At this point last year:

So with the advent of 2003 I have made my resolution to stop grumbling about what I don't like and start singing about what I do.

I could have done better. Despite many tactical successes and a bit of singing, I can't help feeling like I came up short. There was a lot to deal with in 2003; I won't be sad to see it go. I'm happy to report that this year is looking better already. The strategy will be to aim smaller and play nicer.

I'll start the chirping with some support for Democratic presidential candidates. I like Howard Dean's record of accomplishments, I like John Edwards' spirit of renewal, I like Dennis Kucinich's tenacious idealism, I like Wesley Clark's moral courage, and I have often enjoyed Al Sharpton's way with words. However, throughout the speeches I have recalled the first political campaigning I ever did, as a young boy living in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts in 1984. My contribution amounted to waving a sign to the traffic of Route 140 before starting my paper route each afternoon. It was in support of Senate hopeful John Kerry. As a seventh grader, I'll readily admit I had a limited understanding of his platform at the time. However, I have followed Kerry in the years since he won that election and can't feel a regret.

I believe John Kerry has the vision, compassion, conviction, and good judgement to restore sound policy, financial health, global prominence, and lasting security to the American people as president of the United States.

Now I've listened to boatloads of criticism about these gentlemen as their campaigns have progressed. Some of it has no doubt come from the same people who told me how unreasonable, unpatriotic, unChristian, and immature I was being by making my case against the Bush administration. After hearing some of the weak, ignorant, nasty, and childish remarks that now comprise the Republican front lines, I can't feel too bad about anything I've done. I still do watch C-SPAN, and when John Kerry was attacked for the vital and salient political issue surrounding his use of a profane word in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, I actually heard a Republican caller chime in on national television that he wasn't surprised that a Democrat would do such a thing because most have "shit for brains" anyway. He should've heard what Time Magazine's Person of the Year said to RS a few months earlier...

Man, when I get home, I'm going to eat the fuck out of my girlfriend's pussy.

We all pray he continues to get that chance. On that note, I'm going to put the multilingual example on the bookshelf with an Albanian translation, available by verse, chapter, book, or file of LDIF updates. I understand that the majority of Albania is Muslim. To be clear to those who may be confused on the point, I am not a terrorist.

It's also time to release another single from my album. Remember, under the terms of the license, you are free to copy, distribute, or perform any of these songs free of charge. Talk about obscure covers....

untitled

by Hilfiger Tout

You can even give that one your own name. I really ruined the recording with delay, I know, but the drone does feel warm and beautiful against me as I play. I dedicate this sonic sculpture to my untitled wife, who shares the same qualities. This might actually be the only one of my songs she'd even like (read: instrumental). I am all too fortunate to be the man she loves.

Finally, I offer this promise: I will deliver fresh royalty free software with new ideas this year, regardless of what the world of open source gains me in return. That release won't be until autumn, so don't expect much in the meantime. I remain listening.

Suggestions?