Cyber Riot

Did you hear about the web's "cyber riot"? Here's what happened:

A few days ago, some users of Digg.com began posting a code that can help hackers break the copy protection built into HD DVDs. The code's discovery wasn't particularly newsworthy: Wired had posted the code back in February. But Digg started taking down the code posts, and explained that it was protecting itself from lawsuits. None of this was out of the ordinary because Digg — a site where users can post stories and then recommend them or "bury" them so the most popular stories hit the site's homepage — takes down stories that violate its rules all the time. But something about this code, or perhaps the way the news was broken to them, resonated with Digg's 1.2 million members, and they revolted.

You might think that this is not big deal. Maybe not to you. But the web has all sorts of information, and eventually some of it will matter to you. Google has conspired with China to withhold information from Chinese citizens in the name of the almighty dollar while sporting the motto "Don't be evil". The key to the internet is the access to information. It is a free society--except when some of the portal owners make it not free. So the Digg founder decided to withhold information and he sparked a riot.

Good. The internet is one place that doesn't need taxes or censorship. We have enough of that in the real world.

China & Food Products

I saw organic garlic, I think it was, imported from China. Given stories like these, I don't think I'll be buying anything edible for man or beast from China anytime soon.

MacBooks, Pistons, Rockets and Nowitski

Here is a commentary on our times:

My brother and his wife each are plunking away on lap-tops (one Mac, one PC), my husband on his laptop watching his flatscreen, me on the iMac, and oh, my sister-in-law watching the iChat on the MacBook sitting next to her. There were more computers than people.

Today, brother and sister-in-law and husband are iChatting in the same room with my daughter watching over the shoulder of my SIL.

"Ewwwwwwwwwww! Aunt A, I told you, you shouldn't marry him."

Uncle M, "Too late, little niece. We're already married. But even if Aunt A and I weren't together, you'd be stuck with me. In fact, I'd probably live in the pool house in the back yard [Note to readers: we have no pool house, a point I didn't note because he was on a roll] and roll out of my bed...."

My husband finishes, "And into the pool to take a bath."

"Yup, and then you'd be stuck with me all the time. I'd be that uncle."

She sidles up next to me and whispers, "Mom, Uncle M is gross."

"What did he do?"

"Picked his nose into the camera. His booger was huge"

This is where technology brings us. Three adults sitting around the same living room "chatting" and doing disgusting things into the camera. Meanwhile the playoffs continue.

And Houston lost, which sucks.

And Detroit won and won! (Wings and Pistons) Which doesn't suck. The Rockets fans are all about positive reinforcement. The Pistons' fans are, how to put this, more emotionally involved. Sometimes I think that is a good thing. While Houston is generally an easy-going city, sometimes I miss the do or die of Detroit. Okay, I miss the do. the die part I can live without. Michigan doesn't have much going for it these days besides natural resources and sports. Otherwise it's a socialist state. Speaking of.....

Dirk Nowitski is why socialism doesn't work. Good grief! That guy was phoning it in for the pension. Lame. Lame. Lame! What a joyless, soul-sucking player. Totally overrated and he gets the MVP? What utter crap. If you had to have a big man on your team would you pick him? I didn't think so.

And speaking of big men, what's up with all the crying these days? So many players are waiting for the call instead of going to the basket and willing the thing in there. Even Tim Duncan, a former favorite player, has turned into a world class cry baby. Take the ball to the bucket like you mean it and stop waiting for the call, already. Sheesh!

Take My Survey

Please help me help you. (I just had to write that. Isn't that an annoying statement? Ugh.) Anyway, I'm curious to know who my readers happen to be. It could even help me get advertising dollars here. Thank you so much!


The link is in the right-hand column.

David Hasselhoff Hottie--UPDATED

My sister has an unnatural affection for David Hasselhoff. I found this out tonight while iChatting. You think you know someone. Here's a video for your consumption--in the interest of truth: to balance his drunken blather this week.

David, my sister is a ready, willing and available. She's just your type: twenty years younger, blond and, did I mention, available?


UPDATE: The Manolo weighs in:

Manolo says, yes, it is the mighty Hasselhoff shirtless and intoxicated.

The Manolo asks you, which great artist has not also been tormented by his demons?

Among many artistic geniuses drink seems to be the preferred method of placating these demons, drink and the occasional bare-chested cheeseburger.

Waitin' On the World to Change

I've been one of those people who've been plugging in my iPod keeping myself amused this past week. It's easier to tune in to Idol, marvel at Britney Spear's chronic meltdown and ponder dog strollers than face this world:

• John Mayer (do you even know him?) makes Time's most influential list and yet the leader of the free world somehow doesn't make it.
  
• A terrorist, Jose Padilla might get off the hook because ignorant jurors believe all the conspiracy theories about 9/11. Some scoff that Rosie has an effect. Oh, really? I have viewed the enthusiastic audience response of evidence that they buy her insanity hook, line and sinker.
• Consequences, the media is just now imagining the consequences of leaving Iraq.
• May Day reveals the ideological fault lines building in America.
• And then there is the megolomaniac religion that is intent on fighting everyone (Hindus, Buddhists, Secularists) to the death and win.
• It turns out that there is a slippery slope when it comes to you're free to be and do whatever you want in your bedroom. Now we have a couple in Ohio a father and step-daughter who want to make incest legal. Next in America: Legalized sex with animals! Legalized marriage to football teams! And it all started with the ever-so-innocent gay marriage.
• And one of these people just may represent our country.
  
