Halffull.org

Q. Are you treating me like a noob with this FAQ?
A. Of course not, noob.

Q. I’d like to register for the site. How do I do that?
A. First, give me $20. Just kidding, here’s what you do:

1. On the sidebar, there are two small links side by side saying “Login” and “Register” — click on the link that says “Register”.
2. Make up your user name and enter your email.
3. A random password will be emailed to you. Retrieve it from your email inbox and log in. If you are having problems logging into the site, remember that it’s case sensitive and try again. If you’re continuing to have problems, you can email , the site admin.
4. If you want to change your password to something that you’ll remember, after you’ve logged in to the site you will see a white screen with “Halffull (view site)” at the top. Underneath that is a menu starting with “Dashboard” which should be greyed in. Click the “Users” tab, and change your password down at the bottom.

Q. Do I have to register in order to read the site or make comments?
A. No.

Q. I want to post some articles. What do I do?
A. Do this:

1. From the front page of the site, in the same place where you clicked “register,” click on the “Post/Admin” link. It will take you to the white page that has “Dashboard” greyed in.
2. Click on the “write” tab and type out your article. Don’t forget to enter a title and select an appropriate category(ies).
3. When you’re done, click “save as draft” — it will be saved as a draft and redshift, the site Furor - I mean ADMIN — will review and either approve or disapprove. If he disapproves, you’ll cry in a corner and you won’t get any cookies.

Q. What do you expect in terms of articles for the site?
A. You can write about anything you want as long as it’s legal in the U.S. Just remember, there is a difference between comments and articles. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be a rant - I realize this site is known for rants, but it doesn’t have to be. Just try to write it with the feel of an article in mind.

Q. Can I add pictures to my articles?
A. We’d prefer it if you didn’t, but if it helps make a good article, feel free. This site is growing exponentially and our bandwith usage is going up — we’re trying to keep the cost of the site down by staying away from images. Eventually we’ll either have to beg everyone to buy our paraphernalia or turn to the dreaded ads. I was surprised at how much bandwith was used by just adding that little image of our products on the sidebar. At any rate, redshift is careful about maintaining the look of the site, and in order to keep us from looking trashy, we’re staying away from a lot of images. Any time we ask redshift about adding more images there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. As an aside, a lot of halffull viewers are reading us through an RSS reader, so pictures are kind of moot for them anyway. shameless plug

Q. How do I go about adding pictures anyway?
A. Do this:

1. Move your cursor wherever you want the picture and click the “image browser” button.
2. Click the “Upload” button in the top right, then “Choose” to locate your file. If it’s a large image, and you’d rather just have a thumbnail in the post with a link to the full picture, check the “create thumbnail” box and give it a size in pixels - for reference, on an average screen there are ~50 pixels per inch. You should do this if it’s a large picture or it could mess with the layout of the rest of the site.
3. Click the picture you want, enter a description in the box below, click “Get the Code” and “Add it to the post!”
4. Lather, rinse, repeat.

A co-worker of mine just came back from China today. He had been sent there to monitor a supplier of plastic casings for our machines. Apparently there had been some sort of quality issue, and being that my company wisely fired all plastics engineers and outsourced all plastics work, he was the only one found who could possibly help. He described the somewhat dismal though not entirely appalling safety conditions as well as the fact that they seemed like very good workers, despite being paid $100/week. I started thinking of what kind of quality of service I’d expect here for $100/week. If the waiter didn’t have sex with my food I’d be ecstatic. I’ve got some painful messages for American workers here:

1. You are only going to get poorer.
2. Industry is never coming back. No politician can ever bring it back for you.
3. You helped lose it. You succumbed to conditions encouraged by fatcats, but you smiled as you brought about the doom of your lifestyle.
4. You are no better and no worse than a worker in a foreign country. Deal with it.

I’m sick of the type of nationalism that assumes we’re fundamentally different. Somehow an American thrown in a factory as opposed to a Chinese person is going to do better. Yeah right. The American would bitch and moan and get out his newspaper and start asking when lunch is. I do it too. The Chinese person would immediately get to work. Why? Is he better morally? No. He’s hungry! We’ve lost that hunger. We’ve gotten fat and happy and complacent. We got addicted to a much higher standard of living than that of the generations before us.

All of a sudden refrigerators and vacuums and cars and steak for dinner changed from luxuries to necessities. I keep trying to think of a plan to save, and it comes down to: I can’t get rid of internet. I can’t get rid of cable. I can’t get rid of my car. I can’t stop eating decently well. I can’t stop going out at least a few times a week. None of these will change. If my job ever left the country I’d be screwed. I’d have to fundamentally change how I live and find a new career. The only solution is to rise to the top of the company. In order to move up a few levels I’d have to start the habits of lying, fudging, placating, etc. All those things I can’t do because of a damn thing I call integrity. It hurts to see these idiots moving around a few levels above me just preventing the company from doing well. I asked today why the executives who moved our plastics business abroad didn’t demand the same level of safety at the supplier as we have in our plants. The answer is that they don’t care about the people. The people are resources, machines, replaceable and faceless. They only follow safety regulations to avoid legal liabilites. Beancounters. ARGH!

