Apologies to Dawkins

Well, I guess I didn't update this blog as regularly as I originally intended in my rather melancholic turn more than a few weeks ago.

Since then, I have been viewing videos related to Richard Dawkins, and I have to say, I have completely misjudged the man (due in no small part to the misleading claims by "I'm an agnostic, but" A Asohan).

Almost a year after I was influenced into believing Dawkins was actually a militant faction of Atheism bent on destroying everything related to religion, I decided to do something I could only do when I entered university (and subsequently, watch videos on YouTube without needing to wait 5 hours for the video to finish loading), type "Richard Dawkins" into Google.

And lo and behole, for Wikipedia hath spake!

Apparently, the man isn't so pretentious as to promote his book with a "Dr" Richard Dawkins, "Professor" Richard Dawkins, or any other titles any other man would prominently display on their books to gain credibility.
Yeah, originally, I dismissed him as one of those raging lunatic anti-religious militants who think a more proactive stance against the religious should be taken.

How simple it is to change ones view to know than man was an Oxford graduate, and was also the Simonyi Professor of the Public Understanding of Science. Having been suitably impressed, and chagrin by my previous unsubstantiated view that the man was going too far in criticising religion, I began watching a few videos starring the man.

It began with this lecture on the queerness of the universe, which surprised me a lot because I was half expecting the guy to be some unpolished riff-raff (thank you A. Asohan) but he turned out to be... British.

If anyone out there has ever had the opportunity, please watch some British shows for a change, because they have the admirable quality for being wittier than any other nation on Earth (no, this is not a scientifically substantiated statement).

Then, with the brilliant encounter known as Dawkins vs. Tyson, Professor Dawkins has made a lifelong fan out of me.


And there was more to come.

Next, I discovered a video of Dawkins apparently stumped by a Creationist question. My heart audibly sank into my intestine when I viewed the description for that video - for a full 5 seconds.

Then the related video titled "Richard Dawkins 'stumped' hoax video exposed" caught my eye. I skipped that video and headed straight for the article written by the man - the answer to the challenge "give an example of a genetic mutation or an evolutionary process which can be seen to increase the information in the genome." where a lucid explanation of how the question phrased was a typical indication of Creationism and how Dawkins was suddenly faced with the unpleasant fact that the creationists interviewing him had lied their way into him giving an interview by claiming to be a film crew from Australia.

Okay, I admit, before I had noticed the "Dawkins stumped" video, I still had some reservations about the man's aggressive stance against religion.

That changed pretty quickly after the entire "Information Challenge" shenanigan. Now I have zero respect for Creationists.

It seems these people are hell bent on discrediting people instead of ideas. Come on, do a search on YouTube. While videos by Dawkins will mostly quote evidence, videos by creationists seems to focus on misquotes.

Actually, don't bother, watching Creationist videos is rather depressing compared to the always entertaining Dawkins.

In fact, the Bishop of Oxford makes more sense then them:


Wow, a man of the Church who actually supports science and believes in evolution! I am telling you, those Brits are genetically different from the rest of us (technically true).

But prior to that, I downloaded a few videos off http://richarddawkinsfoundation.org/, my first being The Four Horsemen videos, which you can download for free from the stated site.

The talk was fascinating to say the least, particularly the one that centred around the argument that atheist arguments were insulting religion, and how that was used as an argument against atheism.

In response, the men pointed out that if taking things personally as a defence can be used, the argument on the religious end that atheist are without moral scruples could also be used as an argument for theists not to attack atheism.

All in all, I have been forced to swallow a wonderful pill of wit, humour, and science after being trapped in the illusion cooked up by A. Asohan.

I use the term forced because my hand seems preoccupied with clicking on video links to Richard Dawkins.

Take this "What if you're wrong" video as an example:


The "Intelligent Design? Watch it get schooled" video:


And probably a few hundred other videos starring the Oxford professor.

And all in all, I have not seen one video that openly insults religion (using the definition that trying to disprove religious beliefs with evidence is an insult to religion) without the backing of facts, logic, and/or evidence (or wit).

And with this post, I now offer my utmost apologies to Professor Dawkins for once counting myself amongst the "I am an atheist, but" crowd.

Oh yeah, there are no such things as raging, militaristic, lunatic, atheists - only atheists who happen to be raving, raging, militaristic lunatics.

