Masoni Raves About

Good evening everyone, and welcome to a new era for Masoni Raves About! Today we’re announcing the addition of a podcast to the website, allowing you to not only read but to hear each post from here on out. I’ve begun the process of recording podcasts for past posts retroactively, and the MP3 files themselves will be hosted on the Google Sites downloads server I created a couple of months ago.

This is perhaps the first time an Update came with a significant new feature. I’m still working out the kinks in the system, so don’t expect everything to work perfectly right off the bat. I’m still new at this whole internet empire business.

Hopefully I’ll find a way to post these podcasts to iTunes sometime in the future, but for now I’m quite content with the system I’ve devised. Listen to the podcast for more information and a better explanation. Because everybody’s better with the spoken word, no? Thanks, M.

May I introduce you all to version 6.5 of Masoni Raves About, launching today. With this update we’re focusing on integration with social media applications, as well as new ways for readers like you to get involved with and influence the content on this site. I’m very excited about getting started on this, so let’s begin.

User participation in design

First, you’ve probably noticed the new logo at the top of this post. When I’m making a new logo for the blog, I usually keep it under wraps until I’m totally sure that’s the aesthetic direction I want the blog to take. This is one of the first levels of “transparency” I’m implementing: user input and participation in the design of, function of, and changes to the blog. So, my first question: what do you think of this new spin on the MRA “brand?”

Facebook

If you use Facebook as prolifically as I do, there’s an easy way to get connected with Masoni Raves About and our content. Just click here and become a fan — it’s that easy. You can leave comments on or “like” status updates, communicate with other fans in discussions within the application, and take advantage of an instant route of interaction between the blog administrator and the end user.

Twitter

Administrator Masoni maintains a Twitter account, accessible here. You can follow me for regular updates on pretty much everything from things I enjoy or dislike to minor updates on the blog. There is a certain degree of trust in my revealing my Twitter handle, and should anyone abuse this privileged information I can remove it just as quickly. Just saying.

User participation in content

That’s right, I want to hear from all of you! What sort of content do you like to read? Which types of articles do you enjoy or appreciate most? Please vote in the poll to let me know what you want to see more of, and then check back in over the next few weeks to see the fruit of your efforts.

Administrator accessibility

As always, readers with comments, questions or concerns can contact blog administrator Masoni by emailing masoni@masoniravesabout.com. The current count is 59,334 / 20,146 / 283 / 37 / 106. Thanks, as always, for your support and continued readership. I have a lot of great stuff planned on the horizon, so never stop checking in! M.

Hey everybody, I haven’t posted much of anything now for going on two months, so I felt the need to apologize. I guess I could say I was busy and had all kinds of things going on, but it wouldn’t be anything that you hadn’t read before. So, today, I’ve decided that not only am I going to spend more time on this blog, I’m also shifting its focus completely.

Here are the differences: the blog will be less philosophy-slash-politics oriented and now will also feature tutorials on how to do cool stuff on the Mac (or even sometimes just on computers in general); my personal reviews on movies, books, music, and more; segments of my own creative writing; and propaganda regarding the Iconoclast and Res Novae. It will be more personal and be about living daily with Apple products and how to make the most of them, as well as the traditional philosophy and junk. So, today, in the spirit of showmanship of Steve Jobs at conferences, I’m rolling out three new categories to add to the two preexisting “Raves” and “Updates”:

1. Tutorials: cool or helpful little tips for your computer that I’ll add to the blog as I discover them. I’m not acting like some kind of computer expert, but I’d just like to share the cool discoveries I make on the internet concerning Mac.
2. Reviews: listed as “Masoni Reviews:”, these will be my thoughts and reactions to new music, movies, books and other things. These pieces of media won’t necessarily be “new” in the sense that they’ve come out recently, but only new in so much as I’ve only just discovered them. Additionally, former “Reviews” that were labeled as “Raves” will be updated after today to be in the correct nomenclature.
3. Writing: bits and pieces of stories, story ideas or poetry that I’m working on or exploring. I enjoy writing so much that I felt it necessary to add it as a dimension to this site. Feedback concerning my writing is greatly appreciated.

So those are the three new categories, and I’m going to go utilize all of them with a slew of new content. Tallyho, Masoni

I just came on here and noticed that my visit-counter has broken 1000! Hooray!

And as far as posting new raves and such goes, I will as soon as I have a little more time on my hands. Thanks a bundle, Masoni

1. Update 3.4.1 · Mar 15

   Somehow between that post and this revision, MRA has jumped 200 visits! Keep reading up gang, more raves are coming soon.

Hey everyone,

I know I’ve been behind on my posts lately but, as usual, I’m really very busy. I’m planning on writing a rather lengthy article concerning Operation Northwoods sometime soon, so tune in pretty often. Upcoming posts will feature some of the more fringe ideologies I have an interest in (for example, conspiracy theories that I find fascinating and frightening but am not entirely convinced by, and the reasons pro and con each), and more complex philosophical and theological content. So enjoy?

I suppose this update kind of supersedes Update 3.3, which reported that MRA would be featuring less politics and more Apple junk. But now I realize that both of these can go hand in hand, and I plan on continuing the blog with tons of politics and philosophy and the occasional commentary on the Apple brand or a Mac tutorial.

Also, if you’re one of the newer readers to my blog, please read all the old content in the archives on the right side of the page. Also, please leave your thoughts in comments and take the favourite colour poll at right. And finally, if you want to be added to the mailing list and receive periodic updates about the site via email, send me a message. Thanks for visiting!

What this particular post really concerns is a change in formatting for the site. From now on, raves will no longer feature the “Masoni Raves About” at the beginning of their titles, and will instead get right to the crux of the matter. Thanks for reading and always question authority,

Thanks, Masoni

P.S.: And if you want a sneak preview of the next rave, check out this link.

There are some new comments on the science fiction rave, and I think it’s a pretty interesting conversation if you ask me. Be sure to read the commenter and my response.

On a lighter note, I’d appreciate any comments on or questions about the site that readers might have. If you just want to leave a comment on this post, I’d be much obliged. Thanks a bundle, Masoni

🎂

One year ago today, I started Masoni Raves About with a modest little synopsis of myself and what could be expected from this blog. Since, I’ve posted tons of raves and reviews elaborating on my interests and beliefs. Although this post is being written a couple months after the actual date, I’d still like to celebrate with a piece of cake or two. Enjoy them? Masoni

Hello ladies and gents. A couple of brief announcements/updates to the blog I’d like to mention:

1. I realize I haven’t posted in a while, but it’s again due to schoolwork. I promise this summer will come with a plethora of new content and awesome reviews, raves, etc.
2. Recently we hit 1600 visits, but we’re still lacking a ton of regular readers. Tell your friends and start the revolution, people!
3. I’m working on several new raves to get us through April and May, and once June rolls around there should be probably 5 posts a week minimum. Knowing my track record, this probably won’t happen, but I’ll make the effort if people comment and keep reading!
4. I’m going to, from now on, write about whatever the hell I feel like. If I want to review a band or a concert or a book or write a philosophical/socio-political treatise, I will. I’m not going to try and fit into any mold with my posts, I’ll just write what interests me.
5. I realize nobody cares about Apple but me. And so, I’ll tone down the iContent.

