The drama is over: My old email address is new.

After much searching, I’ve decided to stick with what works: I’m staying with my GMX email address.

Yeah – I got it working through Windows Live Mail. It bothers me that I can’t get it running over Thunderbird 3, but that’s okay. Windows Live has been an interesting process; I’m running a Windows 7 install, and I had to set Windows Live Mail (and Windows Live Messenger) in Vista Compatibiliy mode to minimize to the taskbars. It’s a slight annoyance, but I’ll deal with it.

And the hunt continues for a new email address

So, I’m looking into getting a new email address. I have email addresses through gmail, hotmail, yahoo, and gmx. Not sure why I have so many, but it’s time to consolidate them.

It’s very easy to suggest sticking with gmail, but I want to move away from them. Google offers incredibly functionality, but getting something original (and short!) is a virtual impossibility. Unless I throw something totally random at them, getting something less than ten characters will be difficult.

Yahoo: My main issue with them is minor: I don’t like that I can’t change my location on their system at all. According to them, I reside in Vancouver. I haven’t lived there in about three years. Yet, there’s no way to fix that. It used to be as easy as editing ones profile page, but that doesn’t seem to be an issue.

Hotmail: Microsoft. Enough said.

GMX: Their web access is very weird, it’s flash based and offers WAP access. Its very buggy and it’s really hard to configure for Thunderbird. Their website offers advice for Thunderbird 2, but not 3. Thunderbird 3′s automatic setup isn’t very friendly to them, either. I like GMX, but it’s not really working well for me.

I also tried out Mail.com – I got a pretty sweet email address going through them, but their tech support is an absolute joke. They boast that any cellphone with online access can get to their email system. Bullshit. There’s no address listed ANYWHERE – and even though I found something that could remotely be used as online access through my phone, it’s not working. Riiiiiight.

Inbox.com? What a joke. In order to access their free system, one has install a toolbar. Can anyone say HELL NO? Yeah, exactly.

If I find out the magic code to be able to access my mail.com address on my phone, that’ll be my system of choice. If I can figure out the magic way to access GMX on my Thunderbird 3, then that will be my email.

My requirements in an email service is simple: I need access to it via WAP. Storage isn’t important. POP3 access is a good thing, but not a necessity. I know I have both of those through Gmail, but I want a smaller provider who can offer more original email addresses.

It’s all about Jonathan, it seems.

The latest video from Jonathan Paula really bothers me.

Jonathan Paula is the brains behind “IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO MICROWAVE THIS?” – a series of four to seven minute videos where he, and two of his friends put things in a microwave and press start. Hilarity (and destruction) ensues.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a fun show – I like it a lot. The people who present the video seem really nice, and it’s pretty decent, though the “host” of the show is a total douche at times.

It’s Jonathan’s rant that irks me.

Here’s a quick backstory: Jonathan and co. put on a video at the start of their new “season” of Microwave (I’m too lazy to type the entire name, sorry) where they microwaved the airbag of a Lexus. They pressed start, and before they even got a chance to exit their “laboratory”, which is merely a tarped off garage or something, the thing expoded. Seriously. There was no less than three seconds between when they hit the START button and when it exploded. I think the host was able to get out of the way and into the house about half a second before it exploded.

The video was flagged. The masses started rioting.

I couldn’t believe it. The bastard was gloating about it. Then, people flagged the video. Probably for dangerous conduct or something. Jonathan posted a message saying that they earn money doing this, yadda yadda, why is it being flagged?

My response: YOU DAMN NEAR GOT HURT DOING IT, YA FREAK!!! They showed how far some of the shrapnel went. If it connected with someone, it would probably cause a large laceration that would require stitches, if not anything else. Get a clue.

So anyhow, his latest video really took the cake. No idea why people flagged his newest video (something to do with a sodium bulb) but that was flagged. So, he posted a cry-me-a-river message saying the same things – the flagging system is broken, Youtube is my job and my life, yadda yadda yadda. Thing is, he wrote a really disrespectful message to the people who RUN Youtube, demanding change.

Smart idea, jackass. Dude should know that one button could delete EVERY ONE OF HIS VIDEOS on the system. He should also know that attitude begets attitude, and that acting like a douche to the people that run Youtube won’t inspire good relations.

UPDATE: The video has been noted as PRIVATE, but I bet I can get it.

Russ Bacon is a Douche (part 3)

Extra, extra…read all about! Russ Bacon waxes philosophic in his latest email. Man, these are getting to be about as entertaining as the “funny” pages, though ironically, the funnies aren’t as comedic as they used to be.

But I digress.

As according to Russ: By Giving We All Become Richer In Our Lives.

What the hell does that mean?

Anyhow, his email:

Can you be an Angel!

