It’s the latest in the long list of changes that have been taking place around here. The first step was my move to my own hosting at segacs.com after Geocities closed. Now, the bigger news is that I have officially migrated from Blogger to Wordpress – a move that was long overdue.

Shiny! New! Features! include:

• Improved post navigation by calendar archive, keyword search, categories and tagging
• Inline commenting, including threaded comments
• Post pages – finally! – with proper permalinks (yeah, I know, that’s so 2005…)
• Improved RSS feeds
• Updated look and feel
• … and more still to come!

Needless to say, you’ll want to update any old permalinks that you still had lying around. Redirects from old segacs.com links should be working, but I can’t do anything about broken Geocities links, unfortunately. So please update them on your end.

The actual blog migration has been a real headache, and is the result of weeks of behind-the-scenes work. And I’m not quite done yet. You may still notice some broken links or images, and I’ll be rolling out a few new features and still tweaking the look and feel in the next little while. But, I’m up and running (and I am feeling quiet proud of that accomplishment, being something of a technical neophyte and all).

Got any feedback on the new look? Any Wordpress tips? Feel free to share suggestions and advice here.

The next step will be a complete design overhaul of this blog. This template dates back to the blog’s launch in 2002, and it’s embarrassingly outdated. I’m considering migrating to Wordpress, although I’m a bit intimidated by the theme customization process. (For someone who works in Digital, my actual coding skills are minimal and woefully out of date.)

Whether I stay with Blogger, move to Wordpress, or go with a third option, the redesign is bound to be a big project, and I probably won’t start on it until after NaNoWriMo is over. Meanwhile, if anyone has any design ideas or suggestions, feel free to send ‘em along.

You can continue to access this site for now, but stay tuned for updated information within the next few days as I look into a few different hosting options. Wherever I go, I’ll probably continue using the segacs.com URL, so if you haven’t already updated your bookmarks, you might want to at this point. You may find some broken links and images during this transition period, but hopefully these things are all temporary.

I was going to write a lengthy nostalgia post about my first websites back in the mid-90s with animated GIFs and blinking backgrounds and wallpaper… but I’ll spare you.

The Internet Archive Project has preserved a lot of Geocities sites, if you’re looking for something from the distant past.

Well, it has to do with a rarely-mentioned topic on this blog: Real life. I just started a new job, and things have been pretty hectic.

That’s my excuse, anyway. The truth is, the only news I can bear to watch these days is the faux-news of the Stewart and Colbert variety. I’ve been getting headaches again when I try to watch anything else, so it’s time for a breather.

If you are intent on getting the blood pressure to skyrocket, however, I suggest checking out the links in the blogroll on the lefthand side of this page. Meanwhile, I’m still around and posting, but expect things to be spotty for a bit until I get back on track. Thanks for your understanding.

Well, I make no apologies, but I do have plenty of good excuses.

For one thing, it’s bloody hot outside and, by extension, in here. Too hot to think, let alone rant.

For another, I’m still not caught up on the main news headlines since I’ve been away, let alone on all the zillions of bloggers who have been covering them. The travel bubble is all-encompassing, and it’s ironically easier to learn about what’s going on “out there” while “in here”.

Besides, the news is kind of like a bad soap opera: stop reading it for a few months and pick it up again, and you’ll realize that nothing much has changed. Same shit, different day. Frankly, it’s exhausting.

So I’ll probably be blogging about fluff for a while yet. But hey, it’s summer, we can all use a little lighter fare these days, right? If not, you know where to go for your servings of meat.

So… did anyone miss me? Didn’t think so. But on the off chance that someone is actually checking this site, regular blogging resumes as of now. Sorry for the long hiatus, but those of you who know me know where I was and understand why I couldn’t blog. As for everyone else, well, suffice to say that I’ve been travelling for a while, and I’m sure that stories from the road will be creeping into my posts from time to time.

It may take me a bit of time to catch up on what’s actually been going on in the world, but I promise to entertain you with random thoughts and tidbits until I can get some meatier postings going.