There is a distinction, and if you are to argue otherwise, please remember the Bishop of Oxford.

Sugar & Spice, Truth or Nice

Being a university student changes everything... For most people.

I have discovered that I really have not altered my habits very much. I still go to bed early, wake up early, learn (whether it be lectures during the semester, or studying my own stuff during the holidays) all day, than go home for rest.

Essentially, it is exactly like being at home, except the occasional interactions with family has been replaced by interaction with distant relatives.

To be absolutely blunt, I don't miss anyone.

Maybe my dog, and my sister (Yes, in that order. I am a heartless bastard).

Delving into this question, I do wonder when did it all begin? When and how do you produce a person more interested in people and the things they do, yet not feel any personal attachment at all?

After reading God Emperor of Dune, I started to address myself as the Observer during my many personal chat sessions with myself.

Before that, I started wondering why people believe in things just because it is "tradition, authority, or revelation." Have to thank Dawkins for that, I am just not as eloquently blunt as him yet.

So I became disillusioned, that people could function in such an illogical way, made me bitter, and sad. Never angry though, until I found out about the special rights given to ancestral descendants of the peoples of the Malay Archipelago, the continuous hypocrisy of the government which professes to govern by the twin swords of justice and religion, and by people who refuse to condemn September 11th and then saying: "Who's fault was it in the first place?"

Under such psychological duress, one would usually turn to ones peers.

I turned inwards.

Because I trusted no one. Not completely anymore.

I have found out the hard way that adults lie to us as children, then continue to lie to us when we grow older. I am sure many of you reading this probably recall the same bitter memories of betrayal that completely changed the way you looked at a person. An event that changes the way you view the world.

So it comes down to one simple question: Just how long can one observe before one interferes?

Quantum theory would simply show that observation changes the results. People, are governed by the same rules.

So before I begin a series of posts regarding the student lounge I am planning for my university, I wish to impress upon my audience that nothing I do is as apparent as it seems, that it is utterly impossible for me to remain an observer after seeing and hearing and more importantly, considering what the implications were, are and will be.

This student lounge will be my first social project, one that aims to change the very nature of the society it exists in. Each aspect of the eventual project will be carefully presented over the coming weeks with the hope you, the reader, will give some input on how it will affect the student population, how it will affect the academicians, and what form of an activity it should take to achieve maximum impact, yet remain legal enough to continue operating under the all-powerful political machinery which strangles the urge to learn from our youth.

I said I would stop crapping and start doing something a long time ago when I put an end to my cynical blogging of real world events.

This is a bargain I intend to keep.

December Frolics

Yeah, it's been a while. I really didn't think I would post anything personal on my blogs ever again, but as it is a rather efficient medium to keep in touch with my friends, I will post as much stuff as possible.

And it's the bloody holidays, so I really have no excuse for slouching in my writing work.

Well, it has been quite a fun ride so far, studying Forestry in Sabah. I have been to Tenom (for the Sabah Agriculture Park), Sandakan (Rainforest Discovery Centre and Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre, Kawang (for the School of International Tropical Forestry Tortur- I mean Family Camp), and the general Kota Kinabalu area.

Also wrote three humongous reports, 2 for the field trips to Tenom (63 pages) and Sandakan (127 pages) and one for a checklist of plants in Universiti Malaysia Sabah (90 pages).

Thankfully, I read up on formatting documents through Page Styles in OpenOffice, so generating the Table of Contents was a cinch. I do believe the other teams proceeded in the less indolent fashion of manually creating a Table of Contents.

I do wish I wasn't as lazy as them.

(Note: The above two paragraphs are what we geeks call jokes, I humbly apologise if I have caused the non-geek community to feel slightly lost and confused)

Still, even with the power of Page Styles, it still took me more than 25 hours of non-stop typing to finish the final assignment of the year (Checklist of Plants in UMS), which was given literally before the exam period, with the final submission date placed 2 days after my final paper (the original submission date was 9 days after my final paper) on the 17th of November.

Thankfully, I decided to watch the final episode of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann on the night prior to the submission date.

With frequent mumblings of the magic phrase： 俺を誰だっと思って（やがる）！(Who the hell do you think I am!), I managed to work through the night, watch my roommates go to bed, watch the sunrise poking through the open, mucky window, and eventually seeing my roommates awake from slumber to take their examinations.

