each other's face."

The trial continues.

---------

My thoughts.

Clearly this isn't an ordinary situation. I've been on the receiving end of racial slurs from women on more than one occasion, and let me tell you, I wished I was a woman at the time (or had a woman friend there). I've also known men who weren't so reserved about hitting women. Clearly this guy was one such guy. The question is this, what do you make of a situation where a guy gets provoked and responds violently.

Obviously if he hit them, he should pay the price. But the interesting thing about this case is that it was billed as a hate crime. Meaning, he hit them because they were lesbians (in fact he did seem to call them names back). Now it turns out they were the hateful ones. Taking things to a very different place of crime.

Lesbian and racist... and unexpected turn, certainly.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

2010-03-23T19:35:00.001-04:00

Interesting story. I was at that Toronto show, ManifesTO. And I do remember thinking it was very gracious and generous of K-OS to do that. It's interesting that he would start a beef with K'Naan... wonder why.

Next Time - Remix - Kina Grannis & Ryan "Hydroponikz" Abugan

2010-03-11T16:04:00.003-05:00

Kina Grannis is an artist that I discovered very recently. She's got a new video out and has made the Billboard 200 (139 actually) in her new album. If that doesn't sound impressive remember she has no label, publicist or agent. Anyway, aside from the fact that she is a pretty good singer, she writes some very good (original) songs. David Archuleta got her to write a song for him. But this remix is easily of the best songs I've heard in a long time. I can't get enough.

Twilight the Way it should have Been

2010-03-06T18:52:00.001-05:00

The way Twilight should have been.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

police article

2010-03-05T19:29:00.001-05:00

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/crime/article/775697--officer-charged-after-off-duty-confrontation?bn=1

So a policeman drew a gun at some security guards and flew the scene. He was not suspended or fired.

Sigh... he was given "desk" duty... dude was off-duty when he drew the gun. He should be fired. Period.

I just hope that this is temporary until the trial.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

taxes

2010-02-01T00:29:00.001-05:00

People of Toronto complain about the tax hicks... so I looked it up. This is easy to do with the help of google. Essentially, you type the city name and then "property tax" that kind of thing. Or you can just go here that lists (old, from previous year but still good for comparison) them all together. Click here for 2008 rates (previous were 2006, but has this link imbedded)

So the results? (I'll only list the residential, for brevity)

Toronto 0.8547807%
Mississauga 1.017593%
Whitby 1.423870%
Pickering 1.392348%
Brampton 1.233258%

If you look at the list, you'll note that only Milton comes close. What does this all mean? So if you have a $400,000 house this is what you can expect to pay based on the above rate:

Toronto $3 419.12
Mississauga 4 070.372
Whitby 5 695.48
Pickering 5 569.39
Brampton 4 933.03

A few points here. Toronto is easily the cheapest, that much is obvious. Of course $400K gets you a smaller place in T.O than in the other cities. But what you miss in size of properties, you get in services. Between the significantly better transit (you can actually take it and get somewhere), to close amenities and all sorts of things to do. Oh --- let us not forget that the really expensive Police is is not funded by the province, federal governement or shared with other cities (like Mississauga). And a provincial service of Welfare. All in all, I'd say a better job than people give the city credit for.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Typography

2009-12-05T13:20:00.000-05:00

As a calligrapher, this typography insipres me.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Kosher Cellphones

2009-11-14T19:50:00.000-05:00

One of the many battle Jesus regularly faced in his day is that of "legality". Is it lawful to do anything on the Sabbath (like healing a sick person), etc etc etc. Out of the many things he said, he spoke in Mark 7 about what makes one "unclean". Specifically he said (it's worth quoting the whole thing):

¹The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and ²saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were "unclean," that is, unwashed. ³(The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. ⁴When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.^[a])
⁵So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, "Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with 'unclean' hands?"
⁶He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:
   " 'These people honor me with their lips,
      but their hearts are far from me.
⁷They worship me in vain;
      their teachings are but rules taught by men.'^[b] ⁸You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."

He goes on to explain other things, but it's worth noting that he isn't dismissing God's word, but their use of it. Anyway, it's interesting and all, but the reason I bring it up is cause I just read about a modern example of this.

Specifically "kosher" cell phones.

The kosher cellphone looks like an ordinary cellphone, can make and receive calls, and may have a calculator and alarm clock. But it cannot send or receive text messages, browse the internet or take photos - all activities that could potentially involve behaviour considered "immodest" among Haredis. For example, SMS capability could lead to the unwitting receipt of mass text messages publicising secular events. It could also be used as a method of illicit communication between male and female teenagers.

So far doesn't sound like a big deal right? After all, all old cellphones would fit this description right? Well, except for one thing:

All the major Israeli cellphone companies have accommodated the powerful Haredi constituency by providing kosher phones, and cheaper-than-normal packages which connect only with other Haredi numbers.
As the companies have created distinct code prefixes to accompany the kosher phone plans, the phone numbers have quickly become a badge of religious observance.
Not only do some Haredi newspapers refuse to publish ads with non-kosher phone numbers, but parents are worried their children will be blacklisted by the shadchan, or matchmaker, if their numbers are not kosher.[emphasis added]

This is what the problem with Kosher is. You start with one (seemingly innocent/good/well-intentioned) principle, and it become something else altoghter. How does one go from being cautious about what you do --- to the point of getting a phone that is fairly limited and even stamped "kosher" with an approval from a Rabbi -- to being forced to have a specific area code/designation?

You can argue that if that person doesn't have this area code, they could make a call with the cell to any number and theoretically could be unclean (i.e. it doesn't "guarantee" it's clean). But I think Jesus answered it best.

Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, "Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. ¹⁵Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.' ... "Don't you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him 'unclean'? ¹⁹For it doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body." [Mark 7:1415, 18-19]

In other words, if I call this "teenage girl" because I'm concerned for her (for whatever reason). I'm better off than another who has this cellphone, doesn't call her, but meets her in private in order to convince her to do something that she/he shouldn't. Or if I make some agreement with a person (agreeing to do or not do something), but does not address the true heart of the disagreement.

It's funny where people draw lines really.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Cancer Research: The Good and bad.

2009-11-10T12:40:00.001-05:00

HeLa cells, easily the most cultured human cells ever. They are cancer cells that come from Henrietta Lacks and African American woman, mother of 5 who died of cervical cancer (aged 31) in 1951. Her cells have helped advance cancer research immensily. Not to mention that her cells also helped to make the Polio vaccine. Still many lines of research are done on her cells.

A few interesting things about her though. They say her cells are perhaps the most aggresive growing cells they've even seen. From the sounds of it, after Henrietta got cancer, she had no real chance of survival.

Also, they were taken without consent.

And her family found out about it 24 years after her death.

I find it interesting as of this article (2000) her family didn't have health coverage. Not surprising though.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

"Fast" Windows 7 vs. Ubuntu

2009-10-21T19:22:00.001-04:00

So the new windows is getting rave reviews for being "fast". Mostly cause it's better than Vista. But that's like beating a 93 year old man at a race and claming to be "fast". From what I understand it's still not as fast as XP.

But let's compare "new" Windows 7 vs the last Ubuntu edition on the same hardware.

Not even close.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

the solution to a controversy

2009-10-11T17:43:00.001-04:00

so, I've never really understood the scientific communities uproar over use of embryonic stem cells. Besides the debatable ethical concerns, I always thought there were some real physiological ones. Specifically, yes embryonic stem cells are the "most" undifferentiated (in layman's it means that they have the "best" potential to develop into "anything"). But their genetics was also going to be the problem. They would face the same rejection issue as donated organs. Different DNA does that.

The other thing I knew is that their are many other kinds of stem cells, placental stem cells (can easily be retreaved at birth with little time and cost), as well as various adult stem cells. Finally, we have progress in this new development.

A jaw bone grown from adult stem cells. A solution for all.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Spammer, Scammers & War

2009-10-07T15:03:00.001-04:00

I write this in hopes of helping the was against spammers, scammers and the like.* This one person, send me an email telling me that he needed to "make sure" no one was pulling a "fast one" over "us". Oh, and I had family inheritance coming and it was important that I contact him privately. He let that little detail slip out. It was such a feeble attempt, I was tempted to just ignore it.

