A few weeks ago, I decided to allow comments on the site (see the bottom of every entry). I had avoided this for a long time because the site is called SeanTConrad.com, not WhatOtherPeopleThink.com. But then I got lazy and thought I’d let some other people enter the dialogue.
Almost immediately, my site was deluged with comments spam. Evil robots troll the Net, leaving comments that link to their poker or p0rn sites. This boost their rating in algorithmic searches like Google. I installed some anti-spam software like MT-Blacklist and Spamlookup, but I still get a hundred spams a day that I must delete.
Today, while cleaning out the junk, I deleted a bunch of nice comments about yesterday’s post (Sorry Kevin, Walks, and KG!). I also deleted a comment from someone named Sean Conrad who is currently serving in the military overseas (Sorry, Sean).
It sucks that parasites soon latch on to any new technology, but if you knew what I did for a living, you might think I am getting my just desserts.
If any of my friends with sites have found a decent comment spam solution, please email me. Don’t just leave it in the comments, I’ll only lose it.
…
Here’s some Sites of the Day for the rest of you Monday sufferers:
– Good experience games, via TMN
– Going around, StuffOnMyCat.com
– World’s Ugliest Dog
– What I’d Say to the Martians by Jack Handey
…
PS: Thanks to all the people who emailed nice things about yesterday’s post. It’s one of the few ones without sarcasm, so it was nice to get some pleasant feedback.
A few weeks ago, I decided to allow comments on the site (see the bottom of every entry). I had avoided this for a long time because the site is called SeanTConrad.com, not WhatOtherPeopleThink.com. But then I got lazy and thought I’d let some other people enter the dialogue.
Almost immediately, my site was deluged with comments spam. Evil robots troll the Net, leaving comments that link to their poker or p0rn sites. This boost their rating in algorithmic searches like Google. I installed some anti-spam software like MT-Blacklist and Spamlookup, but I still get a hundred spams a day that I must delete.
Today, while cleaning out the junk, I deleted a bunch of nice comments about yesterday’s post (Sorry Kevin, Walks, and KG!). I also deleted a comment from someone named Sean Conrad who is currently serving in the military overseas (Sorry, Sean).
It sucks that parasites soon latch on to any new technology, but if you knew what I did for a living, you might think I am getting my just desserts.
If any of my friends with sites have found a decent comment spam solution, please email me. Don’t just leave it in the comments, I’ll only lose it.
…
Here’s some Sites of the Day for the rest of you Monday sufferers:
– Good experience games, via TMN
– Going around, StuffOnMyCat.com
– World’s Ugliest Dog
– What I’d Say to the Martians by Jack Handey
…
PS: Thanks to all the people who emailed nice things about yesterday’s post. It’s one of the few ones without sarcasm, so it was nice to get some pleasant feedback.
In 1956 and '57, Hungary was in the midst of "de-Stalinization" and suffering the pains of political turmoil as insurgents fought against the Russian and Hungarian troops. As with all conflicts, the main result was refugees in need of medical assistance, food, and clothing. The International Committee of the Red Cross began a relief effort and requested donations across its world-wide net.
In the tiny hamlet of Claysburg, PA (pop. 1398), my grandmother came home from church one day after the pastor had announced the Red Cross's call for donations. She grabbed an empty box and walked around the house filling it with old clothes, coats, and miscellaneous canned goods. This drew the attention of her oldest daughter, Elaine, who was 12 at the time.
Elaine, being young, did not understand the spiritual reward of anonymous charity, so she slipped a note with her name and address into the pocket of one of the coats. Or maybe to her, it was a message in a bottle, something only a child could believe would be answered. However, her effort was not in vain.
A few months later, a letter unlike the others arrived in the mailbox. Stamped with AIRMAIL tags and wrinkled from long travel,it was addressed to Elaine. She opened it to find a neatly penned note written in some unknown language she assumed to be Hungarian because of the return address.
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The Ebersoles didn't know anyone that spoke Hungarian. There weren't any Hungarians for 500 miles in any direction across cow fields or over the Allegheny Mountains, so she put the letter in the drawer, but didn't forget about it.