Honestly speaking, if I had failed to watch Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann that night, I would not have been able to finish my work before 0900 hours on the 19th of November.

Now that that's out of they way, I am using this holiday period to catch up on some much needed violin practise, while reading a few dozen books on topics ranging from Japanese culture, to a philosophical discussion on theology, and also attempting to set up a student lounge within campus grounds before the next semester begins.

Most of my free time is being spent cycling to the Engineering faculty to use their superior (though still blocked) connection to the web to watch anime and classical films I have always wanted to watch.

(I don't condone piracy, so I would rather spend all day waiting for a film to finish downloading than to pay the DVD peddler. Yeah, sounds contradictory, but I make it a standard policy to delete the items I have downloaded rather than burn them to discs - and then make a wish list of stuff to buy when I get a job. Of course, you are free to do as you please as well.).

Well, I will post more stuff on the student lounge project I will be handling maybe within the next couple of days. Until then, back to surfing the web.

Modern Music Daily Optional Practice

I will be holding practice sessions every day from the 29th (Monday) until the 5th (Sunday), 0800 hours to 1000 hours.

Venue: Stadium close to Kolej E.

Modern Music Practice on the 27th

Optional practices begin at 0800 hours.

Normal co-curricular lessons begin at 1400 hours to 1700 hours.

Music Modern Practice

I have just been informed about the sudden change of our special lecture schedule to 1300 hours instead of 0900 hours.

This means our practice with Moses will begin at 0800 hours.

Don't be late.

Modern Music Practice

Sorry for the late post, there was an optional practise session held today at the Dewan Cancelor, which began at 1300 hours and ended at 1700 hours, in which I failed to notify everyone beforehand for which I apologise.

Anyway, there will be a full practice session (meaning with Moses) on the 2oth of September, Saturday, after the special class, from 14oo to 1700 hours.

I am also willing to hold optional practise sessions (Friday night?) for anyone who thinks/realises they need more practise.

Your comments are most welcomed.

List of Movies Available for Viewing

Here are the movies available for viewing:

1. The Green Mile
2. The Devil's Own
3. Meet Joe Black
4. Persuasion
5. Cinta
6. Wuthering Heights
7. War and Peace
8. Madame Bovary

Since our session will only last 3 hours, we only get to watch one of these fantastic movies. Your suggestions are most welcome.

Movie Day on the 7th of September, Sunday.

The booking for Bilik Tayangan 2 has been confirmed.

7th of September, Sunday
0900 to 1200 hours
Library, Bilik Tayangan 2
Dress as you like.

I will post the list of movies available tomorrow morning. But I will still bring all the movies Ms Kavitha has lent us on Sunday, so we can decide then too if no final answer can be given.

Movie Day for the Creative Reading and Writing Class

Hi folks, this blog post is for UMS undergraduates taking Ms Kavitha Ganesan's Creative Reading and Writing class on Tuesday mornings, from 1100 to 1300 hours.

I have scheduled our movie day at Bilik Tayangan 2, for this Sunday, the 7th of September, from 0900 to 1200 hours. However, it seems the folks responsible for approving of my application are experiencing some difficulties in approving our request for the room.

A definite answer will be given by the end of today.

On another note, Ms Kavitha will give me a few choices of movies to choose from when I have confirmed our booking. Since we are not likely to hold one big meeting on which movies to choose for viewing, I recommend you post your suggestions or comments on this blog, specifically, on the blog post where I will list down the movies available.

My Teeny-Weeny Ubuntu Adventure on the Compaq Presario F762AU

I highly recommend you read through this guide entirely first before deciding to proceed with the Ubuntu installation.

Essentials:

• A wired broadband connection,
• A cool head.

On the 20th of April 2008, my mum put down a deposit at PC Fair, Penang at my behest. The laptop I had set my sights on was the Compaq Presario F762AU.

For RM1649.00, I got a laptop with the following specifications:

• AMD Turion 64 X2 Mobile Technology TL-60
• 1GB DDR2-SDRAM
• 120GB Hard-drive
• nVidia GeForce 7000M
• 15.4” Screen (1280 x 800 native resolution)
• 3 USB ports
• 1 Ethernet port
• 1 Modem port
• 1 VGA port
• 1 S-video port
• 1 anti-theft port (not sure how I should use this one)
• Atheros 802.11 a/b/g Wireless PCI Adapter

Not bad for a sub RM2000 laptop eh? I was really determined to get something for under RM1700, because through the power of the Internet, I found incredibly cheap deals for laptops that would make even ASUS blush (Eee PCs going for US$299 on-line, a substantial discount compared to the RM1200 – RM1400 price tag over here.

