RobsHouse.net

Funny, for all surveillance, Osama bin Laden is still free -- and we're not. Guess who's winning the "war on terror?"
The title of this post also refers to a quote, of course. It is attributed to Benjamin Franklin. Currently I can't find a definitive wording, but the gist of it is clear, I think. Here are two versions. I like the second best:
"Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
"Those who are willing to sacrifice their basic liberties to assure their security deserve neither."

— Cory Doctorow on BoingBoing, in reference to this BBC article.

The excellent folks over at Schmap guides, producers of very interesting interactive travel guides both online and as a desktop app, have shortlisted one of my photos for the next edition of their guide to Cologne! Yay my camera! Yay my shutter finger!
Even if it doesn't make the final editorial cut, I am flattered. I'm further inspired to keep snapping and posting.
Thank you, Schmap!

Take this music
Peer to it intently
And tremble
Be alone, in darkness, under covers
With tears that taste sideways of vanity
Do not walk away from it
Or leave it to itself
That which gods whispered to men
So that men would know
That God is inside of them

It's not even my birthday yet, but I was given an early present anyway. My friend Jam made this totally awesome hand-sewn laptop sleeve for my MacBook Pro. It's got the Kölner Dom on it, red-on-white on the front and white-on-red on the back. The material is very thick felt which is sure to provide nice protection. The laptop slides in and out quite nicely, and the cover flap has velcro on it to close. This is easily the best laptop sleeve ever. Thanks, Jam!

(see all the pics)