You need to read this.

I write in this blog because I want to. I'm a technology and gadget fan, so that's normally what I write about. Honestly, I normally don't care if you read it or not... but this time I do. This time... it's important. This time... it's not my words I want you to read, but I do want to say something first.

You see, we are in a pandemic of sorts. A pandemic that, while we are beating it back towards oblivion, we are doing so at a snail's pace, and I'd like to help speed it up. So what is the pandemic?

Bigotry [big-uh-tree]

noun, plural -ries.

1. stubborn and complete intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one's own.

2. the actions, beliefs, prejudices, etc., of a bigot.

This was made most apparent during my town's spring parade last weekend, when the Family Tree float drove by, and all clapping ceased as the float passed.

Photo by Mike Ewen/Democrat

Let me put that into some perspective for you about the values my town has:

• The Parrothead float had a gentleman in a coconut bra and grass skirt
• The Krewe float had female pirate wenches with their breasts spilling over the top of their outfit, as well as a topless mermaid decoration on the bow of the ship
• The breast cancer research float had women with pinwheel bras (to be clear, I'm not criticizing the group, I'm merely pointing out the costume)

These floats, and possibly more, were well received with clapping, laughing, and hoots and hollers. But a tasteful float supporting our local gay community is shunned because people are too damn quick to judge others. I am embarrassed for my town.

I want you to read something. I discovered this through a friend on Facebook (thank you, Rain), and it moved me enough to try to get more eyes to see it. Don't back out now, if you've read this far into this post then maybe there is some hope left for reasoning with my fellow man. Ready? Click the link below.

 I'm Christian, unless you're gay.(Make sure you read all 3 pages)

Now I want you to read a 15 year old's response to that article, as well as his mother's reaction.
A Teen's Brave Response

Do not give me a knee-jerk reaction about what you have just read. Instead, give it 5 minutes. Think about it. Let it simmer in the three pounds of gray matter between your ears. Set any hatred you may have aside and think it over for 5 minutes with an open mind and open heart. I'll wait.

Now, if you have any comments you would like to make, go for it. Just remember, no matter who you are, or how you live.... I love you. Our world and its cultures are too diverse, and our lives are too damn short to be hateful for stupid reasons.

You may say I'm a dreamer,

but I'm not the only one.

I hope some day you'll join us,

And the world will live as one.

- John Lennon

In your FACE!

I was working on a post about the lack of current day tech in Tallahassee, but I'm not going to post that one today because something incredible has just peeked around the corner.

Of course, it's from Google and it's called Project Glass, and it is augmented reality glasses. Don't worry, these aren't the big bulky VR monstrosities that were dreamed up in the 80's and 90's. These glasses are actually... sexy! See for yourself!

What good are you?

In the spring of 2003, the door to the house I was renting was kicked in while I was working at my second job, and the thief proceeded to simply take all the things I had worked hard to paid for. I was told at the time the police department doesn't classify it as 'grand theft' unless the value of the stolen goods exceeds $3,500, and the total value of what was stolen came to around $650. That may not seem like much to you, but when everything you own (excluding the car) adds up to about $800, and a burglar just waltz's in and takes $650 of it... that's over 80% of your belongings! The responding officer then proceeds to tell you the police department won't do much because it's less than a certain dollar amount?! If you only cater to the wealthy... then what good are you?

They look old because they are brand new. Wait... what?

My grandmother always had many different photographs on display at her house. She had at least one framed photo on every shelf, and almost every photo had a faded orange tint to it. This is what happens to pictures that were taken 40, 50, even 60 years ago. This is also what happens to a digital picture taken 30 seconds ago. At least, this is what happens when you use Instagram. Personally, I don't understand why someone wants to age their pictures. The great thing about digital photography is that there is always a crisp, clean version at your fingertips (that is, of course, if you have uploaded it to the internet). A version that will always be as vibrant as the moment it was taken, or at least, as far as your camera will let it.

Well THAT was dumb.

The hacker group Anonymous has been making the news lately with their DDoS attacks on government websites and hacking into and recording a phone call from the FBI and the UK Police, among many other things. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your stance), some members of Anonymous have been found and arrested by the FBI. Now, when I first heard this news, I was a bit confused. You must be new to the group, or made a critical error to allow the FBI to locate which door you hide behind. Then the story broke: there was a mole. A long time hacker called Sabu had turned rat and given up the names of his fellow hackers to the government.

I don't know the details on why he gave up information, nor do I care. I'm just trying to figure out if he put any thought into this move. Sabu is one person, who has now, angered a collective of individuals that have fought for many years to hide what he just handed over. He has pissed off a group of people that are supplying blogs with as much information as they can find on him. Someone has even gone so far as to post a picture of Sabu's front door on Twitter, and say "Nobody was home."

He should have known. Just like all the gangster movies, once you're in the family, you'd better stay in the family. When you turn on the family, the family will..... well, you've seen the movies. I have a feeling that this story is far from over. In fact, I think it's just getting started.

I sure as hell wouldn't want to be in his shoes.