Thanks, Masoni

This post marks my 100th on Masoni Raves About! At the time of this posting I have 1735 visits, well on my way to 2000 by the end of the month. Whether you’re new to the site or a frequent reader, please participate in Masoni Raves About by doing one of the following:

1. Leave a comment agreeing with or challenging my ideas in other raves. I think there’s plenty on here to get just about everyone fired up about, so read up and enjoy.
2. Add yourself to the mailing list! Email Masoni to be added to the mailing list and receive periodic emails from me concerning additions to the site.
3. Vote in the color poll! It’s quick and painless and will help me get a nice representation of everyone’s favorite colors for a future post.
4. Bookmark us or add the RSS feed! At the bottom of this page there should be a link saying “Posts (Atom),” which, if clicked, would lead you to the Atom feed of the updates to this site. Bookmark it and away you go. Or, if you’re on a browser with an RSS reader, just add ours. It’s a quick and easy way to keep track of posts on Masoni Raves About.

Thank you to all my readers, new and old, who have helped make Masoni Raves About into what it is today. The blog still has oodles of ground to cover and plenty of minds to sway, so keep reading, comment, and tell your friends. Thanks, Masoni

Hey guys,

Just to let everyone know, there are a couple good discussions brewing in comment-world on two posts in particular. I mentioned them a couple updates ago, but here they are again in all their glory. Here are the links, so join in with your opinions!

• Science fiction brawl
• Gay marriage debate

Thanks, Masoni

1. Update 4.0.1 · Apr 28

   The hit counter jumped dramatically from 1850 to 1935, and now looks like a year rather than a count. Keep telling your friends and commenting!

2. Update 4.0.2 · May 12

   The hit counter has risen above 2000, and as of this posting it’s at

   1. Keep up the visiting and spreading the word!
3. Update 4.0.3 · Jun 1

   This is my 40th Update, taking us to version 4.0 of Masoni Raves About! There are currently 2183 visits, and hopefully a whole lot of regular readers. Thanks for caring and keep commenting!

Hello everyone, and I’m going to begin by apologizing for this month’s unplanned hiatus from MRA. I’ve been very busy with schoolwork and exams with the year coming to an end, and I promise to add tons of content all through the summer.

This serves merely to tell everyone that I’m still alive, but just suffering from a bit of writer’s block lately. Wish me luck, and I’ll try to post something about Obama clinching the nomination sometime soon. Thanks, Masoni

Hey everyone,

Just a quick update to tell you two relatively important things: (1) I’m going to write a slew of reviews in the next coming days, of movies and music and literature, and (2) the ratings system will change from x out of 5 to x out of 10. For example, a book might get an 8.6 out of 10. Just letting you know of the change before it appears.

1. Update 4.2.1 · Jun 2

   Also, only those works which are great enough to be considered “life-changing” will have an opportunity to get above around 9.5. I’m going to be a much tougher critic.

2. Update 4.2.2 · Jun 3

   And additionally, any reviews in the past should have their ratings disregarded as non-standard. I was glancing back and noticed some Apple-related posts that had the iLife suite at 9.9 out of 10. I don’t particularly call that “life-changing,” so disregard that and just know I really, really liked it at the time of writing that.

3. Update 4.2.3 · Jun 27

   I’ve changed the requirements of “life-changing;” to earn between a 9.0 and a 9.3, it must be briefly life-changing (outlook altered for the rest of the day), to get from 9.4 to 9.7 it must be temporarily life-changing (outlook altered for anywhere from a couple days to a week), and 9.7+ is permanently life-changing. In between is based on the quality of the movie/book/album. Thanks.

Ladies and gents, at the time of this posting:

• our hit counter is at 2748 visits,
• our colour poll is at 38 votes,
• this is the 113th post,
• and MRA is officially at version 4.5.

The reason for reporting all this near-meaningless information is that this post will serve in the future as the place to celebrate any minor milestones reached in any of the above categories. If we hit 150 posts, for example, or 50 votes in the poll, they’ll be reported here with much fanfare and jubilee. Thanks for caring, Masoni

1. Update 4.5.1 · Jun 14

   And if you’d like to be added to our growing mailing list, send me a message to receive periodic emails concerning updates and new content on MRA. We also have an RSS feed that you can add to your RSS reader (in Mac OS X, both Safari and Mail can read RSS feeds…just a suggestion).

2. Update 4.5.2 · Jun 18

   HitCounter hit 2800 today; there are 39 votes in the favourite colours poll. A whole vote! Yays.

3. Update 4.5.3 · Jun 25

   HitCounter reached 3100 sometime recently, and that means 1000 visits have been during the month of June alone. Let’s hope that rate keeps climbing! There are 39 votes in the colour poll; there are 117 posts. More raves and reviews coming soon (concerning Viva La Vida and WALL•E), stay tuned!

4. Update 4.5.4 · Jun 26

   A new goal for the month of July: with June coming to a close with a record-breaking 1000+ visits in a single month, my goal is to reach 4500 visits by July 31. That would be at least 1400 visits in a single month, and the countdown starts today. So keep visiting, keep commenting, and help us reach our goal!

5. Update 4.5.5 · Jun 26

   The last couple of posts have been reviews, so a new rave is in the works to break the critique-streak. Yeah, I said that. Until Vers. 4.5.9 rolls around, this update can serve as the place to post new additions and updates.

6. Update 4.5.6 · Jun 27

   Version 4.6 will chronicle the 4500-visit marathon, which will be posted and begin recording in early July. Each minor milestone will be documented there.

7. Update 4.5.7 · Jun 28

   I’ve been retroactively re-formatting past posts to comply with the new update style, with the [Update x.x.x | Date Month] system. It looks very nice, but let it be known it is a new format and I’ve just been changing the past updates. I probably should stop updating this one, because I only have two more mini-updates until I hit 4.6. I won’t take a cue from Apple in this one, which would make things easier because Apple has updated Mac OS X Tiger to versions 10.4.10, 10.4.11, etc. A little strange and mathematically inaccurate. By the way, I will be taking a cue from Apple by calling Update 7.0 “System 7” and Update 10.0 “X.” Just giving you a heads up. Anyway, be sure to keep reading and commenting. Thanks!

8. Update 4.5.8 · Jun 28

   The HitCounter reached 3200 today, a jump of 100 in just 36 hours. At this rate, the 4500 by July 31st goal might be achieved quite early, and I might make it 5000 by the 31st. Additionally, Update 4.6 might be posted before the beginning of July simply because I’m running out of decimals. Not a problem, eh?

9. Update 4.5.9 · Jun 29

   Update 4.6 has been posted, and new updates regarding milestones will be recorded there. There are currently 3392 visits, 41 votes in the poll, and 120 posts. We’ve reached Vers. 4.6 of Masoni Raves About, and we’re still soldiering on. Join the movement by commenting and keep reading. Thanks.

Back in update 4.5.4, I announced I’d aim to gain over 1500 visits on our HitCounter (bottom right) by July 31 to have a total of 4500 visits [now 5000] on that date. This update, 4.6, will serve to chronicle major and minor milestones in the countdown to 4500 [now 5000]. Although I’m posting this a little earlier than July 1st, the march to 4500 [now 5000] by July 31st remains the same. Enjoy and be sure to check back to both mark our progress and add to it. Thanks.

1. Update 4.6.1 · Jun 29
   1. 4.6.1.1 · Jun 29

      At the time of this posting, there are 3500 visits. 1000 to go [now 1500]! At this rate, I might have to up the goal to 5000 by July 31st just to have a realistic challenge. Only time will tell. Be sure to comment on raves and keep checking back; thanks.

   2. 4.6.1.2 · Jun 29

      In light of the recent jumps in visitors, the goal has officially been raised from 4500 visits by July 31st to 5000 visits by 11:59 PM July 31st. There were 3509 visits at the time of the goal change, meaning 1491 left to go. Thanks for participating!