It sure is good to be home! (Where’s my ticker tape parade?)

(By the way, to cut down on spam, I’ve temporarily suspended comments.)

I don’t like to discuss my real life on the blog, so I won’t go into details. Suffice to say that there are a lot of very big changes going on in my life right now, and I’ve been too preoccupied to blog. I’ll update more when I can.

The Windsor airport is really tiny. They never seem to have more than one flight there at a time; security and the gates are open only for about 20 minutes before each flight boards. However, it’s got a certain amount of charm. The staff are all suspiciously friendly, even the security personnel. There’s a food counter that makes real, edible food (which is more than I can say for Pearson airport in Toronto, Canada’s largest). There’s even high-speed wireless internet, albeit for a price. Since I was flying standby and had to spend several hours there, I was especially grateful for that last one.

Anyway, it’s good to be back. Regular blogging to resume, well, now. Those of you who missed me (all two of you) ought to be relieved.

In the meantime, here’s your new thread. Enjoy.

Here you go. You’re welcome. Please try to be nice.

Have a good weekend, everyone!

Back when stuff quiets down.

Times Square at Night

Back soon!

The government survived by one vote, some Palestinian terrorists are firing mortars at Israelis, and the new Star Wars movie came out in theatres. No, I haven’t seen it yet. No, I’m not particularly fussed about it.

Have a good long weekend, everyone. Back Tuesday.

I know, thrilling, ain’t it? Maybe I’ll eventually get the site off of Geocities and properly hosted, but for now, this will do. It’s all that fits in my budget, since I don’t have any fancy blogads or tip jars. (Though you’re always welcome to buy me presents).

If anything really big happens, you might want to check the real media.

Ciao for now.

Blogging will resume when I finally get a good night’s sleep.

Not the greatest blogging start to 2005, I know. But hey, I didn’t make any New Year’s resolutions to blog more often. (Actually, I didn’t make any New Year’s resolutions at all, since I never actually keep them.)

I could lament the fact that I missed my chance to blog the day after the US election… but I won’t. First of all, there’s nothing to say that hasn’t already been said. And second of all, I was too busy at work to blog.

Besides, according to CBS MarketWatch, nobody’s reading blogs anyway. Well, that’s certainly true in my case…

So far, I’ve managed to connect to the Internet, but I’ve been incapable of connecting it to the old one to transfer files. I also haven’t managed to reinstall Microsoft Office, because I have an upgrade and not a new install CD. Plus, there’s something screwy with the screen resolution. Also, ever notice how every new computer comes loaded with tons of useless promotional software? I’ve spent half the evening just cleaning that up.

Times like these, I wish I were more technically… ept (is that a word?) or whatever the opposite of inept is.

At any rate, blogging will be back soon once I figure out how to set up the system.

After spending a half-hour trying to fix the messed-up formatting of the links in the last post, I’m starting to wonder why it is that nobody can leave a good thing well enough alone. The old Blogger was fine… why was it necessary to mess with it?

I won’t have much internet access while there, so posting will be either minimal or nonexistent. I do promise to make up for it when I get home, as I’m sure I will have lots to say, both about the trip and about all the things that happened while I was away.

In the meantime, if you’re bored, you can browse the archives or the newly-updated Hall of Fame. I also highly recommend all the excellent blogs that I’ve linked to on the left of this page.

I’ll be back on the 19th, so have a good one, and try to behave while I’m gone.

Oh, I know I should bite the bullet and move to a proper system like Movable Type, but Geocities doesn’t allow cgi scripts (not to mention, I have no idea how to configure them). Being technologically-challenged, I guess I’ll just have to learn to live with this new format.

But if you’re from Blogger and you’re reading this: thumbs-down.

But here’s the kicker: I’m not sure I understand what it does. Actually, I have no clue, aside from the fact that it’s got something to do with aggregating for a news reader or… ok, see, lost already. I dutifully read the description that Blogger provided, but I’m no less lost than when I started out.

