Several people have asked me to explain Bit Torrent to them, as it makes up a large part of my daily computer life. Bit Torrent is an increasingly popular way to share files online. It allows you to share large files (or large amounts of small files) more quickly than regular downloads, thus allowing them to be spread more widely with less effort.

The way it works is simple. Instead of a stream of data going from one uploader to one downloader at a time, Bit Torrent (or BT) allows the uploader(s) to connect to multiple downloaders. The uploader can provide different parts of the data to different downloaders. The downloaders can also connect to each other, and share data amongst themselves. This means that if one uploader is serving seven downloaders, he doesn't have to upload all the data seven times. He uploads it once (in theory. In practice, a little more than once.) and the downloaders all share the data between them. That is why it is called a "torrent", as the bits are flying in every direction.  When you are connected to a torrent, you are both a downloader(leecher) and an uploader (seeder) until you finish the download, then you continue to be a seeder.

There is praactically nothing that isn't available somewhere via BT. I have used BT to amass an incredible bootleg collection, great music that is not available commercially but is still legal to share online in this fashion. You can find books, comics, software, TV shows, and of course, more porn than Howard Stern could watch in a year. If you have an interest, just google the name of that interest with the words "bit torrent" and you'll find it. I'll put some links up as well.

What you need to participate is:

1) A fast internet connection. Dial up just won't work here. DSL is good, cable is better.

2) A BT Client.

3) SOmething to download.

A BT client is a program that allows you to connect to a torrent. There are a bunch of them to suit different needs, and they are all free. I'll let you look at a few.

1. Bit Tornado

I started out with this one, but I quickly outgrew it as I found more and more things todownload. It is a good, stable program, and allows you to selectively download (say a torrent has 10 files in it, but I only want 3 of them), but it only allows for one torrent at a time. Being the greedy sort, I wanted to be able to do more than one at a time. I moved on to

    2. ABC (Another Bittorrent Client)

This one I used for a long time, as it allowed multiple torrents. It allowed me to set download and upload priorities, and allows "queueing", so that one torrent is shut down automatically when it is finished, thus allowing another to be started. I ended up keeping Bit tornado on my computer, though, since ABC doesn't allow selective download and wouldn't connect to some sites for whatever reason.

Last year, I finally switched to

    3. utorrent

This one has it all. Multiple downloads with queueing, selective download, lots of configuration freedom, and the added bonus of using far less computer resources than ABC. It's also helping me learn the world flags. This is the one I recommend. Anyone interested (and there damn well BETTER be someone!) should go ahead and download it.

Next I'll talk about BT sites, where to find what you want, and how to stay on the right side of the law.

Yesterday, sports legend Kirby PUCKETT died. Two weeks ago, Rythym and Blues Legend Wilson PICKETT died. Coincidence?

Probably, yes.

My opinion regarding freedom of speech usually does not waver. I consider myself to be 100% dead-set for it. I even consider it a responsibility for every American to tolerate speech that they disapprove of, countering it with their own free expressions, rather than trying to legally stifle the ones who caused the "offense". I am tested, however, on occasion. I have never been more tested than I was this morning.

Oddly enough, this isn't about Ann Coulter OR NAMBLA, usually two of the better reasons to think twice about free speech. This is about the Reverend Fred Phelps, my Asshole of the Year for 2006. I know, we're barely into March, but I have a busload of faith in this guy. I'm sure you will, too, if you look at this.

This fine and oh-so- Christian fellow and his congregation at the Westboro Baptist Church (which consists mostly of his relatives) believe that America has turned it's back on God by harboring homosexuals. By "harboring" he of course means not arresting and executing them, as he feels God would prefer. This is the God of the Old Testament, all vengeance and flaming sword, although the sword he uses now consists of  improvised bombs, and He's using them to slay the soldiers that defend this haven of queers, this modern Gomorrah. This isn't a war, it is righteous vengeance, claims the Reverend and his band of merry nutjobs. So they've taken to holding protests at the funerals of our soldiers who died in action.

