I am worried.

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I am worried about the future of the Internet. I would like to think that the Internet is an indestructible force. We the people are the power behind the Internet and our power comes from the ability to connect freely. I know the tech community understands my concerns but, what about those non-techies that do not understand how vital the open web is to democracy? I hope that they do not out number the tech community because I want us to have as loud of a voice as possible. I am also concerned that the United States Government will use Wikileaks as an excuse to establish control over the Internet. I also wonder if the politicians that have spoken out against Wikileaks fear what may be revealed about them.

Social Media

The Internet has enjoyed the benefits of Social Media like Facebook and Twitter. There are accusations that Twitter is blocking free speech. Facebook stated that they will not block the Wikileaks page for now. These examples are why if you want a presence on the web you should get your own domain and set up a website that YOU control.
I think Richard Stallman made a great point in the article “Who Does That Server Really Serve?”
I also think this comic from xkcd illustrates the point further.

xkcd comic infrastructures

Do you share my concerns?

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Water Valley Fire Department Haunted House.

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Haunted House Every year the Water Valley Fire Dept. orchestrates a haunted hay ride/haunted house in October. I attended the opening night and they will be operating this Saturday night, October 23, 2010.
Some the activities include:

  • Indoor play area for the young children.
  • Outdoor train ride for the young children.
  • Games with prizes.
  • Plenty of food from the concession stand (Hamburgers, Frito Pies, etc).
  • Haunted Hay Ride and Haunted House.
  • Some of the nicest people you will ever meet.

The Hay Ride/Haunted House

After you buy your arm band ($5.00) you will board a long trailer lined with square hay bails pulled by a large tractor. You ride your way through the dim lighting in the woods and go through a gastly scene of ghouls and hatchet men. Some ghouls will come out of the dark and crawl along the hay bails and scare riders who are looking in the other direction. You end your journey at an old farm house. You venture through a maze filled with evil and creatures wielding chainsaws. Then you enter the haunted house. I will not go into any more detail you will have to see for yourself!

Note: All proceeds go to benefit the Volenteer Water Valley Fire Dept.

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Gatlinburg, Tennessee Trip 2010

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This year we went to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for our vacation. My Family and I stayed in a cabin overlooking the Smoky Mountains. It was very nice and the hot-tub was a great way to end the busy days. The first thing we did was visit the Ripley’s Aquarium. The Aquarium is full of sea life ranging from Sea Horses to Tiger Sharks. The best part is walking under the tanks in the under water sea tunnel. We spent a lot of time in The Smoky Mountain State Park. We hiked to waterfalls, visited Cades Cove and climbed the highest peak in the Smokies, Clingman’s Dome. My family and I rode the Gatlinburg Tramway up to Ober Gatlinburg. Ober Gatlinburg is a small theme park with a skating ring, water-slides, kid rides, and ski lifts. We ended the week with a train ride to a mountain lake in North Carolina. The train leaves Bryson City, North Carolina and travels to Nantahala, North Carolina. Nantahala is a great place to go white water rafting or kayaking. Like most vacations this one ended too early, but it is good to be back home.

Below are some pictures taken on our trip.

Check out Gatlinburg’s Website.

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