Just got my White House card today. I'm sure there are some on the far Right who will take Obama to task for not using the word Christmas, but those people don't need an excuse to take Obama to task--they live for that. Anyway, here they are:
Friday, December 18, 2009
Holiday cards
Just got my White House card today. I'm sure there are some on the far Right who will take Obama to task for not using the word Christmas, but those people don't need an excuse to take Obama to task--they live for that. Anyway, here they are:
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Scotland's oldest book being displayed for only the second time in 1000 years
In these days of Twitter, Facebook, and email, it is good to see examples of the lasting power of a book as an object of its own.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Faux news, faux numbers, faux "authentic"
The natural end to the path the Wacky Right trods in which education = "elitism" is that you get graphs like this, on FOX:
You also get people who deliberately dumb themselves down in order to get jobs there.
You also get people who deliberately dumb themselves down in order to get jobs there.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Beck: Goldbug with an interest
Beck in trouble for his gold endorsements?
Seems like a clear conflict to me. The guy can believe what he wants to, but when he promotes the industry on his show without disclosing his financial interest, this is a no-no. No matter what your political persuasion.
Seems like a clear conflict to me. The guy can believe what he wants to, but when he promotes the industry on his show without disclosing his financial interest, this is a no-no. No matter what your political persuasion.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Obama in Oslo
Text of Obama's Nobel speech.
I realize that the conservative backbiters aren't going to bother reading it, but I think it lays out Obama's worldview on the role of war in our times.
I realize that the conservative backbiters aren't going to bother reading it, but I think it lays out Obama's worldview on the role of war in our times.
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Friday, December 04, 2009
When they are quick to cite the Constitution...
Usually, they have no idea what they are talking about. Tom Schaller @ 538 with a nice little primer when you're faced with people who misunderstand the Constitution.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Scour your shelves!
Rare Darwin book found in guest bathroom.
The weird thing for me is that the cover looks like about half the covers on old books.
The weird thing for me is that the cover looks like about half the covers on old books.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Social Security surplus
I haven't had much of a chance to look much deeper on this issue (and this may be all a matter of perspective--taking away legitimate earned revenues from Social Security, then crying "deficit!" seems a little overwrought). But this appears to be something worth digging in.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Did Christianity cause the Crash?
More particularly, did American-style prosperity gospel teaching lead to overextended consumers among believers?
Friday, November 20, 2009
Fed to be audited?
Realizing I'm treading close to conspiracy stuff here, it is probably worth noting that the House has moved legislation along which would require audits of the Fed.
I have a small quibble with the article talking about the Administration as being "losers" in this debate--it seems to be a relatively easy thing for the Administration to re-cast this as another move for government transparency. But in general this is a good move, I think.
I have a small quibble with the article talking about the Administration as being "losers" in this debate--it seems to be a relatively easy thing for the Administration to re-cast this as another move for government transparency. But in general this is a good move, I think.
Holiday Mail for Heroes
I had neglected to note that Red Cross was already accepting mail for their Holiday Mail for Heroes program, but because there is still some time it is probably worth posting here.
There are some limitations on what can be sent through the program, but take a look. It is a good program if you have kids who want to take part and give thanks to those thousands of men and women (often, Dads and Moms themselves) protecting our freedoms overseas.
There are some limitations on what can be sent through the program, but take a look. It is a good program if you have kids who want to take part and give thanks to those thousands of men and women (often, Dads and Moms themselves) protecting our freedoms overseas.
Cleaning for a reason
A foundation that offers free housecleaning services for women undergoing cancer treatment. Very nice.
Dave Ramsey
Megan McArdel with a smart piece on Dave Ramsey. My wife and I have listened to him, watched much of his talk, read books, etc.
The most important aspect of Ramsey, IMO, is your relationship with debt. Many people carry some debt, but certain debt is stupid, frankly. There are people who carry debt because they would rather have the cash in their bank account (not making money) and then pay minimums on their credit cards even though they have enough to pay off their balances. Stupid debt.
