2004 March

Reflections Of The Flying Days

There are days where I feel like they are passing by so fast, that all I can do is hang on and hope it slows down. These are the times when I feel like I’m somehow wasting my time. I have a hard time coming to terms with that because I’ve seen how big the world is, and how much I haven’t experienced yet, that I’m in a hurry to experience it all while I can. There will come a time when I do have to settle down, and I can’t have the freedoms that I enjoy now. Perhaps this is all the wrong way I’m looking at it. Maybe I’m just hyper and always want to spring into action. Running isn’t enough. Or maybe I’m just being prevaricate.

I think living out in the country has changed me somewhat. For example, I’ve shaved my head, and am listening to a lot of rockabilly lately. Just don’t expect me to be concomitant at a barn dance. That doesn’t mean I can’t make fun of and put down rednecks anymore, because I’ll never become a part of that lifestyle, but it’s interesting nevertheless how quickly I’ve changed my tastes.

Microsoft Fined $611.8 Million

CNN Money has a news report up stating the European regulators ruled Wednesday that Microsoft broke antitrust law and levied a $611.8 million fine for illegally crushing the competition. This is approximately 1% of Microsoft’s finances in a 48 day period.

“”Today’s decision restores the conditions for fair competition in the market concerned and establishes clear principles for the future conduct of a company with such a strong dominant position,” Competition Commissioner Mario Monti said in a statement.”

Bill Gates, after hearing the fine amount, asked the commission nonchalantly, “Would you like fries with that?”

Too Funny

Animal House

Q: How many animals can you fit in a pair of pantyhose?

A: 10 little piggies, one ass, two calves, one pussy, and some crabs on hares.

From the Comedy Central’s Joke archives.

Freedom Curtailed (My Take)

After seeing Simon’s post on his blog regarding our freedoms being taken from us, with both the gay marriage issue, and the FCC going after Howard Stern, I thought I’d provide my own thoughts too.

Regarding gay marriage, I’m fine with it. I’m not gay, but I believe every person should live their life the way they want to, and whatever makes them the happiest. If a person is happy being with the member of the same sex, then by all means, go for it. It doesn’t bother me in the least. I think they are entitled to marriage, because marriage is not about religion, it is about sacrifice, commitment, and two people becoming one in their daily lives. Everyone is entitled to that, no matter what views they hold, what color their skin is, what they eat for breakfast, and so on. People oppose it, saying it will corrupt America, that it devalues marriage, and it is morally wrong. What can gay people do to America? These are the type of people that don’t mind doing the dishes, complimenting you on your fashion, and giving you makeovers. I know, that’s a general stereotype, but you don’t see gay people getting fights in bars, going to war, or telling a religion sect what to do or not to do.

I used to support the FCC going after Howard Stern, and other people that spew stuff I don’t agree with, but then I figured that would be doing no better than what China does to their media, or any other country does ti stifle free speech. If you don’t agree with Howard Stern, don’t listen to his radio station, or watch his show on TV. Same with Martha Stewart, if you don’t support her actions, don’t buy her products, don’t watch her show, and don’t use her cake recipe. Now I realize the FCC isn’t a good thing, and it’s amazing how quickly I can change my stance on something I seriously considered for so long. Maybe it’s all a part of maturing or something, but one thing I do keep in mind, is to always keep an open mind. That way I can continue to grow mentally and emotionally no matter how old I get.

So to make a long story short … hah, kidding.

Make No Apologies

I make no apologies for eating what I want, thinking what I want, understanding the consequences of my actions and going ahead with it anyways, discovering lessons the hard way, reliving my past and moving forward, and flipping two birds at the world. I like being care-free, taking chances, being shocking, daring myself to cross the line, and seeing where the chips fall where they may. I am unstable, erratic, confused, and I know perfectly well where I’m going. I live my life two seconds at a time, and it passes by in a blur. I appreciate the qualities and the quantities at the same time, and yes, I do judge the book by the cover.

The best part? I’m living life. No apologies.

Can Spam Get Canned?

Reading this story on Yahoo about the large ISP’s going after hundreds of spammers actually for once makes you want to like Microsoft, AOL, and Yahoo. With the new Can Spam law in effect, these companies are taking advantage of the situation to go after the scums of the internet. Hooray for these companies, they get my vote of support (for now.)

” The companies said the defendants include some of the nation’s most notorious large-scale spammers. The Internet providers � collectively with tens of millions of subscribers � said they shared information, resources and investigative information to identify some of the defendants.”

Oh and in case anyone wants to kick these guys in the shin if discovered at the grocery store or something:

” Among the named defendants were Davis Wolfgang Hawke of Medfield, Mass., whom AOL lawyers said also is known as Dave Bridger, and Braden Bournival of Manchester, N.H. They and others were accused of sending millions of e-mails offering weight loss supplements, handheld devices called “personal lie detectors” and other products.”

Busy Rockin’ The Casbah

I’ve been staying busy lately, which is why I haven’t had many posts on here recently. I’m working on a new website for someone, which is essentially my first paying job gained through Designtopia. As always, you can expect web standard goodness, and a clean feel.

I’ve been listening to this fantastic rockabilly station based in Tokyo while working. I’ve been in a stage where I long for good old rock and roll, and none of that morbid and depressing crap that MTV has been playing for the past few years (grunge, numetal, rapmetal, etc.) It’s so good to hear good music without the crap and commercials.

I cut my own hair last night. I’m not talking trim either. I’m talking the “I’m having a mid-life crisis and I’m bored” type haircut. If you’ve seen Empire Records, you know what I’m talking about. It’s an interesting feeling to cut your own hair, quite … liberating. Of course it’s not perfect, far from it, but interesting nevertheless. See for yourself.