I've put about 30 seconds of thought into this so there will be holes to poke in this.
What if the world used a zero-sum monetary system?
Like, instead of the price of goods and services slowly climb due to inflation, and minimum wage raised to compensate, how about this: find a thing that will never change in value and constantly base everything else on it.
Pretend we were under an oppressive government that controlled our oxygen supply. We all need approximately the same amount of oxygen to live, and that will never change, so everything else could be measured in O2 units. Pretend that in essence, the value of O2 won't go up or down so there will be no inflation or deflation. O2 could be used as currency.
So what would change is paycheques and the costs of goods/services (compared to the O2 standard) - you would never know how much you were making or how much items on the shelves would cost.
Banks would be in essence, casinoes. Taking out 10 O2 credits? They could be worth 5 or 15 later! And they wouldn't want to hold onto money, what's the point of handing out interest if an O2 will always be worth the same amount?
Salaries would depend on what was needed at the time. A lot of ditches need to be dug? Suddenly an hour of digging time is worth a lot more O2 and ditch diggers are rich!
So I guess what I'm trying to say is I've basically reinvented Communism.
unitiontotter
28 October 2009 @ 12:26 pm
1 comment | Leave a comment
30 May 2008 @ 08:16 am
:(
What happened? I went from rushing home after school or work, excited to play whatever the latest game out. Now I still rush home, but flip aimlessly from game to game, bored out of my mind. Last night I actually went to bed early so I could get back to work sooner. Could I be growing up?
Maybe I should get back into airsoft. I think it's difficult to buy it now due to new Canadian laws though.
- Uni
What happened? I went from rushing home after school or work, excited to play whatever the latest game out. Now I still rush home, but flip aimlessly from game to game, bored out of my mind. Last night I actually went to bed early so I could get back to work sooner. Could I be growing up?
Maybe I should get back into airsoft. I think it's difficult to buy it now due to new Canadian laws though.
- Uni
25 April 2008 @ 11:03 am
So my Asus EEE arrived in the mail yesterday, and it's one sexy piece of equipment.
A $350 laptop the size of a DVD case that has a massive modding community? Hell yes. (There's a $300 version that has everything soldered together so it's impossible to modify, which I avoided)
The manufacturer actively supports modifications to these tiny machines, dropping warranty voiding on some mods.
With a little bit of time and money, you can make this thing into a tiny gaming machine. I'll update when all my parts arrive in the mail. A 2GB RAM stick (up from 512MB) and a 16GB SD card for storage.
Of course, just stock this thing really shines. It comes with Linux installed (to save licensing money) but to my surprise it's really growing on me - everything I would want to install on it is already on there, except for a NES/SNES emulator. I'll probably change the OS to XP this weekend though, just because I like having complete control over my OS and I'm too lazy to learn the back-end workings of Linux.
This thing is built like a brick too. It was originally intended for kids so the case is solid and the hinges are fat and sturdy. It could probably survive a toss down a flight of stairs. The only moving part inside is a fan, since it has a solid state hard drive.
- Uni
28 March 2008 @ 12:23 pm
Hey guys,
Anyone out there know where I can order costume wigs online that will ship to Canada? (Preferably not for more than the value of the wig) Surprisingly hard to find.
- Uni
19 March 2008 @ 11:57 am
I've finally decided on a fursuit head design, as follows:
The colors represent solid pieces. The neck/chin(red) will be snugly fitted and attached to the body - it will have a vertical seam on it with buttons so I can get it on. The chin will be hooked to my chin for jaw movement. The upper head (green) will sit on my head, over the lower jaw, which will hide the seam. I may consider attaching red to green in the back of the head though.
My hope is that this design will be lighter and more tight than conventional fursuit designs. The jaw will be fully and easily functional and the eyes are in the right position. Visible seams will be kept to a minimum for maximum sleek otterness.
- Uni
13 March 2008 @ 01:11 pm
To those of you who remember the '80s:
Syd Lexia
"A Descent Into Pop Culture Madness".
