Pay-per-Post: GPS scandal
by V.E. on September 22nd, 2006
filed under ppp
Apparently there’s some big hoo-hah about GPS Tracking* … and it’s (apparently) becoming a serious privacy and personal rights issue. The BrickHouseSecurity ad below:
Track any person or car with GPS!
When suspicions arise about a vehicle, make sure one of our Vehicle Logging Units goes along for the ride. A Car Logging System is a reliable way to track a vehicle to the nearest address, determine how long the vehicle remained at any given destination, and provide details of suspicious activities.
Is your teenager really going to the library, or is he or she going to a party where there will be underage drinking and drugs available? Was your spouse actually working late? A GPS Tracking and Logging System is a surefire way to document your loved one’s whereabouts. Unsure of where employees are taking your company car? Stop employee abuse of company cars or trucks–lower high gas costs.
Is such an ad really necessary? Why would someone want to keep tabs on someone else THAT much? I mean, we’re starting to get into the “creepy stalker” range here. I feel like I need a shower. Ick. It’s one thing if it’s for people’s safety (although that is a FINE line to tread, no matter the necessity for “safety”) but just ’cause you’re obsessed with your ex-girlfriend? Come ON, be a little more creative. Really. I mean, what happened to OLD-FASHIONED stalking behaviour, like sitting outside someone’s window for hours on end in the snow or creepily tailing someone from 100 or 200 yards? This GPS thing really takes the investment out of stalking; people aren’t going to think you’re a serious “real” stalker unless you’re “walking ten miles in the snow uphill each way just to get to school and back everyday” like they did… so to speak.
And as for the “it’s for your own good” argument (ie: parents worried about their children cars)… that’s bullshit (excuse the language). We’ve done fine so far without all this “new fangled crap” (excuse the language again) and I’m pretty sure we’ll continue to do fine in the future. Still, there is the point made that the KIDS are going to use the new technology to their advantage… why shouldn’t the parents do the same?
*The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite navigation system that was developed to determine a precise location almost anywhere on Earth. The technology has since matured into further reaching applications–monitor the movement of people and things, create maps of the world, get directions without having to stop and ask for help, and be able to tell time with perfect accuracy.
Day One hundred eighty-seven
by V.E. on September 22nd, 2006
filed under 5reasons
- Whew. No more Rush until next semester…
- … and I might actually be getting a little [sister] this time around.
- Things are going well, although I wish Pedro was around more often. ^_^;
- I’m doing much better with keeping my commitments and following up and actually going.
- Weis‘ Mint Moose Tracks (mint chocolate chip, but better) ice cream is T3H AWESOME.
Pay-per-Post: Xmas TREEs
by V.E. on September 22nd, 2006
filed under ppp, spirituality
Do YOU have one?? It’s the new BIG thing, and just in time for Christmas: artificial Christmas trees!!
Artificial Christmas trees have come a long way from the pure [sometimes dreadful and sometimes charming] fakery of a few decades ago. Of course, the greatest thing about getting an artificial Christmas tree is that
Artificial Xmas trees and their genuine counterparts are one of the most popular traditions associated with the celebration of Christmas. Traditionally, the real and later the artificial tree was not brought in and decorated until Christmas Eve, and then removed the day after twelfth night; to have a tree put up before or after these dates was considered bad luck. Artificial trees are very popular, particularly in the US, where despite their lack of realism, they are considered more convenient and less expensive than a real Xmas tree.
What is the origin of the artificial Xmas tree? These Christmas trees appeared in Germany towards the end of the 1800s as a way to save native forests. Metal wire Christmas trees were covered with goose, turkey, ostrich or swan feathers. The feathers on these trees were often dyed green to imitate pine needles! The Addis Brush Company created the first artificial-brush Christmas tree in the 1930s, using the same machinery that made their toilet brushes!
There are two distinct differences between live trees and artificial ones: tradition and convenience. That said; a fake tree might be the perfect solution for holiday decorating. Ease of setup and maintenance, discount prices, health concerns and even fashion are all factors that may play into the decision to abandon a real tree for a faux facsimile. Artificial trees are relatively cheap and have evolved over the years.
