Everything is Gonna be Fine

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Random Sunday Thoughts.

Religion and politics are something that I am extremely interested in. It seems that lately those are the two real issues of the world today (excluding Global Warming which I'll continue to rant on). Politics can be lame, but necessary. Politics has played a part in my life and prolly everyone else's since day one. Lucky for me I'm unfamiliar with family politics, but from pre-school friends on through High School, College and work, politics is there and plays a vital part of life. It's not always a bad thing either. Social aspects vs personal belief will always be an essential part of life.

I've always enjoyed getting to know people with different beliefs and political views. I also am intrigued by those that make fun and jest at beliefs and political views that differ from their own (or mine). Living in Utah I get a unique and intimate view of this when it comes to religion.  Also since I have friends of several different beliefs, i can see how they react to some of the criticism/bigotry that is so prevalent.

I have criticized many a religion and political leader, don't get me wrong (and I'm not always right, that's just how I learn). It just seems people do it now as a way to fit in without really knowing why they're against something. It's hot to be 'not in'  because that's what everyone else is doing. That is lame. Whatever happened to thinking for yourself, forming your own ideas and being able to discuss them rather than the typical shallow snide remark?

I'd add some links, but rather not. There is very little respect for differences left in this world is all. .. Just thinking out loud.

That said, SAVE teh Polar Bear, SAVE the WORLD!!

Best Political TV Ad EVER!

Microsoft Apps that Rock

It's no secret to those that are within my realm of geeks that I'm a Microsoft believer. Many a good argument has been had concerning the giant M$ vs Linux and that glorified Nintendo OS that is Apple.

Two jabs today for why M$ is my friend:

Windows Live Writer Is no longer Beta! (Unlike Google who keeps everything in 'Beta' status for all eternity) This handy little app makes blogging pretty darn easy. -As if it weren't easy enough already- CommunityServer post editor is really good, better than anything I've seen on wordpress or blogspot. Still, it's nice to have an offline tool to save drafts and post from. It even uploads my pics with a single click. It has a nice GUI and auto-formatting features that would take double the time to enter actual HTML to get the same results. Totally noobifies blogging. 

WebGuide. I think the Media Center in Vista is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I've been using Media center as my main DVR for a while now. 2 analog tuners and 2 digital tuners for the HD channels makes it a little difficult ever missing a recording (not like there is anything good on this year anyway.. writer strike or not) I have access to all of my music, videos and Internets all from the comfort of my couch, without sucky TIVO subscriptions and the limitations of TIVO or DISH DVR's. WebGuide is the SHIZ. I can log into my MCE machines from anywhere with an Internet connection, check recording schedule, search the guide and set recordings, even stream my recorded TV shows, videos and music directly to me. Work's great on my 3G phone as well. I even have a Vista Gadget that's rather handy. It's not an official Microsoft creation yet. It was created by an independent developer who has now been hired to work with the Microsoft Media Center team. But at least M$ encourages 3rd party devs to create.. eh Apple?

The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust

Along the same musical lines of THIRD today, here's some music news. Trent Reznor and Saul WIlliams are shaking up the music industry even more than Radiohead, offering Saul's newest album for $5 or FREE!

Yup, and the free part doesn't suck: It's 192kbps! Or, if you want to not suck and contribute to the Artist it's all of $5, for 320kbs or FLAC lossless. .. How RAD is that? Seriously, this is how to win over pirates and jaded fans. First music I've paid for in quite some time actually. Not sure how good/crappy the album is yet. Some songs aren't safe for work so I'll have to listen to it at home.. I have issues with racial slurs, even if used by people that can use them.  I speak very little hip-hop, so my expectations aren't all that high. The album may rock, or it may be something that I'll never listen to again.

Nonetheless, I'll support this kind of thinking any day just for the fact that it's pure awesome. My $5 goes to the concept more than anything else.