Posts Tagged ‘reality’

Yet another example of Nordlinger being “the man”

Posted: April 2, 2009 by datechguy in opinion/news
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If you read this blog you know I like Jay Nordlinger, when I got to meet and eat with him in Boston. I love his writing because he tends to say things that lay things out simply while still having that excellent use of the English language, (A tool I’ve always been iffy on).

Today he illustrates the difference between Israel and the Arab world in one paragraph and a sentence.

Every now and then, I think of the status of Arabs in Israel, contrasted with the status of non-Arabs in Arab countries. And years ago, I was arrested by a news story. I read — I am going from memory — “Prime Minister Sharon’s speech in the Knesset on Thursday was interrupted by heckling from Arab legislators.” And I tried to imagine parallel reports: “President Assad’s speech to the Syrian legislature was interrupted by heckling from Jewish legislators.” “President Mubarak’s speech to the Egyptian parliament was interrupted by heckling from Jewish legislators.” “King Abdullah’s speech to the Saudi parliament was interrupted by Jewish members.” Etc., etc.

Those men couldn’t even be interrupted by Arab and Muslim legislators!

I actually think a lot of the supporters of the Arab world are totalitarians at heart, they just think that if it was someone nice like say THEM running things the world would be a better place.

A Blast from the past

Posted: April 1, 2009 by datechguy in gaming, Hiwired, opinion/news, tech
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Back in my HiWired days I ran the blog there and did most of the posting. I was doing some cleaning up of my system and found this old post from October of last year that is worth re-posting:

I like computer games, I’ve been playing Civ IV Colonization quite a bit lately but some people who use their games to escape real life take it way to far:

“I was suddenly divorced, without a word of warning. That made me so angry,” the official quoted her as telling investigators and admitting the allegations.

The woman had not plotted any revenge in the real world, the official said.

She has not yet been formally charged, but if convicted could face a prison term of up to five years or a fine up to $5,000.

Players in “Maple Story” raise and manipulate digital images called “avatars” that represent themselves, while engaging in relationships, social activities and fighting against monsters and other obstacles.

The woman used login information she got from the 33-year-old office worker when their characters were happily married, and killed the character. The man complained to police when he discovered that his beloved online avatar was dead.

Well there is only one thing that can be done in justice. I think her virtual character should be taken to a virtual court, tried by a jury of her virtual peers and if convicted jailed in a virtual prison to make sure that the virtual society is protected from this virtual threat!

The words “Get a life” doesn’t to this story justice.

Via Ann Althouse who as a lawyer has a little fun with it.

Considering how things are going these days I suspect that a lot more people are retreating to these virtual worlds. Expect a lot more of htis stuff.

My mother did that once…

Posted: April 1, 2009 by datechguy in opinion/news, personal
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…running into a burning building to try to save a neighbor. She ended up missing him but only a foot or two and ended up with lung damage, however it is a proud story and it is no less proud now that she is 84.

I suspect if she acted in the way the police did here she would have 40 years of guilt instead.

There is nothing sadder than watching one of the father’s of all cultures commit suicide.

April 1st Virus, here is some advice…

Posted: April 1, 2009 by datechguy in tech
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… don’t worry. In my opinion people who are going to be hit by this are the same people who will be hit by a dozen other virus due to unsafe practices.

The thing to do is not to worry on one day of the year, it is to be careful on the net as a normal way of acting and then the “big virus release day” will be just another day.

So don’t open unsolicited e-mails, ignore items that are forwarded a million times, beware of stuff like limewire and don’t be sharing files or passing around stuff, and be careful on the net where you surf.

The basic stuff hasn’t changed it just is stuff that people don’t want to do.

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