   3. 4.6.1.3 · Jun 29

      As most of you can probably tell, I’m consolidating incremental updates in order to get me through the month of July intact with only 8 remaining. This update is to report that we’ve reached 3600 visits on our HitCounter, leaving 1400 left before July 31 and giving us a 200+ jump in under 24 hours. I’m not sure why it’s going up this quickly, but suffice it to say I’m not complaining. This mini-incremental-update (MIU?) serves to report the existence of “MIUs” and to tell of how much closer we are to the goal. Thanks and keep commenting, and all I can say is that this post is going to get long.

   4. 4.6.1.4 · Jun 30

      This new format for “MIUs” as I’ve dubbed them will serve me throughout the month of July and through Update 4.6. I may or may not add an Update 4.7 before I’m finished with 4.6, but that shouldn’t be a big problem for anybody either way. The HitCounter reached 3700 visits today, leaving 1300 more to achieve our goal. Keep reading, commenting and visiting! Thanks.

2. Update 4.6.2 · Jun 30
   1. 4.6.2.1 · Jun 30

      Due to new content above this countdown update, I might repost it as July 1st so that it’ll be closer to the top. For now, it’s going to stay where it is, but just know it’s down here if you’re among those interested in following this countdown. The HitCounter reached 3800 visits today, leaving only 1200 more before July 31st. That’s over 200 new visits in under 36 hours! At this rate, I might raise the goal past even 5000, but we’ll see. Three new raves seem to be attracting a lot of readers, so if you’re new to the site please read up, comment and keep coming back for more! Thanks.

   2. 4.6.2.2 · Jun 30

      I last checked the blog maybe three hours ago, and it’s jumped all the way to 3950 visits in that short amount of time, leaving only 1050 more before July 31st! It looks like I’ll up the challenge to 5500 or even 6000, but that’ll happen later if ever. Thanks.

3. Update 4.6.3 · Jun 30
   1. 4.6.3.1 · Jun 30

      The HitCounter has closed the remaining 50 visits and risen to 4000 visits, leaving only 1000 left towards our original goal of 5000! The plan is when we reach 5000, I’ll raise the goal to something more like 6000 or whathaveyou.

   2. 4.6.3.2 · Jun 30

      I’m also contemplating posting this anew in order to have it closer to the top and therefore more accessible for administration and readers alike. As you might have noticed, the HitCounter itself has migrated toward the top of the page, allowing for easier access. Keep reading, visiting and - most importantly - commenting!

   3. 4.6.3.3 · Jun 30

      The HitCounter jumped over 200 visits in a mere four hours today, taking our total to 4250 visits and leaving only 750 more! I’ll probably raise it to 6000 when we hit 5000, but until then please keep visiting and don’t forget to comment! Thanks.

4. Update 4.6.4 · Jul 1
   1. 4.6.4.1 · Jul 1

      Welcome to July, and today the HitCounter has reached 4350 visits, leaving only 650 more before the end of the month for the current goal! Thanks a lot and keep coming back and commenting, Masoni

   2. 4.6.4.2 · Jul 1

      The HitCounter reached 4425 visits, leaving only 575 more to reach the current goal of 5000. When 5000 is finally reached, which I expect to happen in the next couple of days, I’ll post “Update 4.7: The 6000-Visit July Challenge” and record new milestones there. Thanks!

That’s right! Apple and at&t announced the monthly fees for the new iPhone and it looks like I’ll be getting one in the afternoon of July 11th! If and when that happens, I’ll post a review within a couple days to give you all a feeling for the new tech. In addition, I should mention that this update will serve as the new place for MIUs regarding the “5000-Visit July Challenge,” seeing as the old one has been buried in the flurry of new content. And the second we reach 5000, the goal will officially be raised to 6000 and Update 4.8 will surface. Until then, keep reading and commenting and expect new iContent regarding my new iPhone in a couple weeks.

Oh, and I have a ritual of naming all my new technology (my MacBook is Nietzsche, my iPod video is Demosthenes, the touch is Locke, the keyboard and mouse are Tom and Jerry, respectively, etc.), so if anyone has some clever name ideas, please tell me about them in a comment! Thanks.

1. Update 4.7.1 · Jul 1
   1. 4.7.1.1 · Jul 1

      The HitCounter is currently at 4500 visits, which was the initial goal, leaving only 500 left until the second goal of 5000! Keep coming back, folks!

   2. 4.7.1.2 · Jul 1

      The HitCounter is currently at 4650 visits, leaving only 350 left until reaching our 5000 goal! Thanks and keep coming back and commenting! Oh, and I’ve decided to name the iPhone “Darwin.” You like, eh?

   3. 4.7.1.3 · Jul 2

      The number of visits per hour has slowed down considerably, I believe due to the fact that new content has been scarce. We’ve hit 4700 visits, leaving only 300 more to reach our goal. I’ll post some more raves and whatnot very soon, and I’ll work on them this afternoon. Thanks, Masoni

2. Update 4.7.2 · Jul 3

   The number of hits is currently at 4980 visits, leaving a mere 20 remaining before reaching the 5000 mark! Keep visiting and, more importantly, commenting!

3. Update 4.7.3 · Jul 3

   (1:09 PM) WE’VE OFFICIALLY REACHED 5000 VISITS ON OUR HITCOUNTER! THE GOAL HAS BEEN RAISED FROM 5000 TO 6000 BY JULY 31ST! THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED AND KEEP COMING BACK, MASONI

6000?

Hello again everyone, and I apologize for writing another Update so soon. I assure you that another [rather large] rave is on the horizon, this one concerning Fox News and entitled “Fair and Balanced?” I say the rave is rather large because it’s required a couple different text documents and various draft stages before publishing. It may or may not necessitate multiple posts, in parts 1, 2, etc.

But on to the purpose of this Update, which is to celebrate our reaching 5000 visits on the HitCounter and our reassignment of the goal which makes us with 1000 left before we reach the finish line. This post will serve as the place for new milestones and achievements, so keep checking back. And if you’re just joining us, there are some interesting raves a little farther down the page, so get scrolling and leave comments!

Also, the iPhone is almost a week away now, and I couldn’t be more excited. Keep visiting and commenting, Masoni

1. Update 4.8.1 · Jul 4
   1. 4.8.1.1 · Jul 4

      First, Happy Independence Day. Second, the site has reached 5200 visits overnight and leaves us 800 left before we reach 6000. This may mean we’d up the goal again to 7000, but only time will tell. The Fox rave is still on its way, stay tuned.

   2. 4.8.1.2 · Jul 4

      We just hit 5300 visits on our HitCounter, leaving only 700 remaining until we reach our third goal of 6000 visits by July 31st. The Fox rave is on its way, as well as a scathing review of the new action flick “Wanted.” Don’t change that dial.

   3. 4.8.1.3 · Jul 4

      The HitCounter just reached 5400 visits today, leaving 600 left to gain before the 31st. We’ll see what happens. The rave on Fox and the review of a movie featuring a character named “Fox” will emerge shortly, sometime very soon. Hopefully those posts will bring an influx of new readership to the site, but only time will tell. Thanks.

2. Update 4.8.2 · Jul 4
   1. 4.8.2.1 · Jul 4

      We just reached 5500 visits, bringing our goal only 500 visits away from being achieved. Read all the below content and expect new raves soon, Masoni

   2. 4.8.2.2 · Jul 4

      Just hit 5600 visits, leaving only 400 to go before we reach our goal. Observant visitors will notice the new administrative box at the bottom of the page; don’t worry about it, it’s more of a sandbox for me to test HTML codes and the like. Keep visiting, reading and most importantly, commenting! Masoni

   3. 4.8.2.3 · Jul 5

      Just reached 5700 visits, leaving only 300 to go before reaching our tertiary goal of 6000. Keep coming back for more raves, gang!