Before this posting generates a long technical reply, please do me a favour and spell it out like I’m in kindergarten. I’m not too swift when you start talking tech-ese.

And if you do understand what it means and you want to do something or other with it, it’s up and running.

Right now it’s the Primaries for the Democrats. Dean versus Kerry versus Edwards versus Lieberman versus Clark versus . . . yes, I know there are more of them. But with all the analysis possible on the issues, the campaign speeches, the voting results, there’s only one overwhelming, all-encompassing truth to the process: it’s BORING as hell!

And to make matters worse, in the Primaries they go state by state. Sheesh, get it over with and pick a leader, would you?

Then, there’s the ad nauseum commentary on everything Dubya does or says, from the State of the Union address to whether he likes milk with his cornflakes, and how it will affect his re-election chances. Who cares what the polls say in January… the election’s not till NOVEMBER!!!

So here’s my promise to you. Seeing as how it’s a long way from now until November, and how practically every blogger in the blogosphere will be endlessly analysing every step of the campaign to death, I won’t. Like CHOM’s promise last November not to play any Christmas songs until a week before Christmas, I promise no US election coverage until September. None. Nada.

(Of course, if something really big happens, all promises are off, like, oh, say, Howard Dean donning a keffiyah. Oh wait, that did happen. Silly me.)

This doesn’t mean I won’t be covering US politics. That’s still fair game. But it does mean no campaign analysis, no Primary coverage, no betting on the odds and for the love of god, no mention of Al Sharpton! (After this one.)

I hope you find this a better blog because of it. And in the meantime, let’s discuss something more interesting politically… like this morning’s discussion on CHOM about whether Belinda Stronach is hot. Yes, it’s a very in-depth, mature radio morning show.

Chanks.

So to my readers, take care, enjoy, and I’ll be back soon. Do try to behave while I’m gone; I wouldn’t want to have to resort to banning anyone.

For those of you who celebrate Christmas, enjoy your presents, fruitcake, and annoying aunt with the moustache. For the rest of you, enjoy the day off.

Le’hitraot, au revoir.

I had to reformat my hard drive this week, after all but killing my computer. To make a long story short, it rebelled against my attempt to upgrade my Windows version.

I did manage to revive it from life support, which, if I may say so myself, is pretty good for a technical nitwit like yours truly. I even rescued a lot of my documents and programs.

Sometimes, I do think the developers of Windows added a few “extra” settings to their software, though:

segacs's world i know turns 1!

Blogging may not always be steady… it may not always be even interesting… but I’ve made it to the one-year milestone and am still going. I happen to think that’s a pretty cool accomplishment.

I’d like to thank the Academy… no, seriously, to my wonderful readers (all three of you), I couldn’t have done it without you. (Tear).

A year is an awfully long time. It’s weird to pause and reflect about everything that has happened and changed since last year. This time last year, Iraq was led by Saddam Hussein, the Concordia Student Union was led by rioting extremists, and Canada was led by Jean Chretien… well, ok, two out of three ain’t bad.

It’s also a bit discouraging to reflect on how little has changed. The Israeli-Palestinian situation is no closer to a peaceful resolution than it was last year – if anything, it’s further. Terrorism and antisemitism are both still on the rise. But then, there are some small signs of hope – however fleeting – and Rome wasn’t built in a day.

If you’re interested in reviewing the last year’s worth of posts, feel free to check out the hall of fame posts or some of the archives.

(Incidentally, try saying “bit of a blogging break” ten times fast.)

Both are routines. Both are great, when done regularly. And both are extremely difficult to get back into once you’ve let yourself stop for a short while.

I haven’t posted a blog entry in 4 days. I haven’t been to the gym in 4 weeks. My site is looking a little thinner. I’m, well, not.

The lack of motivation is probably stemming from an exceptionally busy period at my day job. But I’m determined to shake out of the procrastination mode. And the easiest way to do that is just to force myself right back into it.

So here’s a blog posting. It doesn’t say much, but it’s up there. And it’s easier than the alternative, as it doesn’t involve any cardio activity whatsoever (unless you count my fingers moving over the keys).