But Dave Ramsey is much more than that--re-examining how you utilize budgeting (first, by placing a budget in its proper place as a record of what you spend your money on rather than a wish list of what you should be spending money on), how you save, what is important to save, etc. He's worth a long look by people not because you should buy into his system (literally), but because people sometimes need a real look at their own finances and Ramsey offers an easy yet bracing way of doing that.
The most important aspect of Ramsey, IMO, is your relationship with debt. Many people carry some debt, but certain debt is stupid, frankly. There are people who carry debt because they would rather have the cash in their bank account (not making money) and then pay minimums on their credit cards even though they have enough to pay off their balances. Stupid debt.
But Dave Ramsey is much more than that--re-examining how you utilize budgeting (first, by placing a budget in its proper place as a record of what you spend your money on rather than a wish list of what you should be spending money on), how you save, what is important to save, etc. He's worth a long look by people not because you should buy into his system (literally), but because people sometimes need a real look at their own finances and Ramsey offers an easy yet bracing way of doing that.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
"Mandatory gratuity"
PA couple arrested for not paying tip after bad service.
Another reason to get rid of tipping entirely and just add the cost of the food.
Another reason to get rid of tipping entirely and just add the cost of the food.
More ACORN blaming...
This is just dismaying:
A majority of Republicans think ACORN stole the election for Obama.
If given the choice: "Do you think that Barack Obama legitimately won the Presidential election last year, or do you think that ACORN stole it for him?" 52% of Republicans choose the latter.
Sigh.
A majority of Republicans think ACORN stole the election for Obama.
If given the choice: "Do you think that Barack Obama legitimately won the Presidential election last year, or do you think that ACORN stole it for him?" 52% of Republicans choose the latter.
Sigh.
The dingo stole my baby!
Hoffman blames ACORN for his election loss.
If nothing else, the last few elections should strip away the notion of Republicans as the party of personal responsibility.
If nothing else, the last few elections should strip away the notion of Republicans as the party of personal responsibility.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Hit the Bitch!
Somehow I don't think trying to get guys to stop domestic violence by letting them hit a woman virtually is the way to go. Call me crazy. Or an idiot.
HT: Megan McArdle
HT: Megan McArdle
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Israel keeps on building settlements
With many conservatives (particularly neocons) equating any deviation from Israeli policy on the part of the US with enabling terrorism, there should be no wonder that Israel feels it can do anything while the US pays the bills.
God forbid that anyone in the Administration even mentions that Israel has nukes.
Cut em off, I say.
God forbid that anyone in the Administration even mentions that Israel has nukes.
Cut em off, I say.
Is your library included?
With all the talk of libraries closing, it is nice to know there are still many great public libraries around. Check out the Library Journal list of top public libraries.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wolf Blitzer attacks Jag lawyer of Hasan
Looking for a show trial, perhaps.
I hate those weasely questions where some is suppose to respond to "they" instead of the person asking the question. I wish some of these people would get the balls to say "
I'm sorry--I don't answer any questions you don't take responsibility for asking on your own behalf."
I hate those weasely questions where some is suppose to respond to "they" instead of the person asking the question. I wish some of these people would get the balls to say "
I'm sorry--I don't answer any questions you don't take responsibility for asking on your own behalf."
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Where ya getting your news?
NY Post run by a sexist ass who runs the paper to "destroy Barack Obama."
Jeez, you can't make this stuff up. The Right should hang its head in shame if only it had any.
Jeez, you can't make this stuff up. The Right should hang its head in shame if only it had any.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Inevitable
IMO. And it makes me optimistic:
I realize many of these young people will change their minds (just as we know that there is a conservative trend as people get older). But we also know that once gay marriages are approved in some states and the arguments against them in all states are shown to be hollow, some that oppose gay marriage right now will start becoming more agnostic toward them.