3. Update 4.8.3 · Jul 5
   1. 4.8.3.1 · Jul 5

      Just reached 5800 visits a few minutes ago, leaving only 200 to go before reaching our goal of 6000. Once we reach 6000, and I believe we will soon, I’ll not announce a new goal and I’ll just see how far we can go before July 31st. On the 31st I’ll report the results in a new update and celebrate the gains. Until then, we have two MIUs remaining before the tertiary goal’s achieved, so keep coming back and commenting!

   2. 4.8.3.2 · Jul 5

      The HitCounter has gotten up to 5900 visits, leaving a mere 100 remaining before we reach 6000 and this silly little visit campaign is quiet until the end of the month. Thanks for visiting and comment, comment, comment!

4. Update 4.8.4 · Jul 5

   We’re coming down the home stretch: with the visits at 5950, only 50 more visits will put us at our goal! You probably noticed the sidebar has moved to the left. The whole blog is just getting more left by the minute, I suppose.

5. Update 4.8.5 · Jul 5

   We just reached 6000 VISITS! Our goals are pretty much finished, and the new objective is to see how high we can get until July 31st (no, I don’t mean high on drugs, you hippie loons).

6. Update 4.8.6 · Jul 15

   The HitCounter currently reads 7632 visits, leaving 2368 left before we hit 10,000. Hopefully that’ll happen by the end of the month, but that’s likely seeing as we rose 1632 in a mere 10 days. Just posting this as a miniature update to show how far we’ve come in ten days, so keep checking back.

Hey there everybody. I’d like to begin for apologizing for this past week or so, which was lacking significant additions to the content of the site. I promise to be better with posting very very soon, but recently I’ve been overwhelmed with being busy. Here are the updates and plans for the site:

1. I’ll soon post the second, third and fourth parts of my Fox rave to complete the campaign begun in part one, so expect those before the month is over.
2. I attended a Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin concert, and I’ll post a review about how incredible they and their openers were very soon while the music is still fresh in my mind.
3. Expect some new political slash social commentary on the horizon, as I have some new inspirations for some pretty [I think] interesting raves in the not-too-distant future.
4. The HitCounter has reached new heights, and currently reads 6903 visits. I’m monitoring the frequency and diversity of visits with some of the administrative tools at the bottom of the page, so there should be a report on those sometime in the future. So…tell your friends?
5. About the iPhone: I went to get it on Friday the 11th at a local at&t, but unfortunately I was too late to buy one before they’d sold out. I paid and ordered it, and the phone should be arriving within the week. I’ll keep you posted and update upon receiving (that’d make a nice 5.0 update, eh?) and review upon activation and use.

That’s the update for July 13th, and I apologize for this the 12th hiatus. Hopefully there will never be a 13th. Keep checking back and stay tuned for the aforementioned new content! Thanks, Masoni

1. Update 4.9.1 · Jul 13

   The HitCounter reached 7000 just now, meaning that a goal of 10,000 by the 31st might have been more realistic (don’t worry, I’m as tired of those silly little campaigns as I’m sure readers were). Newcomers are, as always, invited to share their opinions by commenting or emailing!

2. Update 4.9.2 · Jul 14

   There is now a definite established schedule regarding posting new content for the next couple of weeks, so expect regular posting and a ton of great new stuff throughout the month. I believe last month is tied for a record number of posts in a single month, so hopefully this July will be the record-breaker.

3. Update 4.9.3 · Jul 15

   Just so everyone knows, a new format for updating raves and reviews has been created and will retroactively be applied to earlier affected posts. Since we have the [Update x.x.x | day month] format all set up for incremental updates, rave updates will be [Update IX | day month] and so on in Roman numerals for stylistic flair. This already appears in “F & B: Pt. 2” above, but will be added to all past posts with attempts at non-uniform updates. Away!!

4. Update 4.9.4 · Jul 16

   The HitCounter currently reads 7700 visits, leaving 2300 left before we hit 10,000. Hopefully that’ll happen by the end of the month, but that’s likely seeing as we rose 1700 in a mere 10 days. Just posting this as a miniature update to show how far we’ve come in ten days, so keep checking back.

5. Update 4.9.5 · Jul 16

   The HitCounter just reached 7800 visits, gang. Also, the Unique Hits tally at the bottom of the page has reached 1000 unique visits! 1000 different people have recently visited the blog! Cue fanfare. Additionally, my iPhone, presumptively named Darwin, has yet to be shipped from the factory, so I’m still waiting on that sucker. I’ll let you all know with Update 5.0 when I get it.

6. Update 4.9.6 · Jul 16

   The HitCounter has reached 8000 visits, a jump of 1000 in three days. I’m not seriously getting going on the goal-setting schtick again, but I thought I’d record that little milestone and the next two to come (a.k.a. 9000 and 10000) right here. Thanks.

7. Update 4.9.7 · Jul 19

   Sorry about the lack of new content lately, but I’m here to report two things, one very exciting and the other fairly stupid. Stupid first: the HitCounter is at 8585, leaving 1415 before we reach 5 digits. And now for the exciting and important news: my iPhone has shipped and it’ll be arriving at my local AT&T store today! I’ll post Update 5.0 as soon as possible to report getting the iPhone, but stay tuned and comment till then.

Hello, iPhone 3G.

Good afternoon everyone, and welcome back to Masoni Raves About. I realize that there has been an absence of substantial content for a couple weeks, and that’s due to being insanely busy recently. I did, in fact, get my iPhone on July 19th (relatively early considering that many buyers are still waiting), and I’ll be able to post a review very soon. Here’s the rundown of what’s new with Update 5.0 and what should be expected in the coming weeks.

1. As anticipated, the iPhone review will be posted very soon and will provide all my first impressions and early woes concerning the new handset. In all, it’s fantastic, but there are some things that’ll lower its score from a 10.0, let me tell you.
2. The lapse in content these last couple weeks can be officially called “Hiatus XIII,” and hopefully #14 is a long time away if ever to arrive.
3. In addition to the aforementioned iPhone review, you can expect a couple other posts concerning concerts I’ve recently attended; the two concluding sections in the “Fair and Balanced” endeavor; a mostly-laudatory movie review of The Dark Knight, which I saw at midnight (or is it midknight?); another movie review of Step Brothers; some more political commentary and maybe even a rave about UFOs, since I’m in the mood for it.
4. The HitCounter has reached new heights and currently reads 9610 visits, leaving only 390 more to achieve 5-digit glory! Keep visiting, people; and help reach our pseudo-goal by the 31st!

Stay tuned and always question authority, Masoni

1. Update 5.0.1 · Jul 30

   The HitCounter is officially being renamed “hit counter,” because the single-word capitalized version is bugging the hell out of me. So, the hit counter is at 9825 visits, leaving a mere 175 visits remaining before 10,000 is achieved. Be sure to leave comments on the latest rave, UFOs. Thanks.

2. Update 5.0.2 · Jul 30

   The hit counter is at 9902 visits, leaving our final 98 visits before we reach 10,000! We have until 11:59:59 PM on July 31st to get 98 more, and I think it’s more than possible. Update 5.1 will arrive shortly to summarize achievements all the way back from our previous “4500 by the 31st.” Thanks.

3. Update 5.0.3 · Jul 31

   It’s quite official: THE HIT COUNTER REACHED 10,000 VISITS AT 12:17 AM ON JULY 31ST! THERE ARE ZERO LEFT TO REACH 10,000! Update 5.1 is most likely en route to give a report of increases and progress and whatnot. Thanks.

