SCI FI Announces Caprica: “Caprica would take plac…
Permalink | April 27, 2006 by John in Entertainment, Geekasm
SCI FI Announces Caprica: “Caprica would take place more than half a century before the events that play out in Battlestar Galactica. The people of the Twelve Colonies are at peace and living in a society not unlike our own, but where high-technology has changed the lives of virtually everyone for the better. But a startling breakthrough in robotics is about to occur, one that will bring to life the age-old dream of marrying artificial intelligence with a mechanical body to create the first living robot: a Cylon.”
Oh WOW. GEEKASM!
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Blinksale | The easiest way to send invoices onlin…
Permalink | April 26, 2006 by John in Uncategorized
Blinksale | The easiest way to send invoices online. This service has been around for a while. Sometimes I hate being a late adopter. Blinksale is very slick, and it’s free if I don’t do more than 3 invoices a month (shouldn’t be a problem).
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Last Ninja: ‘Be Able to Kill Your Students‘: “Goin…
Permalink | by John in Uncategorized
Last Ninja: ‘Be Able to Kill Your Students‘: “Going for his fifth-level ranking is Phil White of England, who kneels on the floor with his eyes closed. Behind him stands Hatsumi, clutching a padded wooden sword that he plans to bring down on White‘s head. If White — with his eyes still closed — manages to dodge the sword, he passes; if not, he takes home some bumps. Twice the staff cracks on White‘s head before he slumps out of the way on his third try — enough to satisfy the master.”
What they fail to mention is that as recent as the 80’s (perhaps 90’s - I’ve been out of the loop for quite some time now - if indeed I ever remotely near any kind of loop) they used a live blade.
Mr. White would have had his skull split open on the first try. No, Sensei wouldn’t have stopped at the last second, in time to spare his life. The whole point of the test is to sense the intention of the attacker, so the attacker needs to put real intention into it if there is to be anything for the Uke (lit. “receiver of the attack”) to sense.
This makes me wonder. It was believed that you didn’t perform the Godan (fifth degree) test unless Sensei thought you were ready for it. I wonder if he’s loosened the standards in this era of safety and political correctness. Can’t be splitting open Gaijin mellons now, can we?
Update: And another story, with picture. Wonder why this story is hitting in different places all of a sudden.
P.S. In case you’re wondering, I only made it about half-way to Shodan (first degree). I gave it all up to move back to Montana, because I was sick of everything else about Denver. This was my only regret in the move, and it’s a big one. No other martial art has kept my attention since.
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Philosopher: “How to win any argument: Take th…
Permalink | by John in Uncategorized
Philosopher: “How to win any argument:
- Take the position that the truth of the matter is unknowable;
- Make your opponent define his position concisely;
- Ask your opponent questions until he is forced to admit there are unknown variables.”
This is great advice if you’re arguing with a reasonable person. If you’re arguing with a religious or political zealot (especially the former), you’ll just run around in infinite circles until they attack you personally.
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I dig this home workspace: Coolest Workspace Conte…
Permalink | by John in Uncategorized
I dig this home workspace: Coolest Workspace Contest: The coffee table and aquarium. I totally dig the “convertable” coffee table.
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