Get your name on our Angel Wall !!

(Expires December 14th)

In the past, we have had numerous requests to do more for adopted families each Christmas. Some of the requests we have had were for a Special Tournament that was strictly for Members that donated to the cause. Because of the limitations from PayPal on what we could and could not charge for and to stay within their guidelines we have come up with a GREAT idea!

We are offering this Special and Special Tournaments just for the Purchasers of this offer.

In addition, we are taking most of the profit and putting it toward the donation we make as a company to Circles of Support of the Missouri Valley Community Action Association (MVCAA) in Sedalia, MO. In addition we are matching the members’ donations dollar for dollar to meet our goals and above.

For those that are not familiar with the MVCAA, they are a non-profit organization that helps families learn how to support themselves through education. Many local banks, insurance companies, social agencies and businesses come to weekly meetings to teach families how to budget, manage and maintain their finances. They teach them about resources available to them and how to access them. This is a program that is about not giving a handout but giving a hand up to help families be self sufficient.The program is designed so that families that are part of this wonderful program are required to donate their time to help future families. We have not found a better organization and program! You may contact them directly by speaking with Jaime Bethel at 660-829-0399

This offer has to end on December 14th in order for us to order toys, gifts and to make a timely donation for the families involved.

The Annual Charity Dinner for the Families is scheduled for December 17th at 6:30 PM in Sedalia, MO. Russ will be cooking it all and distributing the gifts. If you wish to come to Sedalia and help please contact Russ at 913-485-2549 or by email at russ@monkeyroyale.com

We have 3 Angel levels this year: Silver, Gold and Royal. The Silver and Gold levels are available by purchasing below. The Royal level is a special amount of at least $400.00 in total accrued purchases of the Angel offers or a Donation of $200.00 directly. Last year we found that many of you wanted to give above and beyond the Silver and Gold levels, so we are offering that option.

Thank you for helping us make Christmas special for these families this year!!

NEW ADD ON BENEFITS EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 13th

I can’t get over how much of a douche he is. I swear, he probably wonders how he’ll win over the masses with his “inner thoughts” that sound as sincere as a Hallmark card.

Oh, this is hilarious: he’s gonna be cooking dinner for families…now, that’s cool, I guess. But why in the middle of nowhere? How many people are willing to go that distance to kiss his ring or ass or whatever?

Speaking of which…where the hell is Sedalia? A quick looksee at Google Maps suggests is in the middle of nowhere. In fact, the MVCAA has about four centres in the Sedalia area; wonder which one he’ll be at? Wait a sec…who cares?

Oh, interesting factoid: his listed phone number is a Sprint cellphone number. Not sure if it matters, but you now have his number.

This info is public knowledge, by the way – it was all sent over a public mailing. If Baconman doesn’t want details like this passed onto the general public, how about instituting a localized online mailbox on MR. You know you can do it,

Google Wave?

I’m on Google Wave – and I have invites. If any of my readers (all, what…two? Three of you?) want one, send me a message and I’ll send one along to you. Or else, send me a DM on Twitter (@okay77) or whatever. Hell, my MSN and Yahoo addys are here, too – pick your flavour.

I’ll write a thorough message on what I think of it at another time. I’m kinda liking it, but at the same time, I don’t get it. But there’s some great potential to be unlocked here, it’s just a matter of figuring it all out.

Have you ever wanted to play the stock market?

That’s always been a plan of mine: invest what I can afford and see what happens. Some people play poker, some like slot machines, and I have a friend who enjoys horse races.

I really don’t care for gambling. It’s not my idea of fun. Sure, I play Texas Hold’em on Facebook, but that only costs me time and bandwidth. The only cards I play are crib and gin rummy.

However, the stock market has been a mystery to me.

A post from someone in THE W message board (a board I’ve been a proud member of since, lordy, 2001? 2002?) suggested a couple of things about stocks and investing. Never invest more than what you’d spend on pizza, beer, or whatever throwaway income that’s available. That got me thinking about it. How does the stock market work? Do I have a nose for it?

So, I found a site called Smartstocks – http://www.smartstocks.com. I started a profile on there and I’ve been quite impressed so far with it. After signing up, they gave me $1M to work with, and freedom. They offer a search engine to search out stocks and other information.

I decided to give it a shot. Not sure what I’d do with over a million dollars (hell, I’d be hard pressed to know what to do with a quarter of that!) so I’ll use what I can sparingly.

Russ Bacon is a douche (part 2)

The douche alert for Russ Bacon comes again: for those who remember a few weeks back, I posted a cry me a river message that he emailed the MonkeyRoyale world. Yeah, he’s suffered many indignities over his past, so why not tell the world? Uh huh! He went without a change of clothes for a couple of months or something at one time or another; obviously his tragic plight is that which echos those of the orphans of Ethiopia, or the kids who grow up without parents in war torn countries. My heart goes out to him.

