bad karma

Every now and again, I just have one of those practices in my class that's non-stop bad.

I usually limp out of said classes sporting a minor injury or two. Any martial art is a contact sport, so I suck it up and move on.

Last night was especially bad. Dunno why.

I took an elbow to the nose and feel fortunate my nose wasn't broken. Didn't really bleed much 'till later.

I have a bruise on my hip from a bad fall or two.

Oh, and I can't fully lift my arm. My good arm. The arm that doesn't have my wrist in a brace. That was thanks to a wonderful arm-bar that hurt tons.

Damn class hasn't even been going a full week and I'm already semi-crippled.

Lost and Found

"Lost" started again last night. Final season.

Aaaah... I've missed the tropical weirdness.

My recording crapped out for some reason, but I came in early to see it on Hulu. Good, weird fun.

I've decided there's no way in hell they can adequately explain what's going on in this show nor end it in a satisfactory fashion.

That's fine. As long as they don't attribute everything to angels or some Moore-like similar crap, I'll be inclined to forgive.

But if these guys f*ck the monkey, I shall deliver pain unto them. Oh yes.

Another iShove

Having an iTunes gift card, I made a purchase today.

The download went seamlessly.

And then everything went wrong. Again.

iTunes froze my PC. Again. I rebooted and tried to connect my iPod to transfer my new purchase.

Froze. Again.

On the third reboot, everything worked, more-or-less.

A friend recommended Songbird as an alternative tool. I've downloaded the executable and will probably give it a try later this week.

Pure awesome

(io9)

Zen State

My increasing frustration with my precious and lovely little iPod is souring me on Apple as a whole. I'm now starting to seriously look back at Creative Labs offerings. I have one of their little MuVo MP3 players. It's crap next to the iPod, but it worked and it took AAA batteries, so it was easy to deal with battery failure.

The Creative Zen looks like an iPod ripoff, but with a broader range of software so I don't have to deal with the proprietary bloatware that is iTunes.

Maybe.

I'm in no rush with this. My budget this year is kind of tight, so I'm disinclined to switch players just yet.

Never hurts to have options, though.

Dear Apple

Dear Apple,

Thank you so much for yet another update to iTunes.

I didn't have enough frustration today. A software update to the fetid bloatware you call a management interface was exactly what I needed to round off my evening.

Not only did your update reset all my settings, but it locked my iPod (already a temperamental little thing) and forced me to do two unnecessary reboots.

Oh and I had to wipe all the music on my iPod and re-copy it all over again.

Thanks. I really didn't have better things to do with my time.

I shall endeavor to avoid updates in the future. They never seem to do anything positive, unless causing my computer to lock up is a desired effect. I assure you that I do not consider this a desired effect. Just for the record.

I look forward to traveling with my iPod, by the way. It's flagging battery life and tendency to freeze is a source of non-stop entertainment and joy. I can see where your sterling reputation as manufacturers of fine products is so well-deserved.

I wouldn't consider buying a different product with a less-bloated and annoying interface! Whatever would I do with the freed system resources on my PC?

Many friends strongly encourage me to get an iPhone. I can only imagine how much fun it would be for me to tie all my telephonic needs into one of your products. I'm sure I'd be thrilled with it!

Until then, I shall weep bitter tears at the lack in my life.

In closing, please kindly suffer the indignities of involuntary bowel movements for the balance of your lifetime. May your genitals be scalded by acid and white-hot fire. May migraines haunt your every waking moment and nightmares thrive in your sleep.

Sincerely,

A customer who is less-than-thrilled with your iTunes interface

Houdou

A satisfying weekend. Helped a friend celebrate his 40th in a manner that involved excessive whiskey. I tried to get him to mix it up (out of pure sadism) but he stuck to his guns.

In the end, I think my plan would have induced vomiting and been a mercy. Instead, he spent his Sunday in pain. I'm undecided as to whether or not I'll chalk this up to a success or not.

As I drank little, my Sunday was a peaceful thing. Family time and a ridiculously-large meal.

My sore, sore muscles from Friday are mostly-recovered for this full week of martial arts abuse.

Two more friends' birthdays this week. One today (a lunch feast is planned) and one Wednesday (I must remember to send the Amazon card). Good, clean fun.

I'm at war with my natural impatience regarding an order I've made. I think I'll give the site a couple more days. If they still don't have my order in-stock, I'll cancel and order from someone who does have it in-stock.