But then I realized that he gave me his real email address. The one from Honk Kong (it's ending giving it away) and not from Italy like he claimed (.it for italy not ,hk). So I thought I'd use his stupidity against him. You see, everytime someone posts an email online, people find it and start spamming it. Machines just crawl the internet and find anything that resembles an email address and start spamming like crazy.

Then they sell it to other spammers and so on and so forth.

So here goes:

macinipedro@yahoo.com.hk
macinipedro@yahoo.com.hk
macinipedro@yahoo.com.hk
macinipedro@yahoo.com.hk
macinipedro@yahoo.com.hk
macinipedro@yahoo.com.hk
macinipedro@yahoo.com.hk

It is my hope this works, though I'll never know.

Btw, if you need to put your address online, you should always write it out. E.g. email dot address [at] host dot com. This way the crawling machines which apparently look for the "@" symbol, wont find it. Hence those emails above. :)

Have a good day spammer. :) He he he.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

*btw, why can't we wage war on these mutually hated things instead of other ridiculousness.

World's Biggest Rat

2009-09-07T03:21:00.001-04:00

Giant Rat found in 'lost volcano'.

Here's a (seemingly old) BBC news story about a discovery in Bosavi of a giant wholly rat. It's 82 cm long head to tail (or about the size of a cat). And it's not scared of people. Kinda cute... I think...

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Explaining Emergent Churches

2009-07-27T00:47:00.002-04:00

Explaining Emergent Churches - Inner Compass from Calvin College on Vimeo.

Something interesting to listen to (26 minutes). It's about the Emergent Churches. To be honest, I have no idea what they are. Ok... that's not 100% true, I think I can guess at what they might be. Basically it has to do with "fundamentally" changing how churches work. I quote fundamentally because I'm not entirely sure that it is changing Christian at all. Interestingly, the guy in this video says a similar-ish type thing. I'm still processing so I'm not sure.

I have to add that I got this link from a friend (see link at the title). As I watched this I couldn't help but think of a couple of things I've heard from a few different sources, including Rick Warren in his book Purpose Driven Church. Basically that these new movements are often because there is a lack, or something missing from what the churches are currently doing. Even the Collins talks about action, love and being born again I am reminded of Jesus imploring Peter to "feed [his] sheep" (John 21 I believe). Still this is more than interesting to listen to. I know I will have to listen to it a couple of times in order to fully grasp all that he said.

bike phone charger!

2009-07-24T07:31:00.001-04:00

sweet!

Though I hope it's not like the Dynamo-type lights (read #5 here for what I mean).

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Libertarians, Anarchy & Christianity

2009-07-21T19:33:00.001-04:00

I'm trying to figure out first the difference between Libertarians and Anarchists. When I discovered an interesting thing. They are in fact, the same thing. And I that "aaaah" now I understand why I feel contempt everything I hear some "analyst" and he turns out to the "libertarian".

As most would know anarchy and Christianity don't mix. As christians we are to be for law and order. And since I know a few anarchists (at heart mostly -- they aren't for disorder so much as "less" state), I realize not all of them just want anarchy per say. But the Christian perspective is that not everyone is trustworthy. I would say a realists perspective, would be the same.

But the main reason I dislike (to put it mildly) anarchy is that it leaves the big guys stronger and better able to abuse their powers. Think Microsoft with no laws. Great injustices would happen. And as history has shown, it happened all the time.*

Which brings me to libertarianism, which is (according to Wikipedia):

a term used to describe a broad spectrum^[1] of political philosophies which seek to maximize individual liberty^[2] and minimize or even abolish the state.^[3]^[4] Libertarians embrace viewpoints across that spectrum ranging from pro-property to anti-property, from minimal government to openly anarchist.^[1]^[5]^[6]^[7]

In other words, it anarchy with a fancy title. I realize that is a bit simplistic. But the problem with it is that it's one of "leave me alone, I don't care what happens to my neighbour". And of course this is decidedly un-christian attitude.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

*I suspect that the injustices of history are greatly unappreciated and under-reported. I mean, if someone killed someone in the woods, and no one saw them do it, they were scott free (think Cain and Abel).

Faith

2009-07-20T22:31:00.001-04:00

So I was thinking that other day how a certain difficulty I was having wasn't a big deal. Specifically, I was thinking that if I got into a course at U of T (which I will be entering this fall) it isn't something I could give as an example to non-christian as a witness. This isn't to say I couldn't be thankful about it. But they could reasonably say "it was a coincidence". After all all I needed to do was talk to the undergrad coordinator.

Well, it looks like not only will it be quite difficult to actually get into this particular course. But Most of the courses I want to take will be very difficult to get into.

Sigh.

I guess God wants more faith out of me. And it does serve as a reminded that it isn't what happens to us that determines anything about our life, but how we respond to it.

Sometimes a note is easier.... but I guess then I really wouldn't learn it.

The comforting thing is that it serves to remind me that no matter what happens with my life, in terms of course or anything else. I should trust him. If I do, I'll be fine.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

TI tells it -- Hip Hop & Role Models

2009-04-25T22:05:00.002-04:00

Probably one of the best responses to this topic I've heard in a while. And watch this earlier response that 50 Cent has to the original question (it was posed to 50 no TI originally). 50 also had a good point, Hip Hop is the mirror. So stop trying to fix up the image in the mirror, and fix the reality that affects it. I will add that someone (maybe Imus??) asked if 50 is going to get with "the program".

What exactly is the "program"?
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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

More Dry Country side

2009-04-25T20:11:00.001-04:00

More Dry Country side, originally uploaded by Mehretube.

5 km north of my grandpa's place (he lived on the northern edge of Asmara). Very open space, not bad running.

Whose Racism is worse?

2009-04-06T22:28:00.001-04:00

So which is worse?

Army dedicated to starting a "master" race to dominate the rest, killing millions. Or an army fighting with other races, who were concurred, enslaving millions, sold and then forced to fight this other army for "freedom" and "justice". But once finished, sent home, hidden and made sure that no one knew that any of these people never were seen when victory came. In the end millions of "them" dead.

I'm not sure.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Short Story: Why?

2009-03-28T18:32:00.001-04:00

I asked -- Please?

"... no ..." was her response.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Are you pondering what I'm pondering?

2009-03-23T22:06:00.002-04:00

"Yes Brain, but if our knees bent the other way, how would we ride a bicycle?"

Check out all of them.

And here's a video version.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Checks Marked "INF" (Insufficient Funds)

2009-02-21T02:36:00.002-05:00

Although this speech has been renamed as "I have a Dream" it is actually titled "Checks marked Insufficient Funds" (or "Cheques..." if your Canadian like I). The history of this speech, which some consider one of the greatest ever given, is quite interesting. Specifically the second half of this speech actually was improvised and taken from another speech he did earlier at Freedom Hall. So he essentially took two speech and joined them on the fly to give us this truely remarkable moment in history. As great as Obama is at speaking, when we see and hear this great speech it makes one see how truely great MLK2 really was. Of course, comparing anyone to this speech is not really fair. Anyway, I've made a point of trying to understand how MLK2 spoke and every time I hear him, he always inspires. And that, is inspiring.

Microsoft's Nightmare

2009-02-08T22:19:00.003-05:00

So it seems Microsoft has been having nightmares. Check out the story here. Apparently Microsoft is retaliating against Intel (yes, the chip company) in order to abolish GNU/Linux. After all a major company donating hundreds of millions to further develop a competition they already consider series is a nightmare....

... at least for Microsoft.

But not for the rest of the world.

Update: Apparently Microsoft is looking to hire a Director of Open Source Desktop strategy:

The Windows Competitive Strategy team is looking for a strong team member to lead Microsoft's global desktop competitive strategy as it relates to open source competitors.

Read here to get a better informed (yet short) take. Mine? They are fighting GNU/Linux hard because they don't want to lose. And that is relevant because one only worries when they think it is a real possibility. I'm going to endeavour to add to their nightmare.

