So, I thought I'd try this Windows Spyware Beta thingie to go with my Spybot... and I'm hung up on the validation step. Which is annoying as there is nothing sketchy about this laptop. It's just... hanging there not doing anything. Eh. Maybe I'll try tomorrow.

Happy New Year, all.

Stuff to read, for those that need stuff to read: [link]

The Edge Annual Question — 2006

WHAT IS YOUR DANGEROUS IDEA?

The history of science is replete with discoveries that were considered socially, morally, or emotionally dangerous in their time; the Copernican and Darwinian revolutions are the most obvious. What is your dangerous idea? An idea you think about (not necessarily one you originated) that is dangerous not because it is assumed to be false, but because it might be true?

It's long, but it's actually 117 short essays. Fun for those that prefer the red pill.

Everything is pointless

eta:

In the coming decades, our concept of free will, based as it is on ignorance of its actual mechanisms, will be destroyed by what we learn about the actual workings of the brain.

Ooh, I can't wait!

'suela, Lori and I watched Vertical Limit. It was either that or some procedural of my parents' choice. VL seemed like the better option. Sadly.

Man. I am so confused by life. pardon the mistake.

Heh. Did the TiVo collect it for you?

Not even. I had it on mute for a while, then switched over to a Tivo capture of Top Hat. Man, Fred Astaire was something. And my love for Edward Everett Horton knows no bounds.

I filled a couple of hours reading stories on the Yuletide archive and compiling recs. There's some seriously good stories out there this year.

And my love for Edward Everett Horton knows no bounds.

I blame Fractured Fairtales.

My TiVo has snagged Sweet and Lowdown on Vonnie's suggestion. 1) It's disconcerting that Sean Penn's character is named Emmet because I'm not used to hearing that name on the tv; 2) Samantha Morton is excellent, but I think Allyson Hannigan would've been great in that role as well. She would've been perfect for that character with her big silent movie eyes.

I have the soundtrack for that movie: it's quite good. I wonder why I bought it, since I never saw the movie itself. Is it good?

Is it good?

It is. It has an interesting structure (talking heads type PBS documentary intercut with period stuff). Sean Penn is typically transparent and egoless as an actor (playing a character who's boorish and talented). Samantha Morton is incredibly lovable and felt. The period stuff is very cool with "viper" songs (about marijuana) and sidetrips to Hollywood in the 30s. Reminds me a little of Purple Rose.

I think I need the sdtrk.

Am trying to figure out something to do with my parents today, but it looks like kind of a bust. All the museums are either closed or $20, and they want to leave relatively early, so I'm thinking nsm. Ah well.

Bronx Zoo closed too, Jesse?

I think I have Flexeril hangover, but alas, some of the stiffness it's supposed to address is still there. On the other paw, I did some intense yoga on Saturday, so perhaps that's my answer....

On the remaining paw, I have pretty much a free day ahead of me, so I'd better figure out something to do with it myself....

I'm thinking they're not into the zoo, but it's not a bad idea! Especially since we could drive there instead of taking the hour-long subway trip.