Continue Reading »

There has been a longtime trend in the U.S. of younger Americans not taking an interest in following the general news. My hunch is that this is most likely what keeps so many from voting at election time. According to the U.S. Census, in the 2004 elections, only 51.5% of U.S. residents between 18 – 24 years registered to vote, and of those, only 41.9% actually voted. Of course, during every election year, a hundred celebrities will stand up on MTV and work themselves into a media frenzy in order to promote themselves – I mean, trying to get young people to vote. Election after election, they’re out there trying to “rock the vote” and nothing is being rocked except for their wallets. The problem is the obvious: MTV isn’t out there educating anyone on what the issues are. Instead, everyone is out there for the publicity and to make a buck, and it is showing in the polls. My wish is that someone would get out there and arm the general public for the elections, so when the time comes and the onslaught of media erupts, people would be armed and ready.

Well, someone other than Jon Stewart. In the “Who Can Make More Fun of George Bush” contest, he definitely wins first prize. There isn’t anything wrong with this if you’re a huge liberal and you hate Republicans. But if you’re a conservative like me, the Republican jokes get a little old. According to a statistic I heard during the last election, a large percentage of the 18 – 24 voting demographic gets most of their newsworthy information from satirical sources, the largest one being Jon Stewart. This frightens me, as he generally adds his liberal slant on all things. But I’ve got to hand it to him, he’s giving our young people something that they want to watch – he’s keeping them up on the news (sort of), and he’s giving them a good time while watching. When I was in that demographic, I didn’t pay attention to what was happening, and I found the news rather dull, boring, and extremely repetitive. Actually I still do, but it’s important to me that I know generally what is happening in the world. I hate to say it, but Jon Stewart is sort of on the right track - we need people informing the general public in an entertaining way.

There is a general feeling of apathy that also irritates me. In the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy, people have said to me, “I really don’t care about the 9/11 thing. I mean, it doesn’t affect me. I live on the other side of the country so why should I care?” This may sound pretty extreme, but this is a general feeling held by a lot of people that when things do not directly affect them, they don’t care. And I don’t mind saying that if you’re one of these people, you’re an ignorant, selfish ass. Sorry. Wake up and take a little more notice of what’s happening in your world, even if it just means going to Google News and scanning down the headlines – that can tell you more than an entire day of watching CNN or Fox News.

It is my expectation that all Halffull readers vote at least in the Presidential Elections and have a general idea about what’s happening on planet Earth. If you don’t, I will help you. Here is the recap of what’s currently going on:

The MTV Video Awards was held last night in Miami, Florida. Once again, everyone who sucks won. Prior to the event, as the celebrities walked the red carpet, I happened to be flipping channels when they interviewed Jessica Alba briefly. The interviewer said, “We really lucked out with the weather here in Miami,” to which Jessica Alba replied, “Yeah, no rain. It allows us to wear less than normal clothing.” The interviewer blinked and said, “Uh, yeah…” Obviously no one clued Jessica in to the fact that a HUGE FOOKING HURRICANE is bearing down on the area. Hurricane Katrina has weakened to a category 3 (125-mph winds), but it’s still very dangerous and is moving inland. All of New Orleans has been evacuated at this point so Trent Reznor may show up on your doorstep with a satchel tied to a stick, looking for a place to stay. Anyway, I’m guessing Jessica Alba’s publicist decided not to inform her about the hurricane because she might have worn something a little more appropriate for the weather, such as a life preserver or perhaps even the state of Nebraska, as it is nowhere near the hurricane. CNN and Fox News feel that there is nothing else newsworthy happening, as they reported on this all day yesterday, non-stop. In other news, hundreds of reporters die in New Orleans from Hurricane Katrina.

Continue Reading »

Over the past decade, there has been a switch between television and Hollywood movies. In the past, where movies gave us depth of characters, complex plotlines and suspense, television provided simple stories in short, thirty minute segments. It was a simpler time for television, and movie-makers really knew how to put on a show. Both of them created entertainment that fit well with the times, each of them knowing their place and doing what they did best.

Today, Hollywood is falling flat on its face with titles that would have done well in the 80’s, while television has become much more sophisticated, giving us depth where Hollywood is failing. Wake up, Hollywood, the WB’s Charmed has more teeth than Troy, even though Troy had Brad Pitt and Legolas.

Ok, that’s it. I think we’ve had enough. We’re leaving you, Hollywood. Television can give us what you can’t.

