The Grubby Halo http://www.karolczak.com/ en Copyright 2007 Thu, 01 Mar 2007 07:25:50 -0600 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss And here's one for the Trekkies tomb of Jesus (and his bones) have been found the thought came to me that perhaps we should pull a "Kahless" with him.]]> http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2007/03/and_heres_one_for_the_trekkies.php http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2007/03/and_heres_one_for_the_trekkies.php Thu, 01 Mar 2007 07:25:50 -0600 The Daily Show: In Platteville Wisconsin Local Heroes: Andy Griffith]]> http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2007/01/the_daily_show_in_platteville.php http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2007/01/the_daily_show_in_platteville.php Mon, 22 Jan 2007 10:17:37 -0600 Rest in Peace Brian You will be missed. Always. It's a rare and special thing with a friend becomes more like family. I'll always think of you as my brother. I love you man. I lieu of flowers, cards, etc. please make a donation in Brian's name to your favorite charity. I'll pass on any messages my readers leave here to Brian's family. Thank you all for your kind words and support.]]> http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2007/01/rest_in_peace_brian.php http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2007/01/rest_in_peace_brian.php Fri, 05 Jan 2007 11:54:05 -0600 Prayers for Brian Update: 12/28/2006 at 9:09 AM CST The names of the people involved have been officially released, you can read a short article here (video included). The "intoxicated" driver of the other car (I say intoxicated because he had at least a drop of alcohol in his system and he's underage, I don't know if he was over the legal limit or not, that info hasn't been released) has a prior record including speeding at 55 in a 25MPH zone, disorderly conduct, and retail theft. I couldn't be more angry at this punk. We went to see Brain again last night. He's in a very deep coma and has a lot of head trauma. I haven't heard this morning if they were able to set his broken leg yet or not, I know they weren't until things stabilize in his head. Things looked pretty bleak around noon yesterday, but by the time I got off work and we went down there he was just a little bit better, I can only hope the night brought some more positive news. I'll keep updating this post as I get information that I can share. Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts and prayers. I think of Brian like a brother and love him like family. He's a very wonderful person and means a lot to many people, I know in my heart he's not giving up so we shouldn't either. Keep fighting buddy.

Update: 01/02/2007 at 6:07 PM CST

The worst has happened. Brian passed away on Friday. I plan a more fitting tribute post for him later. For now, here's the news release.

Update: 01/03/2007 at 8:53 AM CST

"Police said his blood-alcohol content at the time of the crash was 0.139. The legal limit for operating a motor vehicle is 0.08." - Channel 3000.

