Underground Media: Reloaded

Without hesitation I must say that Windows newest OS, the mighty Vista, is a pain in my rear end. To preface this, I will disclose that I am a linux user (Since 2002). It doesn't mean that I hate Windows or Microsoft, it's just that I prefer customizing and controlling my computer, as well as the security benefits inherent to Linux. No anti-spyware, anti-virus, or anti-malware software is necessary. So with that stated, my adventure started when my wife's laptop overheated and literally cracked our glass-top dining-room table in half. It broke off, dropped to the floor and shattered. Along with the laptop. So after a few days of weighing her needs, we decided to get her a super-cheap ($399) laptop from the local Big Box. She only does web browsing, email, some photos, and a bit of genetics work, so the Acer 3610 with the Celeron processor was just fine. Or so I thought. SIMPLY BOOTING INTO WINDOWS VISTA WAS ENOUGH TO BRING THIS COMPUTER TO IT'S KNEES! And this...

As if on cue, the micro-blogging takes ridiculous to a whole new level . From the article: "Hictu is a new ‘microblogging’ system that lets you post short text, audio and video links and read others’ posts via web and mobile. It brings the bite-sized format made popular by Twitter, combines it with the aggregation of your personal feeds from services like Jaiku and Tumblr, and ads native audio and video support." I had to read that three times before I could figure out what it even MEANT! Hictu?! Are you f*cking serious?! My head is going to explode...

I know I'm supposed to be on hiatus while I'm out of town, but I had to talk about something that's been bugging the sh*t out of me. Twitter is f*cking everywhere!!! And it happens to be the single most ridiculous thing I've ever heard of . Who gave this guy money??? Because I actually have a GOOD business idea and I'd LOVE for the VC's who blew a few mil on Twitter to throw some my way. That way they could actually earn a RETURN on their investment!!! So, Twitter is this micro-blogging service that let's you post these SMS updates about your life. The late teens and 20-somethings (Millenials, so they are apparently called) are crazy for it. You get this avatar, and next to it are the updates that you sent in via SMS from your cell phone. Like this: Akshunj: 11:03am - "Watching Larry King in Chinese." Akshunj: 11:46am - "Thinking about steamed buns with pork for lunch." Akshunj: 1:28pm - "Steamed buns were good, but I...

I'll be out of town for about another week. Until then, enjoy better air than what I'm breathing. Seriously.

Apple and EMI Music have apparently reached an agreement to distribute music *without* DRM. Why is this important? DRM is the nagging little sister that cramps your cool teenage digital lifestyle. Put simply, it keeps me from doing what I want with music that *I* purchased. It's supposed to keep piracy at bay (yeah, that's really worked out for them), but what it really does is cripple my media devices and my computer. And although Steve Jobs (aka Leviathan, Beelzebub, The Great Deceiver, and He Who Must Not Be Named) has advocated for the end of DRM, his pleas have been a tad disingenuous. Apple's iPod DRM scheme has maintained an iron-clad vendor lock-in, keeping almost every other competitor out of the market. People regularly walk into their local Big Box retailer and ask which is the best iPod, when they are really referring to all of the MP3 players. (Think Kleenex vs. facial tissue, or Coke vs. soda). So, now that Apple's monopolized the market for the l...

No, Wxman. There's no porn to be had on this post. But, read on, 'cause this is a weird mashup. First, a word from our sponsors. I am not, nor have I ever been an advocate of breast enhancement through plastic surgery. I must say the same for breast reduction. As a learned scholar with advanced degrees in breastology, I'm an avid supporter of appreciating "what the good Lord gave you." Big or small. Firm or saggy. Get a well-fitting bra (see Oprah's bra show ) and call it a day. Women make the mistake of thinking that all men want is the super-model boobs. WRONG! The reason I LOVE boobs is that no two are the same. Quit trying to fit someone's idea of beauty and be happy with what you've got. My wife has got a rack that her girlfriends tell her they would pay thousands for, but she's still neurotic about it. Go figure... Back to our regularly scheduled program. So, some guys are at a bachelor party in Vegas. Stripper tells the guys ...

Those crazy Swedes are trying to get themselves locked up at Guantanamo! Although it's the Entertainment establishment that wants their heads, and I'm not sure where Hollywood locks people up. Skywalker Ranch? Dr. Phil's house? Anyway, the history of The Pirate Bay is really fascinating. To understand them, you've got to place them within their historical context. In the world of movies and music, there are pirates and there are pirates. Type-A pirates are those who copy a movie or a CD, and then sell the copy for a profit. This type of operation is a VAST industry, with huge markets in southeast Asia and Latin America. I'm not sure about the figures, but I'm sure the profits are in the hundreds of millions annually. Type-B pirates distribute (share) such content freely to anyone with a high-speed internet connection. No money is made from such distribution, unless you count ad revenue from clicks into the hosting website, although this probably only c...