On Commenters

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Say what you will about the quality (or lack thereof) of government officials, I’m just exceedingly glad that the people who comment on news websites are not in charge. Holy crap, the stupid burns.

I suppose newspaper editors would have always had to deal with various deranged Letters to the Editor, but I was able to retain some faith in humanity because the editor would use some discretion to weed out the most absurd, crazy letters and so I’d only see the mostly-sane letters that they’d publish.

The Internet has served to enhance communication for people all over the world, and for that I’m pleased, but it’s also served to bring the crazies out of the woodwork. Some times it makes me want to disconnect and go hide.

That said, YouTube commenters are by far the worst, but I guess I’ve adapted to that and consider YouTube to be a video side with a side of fresh stupidity. I’ve not yet wrapped my mind around the same thing with news site comments.

Colorado Shooting

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The news is reporting that someone opened fire in a theater in Colorado, shooting 71 people and killing 12.

I’m not really sure what to say, or if there is anything that can be said.

Although I can’t do anything from where I am, I’d like to express my heartfelt condolences and sympathies to all those affected by this tragic incident.

Fear me, for I am root

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Google Authenticator Plugin: I’m sorry, but it is not possible for you to import an existing shared secret. You must generate a new one.

Me: Really? That’s annoying.

GAP: Yup. Sucks to be you.

Me: Fine. *generates a new secret* Oh, there’s something I ought to tell you.

GAP: Tell me.

Me: I have root access to the database in which the secret is stored. *edits the appropriate entry in the database, thus restoring the previous shared secret*

Nice Weather

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Switzerland’s warming up a bit, with weather being sunny and warm for the most part. Trees have fully grown back their leaves, there’s a pleasant breeze, and things have been going well in the lab. So far, this year’s doing pretty good by me.

This weather reminds me of one of the great things that Europe has to offer the world: sidewalk cafes. Sure, there’s outdoor seating at a lot of eateries in the US, but it’s just not the same as walking down the street, sitting down at a random cafe, having a drink, and watching the world go by. A simple, laid-back sidewalk cafe on a side street in Bern is great, but it’s nothing compared to the cafes in Paris. Truly one of life’s great pleasures.