Wednesday stuff

[yendi]

1. Valentine's Day: shadesong and I had our one-week-late Valentine's Day Dinner, thanks to babysitting assistance from museumfreak. It was, to probably no one's surprise, at Floataway Cafe. For the first time in the last year, they actually hadn't run out of a fish dish I'd wanted, so I was able to enjoy a tasty red snapper fillet over cabbage, while 'song munched on mushroom risotto. We split a cheese tasting to start (crappy local cheese, decent English cow's milk one, and a lovely Spanish sheep's milk cheese), and for dessert, 'song had the gingerbread cake while I ate the key lime and caramel pie, which was wonderful, although a little too thick on the key lime part. As always, a wonderful meal, and a happy opportunity to celebrate with my true love.

2. Alas, although 'song's physical therapy went well yesterday, her hand is still causing her immense pain, and she's at work (because the doctor's order's had her coming back today). So don't expect a morning post from her (seeing as I can't be there to help type).

3. Application of the day: iSquint. Easiest way for Mac users to convert any local video file into a format they can then put on their iPod Video.

4. I've got very mixed feelings about the David Irving conviction. On the one hand, I can think of few human beings contributing less to this planet, and if he were hit by a bus, I'd gladly donate to any fund to restore the bus's paint job. On the other hand, I find the idea of combatting hate speech and lies by jailing the perpetrators to be damned offensive, and counter-productive (attempting to silence or censor is something that those with truth on their side shouldn't need to do). And on the third hand, it's hard to say that the Muslims rioting over blasphemous cartoons are overreacting when Irving's getting thrown in jail for blasphemy of his own.

5. Could someone please tell me how the fuck Irina Slutskaya is in second place after the short program, other than by virtue of the fact that she's Irina Slutskaya, and judges just toss points her way? Aside from the fact that Sasha Cohen (who, sometime over the last four years, has shifted from, "that cute little girl," to, "OMGTEHHOTNESS!") was leagues better than her (not just a measly .03 points), Arakawa also skated way better, and should be easily in second place. Likewise, Seguri and Meissner both had better outings. And no, I don't think it's a matter of 2002-era conspiracy theories. Just bad judging influenced by constant reminders of who the "favorite" is.

6. Our copy of scalzi's The Ghost Brigades is currently in South Carolina. The drawback to being able to track packages is the inability to be as pleasantly surprised by them when they show up. Alas, looks like we've got to wait until tomorrow to get the book.

7. Finally, for those who want a Kingdom of Loathing update, I'm 2 Moxie points away from level 9. And I hate being an Accordion Thief more each day. What a lame fucking class. So looking forward to ascending.

Comments

[dindin.livejournal.com]

5. Let's not forget that this is not the first time the judges have seen the program - I believe they watch the practices. Thus the judging is not based solely on one performance. Plus there's this whole new points system and blah blah blah.

[yendi]

There's a new points system? You'd think the commentators would have mentioned it.

And more seriously, the judges are allowed to watch the fucking practices? What the fuck?

[dindin.livejournal.com]

I know both those things apply to Nationals...I could be wrong about the Olympics, but that was my understanding - that this was not the first time the judges had seen the program; they knew what jumps to expect, etc.

[yendi]

The latter, I'm sure, was the case (the NBC site had the expected jumps all listed for upcoming skaters), but the former would really annoy me. The point of practice is, well, to practice. If a skater falls six times in practice, and nails a move live, they shouldn't be penalized.

Then again, expecting good officiating in any sport is generally asking too much.

[kradical.livejournal.com]

and if he were hit by a bus, I'd gladly donate to any fund to restore the bus's paint job.

This is a brilliant line, one I fully intend to steal. Just thought I'd let you know. *grin*

[yendi]

*bows*

Thanks!

[jmfunnyface.livejournal.com]

I wish Meissner had skated later in the night, I think she would have been in the top three because her program was technically strong.

I love Irina, but she definitely is the favorite, between age, how long she's been around, beating her heart condition, etc. she gets more points than she should.

Sasha looked fantastic. Stronger and more confident than I've ever seen her look. If she doesn't freak herself out like she normally does, the gold is hers.

[yendi]

Yeah, Sasha's ability to undercut herself has me worried, as well. She's her own worst enemy.

[jmfunnyface.livejournal.com]

I think with Kwan gone she has more confidence. Irina doesn't have the same overpowering presence that Michelle has, so I think this is the first time that Sasha really feels like she has a chance.

[unwilly.livejournal.com]

Skating has ALWAYS been about giving the favorite waaaay too much credit. Nothing new here.

I'm mixed on the hate speech jailing too, but I think at the end of the day I'm against it.

I hated being an AT, massively, the first time. In the 5 times I've done it the class has grown on me. That may have been because that type really benefits the clan, and it made me helpful.

So, give it another shot in a couple of Ascensions.

[yendi]

Oh, I can see how it would be useful after ascending a few more times. My entire run so far has been pretty much with my minor ray/cookbook/toothpick combo, and with more perm skills, I could see the buffs supplementing things nicely. But I pity anyone who starts out on the AT track the first time.

[blergeatkitty.livejournal.com]

Public service announcement - for users of non-Macs, you can download this program called Videora, which does the same thing.

[yendi]

I figured there was something out there for the poor unfortunates, but didn't know what choices were available. :-)

[zarq.livejournal.com]

Regarding Irving, this isn't a simple matter of free speech and censorship of hate speech. The law in question was established to prevent another rise of the National Socialists (Nazis) in Austria and targets activities that would help reestablish that movement. The speeches he made may not seem terrible, but historical precedent shows that once, in that country, similar statements led to millions of deaths.

The history of the law he violated, which bans the Nazi party is here (http://www.legislationline.org/go.php?topic=139&j=2004&m=11&d=9&country=5&org=0&eu=0).

[yendi]

Oh, I'm aware of the history and the situation involving Irving (FYI, when I hit that url you link, I get a message saying, "Please use Microsoft Internet Explorer to view this website."). The problem is, I think that actively suppressing these speeches does tons more to help the Nazi recruiters than, say, protecting the speech with something like the First Amendment. It also speaks volumes about Austria's inability to really accept the causes of the rise of Nazism (which were a hell of a lot more than a few hostile speeches).

[zarq.livejournal.com]

If you need me to email the page to you, let me know. I have IE5 for mac installed on my work machine -- one of the professional online databases I use requires it for access.

I think that actively suppressing these speeches does tons more to help the Nazi recruiters than, say, protecting the speech with something like the First Amendment.

I don't deny the appeal of 'taboo' speech, but the law prevents its proponents from gaining power within the government -- which is after all, the point. Austria may not be able to face their past, but they're trying not to repeat it.

[phantom_wolfboy]

In re: Irving:

I come from a different legal precedent than you do. We have anti-hate laws here, and I find them un--noxious to "free" speech (there are always limits on freedom of speech). I don't see any problem with him getting a short prison term (three years, I heard). More important, though, is that he destroyed his credibility with his followers by admitting during the trial (in a craven attempt to get clemency) that the Holocaust did happen, after all.