I realize many of these young people will change their minds (just as we know that there is a conservative trend as people get older). But we also know that once gay marriages are approved in some states and the arguments against them in all states are shown to be hollow, some that oppose gay marriage right now will start becoming more agnostic toward them.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Health care--getting to the root of the problems
David Goldhill with an excellent piece on health care that tries to get at the root of the problem. This, I think, is a classic description of what we are facing:
"Indeed, I suspect that our collective search for villains—for someone to blame—has distracted us and our political leaders from addressing the fundamental causes of our nation’s health-care crisis. All of the actors in health care—from doctors to insurers to pharmaceutical companies—work in a heavily regulated, massively subsidized industry full of structural distortions. They all want to serve patients well. But they also all behave rationally in response to the economic incentives those distortions create. Accidentally, but relentlessly, America has built a health-care system with incentives that inexorably generate terrible and perverse results. Incentives that emphasize health care over any other aspect of health and well-being. That emphasize treatment over prevention. That disguise true costs. That favor complexity, and discourage transparent competition based on price or quality. That result in a generational pyramid scheme rather than sustainable financing. And that—most important—remove consumers from our irreplaceable role as the ultimate ensurer of value."
"Indeed, I suspect that our collective search for villains—for someone to blame—has distracted us and our political leaders from addressing the fundamental causes of our nation’s health-care crisis. All of the actors in health care—from doctors to insurers to pharmaceutical companies—work in a heavily regulated, massively subsidized industry full of structural distortions. They all want to serve patients well. But they also all behave rationally in response to the economic incentives those distortions create. Accidentally, but relentlessly, America has built a health-care system with incentives that inexorably generate terrible and perverse results. Incentives that emphasize health care over any other aspect of health and well-being. That emphasize treatment over prevention. That disguise true costs. That favor complexity, and discourage transparent competition based on price or quality. That result in a generational pyramid scheme rather than sustainable financing. And that—most important—remove consumers from our irreplaceable role as the ultimate ensurer of value."
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
LA Clippers owner to pay record fine for discrimination
Not for the sad Clippers, but for housing discrimination.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Cheated by clerk out of a million dollars
I realize that the sentiment is that the lottery should pay the guy, but (unlike businesses who can bend or break their own rules), the "rules" for lotteries are statutes and subject to very little interpretation as to when they can pay out money.
Busy secretary costs Pepsi $1.26 billion
Ooops. Too busy preparing for a board meeting to forward papers regarding a lawsuit results in a default judgment against PepsiCo.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
New Gingrich, RINO?
How far will the GOP fall? And what will it take for the Democrats to finally get a backbone and govern?
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Da Bones
The relationship of relics in the modern Church.
Wonder how many priests this week will get asked about the relic in their own altar?
Wonder how many priests this week will get asked about the relic in their own altar?
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Boating around
Seth Stevenson posts his final entry in an engaging blog diary on sailing around the British Virgin Islands. Sounds like a boring tale, yes? Worth the read, however, just for reading about the unexpected pleasures such a trip can bring.
Friday, October 23, 2009
No English zone...
Dozens cited in Dallas over the past three years for not speaking English.
WTF?
Most of the text of that story gives the impression that this was a one-shot thing. But with 39 citations over the last three years it is clear that this is a rare, but ongoing, problem.
WTF?
Most of the text of that story gives the impression that this was a one-shot thing. But with 39 citations over the last three years it is clear that this is a rare, but ongoing, problem.
Maurice Sendak tells hand-wringing parents to STFU
Or "go to hell" which really means the same thing in this context.
Can't wait until I'm a cranky old man and can just say what I want...
Can't wait until I'm a cranky old man and can just say what I want...
Polling and the public option
Some interesting points being made by FactCheck on polling regarding the public option.
We all know that the right and left are talking past each other on the polling numbers--the left emphasizes the "choice" part of the public option, while the right emphasizes the "federal government administers" part. Not surprisingly, when the public is asked questions which include both aspects, they overwhelmingly support a public option. Take out the word "choice" from the question, support drops. Even those numbers are far, far higher than the right likes (or probably even believes).
