If you’re wondering about that empowering smell every time you’re near me?

I came across some old Nokia phone pics today and thought it would be fun to see the mobile phones I’ve owned all in a row. (scale is purely estimated.) 

On NPR’s Morning Edition today Renee Montagne made a brief apology for calling Africa “The Dark Continent” on a previous show. According to Wikipedia Dark Continent refers to:

A 19th century expression previously used to describe Africa, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa. As little was known about the continent’s interior geography, map-makers would often leave this region dark.

I think I have similar conversations on a regular basis with my friends and am always assured that I am insensitive and wrong-thinking, but I have to take umbrage at a society where correct usage of a word/phrase is a firing offense and I wonder why Montagne felt the need to make this apology. Anyone taking offense at the phrase is only showing their ignorance. Every socially-conscience PS3 user can tell you why Africa is called “the Dark Contient” even without Wikipedia’s help.

I have always marveled that Africa is one of the few areas of land mass on a world-wide map that has almost zero participation in the Folding@home, and every night map I’ve seen of the planet makes it clear why this particular phrase is in reference only to the lack of penetration from Western civilization.

Take this as an opportunity to tell me (again) why I’m wrong. :)

One month and 17 days ago an Austin friggin’ institution closed it’s doors.

I suppose that it is a true sign of the times when an arcade in Austin, right across the street from the University of Texas, can’t generate enough business that arcade gaming is over…until the holo-intranasal-simulators are available.