Since this is arguably the longest update in the history of the blog, I thought I’d provide a table of contents:

• July Report
• Upcoming Content
• Incremental Updates
• Current Numbers
• Terminology & Reference
• Changes to the Site
• Template Change and Other Improvements

July Report

Hey everyone, and welcome back to MRA. This is the report on the number of new visits in July 2008. I’ll provide a list of memorable and relevant milestones with their respective dates, and then move on to the bulk of Update 5.1, which concerns future posting on the site. Let’s get started, shall we?

The original goal was 4500 visits by July 31st, and this was steadily increased to first 5000, then 6000, and then 10,000 visits; all of which were achieved. Here is the timeline of events:

• June 26: 4500 visit goal announced, hit counter reads 3100.
• June 28: Update 4.6 posted.
• June 29: 3500 visits, goal raised from 4500 to 5000.
• June 30: 4000 visits.
• July 1: 4500 visits, initial goal achieved.
• July 3: 5000 visits, secondary goal achieved, goal raised to 6000 visits, Update 4.8 posted.
• July 4: 5500 visits.
• July 5: 6000 visits, goals done away with.
• July 13: 7000 visits.
• July 15: end of hiatus, broke 7500 visits.
• July 19: 8500 visits.
• July 29: 9500 visits.
• July 31: 10000 visits, goal campaign over and done with.

In the 31 days of July, the hit counter increased from a mere 3100 to the five-digit beast of a number, 10,000. At the beginning of the campaign, I was contenting myself with only 1400 visits to achieve a mere 4500, but the end of the month brought a towering 6900 visits and 10100 total visits. A bit of a difference, eh?

Additionally, in the middle of the month I installed the unique hits counter at the bottom of the site, and it currently reads 1830 unique visits. That means I have lots of repeat readers. So there’s the earnings report and now on to the real update.

Upcoming Content

1. Tonight I’ll be going to the Radiohead concert, so expect a review on that sucker very soon. Also, tomorrow night I’ll be seeing Portugal. The Man as well as a few other bands, so I might post a review of that show if I feel so inclined. The SSLYBY concert review is long overdue, as is the review of their album, Pershing, so expect those four music-related reviews in the coming days.
2. The final two parts of the “Fair and Balanced” attack on Fox News are in the works, so stay tuned and expect those pretty soon.
3. The anticipated iPhone full review is in the drafting stages, as are the reviews of The Dark Knight and Step Brothers. And to break up the monotony of review after review, I’ll post some other political slash philosophical slash social commentary in betwixt them.
4. Obama’s coming to town very soon, and I’m doing everything I can to go see him. I’ll post a rave about it when it happens; and there’s an excuse for something to break the monotony.

Stay tuned and never stop questioning authority, thanks, Masoni

Current Numbers

Just thought I’d post those in an incremental update to keep people posted and for my own records. Thanks.

1. Update 5.1.1 · Aug 6

   The iPhone review is posted, and I’m working on more content to be added within the next few days. Every day for the next week—that is, if everything goes according to plan—will boast multiple additions. And, each addition will be more media-centric: as the iPhone review above would indicate, I’m becoming more comfortable with HTML and am adding tons of images and whatnot to posts. So enjoy the more-colorful MRA, gang.

   1. 5.1.1.2 · Aug 6

      Add a review of Pineapple Express to the list of anticipated posts. The rest of those suckers should be upcoming very soon; stay tuned, San Diego.

2. Update 5.1.3 · Aug 7

   Terminology of Masoni Raves About, revised. Newer readers [or older readers who care little] may not be familiar with my names for things, so here’s a dictionary of sorts concerning my terms for things around the site. It can be and will be periodically updated as new terms arise, and—if it becomes extensive enough—may warrant a whole post to itself. Here it goes:

   • Hit counter: the little black and white numbers to the left of the screen which record visits to the site.
   • Incremental update: you’re reading one—the miniature updates within major updates which are prefaced by [Update x.x.x | day month]. Referenced as “Version x.x.x.”
   • Mini-incremental update: abbreviated MIUs, these are updates within incremental updates; prefaced by (# | day month). Referenced as “Version x.x.x, beta #.” For example, a paragraph above about Pineapple Express would be Version 5.1.1, beta 2.
   • Rave: the staple content of the blog, these are essays written on a variety of topics and usually arguing in favor of my point of view. Examples of possible subjects can be found throughout the site. Titles read as simply the name of the topic discussed; older raves have a “Masoni Raves About:” disclaimer in the title bar.
   • “Question Authority”: a catchphrase of sorts for Masoni.
   • Review: content reviewing some new piece of art or performance, for example books, movies, concerts and albums. Prefaced by the “Masoni Reviews:” disclaimer in the title bar. (Not anymore.)
   • “Thanks, Masoni”: the traditional ending to posts on Masoni Raves About.
   • Unique hits counter: records unique visitors to the site. Can be found at the bottom of this page.
   • Update: records happenings on the site, additions or other major changes to the blog as a whole, or important events in my own personal life. Reads Update x.x: in the title bar; referenced as “Version x.x.”

   That’s enough for now; this is by far one of the longest updates ever written, marking up 4 printed pages—perhaps it should be divided in several bits for easier reading. Keep checking back in and have the best day of your life every day, Masoni

   1. 5.1.3.2 · Aug 7

      I’m considering a new signature for the end of raves and new posts…maybe something like “Thanks, M.” Anybody have any input? The dictionary of sorts featured in this update will probably get his own—maybe Update 5.2? On a different note, I also added giant Roman numerals in an attempt to separate and organize the various sections. Hope it helps, and let’s try this for once: Thanks, M.

   2. 5.1.3.3 · Aug 7

      Hopefully the table of contents I just added will help organize this mess of an Update. The purpose of most of this is to organize and standardize the way I do updates for the site. Here’s a referential guide of the break down: first, it goes Update x.x: Topic. Then comes incremental updates, or Update x.x.y | day month:; then it’s MIUs, which go Update x.x.y, beta #, and which actually read in the text itself as (# | day month). Just trying to keep it straight, more for my own benefit than for yours. Thanks, M.

   3. 5.1.3.4 · Aug 7

      I’m going to continue with this update for quite some time, at least until I reach 5.1.9. The reason is that I’ve already claimed it to be the longest update ever, even by changing the title of the update itself, and therefore I want to really be certain beyond any doubt that it is, in fact, the longest. Part VI will be posted soon enough, and with it will be Update 5.1.4, and with both of them will be important updates and changes to the site. The blog is going through a pseudo-transformative stage here, folks, so stay tuned and be a part of the revolution. Thanks, M.

   4. 5.1.3.5 · Sep 11

      September 11: I thought I’d come back and add a couple more definitions to the repertoire assembled here. They’re two of the recently-aggregated philosophical and political ideologies I’ve invented:

      • happy pessimism: see “masonic pessimism.”
      • masonic pessimism: also known as “happy pessimism,” it’s my philosophy regarding morality and the meaning of life. For more information, read this post in particular but also this category which includes several posts building on the philosophy.
      • masonism: my individual politics, which usually are quite liberal but don’t always fit within party lines.
      • thanks, M./A.: the new traditional closing of a post; oftentimes just “M.” or “A.” centered.

      I use these terms in recent posts, so I thought I might have their definitions documented back here. Yes, I really did set it up like a little dictionary—two entries for something pessimism were absolutely necessary. Thanks, M.

