US Supreme Socialist Court Rules in Favor of Property Seizure

The United States Supreme Court in a 5-4 vote, upheld the Connecticut case of condemning property so the State can take it from the rightful owners. It gets harder to believe day after day, but I am just not surprised anymore. When our personal rights to be protected by seizure of our own property, guaranteed by the 5th Amendment to the Founders version of the US Constitution, comes under fire, they may as well repeal it all together. The CIA factbook says that we are a nation that is Constitution-based federal republic with a strong democratic tradition. So much for that fact.

Here is Artitcle V which states:

Trial and Punishment, Compensation for Takings. Ratified 12/15/1791.

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

If we do not act now and throw these Liberal Judges from their entrenched benches, we will have an America that our founding fathers would not be able to recognize as the United States, in a few decades. We must revise our Constitution to some how limit the lifetime appointments that a Supreme Court Justice enjoys. Perhaps there should be some confirmation of continuing service which is overseen by the House of Representatives. Contact your rep to complain today or risk losing the rest of your God given rights.

Schwarzenegger Jeered at Graduation Speech

I have to admit right now, I was blown away to learn that California students were protesting against Arnold. Not because he insisted that he have full reign of control to do whatever he wanted, but rather to insist that the citizens VOTE. Only in America would the puke students even think of protesting the right to vote and decide their destiny. The Socialist doctrine is creeping in on America. I would expect Chinese students to protest FOR the right to vote, or perhaps land owner rights, maybe citizenry to urge their government to allow freedoms to a populace that has seen little reform. BUT to have citizens protest elected officials who are FORCING them to vote, simply ridiculous! Click the link above.

Batman Begins In Theaters

I recently saw Batman Begins and to my pleasant surprise the story was fantastic! Bruce Wayne was a very complex and interesting character for once in a Batman movie. The acting was top notch, and the effects were good. I was not impressed with the shaky camera fight scenes, where I found it hard to see anything. I also didn't like the MTV style camera quick takes and cinematography, but for the most part it didn't take from the story. The movie deals with many flashbacks and memory recalls, which I could have done without. Start telling the story from the beginning, and give us the whole chronological view, instead of going back and forth trying to confuse the viewer. The flashbacks didn't add anything special from what I could see. This movie #5 from the Batman Quintilogy is, however, one of the better attempts to tell the Batman story. An obvious sequel will be in the works, in an attempt to bring back Joker. This major review is one of the first I read, and turns out to be pretty close to my own take on the film.

Apple Going Intel Inside!

In what seems to me to be the biggest announcement in the computer world in the last 10 years, Apple has decided to partner with Intel to replace the IBM/Motorola processor which is currently shipping inside the famed Mac computer. It was announced June 6th at the Apple World Wide Developer Conference. You may be asking, what's the bid deal? The rivalry between Intel with Windows versus Mac has been going on since Windows copied the first Mac computer with Windows 2.0 way back when. Microsoft settled and Apple never looked back. Best known for the iPod music device today, Apple set the standard for modern interfaces on personal computers. Now Apple has decided, under the direction of Apple guru CEO, Steve Jobs, to supplant the Power PC chip with Intel. The implications for the long term development of the company is at first obvious. Intel is light years ahead in low power consumption designed processors. But an added benefit is a possible inroads into the 95% market share that Windows software enjoys on the Intel platform. For us PC chip users, we could have a huge choice to make for a robust Unix based Operating System with a tried and true, solidly built Graphical User Interface in June 2006. If Apple was ever going to take a bite out of the Intel market, this may be Apple getting ready to set the buffet table.



See what my favorite tech pundit, John Dvorak, has to say about this one.

Carrie Wins Idol 2005!

Carrie Underwood, farm girl from Oklahoma, took the title as American Idol this Wednesday evening. Season stats were huge, and a half a million calls were placed in the seasons worth of voting which saw the final round between Bo Bice and Carrie Underwood. Carrie will now be the recipient of a Million Dollar Recording Contract, private jet, and no doubt world wide notoriety. Congrats Carrie!