Syd Lexia is a site dedicated to awesome topics such as:
cheesy 80s videogames
cheesy 80s music
cheesy 80s movies
cheesy 80s fads
cheesy 80s merchandise
cheesy 80s commercials
And does it all with a great sense of humor. Check it out and remember the old days when everyone had bowl cuts or mullets, all media only came in 4 or 5 colors, and video games were 2D.
- Uni
Syd Lexia
"A Descent Into Pop Culture Madness".
Syd Lexia is a site dedicated to awesome topics such as:
cheesy 80s videogames
cheesy 80s music
cheesy 80s movies
cheesy 80s fads
cheesy 80s merchandise
cheesy 80s commercials
And does it all with a great sense of humor. Check it out and remember the old days when everyone had bowl cuts or mullets, all media only came in 4 or 5 colors, and video games were 2D.
- Uni
23 February 2008 @ 01:33 pm
If anyone's interested in seeing the movie Jumper, a few of us are going today at the Metrotown theature at 7-ish.
- Uni
- Uni
04 February 2008 @ 01:01 pm
Panhandling for "food money" and spending the proceeds on booze? Slimy.
Conning senior citizens out of their life savings? Slimier.
Making a living out of stealing unemployed folks' last buck? Fucking pathetic.
Let me tell you guys about two companies out there called Primerica and Altig International I've had some experience with - there's most likely a lot more out there. Thankfully I smelled something funny and did a little internet research.
Both these companies found me through my resume posted on Monster.com. Altig spammed me with e-mails while some dude from Primerica actually phoned me.
The scam is the same. These companies promise you a cushy job (Primerica promised $100,000 a year) and will stop at nothing to get YOU...YOUR resume is just perfect for them, no matter who you are. Five years digging ditches? You'd be perfect for selling insurance! Dropped out of grade school? Education not neccesary for your big paycheque! Primerica phoned me after I started working, and the guy advised me to quit my job and start working for them. That's right, they have the balls to ask people to quit their real, honest jobs to take part in their scam.
Once you visit their office (usually some crappy rented POS in the middle of nowhere), they will sit you down, wow over your resume, and tell you you have the job! Awesome! Now all you need is to pay them a $800 training fee. (I think Primerica's is $200, DEAL!)
Once you get the job, you will find out #1 it's all commission, and #2 the commission you make is not enough to survive on. The first thing they will tell you to do is phone up your friends and family and sell them the scam. That's right - for only $800 your parents could be making below minimum wage!
I'd like to end this by leaving a note for the beforementioned companies, because I know they do google their names to try to find any bad press.
If you work at these companies you are the lowest form of life. You are preying on people that are most likely broke, in debt, and living off Kraft Dinner. Yes, you would have to be pretty stupid to fall for your scam, after all, you are making enough money to stay afloat, but stupidity is not a crime. How about doing something a little more respectable, like those people who steal copper wiring, or fraud folks on eBay? At least then you'll know the people you're ripping off won't be starving tomorrow.
- Uni
Conning senior citizens out of their life savings? Slimier.
Making a living out of stealing unemployed folks' last buck? Fucking pathetic.
Let me tell you guys about two companies out there called Primerica and Altig International I've had some experience with - there's most likely a lot more out there. Thankfully I smelled something funny and did a little internet research.
Both these companies found me through my resume posted on Monster.com. Altig spammed me with e-mails while some dude from Primerica actually phoned me.
The scam is the same. These companies promise you a cushy job (Primerica promised $100,000 a year) and will stop at nothing to get YOU...YOUR resume is just perfect for them, no matter who you are. Five years digging ditches? You'd be perfect for selling insurance! Dropped out of grade school? Education not neccesary for your big paycheque! Primerica phoned me after I started working, and the guy advised me to quit my job and start working for them. That's right, they have the balls to ask people to quit their real, honest jobs to take part in their scam.