3. Update 5.1.4 · Aug 7

   New content is on the way and should be arriving very shortly (by very shortly I mean within the next hour), but I wanted to first say that, active immediately, all reviews will no longer carry the “Masoni Reviews” label in front of them and will instead have just the name of the thing reviewed or a line or phrase calling to mind or referencing the thing reviewed. In the latter case, a subtitle or the opening sentence will clarify the identity of the item in question. The only thing now differentiating a review from a rave is the Blogger label, visible at the bottom of the post. It’ll say review or rave, depending, as it does already. The next few posts will be directly affected by this change, so I felt the need to notify you now. Thanks, M.

   1. 5.1.4.2 · Aug 8

      August 8: Hey gang; this probably would be more appropriately posted under “Current Numbers,” but the hit counter just reached 11,111 visits. Just thought it looked pretty cool. Thanks, M.

   2. 5.1.4.3 · Nov 25

      November 25: Alright, so update 5.1.41 carried some pretty hefty formatting changes, which are now reflected in the FAQ section of the blog, a.k.a. Update 0.1 (link to FAQ above on the recently-added links menu bar), so be advised that future formatting changes with as drastic an effect as the one in 5.1.41 will be featured on 0.1 with dates rather than in MIUs or IUs, or even in plain old Us, for that matter. Thanks, M.

4. Update 5.1.5 · Aug 9

   I’ve posted reviews of the SSLYBY concert and of The Dark Knight, and a third new post about Radiohead’s concert is on its way. I just posted this incremental update to say that the unique hits counter currently reads 2011, meaning over 2000 different people have viewed my blog since mid-July. Thanks for reading and hurry on back, M.

   1. 5.1.5.2 · Aug 9

      What not to expect in Update 5.2: I won’t be making the above dictionary of MRA terms important enough to warrant its own update, so it’ll stay here and be happy in its somewhat-incomplete state (that’s all the terms I could think of, but anything else I add will be added there first).

   2. 5.1.5.3 · Aug 9

      What to maybe expect in Update 5.2: 5.2 might concern the addition of short fiction to the site, either written by myself or from guest writers or from reader submission. Every author would get credit, but the whole concept is still in the works, so don’t count on it actually happening. I had that plan to make three total blogs a long time ago—one for reviews, one for fiction and the current one for raves—but that never really came completely into fruition. Stay tuned. Either way, guest writers are welcome, just send me an email (link below) with your information and Blogger ID so I can temporarily let you post something on the blog. Maybe. If I like you. Thanks, M.

5. Update 5.1.6 · Aug 10

   The hit counter just reached the number of 12,345, which looked really cool so I considered making a new incremental update to report it completely appropriate. Expect reviews on the horizon, including one on the Radiohead concert that has been so long-awaited. I’m considering doing a series of raves on popular or obscure conspiracy theories, in light of some pretty interesting research. I’ll take a purely objective approach to each one, present the irrefutable facts and then highlight the possible theories, and the pros and cons of each one. It might be interesting, and some of the conspiracies might include the lunar landing, 9/11 conspiracies, and other such controversies. Keep checking back and always question authority, M.

6. Update 5.1.7 · Aug 10

   The site’s template has finally changed! I’ve stuck with “Minima” for so long that I finally grew tired of it and changed to this new one. Hope everyone likes it, you can leave your opinions on it by clicking the “Post a Comment” link below. Thanks, M.

   1. 5.1.7.2 · Aug 10

      August 10: You may have noticed that the “comments” have been renamed “opinions,” which I find infinitely more appropriate. Additionally, “posted by Masoni” now reads “raved about by Masoni,” which is more appropriate as well but maybe not the best alternative. Any other ideas? Click on “opinions” below and give me your thoughts on the new template and new changes to the layout. Thanks, M.

Good morning everyone. This little update should serve to indicate that (1) I apologize for the lack of content through the month of August, but (2) it’s largely due to my being the busiest I’ve ever been in my life. Between work and school, it’s rare for me to have even a few minutes to myself. This, of course, has me convinced that every inkling of individuality has been sucked out of my vapid life, but this blog will soon be updated regularly once more. Worry not, while the world has collapsed, but England soldiers on.

I’m doing away with most of the formalities and formatting restrictions. The posts will be arranged and ordered however I so please. It’s going to be much more personal, seeing as I’ve already proven that my life lacks personalism. Oh, and all of those planned reviews and stuff have been cancelled. Hint: Step Brothers was hella lame.

I’m also completely obsessed with Radiohead, in particular their brilliant album Kid A, and so expect frequent references. Expect the blog to delve into deeper and more obscure content and language, and expect that only people who share my interests will catch all the jokes. Ice age coming, signed Paul Lansky.

Oh and Biden has been chosen as Obama’s running mate. The world is at peace. M.

1. Update 5.2.1 · Aug 26

   August 26: The blog is about to get much more abstract, if not in content then definitely in style. I’ve realized that you don’t need to spoon-feed people information. The formalities are unnecessary, the labels are unnecessary, the content is, for the most part, unnecessary. I’m going to rave about whatever I want, however I want, and if it speaks to you, great. I’m going to experiment with new styles and see what happens. M.

Why does the guy second from the right always get the spear?

There have been some pretty major additions to the site recently, so this update can serve as a recap of most of them. The “evolution” title and image are just the result of my fascination with Darwinism as of late (my iPhone is named Darwin, remember). Here comes the update, rather dull and uneventful, yet worth reading nonetheless:

1. The color poll has officially ended, and you should expect a short summary about the results in the form of another update (5.5?) or a rave in the next week or so.
2. Of course, we’ve added the second author, Anton, to the contributors of MRA. There may or may not be a third one in the works at the moment; keep checking in for the announcement.
3. The downloading website has been put online and the link is available here. The site will be used to post PDFs, mp3s, and other file types not supported by Blogger. Someone asked why I don’t ditch Blogger and move to Google Sites, and I said no. I’m not moving again like I did back and forth from iWeb. I almost considered switching to WordPress a couple of weeks ago—almost.
4. We’ve been enjoying a steady stream of new content, and between Anton and I and this new possible third contributor, I wouldn’t expect hiatus xiv anytime soon.
5. I’ve recently started tracking visits using some web tools by Stats Tracker, and I’ve been fascinated at not only how many people are visiting, but also where they’re visiting from. Japan, France, China, Hong Kong, Italy, Venezuela, Indonesia, Austria, United Kingdom, Belgium, and even Saudi Arabia, just to name a few. If you’re new to the blog, leave a comment telling us where you’re from!
6. There might be a rave about the new iPod nanos, new iPod touches, and iTunes
   1. Stay tuned.
7. The hit counter currently reads 19,438 visits; and the unique hit counter reads 3949 visits. Keep coming back and help us reach 20,000!
8. September promises to be a record-breaking month for the most posts in about 30 or so days. Hopefully the record, currently held by both August 2007 and June 2008, will soon be broken. Additionally, 2007 had a total of 80 posts, and this update represents number 79. Whether it’s me or Anton who posts the next one, it’ll simultaneously tie 2008 with 2007 and September 2008 with its two predecessors. Huzzah!
9. Finally, you should expect a slew of content in the near future. To keep up with all of it, you could (a) sign up for our mailing list, (b) subscribe to our RSS feed, (c) send an application to become another of our contributors.

Thanks for reading and have the best day of your life. M.

1. Update 5.4.1 · Sep 16

   September 16: Hey, gang, I’ve started a fairly personal and perhaps interesting blog at www.cjmasoniblog.wordpress.com. It’s called “pendulum,” so check it out and comment if you so desire. M.

2. Update 5.4.2 · Sep 17

   On September 17th at 5:40 PM, the hit counter reached 20,000 hits! Thanks for visiting and helping to make this possible. Keep coming back to help us reach 30k. M.

