computer dentistry.

yesterday, after driving back from new york (and let me tell you, there's nothing to build anticipation like going 85 mph down the upper west side), we attended what is known as a "lan party."

it was actually quite a lot of fun. we spent roughly six hours, minus time for smoking and pizza, playing the freeze tag mod for quake iii, 6-on-6. i aquitted myself respectably, if somewhat without distinction.

however, i was using a different monitor than my own. it happened to have problems. so i did what any computer-savvy person would do. i opened up display properties, clicked on Settings, and then the fabled Advanced button. imagine my absolute shock when a little window popped up that said, "This application failed to start because mscms.dll could not be found." oh joy.

turned the computer back off, unplugged the monitor, swapped with another, plugged that one it, unseated my video card, reseated my video card, rebooted the machine, display properties, settings, advanced. still no mscms.dll.

i have to reinstall windows. it's like when you wake up in the morning and know you have to go to the dentist. it overshadows everything you do.

except it's slightly cheaper.