DC via MI

Sunday funday!

2009-09-27T13:20:00.004-04:00

Iran: it doesn't really seem like these guys can catch a break, not that they deserve one... it's sort of uncool that Obama et al. decided to whip up a bunch of propaganda to unite the world against Tehran's nuclear ambitions, but shooting off missiles after the announcement doesn't help much. Not too cool....
Culture: I'm all for governments promoting responsibility but legislating against Photoshop might be crossing the line. Everyone should realize that the media doesn't portray reality; what would be the entertainment in that? Perhaps instead of worrying about weird body images, we should work harder to add value to everyday life.
Science: I'm always amazed when researchers discover diversity hot spots, and the volume of new species these guys identified is truly impressive. Unfortunately, the Mekong region is home to some of the most rapidly developing economies, and we all know how natural areas tend to fare under those conditions.
Environment: issues associated with invasive species are near and dear to my heart, and it saddens me to see Florida under attack again, this time by some pretty nasty reptiles. Why can't people just have native species for pets? Why does the pet industry have so much power?
more to come...

The No Excuses post.

2009-09-12T19:26:00.005-04:00

While I disagree with the way the Bill Maher makes some of his points, I'm sick to tears of the fringe leading our nation's debates; it's time for someone (preferably the President) to say "Enough. We're tired of letting lunatics and idiots set the national agenda, because there's serious stuff that needs done and they're just in the way."
Health: Michael Pollan's awesome Op-Ed piece for the NYT laid it out pretty clearly, the stakes of the current health debate range further than Medicare- they may be the best chance yet for sensible reform of American farm policies that make kids fat, sick adults. Barring some type of real solution, perhaps we might engage in approaches proposed by John Ridley to deal with rising health costs... extreme, politically incorrect, but necessary?
Trade: in a classic case of Do As We Say, Not As We Do, the United States is engaging in dangerous populism at the expense of our second largest trading partner. Knowing that we're somewhat on the (economic) ropes, I'm fairly certain our Chinese friends won't be taking this one laying down... what will they tax in return?
Politics: I'm beside myself trying to fathom the stupidity of today's "Tea Party" in DC. To say nothing of the fact that each of the policies in dispute is being studied for ways to save money, the notion that President Obama is somehow culpable for the nation's state after 8 months in office is asinine. It's obvious that these blow-hards have no idea what they're talking about, and it's unfortunate that the media deems their shenanigans worth covering. The sickest part of the entire thing is that the GOP representative shown pandering to the crowd are largely responsible for our current economic state.
Environment: all problems are trivial compared with drought and accompanying famine... that our closest neighbor to the south is experiencing just such a catastrophe should be terrifying and prompt immediate relief efforts, as well talks about how water use policies (both at home and abroad) must be revisited ASAP.
Society: turns out that the country's current economic woes haven't affected Disney, at least if their expansion plans are any indication. Just what the world needs- more of the Magic Kingdom.
Entertainment: while Bono et al. aren't my favorite musical act, I know plenty of people who will be at the show tonight, and many others looking forward to stops in their respective towns. Stylistic differences aside, it's pretty amazing what those four guys have done consistently over the last couple of decades.

Catching up post!

2009-07-14T21:19:00.006-04:00

Politics: I don't care whether you're a Democrat or not, Murtha is a bad guy. It would be totally hypocritical to chase down GOP cronies without ferreting out the garbage on the Left... let's clean house and bid farewell to this punk.
Michigan: what, pray tell, is President Obama supposed to do to fix the mess in this state? Yes, we all know that jobs are scarce but what role does the Federal government have in remaking an entire state? Perhaps some long-time residents need to face the hard truth that their futures might lie elsewhere, and certainly won't have many benefits previous generations grew accustomed to.
Technology, pt. I: Call me an idiot but I'm still a fan of Microsoft products. All monopoly concerns aside, they still offer the software I turn to when I need to get stuff done; cloud computing is both the next frontier and a huge gamble... it'll be interesting to see how this game is played and who comes out on top.
Technology, pt. II: I can't think of anything more terrifying than being trapped in space for the better part of two years... there is no way that participants in subsequent "experiments" aren't going to be psychologically crippled, possibly forever- is our planet really so bad that we need another one?
Health: regardless of any real or perceived benefits, I would love to see the Right's reaction to a public education campaign like this... I'm guessing it would be more popular than Eat More Veggies.
Culture: Okay, so I've stayed away from the Michael Jackson thing for the duration but I can't hold it any longer- enough! What the hell does anyone care about his dermatologist? He was great, he changed music, and he's dead... period. Get over it, already.
Irony: I'm willing to bet the Tel Aviv jail isn't a very nice place for a known member of the KKK... sleep tight, buddy.

Post-Father's Day Post

2009-06-22T19:51:00.005-04:00

Technology: I was upset to see news about a fatal crash on Metro's Red Line... fortunately I'm not aware of any friends who were hurt but that does little to allay the sadness I feel for those who lost loved ones on the commute home. After the situation in California a few months ago involving an engineer who was texting prior to his accident, I sincerely hope that is a mechanical flaw, not operator error. Very, very sad.
War: it'll take a lot more than some nuts-o midget to break Hawaiians from their 'hang loose' attitude. It would be one thing if anyone had a modicum of confidence that North Korea actually has the technological know-how to build a ham radio, to say nothing of a ballistic nuclear device... our island-dwelling countrymen have little (or nothing) to fear.
Politics: one thing that's been conspicuously absent from Washington, DC in recent years is pragmatism and, contrary to sentiments from the left, I'm happy President Obama is a practitioner. Government isn't a zero-sum game and it takes silence and compromise to get great things done... too many folks looked forward to the change in administration as an opportunity to go hog wild and I'm glad we haven't gone down that road... yet. We wanted a smart, thoughtful President and now we've got one... I can't wait for the first Republican to bust Obama's chops about his (non) response to the Iranian election.
Iran: forget Western news outlets, a preferred source of information for the Middle East has a fairly unbiased perspective about what's going on in the wake of apparent fraud... regardless of how newsworthy the Iranian struggle is, let's not forget some of the bigger fish in the sea; the situation in (and threat posed by) Pakistan makes almost any other country look like a joke.
Society: Given the gravity of current events, I couldn't care less whether President Obama still smokes... it says something about the apparent laziness of White House reporters when their overwhelming focus is a childish game of Got Cha! And folks wonder why news organizations are going out of business....
Technology, pt. 2: Methinks blow back to Nokia et al. will not be good when the whole Iranian vote thing simmers down... it's one thing to pick up a fat, juicy government contract; it's quite another when you know your work will be used to ill ends.

Feels like summer post!

2009-06-02T21:35:00.006-04:00

Iran: what better way to get a rogue government into the fold than to invite them over for hot dogs, beers, and fireworks? Say what you will about the more distant future, this is a brilliant attempt at reconciliation!
Politics: at this point (actually, far earlier), Pelosi just needs to shut up... we've got enough to worry about from the right without further fueling the fire with inane sound bites and further waffling... enough, already.
Government: just when I thought we'd turned a corner on the bumbling incompetence of the previous administration, someone goes and gives the enemy our playbook... I (obviously) have a ton of respect for the men and women who work for our country but man, do stories like this make it tough sometimes.
Irony: I don't know what I enjoy more, thinking about the demise of Hummer or knowing current owners now own a foreign vehicle... oh sweet, sweet, justice!
Asia: the idea that Kim Jong-il might appoint his son is both disturbing and vaguely amusing... it's difficult to imagine how someone who digs Micheal Jordan- Air Jordan!- would be interested in harming anyone, to say nothing of unleashing thermonuclear war on unsuspecting masses; might this be a good thing?

Post-Memorial Day post

2009-05-27T21:43:00.005-04:00

Michigan: while I take my hat off to Gov. Granholm for acting as the state's cheerleader, the phrase "too little, too late" comes to mind... the entire tenor of this piece makes it sound like the waste and greed and stupidity that's existed for decades can be washed away by so much good PR. Sadly, it's going to take much, much more than that.
Politics: in perhaps on of the sickest episodes of this new Congress, Democrats in grain-producing states are threatening to kill the climate bill to save wasteful, nearly criminal subsidies for a government-contrived business... we need to move away from fossil fuels, but this isn't the way to do it. Further, how can you mandate an analysis such as the on conducted by the EPA, the disregard their findings? I thought we were beyond this stuff.
Public Health: consider the number of victims claimed by "swine flu" and our response to that threat... then think about what that response would have been if the number was anywhere near 100,000. $3.5 million from the international community is an insult.
Justice: I don't know which is sicker, starting an incestuous relationship with an 8-year old girl or limiting jail time for such an offender to 50 years in prison... if ever there was need for exception, this would be it.

Ides of May Hump Day!

2009-05-13T20:45:00.006-04:00

Terrorism: I'm torn with the latest decision by the Obama administration... on the one hand I think it will ultimately be helpful for these pictures to finally come out so that the nation might collectively heal and several really bad lawyers will get disbarred (at least). On the other hand, this move reflects the sort of thought that wasn't present in the past administration and, until proven otherwise, I have to think about it as a delay and not obstructionism. We'll see.
Government: so I saw a story in WAPO a little while ago about that I thought was sort of interesting... what if governmental employees in myriad departments could communicate without the usual bureaucracy? While I'm not sure it will ever compete with Facebook, I joined GovLoop and I'm cautiously optimistic that something positive will come out of this experiment in social networking; at least it isn't blocked on my machine at work... yet.
Science: I've spent too much time mucking around inside DNA to think of it as anything other than a type of Trust, placed on researchers to explore and share for the betterment of society. I'm fundamentally opposed to the idea of patenting those little strands of A and T and C and G and, while I'm aware that this research costs money and some mechanism for recouping those investments should be constructed, these data (and the little bits of information inside our bodies represented therein) belong to all of us.
Finance: while I'm in favor of regulating banking and credit companies, limiting interest rates isn't the way to do it. Yes, it makes me sick that folks are socked with 30%+ rates but those situations can be avoided- tear up the envelope when it arrives at your house. As noted, serious offenders can be hauled into court and made accountable... as for those holding the cards, it's a tough lesson to learn but the government can't play parent for everyone.
Environment: regardless of whether someone believes in Global Warming (as if there's a real doubt), loss of coral reefs is a catastrophe beyond comprehension. Saying nothing about the staggering amount of biodiversity, these areas represent one of the most unique treasures on earth... this should concern anyone with a soul.
Society: after visiting Holland a few years ago, I became painfully aware of the absolutely stupid laws this countries has; banning absinthe is a throw-back to a time when people knew far less than they do now. It was dumb to exclude this spirit and I'm happy to see the times, they are a changin'... drink up!

Cinco de Mayo!

2009-05-05T23:19:00.006-04:00

Food: my love for pork is well-documented but there's something fundamentally wrong with the exportation of an American crop to some far-flung local... it's one thing to buy blackberries from Mexico when they're out of season, but buying animals grown in the middle of nowhere (even if they're used for bacon) is something completely different.
Religion: we've backed Israel's idiotic policies long enough, it's time to work toward a practical solution to the issues facing the most volatile region in the world. I've long advocated turning the whole region into a UN protectorate but, short of that, there needs to be movement toward a two state solution.
Finance: so let me get this straight...lenders made bad bets, the company they were invested in went belly up (and found a solution to that problem), the lenders refused reconditioned terms, and now they're suing...can anyone say "Screw them"? The whole reason American companies are in the situation they're in is because lenders and unions don't realize the landscape changed... these guys are counting on a governmental bailout (in contrast to necessary intervention) and they should go broke because of their inflexibility and greed.
Health: the notion that Mexicans are feeling slighted because of swine flu isn't just absurd, it's laughable. Any responsible government would have done the same thing the Chinese did, and let's not forget that out buddies south of the border refused to acknowledge this thing until it spread to the U.S. Tough as it may be, quit griping and work on transparency.
Society: what's more American than having naked photos taken while trying to make millions as a Victoria's Secret model? I'm so tired of this "qualification" being used to discount models from competitions... what, exactly, is this standard of excellence that purport to extol? Who actually looks to these women as roll models?

NYT Wednesday

2009-04-29T22:16:00.008-04:00

Heath: I just ate here to show support for all things porcine... verdict? Phase 6 awesome! Lips that touch mine should dig on swine.
Education: if you don't read anything else, read the first line of this Op-Ed piece... the American higher education system is a mess, the only industry that hasn't changed in the last 200 years. Coupled with a crazy, Baby-Boomer fueled value system, kids today are getting a bum steer and have a better chance of getting in debt than actually learning. As a totally biased entity, I seriously hope they figure out how to change (for the better).
Afghanistan: it's no secret that the real battle isn't going to be what we've been screwing around with in Iraq... what, with a couple of million gallons of RoundUp, we could be done with the entire scourge known as heroin. Turns out that the Taliban isn't planning to turn tail, though, and this fight is going to be bloody, tough, and long.
Civil Rights: the fact that the NRA does more to undermine the United States, its Constitution, and general civil rights is indisputable; the fact that their power lead to the expiration of the assault weapons ban is criminal. More than almost any issue, we as a society need to agree that these weapons have no place in our society and treat people who support their manufacture and sale like the psychopaths they are. Oh, and Carter still rocks!
Drugs: it seems like everyone in Mexico is stuck between a rock and several hard places, and their cops are no exception... difficult as their job may be, there is never any legitimate reason to cause more fear than you quell. Corruption in Third World law enforcement is rampant and folks in this part of the world need to be able to trust someone; people who abuse the badge should be treated just like the crooks they're supposed to be chasing - string 'em up.
Africa: there's going to be a steep learning curve on the part of Somali pirates, starting with the lesson that you don't get caught by Russians... it's sort of like the hostage deal (don't take Russians hostage), because these dudes are nuts and they don't play. It would surprise me if they shoot these guys and post photos of it.
Sex: imagine how much could get done in this country is women banded together and collectively held out? I can't think of a more persuasive way to get a point across....

2009-04-22T22:19:00.004-04:00

Michigan: just when you think the state has hit rock bottom, there's something like this... it's like someone took all the good ideas and just ran away. Do yourself a favor and read the comments, too.
Judgement: much has been made about Bush era torture memos and it will certainly be interesting to see who, if anyone, is ever held accountable. In the meantime, plenty of fear mongers will champion the necessity of tough treatment, and it's important to remember what we're "fighting" for after all.
More soon....

Short post

2009-04-15T22:27:00.002-04:00

Awesome.
Clowns.
Big Hill.
Super Bad Ass!
I won't be this lazy in the future... just late for bed right now!

Piracy Monday- Arrr!

2009-04-13T21:33:00.007-04:00

Africa: okay, now that we've got a pirate in custody, what next? I'm guessing the legal code for those activities is pretty slim- most fliers of the Jolly Roger were summarily executed on the high seas- and it'll be interesting to see what this Justice Department does with a challenging, high-profile case.
Finance: Woo-hoo! It's about time... most of my mutual funds are Goldman Sachs products so, while I'm routing for success all the way around, I'm happy this particular dog is working his way through the fight. How long can it take to make up for the 50% loss? (that's rhetorical- please don't answer)
Travel: Havana, here I come! I've long said that the best way to encourage a regime shift in Cuba is not isolation, it's inclusion in the regional economy... I'm glad Obama took a step that others before him were afraid to take and I'm interested to hear what the small but vociferous ex-pat community in southern Florida has to say about our very popular President's decision.
Energy: for those who think that economic prosperity and energy independence are mutually exclusive, think again. It's inspiring to see nations like Costa Rica take a longer view on development of renewable resources and I'm hopeful that folks in the US will see (sooner rather than later) that it makes good sense to power things with fuels that remake themselves.
Justice: while I understand why it might be a bad idea to have sex while driving, what the hell else is there to do in Norway? Better, was there anyone else even on the road?
Psychology: is it me, or does it seem like it's always Germans who get attacked by animals in zoos? For a people with such a reputation for following rules, "Stay out of the cage" seems like a pretty important one to disregard... they might be cute in photos, but a polar bear will wreck you day - big time.

Bad blogger post.... sorry!

2009-03-24T22:31:00.008-04:00

Politics: okay, so I didn't watch the speech tonight... does that make me a bad American? Perhaps not on it's face, but my case is worsened by the fact that I preempted it for a House rerun- ouch. In all honesty, I'm sort of tired of honesty... is it my, or has the news been a downer recently?
Finance: related to above, I'm tired of politicians pretending outrage at the actions of folks on Wall Street; make no question about it, I think the investors bear a huge burden for where we are right now, but I also think that the strength of protestations by elected officials is directly related to their complicity, either overt or through ignorance.
Humanity: the fact that people are still killing one another under the auspice of law isn't just reprehensible, it's contrary to any concept of social evolution. How messed up is it that we condemn certain aspects of despicable societies while crawling into ideological bed with them?
War: so we're going to send more ATF agents to the Mexican border... look out, drug lords! I thought the Obama administration was against waste and for productive solutions... if so, let's revisit the travesty called our drug war and come up with some strategies that might actually have outcomes other than wasted money.
Health: sad as it may be to admit, eating red meat will actually kill you... not immediately, but faster than everything else. Micheal Pollan had it right when he indicted our price support system- particularly as it relates to corn- in the destruction of the American diet and the sickening of our population; unless we, the people, take control of all stages of our diets, we will die unnecessarily early deaths, plain and simple.
Sex: who said kids today aren't sort of hilarious?

Back at it post...

2009-03-03T20:38:00.007-05:00

Economy: at what point is it going to be moot for news agencies to report about reduced automotive sales? Helen Keller would have been aware of these issues before their reporting and it makes me crazy that this stuff is still considered "news". I can only imagine that continued coverage of these stories only adds to already pressing despair.
Russia: the idea that the former Soviet block brings anything to the negotiating table is simply laughable... everyone know that the proposed missile defense system poses no threat the Russian security and they're merely trying to derail the idea to propagate a feeling of global relevance. Obama needs to tell them to pound sand, ASAP.
Justice: there is no legitimate reason to keep the dealing of Bush et al. from the public record and I commend the Obama administration for unsealing some of the secrets that have harmed this country in uncountable ways. Why fight a war on terrorism while committing similar acts ourselves?
Politics: I think that Steele is a complete loser but he looks like a saint in comparison with Rush Limbaugh. Vitriolic blow-hards (on either side of the aisle) are counterproductive to the function and evolution of our political system and the GOP's insistence on listening to this particular jackass should be proof positive of their lack of sincerity re: cooperation and change.
Society: I'm all for people coming to this country to better themselves but, given our current economic situation, why is the plight of foreign students really an issue? Pundits continually speak about the need for citizens to participate in the growth of this country- go to school and make the future work. This sucks, but it isn't the end of the world.
Africa: consider the difference between an additional $25 billion for developing counties and the amount of money we're currently spending on financial institutions that probably won't recover and likely won't contribute to the well-being of any particular person... where the hell are our priorities?
Science: the last-minute actions of the Bush administration were deplorable and it's refreshing to see that some have been pulled back. Next I'd like to see a list of all the folks who participated in this sham, to make sure they never serve on another public board again.

After a big delay post!