2nd Update: Here's an interesting take on the on MS from a former insider (or at least someone who claims to be, and upon some look into it, may be credible). He's commenting on their evilness here. Sometimes it blows my mine how easy it is to intensely dislike them.

As you read the second one (it is very long)... wow. One speaker even asks "how do you sleep at night?" It's great how he validates using the stroke her (an insider of Apple) husband had to help himself promote MS. He actually "helped" (a so called "friend") so that she would in turn put a MS talk in a Mac conference. And the more I read the more I'm beginning to think that this company help Uncle Screwtape write his letters. Even I couldn't have guessed how bad these guys are.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Perfect Comic

2009-02-04T19:13:00.001-05:00

http://xkcd.com/528/

And funny as hel-- umm.. heck...
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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Ethics & CEOs

2009-02-01T02:05:00.003-05:00

A very interesting and practical suggestion. Would help a lot of peoples and situations. So you can see why this video was selected as winner of the World Economic Forum. I know I can. Watch it.

open source for open government?

2009-01-23T07:23:00.001-05:00

I like this guy .... someone should elect this guy to some kind of high office.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Rodney King... Part 2

2009-01-07T01:07:00.002-05:00

So you think Rodney King was something that stirred a lot of anger... you ain't seen nothing yet.

Here's the full story with all the links to the videos.

The apparently they had detained a 4 men for fighting and had 3 of them handcuffed. But not the victim. As you can see in this clear footage he is unarmed and being held face down on the ground. And for some reason, the officer, pulls his gun out... and shoots Oscar Grant III -- father of a two year old daughter -- through his back.

After some anger had died a bit, from watching the video from the Ms. Vargas -- who shot a grainy unfocused video --- I watched the clearer one. I was confused. Why the hell would any sane man do this to another (short of being a psychopath). If you watch the video who might ask yourself the same question. Did he "mistake" his gun for a taser (something I am not particularly inclined -- or want -- to believe)?

Well, considering that the Bay Area Police have a policy of forcing their officers to wear their tasers on the opposite side of the strong hand (i.e strong hand is the gun hand), and facing backwards, this cannot occur too easily. But really --- who cares?

Even if it where a "mistake", how is that even close to ok? It's not like he was reaching for pen and paper and "oops, it's a gun". There should be strict liability when it comes to something like this. When a man is lying faced down, unarmed and under control --- with many other officers near by to assist, might I add --- it isn't acceptable to shoot him in the back.

Ever.

It's ridiculous that I'm even saying this.

He cannot get off on this. If he doesn't at least lose his badge -- he should go to jail --- there will be riots. Mark my words... I live in Toronto, and even I know this.

Update:

Here's another angle... an even better look.
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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

A quiz... and a suggestion

2009-01-01T17:30:00.001-05:00

Okay, so an interesting quiz...

If a woman who is pregnant is flying from the Netherlands to the U.S. and the baby is born mid-flight. Of which country is the new baby a citizen?

Well... you'd be surprise to hear that it's Canada.

What, what?

Apparently if you are over the airspace of our country... so they are canadian. Weird.

A suggestion when it comes to new years resolutions: Never do them.

The problem with New Year's resolution is that they never work. Why? Cause it's an artificial resolution. If you really needed to change something you wouldn't wait until January 1st. And if you need to think to figure out if you need to change something, there is a good chance that you aren't convinced about it. And if that is the case, how easy is it for you to not only do what is necessary but maintain it.

Trying to change is something that you should be doing all the time. Waiting until an artificial date to "change" something for one year, is a recipe for failure. A lot like diets, it doesn't work.

So, don't do New Year's resolutions.

Avoid them. Just change as needed.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Ridiculous

2008-12-19T21:44:00.002-05:00

So how is this story about plained clothes police assaulting a 12 year old girl, then charging her for assault not getting more press?

Oh, right, she's black.

I see.
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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Update: here's the original filed complaint.

justice for cyclist

2008-12-17T01:23:00.001-05:00

Well it seems that sometimes justice happens. This story really tell me that all police must be videotaped.

The War Against Women -- Congo

2008-12-02T23:54:00.004-05:00

Watch CBS Videos Online

This a 60 minute story on the war in Congo. It is very disturbing and angering. I wish more people were like that little brother. But who is willing to pay the price? I wish more people were.

Meadowland

2008-10-30T23:43:00.003-04:00

For some reason I really love this thing. It reminds me of why I love reading science fiction and fantasy so much. I hope you enjoy it too. And to the one who sent it to me... >:D< Many hugs.

Dust Mites --- Kinda gross

2008-10-24T19:31:00.002-04:00

1,901,156

So yay! I'm "cleaner" than most... somehow I don't feel better about it. Take this quiz (which was constructed by TheSleepRoom). Clearly this is a bit gross, even if I am 'cleaner than most'. Take the quiz, and try to be honest with yourself. As a former Kirby Vacuum salesman, I can attest to how much skin/dust is in an average bed. Knowing then that this is the dust mites favorite meal, and knowing how much care the average dust-mite-allergic person takes care to avoid them, I know how gross it can be.

Listen

2008-10-21T01:10:00.001-04:00

Tonight Winston Marsalis was on the Colbert Report (or here if you're not Canadian, or you just wanna check his site) talking about his new book Moving to Higher Ground: How can Jazz change your life.

He talked about how jazz teaches you to listen. I really really felt what he was saying. It told me something I always have to remind myself... that truely listening can make a profound difference in not only how well you understand music, but life itself.

So today I shall endeavour to listen.

Really listen.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

A bluff... if I've ever seen one

2008-10-10T20:43:00.001-04:00

So Somali Pirates are threatening to blow up the ship they are holding hostage for $20 million. You can read the article about the whole thing. I have been thinking about this for a little bit. They do have hostages, which is pretty much what is keeping them alive. I know that they got too greedy. Generally, most of the world didn't really care what was going on there until recently. But like a giant, the Pirates should have known that if they keep poking -- i.e. the hijackings -- eventually people/countries would eventually make it stop.

The "golden" age of modern Somali Pirates is over.

But in this specific case, initially, I was thinking with various warships surrounding it, there was no way that the Pirates would have a chance to win...until I realized they had a lot of hostages. But as I think about it now, I realize that (and this thought did occur, but I never dwelt on it) the Somali's food & water was limited. I realize now, that even if they'd sooner starve the hostages before starving themselves, eventually they would get too weak to fight off an invasion. I guess they realize that too and that they don't have much time now. Or more specifically they realize --- they can't win.

I know that Puntaland (part of the old Somalia they are from), is pretty much muslim. But unlike the suicide bombers who do it for eternal "glory", they are in it for cash. There is no glory. Even in the folk-lore that most of those suicide bombers dont' allow for this (aside: the 72 virgins that a lot of suicide bombers think is waiting for them, is never actually promised anywhere or written anywhere... it's pure folk-lore). There is no way they will blow themselves up because they didn't get money. I don't buy it. People who die for their beliefs do it after much thought, deliberation and determination. It is a sacrifice people seem to make for what they believe is greater. These guys didn't even think they would get caught before this mission.

I say the international folks sit and wait. Eventually they will either turn themselves in, or try to negotiate a way home without any cash or weapons. But they will not blow themselves up. They are like little children throwing a temper tantrum. They are testing to see how far the whole will go to stay comfortable. They are hoping the international community is too weak to stand up to them... or at least too stupid. I hope they are wrong.

I'd bet on it.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Manny the Genius

2008-09-20T03:31:00.001-04:00

There is something about Manny Ramirez -- formerly of Red Sox fame, now a Dodger -- that I like. Maybe it's the fact that he High-Five a fan in a middle of a double play, catch and throw. I don't know. But I like him. And to top it off, he's a genius. It would make sense... I think.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Creation vs. Evolution: I'm irritated

2008-09-16T21:17:00.000-04:00

As someone who has a biology degree in university. Who has taken special interest in evolution. Who grew up Christian... I am better able than most (including more so than most PhDs in the sciences, it seems) to discuss the whole evolution vs. creationism issue. And frankly I'm getting tired of hearing non-sense and bull from people who think they know what the hell they are talking about. Specifically those who are incredulous that people talk about teaching creationism along side evolution.