Once you visit their office (usually some crappy rented POS in the middle of nowhere), they will sit you down, wow over your resume, and tell you you have the job! Awesome! Now all you need is to pay them a $800 training fee. (I think Primerica's is $200, DEAL!)
Once you get the job, you will find out #1 it's all commission, and #2 the commission you make is not enough to survive on. The first thing they will tell you to do is phone up your friends and family and sell them the scam. That's right - for only $800 your parents could be making below minimum wage!
I'd like to end this by leaving a note for the beforementioned companies, because I know they do google their names to try to find any bad press.
If you work at these companies you are the lowest form of life. You are preying on people that are most likely broke, in debt, and living off Kraft Dinner. Yes, you would have to be pretty stupid to fall for your scam, after all, you are making enough money to stay afloat, but stupidity is not a crime. How about doing something a little more respectable, like those people who steal copper wiring, or fraud folks on eBay? At least then you'll know the people you're ripping off won't be starving tomorrow.
- Uni
31 January 2008 @ 08:38 am
There was once a time when I would turn my nose up and scoff at these sorts of things. But, I have come to realize that people who scoff at everything end up being the guy alone in the corner while everyone else has fun. So here's my contribution. Copied from ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
davecko's livejournal. Pretend the person-specific ones are directed to some random guy.
1) Are you currently in a serious relationship?
Yes.
2) What was your dream growing up?
An astronaut.
3) What talent do you wish you had?
I wish I could draw.
4) If I bought you a drink what would it be?
Get me one of those new Aquafina Flavour Shot things, yes they're flavoured water but they taste awesome.
5) Favourite vegetable?
Terri Schiavo
6) What was the last book you read?
A C++ programming book, and I'm still reading it!
7) What zodiac sign are you?
Cancer
8) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where.
Nope
9) Worst Habit?
I chew my nails
10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?
Yes, and then run away when you found out I don't drive
11) What is your favourite sport?
Hockey
12) Do you have a Negative or Optimistic attitude?
Either negatistic or optitive, depending on my mood
13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
I would call for help on my cell.
14) Worst thing to ever happen to you?
That's stuff I don't tell a lot of people.
15) Tell me one weird fact about you.
I grew up without T.V.
16) Do you have any pets?
There's a mouse loose somewhere in our house.
17) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly?
There is always someone home at our place, we'd probably invite you in to sit and talk.
18) What was your first impression of me? (hmmm...careful!)
This one is pretty specific, so I'll direct it towards the person I took this quiz from,davecko. I didn't like you very much, I thought you were snobby and bitchy at first. Now that I know you better I realize that you were just on your period at the time, and I won't hold it against you.
19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
I think clowns are sexy
20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
Hairier and a tail.
21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
Crime partner.
22) What colour eyes do you have?
Brown
23) Ever been arrested?
Nope
24) Bottle or can soda?
Bottle - I can't stand my canned soda slowly un-carbonating. I like capping my soda so it stays bubbly until the last sip.
25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
I'd put it towards my student loans.
27) What's your favourite place to hang at?
Right now? My place.
28) Do you believe in ghosts?
Nope
29) Favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Sleep
30) Do you swear a lot?
Not a lot
31) Biggest pet peeve?
Right now, people who won't take a hint and keep trying to strike up a conversation when I'm working.
32) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
Ambitious
33) Do you believe/appreciate romance?
Romance is one of those tricky things that can be good or bad depending on the moment.
34) If you could live anywhere in the world where would you chose?
In all my travels, I have come to realize that there is no perfect place. The grass is always greener elsewhere, so I choose to stay here for now.
35) Do you believe in God?
Nope.
36) Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?
I just did!
davecko's livejournal. Pretend the person-specific ones are directed to some random guy.1) Are you currently in a serious relationship?
Yes.
2) What was your dream growing up?
An astronaut.
3) What talent do you wish you had?
I wish I could draw.
4) If I bought you a drink what would it be?
Get me one of those new Aquafina Flavour Shot things, yes they're flavoured water but they taste awesome.