Elaine, who went on to be my mother, ignited a light bulb above her head after she met my girlfriend Ildi, the daughter of a German and a Hungarian immigrants. My mother dug in the correct drawer and produced the letter, now brown with age.
The old script was placed on a Hewlett-Packard digital scanner and emailed around. It turns out the text is in German, not Hungarian, but Mr. and Mrs. P were still able to translate. Here's what it said:
Dear Elaine, The package, which you sent to "Nameless Recipient", was accepted (received) by me. Please accept my sincere thanks for this gift. I was very happy to have found your address in one of the pockets of the fur coat. In this way, I have the opportunity to thank you personally. I am a Sekund (secondary or adjunct?) minister for the districts surrounding our town. I finished my theology studies two years ago. Now, in this winter month, I must visit these outlying districts ( parishes ?)and provide the religious instructions. I do this every day, on my motorcycle. For these journeys you need really warm skirts! Don't be surprised , that I will wear these winter skirts on these trips! It will be their initiation. Our winters are not only very cold, but long. I will repeat my thanks. Please excuse that I am writing this in German, and not in your native language, as I don't know that language. With my best wishes, L. Finda
48 years later, we learn that she was just saying, "thanks." I'd also like to give a big thanks to Mr. and Mrs. P for their linguistic skills, and a big thanks to my mom for having curiosity for me to inherit. Related Links: – The Red Cross's history of relief to Hungary – Wikipedia: History of Hungary – Census data on Claysburg, PA
In 1956 and '57, Hungary was in the midst of "de-Stalinization" and suffering the pains of political turmoil as insurgents fought against the Russian and Hungarian troops. As with all conflicts, the main result was refugees in need of medical assistance, food, and clothing. The International Committee of the Red Cross began a relief effort and requested donations across its world-wide net.
In the tiny hamlet of Claysburg, PA (pop. 1398), my grandmother came home from church one day after the pastor had announced the Red Cross's call for donations. She grabbed an empty box and walked around the house filling it with old clothes, coats, and miscellaneous canned goods. This drew the attention of her oldest daughter, Elaine, who was 12 at the time.
Elaine, being young, did not understand the spiritual reward of anonymous charity, so she slipped a note with her name and address into the pocket of one of the coats. Or maybe to her, it was a message in a bottle, something only a child could believe would be answered. However, her effort was not in vain.
A few months later, a letter unlike the others arrived in the mailbox. Stamped with AIRMAIL tags and wrinkled from long travel,it was addressed to Elaine. She opened it to find a neatly penned note written in some unknown language she assumed to be Hungarian because of the return address.
Page 1
Page 2
The Ebersoles didn't know anyone that spoke Hungarian. There weren't any Hungarians for 500 miles in any direction across cow fields or over the Allegheny Mountains, so she put the letter in the drawer, but didn't forget about it.
Elaine, who went on to be my mother, ignited a light bulb above her head after she met my girlfriend Ildi, the daughter of a German and a Hungarian immigrants. My mother dug in the correct drawer and produced the letter, now brown with age.
The old script was placed on a Hewlett-Packard digital scanner and emailed around. It turns out the text is in German, not Hungarian, but Mr. and Mrs. P were still able to translate. Here's what it said:
Dear Elaine, The package, which you sent to "Nameless Recipient", was accepted (received) by me. Please accept my sincere thanks for this gift. I was very happy to have found your address in one of the pockets of the fur coat. In this way, I have the opportunity to thank you personally. I am a Sekund (secondary or adjunct?) minister for the districts surrounding our town. I finished my theology studies two years ago. Now, in this winter month, I must visit these outlying districts ( parishes ?)and provide the religious instructions. I do this every day, on my motorcycle. For these journeys you need really warm skirts! Don't be surprised , that I will wear these winter skirts on these trips! It will be their initiation. Our winters are not only very cold, but long. I will repeat my thanks. Please excuse that I am writing this in German, and not in your native language, as I don't know that language. With my best wishes, L. Finda
48 years later, we learn that she was just saying, "thanks." I'd also like to give a big thanks to Mr. and Mrs. P for their linguistic skills, and a big thanks to my mom for having curiosity for me to inherit. Related Links: – The Red Cross's history of relief to Hungary – Wikipedia: History of Hungary – Census data on Claysburg, PA
Another Trivia Night at Pete’s Candy Store in Williamsburg. We have been going for almost five years now. You can relive the fun we had last night. Just chug a gallon of beer and then answer the questions below. The answers are in white text beneath the questions and you can read them by highlighting them with your mouse.
