http://yomcat.geek.nz/lifetype/index.php?blogId=1 Michael Welsh, the runner of Michael's Blog. Michael Welsh is also known as yomcat, and has a beautiful wifey called Melissa. Michael Welsh will talk about random stuff in Michael's blog. Stuff like advanced mathematics and pretty beads. If it doesn't offend people, it's not worth saying. yomcat 2010-09-06T21:08:11Z http://yomcat.geek.nz/lifetype/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=1320&blogId=1 I wants this shirt. The screen shot isn't very good because it's from a protected video (DRM is annoying).<br/><img src="/photos/shirt.png" /> Stuff 2010-07-01T02:09:04Z yomcat http://yomcat.geek.nz/lifetype/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=1301&blogId=1 Here are the rules. Blatantly stolen from the Internet.<br/><ol> <li>From 11 June to 11 July 2010, you should read the sport pages so you are aware of what's going on regarding the World Cup and will be able to join in conversations. If you fail to do this, you'll be looked at in a bad way or be totally ignored. DO NOT complain about not receiving any attention.</li> <li>During the World Cup the television is mine, mine, mine at all times without any exceptions.</li> <li>I don't mind if you have to pass by in front of the TV during a game as long as you do it crawling on the floor and without distracting me. If you decide to stand naked in front of the TV, make sure you put clothes on right after because if you catch a cold, I won't have time to take you to the doctor or look after you during the World Cup month.</li> <li>During the games I will be blind, deaf and mute - unless I require a refill of my drink or something to eat. You are out of your mind if you expect me to listen to you, open the door, answer the telephone, or pick up the baby that just fell from the second floor....it won't happen.</li> <li>It would be a good idea for you to keep at least two six packs in the fridge at all times, as well as plenty of things to nibble on. And please do not make any funny faces to my friends when they come over to watch the games. In return, you will be allowed to use the TV on occasion, unless they replay a good game that I missed during the day.</li> <li>Please, please, please if you see me upset because one of my teams is losing, DO NOT say "get over it, it's only a game" or "don't worry, they'll win next time". If you say these things, you will only make me angrier and I will love you less. Remember, you will never ever know more about football than me and your so called "words of encouragement" will only lead to a break-up or divorce.</li> <li>You are welcome to sit with me to watch one game and you can talk to me during half-time but only when the adverts are on, and only if the score is pleasing me. In addition, please note I am saying "one" game, hence do not use the World Cup as a nice cheesy excuse to "spend time together".</li> <li>Most importantly, making love is out of the question during the entire month. It has to be a 'quickie' and that has to be during half-time as well.</li> <li>The replays of the goals are very important. I don't care if I have seen them or I haven't seen them, I want to see them again. Many times.</li> <li>Tell your friends NOT to have any babies, or any other child related parties or gatherings that requires my attendance because: a) I will not go, b) I will not go, and c) I will not go.</li> <li>But, if a friend of mine invites us to his house on a Sunday to watch a game, we will be there in a flash.</li> <li>The daily World Cup highlights show on TV every night is just as important as the games themselves. Do not even think about saying "but you have already seen this...why don't you change the channel to something we can all watch?" The reply will be: "Refer to Rule #2 of this list".</li> <li>And finally, please save your expressions such as "Thank God the World Cup is only every 4 years". I am immune to these words, because after this comes the Champions League, Italian League, Spanish League, English Premier League, etc.</li> </ol> <p>Thank you for your cooperation. <br /> Regards, Men of the World</p> Press Releases 2010-03-17T14:02:24Z yomcat http://yomcat.geek.nz/lifetype/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=1271&blogId=1 I'm kinda thinking about a haircut. However, headbanging to stuff like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z06LXZQwkrc&feature=related">Skillet</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPJTEqfRJVQ&feature=related">Disciple</a> is good. So, I propose a compromise - a <a href="http://yomcat.geek.nz/photos/side_1.jpg">Mul</a><a href="http://yomcat.geek.nz/photos/side_2.jpg">let</a>. Pros and cons please.<br/>Oh, <a href="http://bit.ly/rf342">SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL! SIX NIL!</a> Link of the day 2009-10-26T10:07:03Z yomcat http://yomcat.geek.nz/lifetype/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=1266&blogId=1 Today, I gave a talk. My notes, which (I think) are rather readable, are available <a href="http://yomcat.geek.nz/maths/Gröbner%20Bases%20and%20Codes.pdf">here</a>.<br/>Yes, I know there will be errors. And that I'm missing a almost-vital definition. And that my notation doesn't match up. Link of the day 2009-10-07T14:48:45Z yomcat http://yomcat.geek.nz/lifetype/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=1264&blogId=1 Before my family (including me) spams you, I'll make this a blog post. If you can't make the time, hassle me for a private viewing.<br/><b>Remnant Books & Cards</b><br /> 20 Rongotai Road Kilbirnie<br /> <br /> 16,500 books<br /> 50,000 cards<br /> <br /> Come to have a look and to purchase before opening to the public.<br /> Saturday, 26 September 2009<br /> 10.00am - 4.00pm<br /> <br /> All stock 50% off retail<br /> Books ex Dymocks, Lambton Quay<br /> <br /> Invite only, so bring an invite (print this), or be recognised by me. <p>Mum has made a <a href="http://yomcat.geek.nz/photos/invite.pdf">PDF</a> if printing pick-up lines isn't your thing.</p> Press Releases 2009-09-17T21:59:54Z yomcat http://yomcat.geek.nz/lifetype/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=1263&blogId=1 First of all, the shop is called <b>Remnant Books and Cards</b>. We've also got ~50,000 assorted cards to sell. Signage will be going up on Tuesday, and the official opening date is "October" (It might end up being October -2, but that's not too important).