5) Favourite vegetable?
Terri Schiavo
6) What was the last book you read?
A C++ programming book, and I'm still reading it!
7) What zodiac sign are you?
Cancer
8) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where.
Nope
9) Worst Habit?
I chew my nails
10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?
Yes, and then run away when you found out I don't drive
11) What is your favourite sport?
Hockey
12) Do you have a Negative or Optimistic attitude?
Either negatistic or optitive, depending on my mood
13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
I would call for help on my cell.
14) Worst thing to ever happen to you?
That's stuff I don't tell a lot of people.
15) Tell me one weird fact about you.
I grew up without T.V.
16) Do you have any pets?
There's a mouse loose somewhere in our house.
17) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly?
There is always someone home at our place, we'd probably invite you in to sit and talk.
18) What was your first impression of me? (hmmm...careful!)
This one is pretty specific, so I'll direct it towards the person I took this quiz from,
davecko. I didn't like you very much, I thought you were snobby and bitchy at first. Now that I know you better I realize that you were just on your period at the time, and I won't hold it against you.19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
I think clowns are sexy
20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
Hairier and a tail.
21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
Crime partner.
22) What colour eyes do you have?
Brown
23) Ever been arrested?
Nope
24) Bottle or can soda?
Bottle - I can't stand my canned soda slowly un-carbonating. I like capping my soda so it stays bubbly until the last sip.
25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
I'd put it towards my student loans.
27) What's your favourite place to hang at?
Right now? My place.
28) Do you believe in ghosts?
Nope
29) Favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Sleep
30) Do you swear a lot?
Not a lot
31) Biggest pet peeve?
Right now, people who won't take a hint and keep trying to strike up a conversation when I'm working.
32) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
Ambitious
33) Do you believe/appreciate romance?
Romance is one of those tricky things that can be good or bad depending on the moment.
34) If you could live anywhere in the world where would you chose?
In all my travels, I have come to realize that there is no perfect place. The grass is always greener elsewhere, so I choose to stay here for now.
35) Do you believe in God?
Nope.
36) Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?
I just did!
28 January 2008 @ 11:18 am
Life has been kicking my ass the past few months, but I really feel like things are turning around for me. Last month I was cleaning countertops and fireplaces, and suddenly this month I find myself working in the IT department of a hospital. My debts, for the first time in a long time, are going DOWN instead of UP. And I've committed myself to working out every day.
And that's not all. Lately at work I've been hearing things about a permanent job availability. An amazing job, that will change my way of life, move me from thinking month to month to long term plans, a car, house.
It won't be easy. I've got plenty of qualified competition and the job is not simple. I'm basically flying by the seat of my pants as it is - at least once every day I have to pretend I know what I'm doing, and quickly learn it _as_ I'm doing it. Pitfalls and catastrophic errors with real, human consequences are around every corner. And this is how it will be every workday for the next couple months. I have over a hundred database programs I need to know, and each one is unique.
But this may be what I was born to do. I kick ass at learning new programs. Where most people nibble at their manuals I devour the software and ask for more. I actually enjoy it.
Maybe even after everything I'll still fall flat on my face, but it won't be through lack of trying.
Wish me luck!
- Uni
21 January 2008 @ 10:20 pm
14 January 2008 @ 07:38 pm
Today was my first day of work way down at Vancouver Children's Hospital. To think that only weeks ago I was doing labour work around a house for my landlord - now suddenly I'm a System Analyst for the Provincial Health Services Authority!
The pay is great, my co-workers are friendly, and the atmosphere is nothing like it was at the office at my old job. It's a government agency so nobody was stressing over how much work I was doing (though I didn't slack off!). The work is challenging, but not too stressful, and keeps me busy, which I like - and my co-workers have been impressed with what I can do so far. While I was learning the systems I realized that my work there actually mattered - if I slack off someone might not get their vital X-rays done, or some kid somewhere might not get scheduled properly to see a specialist. I think this is the first time I've ever said this, but I'm actually excited to go back to work tomorrow!