• Worst of all (not really), expect more dead dogs and more crazy McGreevey stories.
  

So, I'm all about superficial fluff. Good grief, what a disturbing week, in a decades worth of disturbing weeks. Anyone who says that the culture hasn't significantly, irrevocably degraded must be delightedly swimming in swill.

Got to run, there's a tornado coming. No, really!

Another Instance Where Women Are Treated Unfairly

Why do men get all the credit for being mass murderers? Women are really, really good at killing people for fun, too. As a sign that America is truly gender neutral, I predict more mass murdering women. It's only fair.

Judge Poopy Pants

Satisfaction guaranteed or I'll sue your legal immigrant ass for $65 million 'cuz that's just how tough a Judge I am.

American Idol Reveals A Racist America?

That's the line anyway, if a white guy wins. Ann Althouse thinks that three black women in the final means something:

But, traditionally, over all the seasons, we've seen white male singers stay on the show when superior black female singers have been voted off. That did not happen last night.

Well, one person has to win. If the winner isn't a black woman is America racist?

Once Sanjaya and Haley were out, the voting seemed to be an honest representation of talent. Since this is the first season I've watched, I think the results have been fair. I would have liked Phil to stay another week. I can't believe I just wrote that. He's truly grown on me. The other contestents seem heart-broken that he's gone, too.

Once you get into the top four, though, it starts to become a preference of style. That's why I think the race question is bogus. This is a competition for a pop singer. The winner won't be touring with the Three Tenors. So while Blake doesn't possess the most gifted voice, and still must deal with nerves, and needs to put more feeling into his performances, he is fun to watch. Give me a break! Gwen Stefani and Madonna have both had long careers and it's been all style over substance. At least Blake can carry a tune and he's innovative. Does it mean that America is racist is they pick Blake as the new Idol because the girls can sing better? I don't believe it.

The girls remaining are so incredibly different vocally and yet all have big voices.

• Lakisha reminds me of Nell Carter. Don't laugh! Nell started on Broadway and had an incredible singing voice. Lakisha needs training on breath control and phrasing--that will help her with her pitch problems. As far as sheer power, Lakisha has tremendous potential. She really should get some operatic training.
  
• Melinda Doolittle has true vocal versatility and the most control of her instrument of anyone on the show. The comparisons....she's Gladys Night and a little Aretha Franklin thrown in and a whole lot herself which is why I love her voice so much. It's unique. If Melinda has a weakness, it's that she doesn't look popish. I know, it doesn't sound fair. From the positive perspective, the no-necked troll Natalie Maines from the Dixie Chicks has a career. Or had one, until she thought someone cared about her political opinions. Jordin and Blake have the "look", while Melinda must try really hard to be hip. Her voice wins though. She's my favorite. (And, most of you probably don't know this, but I'm white.)
  
• Jordin Sparks has the best stage name, doesn't she? She is fun and vibrant and her vitality comes through her music. She doesn't have the vocal maturity and control yet, though. So while Melinda could handle Bon Jovi week, Jordin kinda fell apart. True, it's not her style, but great singers can move between genres pretty effortlessly. That being said, this competition isn't all about voice which is why Blake is such a big contender. Jordin possesses stage presence in spades. She loves the stage and given the right handling, she will thrive there.
  

Overall, stage presence is a concern for Lakisha. She has not sold me yet that she loves being up there. Melinda and Jordin connect with the audience on a core level. They are singing and believing. Elvis sang and believed and you believed watching him. All the greats, even Bon Jovi, sing and believe and make the audience believers. Bon Jovi said, "This is my church." Well, when Jordin and Melinda are up there we're hearing the Word through their delivery.

I guess I feel that the race question is unfair. All the final contenders have their strengths and weaknesses. All could be great. In fact, I believe that the top four will have significant music careers. (They all seem better to me than that dopey dude who won last year.) For that matter, Phil and Gina Glockson will probably have winning careers as a result of the competition.

The Final Four on Idol are unique talents. Their skin color doesn't count as a talent. Their reproductive organs don't count as a talent (okay, well, Antonella's might). American Idol seems to be the best indication that Martin Luther King's dream is closer to reality than ever. But not if we keep bringing up race.

McGreevey's Pathological Need ..... for Power

Only one profession possesses more power than politics: the clergy. A minister is a spiritual guide backed by God. Many a governor or senator wishes he or she had that power. Not quite. Yet.

While no servant of God claims perfection, it's nice when they attempt to live a godly life. Character counts in this position. James McGreevey was a habitual adulterer and demonstrated other character defects. Now he wants to enter the clergy.

Justin Taylor discusses pastoral requirements. He says:

Sound doctrine is not enough, because according to Scripture, the fundamental qualification for pastoral ministry is godly character. Neither skill, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, nor reputation, nor personality, nor apparent fruitfulness of public ministry will suffice. Scan 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, and you will encounter a profile of personal piety.