3. Update 5.4.3 · Sep 22

   September 22: Yes, the current standstill counts as Hiatus XIV. Sometimes even I have to eat my words. Worry not, more content is nonetheless in the works. Peace & love, M.

4. Update 5.4.4 · Sep 24

   September 24: New content abounds, and Hiatus XIV is finished. Expect regular posting for the next few days at least, and a couple multi-part expositions from both Anton and I. The blog continues to grow, but comments are the fuel that keeps it going. So help us continue our expansion and leave a couple. M.

   1. 5.4.4.2 · Sep 25

      The hit counter has just reached 21,000 visits. This is in keeping with the pre-established tradition of reporting every 1,000 hits in either incremental updates or, in this case, MIUs. M.

5. Update 5.4.5 · Sep 28

   September 28: I’m setting a few abstract goals for myself regarding the hit counter and unique hit counter. I’d like to have reached 30,000 visits by October 31st and 5,000 unique visits by October 15th. These aren’t anywhere near set in stone, and probably won’t happen, but do what you can to keep coming back and spreading the word to your friends. Regardless of what happens, whether these goals are successful or not, I’ll continue only adding MIUs or IUs every 1,000 regular visits or 500 unique visits, as I have been doing. I’m also considering doing away with this gray font business. Thanks for reading and help me reach the new, abstract and probably unattainable goals, M.

6. Update 5.4.6 · Oct 1

   October 1: Happy October; we’ve reached 22,000 on the hit counter. The unique hits counter reads 4,754. The goals of 5,000u by the 15th and 30,000t by the 31st seem achievable [for the record, u means “unique” and t means “total.” Not to confuse anyone.], but only with your help in the form of (a) return visits to help reach 30k and (b) spreading the word to help reach 5k. M.

Alright everyone, I’d like to share a list of my ideas for future Raves that I plan on writing. Among my ideas are: the evils of Microsoft, corporate America, American imperialism, politics, the liberal slant in the media, socialism, books, propaganda, and much more. Mainly, I’m writing this post to ask for feedback from all 3 of my current readers. Do you have any ideas for Raves I can write? Any thoughts on my ideas about which ones you’d like to see first or not at all? Any feedback would be helpful and make me feel as though someone reads this blog.

I might also start a new additional blog with a New Yorker-style topic. I would include short fiction and poetry written by me or submitted by readers (if I have any by then). I might also include book reviews written about the various books I read (I read a couple books a week and I’d love to share my opinions on them). Any feedback about my ideas would be fantastic. Thanks, Masoni

Well, everyone, this may be the last time that I’m coming to you from a PC. My brand spanking new MacBook is shipping as I sit here and type, and the only reason I’m on this computer is to copy my iTunes Library onto CD’s for the PC-to-Mac transition later this week. The Mac should be arriving anytime within the next couple of days, and from then on I’ll be coming to you from the most advanced consumer laptop and the most advanced operating system in the world. Eat it, Microsoft.

And whilst this CD burning takes forever, I thought I’d have time to type another update to my blog, which nobody really reads anyway. But it’s fun, and someday they will. I just thought I’d take this historic moment and record it forever on the internet: this is one of the last times I will ever use this computer. Of course, I plan on using it to back up some of the files from my Mac and such, but this is the last time it’ll be used for anything truly constructive: backing up my music. Now there’s a task the whole world can appreciate. I’ll stop my rambling and call it a day. Happy May Day, Thanks, Masoni

So this is basically the best day ever. My MacBook has finally arrived and it’s even better than I could’ve imagined. I’m going to continue setting things up and checking things out, so enjoy this first post from my new Mac. Thanks, Masoni

The entire site has been converted into an iWeb site on .Mac, bookmark the new URL.

Thanks for visiting the site and please keep visiting the new iWeb version on .Mac. Thanks a lot everyone, Masoni

Well, this is my first actual post using Apple’s iWeb application and take it from me, it’s really cool. I’ve converted the entire Blogger site into this iWeb/.Mac site and I think everything looks great. If you have any suggestions for how to make this website better (please note that I’m addressing both my readers with this), please let me know.

I hope everything works alright with this new system. Every post from now on that I create using iWeb will have the “Made on a Mac” button at the bottom of the page. I had to go back and put in pictures for all the old posts. Overall, I think everything’s looking great. Thanks, Masoni

Later: the site has been moved back to Blogger due to technical difficulties. It’ll remain here at least until I get iWeb and .Mac working again, which should be some time because I have little money. So that’s the deal, gang.

Hello to the 3 total readers I have. I haven’t posted anything for weeks, mainly because of a vacation to Washington, D.C. (above) and, simply put, I forgot a little. So I’m going to start posting everyday again, and maybe even twice a day, in order to catch up with this gap in posts. Sorry this post is kind of a waste due to its length (or lack thereof), but I’m going to get started on the next rave now, so thanks, Masoni

P.S.: I’m also considering adding a podcast to Masoni Raves About, where I would read the Raves in an audio file that can be downloaded onto iTunes or your iPod/iPhone.

Hey everyone. This is just a quick update about the mailing list I’ve just started. Every time I add another post to the site, I’ll send out a mass email to the mailing list notifying them. Oh, and if you’re new to the site, please comment. Email me if you want to be added to the mailing list.

I’m working on a rave to be posted today as you read this. Thanks, Masoni

My .Mac 60-day free trial is almost up. And with iLife ‘08 on its way and a new version of iWeb coming with it, I need to renew it. I’ve planned on renewing it from the beginning, ever since I transferred this blog from Blogger to iWeb. So I need to somehow find $99.95. I’ll find a way.

Also, the site will now have Google Adsense advertisement sections along the side. I don’t think this will be distracting, and if it is I’ll delete them.

Thirdly, many of my posts will feature embedded YouTube videos to back up my arguments. I’m planning a Rave to write sometime in the future that will require several YouTube videos to prove the point, so this feature will be put to good use.

My .Mac subscription still has 10 days left, but I fear I might not be able to come up with the $100 immediately. Believe me, I will make sure the site stays up; it might just be down for a little while. Temporarily. No more than a week. Just wanted to warn all three of my readers that my site won’t be down due to the feds arresting me or something. Thanks, Masoni

Hey everybody, I’ve added a third page to the site featuring my YouTube videos. They’re pretty goofy so enjoy.

Also, iLife ‘08 came in the mail yesterday and it’s phenomenal. I’m still playing around with all the new features and tinkering, plus I’m really busy lately so I’ll post another rave as soon as possible. Thanks, Masoni

Later: this paragraph is irrelevant now that I’ve taken the site off iWeb. The videos are on YouTube, search for the username cmason1226.

After using iWeb and .Mac to publish MRA this summer, I’ve taken the site back to Blogger for two reasons:

1. Money. I have very little and not enough to renew my .Mac membership.
2. I like Blogger better. It’s easier to use and much simpler.

So I apologize to those of you who have to change the bookmark or whatever, but the site’s going to stay here on Blogger for at least the rest of 2007. I’m still making the transitions and transferring everything back over, so bear with me if everything’s a little off for a while. Thanks a lot, Masoni

Hey everybody,

As you’ve probably noticed by now, I changed the Blogger site’s design template to better match what I had going on the .Mac/iWeb site. I think everything looks pretty nice so I hope you like it too.

Also, I’m considering starting another blog which would encompass all my movie, book, and music reviews. I’ve thrown this idea around before and this time I think I’m really going to do it. I’ll have that up within a week or so and I’ll post an update about it when that time comes.

