crazyskillsbloginitiative

That;s right — today celebrates the 40^th anniversary of plugging two computers together and expecting them to understand each other. Remarkable, indeed.

AOL has finally pulled the plug [basexblog.com] on CompuServe, one of the main predecessors to the internet back in the 80’s. CompuServe was one of the first multi-user online systems where users could chat with each other in real time. This was back in the day of mainly single-user BBS’s. Interestingly, CompuServe charged by the hour, not a flat monthly fee.

The end times are almost upon us. This week, the German government have finalized plans set to go into effect on the 18th which will censor the internet for the German people. This is a step in the wrong direction. I mean seriously, what is up with this? It’s all in the name of protecting the children, but what’s next? Not letting children go outside in fear that they might be hit by a car? Not letting them inside anywhere in fear that the place might burn down? This censorship is a step backwards in the global fight for personal freedom and rights. It’s another example of the government (in this case, of Germany) trying to be the peoples’ mother. It’s just frightening. When this goes into effect on Thursday, the people of Germany will not have the same rights and freedoms that they have now. Certain internet sites (hundreds, thousands?) will be blocked for everything from pornography to conflicting religious or political views. Hell, who’s to speculate exactly all of what will be denied to the German people? Maybe there will be no more visits to crazyskills. Who knows? I am not upset that this will affect me in any direct sense - I have never been to Germany - but I am upset for those who live there, and for the potential downward spiral this could potentially put on the global community. If this trend continues, pretty soon they’ll be back to book burning.

So, you know, every once in awhile, you just have to google something and see where it takes you. Well, a moment ago, I googled “the funniest thing on the internet” and this was the first result. It’s a little quiet, so be ready to turn up your speakers a bit. The guy reading it does a great job and almost keeps a straight face through it. I don’t know who the writer or recipient of this is or was, but I thought I’d share.

So here it is, the funniest thing on the internet:
youmakemetouchyourhandsforstupidreasons.ytmnd.com/

For an amazing price of $99 / mo.

Too bad it isn’t available (yet) in Cincinnati.

100Mb down / 15Mb up would sure be nice!  We’ll keep an eye on this and keep you informed!

www.dslreports.com/shownews/cablevision-101mbps-for-9995-102133 [dslreports.com]