Restive State

Came across a great article by Pete Townshend about hearing loss related to music. I, for one can really relate to this. I know that by the time I hit middle age, hearing loss is going to be a big problem for me. Having suffered many bouts of otitis media as a child and numerous other infections, my hearing is already characterized as damaged, especially in my right ear. Having not one, but two tympanoplasties along with other repairs probably didn't make things better.

So what did I do? Go to work in the airline business. There's really nothing like a 747 spooling up to taxi without ear protection first thing in the morning to clear your head. Something like 120dBs or so, bare ear to the world. In the article it mentioned that average volume of ear buds range 100+dB...which just makes me cringe. I can't imagine anymore putting my head through that anymore. Sure, I remember blasting the headphones to drown out the world and the rambling stinky guy sitting next to me on the bus, but I can't do it anymore, it hurts. I can't imagine losing the ability to hear music and sound. It makes sense why Beethoven went crazy in the end. His passion was taken from him in a very abrupt manner, while he could still compose and direct, he could no longer hear his compositions. But I digress. Read the article, your ear drums will thank you.

As for other stuff...

• Sony decides that it's ok to install software (the root kit fiasco) on your computer, and then the RIAA says they did nothing wrong. But leave to Texas of all places to lead the charge and file the first lawsuit against Sony for this transgression. What's next is for Congress to get in on this and mess it up for all of us...

• Yes! Only 4 days to Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving), that wonderful day of madness and consumer insanity perpetrated on us by the retail behemoths. For those of you who can't wait to see what is for sale, well you're already too late. I mean Gotta Deal's Black Friday site has been getting notortiety since the beginning of November, and Black Friday 2005 has already received at least 2 cease and desist letters. CHekc them out to make your list. Then go here to plan your attack on the stores. I go to watch little old ladies suplex each other over a $5 pair of pajamas. Myself, I plan on being at Wal-Mart in the hinterlands of Arizona, watching the Mormons and the in-breds fight over the deals. I may even pick up something nice for the wife...