caeron

Interesting analysis. Though many of the 'biblical christians' I've encountered who hate gays don't know the bible in english, and are frankly boggled by the thought that it was written in another language first and that translation matters.

My parents were from there, and I visited in my youth often enough, but it was kind of a waste land. Connersville Indiana was fun if you were a kid going to the county fair demolition derby, but I gag at the thought of living there now.

His followers do, but having taking a clear-eyed view of the world, I cannot both be rational and believe in an invisible man in the sky. Jesus, God, Allah, Brahma, Vishnu, Odin, Zeus, or any of the others. So, I'm an atheist. Some, I guess, would think that would make me less ethical, but I think since this is all we're ever going to get and then the lights go out, that every life is infinitely precious. I mostly don't hold it against people who choose to believe. I can see it would be a great comfort to be able to stick your head in the sand and pretend death isn't final. I've come to think of it as a minor character flaw of which all of us have a couple, provided they don't get obnoxious about it.

My japanese is really rusty, but if I read it correctly it's a "face slimmer". You do exercises with it for 3 minutes a day to have slimmer face.

My opinion is that neither Apple nor Microsoft will be important for the next wave of computing (consumer/desktop anyway). It will all be browser based, and Google will be in the driver's seat.

Me too. I used to work for Sun. They were unstoppable. No matter what cross currents hit them, they came out on top. Until they didn't, and now they're gone.

Which is the problem. If apple slows, shareholders will have a lot less patience with apple sitting on 100 Billion earning at couple percent. Nobody wants to argue with success, but if Apple slows down, they'll get hammered on this. They'll have to make some monster acquisition, which I think with Apple's culture would be hard to do successfully, or return the money to shareholders. Apple is trading around ~450 now, with shares outstanding of 929 million. That means Apple is holding about $100 dollars in cash PER SHARE of stock. That is more than a bit nuts. It is sort of like being required to buy $100 in treasuries for every $350 of apple stock. But then Apple really does 'think different'!

100 billion in cash may be an achievement, but it also a huge problem. They need to return it to shareholders, or spend it on something, and if so, what?

Well, they all put out quality products until they didn't. Apple has had a better run than most, though they've had a few real stinkers in the past. We'll see how long their run lasts. IBM still has a few years on them in high tech

I appreciate the additional postings, it wastes more of my time I just think the contest daily post tally was set too high, and a smaller number might have gotten broader participation in the contest. But that's the contest runner's call, not mine, so if this is what he wants, bully for him!

So my partner has given me a week off to go play somewhere in march/april, and I'm having fun with the shopping. Porto Alegre sounds wonderful for the boys and the meetup, but I'm still a working stiff, so I want full value for my vacation, which means other things to see and do during the days. I prefer history and culture, so was considering bangkok, since I love the food, and plenty of touristy things to do during the day, and I've only had two abortive short visits, though it will be hot. Rio might work, but I have no portuguese, and worry about navigating. Prague appeals, since I love belami style boys, and flights are a bit easier to arrange, but I was hoping for relatively cheap. Alas, my languages are Japanese, and rudimentary Spanish. So.... If you had a week to go play with the boys, where would you go?

Tech is a brutal business. Once Motorola ruled in cell phones. Then Nokia. Now Apple. The wheel will turn on them too...

We're enjoying it, the fact that it's set here in Portland is an added bonus.

I take it the stupidity of the plot hasn't gotten any better?

This is a riot! Thanks for posting.

He was sharper last year. I really enjoyed the heck out of his movie the art of lying.

What's there to say? A ship ran aground. People died. I didn't know any of them like I don't know most of the people who die every day. The fact that these people died differently than all the other people who died that day is of only mild interest to me. But then, I didn't watch the Golden Globes, don't know who won, and really don't care. I am sure it is petty of me, but I had my epiphany when Brokeback Mountain was snubbed by the academy. Why should I care what other people judge as the best? I care what I like. Of course, I may end up watching youtube bits from the Golden Globes because I'm a Ricky Gervais fan. Funny atheists are my thing.

I lived in Japan for a few years, and loathe Narita. I've only been to bangkok twice, and then only for very short visits. I'm very tempted to go back and spend some time. Your posts are making want to go!

Agree. TO most of the world, that is a pretty silly statement.

I found memory foam did wonders for me. I am prone to bouts of insomnia as well, and found memory foam and mild sedatives do the trick. I tried acupuncture for back pain and it did nothing for me...

Well, a lot have. An uncircumcised cock requires more care, but I truly wish I had never been cut. But it is what it is...

I dislike him because he's a hypocrite. (at least according to christ) Matthew 6:5-6 "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." He makes a spectacle of his faith. It isn't a quiet private thing. I can respect the good work he does, but as christ says above, he's getting his reward in the adoration of his fans.

WSJ NY TImes The Oregonian Fark (because you can never have too many stupid/funny news stories)

We enjoyed the heck out of this on netflix. Am now mildly disappointed I no longer have cable to pick up season 2. If you like period dramas at all, this one is excellent.

It is partially why I declined to participate in the most recent contest. The number of posts required is just too high. The only way to reach those numbers is to spam the board I think. I'd rather fewer and more thoughtful posts.