In addition, I’ve added a poll to the left information bar. If you scroll down I think you’ll be able to see it; it’s just for fun and as of right now mine is the only vote. So vote, people!

I’m working on another Rave as you read this so keep checking back in. While you’re here, read some of the older posts if you haven’t already. And please feel free to comment with your own opinions or arguments against my logic. Thanks, Masoni

Hey everybody,

Unfortunately I’ve been insanely busy this last week and a half or so and haven’t been able to find anytime to post anything. With school starting up again and vacation this weekend, I’ve had minimal time to myself.

Believe me that once I can find time I’ll actually write a passable rave about something. Just not right now.

Oh, and someone please vote on the poll to the left. Thanks to all three of my loyal readers, Masoni

Ideally, I’d have a new post on here every day or so. Unfortunately, due to my school and work schedules combined, this isn’t sometimes possible. As you can see, there’s about a four day hiatus betwixt the last post and this one (yes, I said betwixt. I love that word more than the love betwixt you and some other word). And so, loyal readers, forgive me whenever another gap appears. They will inevitably rear their ugly head sometime again in the near future, and when they do, please understand: I’m alive. The feds didn’t get me. I’m just overwhelmed betwixt work and school.

Yes, the archaic language appearing in this post was intended. No, it isn’t stupid. Thanks, Masoni

Hey everyone,

Once again there has been a noticeable break between the last post and this one. Fortunately, from now on I’m really going to try and make this blog and its upkeep a priority. So new raves are on their way.

Please vote in the poll to the left and comment, comment, comment. Also, check out my friend’s band.

Enjoy, Masoni

P.S.: Update 2.0!! Congratulations to me, I suppose.

What ever happened to Update 2.2?

Hello everyone, today is July 4th 2008 and I realized I was short an update. I then found that 2.2 never existed. So here she is, Update 2.2 for September

1. Thanks, Masoni

Sorry about another break in posts. Things have been hectic lately betwixt school and work and Halo. I’m really trying to make this blog a bit more of a priority, but it may be difficult. Expect more stuff before long. Thanks, Masoni

P.S.: 60th Post!

Hello again everybody; as you’ve probably already noticed, I’ve changed the template for MRA. Don’t worry, it’s still the same blog, but I moved some things around and changed some colors and whatnot (speaking of colors, the poll is on the right now—so vote?). Hopefully everybody’s happy with the new template, and if not I really don’t care. I like it; end of story.

I’m happy to report that in a Google Search of “masoni raves about” five of the first ten results pertain to this website. Searching “masoniblog” will also produce ample results, so if ever you forget the URL exactly there’s always hope for finding your way back.

And I know this is the third update in a row and that the draught of content continues, but like I said, raves are on the way soon enough. However, for now I’m going to print out some Res Novae propaganda and enjoy the rainy day. Thanks everyone, Masoni

The next couple of raves are going to be one overlong rave that is really an essay I was required to write for a theology course on human nature. That should explain any references to in-class discussions or anything like that which might appear. Thanks, and I hope you enjoy.

Also, I’ve seen Across the Universe twice now and am set to compose a rave/review about it soon. If you haven’t seen it yet and like The Beatles’ music, you should definitely see it. Because there’s nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be.

Additionally, comments and votes in the colours poll would be much appreciated. I’d probably love you forever, but one cannot be sure. Thanks, Masoni

Posted as a three-part series on October 13, 14, and 15, 2007.

That’s the end of my essay. I really hope my theology teacher gives me a good grade on it, despite all the Nietzschean influences. Have a great night, Masoni

Hey everyone,

I haven’t posted much content in a long time, so first I want to apologize. I know all of you are about ready to jump off something because of my break. I haven’t had much time to do anything for awhile between school, work, and other things that have eaten up any spare time that would normally be used for blogging. Alas.

So new posts are on their way, concerning Leopard (which comes out tomorrow!) and some other more thought-provoking stuff. So stay tuned, comment, and question authority. Thanks, Masoni

Hello again everybody,

Yes, I know that there hasn’t been any new content for a long time. Yes, I’m sorry. Everything’s a little overwhelming right now between school and work and extracurricular commitments, so this blog has somewhat fallen by the wayside. However, I plan on catching up with my posts by contributing a lot of content over the next few weeks. And once winter break hits, I’ll begin posting something everyday.

For now, I think I’ll post another rave reviewing Leopard in a little while, and then perhaps some other raves and/or reviews on other, more pressing topics. Until then, I thank all of my readers for sticking with me through these hiatuses and I look forward to reading your comments on past and future posts. Thanks, Masoni

P.S.: 70th Post!

Everybody, this is just a quick update concerning the mailing list and RSS feeds.

If anyone is interested in being added to the mailing list, just email me your contact information, and I’ll send you a short message every time I add new content to the site.

Additionally, you can make use of Blogger’s RSS feed support and add Masoni Raves About to your feeds and you can be kept up-to-date with MRA directly in your browser. I believe at the bottom of this page there’s a link that says Subscribe to: Posts (Atom). Here’s a link to the RSS site. It’s not going to work unless you have an RSS feed reader or if you’re running Safari on a Mac, so don’t feel bad if it doesn’t. That should be it, and forgive me if it’s not.

Finally, you’ve probably noticed the changes to the site’s template and to my profile picture. I get bored with consistency for the sake of consistency, so I thought I’d change things up. Enjoy? Thanks a lot for your time and have a great day, Masoni

P.S.: By the way, I got 100% on that theology essay. Woot!

Hey everyone, you’ve probably noticed that I updated the template of the site, so I suppose I should say “Enjoy?” (Nevermind, I changed it back.) Additionally, there’s a slew of new content on the horizon, and the previous three raves are just a taste of the coming enlightenment. So keep checking in and email me if you’re still interested in being added to the mailing list.

Oh, and comment, comment, comment. Please read the Solipsism rave and comment with your ideas or speculations. Also, take a second right now to vote in the color poll in the right content column of this page. Thanks.

That’s about all I’ve got for right now, so come on back, eliminate the letter “C,” go to see The Golden Compass on December 7th and, as always, QUESTION AUTHORITY. Thanks, Masoni

P.S.: It’s the 30th update!! We’re all the way up to MRA Vers. 3.0!! Huzzah; celebration! Also, while editing this most recent post, I hit 600 visits on the MRA HitCounter!! Hooray! Alright, I’m done. Have a swell day, gang.

Hey everyone,

This post is to tell everyone that I’m taking an intentional, albeit temporary, hiatus from Masoni Raves about. There’s plenty of content on here somewhere to entertain in the meantime, so keep checking in. I’m taking this break to focus on other projects (namely The Iconoclast and its website), and I’ll post whatever I can periodically for a little while. Soon, meaning within a month or so, I’ll post more regularly once again. Thanks, Masoni

That’s right everybody, I finally got it. And although I’m not writing this from the iPod touch itself (because the little white box in which posts are typed doesn’t feel like cooperating), it’s basically the coolest thing ever for right now. I got the 16GB model, and I’m pretty sure there won’t be any significant HD boosts to the touch anytime soon.

So, as I enjoy my new iPod, I’ll bring you a full review and another Rave about whatever President Jobs decides to throw out there for Macworld in his limitless wisdom and godliness. Until then, thanks, Masoni

1. Update 3.2.1 · Jan 10

   Macworld has come and gone, and there’s no 32GB iPod touch. Hooray! my money wasn’t wasted!

2. Update 3.2.2 · Aug 4

   It turns out my money was indeed wasted, as the 32GB came out a couple months later. I’ve got the iPhone now, though, and the iPod touch now happily belongs to a family member. Hooray!