THE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION: I've had some mail recently asking me to comment on world events, in particular what's been going on in the Middle East. I've always been quite loathe to use the cartoon strip as a purely political soapbox; UF's focus is on technology, it's impact on society and what politics there are around it. I have of course made a few (less than ten for sure) particularly political jabs in the past in the strip, but they are the exception rather than the rule.
Events like the one in Lebanon these days do affect us whether I comment on them or not. I always do have something to say about politics, but rather than introducing a steady diet of it in User Friendly -- something I really don't think I will ever do, so those of you who have asked for it, please stop asking -- I will from time to time write some editorial cartoons and post a link to them on the Static. "Outside the Box" seems an appropriate category.
So, Lebanon. It's a complicated matter, as is anything in the Middle East. I think, though, that some aspects, perhaps the most important ones, are the simplest of all.
I do offer sincere best wishes to all those who are suffering in this conflict.
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UFIEGEAR AND THE MEMBERSHIP DRIVE ARE AWAY! Finally! The Summer Membership Drive has launched, and this time around we're back to offering black t-shirts, black mugs, hats and for those inclined to become Dark Regents a flight jacket! Yes, everyone said the prints were nice and probably worth something when retirement hits but I've been told time and time again it's all about what you can wear and drink coffee from. The flight jacket has pockets that can hold a lot of coffee I am told.
You may have noticed that in the last year or so we've made it a point to entirely minimize the "junk" ads and ads that aren't relevant to UF's viewership. We feel it's the right thing to do even though we're turning away some not insignificant coin. As a result, we could really use your support, so please consider becoming a Member. You get warm fuzzies, the ability to turn off the ads, and if you buy a Minion level Membership or higher, nifty Members-Only apparel!
Along with the Membership Drive we are very proud to announce the opening of the UFieGear Store! Now, the cool thing is that the president and driving force behind the new store is a long-time UFie him(her?)self:
Greetings UFies! It's been a long time coming, but UFieGear.Com is now LIVE! We want to thank all of you who've been waiting patiently (or not so patiently as the case may be ;-). We've been working with Illiad to develop a line of products that we really hope you will enjoy. Stop by and pick up a little something for yourself — or a loved one, or for that slightly odd coder who sits in her cubicle and chuckles quietly to herself all day long...
Try to be gentle as we're still getting the kinks out, but feel free to explore the site and give us your feedback, insight, suggestions and most of all, your orders ;-)
We'll be having a little "Which UFie is it? contest in a few days - keep an eye out for details! WELCOME TO UFieGear.Com!
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