We all know that the right and left are talking past each other on the polling numbers--the left emphasizes the "choice" part of the public option, while the right emphasizes the "federal government administers" part. Not surprisingly, when the public is asked questions which include both aspects, they overwhelmingly support a public option. Take out the word "choice" from the question, support drops. Even those numbers are far, far higher than the right likes (or probably even believes).
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Recovery? Not yet it ain't...
As expected, job openings is not only a lagging indicator of any economic recovery, but in this case might actually be holding back the recovery. Dow is up (way up), business orders are up, interest rates are down and credit is now easing.
In other words, American businesses seem to be making do after shedding a ton of workers (including hiring some back part-time, without benefits). As we know, however, without consumer discretionary income any recovery will occur (at best) in fits and starts, and it it continues misfiring it might short-circuit the whole thing entirely.
We're paying now for the fact that the housing market carried us through about 8 years of expansion previously, masking many of the growing underbrush that typically would be burned away through much smaller market corrections. I have faith that we'll get through this in the next 2-3 years a stronger economy and country. But let's not make the mistake of thinking this is either the sign of full recovery or the opportunity to try to score political points on the news either way.
In other words, American businesses seem to be making do after shedding a ton of workers (including hiring some back part-time, without benefits). As we know, however, without consumer discretionary income any recovery will occur (at best) in fits and starts, and it it continues misfiring it might short-circuit the whole thing entirely.
We're paying now for the fact that the housing market carried us through about 8 years of expansion previously, masking many of the growing underbrush that typically would be burned away through much smaller market corrections. I have faith that we'll get through this in the next 2-3 years a stronger economy and country. But let's not make the mistake of thinking this is either the sign of full recovery or the opportunity to try to score political points on the news either way.
Pictures from space
I usually stop in at listverse.com a couple of times a week. One of their latest is a real treat: 10 More Stunning Pictures from Space
My favorite (see the caption to find out why):
My favorite (see the caption to find out why):
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Can't have a non-sellout in the playoffs!
When is a game a sellout? When we say it is!
Yankees overpriced tickets continue to hamper on-site support.
Yankees overpriced tickets continue to hamper on-site support.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Playing with numbers, tort reform style
CBO estimates that tort reform would save the government just 2% of its health care costs
That's not what the title of the article says, of course. And the CBO presumes that employers will plow the savings from health care premiums into increased wages (which I just don't see happening). But there you go. Limiting the payouts to people who proved in court that they are victims saves a tiny bit of money to the government, assuming that employers increase wages when they don't have to.
That's not what the title of the article says, of course. And the CBO presumes that employers will plow the savings from health care premiums into increased wages (which I just don't see happening). But there you go. Limiting the payouts to people who proved in court that they are victims saves a tiny bit of money to the government, assuming that employers increase wages when they don't have to.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Peace Prize and bad losers
Some predicted GOP talking points--mostly turned out to be true, I think Sad just how bitter the GOP has become. Maybe that is why it is now down to being self-identified by just 22.5% of people.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Friday, October 02, 2009
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Consumers Union jumps into health care reform debate
Unprecedented, it seems. But they advocate for reform.
In previous years (and issues) this might have meant something. But in these Beck-ful days the measured advocacy of a respected organization toward health care reform is merely another example to the wacky Right of how far toward Marxism Obama has already put us.
In previous years (and issues) this might have meant something. But in these Beck-ful days the measured advocacy of a respected organization toward health care reform is merely another example to the wacky Right of how far toward Marxism Obama has already put us.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
No Saturn, no mo
GM shuttering Saturn.
I've always thought of Saturn as the kind of car company GM should be as a whole. Pretty bad when your best division can't be spun off and sold.
I've always thought of Saturn as the kind of car company GM should be as a whole. Pretty bad when your best division can't be spun off and sold.
Got a Toyota with a driver's side mat with a mind of its own?
