A dad's future

Kopimism – a belief in the sacred right to share files – has been recognized as an official religion in Sweden.

The official website of The Missionary Church of Kopimism describes Kopimism as “information is holy and copying is a sacrament. Information holds a value, in itself and in what it contains, and the value multiplies through copying. Therefore, copying is central for the organisation and its members.”

For the last couple of years, a group of self-confessed pirates, have been trying to get file sharing recognised as an official religion.  For two years their claim has been denied, but in late December 2011, Kopimism was official acknowledged as a legal religion. The Church hopes its new sacred status will remove the legal stigma  associated with file sharing.

“I think that more people will have the courage to step out as Kopimists. Maybe not in the public, but at least to their close ones,” Isak Gerson, founder of the Missionary Church of Kopimism, told TorrentFreak. “There’s still a legal stigma around copying for many. A lot of people still worry about going to jail when copying and remixing. I hope in the name of Kopimi that this will change.” This doesn’t by any means make copyright infringement legal, but Kopimism followers hope their beliefs will now be taken into consideration by lawmakers.

The Church of Kopimism, which holds “CTRL+C” and “CTRL+V” as sacred symbols, has tripled the number of members in the last six months, going from 1,000 to 3,000.  And it’s expected the recent news surrounding SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) will cause an even bigger surge in members. “We confessional Kopimists have not only depended on each other in this struggle, but on everyone who is copying information. To everyone with an internet connection: Keep copying. Maintain hardline Kopimi,” Gerson says.

If you think file sharing is sacred, you too can join The Missionary Church of Kopimism, free of charge.

Looking back over the last month, I have been especially bad at updating my blog.  There is usually a reason for my silence and this time is no different.  Either something bad has happened and my mood is so bad that I dare not post, or something so spectacularly good has happened, but for some reason I can’t share.  Well this time, it’s a mixture of the two.

At the beginning of December, we found out that Rach was pregnant, but it was a suspected ectopic, which was a blow.  The dynamics of my family are quite complex, so we had to ensure that those close to us were fully informed and happy before we made this general knowledge. Fortunately, the ectopic pregnancy was a scare, Rachel is about 8 weeks pregnant, we have a scan on Wednesday and will know more then.

Well, what can I say about 2011, as is usual in my life, it’s been a complicated year.  There have been some sad times and some happy times, I want to mention a few people……..

Rachel Gresham.

You started the year as Rachel Benson, you made me a very happy man by marrying me, you then ended the year on a proper high by becoming pregnant.  Thank you baby for making me so incredibly happy.  I love you.

Ceann Gresham.

You are my firstborn, you make me laugh, you make me angry, but most of all, I love you.  I am proud of you, you have picked yourself up this year and are sorting your life out.  You have a way to go boy, but you will get there.

Star Gresham.

You are a wonderful girl, I love you so very much, this year has been a difficult one for you, you have just started to figure out what is going on in your head.  You will get through this baby, you have a lot of people around you who want to help you out, lean on them.  Me, Rach,your mum, Huw, your nanna & grandad, and so many others, the one thing we all have in common is that we want to see you come through this.

Liam Gresham.

Ah Leelee, you are a complex kid, you are very emotional, very loving (see that skipping gaily out the door?  That was your street cred!), you are my boy.  We’ve been through hell over the last two years, I wish I could make it easier for you, you will get there, you are a strong lad.  I love you son.

Amber Gresham.

Boo.  I love you Boo, you are a hell of a kid, you wear your heart on your sleeve, you never fail to amaze me.  You are a very bright lass, you make me laugh, sometimes you are a little too caustic, but then I remember that you have been that way for many, many years, would I change you?  Would I hell.  Apply yourself at school this year, you have been wasting your time over the last few years, just because you can, now it’s time to knuckle down and do what you are capable of.

Rick Gresham.

My bro, my baby bro.  What can I say?  I love you, you have made me proud.  You have turned your life around, you have worked bloody hard for everything you have.  You have been a tower of strength to me over the last four years.  Thank you bro.

Brad, Dani et al.

I love you guys, I have, to be fair, been a crap friend this year, I am so sorry for that.  Joe was such a lovely lad, he had a lust for life and he should be with you now, I am struggling to say much more. Joe is and will be missed for a very long time.

Peter, Shaz, et al.

Same as above really, Laura was a brave girl, who went through four years that no one should have to face, let alone a teenager.  She will be sorely missed, but then you know that.

My Extended Family.

I hate this bit, I was going to name you all, but I will forget someone and offend them, plus there are so bloody many of you.  You all know who you are, from my adopted brothers and sisters, to my adopted children, you are all lovely people, a lot of who have been through the mill yourselves, but still have time to support me and mine, as well as others.  Thank you so much.  I love you all.

My friends in general.

This category is a catch-all, everyone who has stood beside me, emotionally, as well as physically, I honestly couldn’t have got this far without you,  thank you.

Anyway, enough babble from me, may 2012 be the best year of your lives and whether friend, family or foe, I sincerely hope it brings you everything you deserve.
Did I mention – I’M GOING TO BE A DAD AGAIN!

Ok, so it’s not quite a film title, but it is how long I’ve been without a cigarette, and I have to admit to feeling quite good for it.  Not only have I quit the evil nicotine, but I quit the patches too

I have to apologise for my lack of posts recently, but I have had very little to say.  Occasionally I have a lot to say about certain things, but it’s probably best keeping those things to myself.

Anyhow, by way of an apology, I thought I’d post this video, it’s Crazy Ivan.  Crazy Ivan likes to drive his lorry, it’s possible his lorry has seen better days……..