Those that know (and there are few, even among "scientists"), if they are truly confident that there is nothing to creationism... aren't paying attention/are-more-clueless than they think. I have no problem with those that disagree with the theory. I don't agree... but people believe what they want. But if the theory really can withstand scrutiny, why would people have a problem with discussing another possible theory? Isn't science supposed to be a discussion? I'm not saying it should replace it. I haven't heard anyone say that either. But that both should be talked about.

What really irritates me is that those that are really critical (at least most of the media, it seems), have no idea what the hell they are criticizing. Most of those that read this and are critical would have no idea (for or against) what the evidence for this "myth" is.

Seriously ask yourself this question: What actual information do I know that supports evolution?

Do you know anything about how all the different kinds of dating (i.e. carbon dating, etc) work? Did you even know that there are more than one kind and all have the same problem? Do you know the evidence that supports this dating?

For example, how can life start randomly from inanimate objects? There's absolutely zero, none, nada, zilch, niente proof/evidence to even begin to show how it might possibly be.

Re-read the last two sentences as many times as needed. Go ahead... I'll wait.

In fact every possible test seems to show it cannot happen. The very definition of life is that it must come from other life. Sooo... why is it dumb to talk about both again?????

Go ahead... I'll wait for an answer.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Blog Name Change

2008-09-10T02:11:00.003-04:00

Hey all,

Ok, so if you can read, the name of the blog has changed (if you can't, don't worry about it). I did this for a few reasons.

1) My initial attempt was irony. This clearly is not -- and never has been --the Greatest Blog Ever. It was completely ordinary. Of course I have opinions and I occasionally share them.
2) I have come to realize that my perspective is -- at least compared to a lot of people -- different. Here are the reasons:

a) I am a man
b) I am "black" (technically brown). Born in Ethiopia but Eritrean (which is why I left).
c) Spent 5 years in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia (with a few months in Eritrea). One year in West Berlin. Two years in Italy. And the rest in Toronto, Canada (grew up in a poor neighbourhood with a lot of Jamaicans and such)
d) I have been Christian as long as I can remember (meaning I don't just go to church on Sundays, but actually believe the words in the bible)
e) I have a threating appearance, it seems, to those who don't know me (read: black, male, long hair)
f) I don't hold "conservative" values as a lot of self professed liberals view it (I would sooner vote NDP than Reform... i mean Conservative (which isn't to say I'm an NDPer, I'm not. I don't do party affiliations).
g) Some people (a few friends for instance) think I'm "smart". I disagree. I'm average, I just like to make a point of thinking about everything (some may consider this "smart", but again I would disagree, if anything this is "wise").

3) And finally it seems that everytime I tell people about my experiences (who aren't black guys and such) they get surprised. A perspective, it seems, not a lot of people know about.
4) It sounds more interesting.
5) I like being different.

Hope that clarified things. And you don't get too upset. If I get enough protests from my one reader, A. Nonymous, I might consider change it back. Once considered, I will proceed to do nothing about it. :) Maybe...

Spielberg's best stance

2008-09-08T01:19:00.004-04:00

So, one of the criticism I've had about the open ceremonies for the Beijing Olympics (for those that had asked me) was the pointlessness of a lot of the things in it (see a couple of posts ago). Specifically --- though not only --- the whole paper thing they did ('this another great thing we gave to the world, so let's watch some people dance on it with ink on their hands') was a grand "who cares?" I mean really, I'm watching the Olympics and I'm getting a symbolic history lesson about paper? Seriously? My overall impression is they threw in a LOT of money (I heard $100 million), but got no real value. It was well rehearsed and technically very difficult... but at the end of the day, all I could thing about was "who cares?"

Well this may explain a lot (though not all) of it.

Spielberg quitting as artistic director would make a difference. My main thought was that they needed a better one who could have a more ... ummm... thought-out ceremonies. Making the whole greater than the sum of their parts. I would think that in the last 7-8 months would be too late to make great changes. So I'm not sure how much he would have improved it -- but knowing him -- it would have been better. Mind you I still don't see how one could save the whole paper thing in any way.

And on the off off off off off off off off off off off off off off off off chance that someone that knows him see this post -- give this message to him:

At no point in your life will you look in the mirror and say 'Damn! I shoulda work on Beijing'. You may not ever think to be thankful for not working with China. But I guarantee you that if you had worked with them, you would have definitely ended up regretting it. Getting more money, honour or 'respect' doesn't compare to trying to help save lives. And even if nothing came of it, you didn't just stand by and do nothing.

See ya.

Celebrations

2008-08-24T23:54:00.002-04:00

So one of the heads of the IOC, Jacque Rogge, thought that Usain Bolt celebrated too much at the end of his 100m Olympic run. (read a great article here about the whole issue). I whole heartily agree with that article. So on that topic of celebration I thought I would post a few great things I saw on youtube. I might have already seen the one above.

Here's my fav though.

But this one is funny too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhjwnsVUeto

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

right now...

2008-08-15T16:29:00.001-04:00

I'm angry

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

What's all the fuss?

2008-08-13T02:17:00.001-04:00

So apparently the "cute" little girl in the Olympic Opening Ceremonies was lip synching. Why are people surprised, it seemed obvious to me that she had to lip synching.   I mean you can't smile that big and still sing at all reasonably well.   If you watch real singers, there lips actually move. They say that that girl thought it was her own recording (she did one).   Well, unless she has never heard it (which means this wasn't a last minute decision, but one from day one and they played to get her to think it was her voice) she had to know that she wasn't singing at least, if not know outright that it was someone elses.   It seems she was more concerned with smiling than singing to me...

which could be the reason they didn't use her voice.   I figure it out right away (I thought it anyway) and didn't really give a rat his gluteus.

And on the note of the ceremonies... did anyone else attempt to what it only to get bored half way through?   Visual are nice, but for hours and hours??? Seriously, there is no amount of money that would have helped that show (clearly since I've heard reports of it costing of $100 million or more!!!).   These are the Olympia, do we really care that China gave us paper, fireworks, blah blah blah blah?   We are not here to learn history, but to watch the greatest athletic competition in the world.   Where almost every sport athlete gathers.   A games where in the millenniums back wars would stop to participate and compete.   Nation against nation. So do I really care that China also gave us the press?

I mean they won the games on the back of they illustrious history.   The Olympics seem to symbolize both great struggle and achievements that overcame them.   And all we get is a lip synching girl on a flag singing about how great fireworks, the press and paper is?*   What a grand waste of money.

This from a country which has so many poor areas.   Where they are people displaced without fair compensation to make way for these Olympics or more energy for Shanghai and Beijing.   And we watch about how great paper is!?

Seriously?

I could have made a better show with 1/4 that money, that was shorter and donated the rest to the poor.

Whoever they paid to make that show should be charge with grand theft.   Cause they got ripped off.

Rant over.
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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

*Please spare me the comments about how that isn't what she was singing about. I know that, it's a hyperbole.

A joke?

2008-07-21T02:10:00.001-04:00

So I'm reading this... and I couldn't help but laugh.

"So Z$100 billion can't do anything..."

I mean really... it sounds so absurd. Too bad it's reality.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Chili cook off

2008-07-09T01:44:00.000-04:00

I got this original forward in my email almost 12 years ago. This is one of the funniest things I've read in my email. I have no idea who wrote it. If you know, feel free to let me know. Hope you enjoy.
Selam

------------------
Recently I was honored to be selected as an Outstanding Famous
Celebrity in my Community to be a judge at a chili cook-off
because no one else wanted to do it. Also the original personal
called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing
there at the judge's table asking directions to the beer wagon
when the call came. I was assured by the other two judges that
the chili wouldn't be all that spicy, and besides they told me I
could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted this as
being one of those burdens you endure when you're an internet
writer and therefore known and adored by all. Here are the
scorecards from the event:

Chili # 1: Mike's Maniac Mobster Monster Chili
JUDGE ONE: A little too heavy on tomato. Amusing kick.
JUDGE TWO:. Nice, smooth tomato flavor Very mild.
CAMERON: Holy smokes, what is this stuff? You could remove
dried paint from your driveway with it. Took me two beers to
put the flames out. Hope that's the worst one. These people are
crazy.

