Off By One

Yeah, it’s the periodic, final exams + projects swamped “I’m not dead” post.

So, I’m not dead. I’ve got some neat things I want to talk about, but will do so later.

Recursive Epigrams Can Unfortunately Result in Silly, Idly Vexatious Entertainment.

That is all.

Oh, man, it’s been a while.

Yeah, I’m still here.

I’ve been working on school a lot, and work — I’m pretty stressed these days, and my time is at a premium, so I haven’t been writing as often as I want to. I’ll try to remedy that, but this won’t be the post that does

To all of my assorted friends, book time while you can!

Ever have that feeling?

I’m just waiting for something to pop. I know it’s coming, although I don’t know what it is, or when it’ll happen, but it’s coming.

It’s a good sign, if you ask me, when your christmas gift comes with a letter like this one (boldface text highlighted by Matt):

As requested in a letter from your client, Mr. Chris Staros, dated October 3, 2006, please be advised that I have now completed my review of the goods, namely a boxed set of three graphic novels, entitled Lost Girls. The three graphic novels were reviewed in full, and were found not to fall within the provisions of Customs Tariff item 9899.00.00.

This boxed set was found to contain depictions and descriptions of incest and bestiality, which are indicators of obscenity under current Canada Border Services Agency guidelines. However, these depictions and descriptions are integral to the development of an intricate, imaginative and artfully rendered storyline. When considering the “internal necessities” test, it appears that, in this instance, the portrayal of sex is necessary to a wider artistic and literary purpose. As a result, it is my opinion that this boxed set does not constitute obscenity.

The boxed set was also found to contain depictions and descriptions of sexual acts involving persons under the age of 18. However, it would appear that these representations serve a legitimate purpose related to art and to the very detailed story about the sexual awakening and development of the three main female characters. Furthermore, it is my opinion that this item does not pose an undue risk of harm to persons under the age of 18 years. As a result, it is my opinion that this boxed set does not constitute child pornography.

As the boxed set entitled Lost Girls does not constitute obscenity or child pornography, it does not fall within the provisions of tariff item 9899.00.00. Its importation into Canada is therefore allowed.

I’ve already read the “boxed set entitled Lost Girls,” and it’s pretty impressive. Good writing, although it could have done without the last page and a half of book three, which was just wankery of a different sort, if you ask me, but other than that it was a lot better than I expected. It really was erotica, as opposed to pornography.

I would recommend it, but… well, truth be told I’m not sure many of you reading this would enjoy it. It’s pretty bent in some places, and really does have to be read in its entirety to appreciate it.

A few things coming up soon;

• One, there’s a ski trip happening in a few days, on the 22nd, with much of my family that will be very fun (good idea, Char!).
• Two, Christmas. I’m short on gift ideas, so suggestions — to the extent that I’m getting gifts outside the family — are welcome. A particularly good suggestion might net you some swag, anyway. And yes, dear, I know what you want
• Three, school is done for the year tomorrow morning.
• Four, we’re about ready to release version 4.0.0 of our flagship product

It’s a busy, busy week.

Well, I had a couple of post ideas over the last couple of days, but with the workload and all, they all kind of fell by the wayside.

Sorry, kids.

If you’re interested, though, I’ll be putting something up about internet censorship later this week.

Seen on a forum today:

Which is more free?

1. that which ensures freedom or
2. that which grants so much freedom that it permits denial of freedom

I know my perspective on this one, but I’m interested in hearing yours, before I weigh in myself.

Discuss.

Odds are, Beau should not be allowed to see this link: We Are Your Friends

It’s video, so don’t bother, on a slow connection.

Update:

The file at the original location was moved, so this Youtube link has it. If I find the better version again, I’ll upload it and host it here.

Justice vs. Simian: We Are Your Friends

Update again

The link is fixed, it’s a local file now. Will work ‘til doomsday.

As the strains of John Williams’ score waft from the speakers, and the 1977 edition of the opening text scrolls by…

This is a bit like coming home after a long voyage, or finding a friend long thought lost.

I’m an emotional geek, I know.