In general my job is very cool. I get to poke around in the inner workings of the medical system here in B.C. and I have access to _your_ confidential health records! (though what I look through is monitored, so no screwing around for me).
- Uni
The pay is great, my co-workers are friendly, and the atmosphere is nothing like it was at the office at my old job. It's a government agency so nobody was stressing over how much work I was doing (though I didn't slack off!). The work is challenging, but not too stressful, and keeps me busy, which I like - and my co-workers have been impressed with what I can do so far. While I was learning the systems I realized that my work there actually mattered - if I slack off someone might not get their vital X-rays done, or some kid somewhere might not get scheduled properly to see a specialist. I think this is the first time I've ever said this, but I'm actually excited to go back to work tomorrow!
In general my job is very cool. I get to poke around in the inner workings of the medical system here in B.C. and I have access to _your_ confidential health records! (though what I look through is monitored, so no screwing around for me).
- Uni
03 January 2008 @ 03:57 pm
I just had a realisation today. We will never be able to control time. The proof? There is no evidence of time travel yet, and we exist. Let me explain.
Let us suppose, for instance, in the year 3000 they develop the technology for time travel. We can assume that from the year 3000 until the end of mankind, humanity has the access to time travel. That's a long time, so large that, for the sake of this argument, let's assume this amount of time is infinite.
So humankind has an infinite amount of time to play with a time machine. Sure, it may be bottled up tight in government agencies, shrouded in secret for many years. Let's say somehow, the government gets it's shit together and manages to keep time travel a secret for 1000 years. During that thousand years, time travel is used responsibly, the public is unaware. But after that thousand years, the secret gets out. Blueprints become available to the public. The population of the world has the means to build their own personal time machines.
Can we assume that the entire population of the world is going to act responsibly with their time machines, for an infinite amount of time? No. Someone's going to get drunk off their ass, go back to the beginning of life on the planet, and puke onto the first spark of life, destroying humanity. Do-gooders would go back and prevent all the bad things that have happened in our past from happening. Disasters, genocides, etc. Greedy folks would manipulate the stock markets, gamble, etc.
People are clumsy, stupid creatures, and time will not change that. Sooner or later, with the access to time travel, humanity will screw up and mess up time. And that hasn't happened - we're still around, and there is no proof of time travel in our past. I just don't think humanity is capable of protecting the past for an infinite amount of time.
- Uni
Let us suppose, for instance, in the year 3000 they develop the technology for time travel. We can assume that from the year 3000 until the end of mankind, humanity has the access to time travel. That's a long time, so large that, for the sake of this argument, let's assume this amount of time is infinite.
So humankind has an infinite amount of time to play with a time machine. Sure, it may be bottled up tight in government agencies, shrouded in secret for many years. Let's say somehow, the government gets it's shit together and manages to keep time travel a secret for 1000 years. During that thousand years, time travel is used responsibly, the public is unaware. But after that thousand years, the secret gets out. Blueprints become available to the public. The population of the world has the means to build their own personal time machines.
Can we assume that the entire population of the world is going to act responsibly with their time machines, for an infinite amount of time? No. Someone's going to get drunk off their ass, go back to the beginning of life on the planet, and puke onto the first spark of life, destroying humanity. Do-gooders would go back and prevent all the bad things that have happened in our past from happening. Disasters, genocides, etc. Greedy folks would manipulate the stock markets, gamble, etc.
People are clumsy, stupid creatures, and time will not change that. Sooner or later, with the access to time travel, humanity will screw up and mess up time. And that hasn't happened - we're still around, and there is no proof of time travel in our past. I just don't think humanity is capable of protecting the past for an infinite amount of time.
- Uni
28 December 2007 @ 01:50 pm
I've got some awesome news. A job opportunity that I've been really excited about has come through for me, and I'm working again! Yes, it's computer work, but it's at a medical agency, the Provincial Health Services Authority. I'll be helping sick and injured folks with support with their "applications systems" (I'm guessing assisting folks with their benefits, etc). Sounds very fulfilling, and the pay isn't bad either.