Now for some obvious flaws in marketing:

• No Linux driver CD
• No tech support for Linux

A great pain the Linux community has happily taken care of.

Installing Ubuntu Linux 8.04 Hardy Heron wasn't exactly easy, as I nearly reached 10 re-installations during the first two weeks of ownership! But the benefit for the reader (I am referring to you) here is my grand summary of stuff you need to do to get the most perfect installation.

Take note that all details here do not take a Windows installation into account, and the installation of Ubuntu is based upon the specifications of my laptop.

I have also included only the essential Terminal commands where necessary, so I don't scare off the newbies who grew up on GUIs.

What's the Terminal? Go see for yourself:

Application > Accessories > Terminal

Installing Hardy Heron on the Compaq Presario F762AU
Boot into Linux with the Hardy Heron CD. This CD may be shipped physically to your home, which takes up to two months, or downloaded.

Obviously, you will choose the download path.

Since the F762AU uses the dual-core 64bit AMD Turion, I downloaded the 64bit version and burnt the image to a CD.

After booting from the CD, I chose to install Ubuntu. From this point onwards, you will go through some very simple choices, until you reach the Partition Manager.

This is the single greatest hurdle you will face in installing Ubuntu, because there really isn't a comprehensive guide included within the installer, to partitioning your computer during the installation process. So I went through some geek forums, for your sake, and after some re-installations, recommend the following:

1. Choose to manually partition your drives;
2. Depending on the size of your RAM, set double that amount for your swap-file partition. I set mine at 2.6GB simply because I have a 120GB hard-drive. Lot's of room to spare. The swap partition should be mounted as “/swap”;
3. Next, create a comfortably large root partition. This partition will contain all your system files. If like me, you like to install lots of stuff to try them out, create a 30GB partition and mount it as “/” (an average “/” partition would range from 6GB to 9GB);
4. Finally, Use the rest of your hard-drive to create a Home partition. This partition will contain all your documents, your personal files, music, videos and so on and so forth. This partition will be mounted as “/home”.

Since this is Linux, you will be using the ext3 file system instead of NTFS or Fat32. Also, I will not be installing Windows on this laptop, which I have named Enceladus, so I don't have to worry about dual-boot issues or the ability to transfer files from the Windows partition to the Linux partition and vice-versa.

If you do wish to install Windows, make sure you read up on the dual-boot instructions first before you do so.

From my personal experience, I would recommend a Windows installation first before the Ubuntu installation, because Ubuntu will detect Windows, install, and set up GRUB automatically for your machine.

GRUB will allow you to select which OS to boot into when you turn on your computer.

The standard Ubuntu installation will use as large a chunk of your hard-drive as possible and create two partitions, the swap partition, and the root partition.

The value of a manual set-up is the ability to specify a home partition to hold all your personal files. This means should you wish to upgrade Ubuntu in the future, or in my case, screw up the installation enough to warrant a complete re-installation, you won't need to move all your data onto an external hard-drive for back-up purposes.

In fact, the home partition works so well, the look and feel of your desktop will be carried forward into your next clean reinstall. The only downside is the need to re-install all your program files, but then, that's the same issue you will encounter if you re-install Windows anyway. At least by preparing a /home partition, you don't have to move your data to another location while you re-install Ubuntu.

Now that you have defined your partitions, just click the next button all the way, and go take a shower, or make some tea, as the installation will take some time (nearly an hour).

Configuring Hardy Heron for the F762AU
Although the following steps specifically refer to the F762AU model, it may also apply to a majority of laptops out there. But once again, I emphasise that I am writing this guide for the Compaq Presario F762AU.

Ethernet Cable Required
This is one of the biggest problems you will face if you are going to install Ubuntu on this laptop model. HP does not appear to provide Linux drivers for their laptops, so you will have to depend on the good folks from the Linux community to come to your rescue.

From the very beginning, you will not be able to detect, let alone connect to any WiFi networks. While the Linux community works on a functional driver for the Atheros wireless card installed in this computer, you will have to use a wired Internet connection to perform the next steps.

