Writer's Block: Streaming

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Pandora. I like the option of selecting an artist or type, and having the site suggest similar things. I've used Songza as well, but Pandora seems to be my option of choice.

This, of course, after XM Radio was absorbed by Sirius and started charging for the option of listening to my already-paid subscription on the web... the cheap blaggards.

Obama won't say it, so I will

Islam is great. If you enjoy being a Muslim.

But what if you're a "Jack-Muslim", as it were... and enjoy a little Courvoisier after dinner? What if you're Muslim, and a woman - and want to wear the latest Yves St. Laurent number instead of hijab? Or what if you're Muslim, and gay at the same time? Or what if you're Muslim, and decide you'd rather be a Baha'i?

In Iran, or Afghanistan, or Saudi Arabia, or any number of Islamic countries, the above "crimes" can get you beaten, jailed, raped or executed.

And that's just wrong; religion should encourage people to improve their lives, not ruin their lives if they don't.

A good man I know once said, "Religion is designed to make you a better person. If you're still a jerk, it's not working."

I support the right of the people of Iran to elect an Islamic government if they so choose, but any government that fails to respect the inalienable rights of the governed to determine their own destiny will not last.

If we ever want to build a world that works for everyone, we as humans are going to have to get a whole lot smarter about what's important - having power over others, or having power over ourselves.