These aren't quiet protests. The, ummmm, "flock" will get as close as possible and scream to the bereaved that their loved one was slain by God for defending "fags" and are burning in Hell for crossing God's will. That, I gather, is one of the nicer things they scream, as no news agency I found was willing to quote anything else they chanted, although most pointed out that it is always rude. One report used the word "profane". The church claims that they are "proud to preach God's hate." They hold signs that say "Thank God for Dead Soldiers", "Thank God for IEDs" (Improvised Explosive Devices) and of course, "God Hates Fags."

Think that's weird? Go to their site and see how they tied the tsunami to God's fury toward Sweden. No answer yet on whether they run a day care.

Some states have countered them by passing laws that keep protests hundreds of feet away from the mourners. As far as limits to free speech, that one is tolerable, expecially when it involves a church that is being tracked as a hate group.

It turns out that something better happened. Enter the Patriot Guard Riders , a group of motorcyclists that go to the funerals to counter the protests.They stand between mourners and the Assholes of the Year, waving flags and saying supportive and patriotic things, making sure that Phelps and his ilk aren't heard. Sometimes they even use their Harleys to drown them out. They only go where they are invited, because of this thing they have called "respect", but people know when to invite them since Phelps lists his itinerary on his website. These guys are using responsible freedom of speech to counter irresponsible, perhaps even evil, use of the same freedom. They show that the freedom CAN be absolute, unless people become afraid to speak out, or afraid of allowing others to.

So there you have it. The church folks are the Anti-American bad guys, the bikers are the Patriotic Good Guys. Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper could not be reached for comment. Or at least, I assumed they couldn't.

I'm going to make a sign of my own now. It will say "Thank God for Outlaw Bikers".

     "We will not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon."  Dick Cheney

Sounds like there's a camel hunting junket in the works.

Q: How do you say "fuck you" in Los Angeles?
A: "Trust Me"

The news and the pundits had me thinking about that old joke today, as we all learned that the operation of several American seaports was to be handed over to a state-owned company from the United Arab Emirates. Now, on the surface, that seems to be something we might want to look at very, very carefully, say with a fine-toothed comb or other such implement, before enacting. It loses nothing on closer inspection.

One of the million things that we take for granted, and shouldn't, is the idea that our ports are owned and managed by people whose main political and social loyalties lie with our country. People who wouldn't want ,say, a dirty bomb, or a bunch of nasty germs, or anything of the like to come into the country. People who are united in the President's call to perfect National Security, and defeat terrorism "over there" instead of "here".

So one might want to take a moment or two, possibly more, to examine a deal that put our ports in the hands of a country that refuses to recognize Israel but DID recognize the Taliban, and that served as home to two of the 9/11 hijackers as well as a source of funds for the operation. It's just the type of situation that gives one pause.

Criticism is bi-partisan, unless you get your news from Rush. A bill has already been written to stop the deal until Congress can get a look at it. Charges of racism are already being leveled at those who think that this might be a less than perfect deal. It has been clarified that the company will not be handling security, but not what the company's actual responsibilities and abilities will be. I'm guessing there will be plenty of security badges to go around.

"I don't understand why it's OK for a British company to operate our ports but not a company from the Middle East when we've already determined security is not an issue," Bush said today. Well, I'm not certain that it IS okay, but since I just found out today that the Brits have already been doing it, I won't address it as we're on to something else now. I tend to feel better about the British since they haven't attacked us since 1815. There hasn't even been a song about it since Johnny Horton. There are legitimate reasons to have doubts about the UAE.

Among the Republicans to cast a doubtful eye on this plan was Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who said "although the UAE is an ally in the war on terrorism, the country has historically been used as a base of terrorist operations and financing."  Perhaps she is using a definition of "ally" that my dictionary is unfamiliar with, but is still made me think of what President Bush said in his 2001 State of the Union Speech. He said "Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists."

