I have Voice recognition software. I always forget that. Maybe I should use it more.

Update: Nevermind, I don't

I know some of you guys here really like indie music. So here is the trivia question. What was the first independant album to go Platinum? Answer tomorrow, after the guesses.

Update: The answer is "Smash" by The Offspring.

Wired News: Google Defends China Policy

"I think it's arrogant for us to walk into a country where we are just beginning to operate and tell that country how to operate," he said.

Asked whether Google might try to persuade Beijing to change its restrictions, Schmidt said he didn't rule anything out, but said it hasn't tried to change such limits elsewhere. He noted that Google's site in Germany is barred from linking to Nazi-oriented material.

"There are many cases where certain information is not available due to local law or local custom," he said.

This has been debated here before, but I just wanted to post this because I totally agree with what Schmidt had to say. Like I said before:

Yes, censorship is wrong, but I honestly think China is headed in the right direction. Do I think Google is evil for doing business in China? No. I think they are a business who is trying to spread business to China. In order for China to move forward away from oppression, they need something like Google, even if it is in a somewhat censored form. It's a foot in the door.

Whether we like it or not, China is headed in the direction of being the world's superpower. If I were a company, I would do whatever I could to do business there. I'm not worried about Google doing anything with my personal information just because they're doing business in China. I don't think they really have anything to do with each other. If you want to take your e-mail elsewhere to someone who isn't doing business with China, good luck.

Here are a few things that I am enjoying in what little free time I have this week:

Thief: This is a great new show on FX. FX has been on a roll lately with some great original series (The Shield, Black/White, Rescue Me) and this one does not disappoint. A great cast, excellent story, and well directed. There's only been three episodes so far and I am hooked.

Devendra Banhart: Luis got me into him and now I can't stop listening. Great stuff. Devendra has a wide variety of influences and this is reflected in his music. He also has a lot of songs that are in Spanish. I really dig it. Check him out if you're looking for something new.

Pirates of the Caribbean: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies: I loved the Haunted Mansion book and this one does not disappoint. It features all kinds of concept art for the ride and the movie, great anecdotes from the imagineers, and other information you can't get anywhere else. I really hope they continue this series for more rides.

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow: A friend let me borrow this yesterday and I'm already hooked. I love the Castlevania games and this one is nothing short of amazing. It's a must-have for the DS.

There you go. That's what is occupying my time. That stuff and work.

V for Vendetta by Alan Moore and David Lloyd

Walt Disney Imagineering : A Behind the Dreams Look At Making the Magic Real by Imagineers

Pirates of the Caribbean : From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies by Jason Surrell

So once again, I am disappointed with some things. First off I am disappointed with myself. I ordered pizza last night, and didn’t make a lunch today. I suck. Those were two of my goals this week, to not eat out, and to make a lunch every day. I lost.

The second thing that I am disappointed in is that a certain few people weren’t at church on Sunday. I don’t know where they were. One I have taught with, and she wants me, but I think it is kind of a rebound situation. The other one is really good looking, and she likes Oregon 2A basketball. So I think I should she what she does during the week, and see if she is available one some night and we can be awesome together for a night. Oh well it is all about the K’s and the A’s.