The Big Think

I could really use one of these. The new Apple i-Bal.

“Are you using Windows Vista? Then you might as well know that the licensed operating system installed on your machine is harvesting a healthy volume of information for Microsoft. In this context, a program such as the Windows Genuine Advantage is the last of your concerns. In fact, in excess of 20 Windows Vista features and services are hard at work collecting and transmitting your personal data to the Redmond company.”

via Slashdot. more here

Remote controlled tanks. With working guns and IR sensors. They’re tanks. They shoot. And they’re remote controlled. Joy.

Erin and I got back from Houston last night at about 2:00am. We drove down for the day to attend the wedding of a friend of mine who had been the Sing chair of one of my groups. Allison Deiley was the Tri Delt chair a few years ago and she and I got to know each other pretty well (as happens when you go through the laborious process of putting an act together). Allison married Cason White, who was the assistant director of the show that year. They kept their newly budding relationship a secret during the show so there wouldn’t be any accusations of favoritism (not that Cason was in the position to do anything about the results!). Allison is a solid, smart, creative, and talented person. It was a real pleasure working with her. Cason is quiet and unassuming, but sharp as a anything. He understands how to manage people with a very light touch. Allison and Cason are perfect for each other and it was great to see them married.

One of the other fun things about the night was that the wedding party, house party, and guest list was filled with friends from Baylor. Lots and lots of current and just-past Sing people attended (as well as about half of Baylor’s BRH choir). The reception was the best one I can remember attending since our own wedding 10 years ago. We laughed, cut up, told stories, and danced until the DJ kicked us out. Most other weddings I’ve been to have seen the party break up or start to slow down after a couple of hours. This one was going strong until past midnight- almost five hours! Fantastic food, great music (with lots of old Sing tunes, of course), and wonderful people to sit around and laugh with. What a great night.