I recently noticed that my RSS feeds weren't displaying links properly because I often use relative links (/address instead of http://domain.com/address).  I searched and found a WordPress support topic that linked to Robert Accettura's AbsoluteRSS plugin.  That fixed it.  It basically just adds the site url to relative links, but it only affects the feeds, not the actual posts.  It currently doesn't deal with relative links that have ./ or ../, but I don't care because I don't use them. #technology

Wow, another politics post!  Actually, this is hardly related to politics.  Don't worry. 

Warren G. Harding ran for president in 1920 with the slogan, "A Return to Normalcy", which suggested returning to a normal state of affairs after World War I.  The word "normalcy" was met with criticism from a bunch of people because they thought he meant to use the word "normality", but used a made-up word instead (later referred to as a "Bushism").  My history teacher in high school, the infamous Lou Palazzi, referred to Harding as an idiot who made up a word and brought it into widespread use by putting it in his presidential slogan.  I've believed this lie for the past 8 years.  Whenever people use the word "normalcy" in a sentence, I'm tempted to (and sometimes actually do) point out their use of a made-up word. 

It was later found that "normalcy" was used as far back as 1857, but it had simply fallen out of use. 

Lesson learned:  Never trust a teacher.  Propagandists! #education

I recently heard a song on the radio that really surprised me.  The music part of it was pretty heavy and I could tell it was a recent song.  But the vocals were so incredibly power-ballad-y that I was just blown away.  The band is called Default and the song is called "Count On Me".  Some of the beautiful lyrics are as follows:

Anytime you need someone
Somebody strong to lean on
Well you can count on me to hold you till that healing is done
And every time you fall apart
You can hide here in my arms
And you can count on me to hold you till that feeling is gone

I haven't heard anything this cheesy since Whitesnake and Meat Loaf.  This stuff is gold. #entertainment

There's this guy named Howard Dean.  He tried to run for president in 2004.  He's now the head of the Democratic National Committee. 

He's best known for his rebel yell, which can be seen here and heard here.  If you've never seen or heard it, please take the time now.  You won't regret it. #politics

Back in the early 1900s (or maybe the 1990s ... whatever) when there were large electronic boxes called "answering machines", the owner used to have to record a greeting that gave pretty specific instructions for the caller.  It usually went something like, "Hi, you have reached ______.  Please leave your name, number, and a short message, and I'll return your call as soon as I can.  Thanks." 

Flip to 2006.  There isn't a person on earth (except maybe those dudes in End of the Spear) that don't know what an answering machine is or how to use it.  In fact, most answering machines have become obsolete and have been replaced by that cyborg lady that lives in a computer and answers millions of phones at once (You know her; she says, "Your call has been forwarded to an automatic voice message system"). 

But people still record their own greetings.  I think this is a problem.  As I'm listening to someone give me instructions for how to leave a voicemail, I'm thinking, "Why is this person wasting my time by telling me what I already know?"  So my advice to all people on earth is this:  Don't record your own greeting.  Use that cyborg lady.  She has one job in life, and she does it well.  And even she thinks her job is stupid.  But there's no way around her.  Unless you're telling me some sort of new and useful information (like when you'll be back or who else I can call), don't record your own greeting. #technology

It's time once again for me to mention a little something about politics.  And this time I'll focus specifically on that guy who's sort of my boss:  George W. Bush, the president of this fine country. 

In terms of politics, I support our president.  And I'm not just saying that because I may or may not work for him.  I felt this way before I started working.  I may not agree wholeheartedly with everything he does, and I don't stick up for him when he's criticized like a Sean Hannity or a Rush Limbaugh.  But I agree with some of the things he says and does, and I generally supported his ideals. 

In terms of personality, I sit the fence.  I like the whole Texas thing and the idea of not messin' with it.  I like the idea of working 24/7:  24 hours a week, 7 months a year. 

What I don't like is when Bush's people let him speak his mind, unscripted.  I think that's a mistake.  I think the man says some stupid things (called Bushisms), though he means well.  I'd like to think that it's gotten better over the years, but judging from the number of Bushisms is the past several months, I'm "skeptimistic". 

On a positive note, I think the man has some good things to say, and I think he's a pretty good motivator (or at least that's what it looks like during those State of the Onion addresses, where everybody stands up and claps every few sentences).  When he speaks well, people listen, and he's become the worldwide spokesman against terrorism.  Think about it:  Can anyone say the words "war on terror" without thinking of GWB?  I think not. #politics

There's this awesome sleeping bag called a Selk'bag by some Spanish company (I think) that fits your body like a glove.  It looks pretty cool, but I can't help thinking that it also looks like a Gumby costume.  (via Digg) #technology

In the 1950s-1960s, a guy named Joseph Kittinger jumped out of high-altitude balloons and set several world records.  It was all part of a series of experiments to determine the effects of high altitude and different atmospheric conditions on the human body.  His highest jump was from 102,800 feet, where he was in free-fall for almost 5 minutes and reached a speed of 614 mph, making him the fastest human to travel through the atmosphere.  (via Digg) #science

I have this thing.  Maybe it's because I'm a geek.  Yeah that's probably it.  Or maybe it's because I've been on the receiving end.  The thing is:  I get a little angry when people pack up early.  Like in class when it's almost time to leave and people put their books away and put on their jackets.  I'm not usually a courteous person, but would it be that hard to show a little courtesy and just wait 2 more minutes until the professor's done?  Do you think you're saving time by putting on your jacket?  Do you think you can make all kinds of noise and not disturb the other people in the room?  Some people are trying to learn.  Actually, I'm usually not trying to learn.  And I'm usually not paying attention.  But at least I sit there quietly and don't cause a commotion. 

Or in church or Bible studies when people close their books and put their pens away.  Here's what that says:  "I'm no longer listening.  I'm done.  As soon as you stop talking, I can leave.  Nothing you say after this point will be remembered.  You're wasting your time."  Can't you just wait?  I feel like a mom here again:  "Have patience, dear!"  Just sit there and wait until it's over.  Gosh! #psychology

White Castle has a petition on their website that's a suggestion to make the day after the Super Bowl a national holiday.  Their reasoning is solid:  1.4 million employed adults call in sick.  More people go to Super Bowl parties than New Year's Eve parties.  "Play Sunday.  Rest Monday.  That's our angle, dig?"  I'm feeling it. #sports