2009-02-24T21:10:00.009-05:00

Politics: okay, so does anyone else think it's weird that the GOP's prodigal son is a young minority? Call me cynical (you wouldn't be the first), but doesn't it seem like they're grasping at the next best thing who's time has already come? What, exactly, does this party stand for? More importantly, if your party doesn't stand for obstructionism, how do you prepare rebuttals for a speech that hasn't happened yet?
Health: there's another skin disorder associated with over use of game consoles- it's called acne.
Agriculture: say what you will about our current economic downturn, at least we have food. As goes the stability of the world's largest countries, so goes the rest of us. When countries like China start having problems feeding their people, look out... flat screen TVs and SUVs are nothing compared with hunger.
Finance: there is nothing good about having national governments get into the banking business. Companies must be able to thrive and fail on their own, and it makes me sick to think about my money being used to run a financial institution.
Science: when are we going to admit that NASA is a failed endeavor? Or, at best, it could use a serious restructuring. We spend more time and money probing the outer reaches of space than we do getting to know that planet around, and that's both sad and dumb.
Sport: as if the idea of Beckham coming to the US wasn't dumb enough, now there's discussion that the Galaxy shouldn't just cut their losses... just let him and his Bo-Tox wife head home, ok?
Military: the idea that a helicopter- not a fleet, a single unit- could cost more than a 747 is beyond offensive, and while I don't think that Senator McCain is the best spokesperson for this cause, I'm glad someone is raising the point... we still have to ask, however, what the hell were they thinking?
More to come....

"Am I still DC via MI?" post

2009-02-07T12:26:00.009-05:00

Relativity: the answer to the above question is an unqualified YES. Physical location isn't nearly as significant as mental perspective, especially in the case of commenting on current events. My residency in Lansing may have expired but part of me will always be in that place, just like a part of me lives in the myriad cities, towns, and bergs I've called home... for better or worse.
Sport: and then there were none... how about we all just agree that Hank Aaron's record isn't going to be broken, or we decide that a wall should be erected between the "modern" generation and baseball's golden past. Either way, it's pretty safe to say that almost every major achievement, present or future, is somehow suspect... except Ripken.
Politics: I've usually the first one to cry foul when I think someone is pandering to the masses; contrary to this sentiment, I think Obama's call for capped compensation is for less Populist and far more an attempt to affect change where it's needed most- in the minds of the middle class.
Democracy: socialist revolutions, almost by definition, are destined to fail. Whether it happens in the long or short term, it's simply impossible to redistribute wealth across an entire country, especially when you've got a moron like Chavez at the helm. Throw in some good old fashioned greed and you've got a wrecked country... time to go, campesino.
Crime: what are a few citations for graffiti when you're responsible for the most iconic poster in a generation? It's also pretty sicking that the AP would dig into this guy for using and otherwise relatively obscure photo... just goes to show how tough time are for those in the journalism business.
Drugs: while I agree that Ecstasy isn't in the come league as some drugs, the fact that there isn't such thing as a safe dose fundamentally makes it more dangerous than something like horseback riding, where you can walk or trot if galloping isn't your bag... the analogy isn't so for good me, either, because I've gotten pretty messed up by several horses.
Judgement: related to above, the furor caused by Phelps's bong hit is surely a sign of both the slow news cycle and the desire to use "news" as an opiate in times of economic uncertainty. The fact that pot shouldn't even be illegal is irrelevant; for parents looking to teach their kids a lesson, how about "Mind you own business."
Travel: I'm all for visiting far-flung destinations (within reason, of course) but the idea of vacationing in a place known for people getting their heads lopped off doesn't do much for me... who knows, maybe Falluja will be the next Cabo in a few years (or decades).
Society: bigger isn't always better, and it's sad that this woman's lifelong dream is so demented; it's also sad to know how easy it will be for some other little girl to come along and jump to size LLL.

One week in...

2009-01-27T09:22:00.008-05:00

Politics: no one can expect perfection and I certainly don't from our new President; that said, how great is it that his first public interview was directed at people vilified by Bush & Co.? Combined with a desire to engage Iran in direct discussions, it really does seem like we've turned a page, started a new chapter, or possibly a new book. What a novel concept- feeling proud of your government... shocking.
Government: even with the above noted successes, is it really necessary to have a Treasury Secretary who doesn't pay his taxes? Is the guy really that qualified, or are there so few possible contenders, that we have to deal with a "do as I say, not as I do" sort of guy?
Energy: Obama said it during his address- we're in for some tough times and tough decisions. Some of those decisions will sacrifice short term comfort for long term stability and progress; coal-based approaches are wrong, plain and simple, and anyone who advocates for them is acting as a populist in the worst sense of the word.
Global Warming: it's difficult to express how frustrating it is for scientists to hear popular conceptions about things like climate change. Normally large numbers (like 1000) are so far beyond irrelevant in the biological scheme of things that "news" like this is far more destructive than informative. I know it's a blow to the collective human ego, but our schedule simply doesn't matter that much.
Culture: talk about hypocrisy, the idea that PETA's ad is any more suggestive or revealing than the junk they'll air on Super Bowl Sunday is beyond offensive; that TV executives don't want their testosterone fest interrupted by veg heads is both stupid and disturbing.
Environment: contrary to a belief common in this part of the world, isn't it possible that diverse auto standards will provide opportunities for new businesses and actually spur economic growth? Yes, this might be bad news for the status quo but aren't we aiming for something higher than where we've come from?
Technology: okay, so I think it's a bad idea for the President to keep his Blackberry- I want him spending his time on more important things than email. That said, it sounds like he's going to have a pretty pimped out toy on his belt if all goes as planned... why haven't we seen commercials for this thing?
Society: if a man can be sustained by whisky while trapped under a couch, how much whisky is necessary to get him there in the first place?

Pre-inaguration post

2009-01-17T11:39:00.007-05:00

Politics: so it turns out this the next couple of days are going to be pretty historic for the ol' US of A... thank God I'm freezing my ass off in Michigan and I'm not in DC; too much fun makes the brain go soft, or so I've heard. Much has been (and much more will be) said about the conclusion of Bush's tenure but I think Nora Ephron hits the nail on the head- for a guy everyone thought was an idiot, he's proven incredibly efficient and productive in some very dubious ways.
Travel: by now everyone is aware of the near tragedy averted on a US Airways flight- without being a religious person, I feel comfortable using the word "miraculous". Getting beyond the specific details, I think it's important to commend the airline pilot who had the stones to pass up to runway landing that likely would have resulted in disaster; to ditch in the Hudson River by choice took bravery and courage that few can comprehend... that he walked up and down the aisle twice to ensure complete evacuation borders on absurd.
Immigration: while we have plenty of problems in this country, ours pale in comparison to the treatment experienced by folks seeking asylum in Thailand. Barbarism is never acceptable- it speaks volumes about how societies view themselves- and problems like this will be increasingly prevalent, particularly as religious fanaticism spreads and destabilizes entire countries.
Justice: tragic as it might be, I don't see the difference between Eve Carson's murder and the countless slaying that occur in cities every night of the year. Is it because she was white? Because she was the student President at UNC? It's decisions like this made by prosecutors that perpetuate (correctly, in this case) the view that certain people have more value than others... killing these guys isn't going to bring her back.
Society: what ever happened to "normal" names like Paul and Mike? Moreover, what type of person (or parent) would be oblivious or indifferent to what I'm sure were incredulous glances when each of their children's names were penned onto their birth certificates? Thankfully kids can changes their names when they turn 18, but isn't the damage already done?

First hump day of the year!

2009-01-07T20:49:00.009-05:00

Religion: finally, someone advertising something sane about "God"... good for them!
War: it's one thing to unnecessarily put our soldiers into harms way; it's quite another to crap all over the families of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice... in addition to removing several people from their jobs, one would hope this contractor is blackballed for quite some time.
Justice: I get it- the Nazis were bad guys and all of them should be punished. However, when does that goal become ridiculous? Perhaps in the case of an 87 year-old who nearly died twice during his incarceration pending trial. At what point do those seeking "justice" become as bad as those they would sentence?
Europe: it's no mystery that the impending clash of culture will take place in the Old World, not the New, and it's really too bad that immigrants from Africa can't take advantage of the myriad legal employment opportunities... Italians know organized crime, and I wouldn't mess with those dudes.
Society: why wouldn't the National Park Service do everything except break its bank to keep the National Mall looking spectacular? It is humbling and beautiful to watch visitors, especially those from overseas, interact with our nation's Capitol, and every citizen should be embarrassed when we collectively put something other than our best foot forward.
Culture: I don't recall whether previous Presidents even had commemorative posters but one thing is for sure- Obama's is bad ass. Collector's item, anyone? Now let's get this underway and start digging this country out of its mess person by person.
Science: in what appears to be an extension of a story posted last week, a researcher contends that love is simply a chemical cocktail... news flash- everything about us is chemical! Everything we see, hear, feel, and think is based on a super complex set of chemical reactions and interactions. Sorry to disappoint, but cupid doesn't really shoot arrows and unicorns don't exist. Sign me up for the oyster drug!
Sport: I've seen some pretty funny stuff on the slopes- hell, I've been the funny stuff on the slopes- but nothing beats this guy... perhaps the embarrassment was mitigated by the head rush.

Hiatus-ending first post of the New Year!!!

2009-01-04T13:17:00.006-05:00

War: while it's tough to condemn the Israelis for striking back on the Gaza strip (I mean really, how many times can you taunt a dog before it bites you?), their overall goal is somewhat elusive. It's nearly impossible to conceive a situation whereby Hamas is not longer in control- remember they were democratically elected- and it appears as though the likely strategy is to completely destroy the area's infrastructure, thereby rendering the area ungovernable... humanitarian tragedy, anyone?
Media: after being roundly chastised for airing photos of decapitated western hostages, Al Jazeera was written off by many people in the west, thought of as a mouthpiece for hate-mongering terrorist groups. I think that opinion is ignorant (as evidenced by the frequency with which I link their articles) and it's informative to note how differently their homepage deals with the Gaza situation; keep in mind, this is a news source that might (is likely to?) reach over 1,000,000,000 people.
Consumption: someone needs to tell TV manufacturers to take a hike! First we have the "everyone needs digital" mandate, and now they're unwilling to accept that wall-sized consoles might use far too much energy... it makes me sad (and sick) to see otherwise lower middle class families taking out lines of credit at Best Buy to keep up with the Jones, and the fact that this luxury item is now thought of as a necessity has been a serious boon for the industry... time to step up and take some responsibility. I'm all in favor of the federal government follow CA's lead, and how often is that the case?
Sex: Ten percent. Only ten percent of couples are as "in love" with each other, at least as measured by a bunch of neural chemicals, after twenty years as they were when they met. This sort of pop (or pseudo) science is both entertaining and deliberately misleading; perhaps the significance of those early emotions is replaced by something else over time... what chemicals are responsible for the "fear of dying alone" sensation? Or maybe the change is a bit more personal and you partner just turns into a pain in the ass.
Public health: bud bugs are disgusting, period. What's more, once you've got them it's incredibly difficult to get rid of them; the fact that 1 in 6 people in Cinci have experienced them doesn't bode well for restful nights to come... if traveling to the area, I'd recommend bringing an air mattress or sleeping outside.
Travel: on a lighter note, despite being delayed during my holiday travels, at least I wasn't "thumped" by a drunken Irish lad en route... note, the flight from Gatwick to Cuba is LONG.

Snowy Sunday morning

2008-12-21T10:58:00.008-05:00

Russia: I'm never in favor of seeing people without jobs, and that hardship is certainly exacerbated during the Siberian winter; however, if there is an upside to recent economic downturns, perhaps cessation of environmental degradation is it... unfortunately, decisions made under these circumstances aren't terribly durable, and this plant will be back on line when things eventually turn around.
Sustainability: leave it to the Dutch to outpace the rest of the world in preparation for rising sea levels. Doubters of global climate change would be wise to take this development seriously; the Dutch don't joust windmills.
Africa: with so much recent new about pirates, it's easy to forget the real problem in Somalia- no internal stability. Enter the typical double edged sword of militant Islam; on the one hand they bring relative peace, but they do so while imposing their will with extreme intolerance. This model will continue to pop up as long as developed counties avoid their responsibilities around the world.
Society: while the importance of humor as a salve for the world's ills can't be over stated, I'm happy to see that the general quality of one-liners has improved somewhat over the past two millennia... what can I say, I don't dig Iraqi humor.
Energy: one of the single greatest problems with the environmental (or any other progressive) movement is trying to frame good decisions within the context of short-term economic gain; I understand that choices can't be too hard on the bottom line but it's essential that we don't lose focus because of gas prices, the economy, or anything else.
Economy: I'm all for expanding the American dream, but there's a reason why it's called a dream instead of a right- home ownership is a huge responsibility and the simple fact is that it isn't for everyone. History will likely hold Bush and Co. responsible for our current meltdown but astute scholars will remember that Clinton started much of this with deregulation... I think their hearts were in the right places, but their brains were elsewhere.
Environment: the Third World will remain as such as long as global business are permitted to rape and pillage limited resources without suffering consequences when things go south. Petroleum exploration and extraction is terribly damaging to the areas where those activities occur, and holding Chevron financially responsible would be a big, overdue step in the right direction.
Technology: it'll be interesting to see how many drivers offer space in their cars to strangers, even for (meager) payment; perhaps better looking "fares" would be better-suited if the application allowed photo sharing... either way, I don't see how this can be a successful money making plan, as someone can easily do it for free and support further development through advertising.

Freezing in Iowa special!

2008-12-15T21:43:00.002-05:00

Culture: much has been made of the shoe throwing incident involving our current President; what I find truly amazing is that a culture with such a long, rich history can't come up with a more reasonable way to show displeasure... if only people who were angry with me simply showed their soles!
Technology: I drives me nuts when I see lousy drivers talking on the phone while acting like morons and I'm pleased to see an invention that might make such behavior impossible for teens... when can we imposing this on other bad drivers?
Priorities: what does it say about men in this country that women would rather catch up with friends than have a roll in the hay? Not our finest hour.
Africa: for weeks (months?) I've been calling for more military presences in the waters off of Somalia; that presence does nothing if high seas warriors can't figure out how to deal with some toughs in reed boats.
Government: as if the scandal in Illinois wasn't enough, now the state appears to be moving with snail-paced efficiency to rectify the problem; I was all for giving Blago the opportunity to step down on Monday but, given his disinclination to do so, it's time to get this guy out of office ASAP.
Politics: I can't stand Dick Cheney but it would be foolish to argue that he's been anything but efficient in his disemboweling of the Constitution; a true make of the Obama Presidency will be the extent to which they roll back those changes, and how frequently they keep them in place.
Law: I think it's great that non-smokers have made inroads toward establishment of smoke-free establishments throughout the country; cigarette makers have made tons of money by pedaling an unhealthy product and the significant health effects of smoking should be addressed. That said, anyhow who signs on to the class-action suit suggesting they were mislead by "light" smokes is acknowledging to one and all that they are an idiot.

Back on Track Wednesday

2008-12-03T11:01:00.005-05:00

Automobiles: while I certainly disagree with Moore on myriad issues, his take on the auto industry and whats needs to be done to salvage our manufacturing sector is right on. Too often people assume that digs against American automakers somehow slight workers; that's not the case- I'm sure US fabricators do the best job they can, and likely rival people doing similar jobs in other countries. The fact of the matter is that these hard workers have been told to make the wrong poorly-designed things, and that business plan will never work out in the end; there are too many other businesses that could use the money for us to waste it one the Big Three.
Terrorism, t. 1: that the gunmen in Mumbai used hi-tech tools shouldn't be a surprise to anyone- given their availability, why wouldn't someone use them? In the coming weeks there will likely be calls to clamp down on these services that are used everyday by reasonable, law-abiding folks, and doing so would be a mistake. Access to these means (or lack thereof) will not reduce terrorist activities- they are simply too motivated and crafty. In truth, we will never be "safe" as long as conditions that breed extremism exist.
Terrorism, pt. 2: related to the above, the American military does not help our overall cause through continued use of cluster bombs. These barbaric weapons kill and maim innocent civilians and lead to justified rage against our country... what is more terrorizing than thousands of unexploded munitions littering your hometown?
Health: talk about resolve... sticking to an all organic diet for three years is no joke. All types of production carry risks for the environment but I honestly believe that the world will be a better place when people in developed countries adopt more sustainable eating habits. That starts with understanding where food comes from, the costs associated with eating higher up the food chain, and the consequences of our decisions on those in developing areas around the world.
Entertainment: I think it's hilarious that the PR people at Dr. Pepper decided to call Axel and Co. out for their lack of productivity over the past eight years... good on the GN'R guys for stepping up, but can you really blame a soft drink for your fans' ineptitude?
Consumption: you could hire a barista for the price of an espresso machine in Brussels... fewer heavy metals in your brew, but the conversation might be better while you wait.

Pre-Turkey Day Post!

2008-11-25T20:05:00.006-05:00

Public Health, pt. 1: one of my greatest hopes for the new administration is a comprehensive overhaul of our medical insurance system; holding big businesses accountable for unscrupulous dealings is only one of myriad steps, but it's certainly one in the right direction.
Public Health, pt. 2: in contrast to the stream of bad news commonly associated with this topic, it turns out that the US cancer rate is in decline; while this finding is obviously based on many dynamic variables, it's good to see that broad, comprehensive education may be starting to bear fruit.
Africa: I, like many, am guilty of congratulating the Indian navy on what now turns out to be a tragic case of mistaken identity... far from abandoning my position, though, I think this episode reinforces the need for the presence of our exemplary Navy.
Economy: given the rapid strides Obama has made in putting together his All-Star team of economic geniuses, it shouldn't surprise anyone that Labor hasn't been given a place at the table... without casting too much blame, they kind of played a major part in the collapse of Detroit, didn't they?
Development: it's got to be almost impossible to decide which countries receive aid and which go on suffering but, despite real humanitarian needs in some countries, operating under extreme corruption isn't just intolerable, it's a waste of money. Kudos to the EU for making a tough decision, and here's to folks in Bulgaria getting their act together. Sometimes saying 'no' is the first step to being more effective with 'yes'.
Russia: it's both sad and entertaining to watch the formerly great bear try to rear its arthritic head... given the state of worldwide fuel prices and decreased consumption, these two countries were made for each other; all bluster and (thankfully) no substance.
Consumption: while I feel the pain of wine makers, perhaps Wall Street woes will trickle down and allow some of us common folk to sample the finer vintages. That, or maybe vintners will work harder to produce affordable bottles... either way, I see this as a (selfishly) silver lining to the current crisis.
Entertainment: in what has been heralded as the biggest news in music all year, Guns and Roses is back with a new album... "terrible" is too kind a descriptor for the first single, Chinese Democracy. Too bad, but expected.

College Football Saturday!