Some questions I knew the answer to:
-What is the name of the meat and the sandwich made famous by the Isley Bros. deli in Pittsburgh?
Chipped ham is the answer, you twisted nail biter.
-What state were Gertrude Stein, Jimmy Stewart, and Andy Warhol born in?
You are a doofus and you just highlighted this to read it. Oh, and the answer is Pennsylvania.
Some questions I missed:
-According to his national press, who has hit eleven holes-in-one?
Kim Il Jong. Read a book or a newspaper sometime, Einstein.
– Who was the former US ambassador to the UN?
Satan lives here in the white text. And you have released him. John Danforth was the ambassador, devil-lover.
We came in sixth place, but we did beat The Lawyers.
I’m not sure why there is such aggression in the answers. I’m feeling a bit muddled.
…
Site of the Day: Feeling a little sick today? Then don’t look at these pictures of co-eds sticking their arms into a cow’s stomach. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Another Trivia Night at Pete’s Candy Store in Williamsburg. We have been going for almost five years now. You can relive the fun we had last night. Just chug a gallon of beer and then answer the questions below. The answers are in white text beneath the questions and you can read them by highlighting them with your mouse.
Some questions I knew the answer to:
-What is the name of the meat and the sandwich made famous by the Isley Bros. deli in Pittsburgh?
Chipped ham is the answer, you twisted nail biter.
-What state were Gertrude Stein, Jimmy Stewart, and Andy Warhol born in?
You are a doofus and you just highlighted this to read it. Oh, and the answer is Pennsylvania.
Some questions I missed:
-According to his national press, who has hit eleven holes-in-one?
Kim Il Jong. Read a book or a newspaper sometime, Einstein.
– Who was the former US ambassador to the UN?
Satan lives here in the white text. And you have released him. John Danforth was the ambassador, devil-lover.
We came in sixth place, but we did beat The Lawyers.
I’m not sure why there is such aggression in the answers. I’m feeling a bit muddled.
…
Site of the Day: Feeling a little sick today? Then don’t look at these pictures of co-eds sticking their arms into a cow’s stomach. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Two nights ago, Jerry called me and we chatted on the phone for a bit, mostly about the money he owes me. Then he asked what I was doing with the rest of my evening and I told him I had rented Memento.
“Oh, I can’t believe you never saw it,” he said, “It’s so good. It has that chick from The Matrix…Carrie-Anne Moss. SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER!”
Now I have replaced what he said with the word “SPOILER” to protect any readers that haven’t seen the movie. I missed it when it came out in 2000 because as you can tell by looking at my archives, I didn’t exist. If you’d like to know what fact Jerry rudely revealed, highlight this following sentence: Carrie-Anne Moss’s character turns out to be so evil.
I pieced all this together from Post-it notes I found around my apartment after I awoke bearing this new tattoo. Life is funny, but hard to remember.
…
Site of the Day: Waste your work day, or your life, more small internet games.
Two nights ago, Jerry called me and we chatted on the phone for a bit, mostly about the money he owes me. Then he asked what I was doing with the rest of my evening and I told him I had rented Memento.
“Oh, I can’t believe you never saw it,” he said, “It’s so good. It has that chick from The Matrix…Carrie-Anne Moss. SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER!”
Now I have replaced what he said with the word “SPOILER” to protect any readers that haven’t seen the movie. I missed it when it came out in 2000 because as you can tell by looking at my archives, I didn’t exist. If you’d like to know what fact Jerry rudely revealed, highlight this following sentence: Carrie-Anne Moss’s character turns out to be so evil.
I pieced all this together from Post-it notes I found around my apartment after I awoke bearing this new tattoo. Life is funny, but hard to remember.
…
Site of the Day: Waste your work day, or your life, more small internet games.