Chili # 2: Arthur's Afterburner Chili
JUDGE ONE: Smoky (barbecue?) with a hint of pork. Slight Jalapeno
tang.
JUDGE TWO: Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken
seriously.
CAMERON: Keep this out of reach of children! I'm not sure what
I am supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two
people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. Shoved my
way to the front of the beer line. The barmaid looks like a
professional wrestler after a bad night. She was so irritated
over my gagging sounds that the snake tattoo under her eye
started to twitch. She has arms like Popeye and a face like
Winston Churchill. I will NOT pick a fight with her.

Chili # 3: Fred's Famous Burn Down the Barn Chili
JUDGE ONE: Excellent firehouse chili! Great kick. Needs more beans.
JUDGE TWO: A beanless chili, a bit salty, good use of red peppers.
CAMERON: This has got to be a joke. Call the EPA, I've located
a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been sneezing Drano.
Everyone knows the routine by now and got out of my way so I
could make it to the beer wagon. Barmaid pounded me on the back;
now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. She said her
friends call her "Sally." Probably behind her back they call
her "Forklift."

Chili # 4: Bubba's Black Magic
JUDGE ONE: Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.
JUDGE TWO: A hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for
fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili.
CAMERON: I felt something scraping across my tongue but was
unable to taste it. Sally was standing behind me with fresh
refills so I wouldn't have to dash over to see her. When she
winked at me her snake sort of coiled and uncoiled-it's kinda
cute.

Chili # 5: Linda's Legal Lip Remover
JUDGE ONE: Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground
adding considerable kick. Very impressive.
JUDGE TWO: Chili using shredded beef; could use more tomato. Must
admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.
CAMERON: My ears are ringing and I can no longer focus my eyes.
I belched and four people in front of me needed paramedics. The
contestant seemed hurt when I told her that her chili had given
me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue by pouring beer directly
on it from a pitcher. Sort of irritates me that one of the
other judges asked me to stop screaming.

Chili # 6: Vera's Very Vegetarian Variety
JUDGE ONE: Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of
spice and peppers.
JUDGE TWO: The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and
garlic. Superb.
CAMERON: My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with
gaseous flames. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except
Sally. I asked if she wants to go dancing later.

Chili # 7: Susan's Screaming Sensation Chili
JUDGE ONE: A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.
JUDGE TWO: Ho Hum, tastes as if the chef threw in canned chili
peppers at the last moment. I should note that I am worried about
Judge Number 3, he appears to be in a bit of distress.
CAMERON: You could put a hand grenade in my mouth and pull the
pin and I wouldn't feel it. I've lost the sight in one eye and
the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My clothes
are covered with chili which slid unnoticed out of my mouth at
some point. Good, at autopsy they'll know what killed me. Go
Sally, save yourself before it's too late. Tell our children I'm
sorry I was not there to conceive them. I've decided to stop
breathing, it's too painful and I'm not getting any oxygen
anyway. If I need air I'll just let it in through the hole in
my stomach. Call the X-Files people and tell them I've found a
super nova on my tongue.

Chili # 8: Helen's Mount Saint Chili
JUDGE ONE: This final entry is a good, balanced chili, neither mild
nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge Number 3
fell
and pulled the chili pot on top of himself.
JUDGE TWO: A perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili, safe for
all, not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.
CAMERON: Mommie ... ???

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Ice T corrected by Soulja Boy

2008-06-23T00:41:00.003-04:00

I have gained more respect for Soulja Boy and lost a little for Ice T in this whole exchange. Here's Soulja Boy responce to an unprovoked attack from Ice T. I especially liked what he said from about the 7 minute mark to the end. So I hope that Ice can man up to this challenge ... if Ice is serious.

Truth is, nothing can kill hip hop. Or, alternatively it died 15 years ago with the advent of Ice T and his gang bang crew. Since then all the consuming masses (read:white audience, who are the main buyers to these albums) have clung onto gangsta rap. No more Kool Mo Dee, Maestro Fresh Wes, Black Sheep, PM Dawn or even the real, and old (political) Ice Cube. Back when you heard a nigga you knew right away who is was even if you never heard the song before. Now-a-days everyone sounds like the same generic group.

"Who is this? Lil' John?"

"No, Lil' Wayne."

"Man, you trippin' ... it's Lil' Bow Wow"

I still think that hip hop is alive. I still think, and know that there are a variety of groups out there who aren't all the same. It may not get press, but it's there. But if hip hop is dying then YOU, Ice T, are killing it, by demanding that all hip hop be to your liking. Demanding it sound like your tired donkey self. But Soulja Boy said it best... if you think it's broken or dead, then fix it. Or... shut up.

Stupid Moth

2008-06-17T03:03:00.001-04:00

So I am trying to get ready for my race tomorrow and in that process, I thought

"Hey, why don't I be a little diligent and make sure I hydrate myself."

So I made myself some Gatorade from the powder. Well, as I was doing that I was playing with my PSP, a game I can't stop playing (PoPoLoCrois, for those intereted). Anyway, after finishing about half of the 500 mL I had made, I went to drink some more. Imagine my surprise when I almost --- almost!--- drank a moth along with my Gatorade. I didn't fortunately, but it wasted about 250 mL of my drink. I had to throw it out... what a waste.

Stupid moth... I hope it died a painful, salty death.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Mixed Priorities?

2008-05-28T13:18:00.001-04:00

It seems that Microsoft is developing the "next generation" of computing, by focusing on touch screens....

ummm....

Maybe you guys should perfect the "product" you just released first.

You know, the crappy software known as "Vista"... remember? Just a thought.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

toronto

2008-05-24T12:04:00.001-04:00

it's great

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Hillary in it Cause ... he might get shot

2008-05-24T00:24:00.002-04:00

Hope or Despair?

2008-05-07T15:56:00.001-04:00

So upon reading this... I wasn't sure whether one should feel hopeful or feel in despair. But as Hebrews 11 says (paraphrasing) "none received what was promised to them". We aren't promised great and wonderful things in this life. Even if we do right. But I hope no matter what happens Rouse know his actions weren't meaningless and hopeless.

Even if he never coaches ball again.

But I really hope he does... he is more deserving than most it seems.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Someone agrees with me...

2008-05-05T01:42:00.001-04:00

As I said in my previous post about this guy porn addiction, it seems unlikely to me.   Something else has to be happening here.

This site... agrees with me that the numbers look stretchy.

Apparetnly he "access porn sites 177,686 times last July".   Which translates to about 1,110 per hour (if he work 8 hour days --- mind you I had 1010 if per hour if he took no breaks of any kind).   So a new click every 3 to 4 seconds.   Really?   That is barely enough time for most web pages to load.   My guess, a virus plus a porn addiction.

An informal survey on my fast computer broadband/wireless: I discovered it took google.com 1 second to load, weather canada webpage 2 seconds, cnn.com 10 seconds to load and facebook took about 30 seconds.   The star website, thestar.com to 7 seconds.

The only ones faster than 4 seconds were the graphics, picture and video free site of the search page and the weather page.

So I ask again, how it this even possible?   I think not.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Is this even possible???

2008-05-02T11:49:00.001-04:00

So a worker in Japan got demoted because he had been found surfing porn during work.   That doesn't really sound that incredible or news worthy in this day and age.   He's getting less pay, he got demoted... and nothing like international news to really embarrass a guy.   But what seemed to make everyone's eye is that he was found to have "gone" to 780,000 sites in 9 months.

780,000!!!!!!

As a friend of mine once pointed out I love numbers (I don't)... or at least calculating (I don't, but I do seem to do it a lot, when i see things like this).   Anyway, it made me wonder how often a day he was going porn sites.

9 months has about 274 days (if it includes February).

So that is 2847 sites a day! (780,000 / 274)   That seems like a lot to do in a day.   So I had to figure it out per hour.   Assuming he spends 8 hours a day at work, that would be 356 site per hour... or let's say he spends an extra couple of hours after work.   That's still 285 site per hour.   That's 5 sites a minute.... but wait, we shouldn't include the weekends...