2008-11-22T13:17:00.008-05:00

Energy: as if anyone needed further proof that Bush and his cronies from Texas rely on the status quo and don't care energy independence, a new rule paves the way for one of the most wasteful, environmentally destructive ways to squeeze oil out of rocks. All conspiracy theories aside, oil companies control the world and until we, the people, stand up and demand more they will continue to ruin habitats, destroy the atmosphere, and put gobs of money into their already well-lined pockets. Fossil fuels are dumb, and we can do so much better.
Asia: regardless of how I feel about some of the protests Greenpeace et al. take place in, I've always counted on them to challenge whalers around the world; on learning that they won't be participating this year, I have to agree with the Sea Shepard folks and ask, if not fighting whaling, what are you doing? As an aside, I can't imagine the type of mentality it takes to launch a dynamite-tipped harpoon into a whale... sick.
Entertainment: in contrast to the last time the SAG got up-in-arms, the economy is in the toilet and I doubt too many people will support a strike. I understand that the playing field is changing and now types of media threaten the ability of artists to make a fair living; however, at a time when people are losing their homes and jobs, sympathy is in short supply.
Education: all of have to endure idiotic PC trainings, and it's neat to see someone stand up to the inanity and say "Enough. I have done nothing to warrant needing this training and I'm not going to do it." Ok, so the guy is a tenured Professor at the end of his career, but sometimes is nice to see the windmills jousted.
Religion: intolerance is nothing new, especially in some areas with strong Muslim populations, but needlessly baning healthy, harmless activities is one of the quickest ways to render something obsolete. It's too bad to see things like this happen, because for most people religion is something that makes life easier, not more difficult.
Society: is it me, or does it seem like someone in China hops a fence to hug a panda (thus suffering the usual maiming) like, every month? What's wrong with simply getting a hug from another person? Looks are deceiving- it's a bear for God's sake!

Snowy hump day... yuck-o

2008-11-19T17:43:00.009-05:00

Automobiles: will they or won't they- that's the question these days. I've had several interesting conversation about what aid, if any, the federal government should provide US automakers and, despite my best efforts, a good solution is still elusive. One the one hand it's difficult to promote stupid behavior, while on the other it's irresponsible to knowingly put so many Americans out of work. The one thing that's for sure is that Congress doesn't have any idea what course to take, either, which is why they spend their time dithering about whether executives should fly coach... Populism, anyone? One option that hasn't been widely discussed is buy-out by the Chinese (who already own us as it is), sort of the ultimate patriotism penalty for decades of laziness... irony, anyone?
Justice: while there would have been something humiliatingly awesome about watching Stevens get expelled from the Senate by the GOP, I feel good for the people of Alaska that, at least for a moment, it doesn't seems like (judgement-wise) they're from the moon.
Civil Rights: it would be wonderful to see Proposition 8 fall, and I hope layers are able to turn back this blight of election day. For all the folks who quote the Bible while trampling on gay rights, what ever happened to "Do unto others as you would have done to you?"
Agriculture: don't look now but developing countries are looking elsewhere to fill their breadbaskets. Much like the protectionism that's coming to roost in the auto industry, we will have a bitter wind to face if we don't revamp our farm policies ASAP.
Technology: while free virus protection is a step in the right direction, it seems like this is still too little, too late given that Microsoft operating systems are almost the exclusive target of hackers; this shouldn't be an add-on for no-frills users, it should be standard for everyone (and it should work).
Terrorism: far from our current use of the word, pirates along eastern Africa are as a big a threat to global stability as anyone else. It's nice (although a bit embarrassing) to see India take a lead and show some aggression toward these thieves... sink 'em all and ask questions later!
The French: while I usually take this space to lambaste the frogs, it's good to see Sarkozy take some initiative and drive a much needed conversation about globalization, American capitalism, and how we might all move forward.
Entertainment: the Muscles from Brussels hasn't lost a step!

Let's go hunting!

2008-11-14T13:22:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow's the big day- the first day Michiganders can legally shoot Bambi with a modern firearm... macabre as it might be, is anyone interested in making a wager about the number of hunters who suffer self-inflicted wounds this weekend? Oh, and the forecast calls for snow, which means most (if not all) will be packing flasks, too.
Economy, pt. 1: the idea of "loaning" 25B to the auto industry is like loaning twenty bucks to your cracked-out friend... you ain't gonna see that cash again. Further, it's ridiculous for the government to get into the car business by stocking boardrooms and telling manufacturers how to do their jobs. It's true that the reason they're in this mess is their unwavering commitment to the status quo but it would be unfair if labor unions don't share the blame, too. Put simply, the entire business of making cars in the US sucks.
Economy, pt. 2: okay, so now city governments are lining up at the bailout trough- who next? I'm sure it's tough to make ends meet and I can't imagine the nightmare of providing social services right now but that's not what the package was intended for... if Congress gets cowed into dispersing funds to every hurting entity, this will be another short Democratic reign.
Health: for all of the right-wing nuts out there who oppose stem cell research, take notice of a man cured of an incurable disease. Anyone who thinks we shouldn't explore all avenues of research, especially when it comes to human health, should forgo their access to the medical establishment.
Religion: anyone who uses the pulpit (and subsequent hope of salvation) to influence parishioners is the worst type of zealot; the Roman Catholic Church should strip this guy of his parish and put him on the street. Finally, when are they going to learn that it's pro-choice, not pro-abortion... idiots.
Society: this is the third place I've read about the perceived increase in gun sales following Obama's election win and the very concept that such an event shapes buying patterns is fascinating. I'd love to run into one of these people (conspicuous by the tin foil covering his or her head) and discuss how exactly The Man is going to take their guns. Hilarious, and a little sad too.
Current events: here's another BBC quiz... given my (lack of) success taking there thing, I kind of wish they posted them on Mondays instead of Fridays. I did so poorly I'm not even going to tell my score... so it goes when I don't blog for a week!

Post-election post (my opinion edition)

2008-11-06T17:41:00.005-05:00

Equality: Obama's speech was amazing- one of those moments all of us who witnessed it will be asked to recall for generations to come. A common sentiment has been that this election shows the world what's possible in the US and, while I think this was a huge step, such statements fail to account for the plight of women in our global society. Yes, our President elect is black but he's still a man and real barriers to equality still exist. If I were a woman I would be pissed that pundits and politicos are making it sounds like all is well in the kingdom.
Politics: The Obama campaign was successful, in part, due to the hard work and votes of Hispanic Americans. These folks are the new FDR democrats, and failure by the Republican party to acknowledge this fact helped cost them many elections. It's strange- many Central American migrants came to this country with very conservative views and were a natural fit with the GOP; draconian immigration policies proposed after 9/11 helped drive a wedge through the group, though, and now this growing constituency needs to find a home under the blue umbrella.
Intelligence: I'm not interested in slandering the men and women of our armed forces but several recent articles deserve some notice. Whether it's (false) belief that Obama is a Muslim, that he'll cut the defense budget, that he doesn't understand or care about sacrifice because he hasn't been at war, or that he's simply soft on terrorism- to believe these things is idiocy. There is absolutely no evidence (recall the "lack of experience" argument used by the McCain campaign) to suggest any of these things and, if the last two years are any indication, he not only knows how to fight, he knows how to win.

Let's get it on!

2008-11-03T21:24:00.004-05:00

Politics: well, it's finally here... the most historic election this country has ever seen. While buoyed by trends showing a widening gap, I'm looking for nothing less than complete domination. No more red state/blue state split, and no more questions about what direction this country wants to go; double digits and >350 electoral votes will leave little ambiguity. Daily Kos has created a neat map that should make following the results a snap.
Intelligence: let's hope that, regardless of how smart the American voter really is, most of them possess the modicum of self-preservation that makes it impossible to keep the GOP running the show. While interesting, studies like this always make me feel like the liberal elite argument might be contain more than a few fibers of truth.
Justice: as if to reiterate the significance of tomorrow's election, another "enemy combatant" was sentenced at Guantanamo yesterday. While I certainly agree that this guy shouldn't be wandering around, injustices perpetuated at this illegal torture camp have only made our efforts to combat extremism more difficult.
Society: while I understand the initial inclination to charge users on sites like Facebook, the reason these technologies have been successful lies precisely in their cost. Let's face it, web addicts are cheap and most won't tolerate paying for anything, as most believe it must be available elsewhere for free. Keep looking for that business model, Mark, but don't start charging!
Africa: don't look now, but another nation is on the brink of civil war. The history of this region over the last several decades is a nightmare wrapped in a tragedy and it's time for people in developed counties to realize that the mark of humanity is how we treat those with the least.

Wednesday night

2008-10-29T20:24:00.009-04:00

Politics, pt. I: here we go again- another "radical" acquaintance for Obama... I'd like to know how many scholars the McCain/Palin team can even name. The two most glaring tragedies, as I see them, are a paper being judged harshly for keeping its word and the perpetuation of a "freedom of speech is bad" meme. Disgusting.
Politics, pt. II: in the wake of complete GOP implosion, there are those speaking about Palin as the hero who will rise form the ashes... let's pray that never happens. It's scary to see how naturally she shouldered the mantle of fear-monger and it would be many steps back for the hardworking women of this country if she is even re-elected for her current seat in AK.
Terrorism: it's disgusting to see another Latin American country fall into the same pattern as many before; by legitimizing governments that treat citizens without regard to human decency, the blood of those killed is on our hands. The cavalier way this Administration has justified inconceivable actions due to paranoia about "terrorists" should have been a warning to other countries... instead, it appears to have been an example.
Business: no one should be surprised that big business is in bed with the GOP; what is incredible is the belief that consumers or folks in labor union could be persuaded to side with their bosses. I'm sure someone has done the math, but it would take a lot to convince me that tax breaks are better for business than enthusiastic consumers. Happy people = profit, right?
Society: regardless of data to the contrary, I doubt many businesses will unblock access to Facebook in order to encourage communication by their workforce. Given the frequency with which I see buddies on the site during their work day, it appears as though employers are already fostering that other important skill- deception.
Health: I don't know about you, but the short days have been absolutely killing my mood, my productivity, and my health. I can't wait to set the clocks back... I feel like I'm in some sort of everlasting funk right now and it needs to end, like, yesterday.

Almost Tuesday Monday!

2008-10-27T20:28:00.010-04:00

Justice: any frequent visitor knows how much I revile Ted Stevens; today's verdict should be heralded, not just because it's a correct decision made in a place not known for common sense but (perhaps more importantly) it strikes a blow to the sense of entitlement that's been all-too-pervasive in DC. If it can happen to the longest serving member, no one is safe! It's gut check time for the people of Alaska, though... do they want to be known as the only state with a felon for a Senator, or do they stand up and show the rest of the country that Palin et al. don't represent the entire population.
Politics: it's scary to think that in this day and age crooked politicos are still trying to rig elections. It's ignorant and naive to think that this is a Republican or Democrat tactic- they all think about ways to game the system, and some of those approached cross a very important line. With a modicum of respect for the process, is it any wonder that we're left with the candidates we are?
Agriculture: the worst possible outcome of recently lower fuel prices would be to shift our attention, even for a minute, away from the goal of energy independence and expanded use of alternate fuel sources. While pundits disagree, it's impossible to argue that our country's corn-based ethanol policies don't affect world food prices; true, last year was sort of a perfect storm for global production, but it would be foolish and irresponsible to keep paying farmers to convert food into fuel.
Society: love him, hate him, or find yourself ambivalent- Markos Moulitsas Zúniga, aka the Daily Kos, has had a huge hand in changing the American political landscape. While I think the Net Roots folks pick some dumb battles to fight, no group of people has had anywhere near the effect on crummy "news" organizations, FOX in particular, than these guys.
Education: while colleges and universities are supposed hot-beds for environmental activism and awareness, the spot where the rubber meets the road is somewhat more elusive. Real changes requires more than lip service and I sincerely hope that concerned students hold their administrators accountable.
Sport: without checking the score of tonight's World Series game, I'd like to predict that a Phillies win tonight will result in all out bedlam for that city; while I often cheer for the home team in instances such as these, the fans their are easily to worst in all sports and, incomprehensible as it may seems, I'm sure they'll show their true colors if given the chance.
Happy endings: I know that people in California are laid back, but 700 masseuses in a town of 55,000? That's a little suspicious, even for the West Coast.

Been slackin' Wednesday

2008-10-22T16:49:00.006-04:00

Race: aside from Limbaugh's absurd comments about the origin of Powell's endorsement, very little has (openly) been made about the possibility of having a black President... leave to Puritanical Americans to swear indifference while tying nooses. There was a great article in The New Yorker's politics issue, the gist of which was that, unsurprisingly, many people in rural areas are pretty racist; when folks say things like "Obama will try to make up for past injustices," what the hell do they think he's going to do, nuke the Daytona 500?
Politics: I'm never going to be able to watch Top Gun again. Also, if the emergence of serious issues like our economic meltdown has the unintended consequence of putting Matt Drudge on the street, so be it... what a creep.
Sex: it isn't often that Blowhard of the Year Chris Matthews gets stumped... in my opinion he would make a pretty ugly chick with a rotten personality.
Responsibility: okay, so I spend a fair amount of time berating Wal-Mart and their ilk, occasionally to the extent that I miss opportunities to point out positive behavior. In reality, the only way that serious environmental issues will be dealt with is by large corporations taking a stand, and it's somewhat encouraging to see the world's largest retail chain move (albeit with baby steps) in that direction.
The French: how many frogs actually practice voodoo anyway? In this country we have a simple solution for antics like this- make fun of the President, end up on a watch list.

No more debates Thursday!

2008-10-16T11:17:00.008-04:00

Hilarious: with all the debate coverage, this little piece somehow got dropped to the bottom of the news stack.... which isn't to say that at least a few people were happy to see it go there, but everyone should check out what happens when your teleprompter isn't working fast enough.
Politics: as expected, Republicans I know said that McCain won last night's debate. Yes, he was better than before but, given that the bar was so low, that's hardly grounds for celebration. I tuning into the pundits this morning it's apparent that his anger did not resonate; in a race where one candidate's disdain for the other is palpable, it's no mystery why GOP fan feel empowered to yell the stuff they do at their rallies. It'll be a good day when this grumpy old man is sitting in a retirement villa in AZ, perhaps with Joe the plumber.
Economy: here's a question for you - if so many people are losing their jobs, why does it seem like there's no shortage of writers reporting about our economic collapse? If we aren't going to suspend trading (as I advocated a few posts back), how about a moratorium on coverage? No, I'm not trying to stifle the First Amendment; I'm just tired of reading the same thing and I'm pretty certain that incessant navel gazing isn't helping the whole "faith in our markets" thing.
Culture: perhaps ironically, it turns out we can learn quite a bit about successful immigration policies by studying the actions of a country many of our forefathers came from... this issue will only grow in the future, and the current pervasive American resentment of new residents (legal and otherwise) will lead to bad things if left to ferment.
Justice: regardless of what it says about the state of the Nebraska government (this guy is a former state senator), I'm somewhat confused about the reason why someone would decide to sue God... isn't this one of those cases where winning would be losing?
Dumb: okay, so you're vacationing in Dubai with your wife (or girlfriend), have a few drinks and end up having end up having an intimate moment on the beach (and in the taxi cab to the beach)... what's the worst that could happen?
Society: what kind of idiot worth hundreds of millions of dollars doesn't sign a prenup? Material Girl, meet Material Boy.

OEG Happy Hour!

2008-10-10T10:06:00.006-04:00

Economy: it appears as though financial markets around the globe are going to hell in a hand basket, but why? The majority of concern appears to focus on fear and it just doesn't make sense to me how pumping a bunch of money (taxpayer or otherwise) into the system has anything other than a placebo effect. Contrary to my usual inclinations, I agree with the Russian approach... I think we should close the market for a few days, take a break, spend some time with the kids, and come back with a clear head and a bit more perspective on the whole thing.
Politics: lost in the whole (dumb) discussion about whether it's important to probe in to the relationship between Obama and Ayers is the fundamental lack of respect the McCain campaign has for our criminal justice system. Regardless of his regret or lack thereof, this guy did his time and it's unfair to treat him like a criminal. Garrison Keillor puts the issue (and much more) into the proper perspective.
Surveillance: how long have we been told that the President's unbridled powers to spy on Americans would be used judiciously? Is listening in to pillow talk and related groans and pants a matter of national security? This system is so rife for abuse that it's sickening... disappointing as it may be to say, some of the folks placed high in our government need to go to jail.
War; people do bad things when they're in other countries and, unfortunately, sometimes those actions affect the lives of others. It's shameful that American soldiers fathered and subsequently abandoned children, and the least this country can do is provide them with a home and an identity.
Culture: the question isn't whether The Big Lebowski is iconic, it's what movie made within the last ten years stands a chance of becoming more so. I can't really think of any and, before you decide to provide suggestion, think of the pure quotability of the former... man.
Literacy: perhaps these 50 words explain why I never finish more than 3 or 4 clues on the Saturday NTY crossword... I'd like to say I can use each in a sentence but frankly I can't even pronounce some of them. Enjoy, and good luck working them into your personal lexicon.

End of Summer Bender '08

2008-10-03T13:19:00.010-04:00

Politics: where to begin about last night's debate? Perhaps I'll just stick with Arianna because, well, sometimes you just can't best the master even if Martha Stewart had the best quote of the night with, "And, oh my god, words do have ending consonants."
The Economy: the House just passed its version of the bailout package, begging the question of what changed over the past four days... perhaps inclusion of provisions like one lowering taxes for niche businesses? Why is everything that our government does so damn dirty?
Africa: I know, I'm kind of beating the pirate story to death, but it's pretty interesting and is made doubly so by the fact that no one seems to know who should actually pay whatever ransom the agree on... better hurry up, the Russians are coming!
Science: with all of the problems currently facing honey bees, it's cool to see the French taking a lead on both raising awareness and promoting apiculture. Few realize the importance of these insects for global food production, and approaches like these may sow the seeds of solutions.
Health: I think it's hilarious to roll into a bathroom and see that someone has used half of the toilet paper to create a barrier on the seat- what, exactly, are you trying to protect yourself from? We've all struggled to find facilities in cities, though, and it's great that interactive websites are helping that effort... as for the germ phobes out there, don't bother visiting the third world.
Society: as if the burka wasn't enough, now a cleric wants women to only keep one eye uncovered... it sounds like the plot of an SNL skit! Seriously though, how can women not realize the complete lack of respect inherent in stuff like this?
Culture: like most adult males of a certain generation, I have a love-hate relationship with George Lucas; unfortunately, with the creation of a Star Wars cartoon, we have nothing more to talk about... what once was a proud (albeit mildly silly) work of art is now so much fodder for zombie children.
Australia: why is it that so much weird stuff goes down down under? Who goes to a zoo planning on slaughtering all of the exhibits? This kid sounds like a real monster and both he and whoever was supposed to be watching and raising him probably need a pretty significant time out.

Hump Day... karate chop!

2008-10-01T16:14:00.008-04:00

Africa: no, I'm not going to lead with politics or Palin; I think what's going on off the shore of Somalia is far more interesting. It turns out that the tanks, previously thought to be headed to Kenya (our ally), were likely going to Sudan via some unscrupulous folks in Nairobi. I think it's a crime to give these animals a dime- it just reinforces their behavior- and I'd rather see the whole mess, pirates and military equipment included, sunk to the bottom of the ocean. If I were on that ship, I'd be praying to God that something gets figured out before the Russians show up... those dudes don't play around.
AIDS: like most emergent biological problems, this virus has been around far longer than most people believe. It remarkable how molecular genetic techniques can be used to recreate likely histories like this, and hopefully this new knowledge will improve out overall understanding of behaviors that facilitate persistence and spread of such things.
Justice: it's good to see the SCOTUS stick to their original ruling that the death penalty is cruel and unusual punishment in cases other than murder; rogue communities have tried to impose it in a variety of situations, and this sends a clear message that vigilante justice will not be sanctioned at the national level.
The Economy: we've all been bombarded by article after article about what's wrong with the markets, what a bailout may or may not do, and the various postures taken by myriad politicians; it's all very confusing, though, and the single greatest challenge faced by those who hold elected offices is explaining it to us... without such an explanation, nothing they do will be met with anything other than guarded skepticism, such is the state of their credibility these days.
Sport: will not a common topic on this forum, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the start of the MLB playoffs today. Yes, I know that many (most?) of you mourn my beloved Yankees this year but the band must play on... I think Chicago is going to be an exciting place for the next couple of weeks and I really hope both of their clubs go deep... it would be sweet to see two 38 year-old future Hall of Fame players (Thome and Griffy) get rings with the only Sox team worth routing for. Here are some other interesting conversation starters about the upcoming games.
The Dutch: really, is there anything worse than an ill-behaved prostitute?

