I chuckled a bit when I started reading this article about the EU’s fight to restrict wine imports. It seemed so stereotypically “European” to make such a big deal about wine. But it really isn’t about wine at all–it’s about protecting a domestic industry. When Bush imposed tariffs on steel imports a few years ago he was doing the same thing. Maybe the U.S. and Europe are not so different after all. Is it fair to say that wine and steel are symbols of our respective cultures, or am I reading too much into it?

For all of my complaints about Salon.com‘s leftist propaganda, it really is a great website. It’s updated daily with interesting and original content, and I thoroughly enjoy Cary Tennis’ advice column. For example, today I took perverse pleasure in reading this letter from an individual full of politically-based rage. (more…)

I came across this article and it reinforced a strong belief of mine–a revolution in formal wear is coming. The article is about a rising trend in young children of wearing pajamas to school, but I think there are wider-reaching implications here. I guess what I’m driving at is this: the suit and tie are on their way out. (more…)

“There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch.” Remember that from high school economics class? It was a simple way of describing the essence of a capitalist economic system, but the phrase means so much more. It seems to apply to just about everything in life. “Nothing worth achieving is ever easy.” “No pain no gain.” All the clichés are true, and sadly their message is starting to sink in. (more…)

I just noticed that Capcom’s “Release Dates” page shows a November 17 date for the release of the Mega Man X Collection for GameCube and PlayStation 2. The X Collection will contain the full library of side-scrolling Mega Man X games–X through X6. I’m really looking forward to getting this, as I’m on a little mission to conquer every Mega Man game known to man… (more…)