Oh wait, it doesn’t.

Anyhow, he posted another email. Seriously. And I quote:

Dear Members,

It is amazing what an email can do. The last email
I sent got a great response. I had over 150 members respond with encouragement
and support. Of course I got 3 emails from nimrods who complained that my letter
was offensive. 2 of them questioned my integrity and 2 of them are permanently
banned. Like I said in my email that I will protect my integrity at all
costs.

The purpose of this letter is to THANK all the
members that support us. One of the underlying themes of the e-mails I received
was how can you donate to the charity. I am enclosing a link to PayPal so that
all of you can donate whatever you wish. Make sure that you type in the purpose
of the donation so we can make sure it goes where it supposed to.

I think this charity is so important that I am
going to give for every dollar donated 3,000 Auction Bux!!

Example:
Donate $10 and get 30,000 Auction Bux…..Donate $100 and get 300,000
Auction Bux

Click this link
below to donate

(address removed – to hell if I pass on his charity info!)
(trust me, you don’t want to click on that link unless you want to see a picture of Goatse)

If you cannot afford to donate I
understand. For those that can donate then give what you can even it is a
dollar. All donations are appreciated and respected no matter the
amount.

Once again thank you for your
support.

Russ Bacon
Owner of
MonkeyRoyale

Yeah!

Now, for someone who claims to want to protect his integrity, blocking members who disagree with your views, or call you out on your bullshit…well, that’s not it. You see, in a democratic society, every fact can be challenged. If all naysayers and opposing opinions are effectively eliminated, then we’ve reverted to a communist state, of course. Of course, this is the World of Russ Bacon we’re talking about, and MonkeyRoyale, the capital city of his state of mind, has no such rules.

Guess what, Russ – I’m questioning your integrity. If you’re trying to inspire a pity party with your woe-is-me bullshit message, then it’s not working. You have no reason to spill your guts about your past. I bet there are people in my neighbourhood who have it worse than you did when you were a kid.

Let me make one thing clear: I think that charity is a good thing. I respect Russ for his dedication to the charity he supports, but in that is the caveat: I believe that charity starts at home. I’d support the local homeless charity before some national fund, or even one of those stupid “help a kid in africa eat today!” groups or World Vision whatevers.

So yeah, Russ is good for suggesting charity, but he’s a douche for making it about him. And he’s a douche for impeding freedom of expression.

Russ Bacon is a douche!

OK, MonkeyRoyale is a gaming website online that works in conjunction
with Yahoo. People challenge each other in games, they run tournaments

Of
course, anyone who plays games on Yahoo is probably familiar with their
constant spamming efforts: it's hard not to go through a game on there
without seeing messages in really bad English talking about joining a
tournament for x amount of bananabux, if you're not a monkey, join the
club, etc. etc. etc. Yeah – it's them.

Anyhow, the main man
behind the site is a guy named Russ Bacon. I've had dealings with him
before. If he's an adult, his maturity level doesn't reflect it. Why?
Simple – I was a member of the site, and I volunteered to help set up
one of those stupid get togethers he tries to set up. You know, I'm in
Canada, and the Canadian dollar was incredibly strong at the time, or
something like that. He rebuffed my efforts, he rebuked me, whatever -
and cancelled my account. He went on a profanity filled tirade one
time, with no punctuation and lackadaisical grammatical skills. It was
quite comedic. He's king of his mountain, bah gawd! Far be it for
someone to, you know…want to HELP him out a little. Lord knows, I
lived in Vancouver at the time (a major metropolitan area, for those
who aren't familiar with Canadian geography) and I know my way around
and could do many things.

Nope.

Anyhow, I don't know why,
but I keep getting messages from them. Join this tournament, trainer
this weekend, buy more bananabux, whatever. Most of them get sent to my
spam message box, but a few somehow get through. That's when I got this
brilliant piece of news:

Dear Members,

 

I am disturbed and hurt. I usually have a
thick skin when it comes to peoples opinion of me. The truth is I really could
care less what Joe Blow thinks about me and that is due to the nature of the
Internet and peoples perception that just because they are behind a computer
screen they can say what they want without accountability. I understand this and
just let it go when people call me whatever they do.

 

My purpose here is to keep my website and
company going and maybe along the way do some good things. A large amount of
people on this website know who I am, what I represent and how I do things. A
large amount of people on this website have met me and know that I uphold my
integrity and protect it.

 

This brings me to the purpose of this
letter.