I have been out and about, so the site has been suffering. I have a stack of nice pics to sort through from yesterday’s day tripping (A Sunday driver, yeah.It took me so long to find out, and I found out.)
Here’s just one shot of the perfect barn. A Platonian ideal barn that I would have been happy to have been squeezed out in.
…
Sites of the Day:
– Someone tell me if this video of Bush giving the finger is real or not.
– Bloggers satire self-importance and feel self-important.
– A crushed railroad tank car. I love high school science.
– Before you go home for the day, give this guy your cursor. I think.
I have been out and about, so the site has been suffering. I have a stack of nice pics to sort through from yesterday’s day tripping (A Sunday driver, yeah.It took me so long to find out, and I found out.)
Here’s just one shot of the perfect barn. A Platonian ideal barn that I would have been happy to have been squeezed out in.
…
Sites of the Day:
– Someone tell me if this video of Bush giving the finger is real or not.
– Bloggers satire self-importance and feel self-important.
– A crushed railroad tank car. I love high school science.
– Before you go home for the day, give this guy your cursor. I think.
Here’s the problem, and you can help. Erik needs a suit to get married in. Some might suggest an eyeless black hood, but we are looking for something less symbolic. On Sunday, we toured the boutiques (and bars) of Soho to narrow the choices down to five options. Now we need you to vote and voice your opinions in the comments.
Here’s the scenario (yo): September wedding in Tuscany. Yes, Tuscany (say it with a blue blood accent). Don’t forget that to Italians, Tuscany is just the equivalent of Western Connecticut (and oddly a cheaper place to get married than New Jersey.) Picture clear sun over beatiful brown and green tumbling hill farms. Bridesmaids in black. Erik rides in on a donkey wearing which of the following suits:
 |
Dark Tan – A very nice suit that echos the taupes and ecrus of the Tuscan panorama. Cons: Will not match the black-dressed maids or anything the groomsmen own. |
 |
Classic Gray – This suit at Sean (great name!) had a very clean line and was elegantly understated. It just made your subconcious say, “Nice suit!” |
 |
Dapper Brit Brown – A great suit from Linus, brown with blue pinstripes. A very bold statement with the right shirt and tie. The other men could wear regular brown. |
 |
Gray w/ White Stripes – Another gray with Meg and Jack. This was a phat suit, also displayed in the window with a big tie and a pink shirt. It’s dressy and formal with a healthy dose of panache. It would nicely match gray suits for the groomsmen. |
 |
Captain White – The suit, not Erik. Another very stylish suit from Linus. Obviously, he would never wear it again, but oh how good he would look that day. And why should just the bride wear white, when they both are virgins? |
|
Vote now, we need your help. The groom can’t do much more shopping, although it obviously makes him so
happy:
Site of the Day: Go and get free drinks, or avoid like the plague to bypass crowds of hipters, My Open Bar.
Here’s the problem, and you can help. Erik needs a suit to get married in. Some might suggest an eyeless black hood, but we are looking for something less symbolic. On Sunday, we toured the boutiques (and bars) of Soho to narrow the choices down to five options. Now we need you to vote and voice your opinions in the comments.
Here’s the scenario (yo): September wedding in Tuscany. Yes, Tuscany (say it with a blue blood accent). Don’t forget that to Italians, Tuscany is just the equivalent of Western Connecticut (and oddly a cheaper place to get married than New Jersey.) Picture clear sun over beatiful brown and green tumbling hill farms. Bridesmaids in black. Erik rides in on a donkey wearing which of the following suits:
|
Dark Tan – A very nice suit that echos the taupes and ecrus of the Tuscan panorama. Cons: Will not match the black-dressed maids or anything the groomsmen own. |
|
Classic Gray – This suit at Sean (great name!) had a very clean line and was elegantly understated. It just made your subconcious say, “Nice suit!” |
|
Dapper Brit Brown – A great suit from Linus, brown with blue pinstripes. A very bold statement with the right shirt and tie. The other men could wear regular brown. |
|
Gray w/ White Stripes – Another gray with Meg and Jack. This was a phat suit, also displayed in the window with a big tie and a pink shirt. It’s dressy and formal with a healthy dose of panache. It would nicely match gray suits for the groomsmen. |
|
Captain White – The suit, not Erik. Another very stylish suit from Linus. Obviously, he would never wear it again, but oh how good he would look that day. And why should just the bride wear white, when they both are virgins? |
|
Vote now, we need your help. The groom can’t do much more shopping, although it obviously makes him so
happy:
Site of the Day: Go and get free drinks, or avoid like the plague to bypass crowds of hipters, My Open Bar.