Not only that, I get to choose my hours!
- Uni
Not only that, I get to choose my hours!
- Uni
Current Mood: 
optimistic
optimistic20 December 2007 @ 01:24 pm
Today I stumbled across this link: (Creepy middle aged men + Disney Kids show) and as I scrolled through it, the screenshots and comments started to creep me out.
But then I thought - you know, this is probably exactly how people see furries.
With that in mind, I went back through the webpage and tried to understand. I tried to put on these people's shoes and sympathize with them. They're harmless, after all.
But, just too fucking creepy. Sorry!
"She has those "Come to bed with me eyes..." *twitch*"
"When I see images like the one on the top of this page, I only get more determined that Kim should not throw away her beauty by posing as a model or doing a pin-up. Kim is so beautiful, and I think the best way to use someone`s beauty is to let only one person enjoy it."
- Uni
But then I thought - you know, this is probably exactly how people see furries.
With that in mind, I went back through the webpage and tried to understand. I tried to put on these people's shoes and sympathize with them. They're harmless, after all.
But, just too fucking creepy. Sorry!
"She has those "Come to bed with me eyes..." *twitch*"
"When I see images like the one on the top of this page, I only get more determined that Kim should not throw away her beauty by posing as a model or doing a pin-up. Kim is so beautiful, and I think the best way to use someone`s beauty is to let only one person enjoy it."
- Uni
15 November 2007 @ 02:38 pm
Dave is a pro at cooking. Watch his show and learn how to cook while laughing at Asian-style humor.
This week: Seafood Stirfry
- Uni
This week: Seafood Stirfry
- Uni
09 November 2007 @ 11:37 pm
26 October 2007 @ 12:24 am
Cool and easily recognizable story idea, a furry main character, set in a fantasy world. Sounds good to me!
http://www.scifi.com/tinman/
- Uni
http://www.scifi.com/tinman/
- Uni
24 October 2007 @ 05:15 pm
After reading so much about the underground subculture (I'm trying to make it sound cool) of NERF gun modding, I decided to pick one up today for the express purpose of tearing it apart and making it BETTER.
So I sauntered up to the counter at Toys 'R Us with Silfur and Conrad, holding this, trying to look nonchalant. I'm just buying it for my nephew or something. It's close to Christmas, right? But alas, my ploy was seen through right away.
"You guys work at EA?" the cashier said to us, after seeing my booty. Apparently the EA guys are their biggest customers - they like to have NERF gun wars at work. I vehemently denied, deciding that saying that I worked at EA was worse than admitting that I was buying a child's toy gun for my own sick entertainment.
Anyhow, not ten minutes after I had gotten home with it, I had cracked the thing open and ripped out the air restrictor (limits the flow of air that propels the foam darts) and made it into an uber leet foam dart killing machine. Next up, I'm thinking of putting a new, more powerful spring in it so it forces the flow of air into the darts faster, propelling the darts out with more force.
Best $12 I've spent this month!
- Uni
So I sauntered up to the counter at Toys 'R Us with Silfur and Conrad, holding this, trying to look nonchalant. I'm just buying it for my nephew or something. It's close to Christmas, right? But alas, my ploy was seen through right away.
"You guys work at EA?" the cashier said to us, after seeing my booty. Apparently the EA guys are their biggest customers - they like to have NERF gun wars at work. I vehemently denied, deciding that saying that I worked at EA was worse than admitting that I was buying a child's toy gun for my own sick entertainment.
Anyhow, not ten minutes after I had gotten home with it, I had cracked the thing open and ripped out the air restrictor (limits the flow of air that propels the foam darts) and made it into an uber leet foam dart killing machine. Next up, I'm thinking of putting a new, more powerful spring in it so it forces the flow of air into the darts faster, propelling the darts out with more force.
Best $12 I've spent this month!
- Uni
Current Mood: geeky