Sunday Special

2008-09-28T12:01:00.007-04:00

Cinema: I only recently found out about Paul Newman's passing; I actually didn't even know he was sick. It's difficult to determine the net sum of contributions made by someone with such an expansive career, and all that's certain is he will be missed.
Science: I've long thought that, were to do it again, I would study math of physics... the idea that someone just discovered a new prime number is amazing and the story should be shared with kids to remind them that (poor teachers not withstanding) there is no such this as a static discipline.
Global warming: neither candidate has been explicit in his explanations about how exactly carbon and other greenhouse gases will be managed in the future; this is a problem, because energy independence should go hand-in-hand with responsible use of current and future technologies... unless developing countries are considered in each step of the design process, our approaches will ultimately prove futile.
Culture: forget the problems that devout Muslims have with the west- they've got just as many problems with folks inside their own countries. It's tough to stuff the genie of free will back into its bottle and religious zealots will have an increasingly difficult time keeping savvy youngsters trapped in the 15th century.
Africa: on contrast to some recent, questionable uses of our military might, I doubt anyone would disagree that our Navy should be sinking any and all pirate vessels off the Somali coast. Like shooting fish in a barrel, a destroyer or two in the area would end this stuff in a few weeks.
Politics: the time leading up to the Vice Presidential debate is going to be nothing if not difficult for Sarah Palin; considering her abysmal performance with a cupcake like Couric, I bet that she'll be off the ticket by mid-October if Biden really clobbers her or, better yet, she has a Stockdale "Who am I? Why am I here?" moment.

High Life Friday

2008-09-26T16:48:00.002-04:00

Politics: upon announcement of her place on the ticket, I was convinced that it wouldn't be long before nude photos of Palin hit the interweb... that prediction hasn't been brought to bear (yet), but this is almost as good. Keep your feminist rants to yourself- in my mind this has nothing to do with her being a woman and a million things to do with the weird stuff people do to overcome the boredom of living in Alaska.
more to come...

California Wednesday

2008-09-24T11:07:00.003-04:00

Politics: much has been made about Palin's faith and its significance in swinging right wing voters to support the Republican ticket. That's all well and good, but some of those who've been swung really need to take some time and learn more about Sarah's religious zeal, particularly as it relates to witches and other boogey people. This woman is a freak, and the thought of her being Vice President is terrifying.
Economy: Borosage really says it best with, "It's over. The right has proved once more that it cannot be trusted to run the government it scorns. A trillion dollar debacle in Iraq. A trillion dollar bust on Wall Street. Hundreds of billions pocketed by Big Pharma and Big Oil. It is time for a reckoning." In my mind the ideal plan provides shared ownership to taxpayers, limits compensation, and creates oversight... I don't think it's time to start helping homeowners who made bad decisions.
France: it pains me to see the way that free speech gets butchered in other countries... yes, I'm being facetious, and I'm surprised someone in our current administration hasn't tried to pull the same stunt.
Technology: so, by encouraging people to compete for submission of the best idea, Google gets to stockpile all of the creative things others are working on- genius! Regardless of their advertising policies, this is an incredibly creative, well-run company that really seems to be leading the way into the future.
Food: Gob bless the people over at PETA; just when you think they've faded into obscurity, along come some folks calling for ice cream made from human milk... imagine what the name wizards at Ben and Jerry's would come up with for that flavor.
more to come...

Saturday Bonus!

2008-09-20T13:25:00.005-04:00

Politics: it's difficult to pick out one of Palin's lies and identify it as worse than the others, but her claims to be an environmental steward certainly rise to the top; I think too little attention is being paid to what she actually did (and didn't do) in that little town of hers.
Science: despite my obvious bias toward the subject, one needs only read the Obama and McCain responses to see the glaring contrast in substance; one speaks in specifics, laying out well-thought solutions, while the other rehashes tired platform ideals... you make the call.
Africa: destroying oil pipelines isn't only counter-productive, it's just plain stupid; without oil production, things in Nigeria would be even worse. That said, the wholesale pillaging that foreign countries have conducted for years must stop, and new methods to disperse profits need to be developed if this situation is to approach sustainability in the future.
Economy: while we won't fully understand the scope of this recent collapse for some time, the idea that the US and Europe have somehow been superseded by the Middle East and Asia is simplistic and naive; considering the economic bases of those areas, particularly the Middle East, they won't be on top of any word economy until they figure out how to eat oil and sand.
Technology: the California train crash was a tragedy, and losses will be further compounded if it turns out that the engineer's texting plaid a role. Regardless, the very spectre of this possibility raises questions that have long dogged me about appropriate use of cell phones on the job; in my opinion, it's absurd that cops and taxi drivers always appear to be doing something other than just driving.
Comedy: I don't know what's more disturbing, the idiot stuff that he said or the fact that Limbaugh still has an audience. The height of cowardice is hiding behind "I was only joking," especially when your "joke" is a racial slur to start with.

Very busy Thursday!

2008-09-18T15:15:00.003-04:00

Weather: put simply, this is one of the most amazing photos you'll ever see... methinks this contractor is going to be getting plenty of work in the future.
More to come....

Hump Day!

2008-09-17T14:04:00.001-04:00

The Economy: check out what I think is perhaps the most lucid, insightful piece of writing done on our current situation.
More to come...

No Retirement Tuesday

2008-09-16T17:38:00.006-04:00

The Economy: I feel I would be somewhat remiss if I didn't comment on the recent market undulations although, as all who know me are aware, I'm certainly no genius when it comes to understanding international finance. Relevant data and insightful stories from around the world can be found here, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that things don't go as poorly as some are predicting. All loses aside, I'm not sure what makes me more angry- the fact that I've known things were going to get bad for the last five years, thereby making me smarter than people who are in charge; or, they all knew things were headed down and didn't do anything to stop it.
Science, pt. 1: don't look now, but all of the hipsters and hippies (to say nothing of the generally hydration-conscious millions) who carry Nalgene bottle are at increased risk for diabetes and liver problems, among other things. Call me a conspiracy theorist but there's absolutely no way that companies using these materials were unaware of the potential for adverse health affects.
Science, pt. 2: without getting into a political throw-down about whether Israel should or shouldn't be protected by the US (or anyone else), I think it fair to say that the country's priorities are a little skewed when DNA technology is being used to track down covert canine poopers!
Politics: I'm sure by now everyone has seen the latest bone-head move by the McCain campaign, claiming that he in some way helped to invent the Blackberry; yes, I did read the original quote and I realize that, within the context in which it was spoken, it wasn't that controversial. However, I also recall the context Gore was speaking in when accused of inventing the Internet and all I have to say it, what you reap is what you sow!
Russia: given the recent strife in Georgia, it's a bit too soon for these latest tensions in the Ukraine to be a mere coincidence... politics in this part of the world are complex and complicated by centuries of in-fighting; it's too bad that Putin and Co. are more interesting in reverting to the past than moving toward a productive, peaceful future.
Sport, pt. 1: as if the Yankees miserable season wasn't bad enough, now it turns out that the general public has gotten screwed in the process... this type of ugly, big-city political corruption sucks, plain and simple.
Sport, pt. 2: I wasn't aware (or didn't hear) Kornheiser's off-color comment about Hispanics, so I cant really comment on the context in which it was made. I will say that, as far as Monday night anchors have gone for the past couple of years, he's the best by far.

Gin & tonic Friday

2008-09-12T10:53:00.009-04:00

Politics, pt. 1: little has yet been made of the doofus Obama picked as his running mate, but count on the media and Republicans to pay increasing attention to bumbling Biden. Please let me know now if this is going to be another example of Democrats snatching defeat from the jaws of victory- I can't take watching it in person again, and I can probably still get a good rate to London before the election.
Politics, pt. 2: I'm not going to comment on Palin's interview, except to say that she sounded like ever other person who knows nothing but has the best coaches in the world. Fortunately, she also has the opportunity to speak without a net, providing great nuggets like Iraq was responsible for 9/11... can we be done with her (and this charade) already?
Society: race has sort of been glossed over as of late but Obama's background is very much an issue, especially in rural America. Dan Hoyle does a nice job identifying and discussing these points with the folks who hold them. A must read.
Weather: call me crazy, but when a government agency known for understating issues warns of certain death I think I'm probably going err on the side of precaution and get the hell out.
Health: it turns out the George's parents on Seinfeld had it right- separate beds really is the way to go! Imagine having that conversation... "No really, I have to go so that I can function tomorrow morning." Good luck!
Race: you can't have it both ways, OJ, and after the joke that was your first trial, it looks like someone in the DA's office is hedging his or her bets that you aren't as popular with the general public as you think you are.
War: While UAVs have been a tremendous asset, it's really bad PR (and generally a crappy thing to do) to have missiles raining down on villages... let's use these toys judiciously, okay?

First Tuesday of Fall

2008-09-09T10:35:00.009-04:00

Politics, pt. I: nothing bothers me more than hearing commentators talk about how the upcoming election is more about character than ideas; no, it isn't, and they're the only ones responsible for perpetuating the notion that personal history in some way trumps intelligence and ability. This election feels like a competition between the smart kids and the cool kids and the upcoming Vice Presidential debate will be an important indication into whether we'll be focusing on issues or Palin's favorite color.
Politics, pt. II: I can't decide which is worse, having Congress out of session or having them back in town with the tacit understanding that they aren't expected to do anything beside argue... what the hell is wrong with these people?
Military: I love it! "Now gun-toting soccer moms can get their fighting gear in one stop," and all of our talk about respecting soldiers goes out the window. How important can a little patch be? As if we needed further proof that some of our top brass are out to lunch....
Energy: oversupply? Are you guys kidding? Let's not forget that, even though prices have been coming down for the last couple of weeks, they're still remarkably high compared with where they were last year. No, OPEC... don't even think about cutting production.
Terrorism: it's easy to dismiss conspiracy theories about 9/11 as the products of ignorance or over-active imaginations but to do so misses an important point- regardless of why people believe these things, they do; we need to work to understand and change these attitudes if we hope to be successful in the Middle East. Either way, I find it amazing that many Arabs simply don't believe that members of their communities are intellectually capable of pulling something like that off... what does that mean?
Agriculture: the whole "is it organic or isn't it?" debate is pretty tedious and fraught with lots of caveats... the reality of the matter is that past cultivation techniques certainly affect soil and likely end up in all manner of produce. People shouldn't stop trying to do better, though, and we shouldn't get hung up on these relatively trivial points.
Capitalism: perhaps I'm missing something but who in their right mind would pay $1.5 million to take a stranger's virginity? I don't mean to deflate this woman's ego or scuttle her plans but there's got to be a direct connection between the price someone is willing to pay and their general creepiness... I wouldn't plan on more than a few grand if she isn't looking to be scarred for life.
Sustainability: just when I think LA must be the closest earthly location to hell they come up with something so thoughtful and clever that I'm forced to re-evaluate my perception... an added benefit is avoidance of Union woes.

Jerk Pork Friday- yum!

2008-09-05T14:37:00.008-04:00

Politics: if you can't say the word, you probably shouldn't be the one with your finger on the trigger... when it comes to those who would lead the country education (that's ed-you-K-shun) isn't a benefit, it's requisite; perhaps the fact that it took Palin six years to earn a Bachelor's degree deserves more scrutiny.
Sport: rock on, Micheal Phelps! Now that you've captivated a nation, inspired legions, and earned many millions of dollars, let's focus on getting a little something for yourself! What a tool.
Health: a one-time vaccine against influenza would not only save lives, it would reduce or eliminate huge expenses associated with lost work, hospitalization, etc. Kudos to medical researchers for taking a new (hopefully successful) approach to an ages-old problem.
Education: I've long argued that college is over-sold and many youngsters would be better served by waiting or foregoing the experience all together. Given the new global economy, it's heartening to see that at least a few experts agree with me.
Weather: while much has been about the relatively benign effects Hanna had on New Orleans and the Gulf Region, no one should ignore the utter devastation in Haiti... this is an emergency situation and aid needs to arrive yesterday.
Justice: finally, the Abramoff affair is put to rest... call me a cynic, but something tells me that Jack isn't quite as penniless as he leads on, and his attempt to look humble at the sentencing is more amusing than pitiful.
Entertainment: I loathe reality TV but I might be tempted to tune in if some of these shows got picked up... I'm also partial to a combination of Iron Chef, COPS, and Dancing with the Stars, something like 'Dancing with the Cooking Fuzz'.
Society: one other obvious difference between hockey and soccer moms- the latter have fewer fake teeth.

Post #200!!!

2008-09-03T10:51:00.009-04:00

Picking up where I left off yesterday...

Politics: it's tough to keep up with all of the "news" surrounding the Republican VP selection so here's a post that provides a nice summary... did you know she cut funding for teen mothers? Ouch.
Technology: the forced switch to digital TV is one of the biggest crocks perpetuated at the expense of the American public- talk about creating a market out of nowhere! Cable companies are devil spawn and, as a rabbit ear lover, I hope the test is a flop.
Business: forget the legality associated with calling a beer "legal weed" - I want to know if the stuff is any good! I love it when suites like this have the reverse effect and promote whatever it is that the government was interested in quashing; whoever decided to pursue litigation in the first place should be out on his or her tail.
Culture: I'm all for respecting the sensitivities of all groups, but the didgeridoo is so ridiculously impossible to play (and sounds so cool when played correctly) that it would be a waste to forbid females players... no one tell Tracy Chapman, okay?
Technology: would people continue to watch sports if all events were refereed by computers? I doubt it, because what fun would it be to know that actual players (perhaps your favorite) made whatever mistakes were called? Imagine computerized umps in baseball- totally feasible (the strike zone is just a square, right) but what advantage would the Red Sox have in Fenway then?
Grammar: I might not be much when it comes to spelling but I still know how to construct a decent sentence... this list will likely be particularly amusing to those who read or write for a living.
Thanks for making this a fun, interesting, worthwhile project- here's to 200 more!

Post-vacation Tuesday

2008-09-02T18:15:00.004-04:00

Politics: regardless of how I feel about her politics, I think the entry of Polin into the race certainly makes things more interesting. At best, she may represent a demographic that has been marginalized in the past; at worst, she is a narrow-minded, states-rights obsessed neophyte whose nomination confirms McCain's poor and unpredictable judgement. Either way, critiques and questions aimed at her are in no way sexist and I find it the height of irony (although unsurprising) that Republicans would suggest as much. Also see, "Sarah Palin: the Hugo Chavez of Alaska"
France: leave it to the frogs to pounce on a free program that promotes English literacy... feeling a little insecure, are we?
Google: now that Chrome is up and running, it'll be interesting to see what responses (if any) come from Firefox, MSE, and the like... I'm actually quite happy with Microsoft's current offering (blasphemy, I know, but I just don't like Firefox). Go Google!

More to come...

Thursday!

2008-08-28T15:54:00.006-04:00

Justice: I'm no Monday morning quarterback, and the idea that troop morale will somehow be undermined if a murderer is brought to justice is an insult to all soldiers and the rights they fight for.
Civil rights: regardless of how you feel about the second amendment, anyone who permits, encourages, or isn't outraged by teachers carrying guns in classrooms is a moron, plain and simple. If you don't like kids or scare easily, find another job. What the hell is wrong with Texas?
Humanity: you know you morals and values are messed up when your solution to a food crisis is to encourage consumption of rats; I think the person who made the suggestion should lead the way.
Adolescence: it's easy to see why folks working at colleges and universities would advocate for a lower drinking age- it would enable them to treat everyone more or less the same, it would cut costs, and most (if not all) students would dig it. That said, the idea that such a move would reduce binge drinking is insane; the two things are hardly related, and the threat to high school kids more than outweighs any changes in campus behavior.
Judgement: I know that fuel costs are skyrocketing, but doesn't it seems like a bad idea to remove life jackets from planes that fly over the Great Lakes? Seriously, who comes up with ideas like this? I think the CEO should have to fly with the folks who use his or her airline.

Olympic-free Tuesday

2008-08-26T15:13:00.002-04:00

Society: no, I'm not going to comment on the Democratic Convention; I think the entire thing is a waste of money and both parties should be ashamed of self-aggrandizing spectacles put on with the sole aim of producing sound bites. No, what I'm going to comment on is the "blasting" of Mrs. Edwards- who the hell dot these people think they are? What kind of sick, demented sociopath thinks that he or she or anyone has the right or ability to understand the inner workings of a marriage? People in the US are so conflicted about sex and morality, doing one thing while saying another, and I'm tired of watching people have their lives destroyed over our collective hypocrisy; I actually have more respect for her now than ever.
more to come...

Gin & tonic Friday!

2008-08-22T16:25:00.005-04:00

Science: I sure love sushi and it's sad (although not surprising) that items advertised are often not the same as what is served. DNA bar coding is neat technology, though, and it's cool to see non-scientists using these techniques.
Justice: I have a great deal of respect for our troops but it's wholly unacceptable that two former soldiers are actively obstructing a criminal investigation. I understand camaraderie and loyalty but that stuff should go out the window when your buddy starts killing innocent civilians.
China, pt. 1: it's interesting when capitalism and communism cross paths... right now it isn't clear which side will win these battles in the future but, given the global prominence of the Apple brand and iPod related products, this fight couldn't have larger contenders.
China, pt. 2: talk about trying to teach an old dog new tricks, the notion that 70-year old women are going to be "re-educated" doesn't fool anyone about the fate that really awaits.
Politics: I'm sick of the whole veep-stakes thing and I wish both candidates would just get it over with... the media make it sound like we're waiting for Christmas or something but really, it's it that big a deal? In contrast, the reality that John McCain might actually be senile is news and after the fiasco that become the Reagan White House, I'm in no hurry to revisit the "I don't remember" days.
Michigan: as if these dosn't enough wrong with Detroit, now the crook mayor doesn't even have the good sense to see a good deal when it comes along. The fact that Kilpatrick doesn't care one bit about what he's doing to the state's reputation and credibility should make the Governor's job of removing him that much easier.

Untitled Tuesday

2008-08-19T17:59:00.008-04:00

Media: nothing drives me crazy like people in the news reporting on news that hasn't even happened yet. One of the worst things about the 24-hour news cycle we live with is the fact that there simply isn't that much real news... what do you suppose pundits would do if no one gave them any air time?
Agriculture: I didn't even know that the Secretary of State had a science adviser... say what you will about GMOs; I'm glad there's someone so smart and capable associated with the current administration.
Energy: only westerners would consider the oil market dry just because they don't have access to it anymore. Perhaps in the coming years decisions made by Shell, Exxon, and Co. will be shown to have influenced our current problems more than already thought. Imagine where we'd be if these companies didn't have such a horrible track record of ripping off oil-rich, cash-poor nations?
Responsibility: who better to pay for the unsightly damage caused by spray can-wielding vandals than their parents? While I'm sure this plan is popular with many constituents, we'll see how well it actually works.
Sport, revisited: for those of you out there who think medals make the man and Phelps is the greatest of all time, at least one sane, articulate person agrees with you. Carl Lewis is the whole reason I ever got excited about the Olympics in the first place, so I (obviously) agree with this list.
Weather: I'm not one to laugh at the pain of others but come on, who actually tries to kite-surf during a tropical storm? Check out the (short) video here.

