Google's evil

Google's crossroads deal with China has a lot of people upset, and certainly it's a slippery slope they tread. But I'm not convinced that they've truly - at least with this deal - turned their back on their famous motto.

I think they sat down and they made a real world decision recognizing how bad it would look, but that the potential for good outweighed the blow to their cred.

Google of all organizations has to understand how hard it is to effectively censor the internet. Information flows too quickly and in too many directions to be easily confined. I suspect that China's thought police do not yet grok this in fullness.

Google, however, certainly does. At the same time, they can't come right out and say so.

I think Google.cn will be good for the Chinese people, though now it appears to support a totalitarian regime.

I guess we'll see.

Car Quiz

If you're an RX-8 (like a certain prominent blogger) then your WhichSportsCar Quiz must look a lot like this:

Are you an Italian exotic or an American muscle car? A classic roadster or a high-tech racer?

This test will show you your true inner vehicle...

Are you passionate?
Yes

Do you change direction quickly?
No

Are you powerful?
No

Are you loud?
No

Are you high-maintenance?
No

Do you easily spin out of control?
No

Do you like to go topless in the summer?
No

Are you competitive?
Yes

Are you practical?
Yes

Do you have expensive tastes?
No

Are you happy in the rain?
Yes

Which tool would you be more comfortable wielding?
Sledgehammer

I don't know, Glenn, I think you're somewhat powerful ...

Hmmm. Can't complain ...

I'm a Porsche 911!

You have a classic style, but you're up-to-date with the latest technology. You're ambitious, competitive, and you love to win. Performance, precision, and prestige - you're one of the elite,and you know it.

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

Lileks

At the checkout Gnat saw a Seasonal My Little Pony named Wish I Might – it had red wings and a red box of chocolates on its haunch. Special to Target. She was enthralled. When she wasn't looking I tossed it in the basket, and took it out when we were in the car.

She was ecstatic. Daddy, why did you get this for me?

Because it's special for Valentine's day. Because I knew it would surprise you, and you didn't beg, and because I thought it would make this day even better. Because I like to make you happy.

I can never say the other reason: because some day you won't want a My Little Pony.