lessons about pride

I was raised by Baptists. For many of my "alternative type" friends, this is akin to being raised by wolves. I - as a child - had no idea there were so many people that weren't "us." The idea that most people found concepts that I thought of as simple truth -- hell, virgin birth -- as alien as pink transsexual kangaroos, well, it was so baffling that I still haven't gotten over it.

A few days ago, you see, we were watching "The God Who Wasn't There" and at least one lucky pagan-born-and-raised was just laughing at how ridiculous it was. meanwhile I am fighting off the regression to childhood trauma, until I actually began cringing and heofmanynames was shielding me like a parent with a wee child during the "scary parts." he knows, you see. he's had a dose.

damn, I am off topic. what was I talking about?

police state

I feel the window closing. this month, the cops seem to be everywhere and tolerance seems to be low. are they just trying to make sure we're accustomed to having them intrude on us?

subtly scary are the antipiracy ads on the radio lately. they started with, "you know it's illegal to pirate software, and your employees may report you."

today, the ad went more like this: "unhappy with your job? you can get your boss in a world of hurt... after all, who knows what other heinous crimes might be taking place right under your nose?

"report illegal software piracy at work. it's not just snitching, it's revenge!"

big brother's home...