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We are an “abstract ego” acting as a measurement device on the infinite values of true reality.

The perfect man uses his mind as a mirror. It grasps nothing, it rejects nothing. It receives but does not keep. 

Chuang Tzu

My wonderful old computer had slowly fallen behind the times. I was in desperate need of an upgrade. I don’t remember what got me started on this, but I decided I wanted to build my own rather than buy a ready made one.

So, I got a how-to book at Borders and began researching the project. After many false starts, I finally got up the nerve to order the components online at NewEgg.com. A few days later big boxes began arriving at the door.

I immediately had second thoughts. What had I gotten myself into? What if it didn’t work? There were so many wires, it was all very intimidating. Deb was a huge help, calming me down, reading instructions, pointing out important facts. I couldn’t have done it without her.

Then came the magic moment, turning it on for the first time - it fired right up. Amazing. What a beautiful thing. Of course, now I’m happy I did it this way. I know what’s in it and I know how it’s put together. I hand picked every component and they are all top notch blazing fast. Not a bad price either.

• Intel ATX Motherboard ($230)
• Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4GHz Processor ($190)
• Corsair 4GB DDR3 Memory Chips ($188)
• 2 Seagate Barracuda 250GB Hard Drives ($60 each)
• Asus 20X DVD Burner ($36)
• ATI Graphics Accelerator Card ($107)
• Thermaltake Purepower 500Watt Power Supply ($60)
• Cooler Master ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ($55)
• Acer 20″ Widescreen LCD Monitor ($160)
• Microsoft USB Wired Optical Wheel Mouse ($20)
• Logitech USB Keyboard ($20)
• Ubuntu 64-bit Desktop Operating System (free)

Grand total  $1,186 after shipping and rebates.

I just cashed out $415.87 from the InTrade prediction marketplace.

I deposited $100 there earlier this year so I could play in the election markets. I made a series of plays on big favorites, slowly building my stake from $100 to $146. In the primaries I shorted Fred Thompson (he was pathetic).  I shorted Rudy Giuliani (he was scary). I bet against a US/Israeli air strike on Iran. I made a small profit going long Ron Paul in the early days of his campaign.

Then I put everything on Hillary Clinton to win it all. I figured she was a lock to beat anyone the Republicans would run. But her share price began to fall. I booked a small loss and moved to the sidelines for a week to try and figure out just what was happening.

That was the first time I took notice of Obama. He looked good. Here was a real candidate. I put everything on Obama to win the presidency. At the time his share price was $32.20. I held him all the way and last night he closed at $100 a share. I love politics.

Barack Obama won last night, and the whole world breathed a sigh of relief. For the first time in eight years I feel good about America. For the first time in eight years I saw a flag and didn’t cringe. For the first time in eight years I heard the word patriotism and didn’t immediately think of Joseph McCarthy. Change is in the air. The headline in the London Daily Express reads A New World Dawns. I couldn’t agree more.

O brave new world, That has such people in it!

I just got a check from PokerStars for $374.83.

I hadn’t played there for a year or two. Several months ago I logged in just to see what was going on. I noticed that I had an unearned bonus there. So, I deposited $100 and starting playing a little in my spare time.

Last week I finally played enough to clear the bonus. I won $174.83 playing, earned a $100 bonus, together with my $100 deposit I was able to cash out $374.83. Sweet.