End of vacation Sunday...

2008-08-17T15:12:00.006-04:00

Religion, pt. 1: far be it from me to criticize lower gas prices, but I'm a little confused about how God figures into the whole thing... shouldn't she or he be more than a little upset at what the products of internal combustion do to the earth?
Religion, pt. 2: I think the Shroud of Turin is a fascinating modern mystery and I'm glad to see that folks at Oxford are going to take another look at their dating analysis; I'm a bit suspect of anyone who maintains a website dedicated to poking holes in others' theories, and I hope they some up with something interesting.
Comedy: it's long been known that court jesters were the only people allowed to speak truths about otherwise repressive monarchies, and it's no mystery why we turn to comedians to provide levity (and more than a modicum of truth) when times are tough and the popular media is so poor.
Sport: okay, feel free to accuse me of blasphemy, but I'm tired of Micheal Phelps! Yes, what he did was a amazing and it's a neat story about personal perseverance, determination, blah blah blah.... at the end of the day, the team is made up of over 100 athletes and it sucks that one receives (at least) 85% of the attention, especially when several of his medals came from medley events. That, and he really does give a terrible interview... out of the pool, boy- time for some personality lessons!
Politics: given all of the pressing problems facing the US right now, is it really appropriate that we're still talking about litmus-test issues like abortion and same sex marriage? When are people going to realize that those issues, polarizing as they may be, have very little to do with how someone faces the complex challenges of being President. That said, I'm glad McCain finally showed his true colors... what will be more effective, pandering to the Republican base (and 1/4 of the electorate) or fighting for the middle? We'll see.
Justice: I'll consider it a victory for common sense and rule of law if even one Blackwater contractor is held accountable for the crimes the entire organization has perpetuated in Iraq. That company should be dismantled, fined, and all of it's executives thrown in jail for profiteering and murder.

On vacation Wednesday!

2008-08-14T01:32:00.006-04:00

Politics, pt. 1: regardless of your political beliefs, Hillary is such a better candidate than Obama it's ridiculous... what "scandal" will bring her down this time?
Politics, pt. 2: we can't have it both ways- either we support the growing democracy and dollar investment of the Russian Republic, or we support Democratically-elected governments... it shouldn't be that confusing but, in the weird world of our crazy leaders, it appears as though there is still some place for discussion.
Consumption: perhaps these new laws would be worth noting if, like, the whole country wasn't still burning the rawest of coal to simply heat water... nice work shifting the attention, China, but let's work on the real problems, okay?
Sport: given all of the strange things that go on in the life of a professional Olympic athlete, it's sort of ironic that issues associated with age are particularly important... is it worse that someone 'cheated' or that our country got its ass kicked by a bunch of 14-year olds? Given the ridiculous caveat that professional basketball players can compete, why is it unsportsman-like for someone to support his of her family? These are amatures in the most basic sense of the word- where's the problem? Further, considering the state of most Chinese, how would you feel if you 'adversary' ate more in an afternoon than an entire village?
War: there's a big difference between engaging a civil threat and sinking a bunch of ships... given the length of time it's taken for the Russian Navy to afford fuel it's incredibly profound that they would take their anger out on an obviously subservient force.

I'm awake before you Thursday!

2008-08-07T05:42:00.007-04:00

Justice: while much is being made of the government's successful prosecution of bin Laden's driver, I'm left wondering exactly how much safer we our because of his incarceration... did we really commit troops to round up gophers and the like? Are these the sort of "high value" targets our rights and the Constitution have been trampled for?
Slander: when politicians in Malaysia decide to take someone down, they really go for the jugular... it's tough enough to have trumped-up charges leveled against you, but no one needs to be associated (twice!) with "carnal intercourse against the order of nature".
Zimbabwe: another side of Mugabe's reign of injustice and terror entails treatment of white farmers in a country desperate to retain agricultural expertise. Questions about repatriation of land are always challenging, but evidence from this country shows that running off capable producers can have terrible economic effects.
Agriculture: what's worse for the world's poor, high food prices or low food prices? It turns out that things are always pretty lousy when you have no voice, no power, no money, and nothing to eat.
Greed, pt.1: I can't argue with homeless people getting beds and a little bit of money for a night or two, but hospital administrators who steal from the government should be put in jail- period. The health business is already the biggest racket around and if these guys can't find a way to make ends meet they should find another line of work.
Greed, pt. 2: while it's well-known that corruption has flourished under the current administration, it's still mind-boggling to have the entire case laid out before you... volumes will be written about how government failed the people during these eight years; unfortunately, Democrats can be just as dumb and greedy, and I hope the next election continues to push bad apples out of office and into the wastebasket of history.
Related: "can of worms" doesn't begin to describe what investigators are going to uncover when former attorneys for the Justice Department are put under oath and forced to answer questions about how that agency was politicized... someone needs to grab Rove's passport before he leaves the country.
Sport: I've avoided commenting on the Favre fiasco because I'm a little sickened about how much coverage it's already gotten... that said, I'm glad this is over and I hope he has a terrible season. There, I said it.
My flight is boarding and the sun hasn't even come up yet... more to come!
In Baltimore, en route from Detroit to Milwaukee- you figure it out. Regarding news, I just saw that our flag bearer for the Olympics is one of the Lost Boys; after reading Eggers's book on the subject, I can't think of a better representative of what we might strive to be. Also, given the questionable role the Chinese have played in the situation in Darfur, I appreciate the not-so-subtle message we are sending... likely more effective than Bush's slaps on the wrist.

Saturday, Aug. 2

2008-08-02T15:50:00.003-04:00

Politics: okay, so Obama changes his mind sometimes... thoughtfulness and the ability to admit you might have been wrong are assets, right? Not when the issue is offshore drilling. He was wrong on FISA but seemed to get a pass on that one... this is a terrible idea and I honestly can't wait to see which issue he flips on next.
Democracy: it isn't enough that the folks at Wal-Mart have destroyed the concept of small, local, family-owned businesses... now they want to control elections, too. Since when have Republicans been in favor of unions anyhow?
not much going on today... maybe more later?

Late Thursday

2008-07-31T19:21:00.002-04:00

Boston: after a somewhat grueling day, I can't tell you how much I appreciated news that Manny Ramirez is out of Bean Town! This jackass circus-act has driven me nuts for years and I'm happy that his fans in New England either have to cheer for Joe Torre or find a new golden boy... what a day!
more to come....

Justice is Served Tuesday!

2008-07-29T15:15:00.004-04:00

Greed: ding, dong, the witch is dead (or dying)! I'm not one to revel in the misfortunes of others but Ted Stevens represents everything that government shouldn't be, and it's about time someone stood up and took steps to put him where he belongs- in jail!
Congress: perhaps I would be less excited about Stevens's plight if his indictment didn't represent a rare example of people in government being held accountable. Granted, there are still too many dropped balls to be counted, but maybe today's actions will send a message that we, the people, are watching.
Agriculture: it's difficult to feel sorry for developed countries (like the US) over the perception that OPEC is in some way driving current spikes in fuel costs when those same countries refuse to play on a somewhat equal field with regards to agricultural commodities. It is absolutely ridiculous to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on international development without allowing developing countries fair access into markets; stop giving them money and allow them to earn it!
Consumption: while the idea of sharing is anathema to many Americans, current economic woes may provide traction for the idea, and I commend the French for taking the lead on programs that surely provide some guidance for the future.
Food: just when fears about tainted peppers start to subside, now it turns out that our chickens take a nasty cleaning bath before we put them on our plates... call me crazy, but isn't there a better (read: less gross) way to provide safe meat?
AIDS: while it's great news that global rates are decreasing, it's completely unacceptable that one section of the American populace bears the brunt of this horrible virus... the national conversation about this epidemic has changed over recent years, and it appears as though that shift has had negative (unintended) consequences.
Energy: while oil production in Nigeria only moderately affects prices in the US, the country has huge reserves and it's too bad that a place which could really benefit from economic development is still so dangerous to work in.
Equal Rights: without making light of the Taiwanese school, I'm curious- does the bathroom have urinals or just stalls?

Sunday Funday!

2008-07-27T19:29:00.004-04:00

Associations: whether we do it or Iran does, the death penalty is still a stupid idea and the notion that it acts as a deterrent is ridiculous... nice company we keep.
Politics: I'm not one to blog excessively about the upcoming campaign and I didn't post anything about Obama's world tour; that said, the fact the German (or any foreign people) actually showed up and waved American flags for one of our politicians is absolutely remarkable, and McCain's dig on the decision not to visit troops in that country is both tasteless and a classic situation of "damned if you do, damned if you don't"... way to run a respectable race.
Consumption: we live in a really weird world when competitive eaters are sex symbols; I cringe to think of their adoring fans.
Slow news day... maybe more later-

Thursday night

2008-07-24T23:36:00.008-04:00

Afghanistan: given the new-found interest in this region (the likely cradle of militant terrorists) I wonder what will happen when the next President, who ever he is, focuses attention on a totally corrupt government; how hard can it be to kill a poppy crop?
International Development: too often we hear about places that, for whatever reason, are unable to produce products for sale. In the case of cashews in Mozambique, it turns out that production isn't as much of a problem as lousy advice from the World Bank. Also, it kills me when countries expel groups like Doctors Without Borders; they aren't interested in your war, just helping humans live.
Irony: who would have thought that, after securing the right to wed, people in same-sex marriages wouldn't be able to do what over 50% of straight couples do? The law is a fickle mistress....
Safety: I was on a conference call the other day when someone called in and, in response to an inquiry about how long they'd be able to participate, responded, "It's cool, I'm just driving." No, it's not cool, and most people really can't do two things at once, especially when they aren't particularly good at one of them in the first place.
Literacy: if I didn't have such a possessive relationship with my books, I wouldn't think twice about donating them to a struggling library; books are the best gift anyone can give or receive and I think the organizer of this effort is a hero.
Energy: here's an idea- why don't we take all the money currently being spent on oil prospecting, divide it up, and spend 80% of it one something new, like a type of energy that (literally) doesn't go up in smoke.
Cinema: I'll let my inner nerd out and admit that I'm more psyched for the X-Files than the latest iteration of Batman... I hope The Smoking Man is in this one.
Kiwis: I thought we had a hammer-lock on weird names in this country but folks way down under take the cake... I would love to meet someone named Midnight Chardonnay (and not get arrested for it).

Overdue Tuesday

2008-07-22T22:37:00.010-04:00

Travesty: I've posted about it before but every time I hear about female soldiers being raped it turns my stomach... I don't know if it's an education thing or a punishment thing (or some combination of the two) but something needs to be done to stop this NOW.
Energy: I think what Pickins did to John Kerry was inexcusable but, after checking out his website, I think he might be onto something with his plan and I encourage everyone to see for themselves.
Censorship: while we all agree that kids have no business accessing the nastiest stuff on the Internet, setting up some type of ad-hoc standards commission is a very slippery slope... here's a tip- don't let you kid have a computer in his or her room.
Intelligence: I've long said that without Clinton's questionable deeds in the Oval Office this President would have been brought up on charges long ago. Assuming the ascendancy of a Democrat next January, it'll be interesting to see how (and if) this story plays out.
Politics: Obama's potential challenges in Florida are both very real and very ridiculous... there was an awesome skit on the John Stewart Show Monday night that highlighted this point perfectly ('Baruch Obama' in the clips section).
Progress: missed in much of the news about China's impending Olympic Games is coverage on one of the largest damming projects ever undertaken by human beings. In addition to the unprecedented environmental damage being caused, the human toll is almost beyond comprehension.
Justice: I suppose that I, too, would fight extradition if I faced the same charges that Karadzic does... it's been a long time coming but hopefully this will provide a modicum of closure to the countless people his actions affected.
Health: I'm no fan of fast food restaurants but something about banning them seems a little contradictory to the whole "it's my land and I can do what I want on it," thing... this one is sure to get tied up in the courts.
Semantics: you can blame it on Sappho but, at the end of the day, there's an island with a name that conjures a specific image.

Rainy Saturday

2008-07-19T12:53:00.006-04:00

Iraq: let me get this straight- first, talking about withdrawing troops based on a timeline was considered capitulation to terrorist, but now it's a good idea? As someone who always thought it was both reasonable and necessary to identify a target for leaving, I find it interesting that Obama's plan has more support from the Iraqi PM than anything ever proposed by the Administration. We wore out our welcome long ago and now these people want us out of their country; how hard is that to understand?
Iran: the idea that some type of military action against Iran is both necessary and inevitable is (hopefully) incorrect. If the U.S. allows foreign policy to be shaped by Israel bad things are sure to happen; I'm no fan of the current leadership in Iran but the notion that some type of holocaust is a forgone conclusion if they gain nuclear capability simply isn't supported by any credible evidence, and the "they're crazy, we're the only ones sane enough for A-bombs" argument doesn't hold water. This is one hornet nest that doesn't need to be kicked, and if the Israelis kick it I hope they're prepared to go it alone.
Justice: I agree that our country's policy of excluding physical evidence gathered through flawed police actions is somewhat far-reaching, although it's tough to debate the merit of taking someone carrying 70lbs. of cocaine off the streets. Like many things involving human judgement, it's a slippery slope and I'm inclined to air on the conservative side as opposed to that of judicial discretion.
Politics: people in the Netroots community just don't get it... politics is a contact sport and no one knows that better than Al Gore. The fact that he probably doesn't want to serve in an Obama administration isn't particularly surprising, in much the same way the Obama's perceived move to the center isn't all that surprising. While occasionally inspiring, the misty-eyed optimism some of these people have is also pretty ridiculous.
Drugs: while I support the goal of educating drug users about the environmental effects of producing things like cocaine, if the life-shattering consequences of their actions aren't enough to stop them from using, I doubt they can be guilted into quitting, either.
Obesity: for all the talk about how overweight folks in the south are, Michigan is consistently on the leading edge of high obesity rates... so take that, Mississippi!
Inflation: it's sad to see an economy far worse off than ours, and equally distressing to understand that policy makers in Zimbabwe have no idea how to fix the problem. There are all sorts of snarky jokes that could be made but the situation really isn't funny.
Asia: why is it that a certain type of weird stuff only seems to happen on one part of the world? Forget missing food... I just hope she was using his toilet, too.

Super-duper Wednesday!

2008-07-16T13:25:00.008-04:00

Speechless: I find myself in the bizarre position of actually arguing against free speech, but not for any reason other than taste (or a shocking lack thereof); these billboards aren't simply "inappropriate" (as FL Republicans would have you believe), they're vile, ignorant, and untrue... anything less than full condemnation is capitulation.
The Economy: yeah, I know it's a downer and I promise (for now) not to post anything about high gas prices, higher costs, etc. Instead, I'm interested in why it's bleeding heart liberalism when the government helps poor people, but it's an economy-boosting act of fiscal responsibility when they help billionaires... we reap what we sow, and the deregulation whirlwind has been a long time in the making; Phil Gramm hasn't been right for two decades (if ever), and it's idiotic for McCain to use him as an advisor.
Iran: an article in last week's New Yorker (audio link here) about the Bush administration's thoughts about Iraq's neighbor scared the hell out of me. While some things are improving in the region, it would be shockingly stupid to engage in another military conflict, and a shift in that policy is a step in the right direction... now, let's take LOTS MORE.
Health: Malaria, dengue and associated arthropod-vectored diseases continue to be major scourges throughout the developing world; as if folks in hard-hit areas need more stacked against them, it looks like a gene that originally evolved in response to malaria (similar to sickle cell) increases vulnerability to HIV. However, it's neat to see that important, topical research continues, hopefully to some useful end.
International Development: while I'm all in favor of rescuing hostages, it's very bad policy to have anyone not affiliated with aid wear the Red Cross; legions of people have worked for decades to establish credibility in some countries and that work is for naught- forgotten immediately- when cowboys from who know what agency start running around pretending to be the good guys.
Society: the dude's name is Rampage... what do you expect? Also, I know Andy Dick's career has had some ups and downs but come on, try not to look so maniacal in your mug shot!
Adolescence: okay, so I admit it- I was a childhood (and mid-adulthood) camper... so what? I'm pleased to report that, at least by some accounts, I should turn out normal.
Sport: excuse me stewardess, but I speak gang.

Monday Funday!

2008-07-14T13:19:00.009-04:00

Milestones: soon the terrorist watch list will be equivalent to the prison system- people within a certain cemographic are presumed guilty and all potential threats to society are locked up... as I recently read elsewhere, "1984 was supposed to be a warning, not an inspiration".
Satire: as a long-time subscriber to The New Yorker, I'm neither shocked, surprised, nor disgusted by this week's cover; it's par for the course, and you can't have it both ways (lampooning the right while crying foul when your guy gets the business). I think the editor made the correct decision and, either way, comments from Obama supporters about how much smarter they are compared with the rest of the electorate are far more distressing than the cartoon. It's sort of ironic that a piece of art titled "The Politics of Fear" evokes such a strong response from those who espouse the importance of civil liberties and freedom of speech. UPDATE: I couldn't say it better than this.
Justice: I know that the crimes committed by Manson et al. were terrible but come on, this woman is 60 years hold, has been incarcerated for 37, and has terminal brain cancer; she's eligible for parole and I think it sucks that the prosecuting DA is still too hung up on this case to give her a fair shake. I'm not saying she should be released without due consideration of the time she's served, but she also shouldn't be held to a standard not shared by other inmates simply because of the illustrious nature of her crimes.
Markets: it is incomprehensible that, after two decades of failed economic policies that have culminated in our current economic situation, conservatives still think that regulations and government involvement in business are to blame... the seeds of many of the woes we're experiencing were sown during the Clinton administration and have gotten progressively worse as regulators consistently take a hands-off approach. It's obvious that this DOES NOT WORK... something about foxes in the hen house comes to mind.
The Dollar: while I don't agree with all of the points made in this essay (and the glaring omission of good reasons why U.S. currency has been the preferred mode of commerce for so long) it's a thought-provoking piece and certainly worth the time. I sincerely hope that things don't shift as drastically as predicted, but diversification of the world economy (painful as it might be for Americans) will likely help more people than it hurts.
Education: one of the saddest failures of the Bush administration has been the No Child Left Behind debacle... all criticisms aside, until teachers' unions back down and accept the fact that some educators are really lousy at their jobs, no overhaul program is going to be effective.
Libation: what's more American than selling to the highest bidder? Maybe now A-B will start making beer that's good for something other than chugging on a hot day.
Technology: while the idea of self-cleaning laundry is pretty awesome, I'm not sure I trust the U.S. military has the same standards of cleanliness I do.

Happy hour Friday!