But what did we get from him today? "If there was any chance that this transaction would jeopardize the security of the United States, it would not go forward," Bush said. "I can understand why some in Congress have raised questions about whether or not our country will be less secure as a result of this transaction," the president said. "But they need to know that our government has looked at this issue and looked at it carefully."

"They'll look at the facts and understand the consequences of what they're going to do. But if they pass a law, I'll deal with it with a veto."

In other words, "Trust me."

I remember the first time I saw her, peeking out of the car at me. The fear and distrust in those huge green eyes told me I would have my work cut out. She had been found by a workmate's girlfriend in an alley, and was still nervous about everyone and everything around her. She was a beauty, though: graceful in movement and form, long and silky with tortoise shell fur, and a line down the middle of her face separating those shockingly expressive eyes. And she was trying to tear my hands off.

I feel that a cat should have the name that he or she deserves, so I lived with her for a couple weeks before choosing one. She made it a challenge, as she proved to be a cat of many moods. She really seemed to have no single prevailing attitude. Her feelings about a person or situation could change in a heartbeat. As that became her defining quality, I landed on the only possible name……Sybyl.

Life with Sybyl was a challenge in the early days. She didn't seem to like me, and seemed hell bent on destroying everything I own, including Avatar, the senior cat of the house. There were a couple times when I considered getting her a new home. I would have to capture her to pet her, and while I held her and stroked her gently, she would wail as if suffering the tortures of the damned. She finally found one—and for a time, only one—way to bond, and that was by sitting on the edge of the bathtub while I took my bath (as that apartment had no shower). She would just sit there and watch, and purr the loudest, deepest purr I've ever heard. She fell in only once. I never saw a cat move so fast.

She proved a smart one, as well, smart enough to figure out how to open a kitchen drawer and snag a favorite toy. Smart enough to know how a doorknob mechanism works, and try to turn it. Smart enough to learn that if the front door wasn't latched, she could open it by tossing herself at it. If it were locked, she would just bounce harmlessly off. I'll never forget the first—and only—time she went into heat. An entire evening of "Meeeaarrrlllllllllll" WHHUUUMMMP! "Meeeaarrrlllllllllll" WHHUUUMMMP! "Meeeaarrrlllllllllll" WHHUUUMMMP!

She weathered a lot of changes with me, and always made herself not just at home, but the Absolute Queen and Monarch of All She Surveys and Most of the Rest. She slowly became more affectionate, although still very aloof, especially with the other cats. She did not at all like the idea of moving in with a dog, but eventually resigned herself to having the lummox around. As long as we all understood that she was superior.

And the games we would invent! Not only the typical hunting games that cats play, but there was also her world class bagpipe impression, with me holding her on her back like I'd hold a baby, and squeezing her gently, while she'd wail out her interpretation of "Amazing Grace". Then there was the Sybyl Game, which required a straight-backed kitchen chair with a space between the back and the seat. She would lay on her back with her head and front paws looking up at the back of the chair. Her rear feet would kick at the front of the chair back while she tried to kill my fingers as they moved across the back of the chair back. If she started to slow down, a couple soft spanks would rev her up again. Hours of fun.

It was when she became the only cat that the aloofness ended. She was, from that point on, Daddy's Little Girl. She rarely passed up a free lap, and adopted Avatar's habit of jumping up on the bed after I got in, to sit on my chest and say goodnight with that loud purr. Then it's up on the headboard, or the windowsill, to lull me to sleep with that same loud, deep, satisfied sound. She still hissed at Angus a lot (he is the clumsy sort and would step on her occasionally) but she'd also lick his face when she thought I wasn't looking.

She slowed down a bit as she aged, and didn't play as much, but was still vigorous enough to defend her ground. She stayed healthy for over 15 years, aside from having to take medication for hyperthyroidism these past few years. It became more difficult to give her in the past six months, though, as she became less and less likely to eat. She lost weight.

