User:	timshel
	Date:	2009-11-03 13:13
	Subject:	How retro
	Security:	Public

So, having swapped out the awful ink cartridges for some proper bottled ink, my fountain pen now works sooooo much better.

And so I'd like to use it! So, anyone who'd like to get a real life, physical, pen-on-paper, stamped letter, email me your address and I shall write you one with my delightful new pen! Or, you can leave your address in the comments below, that'd also work, but mind you-- this entry isn't locked.

Baxt,
S.

	User:	niqdanger
	Date:	2009-11-02 16:02
	Subject:	This is the end, my friend the end
	Security:	Public
	Mood:	annoyed

Last week I was told I had install a content filter. Why do you ask? Well, depending on what sketchy story you believe, it is either someone had an 'embarrassing' photo on facebook, or someone spent way too much time at work looking at porn. I am just not one that goes for the internet filter. In both cases these seem to me to be a HR issue, not an IT issue. Back in the day we had a content filter, it was a real pain in the ass. We installed an open source solution and it worked technically flawless. The problem was it was TOO aggressive. No one could book certain hotels in Vegas that were also 'gambling sites.' We were even blocking the Indian Casinos in CT, I am not even sure they have online gambling there.  We were blocking Victorias Secret and that prevented one VP from purchasing underwear. I considered that TMI and wondered if knowing what kind of underwear your VP wore constituted harassment. So little by little we chipped away until pretty much the only sites left were in the 'Porn' list.

We ended up removing it during the merger with another company. It seemed the filter wasn't too keen with their odd network layout and we had issues with internal sites not passing the proxy correctly. Too much badly coded javascript. No biggie, I really don't think we need a porn filter. It should just be understood that you don't need to go to penthouse.com at work. And occasionally people DO end up typing things incorrectly, and I shouldn't send up red flags and the goon squad because someone typed 'hotmale' instead of 'hotmail' (True story, for another time though)

Now I have to put it back. And there is were it gets stupid. I am not putting back a porn filter. I am putting back a 68 site filter. 68 sites that are hot buttons for the executive staff. What sites are they? The usual one or two adult 'hookup' sites, the social network sites (bye bye Mafia Wars!), wrestling, a few sites related to WOW and one porn site. Just one. Why that one? It seems it is owned/run by one of the staff. Yes, we have a part time porn star working here. And we can't bear the thought of someone going there during work hours. Its ok though, you can go to Playboy, Penthouse, Hustler or any other host of porn sites. Just how dare you think of objectifying this hard working employee during working hours. Do that on your own time. You have to objectify other people.

And I have to block one of our own customers. No, not the porn one, the sports one. A big sports one. Its just not a sport the executive staff cares about, so thats ok. But I can still get to MLB and NBA because those sports are ok. And my fantasy football team, that'll be just fine.

I hate content filters. They drive me nuts. They don't work. They are the dumbest of dumb locks. And everyone knows, locks only keep honest people honest. If someone wants out, they will get out. The only reason I liked the old one is because the amount of spyware/viruses dropped pretty fast after we stuck it in. Amazing how you can keep IE clean when it can't get to the proliferation URLs. Other then that, it really didn't do much. A few weeks later with Firefox and FoxyProxy, people were surfing what they wanted anyway. And by people I mean everyone below the executive board, who doesn't seem to understand how technology works. I'm sure someone read CEO magazine where it said Employees waste time on Facebook and Myspace so we now need to block these sources of all evil. So I have to now block LiveJournal too. And twitter.

Which means I can no longer read the company twitter feed. *sigh* Geniuses.

	User:	timshel
	Date:	2009-10-29 07:44
	Subject:	Platinum!
	Security:	Public

It may be a stupid thing to be proud of, but I'm kinda excited that I'm going to make Platinum Elite status within Continental's frequent flier group.

Heck yeah, I'm a jet setter!

Baxt,
S.

	User:	timshel
	Date:	2009-10-28 15:46
	Subject:	To complete the trio
	Security:	Public

One more place worth looking at: and the only town home on my list.

	User:	timshel
	Date:	2009-10-27 08:51
	Subject:	Problems with commitment (to a place)
	Security:	Public

Since college, I don't think I've lived any one place longer than two years. I used to be incredibly proud that my entire life could be packed up into two suitcases and a carry-on*. Being a veritable gypsy, a gadabout, defined in part who I was, and I liked it.

So what is wrong with me? I'm considering settling down in an area. Texas, no less. Logically, it makes sense... I just started this job, so I'll be around a minimum of two more years. If I talk them into funding a second masters or a phd, then it'll be more like four or five. Mortgages have low interest rates, homes are about as cheap as they're going to get, and I'm confident that the first time homeowner's credit is going to be extended. A 20-yr mortgage would end up being about 2/3 of what I pay in rent. I've got the cash, I'd almost be dumb NOT to find my own place.

But I'm scared. Being tied down to an area, not being able to bolt if things start getting uncomfortable, well, that takes away a level of security. And it's like the universe is tempting to bolt... $299 for a roundtrip ticket to Bogota, Columbia. $199 to go to Managua, Nicaragua. $199 will also take me to Trinidad and Tobago. Heck, $119 will take me back to Oklahoma City! Having a home, though, it feels like it kills the ability to just up and leave and be a vagabond. Sure, I can go, but I'm expected to come back. This shouldn't bother me, but it does.

Still, I have to be an adult sometime. So, if you're interested, I've added links to my two favorite prospects below. Check 'em out, tell me what you think. Oh, and those of you who've bought houses and want to give me advice? Well, I'm all ears!

House one. Absolutely gorgeous, but a less perfect location. Oh, and $50k more than house two.

House two. A great value, and good location. Not as amazing as house one, though

Baxt,
S.

* Not so true anymore, but still, I don't have much.

Edit:
It seems the links won't take you directly to the houses I wanted to highlight. So, in the case of house one, click on the possibilities tab and go to the very bottom, to "811 Avenue of Oaks St".

For house two, click on favorites and it's number one, "1315 28th St".