2008-07-11T14:54:00.009-04:00

Darfur: it's about time someone was held accountable for atrocities being committed by the Sudanese government and its forces... I have a feeling that things are going to get worse (if that's possible) before getting better but there can't be stability in that region without some modicum of justice. Oh, and the claim that this might embarrass the Chinese before the Olympics? If the folks in Beijing were that concerned they shouldn't have sold weapons to Sudan in the first place!
Symbolism: it's one thing to shirk the convention and speak at Bronco's stadium; it's quite another for a Presidential nominee to speak at an iconic landmark that represents issues he has nothing to do with. This isn't a movie set, it's another country's history and, while it was powerful when Reagan did it, when the Chancellor tells you to find another spot, find another spot!
Culture: I don't have a problem with online classes per se but it's sort of messed up that we're so addicted to travel- and community planning & public transportation are so poor- that these are the decisions people are left with. What's the end game? Do we turn into a civilization of gigantic people hiding inside cookie-cutter houses, communicating with emoticons and eating microwave dinners? Are we already? As an aside, it's good to see at least one business prospering during these times of woe.
Travel: for those of you who think that TSA only picks on you, guess again. The idea that a pilot, in uniform no less, would have to surrender airline issued cutlery demonstrates exactly how out of control this rogue agency and it's idiot employees really are.
Cuisine: say what you will about ethnic food, there's no way that American restaurants would take anything off their menus to appease anyone. As for "fragrant meat", I prefer my dogs playing fetch, thank you, but it isn't really my call to make.
The Military: the fact that the same armed forces that promote and protect civil rights around the world forbid some perfectly healthy citizens from serving isn't just ridiculous, it's offensive. Military heroes come in all sizes, shapes, and colors, and the notion to someone can be turned down at the recruiting office for their sexuality is a waste of talent, valor, and commitment.
Crime: forget what you've heard about criminals being stupid- this guy takes the cake! The tough part about trying to buy a priceless, one-of-a-kind, stolen artifact is, well, there isn't really a way you can verify its authenticity without asking someone who likely doesn't want you to have it in the first place. Crime-fighting historians - awesome!
Hilarious: I would have paid money- lots of it- to watch a bunch of country folk realize the "fight" they were watching was actually two gay guys engaging in foreplay... genius, as I'm sure the forthcoming movie will be.

Back from DC Wednesday

2008-07-09T11:56:00.004-04:00

FISA: for those of you who think today's vote is trivial, or that this bill in some way represents a "compromise", think again- our rights have been violated for the past six years and this legislation will allow the perpetrators of these crimes to go free without any threat of punishment. Please take the time to read one account of the lengths to which people within our government will go to keep their actions from seeing the light of day.
Climate Change: conversations about the need to reduced greenhouse gases are a step in the right direction but, as of yet, these have only resulted in more hot air. I doubt that people taking part in these talks realize that whatever changes we make, we'll still feel adverse effects of current and past decisions for generations to come. It also doesn't help that the President's #2 man is actively working to suppress data related to the significance of the threat we face... it's almost like he just doesn't care how history will judge him.
Politics: it was big news when the Obama camp looked like they were going to help retire some of the debt HRC accumulated during her failed bid for the nomination; reneging on those offers will not only strain the Clintons, it will look really bad for those on the winning side... given current sentiments about his recent about-faces on key issues, two or more schisms within the party could be a recipe for defeat in November.
Balance of Power: Baker and Christopher co-authored an editorial in the NYT a day or two ago that outlined their plan for improvements to the ways in which the President and Congress interact during times of conflict and war. It's an interesting piece and certainly one worth discussing, especially at a time when it seems like lawyers are more important than the Constitution.
Animal Welfare: there's nothing funny about someone running around chopping off the heads of little bunnies... bizarre, yes, but not funny. Perhaps an equally bizarre question is why do so many people in Germany have pet rabbits?

Pre-holiday Wednesday!

2008-07-02T14:16:00.009-04:00

Law and Order: honestly, the story Coming out of my former hood was made for television... I'll be amazed if anyone gets convicted (or even charged) for this blatant case of backroom justice, although everyone involved is going to be subjected to a ridiculous amount of pressure to produce something. Grieving aside, I find it a bit distasteful that the lawyer for White's family chose the phrase, "The family of Ronnie White is absolutely, unequivocally outraged, incensed and deeply saddened that the life of their loved one could be taken so cold[ly], so callously," when the accused purposefully ran over a police officer a day and a half before. Justice is justice, but let's not get carried away here.
Faux News: okay, so a little bit of professional rivalry, the occasional mud-slinging... those things are acceptable, but on-air doctoring photos of other reporters? No, that crosses a very broad, well-delineated line... the guys are just simply awful.
Hypocrisy: is it me or does it seem like GW and Co. can't seem to negotiate enough with "terrorist states" after chiding Obama that to do so was the mark of naivete? Granted, I'm all for it... I'm just a little bummed that this new-found respect for diplomacy is coming at the very end of his Presidency. Is this an attempt at establishing a legacy?
Puritanism: looks like all of those tough-talking social policies (just say no!) and laws (don't drink until you're 21!) have had the reverse effect... well done! When are we going to realize that making something forbidden only increases its lustre?
Psychology: anyone who has seen footage from Milgram's experiments knows how difficult it is to watch people chose to inflict pain on other people. It is interesting that new analyses may provide insight into what motivates people who take part in horrible deeds but, at the end of the day, we also need to remember the importance of conscience and free will... let's not try to explain away complicity, okay?
Smart Cars: I'm genuinely excited about a future where the only cars in cities are tiny little vehicles that double or triple the number of current parking spots... like it or not, it's all most of us will be able to afford to fuel in a few years anyhow. Also, imagine the difference in pedestrian safety between dodging smart cars versus Hummers!
Comfort: I can't tell you the number I've had the windows down/AC debate... it's good to know that, as someone who rarely drives faster than 30mph, I'm in the right by keeping cooling in the hands of Mother Nature.
Intelligence: leave it to the folks over at the BBC to make sure that spelling DOES count... I scored a somewhat embarrassing 18/20, and those who know me won't have any trouble figuring out which ones I tripped on.

Monday wildcard!

2008-06-30T13:11:00.006-04:00

Global Warming: it's incredible (but unsurprising) that anyone still listens to politicians that don't accept human-mediated climate change; what's more, the fact that this issue isn't front and center of re-election campaigns is a sin... I'm all for that type of litmus test.
The French: perhaps their army would be more successful if they knew the difference between blanks and live ammunition?
Bad Luck: first Tibet, then the torch fiasco- China just can't get a break during the upcoming Olympic season! Let's hope none of the sailors accidentally end up in the drink.
Technology: I've got enough problems and fears without worrying that the world is going to swallow itself... the good news is it's the Swiss, and they're good at making gadgets and stuff.
Down Under: I can only imagine what would happen if the U.S. air force "forgot" to inform the public that they'd be escorting a passenger plane low over one of our main cities... suffice it to say, people would freak out and heads would roll.
The Google: I think that using Internet search terms (as opposed to openly expressed views) is a nifty legal trick... whether it works or not remains to be seen but, much like The Kinsey Report, much more goes on behind closed doors (or on personal computers) that people often admit.

Hot, sticky Friday

2008-06-27T12:25:00.006-04:00

Justice, pt. I: okay, so I've taken a day or so to cool down about yesterday's decision; hopefully now I can be somewhat articulate in my response. I don't really have much of a problem with the District's law being struck down; it likely reached too far and I can understand people wanting to own handguns to protect their homes and businesses. That said, only a moron would contend that DC is unsafe because too few people are armed; changing laws is a cheap, easy way out without addressing the underlying (far harder to change) problems that lead cities into the downward spiral. What will Fenty do?
Justice, pt. 2: I find it beyond hypocritical that Justice Scalia, for all of his venomous vitriol against "activist liberal judges" in the past, decided that he alone knew what the Framers meant when they wrote about an armed militia. To interpret that as "hunting and self-defense" is beyond idiotic and I hope that progressives on courts across the country remember Scalia's actions when they write their opinions.
Justice, pt. 3: returning to a story I posted on Wed., politicians in Alabama still want to condemn child rapists to death... I think the legislators should be locked up for contempt. Equating sentencing guidelines with "caring about children" is a cheap cop-out. People who rape kids (or anyone, for that matter) are sick, and sick people don't care about the consequences of their actions; much like how the death penalty doesn't serve as a deterrent because people who kill other people are crazy, enacting this specific punishment has nothing to do with preventing crimes- it is based 100% on revenge, and that says something pretty gross about our society.
Justice, pt. 4: for those of you who read The New Yorker, you might remember an article last month about Dicky Scruggs, the guy who took down Big Tobacco. It looks like the man who refused to lose will be spending some time in the big house, courtesy of an over-enlarged ego and a pea-sized brain.
FISA: The Obama campaign has been strangely silent on the issue, likely because he supports the current bill; as has been noted numerous times, he was certain to disappoint the liberal left at some point, but why on this issue? Krauthammer (who I loathe) raises some unsettling points about the candidate, and I think it's worth noting these policy shifts because they will certainly be fodder when the election heats up... one has to ask, though, whether the Democratic party been duped.
GOP: I don't know whether GW is purposefully trying to sabotage McCain's campaign or whether it's just sort of happening, but I find it hilarious that the same group of people who widely criticized Obama as being naive for wanting to talk with terrorist governments just, ah, had successful talks with a "terrorist" government! How now, brown cow?
Religion: of all the things to abstain from, voting seems to be the most counterproductive.
NASA: regardless of the soil type, I think the whole "no atmosphere/freezing temperatures" thing might throw a wrench in the asparagus growing project.

Wednesday already?!!

2008-06-25T12:55:00.009-04:00

Justice: I've been watching how the court acts regarding the issue of death penalty sentences for crimes other than murder and I'm happy with today's decision to outlaw the ultimate sentence for those convicted of child rape. Let me be clear: people who commit these crimes are monsters and I think violation of a youngster may be worse than taking their life because, in a way, that's exactly what's been done... however, capital punishment has it's roots in the Bible (an eye for an eye, etc.) and, using that criterion, the punishment simply doesn't fit the crime. It takes courage for jurists to make rulings like this, and I have renewed faith in this court because of their thoughtfulness about this issue.
FISA: thank God Chris Dodd was a lousy Presidential candidate- without his doggedness on this issue many Senators would simply turn a blind eye and let this unconstitutional piece of trash be signed into law... not that I'm in any way convinced that he'll succeed, but it does inspire some hope.
Class: even though I'm still not 100% behind Barak as a candidate (but really, what's the option?), I think it's really cool that he's trying to help Hillary get back on her feet; they fought a tough nomination battle, hopefully to the benefit of Democratic voters, and these actions show a great deal of respect for the process.
Conservation: Congress should be embarrassed that we're still growing sugar in the U.S. when ample supplies produced in other countries are available at cheaper prices... this truly is an industry maintained by subsidies. That said, the industry's "gift" (costing $1.75 billion) will help to restore one of the most unique environments on the North American continent. The action is coming (too?) late, but it's significant nonetheless.
Technology: it doesn't seem like the folks at Chrysler are getting the message- at a time when hand-free laws are increasingly popular, who in their right mind would offer Internet service in automobiles? Perhaps if their engineers spent more time working on batteries and fuel efficiency this automaker wouldn't continue to be dominated by the Japanese.
Public Health: it's shortsighted to neglect the poor when designing disease control strategies; the importance of reservoir populations to maintain levels of dangerous pathogens is well-documented and we, as a society, make a foolish mistake by underestimating the threat posed by not helping people get healthy.
Posterity: it's bad enough that taxpayer dollars pay for collection of data about many mundane, possibly illegal actions perpetuated by all manner of people; far worse, many of those data may end up in the shredder and never see the light of day, raising several questions- what, exactly, did that money buy; how do we know that waste is being curtailed over time; and, when records are destroyed, what recourse is there for people who feel like their civil liberties have been violated?
Hypocrisy: call me crazy, but it seems like animals either live in the wild or they live in captivity; simply moving a tame bear from an environment where it's loved and cared for into a zoo is lateral (at best).

Mojito Friday!

2008-06-20T13:04:00.008-04:00

FISA: I've been dreading this moment for months and now it looks like my worst fears have come true... the House totally rolled over and traded individual rights for the protection of big business. This legislation IN NO WAY makes our country safer, and everyone who voted for the measure should be tracked for replacement at the soonest possible time.
Surveillance: what could be better than a fleet of mini jets patrolling the skies in your home town? Thank goodness Lockheed Martin is looking out for our safety... for a minute there I thought they were just trying to make a buck, personal privacy be damned. For the record, I think it's great that helicopters are expensive to operate and it's macabre (even if accurate) to correlate improved prosthetics with wartime.
Sexual violence: while the UN's action is appropriate, I think it's a travesty that this resolution has only now been passed. The use of rape as a weapon is a practice that has occurred as long as people have fought one another and the notion that it is any less harmful than the worst munition is ignorant and despicable. Animals, from beetles to chimps, use sex in powerfully manipulative ways; humans are above this behavior.
Oil: if there remained any doubt that current oil prices are being driven by speculation run amok, I'd say that the correlation between today's loses and the expiration of futures contracts should end the argument. Please, close the loopholes.
Democracy: it's sad to have know the way the Zimbabwe story would unfold months before it has (see previous posts). It will be an enormous setback if the MDC capitulates but, given the tactics of Mugabe and his thugs, I guess I wouldn't blame them. So close, but no cigar.
Science: while I think it's neat that NASA actually landed a rover on Mars instead of slamming another one into the planet, identifying the substance they found as water simply because it disappeared (or "evaporated") is asinine; I don't know where Dr. Smith did his graduate work but methinks he might revisit chemistry 101... lots of things melt in an environment that, at its hottest, reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Gurus: I can't say it any better than, "...the most joy-draining 88 minutes I've ever spent outside a hospital waiting room. In the course of those long minutes, Myers leads you on a journey deep inside himself, to the source from whence his comedy springs—and it's about as much fun as a tour of someone's large intestine" Ouch!

Thrusday bonus!

2008-06-19T16:42:00.002-04:00

New England: say what you will about the ills of mailbox baseball as a way to kill time, at least it's fairly benign and doesn't leave any offspring; when I was in high school the worst decisions I made had to do with my fashion sense (or lack thereof).
more to come...

Busy week Wednesday!

2008-06-18T14:48:00.010-04:00

Oil: it's not surprising that the Bush administration would rather float a stupid idea aimed at increasing their friends' bottom lines with little (or no) regard for the environment, all the while accusing the Congress of being obstructionist in the face of suffering consumers; what's surprising is the MSM's willingness to carry the "news" without devoting the same column inches to the plan's obvious flaws.
Personal history: while my initial reaction to questions about McCain's service is one of great hesitance, certain aspects (such as crashing 3 planes and lying about the inevitability of making Admiral) are going to come out and be difficult to explain. It's sad, because there's no taking away from the fact he spent 7 years away from home in a prison camp. That said, Democrats are going to need to be very careful when they bring this up... it's got backfire written all over it.
Contractors: I don't know what's worse- firing someone for doing the right thing, or realizing that you almost did the wrong thing to the tune of 40 billion dollars... it the system really as hopelessly broken as it appears? How can we possibly accuse other governments of corruption when it's so rampant here?
Military: it's understandable that time needs to be taken to ensure that whoever becomes the next President doesn't inherit an empty Pentagon; that said, a little turnover is sort of what the whole thing is about, right?
Technology: what's next, a system that delivers movies straight to your brain?
Floods: it isn't completely accurate to say that incidents are getting worse; they're just affecting more people and costing more money, which is no mystery because it's far easier to farm and build on a flood plain than in the adjacent hills and mountains (duh).
Comcast: yet another reason to hate this money-grubbing company; it's bad enough that I have to watch their stupid ads, and it's infuriating that spots with actual merit are kept off the airwaves.
Energy: the towel versus blower debate is over... the real question now is how wasteful electronic motion sensors on towel dispensers are.
Tiger: I can't imagine having to make a decision like he did a week or so ago and I really respect his attempts to keep the extent of his injuries out of the news during the tournament. Hopefully the surgery will be a success, he'll spend some time with the kids, and he'll come back better than ever.

Thursday evening

2008-06-12T19:19:00.009-04:00

Justice: I know that I usually try to focus on news that's below the fold (at least when it first catches my eye) but today's news about the detainees at Guantanamo warrants a break from tradition; this marks the third blow to the Bush administration's draconian treatment of foreign nationals, except this time he doesn't have the support of Congress to sew up the Constitutional holes. We as a nation are only as good as we are on our worst day, and Lord knows there have been plenty over the past couple of years... let's hope this step in the right direction helps the rest of the world remember the type of nation we can be.
Say Anything: surprisingly, War, Inc. is nowhere to be found in my little Michigan heaven... wonder why that is? Anyhow, I'm a huge fan of Cusack and look forward to seeing this film, if only in the comfort of my own home. If the Obama administration is successful at anything, I pray they turn the clock back and let government function as a not-for-profit entity; it's absolutely sickening to see taxpayer dollars pay a privately-held company three times more for a job one would expect the government to do.
Obscenity: one person's freedom of expression is another person's crime, right? I have no idea what the original trial is (or was) about but I see no reason why adults can't publish explicit pictures of themselves on the Internet if they want to. I'm not talking about "bestiality and extreme fetishes" but homemade porn... if all participants consent to it, why not? I can't see any conflict of interest and it'll be a travesty of this judge's life is wrecked because he's a little kinky.
Politics: that either campaign has to waste their time creating and running anti-smear sites is a testament to where the American political system stands right now- in the gutter. Idealistic as it might sound, I think that both candidates should take a moment during their first appearance together to simply acknowledge that each is an intelligent, patriotic American... they just happen to have different opinions on a variety of issues.
Vacation: I thought I was the only one who didn't get away from work... turns out it's the norm and the trend is only becoming more pronounced. Say what you will about American productivity and wealth; regarding quality of life, I've never been met by anything other than laughter when explaining our work ethic to foreigners.
Research: it's interesting that discussion about the military influencing technology agendas at universities didn't include mention of US schools... perhaps the problem really is greater in the UK, or may be they just have more access to telling bits of information. Either way, NASA and DOD pay out tens (or even hundreds) of millions to researchers here but the claim of commercialization, at least as it applies to development of war implements, has never to my knowledge been made.
Judgement: who said people running schools set good examples? While I'm sure these idiots' hearts were in the right place, their minds were completely empty. Kids today deal with more stuff than their parents ever had to, and heaping fictional grief on that, for whatever reason, is cruel... I'm sure more than a few left school early and had a couple of beers to drown their sorrow.

Extreme weather Tuesday

2008-06-10T10:09:00.006-04:00

Top story: I can't stand the Italian soccer (world champs or no) and it was with great pleasure that I saw them utterly dismantled by the boys in orange.
Oil: the idea that the solution to this country's energy woes is increased domestic production of fossil fuels isn't just wrong, it is dangerously stupid; while I'm not sure the windfall tax is a great idea, ending breaks for those doing the right thing is certainly a mistake. It's incredible to see so many elected officials acting without a clue... no small wonder we're in the mess(es) we're in.
Unintended consequences: it's not that I have no empathy for folks on tough times- I do. I'm just sick and tired about hearing the myriad ways increased fuel costs are killing everyone and I'm not particularly interested in the plight of service station owners. Buying and selling against the margin has been enormously lucrative for these guys over the years and I'm not inclined to pity now.
Progress: at times it's easy to forget that, regardless of who wins in November, things are much better now than they have been in the past... the idea that important social programs are simply going to disappear isn't really an option anymore, and that's a really good thing.
The Big Apple: don't look now but the city is pretty gross! While the overall estimate of 25% is shocking, it's absolutely beyond belief that 36% of women are infected... so much for safer sex education.
Ulterior motives: while the beef deal is certainly important to some South Koreans, you don't get hundreds of thousands of protesters for something that nuanced... it's sad to say, but it looks like Lee's days are numbered.
Technology: I'm as excited as the next guy about the new iPhone but I don't think it'll deal any additional blows to the precariously-perched GPS industry; why someone would buy a stand alone device when it's cheaper to buy one incorporated into a phone is beyond me, but I don't get lost so it's really not my deal. The bigger question is, when can use the iPhone with Verizon?
Enough: Clinton lost, can we give her a break now? After being constantly pummeled by the media for the past six months, it is unnecessary and cruel to continue digging up dirt on her, pontificating about her lack of a future. Move on now, and focus on the candidate you chose.