As for when I’ll get to the gym next, well, don’t ask.

But there’s been lots happening lately. Check out some of the links on the left for more about the world’s reactions to the Malaysian PM’s antisemitic remarks, the hate-fest at Rutgers University that makes Concordia look like paradise, and of course, the Habs’ win over the Wings last night.

Hope to resume regular blogging soon. Sorry for the long hiatus.

David Janes disagreed with me, claiming that rights are not inalienable because we’d get into a slippery slope situation where everything was considered a right. Mark responded with a shooting down of David’s argument, and the two of them had it out over a few subsequent comments.

Later, on my post on the extension of hate crime laws to gays, David agrees with me that they should either be included, or else the whole laws scrapped. But he disagrees with me in that he thinks they should be scrapped. Michael Demmons disagreed, and posted his defence of hate crime laws. And Alan agrees.

(Oh, and in case that wasn’t enough ego for one night, I noticed that David also found my review of the Live concert.)

So even though tons has happened this week, I have no intention of recapping all of it – heck, I probably don’t even know about most of it. So please refrain from the irate comments about my failure to mention such-and-such, k? Thanks a bunch.

I did catch a few interesting headlines, this week, though, and made somewhat fuzzy mental notes to blog them later. Israel marked Rosh Hashanah with the senseless murders of two people, including a 7-month old baby, by Islamic Jihad terrorists. The Palestinians have assembled a new Arafat puppet cabinet that is sure to make zero progress towards eradication of terrorism. Nigerian Amina Lawal, who faced death by stoning on charges of adultery and became an international symbol of oppression of women, was cleared.

Bush and Blair came out singing No Regrets about the war on Iraq, (though I don’t think to the same tune as Tom Cochrane). Speaking of musical legends, singer Robert Palmer passed away of a heart attack.

Closer to home, a local private French high school put in its bid for a stupid discriminatory act of the week award by expelling a Muslim girl for wearing a hijab. The Alouettes clinched first place in the East. And the Hell’s Angels mega-trial ended with a bunch of guilty pleas.

Onto next week.

Incidentally, I haven’t been blogging much this week because I’ve been sick. There’s been a lot going on, but frankly, I haven’t been able to keep up. Blogging will get back to normal as soon as I am.

In the meantime, enjoy the holiday.

To that end, I’ve posted a link to my Amazon Wish List. I promise to be eternally grateful if you should decide to send me a gift. And if you don’t want to send me anything off that list, I’m also a chocoholic . . .

If you think there’s a post that should be on that list but that I missed, let me know.

I gave up after a few minutes though, for two reasons: firstly, there were too many to count, and secondly, the accusations were coming from the same three or four people repeatedly, all of whom I personally consider to be pots calling the kettle black.

Now I’d like to see how long it takes for someone to call me a racist for the above “pots calling the kettle black” remark.

The point I’m trying to make, I guess, is that the word “racist” has been flung around with impunity lately, usually by people trying to discredit their debate opponents or just end an argument quickly. Especially in Mideast debates, where everyone is either a “racist” for being a Zionist, or a “racist” for being pro-Palestinian. The usual response on the part of the accusee is to turn around and make the same accusation against their accuser. So every argument quickly degenerates into “you’re a racist” . . . “no, YOU’RE a racist” juvenile claptrap.

And it’s annoying me to no end.

Why? Because usually it isn’t true. And when it is, nothing stops the actual racists from claiming that it’s really the OTHER guy who’s racist, and launching into a tirade on why. (The most absurd argument I ever heard is that it’s racist to oppose suicide bombers. Did they suddenly become a race?)

So I propose a moratorium. (Yes, Concordians, I am using that word. Mostly cause I’m less sick of hearing “moratorium” than “racist”.) I’d like to see if the discussions – at least on this site – can avoid the use of the word “racist” as a name-calling resort for, say, a week? It would be nice and refreshing.

