So, I've got a blog . . . Now what?

Thursday, June 17, 2004

Ooooo, look what I did

I've modified one of the templates using my own backgrounds and color schemes. The new paint job is fairly easy on my eyes using my computer at home, but that doesn't really tell me anything. Not every monitor/graphics card combination is tuned the way mine is, so I've asked a few friends to pop in and critique the decor by leaving comments. That's right. Leave comments! I need to make sure I plastered all the holes on those walls as well and I just plain refuse to comment one of my own posts.

Background graphic used for this version of my web log

This is the background I used for the version of my blog active today. It can be found at Graphics From Glynn Garthold and is one of my designs.

Momma, can you see me?

BBC NEWS | Technology | Inventor plans 'invisible walls'

While in theory this is the coolest thing, I found it just the tiniest bit disturbing. Being a paranoid from way back before time existed, I couldn't really come up with anything I would call a positive for this technology. The first thought that popped into my head was invisible stalker and I don't mean the D&D kind. Even the potential "espionage and military purposes" vaguely hinted at in the article scream invasion of privacy and personal integrity.

I'm all for bringing the outside in, but I'd rather it be done some other way.

Wednesday, June 16, 2004

The last word

You didn't really believe that, did you?

The Braying Jackass

and his nasty little worm managed to infect another computer. This computer was apparently let loose in the wild without benefit of anti-virus software to protect its itty bitty self from all the bad people in the world.

But the workday is done and I am about to sit myself before the Great Mind Numbing Machine to unwind. I'm sure I can find some pleasant background noise to keep me company while I read and snuggle with the cats.

And speaking of cats, I'll leave you with the image of what an intrigued kitten looks like from behind . . .

Mouse being intrigued by something out of camera range

Mouse being intrigued by something out of camera range

(Mouse, picture taken June 10, 2004)

Equine posterior . . . or something like . . .

I'd like to take a moment to thank the inconsiderate, immature, self-absorbed Braying Jackass

who wrote the W32.Erkez.B@mm worm. We need more people like him so people like me can invest a morning removing the infection from the one computer in the company that doesn't have its virus protection turned on and checking every other computer and server on the network to make sure the worm hasn't dug in somehow elsewhere.

Thanks, dude!

And something else . . .

Wow! I was awakened very early this morning by the sound of rain pouring on my roof and thunder knocking at my door. It's eased up a bit now but it was quite ferocious at around 4 a.m. when I first awakened. We've had so much rain this year it appears Mother Nature is trying to make amends for the dryish year or two she gave us last.

Tuesday, June 15, 2004

Just thought of something

It would be terribly remiss of me if I didn't let everyone know about the place I spend most of my online time. That place is Shadowmarch. I invite you to drop in and visit. The site is graciously hosted by the man we Smarchers call the Dogly One, but who is better known to the rest of the world as Tad Williams, the author of The War of the Flowers and the forthcoming Shadowmarch.

Saying something . . .

Well . . . something . . .

Having said that, I'm now at a loss what to say in this my first blog entry. That, of course, is a fairly unusual happenstance for me. For the sake of argument, let's just say I've said something and let it go at that until I really have something to say. Yes, definitely, that just about says it all.

Ta for the time being . . .

Thursday, June 03, 2004

30th Anniversary DAW Fantasy by Elizabeth R. Wollheim
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There were three stories I particularly liked for no better reason than they suited the mood I was in when I was reading them. They are by no means the only good ones in the book, but they were the ones I felt a resonance with. Ending and Beginning, by Jennifer Roberson, is set in her new world about which she is currently penning her first novel. I also enjoyed A Perfect Day in Valdemar by Larry Dixon. In and of itself the story was excellent, but even if it hadn't been, this is one of those stories where the end would justify the means. And lastly, I enjoyed Lynn Abbey's It's About Squirrels . . .. It's an urban fantasy involving Florida, pallbearer squirrels, and a crashed hard drive. What more could you want in a story?