Continue Reading »

I usually have a bit of time at work to do some websurfing, and of course I have my usual list of sites that I check daily. Oh hell, let’s not beat around the bush - I have a TON of time to websurf and write for the site. About a year ago when I started with my current company, I was doing ten times the work I do now and was paid considerably less. Then a better position in another department opened which I applied for and was hired, and now I have a better title and more money although I do a whole lot less. Figures, doesn’t it? It’s very Office Space. The guy I now work for is one of those last minute people, which isn’t too big of a deal except that he’s very picky about details. As in, after I scramble to put together a last minute proposal and it needs to go to compliance right then or it’s not going to make it on time, he wants me to change the font size one up on half of the proposal. This week is one of those weeks where a lot needs to get done and he’s waited until the last possible week to do it.

And that’s why you haven’t seen anything on the site in the last day or so. This bothers me because when I go to my favorite sites I like to see something to read, even if it’s five minutes of crap that I have no interest in. My job leaves me a lot of spare time, and when you’re on your third day of having nothing to do, you appreciate the dumbest ways to spend your time because it keeps you from thinking about how bored you are. No, don’t email me your work. I’m not that bad off, really. Continue Reading »

I caught this one before it was even released! Tomorrow (supposedly) Google is releasing a new service, Google Talk, which is basically a public Jabber server for anyone with a Google account. If you don’t have a Google account, you have no excuse, as I was offering them to anyone a few months back.

I’m excited about this for several reasons. First, the Jabber protocol is much better than AIM, MSN, ICQ, etc. AIM is by far the most popular in my circle, which is understandable but unfortunate. All three of these legacy protocols come from terrible roots, whereas Jabber was designed to be a light, interoperable, secure protocol. It hasn’t become popular yet because there hasn’t been a good, popular server with which everyone could easily get access.

Second, Google can do no wrong. I know, I know, with the rate they’re growing today they’ll be a behemoth down the line, but I’ve never seen them have a really bad idea. It’s like Bell Labs in the golden days. They managed to keep this one secret, too, which is surprising. I’m hoping it’ll become as popular as Gmail. Also, I must note, Gmail was incredibly good in its own right for UI quality. No webmail service (or truthfully, any web service at all) had come close to its polished UI. While talk.google is just a server, I believe, I think the same forethought will show through.

Third, if it becomes a standard chat server, there’s a chance that we can eliminate the huge mess of protocols we’re forced to live with today. It’s a pain having to use 5-7 accounts in your instant messaging program. One good account would be wonderful.

Did I neglect to mention that the server is already running? So, here’s how to set it up:

• screen name: your Google/Gmail account name (skip the @gmail.com)
• password: obvious
• server: gmail.com
• tls: of course
• port: 5222
• connect server: talk.google.com

Comment here if you set it up. I’m currently having trouble seeing buddies online, but I’m not expecting everything to be perfect until they officially release the service.

[update] Google Talk was indeed released this morning, and with a surprise. It’ s not just an IM service, it’s a VoIP client too (for Windows users). This only works with their official client. Another nice surprise was that they have a chart of alternative clients you can use to connect to their network. How very nice of them! Others should start taking notes, methinks.

[update] Thanks to Manast for this update. You should now use the following settings in Pidgin, and possibly other clients:

• screen name: your Google/Gmail account name (skip the @gmail.com)
• server: gmail.com
• Allow plaintext auth over unencrypted streams: unchecked
• connect port: 443
• connect server: talk.google.com
• Force old (port 5223) SSL: checked

Three weeks ago, I set out a challenge for Halffull readers who may be affected by stink, filth, and underwear with skid marks, to send in photos of rooms that no normal person would dare enter prior to donning a biohazard suit, whether the room be yours or someone else’s. The winner (and I admit that I would probably only award the person who had a crusty, half-eaten bowl of Spaghettios somewhere in the photo) would receive a nice box of assorted cleaners and soaps, and a Halffull stein. The site stats showed that many people had read my article, a surprising number actually, and that many of the readers had either printed or emailed it. And yet, I received no photos. My assumption is that many of you were so afraid you would win the competition and the photo of your room would be posted and Jessica Simpson would miraculously find her way to this site to see it and your chances with her would be blown.

I want you all to know that this is the dumbest argument I’ve ever heard because I really don’t think Jessica Simpson knows what a computer is, let alone how to work one.

At any rate, no one emailed me photos, although I know the stink is out there, lurking among us. Or at the very least, people with some really unclean keyboards, because I checked the site stats and one of the top key phrases used to find this site is “show me pr0n” and there is no pr0n here, people. At all. However, what I did receive was a few different emails asking me for further information, as well as some embarrassing questions. Let’s get to it.