Toyota to recall 3.8 million cars over faulty floor mats.
My guess is that these mats probably slide around a bit and can interfere with the peddles.
From the article, the models (and model years) involved:
Toyota Camry (2007-2010)
Toyota Avalon (2005-2010)
Toyota Prius (2004-2009)
Tacoma (2005-2010)
Toyota Tundra (2007-2010)
Lexus ES350 (2007-2010)
Lexus IS250 (2006-2010)
Lexus IS350 (2006-2010)
My guess is that these mats probably slide around a bit and can interfere with the peddles.
From the article, the models (and model years) involved:
Toyota Camry (2007-2010)
Toyota Avalon (2005-2010)
Toyota Prius (2004-2009)
Tacoma (2005-2010)
Toyota Tundra (2007-2010)
Lexus ES350 (2007-2010)
Lexus IS250 (2006-2010)
Lexus IS350 (2006-2010)
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Roman Polanski
Will we finally see this guy sentenced? Kate Harding with a fierce reply to the Polanski apologists. Amy Sullivan piles on.
Been awhile since I could say "F*ck yeah!" as I read an article.
Been awhile since I could say "F*ck yeah!" as I read an article.
Why more gambling probably isn't the answer to state tax revenue blues
Nate Silver, in a very good Esquire piece, believes we may be at the saturation point for gambling (sorry, I can't call it "gaming").
GOP deference
Andrew Sullivan riffs a little strangely on an excellent Conor Friedorsdorf column about how conservatives give military leaders great latitude (deference, even) when talking about military matters but experts in other fields are leavened by balancing costs and so on.
[I say strangely since Andrew goes off on neocons, perhaps because he has them on his mind today. But the GOP is much more than neocons, and the non-neocons are more likely to defer to military matters because the military goes to the heart of why there is a government in the first place. Andrew writes without his usual nuance in his post].
[I say strangely since Andrew goes off on neocons, perhaps because he has them on his mind today. But the GOP is much more than neocons, and the non-neocons are more likely to defer to military matters because the military goes to the heart of why there is a government in the first place. Andrew writes without his usual nuance in his post].
Vista!
Stupid Vista. Just got a new Gateway since my seven-year-old Dell is just too slow and full, but half my programs won't work on Vista (though, helpfully, several software companies offered to sell me upgrades ranging from $125 to $300. How nice.).
The worst is that BestBuy seems to have mangled the data transfer, both not transferring everything to the new computer, but preventing me from accessing the old computer (no boot drive). Nice, again!
The worst is that BestBuy seems to have mangled the data transfer, both not transferring everything to the new computer, but preventing me from accessing the old computer (no boot drive). Nice, again!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Nice job, Dad
Man finally catches the first foul ball at a game in his life, gives the ball to his little girl, who promptly throws it back on the field! What does the dad do? Take a look:
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Texas yahoo with money doesn't get it
Hotelier's Rules Rile Hispanics (free reg required)
Being a hardass boss is one thing. But forcing Hispanic employees to "simply" their names and so on is really over-the-top.
Being a hardass boss is one thing. But forcing Hispanic employees to "simply" their names and so on is really over-the-top.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Just when you think all young professional athletes are assholes...
Vince Young goes and ruins the curve.
Hat's off to Young, who I've never liked as a player but that is what being a man is all about.
Hat's off to Young, who I've never liked as a player but that is what being a man is all about.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
The Battle of Jericho (Arkansas)
Monday, September 07, 2009
Republicans against Medicare
In April, the GOP was against Medicare but for subsidies to help retirees enroll into private plans. In August the GOP ran screaming against subsidies to help non-retires enroll into private plans and made videos extolling the virtues of keeping Medicare.
Hard to tell what the GOP is for anymore. Except they are against whatever Obama is for.
Hard to tell what the GOP is for anymore. Except they are against whatever Obama is for.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
The Let's domestic terrorists
Earth Liberation Front (ELF) topple radio towers because the AM signals cause cancer.