<br /> In case you don't know already, we're at 20 Rongotai Rd - opposite Sportsworld in Kilbirnie.<br/>But the date you all really care about is Saturday September 26. That's when the pre-opening bonanza for friends and stuff will be. It's most likely to be in the evening, and you're all welcome to come (note that I have no idea who actually reads this - if you're just in it for stalking me, please come and buy lots of Wine Guides). There will be drinks, nibbles and books. And books. And even more cards.<br /> If you want a private viewing, or some rubbish like that, either just cruise past, make sure I'm there and come bug me, or send me and email and sort out a time.<br /> We're aiming to have all the stock sorted this weekend. So if you're bored, feel free to come along and help. We pay in books. <tt>(-:</tt> Press Releases 2009-09-11T13:52:29Z yomcat http://yomcat.geek.nz/lifetype/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=1261&blogId=1 There have been developments. Lots of developments.<br /> The main one is that Me and Melissa will be selling these <a href="http://yomcat.geek.nz/books.html">books</a>. 50% off everything. Except some stuff. That will be even cheaper. Everything is first in, first served. And in means to the store. No email purchasing. No returns, No rain checks, no HP, no credit cards.<br/>We have a shop in Kilbirnie. It's on Rongotai Rd, across the road from the bus stop. It used to be a carpet shop. There will be big signs and stuff on the windows, so you'll be able to find us.<br /> The <a href="http://yomcat.geek.nz/books.html">list of books</a> is a guide only. There will be no purchasing off it. At all. If you want a book, and you know some member of my family, we're going to have a "friends first" day, before the real opening. Maybe an evening. But the idea is that ewes get first dibs on everything there. Then we let the schools in, and then it's everyone. More details once I have them, but send me an email if you're interested, to make sure I don't forget you.<br /> However, if you're really desperate, come along on Monday and/or Tuesday next week. We'll be unpacking the crates and setting stuff up then, so you could come, help out, find your books, and hide them under a table or something until opening.<br /> Furthermore, we need a name. I've got a few ideas, but I'll run a competition: Suggest a name that we choose (or use as a basis for the name) and score a book. Entries either here or email me.<br /> We're looking for staff as well. Full time from October (and maybe some of September) till Christmas. And not minimum wage. Sorry, no kiddies allowed.<br /><br /> I think that's all. Any questions, ask them here or email me or whatever. Press Releases 2009-08-27T09:41:59Z yomcat http://yomcat.geek.nz/lifetype/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=1259&blogId=1 Mum and Dad just brought a crapload of books. And I mean a <b><a href="http://yomcat.geek.nz/books.html">CRAPLOAD</a></b>. I think Ivan is selling them. If you want to buy some, hassle him. Or someone that's not me.<br/> Link of the day 2009-08-11T20:47:24Z yomcat http://yomcat.geek.nz/lifetype/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=1258&blogId=1 This list is not exhaustive. And I have seen all of these.<br/><ol> <li>The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe</li> <li>Fun and Fancy Free</li> <li>Wimbledon</li> <li>The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian</li> <li>Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</li> <li>Spiderman 2</li> <li>Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl</li> <li>Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone</li> <li>High School Musical 2</li> <li>13 Going on 30</li> <li>King Kong (2005)</li> <li>Spanglish</li> <li>Gattaca</li> <li>Babe</li> <li>What's Eating Gilbert Grape</li> <li>Monty Python's - The Life of Brian</li> </ol> Stuff 2009-08-05T18:24:17Z yomcat http://yomcat.geek.nz/lifetype/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=1257&blogId=1 I have finally just burnt the first copy of my wedding DVD. Just the ceremony, as the reception has far too much work to go still.<br/>Anyway, it works, up to a point. It even has chapters, though they're the bits that don't work too good. The chapters are: <ol> <li>Introduction</li> <li>Michael Arrives</li> <li>Here Comes Melissa</li> <li>Greetings</li> <li>Readings</li> <li>Homily</li> <li>Marriage Vows</li> <li>Musical Interlude</li> <li>Prayer</li> <li>Rock Out</li> </ol> If people want copies, just hassle me. I currently have no idea if they'll work in a DVD player that isn't Gordon, but they should. I might put some bits online (after the 8th, once my Internet resets), but I'm lazy, and liable to forget.<br /> Oh, if you want a case or something, you'll need to supply one. I just have a big pile of blank DVD+Rs. Press Releases 2009-08-02T21:16:09Z yomcat http://yomcat.geek.nz/lifetype/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=1253&blogId=1 So, my birthday is just around the corner. And that means you're all thinking of what to get me with your every waking moment, and most of the other moments as well.<br /> But never fear! I have compiled a list to give your mind some much needed rest.<br/><ul type="square"> <li>A turtleneck sweater</li> <li>A Jonas Brothers CD</li> <li>A puppy</li> <li>A calculus textbook</li> <li>The High School Musical Box Set</li> <li>Broccoli</li> <li>Copious amounts of instant coffee</li> <li>Trousers</li> <li>Windows Vista Home Office</li> <li>A larger than life poster of Zac Efron</li> <li>Fruit</li> <li>A mitre</li> </ul> Stuff 2009-06-30T13:27:00Z yomcat http://yomcat.geek.nz/lifetype/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=1247&blogId=1 Having (kinda) my own mail server, I have certain privileges. In other words, if I consider you spam or some such thing, I can just block you at the server.<br/>Though the chances of me being pissed off enough to actually do it are quite low. However, I have recently done it for a few things (442, Alpha spam, Archicad). I'm also likely to start using more specific emails - like the ygn@ygn one for the contact here.<br /> In other news, Category Theory is a bitch. Stuff 2009-05-19T22:07:42Z yomcat