Renting is Better than Buying

One of the problems with renting, goes the conventional wisdom, is that, after taxes, it is more expensive to rent than to buy. However, right now, the housing bubble is turning conventional wisdom on it's head. The story linked in The Housing Bubble Blog asks "why buy a home when you can rent for half the cost? ... [W]ith home prices soaring and rents staying flat -- and with the Federal Reserve expressing concern last week over signs of a national housing bubble -- there may be some good economic reasons to consider renting instead of buying."

Revenge of the Sith -- First Thoughts

I was satisfied with Revenge of the Sith. It was certainly the best of the three prequels, and that by a long shot. It was probably better than A New Hope and Return of the Jedi, too. George Lucas toned down the cheesiness present in the first two prequels considerably. Sure, there were a couple of things that made me cringe, including the last scene with Vader and the Emperor, but all in all, the movie was appreciably more grown up. I guess that's more appropriate, in keeping with the themes of this installment, but I wish all three of the prequels would have been equally no-nonsense.

One thing I can't get out of my head (and why I'm posting even though it is nearly 1 AM and I have to go to work tomorrow) is how overtly political Episode III is. Emperor Palpatine has consolidated power in the Executive (USA PATRIOT Act?), has a blinded, fawning legislature (Congress?), controls the courts (see the current dustup in the Senate) and is engaging in a trumped up war to shore up his popular support and "bring peace" to the galaxy (Iraq, duh). Darth Vader even tells Obi Wan "If you're not with me, you're my enemy." And finally, Obi Wan tells Vader that his absolutist worldview will lead to death and destruction. I really have a hard time coming to any other conclusion that Lucas had this all on his mind while writing the movie.

Senator Santorum Compares Democrats to Hitler

Crazy Rick Santorum compares the Democrats' use of the filibuster to Hitler's occupation of Paris. Pretty funny. Of course he gets the facts wrong, too. We didn't bomb Paris. In fact, we went out of our way not to bomb Paris in 1942.

The Senate rules ought to be more like internet message board rules, where the first person to compare his opponent to Hitler or the Nazis automatically loses the argument.

So my parents just bought a new car. They picked up a 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid on Monday. the Hybrid tops the Accord line, and has more power than the standard V-6 model that used to cap the range.



The car looks like a regular Accord V-6, which may explain why it doesn't have the noteriety of the Toyota Prius.

On Blind Faith

Blind Faith
in your leaders
or in anything
will get you killed.

--- Bruce Springsteen, 1985.

Gator on the Loose

Richmond Channel 8 reports that there is an alligator loose in a nearby reservoir. Beyond the bewilderment at just what an alligator is doing in central Virginia, the article's writing style struck me as just plain odd. Example:

Officials say the gator should not harm you, unless you go up to it and try and catch it yourself. .... Officials are asking that you not come out here to try and see the gator or to provoke him, but if you do spot him, call Police at 748-1251.

I guess the highly conversational style and reference to the reader in the second person caught me off guard. Is there a journalistic convention being violated here or am I just not seeing this type of writing in newspapers and magazines?

Microsoft Developing XBox 360 Titles on Macs

The PowerMac G5 and Microsoft's forthcoming XBox 360 share the IBM-sourced PowerPC CPU. Because of this, Microsoft has been using modified PowerMac G5 computers as development boxes for its next-generation gaming platform, according to ZDNet. Strange bedfellows, I guess.

Mac HTPC is Reporting that Sony's PS3 may Support iTunes

Mac HTPC's report is intriguing. Apple and Sony are both notorious for wanting total control of their products. Sometimes to the detriment of their businesses. I wonder whether these two control freak companies are actually cooperating or whether this is just another unfounded rumor.

(Vicente) Fox Criticized for Anti-Black Comments

Civil Rights leaders in the US are criticizing Mexican President Vicente Fox for saying that illegal...check that...undocumented immigrants take jobs "that not even blacks want to do." Wow.

Back in the Saddle...

I am back to blogging now that I'm back home. Having your hardwood floors refinished is a life-interrupting experience.