Lousy news Friday

2008-06-06T16:03:00.003-04:00

Summary: I'll dispose with the usual formalities and simply note that oil hit a record high, markets cratered, more people lost their jobs, provocative words were spoken, and there's more evidence Bush mislead us into war (for real this time). Have a great weekend, folks.
Science: say what you will about learning punnet squares or how to dissect a frog, when this country loses its stature as a technology leader we're really sunk; anyone who doesn't see the connection between our flat earth, creationist President and this current trend is blind, an idiot, or both.
Politics: just when you thought it was over, the nightmare ticket emerges!
Business: all ethics aside, I think it's hilarious to imagine a pilot needing an oxygen mask to stay sober in his own airplane... who wants to party like a rock star when you can party like a tech chief?
Karma: there's isn't much that will get you deeper in the hole than stealing an 87 year-old woman's house. As an aside, the word 'bilked' isn't used nearly enough in everyday conversation.
Reversals: I suppose the Chinese government is doing the right thing by encouraging de-sterilization of people who lost their child in the recent earthquake, but man does that sound like something out of 1984!
Prenuptials: if covered-up drug and sex addictions, to say nothing of adultery, are legitimate reasons to nullify a pre-nup, what's the point of signing one in the first place? I'm not siding with Bill's behavior but he is, you know, kind of known for that sort of stuff.

Hump Day!

2008-06-04T14:35:00.004-04:00

Elections: whew, it's finally over! Oh wait... it's just starting. Here's an idea- how about we all agree to start campaigning much later next time? I'm exhausted! On a related note, after all his talk about diplomacy, why would Obama's choose this as the topic of his first speech as the Democratic nominee? And no, it's no a coincidence that I linked through Al Jazeera... it was on their front page.
Biofuels: while many challenges are compared to the space race of the late 1960s, the quest for cellulosic ethanol likely comes closest. Not only does it hold promise for the environment and the economy; it will fundamentally change the way humans think about the environment that surrounds them.
Judgement: why does it seem like the only thing the contracting arm of the military can do is waste money and embarrass itself? The link, tenuous and dated as it might be, looks pretty terrible, too.
Democracy: those that didn't see Tsvangirai's detention coming obviously haven't watched how things go down in Zimbabwe. I think his first mistake was legitimizing Mugabe's campaign by acquiescing to the run-off election... better to have stood firm and been buried than achieve the same end in a less-direct way.
China: much has (necessarily) been made of human rights abuses in this year's Olympic host nation; while much of the press is negative, the very fact that media have entry into a fairly isolated country shows that engagement can have positive outcomes. Cuba in 2012?
Consumerism: there are those who know they're sucker for advertising and those who (erroneously) see themselves as impervious; the deliberate attempt to avoid styles and trends is an overt style in and of itself, and it's truly impossible to be brand-free in this day and age.
Water: while it might not strike some as terribly important, when the leading agriculture state faces a water shortage it hurts everyone. Given the deleterious effects of global warming and expanding population, news like this will be increasingly common in the future.
Human nature: while it's sort of creepy that people are being tracked via their phones, from a data-collection stand point it's a fascinating amount of information about something both essential and esoteric... it'll be interesting to see what comes of this.
Inbreeding: in response to Dick's comment about kin-on-kin relations (see yesterday's post), here's the straight dope about kissing cousins in WV.

Rainy Tuesday

2008-06-03T15:54:00.005-04:00

Strange bedfellows: contrary to all previous statements and deeply held views about him, I have to say that I'm not particularly offended by Cheney's dig at folks in the Mountaineer State and I think Byrd (as is typical) overstates his rebuttal; the comment isn't really insulting to most Americans, just his constituents. Ah, the beauty of Presidential term limits!
International development: of course agricultural economic policies of developed countries hurt those in under-developed nations; as a quick comparison, US AID spent approximately 6.3 billion dollars on all of it's programs last year (with an additional 3 billion allocated to the operating budget) while FY 2006 subsidies for American farmers in corn and cotton alone topped 7.6 billion. Now, prices are through the roof due to shortages and new ethanol subsidies, which begs the question: are we really trying to create a better, more sustainable future for the world as a whole, or are we more interested in the short-term whims of U.S. voters?
more to come...

Last day in May!

2008-05-31T15:45:00.002-04:00

Reporting: I find it incredibly ironic that the only discussions most reporters are willing to have about McClellan's book are about it's existence and the juicy gossip contained there within; the account is, at least in part, a testimony to the lack of professionalism in many journalistic fields but no one feels like discussing that issue. It's time for the willing enablers of Bush's failed policies to admit their complicity, apologize and determine how we can avoid this in the future. Perhaps Scott's bout of truth-telling hit a bit too close to home for the pusher of little blue pills....
Responsibility: social networking site are a fun way to keep in touch with friends and kill time at work; privacy issues only come into play when people are stupid enough to enter sensitive information into their Facebook profiles.
Protectionism: is interesting to see how American agricultural producers react when another country limits imports of our products to maintain their own healthy market. It's tough to have it both ways and we should learn how to play nice or stop complaining when the tables are turned. Here's an idea: why don't why grow fewer cows, thereby reducing the amount of corn used to feed non-humans?
Intelligence: in a time when many hawks in the administration insist on beating the drum to war with Iran, it might be a good time to revisit our obvious shortcomings in accurately assessing the threats posed by other nations. We simply cannot tolerate another conflict based on lies.
Politics: it is sad to watch Bill so obviously affected by his wife's impending defeat; they still have an opportunity to end this thing with some grace and tact, with the idea that retreat allows one to fight another day. If they go to the death (and it looks like they will), there won't be much of a future for the legacy.
Publishing: is there no limit to the depths folks are willing to sink to in the name of making a buck? Dumb question, I know, but anyone who buys Larry Craig's book isn't just a fool, they're beyond bored.
When it rains, it pours... the antics of idiots at this Air Force base would be funny if they didn't have access to a nuclear arsenal.

Thursday happy hour

2008-05-29T17:22:00.004-04:00

Xenophobia: Regardless of how you feel about Rachael Ray (how can anyone not love her?), it's absurd that Dunkin' Donuts pulled an ad spot because it featured someone wearing a scarf that reminded some nut-job of terrorists. If companies and the media don't stand up to this stuff (or continue to feed it), freedom of expression will die. Would it have been permissible for her to have been questioned about ties to Al Qaeda? It's time to start doing better, folks.
more to come...

Final Wednesday in May

2008-05-28T16:47:00.005-04:00

Bombshells: I heard about Scott McLennan's book last night on Countdown; Olbermann and his guests were (not surprisingly) shocked by some of the content and I was, too, but I also needed some time to think about the issue and gather other perspectives. While it's important that the record be set straight, I'm not ready to categorize McLennan's actions as heroic, or even anything other than self-serving, as a civil servant truly concerned about this country would not have been a willing accomplice to such miscarriages of justice. It is beyond comprehension or believability that someone so retrospectively attuned to the shortcomings of his boss and office chose not to smell a rat when he was surrounded by them... this one falls squarely into the realm of too little, too late, but it will certainly make him a rich man.
Collateral damage: responsible news outlets have, in measured ways, claimed responsibility for punting much of the war debate; to hear Charlie Gibson fail to understand that fact is stupefying and should leave no question about his very real biases.
Humanity: supporting the use of cluster bombs is akin to the use of dogs to scatter civil rights activists in the sixties or justifying torture during interrogation. Given what we spend each year on munitions and their development, it's hard to believe these are necessary or the best we can do.
The other shoe, pt. 1: the Obama campaign needs to learn about contradiction and the fact that the American people hate few as much as they hate those perceived to be hypocrites... this thing hasn't blown up yet but there should be some serious vetting like, yesterday.
The other shoe, pt. 2: vitriol and sabre-rattling have proved little and may lead to a shorter leash for Ahmadinejad... I can think of nothing better than a "moderating influence" to engage our foolhardy leaders in serious dialogue before they make another tragic mistake.
Health: I think someone might need a primer about the use of statistics to explain trends in things like weight; this article makes it sound like we've been operating at some type of obesity deficit and we're only now realizing the potential of the system... very dangerous (and counterproductive) thinking indeed.
Justice: it's bad enough that we still have the death penalty but imagine the karma debt associated with wrongly incarcerating someone with MS on death row. These types of crimes were made for DNA evidence and it's incredible (and sad) that it's so hard to present new forensic details.
Irony: so much for the "stimulus package"... how about we bring prices back to where they were 6 months or a year ago and call it even? For the record, mine is still wrapped up in savings, waiting for a rainy day.

Memorial Day Monday

2008-05-26T11:24:00.004-04:00

Exploration: cheers to the fellas over at NASA for not creating another $500,000,000 litter pile on Mars... call me crazy, but if we already know there's water there, why do we have to send a probe to confirm it? How about thinking of some newer, more interesting hypotheses to test (full disclosure: I think space research, at least a s a priority, is idiotic).
Sustainability: say what you will about pie-in-the-sky college kids acting the role of idealists, serious change in the way Americans consume needs to happen and it's exciting to see students thinking creatively about what the world might look like when they're in charge.
Consumption: how many times have we heard the argument that it's simply too expensive for U.S. automakers to build more efficient cars? Now one of the largest is promising to lock-in fuel costs to compensate for costs associated with poorly designed vehicles; are we in bizaro-land or what? Is it possible that the folks in Detroit, not those in the Middle East, are responsible for our current woes?
Paranoia: in an age where it seems like privacy really is a think of the past, it's creepy to know that it might not just be the government monitoring your conversations... this technology is nearly as deadly as firearms and should be regulated, and misuse penalized, as such.
Genocide: it seems like every country in the African continent (and most around the world)has a closet full of skeletons, and Ethiopia is no different; given the slight possibility that Mugabe may be forced to cede power, perhaps the leaders of this horror show will finally get what's coming to them.
Gifts: I've had my bags misplaced by airport personnel on more than one occasions and I've never heard of them actually adding stuff to people's luggage... I can only imagine what some Japanese grandmother plans to do with over 150g of weed, or whether whoever received the package even knows it's there. Bad dog!
Manners: it's always bothered me that, after purchasing a bottle, waiters and bartenders feel like it's okay for them to constantly pour MY wine for me and my guests; I get it- you're trying to make money and you think that this will either encourage more spending or get me the hell out of there so someone else can start buying. From a tipping standpoint, that's shortsighted... I'm an adult and I can decide how quickly I'd like to drink. The practice is rude and presumptuous, and I'm glad to see someone taking up the cause!
Wild card: I think Philly is sort of a trashy town and that perception is made no better by reading what might be the most poorly written article I've ever seen... don't miss the reader comments, either!

Already Thursday?

2008-05-22T17:24:00.003-04:00

Enough: okay, so each (presumptive) candidate has a religious nut skeleton in their closet; can we move on now? While I certainly believe that words have meaning and should be taken seriously, it's tough to be 100% sane when you believe in the whole "world in seven days" bit... are we going to take sermons made by endorsers about Genesis to mean neither candidate believes in evolution? This is a dumb line of attack, and all of us are a bit dumber for being subjected to it... shame on the Huffington Post for promoting it.
Dumb: Joe Lieberman is perhaps the worst politician currently operating in the United States Senate; he is not an independent as much as a cynical, war-mongering tool for the administration, and he will bring nothing other than the least common denominator to the upcoming election cycle. If McCain makes this decision, he will lose.
Too late: oops, my bad! Sorry we ruined your whole "culture" thing; best of luck getting into heaven or wherever you believe you go in the afterlife. The monumental stupidity of seizing 400 kids without an airtight, court approved claim to legitimacy of action takes the breath away.
Counterproductive: mining communities don't need hope, they need training so that they can participate in growth of sustainable energy practices. How long are countries and cultures going to prolong the inevitable- all the energy we need already surrounds us, and it's time to stop using wasteful, harmful, short-sighted technologies.
Cars: looks like this the idea that cars should be energy efficient might actually have legs this time around... the fact the Ford has been betting against consumers (and the environment) until the last possible moment is infuriating, and (soon to be former) factory workers should know exactly how and why they lost their jobs... come kicking and screaming, there's finally a market for responsibility. While I'm sympathetic to those losing their jobs, I shed no tears for a business model that's been out-of-touch for at least 20 years.
Survival: I've seen enough shows on the Discovery Channel to know the do's and don'ts of survival, and this is definitely not a suggested practice... can't argue with the results, though.

Monday Funday!

2008-05-19T17:58:00.004-04:00

Teens: that anyone could (or would) use data showing a correlation between the time in which adolescents become sexually active and the variety of sexual activities they participate in support arguments for abstinence education is preposterous... lack of information is never a good solution, and certainly shouldn't even been on the table for an issue as serious as teen health. See also for another dumb idea.
The French: leave it to the frogs to get worked up about actually having to work more... how could any self-respecting conservative vow to do anything other than reverse such a ludicrous statute?
Consumption: Americans are used (insist on?) getting goods and services on the cheap and eventually that debt comes home to roost; we're only now feeling the effects of accurately priced gasoline and we're still in a fairly land about agricultural commodities... the delusion will continue with the recent passage of the 2008 Farm Bill, and the debt will continue to worsen until some unlucky generation (likely mine) is force to pick up the tab. Thanks.
Conservation: call me crazy but I think the last thing threatened pigs need in India is a breeding program; given the constant threat from tigers, snakes, and people, to say nothing of ever-shrinking habitat, I'm not sure that this effort is all it's cracked up to be.
Religion: it's sad that an American soldier had a brief moment of stupidity and desecrated the Koran. That said, a prompt and thorough apology was issued from high-ranking officers and that, along with the accused possibly being tossed from the military, should be it. This talk about "severe punishments" is nonsense and separates those with well-established judicial systems from those who lop people's heads off.
Cinema: there's only one place I'm going to be Thursday afternoon, and anyone with less than enthusiastic words for Indiana Jones, the series, or anything related simply has no taste at all.

Red Wings Saturday!

2008-05-17T13:00:00.003-04:00

Overkill, pt. 1: the way to reduce crime isn't to increase firepower; people living in crime-ridden areas already exist with a siege mentality and promoting an even more militant environment will only exacerbate that. Arguments about staying one step ahead of criminals are simplistic in that, if overall crime was lowered through economic development and effective policing, there wouldn't be an arms race.
Overkill, pt. 2: if only the solution to our border issues lay in the sharpness of the concertina wire we use to line our walls... how many times are governmental agencies going to fall for over-hyped proposals from contractors eschewing the value of things that cost much but actually do little. This sort of stuff isn't so good for our overall image, too, in case anyone cares.
Race: in one of the early salvos of what promises to be a long and bloody war, WPO lent its bully pulpit to a decidedly right-of-center commenter... Americans have a weird sense of what "patriotism" actually means, with some folks holding a grudge against people with non-WASP names who actually fight our wars for us. All I can say it that you better be on the front lines or some type of uber-patriot to question anyone else's value as a citizen.
Culture: given this trend, how long can it be before there's a Russian Tiffany? I love it when the absolute best aspects of American culture are shipped abroad!
Crime: in contrast to my relatively liberal view of the death penalty, people who desecrate dead bodies and profit from the sale of their parts should be locked in dungeon deep in a hole at the bottom of a valley on the other side of the world. Is there no limit to greed?!! as an aside, I do think that everyone should be an organ donor (as if anyone would want mine).
Obvious: really, Mugabe's cronies might try to knock of the legitimately elected opposition candidate? You don't say.... I can't believe this guy is even going to participate in the sham run-off that's supposed to occur soon; can anyone guess who's going to win that one?
Smoking: the other upsides of high-priced cigarettes is that you can tell people who ask for smokes to go to hell (I mean, with less guilt than usual).

It's already Thursday?

2008-05-15T15:11:00.006-04:00

Misogyny: there are many reasons why Clinton isn't going to be the next Democratic Presidential nominee and, regardless of who you supported, it is impossible not to be disgusted by the sexist vitriol spewed under the auspice of campaigning. That fellow liberals would allow the discussion to be so base, while not surprising, is very disappointing and speaks to larger issues still pervasive in our culture. Clinton supporters won't soon forget the digs their candidate has taken.
Civil rights: individual beliefs about what is or isn't marriage aren't relevant when a system discriminates against any specific group. It doesn't matter that people don't understand being gay, what matters is that people should be able to legally share their lives with whomever they want and incur no loss for their choice. A much of a victory as this is, the idea that "this is the beginning of the end of ostracism, bullying, and all the things that used to make people feel less human than others" is (unfortunately) a bit premature.
Junk science: that global corporations have a vested interest in debunking scientific findings that question the wisdom of using their products shouldn't surprise anyone; the fact the the MSM is too lazy or dumb to separate the wheat from the chaff, thereby perpetuating this rubbish, never ceases to amaze.
Procrastination: more than likely you're doing it right now by reading this blog... don't worry, it doesn't hurt my feelings! It's interesting to see how people in different professions waste time between their great endeavors, though.
Masculinity: I think that every guy should have his very own man cave, nearby decomposing cow optional.
Michigan: who says folks from around here don't know how to make a buck? I wonder how many Thin Mints someone would need to sell to get the state's economy out of the toilet....
Hope: why aim for pulchritudinous when chubby will suffice? I still think the whole "women date personality, not looks" thing is a crock, though.

Monday evening

2008-05-12T20:59:00.002-04:00

Enough: first the cyclone in Myanmar, then an earth quake in China... I hesitate to ask what's next. The sheer numbers of those hurt or killed in these disasters boggles the mind and lends perspective to the relatively "shocking" things that tend to happen in the developed world (although, to be clear, one life lost is one too many).
Judgement: what does it say about security and priorities at the highest level of the government when a group of sixth graders are responsible for keeping the President and other important folks alive? Forget the tasteless (bad) humor... I'm shocked and amazed these knuckleheads know how to use computers.
Journalism: every once in a while someone asks why I choose to post from some of the news outlets I read; my response is that, to whatever extent possible, I prefer to do editorializing myself and avoid it in the media (except in venues that specifically offer editorial content). International perspectives, especially on American issues are not only informative, they're essential if we're to understand how others perceive the citizens of this country.
Opportunities: it's wonderful that blind people are able to use their well-developed senses to thrive in the workforce. Why this job can't be done in America, I have no idea, but as long as someone is doing it and (hopefully) make some type of respectable wage, it appears to be a win-win situation.
Just the beginning: it's a fairly well kept secret that foreign governments use lobbyists on K Street to spin their dodgy policies and generally improve acceptance for them among the politicos on the Hill and in the White House. Scandals like this will taint both parties and it would be prudent for the Democratic Party to avoid trumpeting this one too loudly... people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, you know.
Cynicism: I'm as tough on the GWB as the next guy but it seems a little tasteless to bust on his new son-in-law the day after he got married... who knows, maybe he's getting into the family business to clean things up? Either way, maybe it would be more healthy to wish them well and hope for the best before making indictments.
Bubbles: I've lashed out at oil speculators several times on this page and, while I still believe they are playing an important role, there are some different opinions out there and it's interesting to hear some other hypotheses.