Does anyone listen to AM radio anymore? Couldn't they have just let the free market do their work for them?
Putting that aside, I hope many on the left continue to call ELF what they are: domestic terrorists.
Does anyone listen to AM radio anymore? Couldn't they have just let the free market do their work for them?
Putting that aside, I hope many on the left continue to call ELF what they are: domestic terrorists.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
How can he backpedal when he wasn't pedalling?
A Tom Ridge simulacrum?
Or, what happens when the press doesn't check original sources:
So it has gone with the story of Tom Ridge's assertion. He made a statement. His publisher summarized the statement, distorting it slightly. The press distorted the statement further. The press began talking to itself about the distortion. And then the original statement, which Ridge had put down in the book and remained unchanged, ceased to exist. His statement was replaced by a popular simulacrum: All that remained was the distortion of what Ridge said in his book. The original statement was gone. And so, we have big news today: Ridge Backpedals!!!
Or, what happens when the press doesn't check original sources:
So it has gone with the story of Tom Ridge's assertion. He made a statement. His publisher summarized the statement, distorting it slightly. The press distorted the statement further. The press began talking to itself about the distortion. And then the original statement, which Ridge had put down in the book and remained unchanged, ceased to exist. His statement was replaced by a popular simulacrum: All that remained was the distortion of what Ridge said in his book. The original statement was gone. And so, we have big news today: Ridge Backpedals!!!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Mark Levine--Strawman killer
Conor Friedersdorf with a good piece on the misogynist Mark Levin.
Certainly as a Democrat if I were in charge of running the GOP, I'd have Mark Levin as its prime mouthpiece (I'd keep Michael Steele as the frontman at times as well). Conor's piece highlights the Beck/Levin/F&F bubble mentality--one that confronted and was eventually overcome by Democrats. Simply unable to accept that their own policies were rejected by voters, they construct wild and wilder nefarious theories of people being hoodwinked by shadowy anti-Americans.
Keep the light shined on them.
Certainly as a Democrat if I were in charge of running the GOP, I'd have Mark Levin as its prime mouthpiece (I'd keep Michael Steele as the frontman at times as well). Conor's piece highlights the Beck/Levin/F&F bubble mentality--one that confronted and was eventually overcome by Democrats. Simply unable to accept that their own policies were rejected by voters, they construct wild and wilder nefarious theories of people being hoodwinked by shadowy anti-Americans.
Keep the light shined on them.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Health insurance reform follies
Some more Hawking pushback.
This is the kind of stuff I think that Democrats need to concentrate on. Dems are getting caught up talking about the tactics of the town hall confrontations, the lies in the ads, the distortions of what are in plain English in the bill, etc. This becomes a "he said she said" thing, which plays into the media who want to talk about any issue in simple conflict terms.
Dems need to run against the current system. There's plenty not to like, lots and lots of anecdotes that nearly everyone understands and can relate to, and even those who want a free market system would have a hard time defending one in which consumers are unable to get information to make informed choices.
The system, as it is, is a mess. Demonstrating how the plan will straighten out the clear problems should be the priority of those who want it passed. Everything else detracts from that.
This is the kind of stuff I think that Democrats need to concentrate on. Dems are getting caught up talking about the tactics of the town hall confrontations, the lies in the ads, the distortions of what are in plain English in the bill, etc. This becomes a "he said she said" thing, which plays into the media who want to talk about any issue in simple conflict terms.
Dems need to run against the current system. There's plenty not to like, lots and lots of anecdotes that nearly everyone understands and can relate to, and even those who want a free market system would have a hard time defending one in which consumers are unable to get information to make informed choices.
The system, as it is, is a mess. Demonstrating how the plan will straighten out the clear problems should be the priority of those who want it passed. Everything else detracts from that.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Horrible flight might spur airline passenger "bill of rights"
Passengers spend 6 hours on the ground.
Hard to argue with the need for passenger protection when airlines continue to do this kind of thing. For a highly subsidized industry, this is just not something that can continue to get passed over.