There’s no easy way to start off this one, so I’ll just come right out and say it. I received an email from a very nice, but embarrassed guy about the dreaded back-acne. Continue Reading »

After a long and grueling staff meeting (and I use the words “staff” and “meeting” loosely here) most of the old items available in the halffull.org shop were killed and replaced with some of the nifty items you’re seeing over on the sidebar. Old items still include the ever offensive but popular Halffull Happy Bear. This has been our most popular item, and it’s funny, so we couldn’t get rid of it. He’s a cute and cuddly little teddy bear whose shirt says “want a hug? go fuck yourself.” The perfect gift.

The coaster, mousepad and regular coffee cup have also stayed the same, just in case a few of you out there are scared of change. This is about all that’s stayed the same, so grab your blankey you crybaby, because here we go.

We have some new shirts that come in different colors. These are cool because they have the simple logo on the front with “halffull” on the back. (You thought it was going to say “poker” on the back, didn’t you? Whack job.) There’s also a women’s shirt that comes in pink, blue-green and yellow.

More up on the shirts: We’ve got a new one that says “My website can beat up your website.” Unfortunately this one is in a hideous shade of green and doesn’t appear to be available in any other colors. Uh, we’ll look into that. It’s a cool shirt, and I would wear one if it wasn’t going to make me look as if I had been drowning in LIMEADE. It does also come in a nice sweatshirt version if you prefer a more subdued color.

Moving along are the Optimist items. Originally this was a t-shirt, and we liked the idea so much that we couldn’t get rid of it, although we felt that it needed a new take on life. So now you can have your very own Jumbo Coffee Mug. Tell your friends, co-workers, and the asses who haul you into a meeting first thing Monday morning or at 3:30pm on a Friday: “I’m an optimist. It’s my only comfort as the world goes to hell.” Also available as a sweatshirt .

The Halffull Stein also had a little facelift. Every cool person owns a stein. The most cool people own Halffull steins. Get one today and support your favorite site! Or, get one and support this cool site that you happen to read a few times a week. Whatever.

Last, but not least, the Halffull hat has also had a little facelift in the same manner as the stein. Black and tasteful, all your friends will want one. Or, at least they’ll be asking you what in the hell “halffull” means. Consider it a conversation piece.

We will be adding more items to the site over the next few weeks, so if you like the site and you’re having a good time, please support us by buying some of our gear. Or, if you aren’t having a good time, but hulk’s doing a good job of pissing you off every couple of weeks, support the site. After all, you’re coming back time and again just to see how mad you can get. Support your anger and buy a bear.

EDIT: We have now added a white “My website could be up your website” t-shirt for anyone who doesn’t want to advertise that they really really like green Kool Aid. You can find it here. Send me an email at if you have any questions.

Let me tell you something about where I live, the great state of Alabama. It is too damn hot.

We have two seasons, the hot season and the holy shit it’s hot season. Guess which one it is right now! I’ll give you a hint: my eyeballs are poaching inside my skull like tiny eggs.

You may have heard people say “it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” If you live up north, or even in the desert out west, you might think you can imagine what this means, but you CAN’T. It is so humid outside right now, that it is no cooler in the shade than in the direct sunlight. When the breeze blows it is not refreshing, just hot wet air moving instead of sitting still. There is water standing at the roadsides from rain two days ago that can’t evaporate. Sweating just adds to the discomfort, because there is no air capable of taking away the hot sticky moisture.

The only available relief is going indoors, because car air conditioners are not powerful enough to overcome the intense heat radiating off the dash and seats, let alone pouring in through the windows like nuclear death. Getting in a car that has been sitting in the sun all day in Alabama is like climbing inside a running nuclear reactor with a bottle of Tabasco up your ass. The next person who asks me “hot enough for ya??” as they walk by is going to get punched in the kidney.

I have lived here all my life, so I should be used to it… I am not. I have decided not to go outside again until October.

This site runs a huge risk of groupthink. The problem is izzat has moved away and it is unknown when or if she will post again. She was our sole liberal voice. That leaves us in the dangerous cycle of me ranting, some random person writing a one-sentence “You’re wrong!” type comment, and before you know it I get lazy in my ranting and I write stuff like, “I don’t like liberals. Therefore I’m right.” or “Cheese is good. Vote for Bush.” However true it may be that cheese is good, I don’t wanna end up like that. Therefore I am extending an offer. For whichever liberal reader of this site has the courage, I am offering you three free rants. What I mean by that is that I will make no refutation of your arguments, as long or short or offensive to me as they may be. It’s open season - for three rants. After that hopefully we can engage in stimulating debate through rants and comments. I will also promise no backsies - I will not attempt to refute an earlier post while on a later topic. Your rants will remain unrefuted - by me - for all time. I cannot speak for redshift or anyone else, but I think you can clearly see on this site that you don’t have much to worry about when it comes to political debate.

My invitation is open, the line in the sand is drawn. Please step forward. I desperately need a sparring partner.