Having spent the last two weeks disconnected from TV, newspapers, internet, and anything not written in Greek (which I don’t speak), I know there’s probably a lot that’s been happening in the world, but right now I’m pretty out of it. My brain stubbornly insists I’m not really home but still having drinks in Mykonos, partying in Ios, or lying on the black-sand beach in Santorini. I expect to be caught up by Monday. In the meantime, back to my vacation.

Since it’s free, it’s not all that great, but at least now there’s a way to search the archives. Which is good, cause they were getting clunky. It will appear on the lefthand side of each page, under the archives links, so check it out if you’re trying to find that brilliant analysis of world affairs I wrote last month (hah!).

Sure, there are some really dumb ones as well. There are plenty that I disagree with. But at least there’s (for the most part) informed debate going on, and not just a bunch of name-calling.

Of course, now that I bring this up, some idiot will probably decide to troll me just for the fun of it. I know I’m tempting them bigtime. But I think that credit should go where it’s due. So if you’re here reading what I have to say, have a look at what some of them are saying as well.

Update: They’re all back now.

I guess you get what you pay for.

The good news is the comments seem to be working again!

I’m not sure why. I’ve been home most of the day. Certainly, there’s tons to blog about. But somehow, the words won’t come. Maybe it’s emotional or informational overload? Who’s to say?

But I’m having the same problem in French . . . even worse! Having decided my writing skills in French are laughably horrid, I enrolled in a course at l’Université de Montréal this semester in effort to improve it. So far so good, except that my measly little homework assignment consists of writing about a half-page, and I can’t seem to work up the motivation. Sad, ain’t it?

I guess some days our brains are just on “off”.

Wow, those folks over at RightWingNews are gonna revoke my award or something!

I guess now would be a good time to re-state my positions on certain issues: Pro-choice, against religion in public schools, pro-gun control, and pro-social programs.

I will resist being labelled until the end!

Congruent events occurred at Montreal’s Concordia University. In September, Palestinian supporters clashed with riot police before a planned speech by former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Then, in December, the Concordia Hillel had its funding cut by the Concordia Student Union — allegedly for displaying a pamphlet for the Mahal 2000 program, which helps diaspora Jews volunteer for the Israeli army.

Bloggers were the only ones to pay attention to these events in the United States. Despite hundreds of articles on anti-Semitic incidents in France, the confrontations at Concordia received scant press coverage.

Bloggers like [Glenn] Reynolds and California Web designer Charles Johnson focused the attention of readers on the issue.

Now, Noah Joseph, a Concordia Hillel student leader, feels he’s got an international network of support.

“Were getting an absolute influx of e-mail — 400 to my personal account, thousands more to a general mailbox,” Joseph said. “It’s uplifting to know you’re not alone in all of this.”

I guess I could feel slighted that nobody mentioned me as the person who sent the story to Instapundit and LGF in the first place . . . but that would just be narcissistic. The point is, the Concordia story got more coverage thanks to them, and that’s all that matters.

Speaking of Noah Shachtman, he’s got a new blog, Defense Tech about technology and defense and the relationship between the two.

So have a good one, everyone, and try not to let any of the discussions get too out of hand while I’m gone. Best wishes for a Happy New Year.

Sadly, certain people have not seen fit to keep their comments in the realm of decency. I really don’t want to have to start censoring comments. So I’m asking everyone (this means YOU) to keep any racist remarks to yourself – or at least to another part of the web. It has no place here. And it just discredits you in the process and reflects badly on you.

In the meantime, I’m stealing the official policy on comments from LGF (cause it’s so brilliantly-written there):

Comments are open and unmoderated, although obscene or abusive remarks may be deleted. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of segacs’s world i know.

That’s the policy, for the time being. But racism has no place here, in any form. I’m asking you to practice some self-restraint, and if you really can’t do that, I WILL be forced to step in.

Oh, and check out the new FAQ for this blog.

Oh yeah, and in case you want to swap links (although I have no traffic yet so I don’t know WHY you’d want to), let me know.