Word of the Minute: Venality

Venality: a vice associated with being bribeable or of selling one's services or power, especially when one should act justly instead. In its most recognizable form, dishonesty, venality causes people to lie and steal for their personal advantage, and is related to bribery and nepotism, among other vices.

And some would give more power to the Government

"So, when you connect the dots, properly understood, what happened this week is the first battle in a civil war; a civil war in which, for now, only one side is choosing violence. It is a battle in which members of Congress, with the collusion of the American president, sent violent, organised suppression against the people they are supposed to represent. Occupy has touched the third rail: personal congressional profits streams. Even though they are, as yet, unaware of what the implications of their movement are, those threatened by the stirrings of their dreams of reform are not."

If you are worried about big business, limit government and you reduce the power that corporations could buy.

Social Media Equivalents in China

A infograph with China's answer to social media as we know it.

CZ-75

So, I like my CZ75 SP-01. Sharing the love...

Project CZ - Caleb considers a season in Production/SSP with CZ. And here are some of his earlier thoughts and musings.

And a couple of videos for your edification. I'm surprised Hickok45 liked the trigger and the sights. He, like everyone, likes the grips.

Free Books

I really like the form factor of my Android Nook. I've been enjoying it even more recently for using Google Reader, Kindle/Nook/Aldiko/Google Books apps, and the YouVersion Bible. If surfing/the browser was better, it would get the full Brick Seal of Approval.

My buddy at work brought in his brand new Kindle Fire. I think I would like it, too.

I have been reading enough on the Android Nook that I think I might want a true e-ink reader like the Kindle Touch. A recent evening spent at the local ER (good times!) made me realize the value of a device that works for weeks on a single charge.

Which all brings me to this link to free books from Baen for your tablet or e-reader of choice. Here is their philosophy for offering free books.

OT?

Overtime pay? What's that?

No overtime pay for IT workers.

Brick Breaker

Brick Breaker will be my label for when I am declaring bankruptcy on notes, e-mails, open tabs, starred items in my RSS feed, etc. So, here it comes...

Crimson Trace and Soldiers' Angels

Lingo has worked some magic and Crimson Trace has donated THREE of their new LightGuard weapon lights to the fundraiser for Soliders' Angels.

For a real world scenario where one of these LightGuards might come in handy, I unashamedly recommend my Ninjas in the House.

At the risk of reducing my chances, here is the link to the Soldier's Angels Fundraiser and Giveaway.

Win a KG-UV6D from AmatuerRadio.com and Import Communications

All you need to do is enter a comment on this post and you will be in the mix for a Wouxun KG-UV6D Dual-Band HT given away by AmateurRadio.com and Import Communications.

US Hams only - sorry to our international friends!

Sports Quote of the Day

Courtesy of Beano on the Tony Basilio show as they discussed a rematch of Bama and LSU:

"If I want to see someone kick for all their points, I'll watch soccer."

Happy Thought for the Day

From The Adaptive Curmudgeon:

"When mankind cannot manage brass threads...we're slowly devolving to losers in mud huts. I'm of the opinion we're well on that path."