Scott’s Rules of Computer Repair: 1. No matter how many different ways you turn a twisted wire, it cannot be untwisted. 2. The cable that you unplug is not the one that you meant to unplug. 3. When you reinsert the cable that you just unplugged, it’s the wrong one. 4. You cannot possibly find the cable that you wanted to unplug. 5. If tech support techs you to follow a series of steps, and provides a nice online graphic, one of the steps will not show up on your computer. There will be fewer folders and files displayed than support claims exist. 6. When tech support says that if it doesn't hear from you in seven days, the company will assume your problem has been fixed, it means the problem hasn't been fixed. Read more...

Political parties and their philosophies are clearly outlined in their attitudes towards Christmas. Democrats wanted to give Santa bailout money and supported the right to unionize by the UBOE (United Brotherhood of Elves.)  They also urged Santa to stop using toys made by poorly paid far-Eastern child labor. Republicans condemned the old man as an example of Socialism and called an investigation of the source of Santa’s funds. Read more...

PBS is following up its ageless Six Wives of Henry the XIII, with a more contemporary “The Eight Wives of Larry King.” Both series demonstrate that marrying a king can be risky business. ... I got one of those typical notices from my insurance company, "This is not a bill." I sent back a letter saying, "This is not a payment." Speaking of healthcare, I'm not in favor of letting bureaucrats decide healthcare issues. I think we should leave that in the hands of the insurance companies where it belongs. Read more...