And by my count that is 74 less days to work with... So 780,000sites / 200 days = 3900 sites/day divided by 10 hours/day = 390 sites/hour divided by 60 min/hour = 6.5 sites/min...

Either 5 or 6.5 sites per minutes is a lot!!! I mean that's 10 seconds per site.   Is that even possible?   What can you possibly do in 10 seconds?   Do pages even load that fast?

Now the BBC claims that it was 20 sites per minute... are they even reading what they wrote???? That's 3 seconds per page!!!!   What is he doing randomly clicking??? Is that even looking at porn???   Web pages usually take a whole lot long then 3 seconds to load.   So what is going on with this story?

A weird story indeed.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

A great Post on Digital Photo Tips

2008-04-30T18:49:00.001-04:00

http://www.10e20.com/blog/2007/07/27/21-ways-to-shoot-better-photographs/

Have fun people... good photo makes the memories look better.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Vancouver Sun Run Race Report

2008-04-26T18:13:00.001-04:00

I send this email to the guys I train with. We have this thing where people would send a play-by-play of the race they ran. So I gave mine. I have fun writing it. A few people liked it and so I thought I would publish it on my blog. Here it is. This is the Vancouver Sun 10km Road race that took place on Sunday 9am (obviously in Van city). I made a few grammatical and spelling corrections for clarity, but it is otherwise untouched.

--------
Well in the fine tradition of Jay (and picked up by others), i thought
I would a blow-by-blow description of my race.

Well, woke up thinking I did not want to run, but figured that a race
would take less time than a pace run so off i went. Had difficulty
finding the front, as I seemed to have approached the start from the
back end. Didn't really warm up too well, as I ran quickly to the
start... but still felt surprisingly loose. At 3 degrees it was the
coldest it's ever been at this race, thankfully Toronto was much
colder for most of the winter... so no prob there.

The start was downhill, knew it was going to be too fast, but figured,
what the hell, and stay with the group

1st km pace -- probably too fast

The second km people were settling in to their group. Tried to keep
hustling without going to fast, still felt relatively comfortable...
not sure if that is good or not.

2nd km pace -- who knows

Somewhere between 2 and 4 km i thought I heard someone cheering for
the top woman. I wasn't sure, but put on a bit of an effort to make
sure I don't get passed. Not sure if I'm going too slow or she is
going fast or some combination, but I went faster either way. It is
at this point that Orange singlet guy (henceforth OSG) & arm sleeve
guy (ASG) pass me, and start to pull along the group that had seemed
to develop. We all start running as a pack of about 8 to 10 guys.
The first music group starts to appear... man they suck. I appreciate
the effort, but couldn't they do better?

3 & 4th km pace -- pick up a bit due to scare

Nothing eventful in the next km, OSG & ASG are both generally up front
leading the group most of the rest are just hanging on to the group.
End up hearing the 5 km split, 15:35, not sure if that is a good or
bad sign. I was shooting for an overall time of 31:20 or so... I
know I generally slow down, but still feel okay.

5 km -- 15:35

Just passed the 5 km mark is the bridge, and long slow uphill starts
to spread out the group. OSG & ASG plus one other guy are pushing
the pace still. As the group splits into two, i decided I need to
catch the front group. Put on a surge which reminded me of Chafe
attempt to diss me off during the last pace run by surging repeatedly.
I actually felt comfortable catching up, since I knew what to
expect... so I guess I owe Chafe a thanks. It may or may not come.
Just before I completely close the gap, we hit the downhill and their
pace picks up slightly. I'm hanging about 5 meters behind not really
closing anymore.

6 km pace -- ???

The next km has a lot more music acts and they all suck. Couldn't the
musicians have actually practised a little? Anyway, at this point
this red singlet guy (RSG) comes out of nowhere (he wasn't with the
earlier pack) to try and pass me. I figure since the pack in front
of me is getting further away, I should stick to this guy. He tries
to shake me, but I stick to him like Whitney on crack. He looks back
occasionally -- as if there is anyone else to worry about, i'm the
only one around, so not sure what looking back would do, since he
should be able to hear me.

7 km pace -- somepace/km

At this point, the pack of 3 in front (30 or so meters ahead) picks
off another guy and he joins them. RSG pace is good and he is doing a
good job of maintaining pace with that group. We're not closing or
loosing ground. I try to help him by going beside him and trying to
help the pace, but he decides he would rather race me. Having given
the effort of helping lead, and refused, I let him do all the work and
wind breaking. Fine with me... I know at this point he will not beat
me (not someone that dumb). I finely hear some music group i like, an
African group. And they sound good! Encouraged by that and the fact
they only started to play as me and RSG were about to pass, I give them
some props (via a gesture). This makes me smile and as I'm kinda
joking... it strangely causes me to surge pass RSG. Not sure why, as
I wasn't trying to surge, but it feels easy and I go with it.

8 km pace -- probably the same as before but more fun

My surge cause the distance to the pack to close to 15 meters in a
matter of about a minute. I'm inching closer and closer to the pack.
As we hit the last hill (I later find out) & the 9 km marker, OSG &
ASG put on a surge on their own on the hill. I manage to blow by the
other 3 runners (I think they picked up another guy from somewhere)
near the top. But I can't seem to close the gap on OSG & ASG
especially since they are now racing each other down the hill toward
the finish line. While I am running alone again. I'm about 200
meters from the end (maybe less) when on of the other runners passes.
It's one of the guy in the front pack, i match his pace, wait a couple
of beats and think...

"I guess these people are going to get a show today."

Then I kick into another gear dropping the other guy. Keeping another
gear in reserve just in case to finish the race.

9 & 10 km pace -- a little faster... i think

1-5 km - 15:35
5-10km - 15:57
10km time -- 31:32.8

I ended up finishing just behind ASG & OSG. I'm sure if I had gone
out with them, or caught a little earlier I could have a few seconds
faster, but hey i didn't. Well that was it.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Re: "Memo to Bosh: Shut up and win"

2008-04-13T04:53:00.002-04:00

Dear Dave,

So let me get this right.

He asks for noise, because it makes a difference and your response is: No, get us excited. You called him (a bit) immature, and said the fan is always right.

Are you dumb? Immature? Clearly.

The point he is making is that noise (and crowd excitement) do make a huge difference. You think that Utah Jazz have a 36-4 home record, versus the 17-23 road record because some of the team can't travel with them? Your point about Raptors being 9th in attendance is irrelevant, he isn't asking for more general chatter, or higher attendance but cheering. Saying it's "your responsibility", not mine is what selfish, self-absorbed, immature people do.

Remember another Toronto sports star calling out Toronto for the same thing years ago? His name was Paul Winfield. The team would be the eventual World Series Champs, the Blue Jays. You think he called out Toronto because they weren't winning games (he did it in the playoffs)? Or because no one was at the games (we were setting attendance records)? It's because Toronto fans are quiet... even when we have a World Champion in our midst.

So memo to you: Stop whining and cheer.

Sincerely and annoyed,
Selam Yohannes
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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Sad, Naive but a "nice" gesture

2008-04-12T12:24:00.001-04:00

Interesting and sad news about a "peace" activist/artist.

She was murdered.

You can read the short news report yourself, so I'll skip the highlight... but I will say it is both sad and nice.   It's nice cause of what (and why) she was trying to accomplish.   But very very misguided.   The BBC says about her:

               " She had said she wanted to show that she could put her trust in the kindness of local people."

She was murdered.

That is the true and classical definition of irony.   Clearly she proved the exact opposite of she was trying to accomplish.   You can't trust everybody.   Even Jesus (who many people associate with love, compassion and grace) taught us to use our judgement wisely (he did not, as many love to think, tell us not to judge --- he taught one should do it wisely, without condemning others and without hypocrisy).   A cynic (which I am not) may point out that this was bound to happen to her.   A cynic would be ignoring reality.   She made it from Italy to Turkey fine.   Had she not encountered that one man, she may have made it to her destination without too much difficulty... and "proven" her point.   Vast majority of people aren't out to harm others (at least purposefully).   But some are.

