So, a new Microsoft security hole has been discovered. Basically, your computer could begin downloading child pornography, emailing the FBI, and/or exploding at any moment.

Okay, maybe not that. But it can be made to run unsigned (aka arbitrary) code simply by someone making it display a properly manufactured JPEG. All it would take is someone slipping one of these things into an ad banner to zombify any number of Windows machines. That's no good. You might want to give Windows Update a ring.

On the other hand, there are more pressing technological threats.

the new arcade fire cd really *is* as good as everyone is saying. damn. tommy's playing it for me right now. (i stayed home sick today; i thought i had beat down the cold, but apparently running in rainy drizzle all over d.c. last night didn't build my immune system up.) wow. it is really good. one of those cds that grabs you right away (much like their live show did). not one of those cds that i have a delayed appreciatory response to. like a.c. newman's "the slow wonder". you should also go buy that. it's one of those albums that i really didn't like the first two listens, so i shoved it under my bed and forgot about it for three months, and then listened to it again, and was like, "damn catherine, were you on crack? this is awesome." albums included in the delayed appreciatory response category are both shins cds and b&s's dear catastrophe waitress. anyway: BUY ARCADE FIRE.

and a little lesson i learned today: you can go to the 9th street giant to buy milk, OJ, and artichoke hearts (being sick gives you weird cravings), wearing sweats, glasses, with greasy hair and the remnants of neutrogena zit cream smeared across your face, and STILL get hit on. lovely.