 

A lot of you do not know my upbringing.
From age 2 to 14 I grew up in Hollywood, CA. My mother was single with 3 kids (I
am the oldest) and living on Social Security Disability. We received NO child
support. Needless to say as a kid growing up I went without food and clothing a
few times. I went without Christmas on occasions. My mom was addicted to Valium
and in a stupor from 1969 to 1972 and from age 11 I took care of my younger
sisters. I would walk to the store everyday to buy what I could in food with
what little money I could find. There were many days when  I fed my sisters
and I Miracle Whip sandwiches. So when I tell you about being poor…..I KNOW
POOR and I know the stigma of wearing the same clothes everyday for 6 months to
school because you don't have money to get new ones or having shoes that have
holes in the sole and you pray it doesn't rain because your only pair of socks
you own would get wet. I KNOW WHAT IT IS TO GO WITHOUT!

 

For 5 years I have been involved with a
charity in Sedalia, MO where I have donated in excess of $20,000 and numerous
hours of my personal time. All donations are a matter of public record and the
charity MVCAA is registered with the State of Missouri and they are a Non-Profit
organization. 2 years ago I decided it would be nice if my website members could
get involved by making donations. This was not an advertising ploy and never
intended to be. This was about helping people.

 

My motivation is to help when I can any
family in a similiar situation. This is because I remember what it was
like.

 

Recently, I was alerted that 2 members in
one of our leagues was stating that the Angel Wall and the charity was a big
scam and that I was pocketing the money. That it was a big joke against all
those that donated and they were being scammed. These were long term members who
said this. In fact one of the members had scammed MonkeyRoyale 6 years ago but
eventually made good on it. These were not young members either so youth is not
an excuse for their behavior. This situation really pisses me off and makes me
ask WHY do I need to put myself through this? Then I think of the kids……The
members that made the statement have been suspended 30 days and are on their way
out of MonkeyRoyale. What is more interesting is that these idiots have redeemed
and received prizes and NEVER have financially supported this website….IN 6
YEARS!

 

Let it be known now….If I ever see
anything that indicates anyone is talking about scams and my involvement in it
or anything that MonkeyRoyale is involved with…..YOU CAN KISS YOUR ACCOUNT
GOOD BYE! And if I know who you are, you can expect legal action from my
attorney. Integrity and Reputation are everything and I will protect it.

 

For those that support MonkeyRoyale and our
charity drive I give you my heartfelt thanks.

 

If this letter offends anyone….GET OVER
IT! Because I apologize to no one for protecting my Integrity.

 

Sincerely,

 

Russ Bacon
Owner of
MonkeyRoyale

Before I continue, I refer the reader to
the first paragraph of his rant. To me, that's open season to write
whatever I want, providing it's of an objective nature. I thought about
what I'd do with this message, but the fact that it was sent to
everyone on their mailing list makes it public
knowledge, right?

So yeah, he's seen suffering and hurt

Thanks
for the history lesson, Russ. While I can appreciate that your youth
was difficult, I'm pretty sure that there are those who have it much,
much worse. In fact, I don't think people really need to know your life
history. Does anyone need to know that you didn't have any clothes at
one time?

If you have an axe to grind, don't make a public
spectacle of it. There are those (myself included) who call people on
their bluffs. Your donations to the Missouri charity? I've emailed the
group to find out more about it. I'll find out if you're claiming the
donations under your name or under MR's name. That'd be
misappropriation, right? Well, I'll have to look to see if you're an
actual registered business. I'm not especially familiar with American
laws, but I'm curious to see what it's all about.

I'll make
amendments and additions as time permits, but I'll end this message on
this note: Russ is a douche for airing out his dirty laundry in an
email that's sent out to everyone on a mailing list. Russ is a douche
for giving a life history and making himself out to be a pathetic
individual.

Read and post comments |
Send to a friend

Google Street View is killing my childhood memories!

I discovered Google Street View last week, courtesy of Toronto Mike's
blog. It's a brilliant thing. I loved navigating the streets, and
remembering the old sights.

Of course, many sights had changed.

So, why not make this an ongoing feature of this blog:

My old curling club is now an indoor soccer field

My favorite burger shop closed and the building is now a dilapidated building, covered in graffiti

The place I learned to first swing a golf club…is now an auto repair centre

Read and post comments |
Send to a friend

With a little help from my friends

Stephen Harper is a polarizing character. People either love him or hate him.

I,
for one, think he's a fascinating character. I think it's interesting
how he can seem so incredibly wooden and cold, but at the same time, so
so dour and self-depreciating. He's truly one of a kind.

All in all, I think he's awesome. I'm very proud to say that I voted for him.

Anyhow, I found this online: at some charity fundraising gala, Stephen Harper performed an old Beatles song. Brilliant.

Stephen Harper sings a Beatles song with Yo Yo Ma

Read and post comments |
Send to a friend