The last few weeks saw some changes in medication and feeding tactics, but to no avail. She had developed heart disease, and that was affecting all other systems, as they all need blood. She couldn't get up when I did this morning, and didn't respond to fluids at the emergency vet. She threw up blood. At age 16, it was time. I had to relieve, and release, her.

Sybyl lay in her Daddy's arms this morning as the sedatives put her gently to sleep. My friend Amy and I stroked her and cried while telling her how much she is loved. When her heart stopped beating, for a moment mine did also.

She rests in the garden next door, where birds sometimes play, with a marker painted by my friend and neighbor, Beth. It looks just like her, in the prime of health. She would approve. It suits her dignity, and shows her beauty.

While "Googling" recently, I stumbled across a fairly long list of Presidential quotes, and I started thinking about the stunning array of positions these words could be used to support. It seems a popular notion these days that nothing sells a political idea better than a quote from a respected leader that gives prior mandate-- or seems to, anyway. For instance, one of those "Liberal" organizations, such as the ACLU, might like to quote the President who said;

 As Mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality.

 Likewise, a "conservative" organization like the NRA would want to adorn their tracts with one of these fellows;

 When firearms go, all goes. We need them every hour.

 The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good.

 Those that want an immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq would love to have their argument propped up by the respected leader who said;

 My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, war, banished from the earth.

 (never minding that it's the type of thing that people who start wars tend to say.) The administration's angrier dissenters on the war issue would more likely put this guy on their website;

 Over grown military establishments are under any form of government inauspicious to liberty, and are to be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty.

 Well, that particular Commander in Chief didn't seem too eager to re-enlist. I'm sure that those brandishing magnetic ribbons on their Windstars would take more pride in the Civilian Commander that declared;

 Our country's honor calls upon us for a vigorous and manly exertion; and if we now shamefully fail, we shall become infamous to the whole world.

 There are those, then, which favor weak government, with minimal involvement in citizen's lives. They used to be Republicans, but are now more frequently found in Independent and Libertarian circles. They'd argue for less government by quoting one of these respected statesmen:

 A government is like fire, a handy servant, but a dangerous master.

 The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments.

 Meanwhile, those that want a stronger government with broader powers, whom the Republicans used to call "liberals" and now call "core constituents", will add an "Amen" to this President's prayer;

 'Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow-citizens of the United States at large.'

 See? There's something for just about everybody. No matter what your cause- liberal or conservative, pro- or anti-war, big or small government, there's a President out there to say you're right. This gives your position legitimacy, solid ground upon which to stand. It shows that a smart guy like the President agrees with you, so anyone else would be stupid not to. And here's the great thing—you don't even need that many Presidents! I covered every issue above with only one, an old fellow named Washington (I didn't fool you one bit, did I, insightful one?)

 So what does this prove? Well, for one thing, it shows that a flip-flopper can still make a good President, contrary to current notions. One can only imagine how Rush Limbaugh, using the quotes above, would take Mr. Washington apart if he were running for office today. Myself, I tend to think that changing one's mind, even just a little, shows the ability to allow an idea to evolve. It confirms blood flow above the mouth.

 More importantly, though, it shows how gullible we can be. It's easy to be swayed by the words of someone we admire, especially when the person in question is long dead. If history's whitewash has done it's job, it's august figure's words carry that much more weight, and seem to gain an unimpeachability that our own opinions lack.

 We must remember, however, how easily manipulated these words of wisdom are. What was the context? What were the sentences before and after the quote? In particular, I'd like to know what ol' George's day had been like before that prayer.

We must also remember that age and experience can and will often lead someone to say something quite different than they've said before. George lived long enough to change his mind about many things. Just how much time elapsed between supposedly contradictory statements?

 Finally, we should all remember that the President isn't necessarily smarter than we are. That is on some occasions truer than on others, of course.

 I leave you with this dictate from George;

Make the most of the hemp seed and sow it everywhere.

Yes, SIR, Mr. President!