Enabling Repositories
Repositories for software that is. You see, Linux doesn't install stuff like Windows, the software is usually installed using package managers, as I will explain after this.

The important thing is, using only the repositories provided by Ubuntu, you won't be able to install the majority of cool 3rd-party software like Skype and Google Earth or even important 3rd-party drivers, known as “restricted drivers”, so learning to enable additional repositories is a very important step.

Thankfully, the Linux community has provided a clever solution: move the “legally grey” installations to a separate, but well maintained repository.

The repository to install, is Medibuntu.

I have yet to try installing other repositories, but have no compulsion to do so, because the Medibuntu and default repositories from Ubuntu are more than enough to cover my needs.

First you need to install the Medibuntu repository:

1. Open the Terminal (Applications > Accessories > Terminal);
2. Enter the following:

   sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/hardy.list -O /etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list

3. And add the GPG Key by entering the following:

   sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install medibuntu-keyring && sudo apt-get update

4. If prompted for a password, enter your login password. Note: A sudo command grants system-wide control of the computer, so a password will be required to enable these system-wide changes.

To enable Medibuntu and other software repositories:

1. Go to System > Administration > Software Sources
2. Select everything on the Ubuntu Software tab (main, universe, restricted and multiverse)
3. In the Third Party Software tab, select “http://packages.medibuntu.org/ hardy free non-free”
4. The other tabs are pretty much I-D-10-T proof.

Full instructions and other resources may be found here.

Note: I also enabled the “Submit statistical information” option in the Statistics tab. Linux has a lot of people coding stuff for it for free, but that doesn't mean they don't expect any satisfaction from their work. The more people there are using their stuff, the more motivated they will be in churning out more great stuff.

Updating Ubuntu... and EVERYTHING ELSE!
This is by far the easiest step. As soon as the Ethernet cable is plugged into the Ethernet port, Ubuntu will begin searching for suitable updates and patches to add to your computer. If it doesn't perform this step automatically, open the Update Manager by choosing:

System > Administration > Update Manager

Then download and install the updates.

The updates are provided from software sources known as repositories. These repositories will determine what you may or may not install through Ubuntu's package managers.

Unlike Windows, all software installed on Ubuntu may be handled by the package managers. There are three GUI package managers for Hardy Heron,:

1. Add/Remove
2. Update Manager; and
3. Synaptic Package Manager.

Think back to Add/Remove Programs on Windows. You can choose which files you wish to un-install from that program without needing to track down the program's un-installation file, if it even provides one.

I personally prefer using Synaptic Package Manager, so I will use it as the example in this modest guide.

Synaptic Package Manager not only allows you to un-install nearly EVERY program on Ubuntu, you may also choose to INSTALL programs as well.

Yes, that's right, install programs without needing to go to the corresponding web site, finding the link, downloading the file, then installing it by clicking through lots of “I Agree” buttons.

For example, if I wish to install the full OpenOffice Suite:

1. Go to Systems > Administration > Synaptic Package Manager;
2. Type in password (more on this later);
3. Click on the Search button and type “openoffice”;
4. Find openoffice.org, right-click, and choose “Mark for Installation”;
5. Click “Apply” to begin the download and installation.

That's it! No browsers required, no sifting through agreements and what-nots. In fact, I have yet to encounter anything like the standard Windows installation process on Enceladus.

What are User Agreements again?

Synaptic has saved my life. No kidding. I mistakenly typed “sudo firefox” into the Terminal, which immediately destroyed Firefox 3.

NEVER. EVER. USE. “sudo firefox”.

If I were in Windows, I would have to use Internet Explorer to surf the web, and look for an alternative browser to use to surf the web.

Not in Ubuntu Linux.

I fire up Synaptic, searched for web browsers, and installed Epiphany, a simple web browser for Linux. Epiphany served as a loyal substitute while I searched for a solution to Firefox's woes.

Firefox 3 is now up and running again, so another huge problem solved, thanks to the Ubuntu community.

Back to topic, you need not choose and install the files one at a time. Simply search for your favourite programs, and mark them for installation. After you are done click Apply.

NOTE: You should not run any other package manager while installing files, as this will result in the immediate death of one of the package managers.