And her case just reminds us of that.   It's sad really.   But I suspect that people like this only come from nicer countries where they haven't had to encounter too much hardship growing.   Or at least nice neighbourhood/areas.   Cause anyone who grew up down and out (and this seems to be the case with the a huge chunk of the worlds population) would never have done this.

It's just too naive.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Rasheed, indeed.

2008-04-09T18:51:00.001-04:00

I've always loved Rasheed. There was always something about him that made him appealling to me. This dispite the fact that he seemed to get more hate than love.

This article gives me some insight... and more love for that man.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

A good thing that the Olympics are in China...

2008-04-05T03:55:00.001-04:00

Well,
It seems that with the whole world watching. The internet still working and news unstoppable, China can't repress the truth. But they are "crafty". It seems that the whole "violent" monks bit was a ploy by them to win sympathy.

But it brings to mind two things. That policeman in that photo... how does he justify himself, to himself? I mean, most people aren't psychopathic... they must have some rational for what they do. So what is his (and anyone else involved with it really)?

Secondly all those people that blindly believe any story that the government tells them... how can they keep buying horse manure so readily?

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

My Take Getting Support

2008-03-28T18:03:00.002-04:00

I had predicted earlier that the Phoenix Suns would win it all in an earlier blog. This was based on what I thought would happen to Shaq's health when he got there. Well it seems at least one other source has noticed that same medical staff. Check out what one ESPN analyst says about that...

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/080326

If you watch any Shaq interview, he keeps harping about that medical staff. So I don't know why more people haven't picked up on it.

Unconvinced? Well check out this Sports Illustrated article on Shaq's health and the medical team. In fact what Shaq has been saying about the medical team versus the Miami Heat's team is causing some to pay attention.

So... all you need to know is, you hear it HERE first. :)

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Nice!

2008-03-22T23:13:00.002-04:00

This is strangely awesome...

... wait... and this is simply, and utterly THE greatest prank ever.
--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Morgan's funny/true Speech

2008-03-17T23:49:00.002-04:00

Click this link before it's taken down...

It's Tracy Morgan, from SNL and his take on Barack and Clinton. In responce to Tina Fey and her take on Clinton.
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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Rocket's Red (Hot) Streak

2008-03-16T22:34:00.001-04:00

I don't know how much I can add to the articles that hasn't already been said.   The Laker's Kobe phrased it best when he said (to the critics who keep saying it's not that big a deal, cause the competition has been weak) "if it's so easy, then why hasn't someone else done it"?   A good point.   The just beat the same Lakers to extent the streak to 22 straight wins and take the top spot away from them.

Mind you critics (who are these guys, I can't seem to find any article myself from these "critics"... are the invisible or something?) also point out that the Lakers were without their second best player (and the spark to the arms race in the Western Conference that saw 6 of the top 7 teams trade/acquire someone new).

But wait a minute.

The Rockets lost a small 7'6" centre 10 wins ago.   And they have been without one of their key bench players in Landry.   When you lose a combined 31 points and 16 rebounds from two of your better players you usually take a dive.   The Rockets haven't.   In fact they won their last 11 games by 10 or more points.   So if they've had to deal with back fortune as much as anyone else.

I will add that people thought that McGrady had a bad game.    He was 0-6 in the first half, and didn't score until near the end of the 3 quarter.   He managed to score 8 in the 4th though.   So was that a bad game?   Let me be bold... no.

They won, and no, not inspite, but because of him.   Rafer Alston AKA Skip-to-my-lou (from And1 fame), was on fire cause of the Lakers insistence on double teaming T-Mac and leaving him off alone to wander the 3 line in his lonelyness.   Result?   Alston was alone on the 3 point line all night, he hit 8-12 and a total of 31 points (both career highs).

"I felt that the attention was going to be on Tracy," Alston said. "I thought if I could get going early, maybe that would shift the attention a little away from him, maybe they wouldn't leave me out there at the 3-point line. But they stayed glued to him all night."

That Sir/Ma'am is team ball.   And that is why they have won and earned their 22 game win streak.

I'll summerize it in three words*: McGrady for MVP.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

*I'm not sure MVP counts as a word, but for my purpose, It'd do.

Great Video

2008-03-13T17:08:00.001-04:00

'there's still living ... unfortunately"

Wow... a great video, lots of info. True Knowledge.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Vista Sucks: We finally have Proof

2008-03-10T22:51:00.002-04:00

Well I (and everyone else) was right... Vista sucks (in case there was any doubt). How hard does it suck? Well, a Microsoft VP and a Microsoft Board member couldn't get theirs to work. Incredible? Well just read the article*. There is more than is sucking. Apparently Microsoft is being (class-action) sued for mis-presenting their "Windows Vista Capable" stickers. An interesting read.
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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

*Membership required, but it's free and easy. However, my link will work for a while. If you want a text version of it, let me know.

Hygiene, Europeans and Customs.

2008-03-10T01:47:00.001-04:00

So I was looking into Roberto De Nobili, an Italian Jesuit from the 17th century... a few things came out, but one thing in particular stuck out to me.   After finally befriending a schoolmaster, he finally understood why only the Paravas or current outcastes, untouchables or those lower than commoners were converting to Christianity only.

                   "[The] Parangis [or foreigners who were outcaste and untouchable, lest the Hindus themselves become unclean, not, as the Portuguese thought, Tamil for "Portuguese"] were despised, the schoolmaster explained, because they ate meat, drank wine (usually to excess), bathed irregularly, wore leather shoes, and ignored the rules of social intercourse.   Thus by proudly referring to themselves and their coverts as "Parangi Christians," the missionaries had unwittingly erected an insuperable barrier between themselves and the Hindus.
   Besides learning of this linguistic faux pas, Roberto came to understand through the help of his mentor the significance of the caste system, namely that it was the cornerstone of all Indian society and culture. To violate it was the equivalent to threatening the divinely ordained structures of life. To the Hindus the single most important aspect about a person was his or her caste.
   When the Portuguese first came to India the initial question asked about them was, to which caste do these foreigners belong? Is soon became evident, at least to the Hindus, that the Portuguese were ignorant, uncouth, unscrupulous people who were unworthy to associate with anybody except the outcastes. How else would one explain their total disregard for basic religious and social principles? No indian, it was said, who valued his rank in society or who esteemed his religious faith would ever consider adopting the ways of these foreigners.   This was the reason, according to the schoolmaster, why the Hindus avoided all contact with the Portuguese except when necessary for trading purposes. For to be touched or even gazed upon by a Parangi, Roberto learned, was believed to be contaminating.

The Indians were put off by the fact that the Portugese --and apparently this applied to most Europeans except Jewish ones --bathed irregularly.   Sure there were other things (and you can argue that this quite easily I'm sure), but the fact that it was even a topic I found interesting.   My impression of people back in the day was that a lot of people didn't necessarily take that many baths.   No easy access showers makes it harder.   One of the many customs Roberto took on was bathing everyday.   Now, this was interesting to me.   I thought, wow the Indians are really a clean people.   I'm impressed.   Then I told my friend that I thought this was a funny thing, that the Indians thought that the Europeans stunk (essentially).   She commented that it was actually something that the Europeans were known for... bad hygiene.   Apparently Queen Victoria once admonished some natives somewhere (if someone knows the refers I'll be glad to hear it), for bathing everyday.   So she told them to stop (I don't know if she had authority to make them so).   Then.... wow...

Then... wow...

Then I read this article...

I mean wow...

Then my roommate told me another piece of interesting tid-bit.   That the Europeans would throw out the human waste out the window of their house right on to the street.   I don't know how true this is, but the fact that (as stated in the above article) they would only take a bath when ordered by a Doctor, or the fact that everyone got used to a certain level of funk... blows my mind!!!   Now this is Worse Than Failure!

The final thought I had, was that it's interesting that I assumed that how the Europeans were, must have been how everyone else was.   Clearly most peoples (Arabs, Indians, Jews etc) didn't necessarily feel averse to washing.   So why did I think this was the normal rather than the exception?   That this problem was no only part of the cause, but a continuing factor in the Black Plague of Europe (and it seems-- but I'm guessing here-- Europe alone).

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Microsoft to Sue Linux Users: Patent Armageddon on the way...

