View From the Bushes

Sometimes I'll spend all day surfing the internet and barely remember a single noteworthy thing. Other times, I'll check my normal haunts and within 15 minutes I'll have come across a half dozen absolutely fascinating articles. The first from Reason.com asks what the difference is between Kosovo and Iraq II? In the final analysis, as you might suspect, not much. Though there are various, almost inconsequential rhetorical shades which are interesting.

The second is on a subject I have mentioned before. In fact, I've even mentioned this particular research, but it's so cool I have to mention it again. I'm talking about the research on virtual economies, in particular Everquest, but also many other massively multiplayer games as well. There's some new information in here as well: a company that will convert one virtual currency to another, companies that scour virtual realms for deals and then resell what they find and the whole concept of virtual property rights.

The final article asks how Star Wars Episode III can be saved. His biggest suggestion which I agree with is that George Lucas should have nothing whatsoever to do with the movie. But my favorite observation is that Episodes I and II are what Ed Wood (most famous for Plan 9 from Outer Space) would have done with 200 million dollars and a talanted effects crew.

Okay, so nothing really original or creative today (from me at least) but I promise that tomorrow will be more than a regurgitation of other people's writing, or if it is it will be disguised better.

Carpe Diem Quam Minimum Credula Postero
Ross