06Oct 2009 by R&O No Comments

The Unknown King of the Net

Internet
Most casual Internet users do one of three things; send and receive email messages, surf the web and download audio and video files. The first two are relatively straightforward but the third can still be somewhat of a challenge for those dependent on web sites and peer-to-peer file sharing systems such as Limewire to find music and video. There's something called BitTorrent that's quite popular but it's dependent on users leaving their computers running and files available for download (reducing everyone's bandwidth in the process) which can be problematic when you're trying to download large files. It's good in a pinch but there's something much better out there that most are completely unaware and offers a rich bounty of information and files. It's called UseNet and it's something you should…
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05Oct 2009 by R&O 35 Comments

A bump in my road

Cancer
I visited my new family doctor in April complaining about dizzy spells and he ordered the usual battery of tests including blood, urine, fecal etc. They came back with little clue but one thing stood out; my PSA levels were high and required further investigation. For those not familiar with this test it measures the level of free and bound PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) in the blood and is used to detect Prostate Cancer. After a quick digital examination he sent me to a Urologist for further testing. My urologist, Dr. John Warner, scheduled me for a cystoscopic bladder inspection, prostate biopsy and bone scan which, to the uninitiated, is scary, mysterious and fascinating all at the same time. During the time this was going on I was also having some…
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03Oct 2009 by R&O 1 Comment

I hate winter

Observations
Here comes winter. I hate winter. I hate skating, I hate skiing, I hate snow, I hate ice, I hate everything about the season and stare at the calendar waiting for the first day of spring. It really annoys me when people refer to the beauty of the winter season and how much they love everything about it, including, dare I say, CHRISTMAS. Well, my annoying winter-loving friend, explain how anything can look beautiful when it's dead and covered in ice and snow? Where's the beauty in mucky, dirty slush, treacherous roads and driveways, and bare frozen trees and bushes? To say nothing of winter fashions that include large bulky coats, big goofy boots, puffy gloves and a selection of equally hideous hats that ensure we all look completely idiotic…
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02Oct 2009 by R&O 1 Comment

Is this the best we can do?

Rants
I had a chance to watch the new Ron James Show on CBC and can honestly tell you that this guy is NOT funny. His jokes are lame, his timing is bad and he looks like a garden gnome I have in my backyard (but the gnome if funnier). The catch phrase for the leadup advertising was 'There's only one thing to do when the world is spinning out of control. Laugh.' Hilarious guys. Is that supposed to be funny? Well, I suppose it's about as funny as Ron James. Where did this guy come from and why does he have a TV show? Why on earth did anyone think this guy could carry a show week after week without becoming as annoying as a early morning bedroom mosquito? After…
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