IceSamurai.net

had to restore some files that were deleted on an old MS DOS filesystem (old phone), but since I don’t use windows anymore, I needed a nice utility that ran on a *nix related OS (Mac OS X).  TestDisk / PhotoRec is a nice free utility to do just this.

Passes the 5 minute test in spades.

I just had to post this because it’s rather amusing.

Original from http://www.madatoms.com/site/blog/sci-fi-superfan-reference-chart

It’s missing Farscape though…
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My 2001 VW Jetta Wolfsberg Edition will be turning 10 years old this year.  I’m trying to keep it on its last legs as long as possible before I let it completely die (hopefully mid-2011).

So back in October, my starter motor started making an appalling sound. Every time I started the car (after it had sat for more than six hours) it made a grinding sound that was comparable to what I guess would be the sound of a duck being stepped on.

I found some great DIY directions at vwvortex.com’s forums: article here.  I just pulled out the starter to clean and re-lubricate it (saved me more than $200 for a new starter motor).  In all took me about 3.5 hours (about 45 minutes of it working on the upper bolt and stud nut… my own stupidity, hence #1 below).

The article is spot on, although there a few things:

1. Use an 18mm socket, especially if your car is more than 8 years old and it is the original factory installed starter motor.  If you use the open-ended wrench your probably just going to strip the bolt (particularly the top one) or bend the wrench prongs.  It started to on mine, so I just went an got an 18mm socket… got the bolt out like a charm after that (and a cheater bar, thanks to my roommate).
2. The cable harness/bracket that is attached via the upper stud nut will, at least on the ‘01 Jetta 1.8t WE, will be in your way visually.  you’ll probably need someone else to be your eyes (with a mirror) to guide you while your under the car trying to get the socket on the upper stud nut.
   

   cable bracket with two purposes: Useless and in the way!

3. Mechanics gloves will probably save you from your share of cuts on your hands, fingers and knuckles… really, that goes for repairing anything in the engine compartment (e.g. PCV tube and anything behind the radiator)

Sometime back in 2002 a friend of mine from the Boston area introduced me to the movie The Boondock Saints.  I liked it so much, I bought it on DVD (and still wonder why the hell it didn’t make a theatrical run).  Thanks Trish!

The sequel is out now, and it’s badass.  Damn good.  So to whore my little niche on the web out to Hollywood, here goes:

The original movie (1999):

I found these commercials about a year ago, I still laugh when I watch them.

Hockey Rules: Never date within the division.  (Bruins and Habs are major rivals).

Hockey Rules: Never tuck in your jersey.  Reminds me of the earlier days on the internet, on IRC (chat) you could “slap” somebody “around a bit with a large trout.”