Update: 01/05/2007 at 10:59 AM CST

The punk responsible for this tragedy has been sentenced. You can read about it here. By my calculations if everything sticks he'll be in prison for over 200 years. I hope he rots.]]> http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/12/prayers_for_brian.php http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/12/prayers_for_brian.php Wed, 27 Dec 2006 08:53:10 -0600 23rdian The Number 23. Pretty odd if you ask me. Of course I'm going to go see it. I like Jim Carey when he's in a more serious role. Number 23, why do you haunt me?]]> http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/12/23rdian.php http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/12/23rdian.php Fri, 15 Dec 2006 17:14:53 -0600 One More Orange Day Fiskars are coming to an end. It's been a good run or two and a half years. I've met lots of interesting people, made lots of friends and learned quite a bit about the business world. I think that's pretty good for my first job out of college. But, the time has come for me to move on and try something new. I came across my new job quite by accident. I was searching Madison's Craigslist for a part time nights/weekends job to help pay the bills when I saw an ad for a JavaScript developer at a company called Jellyfish. I knew by reading the ad that I had to send in my resume. I wasn't looking for a replacement for Fiskars, but I couldn't pass up a good opportunity. My interview went well and I was offered a position. I start on Monday :) I'm sure this is going to sound like a plug, which is may be, but after checking out the Jellyfish website, I have to say it's a really cool idea. Basically it's a place that allows you to search multiple online stores for a product, compare the prices, and then buy products when a small amount of savings getting kicked back to you in cash from Jellyfish. I actually found a game I'd been looking for for the Game Cube for a while now (Fire Emblem) and found it for $10 less that I'd seen it elsewhere, by finding, through Jellyfish, an online retailer that I would have never found on my own, and on top of that I got some cash back. Their other claim to fame is the "Smack Shopping" deal of the day (btw, a smack means a group of jellyfish). One of the retailers who list with them will offer up a limited quantity of a product and starting at noon (CST) the item goes on sale, with the discount going from 0% to 100% over the course of two hours, until the product sells out. They have a running chat of people watching the page that's quite amusing to watch and participate in. Personally I'm looking forward to working on some cutting-edge Web projects with Jellyfish. I'll keep you posted as cool things are released :)]]> http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/11/one_more_orange_day.php http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/11/one_more_orange_day.php Thu, 30 Nov 2006 09:34:43 -0600 Two Years From Then posted some questions that I wanted to look back on after the midterm elections. The 2004 election as you know was swept by the Republicans, and allowed them to continue their agenda without any sort of balance or bi-partisanship. Last night that changed. I personally think we need balance. No party, on either side, should control the Presidency, the House, and the Senate in my opinion because there's no checks. No way for nearly half the nation to have their voice heard. No need for bi-partisan politics. I'm very happy the Democrats took the House. It'll be interesting to see what happens if they take the Senate too, as we're still waiting to hear the final results on that. But I digress. I had a number of questions in 2004 and now we know the answers:
  • Will we still be at war? Answer: Yes
  • What will the unemployment rate be? Answer: 4.6%
  • Will the economy be better? Answer: That's debatable. In some respects I think it is, in others I don't see it.
  • Will gas prices be under control? Answer: I spent most of this year paying more than $3 a gallon for gas, it's dropped just recently. I would say no, gas prices are not under control. Especially since the oil companies are posting record profits.
  • What will our health-care costs be? Answer: I don't know about you, but mine have gone up every year.
  • Terrorist attacks, will we have anymore? Answer: Not in the US.
  • Will Row v. Wade be overturned? Answer: Nope.
  • Will gay marriage be completely outlawed? Answer: Not by the US Constitution, but it's been banned in many states, including Wisconsin last night. Sad that we're writing discrimination into the law books.
Some numbers from today to compare to two years ago:
  • The unemployment rate is 4.6% as of September 2006 down by 0.9% from two years ago
  • Gas prices in Madison, WI this morning were $2.259 a gallon up by 21 cents from two years ago
  • Oil started trading at $58.93 a barrel this morning, up by $8.98 from two years ago (though for much of the time it was in the high $60's and $70's.
  • The Dow Jones opened today at 12,105.55 up by 2,068.05 from two years ago
That's all for politics for now. I'll review this again in two more years.]]> http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/11/two_years_from_then.php http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/11/two_years_from_then.php Wed, 08 Nov 2006 07:22:46 -0600 When Focus Goes Awry With all this focus on what John Kerry's saying and doing, you'd think he was up for re-election or something. Guess what? He's not. Anyone care to focus on the issues? I'll say it again, I don't care who you vote for, just vote. Vote for for the politician who represents your views on the issues, and don't let the mud-slinging sway you. It's the same crap on both sides. On a humorous side note, last night I saw a TV ad for a Wisconsin race saying that if you elected this one guy it would help the Green Bay Packers win. Seriously, there are real issues to focus on. Get with it. http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/11/when_focus_goes_awry.php http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/11/when_focus_goes_awry.php Wed, 01 Nov 2006 07:18:56 -0600 Let the Writing Begin Posting here at Karolczak.com will be sparse for the next month (well, it's been sparse lately, so more sparse...sparser...Karolczak.com now with more sparsity). Please wish me luck and root me on this month, as I participate in NaNoWriMo 2006. Your words of encouragement will be very helpful/needed. I'll update the word-count daily, so keep checking back to see my progress! I may even post some samples along the way. Progress tracker provided by Writertopia.]]> http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/11/let_the_writing_begin.php http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/11/let_the_writing_begin.php Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600 "However, keep in mind that my wife likes blue." If Architects Had To Work Like Web Designers. The comparison is hilariously sad.]]> http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/10/however_keep_in_mind_that_my_w.php http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/10/however_keep_in_mind_that_my_w.php Tue, 31 Oct 2006 11:20:02 -0600 The Milwaukee (Pirates?) Admirals What really bothered me though (since I can handle losing teams...I am a Packers fan who lived through the 80's after all...not to mention the past few seasons) was the new logo. A skull with a cap? Since when did we became the Milwaukee Pirates?! I did some digging and found this on their website:
The Admirals new logo is actually and aged version of the team’s logo from the late 1970’s, a short young lad, who was lost in the waters of Lake Michigan back after the 1981 season and was recently found. The only thing that managed to keep him alive all these years was his fighting spirit. In fact, after one of his legs fell off, he used it as a hockey stick to hone his skills. After over 25 years of being underwater, the red white and blue uniform had faded to the black, silver, and ice blue, and had turned his fresh young face into a skull. Despite all of his changes, his fighting spirit never wavered and that relentless spirit and tireless work ethic have given us our new battle cry: Never Say Die! -via MilwaukeeAdmirals.com
Give me a break, that's pretty lame if you ask me. Trying a bit too hard to jump on the Pirates of the Caribbean craze are we? Give me the old image of a weathered admiral steering the ship towards some wins. That or change the team's name so it makes sense.]]> http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/10/the_milwaukee_pirates_admirals.php http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/10/the_milwaukee_pirates_admirals.php Fri, 20 Oct 2006 07:21:30 -0600 Military Commissions Act of 2006 "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin Something every American should keep in mind these days, words of wisdom from a great American and patriot. Here's a good read on the subject. Also, here's a politician who "get's it":
“The legislation signed by the President today violates basic principles and values of our constitutional system of government. It allows the government to seize individuals on American soil and detain them indefinitely with no opportunity to challenge their detention in court. And the new law would permit an individual to be convicted on the basis of coerced testimony and even allow someone convicted under these rules to be put to death. The checks and balances of our system of government and the fundamental fairness of the American people and legal system are among our greatest strengths in the fight against terrorism. I am deeply disappointed that Congress enacted this law. We will look back on this day as a stain on our nation’s history.” - U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (via Senator Russ Feingold's Website)
I think it could be said that any representative and senator who voted for this bill is a traitor to the U.S. Constitution and it's the duty of American voters to do their part in removing these people from office. This is why we vote. It's part of the checks-and-balances of our system of government. I don't care if you vote Democrat or Republican, just DON'T vote for anyone who voted for this awful law. If your representative or senator isn't up for re-election, write them, express your dissatisfaction with this law and their support of it. Honestly, after reading the bill, all they'd have to do is add "and is not an American citizen" to the definition of "unlawful enemy combatant" and I'd be "OK" with it. Not happy with it, because I think we should treat people, even people who would hurt us, the way we'd want to be treated, but that's a different argument really. What upsets me is that the definition doesn't rule out American citizens, thereby taking away our right of Habeas Corpus that we're entitled to as American citizens.]]> http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/10/military_commissions_act_of_20.php http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/10/military_commissions_act_of_20.php Thu, 19 Oct 2006 13:15:26 -0600 The Hardly Boys in The Case of the Up-Ended Computer South Park) to solve a bit of a minor mystery at my house. My computer room is a "door's always closed" sort of room because I don't want the cats digging around in there. My computer case has it's top off so I don't want one of them to put a paw in there and get electrocuted or something. Anyways I came home last night, opened the door, and saw my computer upended (it's a Shuttle, so think of it as being like a shoe box, longer than it is tall) and it was sitting on it's end, which is not the way I left it. The hard drive was unplugged as well and the computer was off. Shuttle I asked my soon-to-be ex-roommate if he went in there and messed with it, which he denied. I asked him if one of his daughters (who are at our house a couple of nights a week) went in and messed with it. He said no. I even called Marty, who will stops by to work on his car if he was in there and knocked it...up (not knocked it over, since you'd have to pick it up to put it in the position it ended up in). So, no one was in the room, the door was shut so the cats didn't do it. What was it? Ghost? Micro-black hole? Random exploding balls of gas? I think it's a lying soon-to-be ex-roommate. Wouldn't be the first time.]]> http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/10/the_hardly_boys_in_the_case_of.php http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/10/the_hardly_boys_in_the_case_of.php Wed, 18 Oct 2006 07:49:04 -0600 War....or Electricity? something in common with US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, but here it is: I like this picture too. Korean Peninsula at Night I like it because in this simple picture the misguided priorities of a madman-dictator are shown. Why pursue war when your country has a lack of basic infrastructure, electricity, and things that make this modern world go round? It could be said that the US gave the support needed for North Korea to build nukes, but the intent was to light up that Northern half of the Korean Peninsula at night. It was Kim Jong Il that made the wrong decision to pursue nukes and war with these tools. Very sad. Very sad indeed. There's that one point of light in North Korea at night, that's just asking to be targeted. I wonder what the rest of the world will do.]]> http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/10/waror_electricity.php http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/10/waror_electricity.php Tue, 17 Oct 2006 07:36:31 -0600 NaNoWriMo 2006 NaNoWriMo 2006 Third time's the charm, right? Unlike 2004 and 2005 this year I'm actually going to write at least 50,000 for National Novel Writing Month 2006 (NaNoWriMo). Key's to success are keeping with it. As soon as I fell behind last year it was all over. It's very hard to catch up. Amy plans on giving me daily encouragement/nagging to get it done. I'm setting a goal of 2000 words per day, with 5 "vacation" days available during the month. Gotta remember to not get sucked into playing World of Warcraft, that could ruin the whole effort :P This year's topic will again be my as-of-yet unnamed fantasy novel that's been floating around in my head for 5 years now. Wish me luck! My NaNoWriMo 2006 Progress A really nifty NaNoWriMo widget by Dan Guy Fowlkes in part based on my own widget. I like Dan's much better :)]]> http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/10/nanowrimo_2006.php http://www.karolczak.com/blog/2006/10/nanowrimo_2006.php Wed, 11 Oct 2006 06:44:53 -0600