Diary of a Network Geek

Hey, here’s another reason to be proud of my adopted state!
The State of Texas is sueing one of the world’s top four spammers. Apparently, the company, or companies, is based out of California and is already being sued by MicroSoft, but the State of Texas is joining in. The suit itself is based on the CAN-SPAM Act, which was such a big deal when it was passed. I have to admit, at the time, I never thought we’d actually see any of these bottom-feeders prosecuted in any way, but it looks like the CAN-SPAM Act may be actually doing some good! According to the article, the two spammers who run this company could face “penalties of $250 per violation, up to a maximum of $2 million.” Wow. That’d hurt!
Apparently, the Texas Attorney General is bringing suit against these guys under Texas law that “cover electronic mail and solicitation as well as deceptive practices. Those laws carry fines of up to $25,000 per day and $20,000 per violation…” Dang! You go get ’em!
Let’s hope it does some good!

No, that is not some kind of euphemism!
This morning when I’m drinking my coffee and praying, which is how I start every workday, I see something splashing about in the back of the square pond. At first, I thought it was a bird taking a little bath. Then, I thought it might be a squirrel that fell in and was dragging itself out. But, finally, it occurred to me that the weather was nice, the water was getting warm in the sun, and neither squirrels nor birds are generally bright gold and white, at least in my neighborhood. So, yes, Spring is springing here in Houston. The fish are feeling frisky and, well, “getting it on”. My only disappointment is that it’s the comets not the koi. Comets are cheap, but baby koi are anywhere from $50 to $300 a pop!
Of course, what that really all means is that I have to get out there and work on the ponds. Time for Spring cleaning. And, Spring water gardening. And, this year, a whole lot of repair work on the round pond’s waterfall. Right now, if anything blocks the waterfall even a little bit, it starts to overflow out the back. That’s a Bad Thing, in case it wasn’t clear. Not sure how I’ll get that done, especially alone, but I’ll manage somehow. I always do.