*****
We believe that the biblical requirement for a pastor is not flawless character but mature character. We are all progressively growing in godliness. A pastor who recognizes an area of immaturity, and takes specific action towards change, demonstrates close attention to his life and doctrine. Likewise, if a particular instance of non-disqualifying sin occurs in a pastor's life, but he genuinely repents before God and the appropriate individuals, this also honors the passage we are examining.

There are, of course, some sins that are particularly serious, both in the effect they have upon others and what they reveal about the condition of the heart. Even a single instance of such sins--sexual immorality, financial impropriety, violent behavior, etc.--would automatically disqualify a man from pastoral ministry. Beyond such grave instances of sin, however, a serious ongoing pattern of disobedient deviation from biblical requirements in the life of a pastor can also be disqualifying.

The Episcopalian church has relaxed their requirements somewhat, obviously.

There is a purpose for stringent (by today's mores) bishop/leader standards. The person filling the position of church elder doesn't just lead by words but by example. Sure, everyone, including elders, sin, but chronic sin that reveals a deficit of character shouldn't be ignored within a congregation. It most definitely should be dealt with behind a pulpit.

These days, the church is so politically correct, it's like the church at Corinth. Of all places, the church should demonstrate the ideal. A minister of Christ gets all the authority benefits of the position. His or her life is constrained for the good of others as a result.

American Idol: Bon Jovi Is In The House

Who knew that being big haired, boy bands belting bleeding heart lyrics were so tough? Last night's Idol made Jon Bon Jovi look really, really talented. Actually, one of my all-time favorite rock-n-roll songs with the best lead-in of all time is Bon Jovi's. Here are two versions. The first is a live version where the band is ad-libbing. The second is pure, unadulterated rock "experience" video.

The song, Lay Your Hands on Me, is delivered like a religious experience. He's talking about healing, no doubt.



Drudge says that LaKisha and Chris are out tonight. It's anyone's guess. I figure Melinda and Blake for the finalists with everyone else peeling off between now and the end. Jordin kind of fell apart this week. I don't see her as #1, though. That's the current ranking. What do I know?

Britney Spears Beloved Boots

What more can be said about Britney Spears the uber modern woman (boobs, babies, divorce and dirty dancing)? Clearly, she isn't listening to anyone with sense these days--at least about anything meaningful. Perhaps she heed some sound sartorial advice.

Unspeakables....And Unreadables

A local Houston Al Sharpton wannabe Quannel X remains a media favorite in spite of his crazy racist rhetoric. Tonight I'm watching the news (because American Idol night is tonight--I also watch House and do some general channel surfing) and there he is decrying the racism of the John Steinbeck novel Of Mice and Men. He said something to the effect, and I'm paraphrasing, "If we're going to get rid of the word 'nixxer' in rap, then we need to get rid of this book too."

The Steinbeck controversy started because a black teenager assigned the novel was shocked at the language, as was his father Jeffery Jordan who says:

"We are living in a society where this word is so offensive. Why would it be okay [sic] for them to have to read this book in class,” said Jordan.

Instead of illuminating how society has changed for the better, the idea is to expunge history.

Some write about the need to have a conversation about what is permissible talk and what isn't. I guess the conversation will need to include classic literature. Who gets to decide what is permissible?

Political correctness sure looks like censorship these days.

Drunken Pirates: MySpace is YourSpace From California to the New York Island

Now this is just stupid: A college student teacher-in-training is denied her degree because she posted this picture on her MySpace account with the caption "Drunken Pirate".

1. Can anyone know the contents of her cup?
2. She was of legal drinking age at the time.
3. Who gives a flip?

She is suing the college for $75,000, her degree (they gave her an English degree instead of a teaching degree) and her teaching certificate.

"The day before graduation, the college confronted me about the picture," Snyder said Thursday. "I was told I wouldn't be receiving my education degree or teaching certificate because the photo was 'unprofessional.' "

Snyder said she apologized for the photograph, but Jane S. Bray, dean of the School of Education, and Provost Vilas A. Prabhu refused to issue the bachelor of science degree in education and teaching certificate Snyder earned.

Instead, the college issued Snyder a bachelor of arts degree in English.

Millersville University spokesperson Janet Kacskos referred questions to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education spokesman Kenn Marshall, who declined comment.

Snyder, a single mother of boys ages 9 and 7, works as a nanny for a family in Lititz.

"I dreamed about being a teacher for a long time," Snyder said. "When I was growing up, I spent more time with my teachers than my own parents, and it inspired me to someday make a positive impact on children."

In my opinion, she should be suing for a lot more money. If they deny her her profession, $75,000 won't cover the first two years of work. What the heck will she do with an English degree?

As an aside, MySpace is read by everyone. People need to start recognizing that displaying their personal life for all to see in every lurid detail can be problematic. It's nice to be ignorant of your co-workers or student's or professor's stupidity. Ah, the good old days......

H/T Boing Boing

Dog Strollers

It's the end of the world as he knows it.