Facebook and the myth of online privacy

As someone who lost his job because I blogged about a Green Party candidate, I think it very funny people think the internet is "private." I attacked a political candidates "privacy" online. Ooohh. Do people really think that they can just gate off their digital information and assume no one else will see it? Okay, you are a moron if you think it is.

Your "privacy" is null and void in the 21st century. Digital devices can take our photos, voices, writings, pretty much every aspect of our lives could find its way online if we choose to do so. To assume nothing "private" will get online is ludicrous.

I consider anything in life bloggable, unless I receive a written, signed, and notarized statement from an individual who wishes not be "discovered" online. Do that with each blogger and Facebook user. I bid you good luck.

Okay, I don't write about everyone, but just send me an e-mail or txt msg if you have an issue with my blog. I have even been blamed for other's comments! And unless I am aware of them, I don't delete them.

Ridiculous hoops for a badge I already had?

I really don't know why I did this - I saw a Google Ad asking if I was a Republican or what party I would support. Okay, I figured NOT a Republican - probably what I already know I am - a Green. So I took this 20 question quiz - only to be confronted with those dreaded pages of ads asking if I would click "Yes" on them! I hate those. I wish they would all die. Is that anti-artificial life of me?

Yeah, I've seen "Ghost in the Shell" several times - I don't care if artificial life does come into 'being' online if it is in the form of these hideous spamalicious websites!

I also hate spam. All of them. Even my non-veggy Somali friends can appreciate my stance on this critical issue, though they may not agree on all my thoughts.

So, now the question is - do I show this badge of honor to everyone? Or do I hide it in shame of answering those pathetic questions? By hiding it, I also prevent others from doing the same to support "the cause." Oh what to do in this digitally-stressful 21st Century!

Ahh, got it. Post it to my blog. My own personal diary that is all mine. And no one reads that right? :P

But I went searching for more legitimate - non-advertising hawking sites. I found two I like:

http://www.3pc.net/matchmaker/quiz.html

and gurl.com has a good one. Though I think some questions are a bit cheesy and miss the point.

I took the "Count Me In" quiz on gURL.com
		My party is... Green What They Stand For: The defining position of the Greens is their dedication to environmental issues--hence the name "Green." They also believe in grassroots democracy, supporting local activism, smaller and independently owned business, abortion rights...Read more... What's your political party?

Blog info 2007

Of all that happens in my life, less than 10% of all the big things I do each year probably end up in this blog. But I do try to keep up, but you know life is quite busy.

Josiah and I have been quite busy this year with him going to school now, the Clouds in Water Zen Center every other weekend, and all the neighborhood events and garden work days. In the Winter, we try to get out when we can and sled or play in the snow.

It has been a tremendously busy year for me, and I hope 2008 brings things to more of a calm. But if the events that have wrapped up 2007 are any indication - things will be rough for a while.

The latest news:
*Josiah is still in school but is having a rough time behaving on the bus and may get kicked off.
*Brandy hasn't had a stable home for more than a month at a time, is starting a new job at Hard Times Cafe and is returning to college to finish her BA.
*Susan Rose Hamblin died, leaving my Mother a widow and without a job or any money. She may need a place to live and I wish I could help her out.
*Timothy, my brother, has just moved in with me because he was evicted from his place in Shakopee. He has taken Josiah's room, and is looking for a job so he can get his own place.
*Phanice is stuck in Kenya, after missing her meeting at the embassy. She was at her sister's funeral when the letter arrived stating her date with them. In addition, the nation of Kenya is in a state of anarchy due to a possible rigged election and pathetic tribalism. I haven't been able to get a hold of her for over a week, and will not be able to until the situation there stabilizes.
*Anne Stang and Matt Kremers have really helped me a lot over the last several years. I hope I haven't made them mad, because they don't return phone calls any more and didn't answer there door when I tried stopping over a couple times. But I had to cancel a babysitting date with them because of circumstances out my control, and they probably blame me for it. I really don't have anyone else reliable to help me out with Josiah apart from Leah and Brandy. Though my Mom did help the week Brandy disappeared.

The better news:

*I am glad to have many good friends. I especially am glad that Leah Seelhoff has been there for me so many times! Thank you Leah! Can't imagine 2007 or 08 without you!
*Josiah is learning how to read and write numbers/words, though he likes to guess, is lazy about it, and has a short attention span
*Brandy has rarely missed being there to help watch Josiah while I am at work. Thank you Brandy for being much 100% consistent since summer!
*Re-elected to the 5th Congressional District Green Party Steering Committee until July 2008. Hope I can do my part to keep thing stable and grow the local party!

site info:
554 visitors from 25 October until 31 December 2007.

No current financial gain, though I did install Google-ads in November.