Brats and beers Friday

2008-05-09T12:01:00.003-04:00

Finance: As if we needed more to worry about, it turns out that the metric used for (among other thing) calculating inflation is a bunch of statistical junk... is it me, or does anyone else feel like the past year or so can be characterized as repeatedly getting screwed by our government and big business? Right when it seems like things might be perking up, here comes the Boogey Man.
Insane: I don't what kind of totalitarian regime you're running, the idea of letting 100,000 or more people slowly deteriorate from dysentery, malaria, and God only knows what else is beyond sick. The ruling junta is clearly ineffective at anything other than repression, and the thought of them trying to deal with this colossal disaster would be laughable if it wasn't such a stupid, avoidable tragedy.
Perspective: I wasn't aware that Israel was celebrating an anniversary, but I find it interesting that one particular news source found the posted piece to document the festivities... it's important to know your main audience, I guess.
Related: I didn't even see this story about police beating three murder suspects in Philly... I'm not saying that anyone is promoting an agenda highlighting the ills of American society (or that anyone needs to promote it further) but it's odd to see the story in such a random place.
Physics: Not to keep our discussion of non-Euclidean spaces going, but it seems like some researchers might have Salivia-like ideas about the structure of the universe. It always amazes me to hear about intellectual wunderkinds, especially in fields like physics... I can't even imagine being part of a bidding war between Harvard and Princeton (or anywhere else, for that matter).
Bizarre: for all the time and money people spend perfecting their cyber sex experiences, it seems like they could just direct those resources at actually getting a date and ditch the electronic third party... not judging, just saying.
Futility: It's easy to see why petroleum companies are concerned about their collective image as money grubbing thieves and no amount of advertising is going to change that perception; the American psyche is not a rational beast.
Propaganda: call me crazy, but I'm not terribly frightened by descendants of the Dalai Lama and I have a hard time imagining weapons caches in monasteries... even if those assertions are true, there simply aren't human casualty data to support the claim that dissidents in Tibet compare (even remotely) to Osama et al.
Recurring theme: here's the straight dope about the Burma/Myanmar flap... very interesting and sort of silly, too.

Thursday, May 8

2008-05-08T12:22:00.002-04:00

Drugs: throw a few You Tube clips onto the Internet that show kids freaking out while using a "new drug" and the witch hunt begins... the idea that Salvia is in any way comparable to marijuana is insane, and calls to ban the substance avoid the real issue of teaching kid to make good decisions, and keeping them out of their parents' medicine cabinet.
Feats: without saying anything about simply having enough people on the mountain for enough time to get the lighting done, I'm impressed by their ability to have a flame at all at that elevation... perhaps now the Chinese will remove their repressive thumb from above the Tibetan people?
Crime: I think we've all been somewhat fascinated (and disgusted) by the case of the Austrian captives; I fancy myself as someone with a fairly open mind but it's incomprehensible to think that there is more than one side to this story, and the fact that he father was the one who brought the sick child to the hospital is about as significant as infinity minus one.
Slow news day... hopefully more later.

First May Hump Day

2008-05-07T10:39:00.003-04:00

Stubborn: I've noted to several people the absolute inability of Britons to acknowledge that Myanmar doesn't exist anymore unless you're from Amnesty International... it's sad (but also sort of ridiculously funny) that, even during these times of tragedy, the fallen empire feels the need to reassert itself.
Robbery: the fact that no one is talking about why oil may hit $200 a barrel is as infuriating or more so than the actual trend... it works like this: someone offers to sell futures at that price and, just like on the track, there's always going to be someone will to take a long shot. As more people become willing to take that risk (now not such a big risk), the futures price increases; many ways that people have made cheap money in the recent past have dried up, so investors of looking for a quick buck on a solid investment. This isn't rocket science, and by simply reporting one side of it the MSM perpetuates fear about rising costs.
Prostitution: I feel a sense of stupid waste and painful hopelessness any time someone feels the need to take their own life. The DC Madam case was dumb to start with, and the Puritanical views people in this society have about sex do have very real costs; from the article, "Though Palfrey's death is complicated, not to mention controversial, it does offer us some insight into the experience of sex industry workers, who bear the burden of a double life and the toll of secrecy."
Pollination: as astonishing as it is that one out of every three bees has been lost over the past year, it's even more incredible that private companies are more interested in finding solutions than state or federal governments. The most recent budget slashed funding for the type of research aimed at understanding these problems, and the fact that the feds are uninterested, incapable, or both, to address anything having to do with agriculture except subsidies should raise the ire of everyone. Bees are important, folks, and without them our diets are going to be pretty boring.
Global Health: don't look now but there's another emerging virus in China; it's incomprehensible to me to think that there's now way people going to the Olympics might be affected, either as someone who gets sick or simply vectoring the pathogen to new places... sounds like someone might have gotten paid off to make such a prognostication.
Good news: Dave Addington is the closest thing to the devil incarnate I know of and I can't wait for someone on the Judicial Committee to put the screws to him... he'll undoubtedly clam up and make wild protestations but, in the end, he'll have to sit and take responsibility for the lives he's helped ruin (along with our country's reputation).

Cinco de Mayo!

2008-05-05T12:50:00.002-04:00

History: before slugging down a few Margaritas, take a minute to understand why you're drinking all of that tequila today.
Sick: the fact that we're still losing kids in Iraq is a tragedy, but the idea that faulty contractors are to blame for some of the deaths is an outrage.
more to come...

Last Tuesday in April

2008-04-29T10:32:00.002-04:00

Wheat: continuing the excellent series by WPO, it's amazing to think that the western U.S. might someday not be covered in amber waves of grain. Yet again, the role of subsidies in both paying folks who don't grow wheat and creating a system whereby it's cheaper to make corn into fuel than food is unwelcome and unnecessary; several years ago a plan was floated that would have changed farm protection into a trust whereby farmers pay in during boom years and receive payments during poor years, removing taxpayers from supporting them regardless. Pay attention to the new Farm Bill... in particular, what doesn't change.
Farming, pt. 2: in contrast to many "the sky is falling" problems, it's important to remember that scientists are also working toward solutions for many pressing problems, and as technology improves for things like soil remediation, markets will follow and jobs will be created.
Whining: nobody likes to pay unexpected expenses but I had to replace a radiator last month and I'm (mostly) over complaining about it. I know that it makes a readable story to write about taxi driver woes but, as I've said before, these guys wouldn't be in this situation if generations of residents and visitors didn't feel like they were getting ripped off every time they got a ride. Cry me a river.
Disturbing: just when I think I've heard the lowest humans will go to avoid actually getting a job and doing work, someone comes along and creates "virtual kidnapping", wherein callers extort recipients by claiming to have their loved ones. As we've seen in the Middle East, kidnapping and the powerlessness it engenders is one of the most horrible tortures a family can endure, and no resource should be spared to catch and punish those responsible.
Fish: perhaps one of the best rends over the past decade has been increased interest in eating creatures from the ocean; of course, over-fishing is always a threat and consumers would be wise to learn where their food comes from (this goes for all types of food, not just fish!). The oceans can provide one of the healthiest, most sustainable food sources on the planet if we just the good sense to manage them properly.
Bad idea, pt 1: the notion that some type of "gas holiday" is anything other than an election-year populist sham is laughable, while that fact that a windfall tax hasn't been assessed against the oil industry yet is a travesty... let's not take money from our highway funds, okay?
Bad idea, pt. 2: what part of the Mugabe legacy would lead one to believe that the mans likes to share, or even knows what the word means? It's a sad day when the world realizes and accepts that bullies can still get away with it.
Chastity: it'll be interesting to see how the padlocks affect the business's bottom line... I've never been to a massage parlor but, from what I hear, there's really only one way things are supposed to end.

Sunday Bonus!

2008-04-27T12:13:00.002-04:00

From the pages of The Washington Post, one of the best articles about the global food crisis I've ever read. The incontrovertible fact is that U.S. policies, particularly those dealing with biofuels and farm subsidies, combine with similar policies from other developed nations to further impoverish those with the least. This is the single largest issue facing the planet today, and we're foolish not to recognize how this plays into regional security, religious fanaticism, and all of the other smaller issues we've chosen to target because they appear easier to deal with. They aren't, and without addressing the root cause we're spinning our wheels.

Cuba Libre Friday

2008-04-25T14:40:00.002-04:00

World Health: the UN is right to focus on malaria- it's much more preventable than might be assumed from current infection rates, and it's effects on economic development are profound... it's tough to work when you're sick, and fixing this problem will go a long way toward better lives in much of Africa.
Food: globalization is subsidized when fuel used to transport commodities long distances isn't taxed. I've long said that it'll be a rude awakening when people have to pay what food actually costs, and this is just one step of many. Buying local helps everyone, especially small farmers, and it's time to stop polluting the environment at the expense of local agriculture.
Justice: given the unsurprising outrage at the Bell verdict, it didn't take long to find someone who blames the outcome on race, erroneously in my opinion. After reading about the case, it's apparent that no one knew what happened and our justice system is based on reasonable doubt; it's ridiculous to think that these cops, two of whom are black, should be locked up for a tragic incident that may have been (likely was?) an honest mistake. Would it have been different if only one bullet was fired?
Cars: that car makers and dealerships are interested in maintaining access to important engine data isn't surprising as much as it's disappointing in a manner consistent with my estimation of that business... it wouldn't be as big an issue of dealerships were reasonably priced, but we all know that isn't the case. Crooks.
The Corps: since when is being able to make a bong out of a 2-liter bottle, some plumbing parts, and clay not a skill? In fact, everything about international development is serious business and there are many obvious ways that our efforts could be maximized if that was really the goal. As it is, volunteers currently serve as defacto ambassadors more than anything else.
Cricket: leave it folks in India to turn cheerleaders into something dirty; I love that people still believe it's not okay to make a "mockery" of a game... way to get your values straight.

Thirsty Thursday!

2008-04-24T18:42:00.003-04:00

Foolish: the last thing that the Democratic nominating process needs is Reid and Pelosi monkeying around with Howard Dean to determine the winner... it's called a nomination fight for a reason, and it's ridiculous to think that a contest that's this close is anything but good for the American people.
Blade: tough break for Snipes but honestly, if you don't pay taxes when you're making millions of dollars I don't have much sympathy for you... perhaps it will be fodder for a new reality show.
Taxes: while I'm pretty confident that these checks aren't going to raise our limp economy from the ashes, I'm still pretty excited to get mine... X Box 360, here I come!
Outsourcing: the irony that collecting debt for American creditors is a big, growing business in India is think and rich... perhaps if those jobs were kept on this continent there wouldn't be so many forfeitures.
Blogger system outage... hopefully more later!

Tuesday, April 22

2008-04-22T17:42:00.003-04:00

Taxis: Mayor Fenty could quit tomorrow and he's be the most successful public official in the District's recent history. All of the complaining and heel-dragging by drivers should be acknowledged for what it is- the realization that years of lying and exploitation related to the archaic zone system have a cost.
Earth Day: a bit of tongue in cheek humor about our apparent ineffectiveness to generate interest in real change... I caught the end of An Inconvenient Truth last night and got sufficiently riled up; it amazes me that people still think their feeling about Al Gore relate to whether the earth is warming.
Conscience: given all of the other problems in Zimbabwe right now, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that a boat full of guns is a match to gasoline... China could use some good PR right now, and this would be a decent start.
College: admission processes have gotten out of control and administrators couldn't be more pleased... over the past decade or so schools have moved from the public trust sector into the for-profit business model, all the while raising prices while relying on tax breaks, patrons who need subsidized loans, etc. Meanwhile, what students actually learn hasn't changed much in the last 50 years... it's the greatest fraud being perpetrated today.
Dumb: I'm as interested as the next guy in having someone competent in the White House for the next fours years, but it's ridiculous to think that a combined ticket is in anyone's best interest. Call my a cynic (it wouldn't be the first time) but this sounds like a storyline drawn up by media types to tap into the "dream team" mentality that's so pervasive these days; the two represent fairly different things, and it would be a disservice to either to assume instant congruence.
Middle East: like much of the simpleton "logic" employed by the administration, the notion that Iran totally bad (in the parlance of school children) is both dangerous and stupid; given our diminished credibility throughout the region and world, it would behoove us to look for friends wherever we can find them.
Divine Intervention: why bother living shoulder to shoulder with sinners when, with a little helium, you can go straight up to the Big Man?

Sesquicentennial Post!

2008-04-19T13:22:00.002-04:00

Politics: is the Pennsylvania "working class" (whatever the hell that is) becoming the next special interest? In much the same way religious zealots were pandered to in previous elections, it seems as though there's an undercurrent to over-represent the interests of rust belt inhabitants... don't get me wrong, I know people in small towns are hurting, but let's not let a primary fight shape national politics and larger issues.
Food: the idea that solutions to the world's overpriced food problem aren't obvious is sort of insulting, but you'd never guess that by checking out a draft of the latest Farm Bill; proposed solution aren't just obvious, they're a moral imperative... however, as long as there's cash to be made from the bio-fuel boom there will be resistance to removing subsidies.
Zimbabwe: for weeks I've been saying that Mugabe isn't going anywhere, and if his most recent speech is any indication, he doesn't even know what decade he's in. Annan is right to encourage leaders in other African nations to do something, but history has shown how grossly ineffective such measures have been in the past. We're witnessing a civil war start in slow-motion and it doesn't seem like very many people really care.
Confusing: so the Chinese are protesting the French, who are protesting the Beijing Olympics, all the while people in Tibet are protesting for themselves. That sounds like a hell of a lot of protesting to me; might there be a more useful outlet for this energy?
Armaments: I don't know what's more interesting: that it's "safe" to drop ammunition and RPG's from airplanes, or that such drops fall into the hands of Taliban leaders... does that mean we're our own worst enemy? As if I had to ask.
A mess: I'm conflicted over Carter's visit with Hamas; on the one hand I don't think that dialogue is ever a bad idea, and the current administration would have been much better off if they'd been willing to speak first and bomb later. However, it's kind of uncool for him to go off without a net, and it may ultimately be counterproductive given the meeting's response in Israel.
Fruit: following in the footsteps of great books about salt, cod, coffee, and damn near almost any other remotely interesting food, a new offering about bananas sounds fascinating, if not just for the CIA hijinks in Central and South America.

Lovely Lansing Thursday!

2008-04-17T14:42:00.002-04:00

Travel: it's about time something was done to increase the responsibility of airlines that consistently overbook flights; I can't remember the number of times I've been offered a $5 "food voucher" for my troubles.
Conservation: it's ridiculous to think that it's illegal for someone to use sunshine to dry their clothes... it's my opinion that SUV's are far more of an eyesore than some sheets flapping in the wind, and it's silly to force people to consume when energy is so damn expensive.
Politics: consensus is that last night's debate was pretty ridiculous; I didn't watch it but I guess it's not surprising when the campaign has already gone on for 15 months... I won't have anything substantial to ask, either. For his part, George S. defends the performance as "appropriate", although it seems he's the only one to think of it as such.
Follow-up: today oral arguments began at the Supreme Court about whether child rapists should be executed... after reading about the proceedings, it sounds like to machinery of murder is getting greased up again.
Free speech: don't look now but the "intelligent design" argument is about to come crashing to the forefront again... really, the question isn't about stifling debate; it's about people pretending to be scientists getting shut down by those of us who actually are.
Related: the Bible is now available online... check it out!
Advertising: just when it seemed like every each of the planet was cover with a slogan for Nike or Coke, now the skies may be full, too. This is a bad idea on so many levels, and the dictionary definition of intrusive.
Russians: perhaps the worst drinking game ever.
Curses: further evidence that Red Sox fans are a bunch of superstitious losers.

Spring Tuesday!

2008-04-15T17:03:00.002-04:00

Punishment: that this guy raped his 8-year-old stepdaughter is heinous- no one will argue that. However, at what point does vengeance end? Even if we're going by the whole "an eye for an eye" thing, this punishment isn't legitimate. We're already in the same league with some really bad countries when it comes to the facility with which we dispatch our own citizens, probably because it's often hard to remember that the question isn't "Does he deserve to live?" as much as "What does killing black men say about our society?"
Punishment, pt. 2: sexually blackmailing someone trying to gain a visa is perhaps one of the cruelest types of abuse because the other person is so totally helpless; that fact that in this case it was done by a naturalized immigrant makes punishment fairly straightforward- send him home, yesterday.
Propaganda: it's disgusting that a group supported by thinly-veiled religious extremists is given any attention for saying garbage like single mothers are killing the economy... the irony (and the fact of the matter) is that the idiots the right voted into power are responsible for the country's economic woes. What kind of faith does it take to kick good people when they're down?
Stupid: without treading too deeply into politics, it's absurd to promote making Bush's tax cuts permanent and cutting further... it almost sounds like he's running for some elementary school office, promising to make summer break longer and get better food. In what world does this guy live in? The same war he's in favor of prolonging is an enormous financial hemorrhage for this country, and it's just plain dangerous to elect someone who doesn't understand how to balance a checkbook.
Biofuels: I doubt that anyone predicted how readily farmers would be willing to sell their wares for conversion from food into fuel... we were wrong, and it's sick to think that people are starving while American farmers are, quite literally, making a killing, all the while being subsidized by taxpayers. The new farm bill does little to rectify egregious problems with how subsidies are calculated, and it's obvious that this "new economy" simply doesn't work; the implications of these poorly-devised strategies are really profound.
Papacy: is t me, or does it sound like the Pope is in some way insinuating that the U.S. is the only place that has paedophiles in the ministry... that would be odd (and blatantly false), although the irony is thick and, thus, enjoyable.
Guidelines: while I think that there are more than 10 things to learn from our misadventures in Iraq, these are a good start.

Gin & Tonic Friday

2008-04-11T14:22:00.001-04:00

Sick: rape is never anything other than a crime against humanity, but the fact that women in the war zone are being attacked by our own soldiers is sickening beyond words; that it's being covered up and not prosecuted to the fullest should infuriate anyone with a conscience, or a soul.
Economics: say what you will about Soros but his concept of "reflexivity" makes perfect sense to me, at least much more so than dreaming that markets approach some magical equilibrium on their own.
Mating: the application of game theory to mate selection is novel to me, although I've always wondered why it appears that there are far more women looking for men than vice versa... it looks like decisive trumps looks, which should be of some comfort (or not).
Canada: huh, turns out our neighbors up north actually do have a backbone... the issue of arctic sovereignty is going to be a sticky one for the foreseeable future, and I think it's great that the Canucks are standing up to fight; also, I appreciate there wariness of the Patriot Act and the likely abuses committed with a satellite that sees through stuff.
Biodiversity: it seems like every time one of these reports comes out, a huge swath of land that should be protected has already been destroyed... here's an idea: stop spending money to conduct studies and use it to buy lots of land instead.
The environment: for all of those who've spent lifetimes saying that money can't be made by being responsible, you're wrong. It turns out that consumers want to feel good about their purchases and consumption after all.
Taxes: the big day is rapidly approaching and sometimes it's therapeutic to recall exactly what you're paying for.
News: I've been waiting for the Newseum to open for years and I'm psyched to visit when I'm in town a couple of weeks from now; to all those planning D.C. vacations, this is one not to miss.