Hard to argue with the need for passenger protection when airlines continue to do this kind of thing. For a highly subsidized industry, this is just not something that can continue to get passed over.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Green NASCAR?
Pocono Raceway to utilize solar panels to offset electrical costs.
Good for them (really), but I think most environmentalists have troubles with NASCAR because of the massive fuel use, pollution, and noise.
Good for them (really), but I think most environmentalists have troubles with NASCAR because of the massive fuel use, pollution, and noise.
Take back the beep
Bad enough phone companies charge for text messaging at all. Now the internets is getting together to try to do away with the 15 seconds of instructions about how to leave messages.
Friday, July 31, 2009
House committee give Big Pharm big market
High-tech drugs given 12-year monopolies.
It is awfully hard to bring down health-care costs if Congress keeps rolling over on drug companies.
It is awfully hard to bring down health-care costs if Congress keeps rolling over on drug companies.
China reports a stunning 13 million abortions last year
A perfect storm of government-mandated family size and a secretive government which withholds sex information from the young.
Apparently, contraception is difficult to come by as well. So those lucky few who know to take steps to avoid pregnancy can't take those steps.
This jumped out at me as well: Nearly half of Chinese women seeking abortions used no contraception. Which means that 6.5 million women in China used contraception but still got pregnant, which sounds like a real educational problem.
Apparently, contraception is difficult to come by as well. So those lucky few who know to take steps to avoid pregnancy can't take those steps.
This jumped out at me as well: Nearly half of Chinese women seeking abortions used no contraception. Which means that 6.5 million women in China used contraception but still got pregnant, which sounds like a real educational problem.
One of those simple ideas that can yield big dividends
Lighter colored roofs cut energy costs.
Most of us, of course, can barely afford our mortgages, let alone a new roof. But millions of people this year have to put on a new roof anyway, and lighter colored shingles will cut down energy costs substantially.
I had to get half of my roof replaced last year because of a leak, and the roofing guy talked me into getting light gray shingles instead of the dark brown ones that we had. Glad he did. Now, I just have to save up some money to do the other half of the roof...
Most of us, of course, can barely afford our mortgages, let alone a new roof. But millions of people this year have to put on a new roof anyway, and lighter colored shingles will cut down energy costs substantially.
I had to get half of my roof replaced last year because of a leak, and the roofing guy talked me into getting light gray shingles instead of the dark brown ones that we had. Glad he did. Now, I just have to save up some money to do the other half of the roof...
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Why the free market can't fix the health care problem
Krugman on why the free market can't cure healthcare.
Krugman makes an important point (one that Obama is trying to now make) that the problem isn't health care per se, but health care insurance.
Krugman makes an important point (one that Obama is trying to now make) that the problem isn't health care per se, but health care insurance.
Friday, July 24, 2009
New Zealand earthquake makes the whole country bigger
No pithy comment here, just something I thought was interesting: Earthquake moves NZ closer to Australia.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Insurance coverage of abortions?
In the larger debate over health care reform, er, health insurance reform, the far right seems particularly focused on their belief that a government plan would force taxpayers to cover abortions. This is a particularly small argument to make, IMO, but it does raise the question: What percentage of current plans already offer abortion coverage? The answer? No one seems to know.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
The identity politics of the Right
While McCain's pick of Sarah Palin as running mate was one of the more obvious examples of the Right playing its own brand of identity politics, James Kirchick is exactly right in his critique of Harry Alford in his post.
Monday, July 20, 2009
A Changeable Book
Hemingway classic coming out in a new, cleaned-up version.
I remember working at Macmillan many years ago when it owned Scribner. There was one book by Hemingway that we would not grant permission to reprint from, since each of the three heirs wanted 50% of the income from any sub-rights deals.
The Hemingway estate should be Exhibit A in the argument "Why we need a shorter copyright term in the United States."
