Being a novice writer I asked an old friend (someone whom I consider to be an EXCELLENT writer) for some advice on how to get started.

His response? A quote from Dr. Samuel Johnson - "No man but a blockhead ever wrote, except for money."

Interesting. Not exactly what I was looking for. But still interesting.

Being naturally inquisitive, I can't help myself. I can't possibly mention this without examining and wondering if there's any truth to it.

I surely cannot help but wonder what Dr. Johnson would think if he were alive today to see the volume of e-mail, instant messaging, blogging, and text messaging.

It seems to me that people love to write... for no money. Are they all blockheads?

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I am a software developer (a web developer to be exact). Like many software developers (aka 'Computer Programmers') I enjoy reading Dilbert.

For those of you out there that write code for a living, here's something you might appreciate. I'm sorry that it's 16 months old, but hey, "better late than never".

Working for Dilbert's boss -
http://www.infoworld.com/article/05/11/01/45OPrecord_1.html

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As promised, a few words on my thoughts, ideas, and fears.

Approximately 10 days ago I was having dinner at a local Italian restaurant.

There was a couple sitting next to me. Based on the information available through observation I would say that they were both in their early- to mid-40s, divorced (not from each other), and dating for more than 2 weeks but less than 1 year. (I apologize for not being more specific).

Somehow the subject of Global Warming came up in their conversation. She apparently believes that Global Warming is real and something needs to be done about it. He on the other hand doesn't believe that it's real.

My opinion? I think it's real. I think it's very real, I think we (the people) are responsible, and I think that we (not the planet) will suffer in the long run.

More to come on that...

Hey farmer farmer
Put away that DDT now
Give me spots on my apples
But leave me the birds and the bees
Please!