Graphics
Upon installation, Ubuntu will use generic nVidia drivers to run the GeForce 7000M residing on the F762AU. The screen resolution isn't going to be pretty at first, so you will have to tolerate it until you get better drivers.

Luckily, nVidia provides the restricted drivers necessary to run your laptop at the full 1280 x 800 resolution.

Once you have run your updates with the restricted repositories installed, Ubuntu will automatically update the nVidia driver.

All you need to do now is:

1. Go to System > Administration > Hardware Drivers
2. Check the NVIDIA accelerated graphics driver (latest cards) box to enable your card.
3. Reboot

Now enjoy your new, glossy, and slick looking desktop.

NOTE: If you want to impress people, turn on the visual effects by going to:

System > Preferences > Appearance > Visual Effects

and select either Normal or Extra. Under normal circumstances (meaning when there aren't people around to convert to Linux) I wouldn't recommend activating the flashy Visual Effects because you will start noticing some slowdowns in various processes.

I attribute this minor flaw to the fact that I was only willing to dole out less than RM1700 for my first laptop. So if you are paying for anything more than what I paid for, these enhanced visual effects would probably not cause any slowdown.

Wireless Connections, the hard part.
For about three months, my WiFi card was literally killing the pleasures of Linux. Finally, after three long months, and two weeks into my university life, I can finally post a definite solution to getting your WiFi up and running on the F762AU.

Just follow the instructions here and you will soon have a functioning WiFi system.

Since the instructions will be updated occasionally, I won't be posting the details of the fix here. Besides, it's better for the people who found the solution to take credit for it.

Security
You don't need any firewalls, antivirus, or antispyware programmes.

Period.

Can you do that with Windows AND not shout expletives at your computer after one month?

Conclusions
So admittedly, Ubuntu Linux isn't as easy as most people would prefer it to be. For my part, I enjoy being frustrated by a good-old-fashioned brain-teaser, that's not quite old-fashioned but good..

That means I actually like hard stuff, with the precondition that I enjoy the process of solving the problem. Refer to my previous accounts of Chemistry and Mathematics for examples of problems I do not enjoy solving.

I hope you will be less doubtful of trying out Ubuntu Linux on your computer after this.

Hack Value March to April

Cool stuff courtesy of the good folks on IRC, and some stuff I stumbled upon.

A pretty ingenious employment of LEDs results in something the Borg might make if they assimilated humans during the Hippie era.


A DIY project should I find myself full of free time and cash. Sun Jars!

Fail. That says it all.

For the kid who wants to do something evil with chemicals, get him a lab-kit.

I can't explain this. I wouldn't try. But, what if Afuganisu-tan were a girl?

Greasy Hairs Will Save You

Well, the election is over, and if you check the timestamp on this mail, you will realise I didn't sleep a wink. That's because I'm now high on an idea.

Ideas are the new meth, didn't you know?

Anyway, here's my new hack value sites:

If you have long hair, and hate baths, you might outlive everyone else around you. Its not because you have poisoned the air around you, you are actually cleaning it of ozones.

For a poetic view of balloons and greenhouse gas, check out this video.

Star Wars fan or not, you will enjoy this real-life destruction of an X-Wing Fighter.

Screw the Nokia N78, when this phone shows it's ability to stop bullets. Finally, a portable bullet-proof vest.

Just in case you are into online shopping, or just like comparing prices, check out Dealio, and Clipfire.

Finally, relive old memories with old games. (Or if you are tired of dropping coins into arcade machines). Old Arcade Games and the Emulator for them.

Hug My Herpes

Well, the clash of love versus commercialism found a compromise known as Valentine's Day. A day named and celebrated after some dude who is no longer known for his deeds.

If fact, it has become a multicultural feast with Greek and Roman gods tossed into the barbecue of superfluous lust.

What this means in the most simplest of terms is:
BACKLASH!!!

For starters, one should remember for every single human on the planet, there is quite possibly a single angry human on the planet. Take note that these irate, single humans may choose to exercise their right to give everyone they despised a bucket load of 100% organic and environmentally friendly poo.

I don't need it. Because I already have my own supply of worm poo. And will gladly give it to anyone who asks.

The more spiteful, recently divorced couple may wish to send each other dead flowers.

For those who have a sense of humour, you can now shower your ex with the most meaningful of gifts: Syphilis plushies!