I finished the six hundred plus pages last night somewhere around one o’clock, only beaten by my brother Dan and three million ten-year-olds. I was desperate to finish before the media spoiled the end, which they have tried to do all week with leading headlines and vicious innuendo. Interrupting Fox shows, “Harry Potter fans spoiler, spoiler, spoiler! On the news at 10!” It’s one of my hugest pet peeves and will make me get my temper on. I lose it seldom these days, but it’s never a good thing.
On a sidenote, related to book five, I can’t wait to see Emma Watson snog onscreen. That is not illegal.
If you have not read the Potter book and are cynical about anything that greatly hyped, you are exactly how I was a few years ago. Then on a long train ride I had a copy of book on that Matt had thrust on me. Twenty pages in I knew I had to apologize to all the people who I had viewed down my nose for reading “children’s books.” The series is pure detective novel wrapped in Oliver Twist, and very entertaining. If you haven’t, pass the stick out, and do.
…
Note to self, I owe Chris Trice a drink.
…
Site of the Day: If you are like me, you might want to reference a synopsis of the previous books while you are reading the latest Potter episode. Here are some good sites:
– Mugglenet
– The Leaky Cauldron
– J. K. Rowling’s Site
Note: While I am not embarassed to read these books, using terms from the book (i. e. “muggle”) or even worse, dressing up as a character is UNACCEPTABLE for anyone over ten. I don’t car if you have kids.
I finished the six hundred plus pages last night somewhere around one o’clock, only beaten by my brother Dan and three million ten-year-olds. I was desperate to finish before the media spoiled the end, which they have tried to do all week with leading headlines and vicious innuendo. Interrupting Fox shows, “Harry Potter fans spoiler, spoiler, spoiler! On the news at 10!” It’s one of my hugest pet peeves and will make me get my temper on. I lose it seldom these days, but it’s never a good thing.
On a sidenote, related to book five, I can’t wait to see Emma Watson snog onscreen. That is not illegal.
If you have not read the Potter book and are cynical about anything that greatly hyped, you are exactly how I was a few years ago. Then on a long train ride I had a copy of book on that Matt had thrust on me. Twenty pages in I knew I had to apologize to all the people who I had viewed down my nose for reading “children’s books.” The series is pure detective novel wrapped in Oliver Twist, and very entertaining. If you haven’t, pass the stick out, and do.
…
Note to self, I owe Chris Trice a drink.
…
Site of the Day: If you are like me, you might want to reference a synopsis of the previous books while you are reading the latest Potter episode. Here are some good sites:
– Mugglenet
– The Leaky Cauldron
– J. K. Rowling’s Site
Note: While I am not embarassed to read these books, using terms from the book (i. e. “muggle”) or even worse, dressing up as a character is UNACCEPTABLE for anyone over ten. I don’t car if you have kids.
I am an enthusiastic, but not bright son. Actually, today is my ‘rents anniversary. Yesterday was the anniversary of the moon landing. Check it out at http://moon.google.com. Be sure and zoom all the way in.
I am an enthusiastic, but not bright son. Actually, today is my ‘rents anniversary. Yesterday was the anniversary of the moon landing. Check it out at http://moon.google.com. Be sure and zoom all the way in.
Here’s to another forty and another pig roast to celebrate that one.
– My pictures from the party
– Dan’s pictures (registration required, or use mine, email: stconrad@hotmail.com, pswrd: photos)
…
Site of the Day: Summer movie reviews from the Thighmaster.
Here’s to another forty and another pig roast to celebrate that one.
– My pictures from the party
– Dan’s pictures (registration required, or use mine, email: stconrad@hotmail.com, pswrd: photos)
…
Site of the Day: Summer movie reviews from the Thighmaster.
