stop counterculturalism now

I wish I was on a jet airplane

To be a minger, according to the Urban Dictionary

"Don't be hispanic, it ain't a word, it's just short for innit, innit?" -- Ali G

I just ran (actually jogged as slowly as possible) from my current address to my possible future abode (read: house), and since I am naturally curious and naturally random I wanted to know how far I ran. I went to google maps and tried to guestimate, then decided someone probably already wrote a script to calculate it for you. Anyway, here it is, the Gmap Pedometer. Useful for joggers and bikers and such.

My results: It was 2.5776 miles to and from my new place. My usual light jog: 2.7104 miles. I really could run farther. Oh well, I enjoy the gym better anyway (and it's only 0.9776 miles from the new place... sweet).

To keep me safe tonight:
Grace and hallelujah

As reported here and here, Canadian artists such as Barenaked Ladies, Sarah McLachlan, Sum 41, Broken Social Scene, etc. etc., have formed a new Canadian Music Creators Coalition (CMCC). They are speaking out against the same entertainment industry associations such as the RIAA and CRIA, who claims to represent artist rights.

The CMCC outlines 3 interesting points in their stance:

1. Suing Our Fans is Destructive and Hypocritical

Artists do not want to sue music fans. The labels have been suing our fans against our will, and laws enabling these suits cannot be justified in our names. We oppose any copyright reforms that would make it easier for record companies to do this. The government should repeal provisions of the Copyright Act that allow labels to unfairly punish fans who share music for non-commercial purposes with statutory damages of $500 to $20,000 per song.

2. Digital Locks are Risky and Counterproductive

Artists do not support using digital locks to increase the labels’ control over the distribution, use and enjoyment of music or laws that prohibit circumvention of such technological measures. The government should not blindly implement decade-old treaties designed to give control to major labels and take choices away from artists and consumers. Laws should protect artists and consumers, not restrictive technologies. Consumers should be able to transfer the music they buy to other formats under a right of fair use, without having to pay twice.

3. Cultural Policy Should Support Actual Canadian Artists

The vast majority of new Canadian music is not promoted by major labels, which focus mostly on foreign artists. The government should use other policy tools to support actual Canadian artists and a thriving musical and cultural scene. The government should make a long-term commitment to grow support mechanisms like the Canada Music Fund and FACTOR, invest in music training and education, create limited tax shelters for copyright royalties, protect artists from inequalities in bargaining power and make collecting societies more transparent.

Turning a corner, I hear a steady chop-chop-chop in my right ear, and I turn to see a six year old boy... no wait, before that I see a five foot silver and black sword hitting a bush. That's right. Then I take a closer look. I see a six year old in long sleeve style pajamas (in the afternoon of an Austin summer) 'weilding' the sword. Now, of course, my first reaction is to hear my inner-voice say 'niiice!', but I feel a twinge of concern until I see his entire family, uncles and aunts and such, standing on their porch and yelling "He's trimming the bushes!" with glee. Then, I knew it was all alright. That was one pretty sweet sword.

Johari window: a fun, positive psychologyish thing you can use to "map your personality awareness" by asking friends to list your positive qualities and comparing it to how you see yourself. Or, try the opposite and make a Nohari window and find out which negative qualities your friends associate with you.

Instruments of self-destruction
Rebirth, exploding suns and
Playing darts in crowded pubs

When's the next weekend start?
... I could be your instrument