2008-03-05T12:31:00.002-05:00

So I was reading this incredible article. The summary of it, is pretty much what the title of this blog says. Apparently the Linux world is in violation of "235" patents. They wont be specific (it's all out war you know, you don't give your secrets away free... it's more ominous to be vague), but the idea is much like the music industry suing individuals... except for one huge difference. Instead of the music industry suing you for illegally downloading, they are instead suing you, for even listening to music made by independant artists. Because they own the patents to "music".

I've always said that Microsoft is evil. This sorta thing only confirms it.

One interesting argument I've heard is that Bill Gates is using a lot of his money (that he made from the company) through his foundation to donate a lot of money to AIDS funding in Africa. And so at least one person told me they would continue using Windows for that reason. However, I'd say that is a waste. I do think at least some of that money being used for AIDS stuff is great. However, if you want to actually make a difference do this: use free software, and the money that you were going to use to buy that software donate directly to AIDS research somewhere. That way 100% of it goes to AIDS, instead of 2% (I'm randomly guessing here, but I'm sure it's not even close to this figure). Now imagine if the whole word decided to use freeware, and donate that money to all sorts of thing. Freeware would improve, more things would be compatible. And lots of NGO would benefit (as well as poor folks everywhere).

Anyway, read about patent Armageddon.
--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

What a protest!

2008-02-23T21:47:00.004-05:00

What a protest. I mean look at their indignity!

Okay, some background... this takes place in Belgrade, Serbia during the riots in protest of Kosovo's declaration of independence. I assume the Serbs were protesting, out of anger, how Kosovo shouldn't be a free nation. These two women, as you can see from the various things they carry, are taking part in this aspect of democracy... you know the right to cause havoc because you felt slighted.

Now before I get flack (from the one or two readers I have) for trivializing all riots, let me say, I'm am speaking only about these women in this riot, at this time. I mean really, why would Serbs destroy stores in Belgrade, in stores run (presumably -- as far as the two women or I is concerned) by fellow Serbs? To protest against Kosovo for wanting to be free from them???

WTF??? (Worse Than Failure)

Yeah....... okay then.

I'm feeling Freddie King

2008-02-16T17:05:00.001-05:00

I really really feeling this right now... and not just the music either...

It is moments like this that make me want to sing like Freddie here.

The Cops have free reign...

2008-02-13T19:00:00.001-05:00

A troubling decision by the Ontario Court of Appeals was made recently. It seems that if the "crime" is "bad" enough, then it's okay to forget that the "criminal" has basic freedoms. Essentially, the two hypocrites (one judge strongly disagreed with these two) think that it's okay for the public to lose confidence in the justice system, because "the public, at least in this case, is willing to put up with the significant Charter violations committed by OPP Constable Brian Bertoncello."

Cause we know that these two will never have to be stopped (even if they do, I'm sure they'd get off) for being the wrong colour in the wrong neighbourhood.

I'll comment more when I have time... if I don't get searched and arrested before then.

--
ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Another Prediction: NBA's Sun Win it all

2008-02-08T22:31:00.001-05:00

So fresh off my Superbowl prediction (see previous post, NYG over Patriots by 3... mind you I Predicted a much higher score.   An aside: whoever bet the over on the 12.5 point spread was dumb.   I mean really 12.5 points??? The Patriots barely won by 3 the last time, what makes them think that suddenly they would get that much better???   That shoulda been easy money for you betters.   Anyway...), I'm ready to predict another Champion.   This time for the NBA.   Late me say that the people who doubt this trade do so due to Shaq's recent health problems.   In fact if this had been 2 or 3 years ago, there would have been little criticism against Sun's GM Steve Kerr.    But after watching an interview with Shaq I realize that something that a lot of folks seems to not have noticed... the medical staff at Phoenix.

You see, although many people know about Amare Stoudemire's knee and "miraculous" recovery.   It seems few knew why.   To spare some time (and cause I can't find the specific articles I had in mind) I'll summarize:   the reason Amare was able to come back to his old form (unlike many others) after that particular knee surgery had a lot do to with, his work ethic, and the Phoenix Med Staff.   The approached his injury from a completly different standpoint.   The didn't just try to fix the problem, but address what it was that caused it to begin with.   And this is what is missing from most people's evaluation.   I noticed it cause as a runner, these kind of things always catch my attention.   And simply listening to what Shaq had to say about his injuries made me think.

So... here's what I predict.

The Suns will beat the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals (TV rating will be very high).   Then go on to face the winner of the Celtics-Pistons Eastern Conference Finals.   I'm not sure yet who will win that one.   Either way, the Suns, with a healthy Shaq, an unstoppable Amare and ridiculous Nash 3s --- who is a much better 3 point shotter than Ray Allen, not to mention the fact that is the best point guard out there right now --- will win the title.   Detroit doesn't have the big man to stop Shaq (or Amare) and KG in Boston can't stop both.   Either way, that leaves Nash very very very OPEN.   He already shoots close to 50% from the 3-point line (FG% .511, 3P% .471, FT% .903 actually -- which is way better than Ray Allen's FG% .427, 3P% .379, FT% .923 or Paul Pierce FG% .444, 3P% .371, FT% .829 or Kobe's FG% .454, 3P% .350, FT% .833 --- in fact he shots a better 3 than those player shot their easier, higher percentage 2 point shots, which includes dunks).   Which means that they become unstoppable.   The Spurs are getting old, Parker is injured, and this is an off year (they barely beat the Suns last year), they only seem top win every other year.   Dallas is a non-factor and the Jazz are tough, but will still lose out to the Spurs.

X-Factor: Phoenix Sun's Medical staff.

My only doubt is time.   Can he get healthy enough for this year?   It did take Amare 2 years before he was back at full strength.   Will it take until the end of next year?   I hope not, but it just might.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Vista sucks

2008-02-05T21:19:00.001-05:00

Why? Why does vista suck so hard?

You think it's too hard a concept too make Vista backward compatible? Simple things it can't seem to do!

This is why I'm switching back to Linux soon... oh so soon!

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Perfect Patriot? Hardly...

2008-01-28T13:40:00.001-05:00

Prediction: I wanted to write this now... New York Giants over the Patriots 32-29.

Lupe's True Words: No Dumbing Down

2008-01-20T16:15:00.001-05:00

Google the Earth

2008-01-18T21:03:00.001-05:00

I love google earth.   I was just on it today, after my run, I decided to see how far I had gone.   Well one thing led to another, when I clicked on my grandparent's place-marked location in Eritrea. Then I realized that I could also figure out how far I had run when I last visited. When, needless to say, I wish I had it back then. Not only did it work well (and a whole lot better than the mapping I have on Flickr to place the pictures) I managed to find the exact locations ( i.e. the trees, buildings and such that pinpoint to exactly where I had run to), but I found out some interesting things. For instance this picture of a stream --which I though was rather odd that it managed not to dry up despite the hot weather and lack of rain --- was not a simple stream but part a large lake that I couldn't see at all.   Using this picture, you can see trees to either side of the road.   On the left is the stream (I took the picture for the road you see) and on the right past the trees and the edge of the picture is the large body of water.   The interesting part was that despite the fact I had run there a lot I never had a clue it was there.   It also helped me to confirm that the distances I was estimate back then were fairly accurate (within a 0.5 km range... which is pretty good considering I would go on runs from 8 to 25 km).   You can also see it in the video that I posted on Youtube.

The other thing that I really like (though I haven't had much chance to check out) is the Sky... earth???... application.   You press this one button and ... BANG!   You are looking at the sky of that particular location at that time.   Real nice.

If you haven't had a chance to check it out, do so. It's great.   And no, no one is paying me.

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ

Fwd: you have to see it to believe it...

2007-12-31T02:48:00.001-05:00

I still can't believe it...

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: somegirl <somegirl@ gmail.com>
Date: Dec 31, 2007 2:21 AM
Subject: you have to see it to believe it...
To: someothergirl <someothergirl@ yahoo.com>, selam yohannes <myemail@gmail.com>

http://www.amazon.com/Blow-G-Unit-Book-Kwan/dp/1416540601

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ሰላም ዮሃንስ