Rednecks: The Virtues Thereof

Fred is one of those guys who has a very unique point of view. I must say that this latest edition of his web newsletter is near right on the mark. Seems that not long ago, America on the whole, was a self sufficient country, its people, its economy, its ideas, and its independence. He takes issue with the idea of Rednecks as a lower form of life. Also takes issue with citizenry that has little skills to do anything for themselves. That of course is the main point he tries to make. In his own colorful way. Click on the title link above to read the full article.

American Idol

The Most Popular Reality Show on TV, 2nd only to Survivor, is American Idol, and it is about to wrap up next week. I actually rarely make a point of watching a recurring TV show, only Idol and Battlestar Galactica have that honor. If you have been watching it, even if you haven't, for all the latest news and recap information along with exclusive performance videos, you should check out the link above. This official website is a MUST SEE for any Idol Fan. Get images, information, and buy stuff from the Idol store.

Microsoft XBox 360 Revealed

Microsoft is working on the XBox 360, which could be the Living Room application server that we have been waiting for. Take a gander at the sleek design and bundled devices that might come with it. This XBox is not just for gaming, but that is the main purpose of this speedy demon. It will also act as a movie and music component. If it does TiVo functions well, I think they will have something here.

AVID Home Software Tryout

Multimedia Professionals know and live with the word AVID. This is the most widely used and trusted software solution to Movie and DVD Multimedia Video editing and compilations. Now you can actually download a version of the AVID software for your home PC. For years it has been a Mac only product, but now it is available to those of us in the PC world. The "tryout" available at the link above is not a full feature version, but will allow you to get more familiar with the software or at least have a PC copy at home for personal use and practice. Grab this software now if you don't mind providing your personal info.

ebay Suffers Power Outage

Now this may not be Earth Shaking News, but eBay suffered a power outage earlier this week. Though these things can happen, I wonder if eBay is really telling the whole truth. Don't they realize you can purchase Battery Backup Systems aka UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies). Matter of fact, you can get them on the eBay site itself!

Symantec Worm Simulator

Here is an interesting Weblink for ya. Symantec has created a Spreading Worm (which is almost like a Virus) Simulator. This model shows the speed and process that an Internet Worm will cover the Globe. Symantec is the author of Norton Antivirus, so no wonder they are interested in showing you how naughty a Worm really is. If you become scared enough, you may be interested in purchasing one of their latest products. I prefer Norton Antivirus myself, for ease of use, smooth integration, and normally low system resource demands. That was not always the case, and they have some great competition online right now. If you don't have a Virus Scanner, it really is time to get one, no matter your preference.

Mac Think Secret Rumor site

Seems that this site is so on the mark, and accurate, that Apple and Steve Jobs is suing them for "irreparable damage". If you really want the news and info on Mac hardware and software, as well iPod information, you have to take a look at...

http://www.thinksecret.com/

Parents to Collect Children's DNA

Of all the things a parent can do to protect their child, this new home kit DNA collection package has to be the lamest. Could someone tell me just what having a little bag of their child's DNA will do to help protect them? Imagine if you will, your child has been abducted or worse murdered. Bang, you pull out the clear little bag of DNA and poof all is better again. Ridiculous! The best thing for all of us to do, as well our activist judges, is LOCK away the Criminals! If the criminals are locked away, no parent has to swab their child's cheek for DNA. Does this make sense to anyone? Why are child predators even allowed to inhabit our neighborhoods where kids play and live? This is just another "feel good" activity for parents, but the reality is that no DNA sample will save your child's life, it will only confirm their death.

Pierce Brosnan as 007 Once More!

Not sure about you, but I am actually thrilled about the latest news that Brosnan will reprise his role as 007. It was reported last year he would step aside, but the actor who has been one of the best Bond's since Sean Connery, and actually uses a British accent, will return as 007. James Bond appears to be a role created for Brosnan, in my opinion. It is due to be officially announced this summer.