Finally, for those of you who need to get nagging parents off your back, try Imaginary Girlfriends. A service which allows you to fake it, without the sex.

A sincere thanks to Attack of the Show for the links.

naralangel 100x100 pixels

Just for linking purposes.

Weird

Another eventful week, more links from the web.

First, the wonders of search engine optimization.

I thought it would be one of those long rambling sites about coding and robot.txt and such, but it turned out to be quite accessible to the general public (unless you mean Malaysia).

Then, a totally bizarre symbol against Scientology, apparently.

That's all. Signing off.

The Universal Flinstone

Another crazy week I don't have to comment upon gone the way of the Atelopus zeteki.

No more obligations to appear both smarter than the general English speaking Malaysian and in sharp contradiction, non-judgemental.

It does get tiring when one has to once more be the cynic. Better to walk around one the few remaining tree-endowed housing estates that hosts my humble abode.

Don't believe me? About 24-hours ago, I got a non-YouTube experience of not one, but TWO HUMMINGBIRDS!

The tiny things were black with orange-streaks of fire-sparks. Deftly weaving between the multitude of twigs and leaves with such skill and stamina (at least 15 minutes of non-stop flying), they put all WW1 era dogfights to shame. No larger than wasps, yet the resemblance is too striking to deny. The wonders of evolution have bred a creature too insect-like to be a bird, yet too independent to be insect.

Anyway, two links for the week.

One pointing to a human-powered car. Looks like the stone age is the new age.

Another link by a friend showing the universe in scale. This links primary purpose is to allow me to visit the site when I have acquired the services of a mid-range high-speed connection known as broadband.

New sites discovered!

Ah.. A fresh new blog. How liberating with absolutely no audience to pander to.

Back to basics, back to nature.

Just like this blog which shall be added to the links to the side:
Little Blog In The Woods

The guy is a true hero. Eschewing the modern conveniences of life to live in the harsh comforts of nature. I especially enjoy the no holds bar description of his outhouse (yes, his family does it outside) and how stalagmites made from frozen poop (thus 'poopsickle') have to be hacked away in winter so the sharp end won't puncture the you-know-where.

Another fun-filled natur/environmental/treehugger site, albeit less extreme than the guy above:
Crunchy Chicken

Like many reasonable environmentalist, this blog also discusses consumerism, other environmental blogs, and how some household items need not be bought.

Did I type items? I should have said soap, or butter or...

Greywater? Heard of it before? I would venture not.

Greywater is defined as any wastewater generated from such mundane activities as dishwashing, bathing, and generally any water used in such manner except for toilet water (which is blackwater).

At least, that's what this site, greywater.com says. I have always wanted a system like this. Finally, I have something to build upon, seeing as I am a complete newbie in home renovation.

Now, to gather enough cash, and find a qualified contractor to build it...

Also, make Bush kiss your ass and make it squeaky clean at the same time.

What's that, you are a Republican? Then you will have no problem making Bush go where no bush has gone before.

Introducing, Scrubya. The only company I have encountered who can turn soap into a must have item.

Finally, we can see with our own eyes, how the integrity of our leaders are literally being washed down the drain.

The last website on this post will be a solar inspired entry, Nanosolar.

Printing germanium-silicon circuits on copper plates will usher in a new, mass production ready, age of Chinese made solar cells.

Woo hoo!

Seth Kantner's Changing Alaska

Seth Kantner gives an unbiased, uncensored and most importantly, apolitical view of the weather in Alaska. His posts are candid, with determined local colloquialism and quiet reflection.

A post to be followed until its eventual end.

Carbon Trading Guidelines

Carbon Credits - Guidelines
The environmental group Clean Air Cool Planet has published a A Consumer's Guide to Retail Carbon Offset Providers. Inside, the group lists key questions potential carbon credit buyers should ask a carbon credit provider:

• Do your offsets result from specific projects?
• Do you use an objective standard to ensure the additionality and quality of the offsets you sell?
• How do you demonstrate that the projects in your portfolio would not have happened without the greenhouse gas offset market?
• Have your offsets been validated against a third-party standard by a credible source?
• Do you sell offsets that will actually accrue in the future? If so, how long into the future, and can you explain why you need to 'forward sell' the offsets?
• Can you demonstrate that your offsets are not sold to multiple buyers?
• What are you doing to educate your buyers about climate change and the need for climate change policy?