Windows Longhorn Preview

Paul Thurott apparently seems to be a favorite of mine when it comes to technical reviews of software packages. He has already reviewed Mac OS X 10.4 and now he has taken a good in depth look at the Windows Longhorn Preview or BETA as it is normally called.
Longhorn is the next version of Windows, which is planned to replace Windows XP. Based on the screenshots that Paul provides I don't really see any special features. Matter of fact all I see is a new shell graphical interface. I am sure things are different under the hood, and Paul speaks about some of that. But I have to admit, it had better provide the normal user a faster and easier environment to get work done or it will sink for sure and Windows XP will hang on for a long life much the same way Windows 95 did.

Return of Superman

The new Superman movie was announced today. Seems that the hero will have more of an older look based on the classic comics from the 60's. Brandon Routh is relatively unknown, but after the release of "The Return of Superman" next year, I am sure he will propel to stardom. Only issue I see is that his red trunks are simply too short. I sure hope he doesn't have to bend over to pick anything up.

Google Maps w/ Satellite Images

If you have not seen this most awesome map site that Google has put together, you must take a look. Not only is this site a normal Map generator, but a click away converts your map right to a satellite image which directly matches your map. This site by far blows away any other map site I have seen for the FREE price! You can also drag and move with the mouse, versus waiting for a page to reload for the next map,most awesome!

http://maps.google.com/

Speed Up Windows XP

If you are a user of Windows XP, you may not realize that there are many services that run in the background, many of which you will never use. This article from Extreme Tech is a great in depth series of tips that will help you get the most bang for your buck while running XP. Learn how to change and shutdown these hidden services, reduce boot time, and work to make XP as stealthy as possible.

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1785996,00.asp

Mac OSX 10.4 Review

There sure is alot of chatter going on surrounding the latest Mac OS X release. The Mac OS seems to be the darling of the technical and creative genre right now. I venture to say that even Linux is not as popular, though it could be more widely used. Here is a review from a PC professional that gives a truly non-biased view of what the OS has to offer, and whether it performs well enough for us PC people to switch to a Mac.

I myself think Apple is tainting the OS with idiot "PC-like" features that are not really as seamless as they should be. Read on for yourself to see what Paul Thurrott has to say about this latest $129 upgrade.

http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/macosx_tiger.asp

Costello and Abbott - Computer Sales - Funny

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking
about buying a computer.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.

ABBOTT: Your computer?

COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou.

ABBOTT: What about Windows?

COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?

ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?

COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?

ABBOTT: Wallpaper.

COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.

ABBOTT: Software for Windows?

COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write
proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?

ABBOTT: I just did.

COSTELLO: You just did what?

ABBOTT: Recommend something.

COSTELLO: You recommended something?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: For my office?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!

ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.

COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say
I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I
need?

ABBOTT: Word.

COSTELLO: What word?

ABBOTT: Word in Office.

COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.

ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?

ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue "W".

COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue "w" if you don't start with
some straight answers. OK, forget that. Can I watch movies on the
Internet?

ABBOTT: Yes, you want Real One.

COSTELLO: Maybe a real one, maybe a cartoon. What I watch is none of
your business. Just tell me what I need!

ABBOTT: Real One.

COSTELLO: If it's a long movie, I also want to watch reels 2, 3 and 4.
Can I watch them?

ABBOTT: Of course.

COSTELLO: Great! With what?

ABBOTT: Real One.

COSTELLO: OK, I'm at my computer and I want to watch a movie. What do
I do?

ABBOTT: You click the blue "1".

COSTELLO: I click the blue one what?

ABBOTT: The blue "1".

COSTELLO: Is that different from the blue w?

ABBOTT: The blue "1" is Real One and the blue "W" is Word.

COSTELLO: What word?

ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO: But there are three words in "office for windows"!

ABBOTT: No, just one. But it's the most popular Word in the world.

COSTELLO: It is?

ABBOTT: Yes, but to be fair, there aren't many other Words left. It
pretty much wiped out all the other Words out there.

COSTELLO: And that word is real one?

ABBOTT: Real One has nothing to do with Word. Real One isn't even part
of Office.

COSTELLO: STOP! Don't start that again. What about financial
bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?

ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.

COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?

ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.

COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?

ABBOTT: One copy.

COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money?

ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.

COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?

ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!

(A few days later)

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?

ABBOTT: Click on "START