I remember working at Macmillan many years ago when it owned Scribner. There was one book by Hemingway that we would not grant permission to reprint from, since each of the three heirs wanted 50% of the income from any sub-rights deals.
The Hemingway estate should be Exhibit A in the argument "Why we need a shorter copyright term in the United States."
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Frank McCourt, RIP
Frank McCourt, the American with deep Irish roots, passed away of cancer, at age 78. Yahoo reprints the AP story.
I typically never read biographies, but the grip of Angela's Ashes was tight and didn't diminish even after I finished it. A terrific, horrifying, and amazing book.
I typically never read biographies, but the grip of Angela's Ashes was tight and didn't diminish even after I finished it. A terrific, horrifying, and amazing book.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Lazy blogging
Many bloggers are lazy.
The flip side of the huge army of bloggers overlooking mounds of data is that many of the aren't really reading, understanding, and forming coherent opinions on the topic. They are skimmers. Most of them are just looking for stuff that matches their own biases--the internet is a sort of arms bazaar for those people, where they can go from table to table gearing up for the fight.
The problem (among many) is that these are the self-appointed "new news" people. And on complicated issues like climate change, health care, and the economy skimming for sound bites is a huge disservice all around.
I don't have an answer here, BTW. I'm just sayin'.
The flip side of the huge army of bloggers overlooking mounds of data is that many of the aren't really reading, understanding, and forming coherent opinions on the topic. They are skimmers. Most of them are just looking for stuff that matches their own biases--the internet is a sort of arms bazaar for those people, where they can go from table to table gearing up for the fight.
The problem (among many) is that these are the self-appointed "new news" people. And on complicated issues like climate change, health care, and the economy skimming for sound bites is a huge disservice all around.
I don't have an answer here, BTW. I'm just sayin'.
In the dead of night, Amazon comes creeping...
Amazon deletes George Orwell's 1984 from their Kindle catalog--and from individual customer's Kindles.
Obviously Amazon screwed up and thought they had rights. But their "fix" made it much worse for them from a PR standpoint.
Obviously Amazon screwed up and thought they had rights. But their "fix" made it much worse for them from a PR standpoint.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Media, left, right, and center, kissing ass
South Carolina's The State has pulled together sympathetic conservative media emails received by Sanford's office while he was out.
I don't think the story is so much about conservative media bias, because that has been self-evident all the time. I do think that the deeper story is how quickly media, of any sort, are willing to bend over in return for access. Glenn Greenwald has been all over that issue for years now, but it comes through very clearly in looking over this piece.
I don't think the story is so much about conservative media bias, because that has been self-evident all the time. I do think that the deeper story is how quickly media, of any sort, are willing to bend over in return for access. Glenn Greenwald has been all over that issue for years now, but it comes through very clearly in looking over this piece.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The mind of Sarah Palin
Sarah Palin decides to flex some policy muscle on cap-and-trade. Conor Clarke slaps her around a bit.
As has also been pointed out, Palin's piece (ostensibly about cap and trade) neglects to use any of the following words: pollution, emissions, carbon, or global warming.
As has also been pointed out, Palin's piece (ostensibly about cap and trade) neglects to use any of the following words: pollution, emissions, carbon, or global warming.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Good economic news?
Jobless claims take a dip.
Good news. Hard to tell, at this point, if this is a sign of recovery or not. But good news is good news.
Good news. Hard to tell, at this point, if this is a sign of recovery or not. But good news is good news.
No black kids in the pool!
A black kid can grow up to be president, but in 2009 black kids can't swim everywhere, it seems.
A report on Philly's FOX News 29.
Apparently they were unaware that the camping group was mostly black before they took their money to swim.
A report on Philly's FOX News 29.
Apparently they were unaware that the camping group was mostly black before they took their money to swim.
Friday, July 03, 2009
The nuclear option
I've been a big fan of making sure that nuclear energy is included in the mix when we talk about energy independence. Many liberals (and even Greens) are coming to agree. Taking tips from the French on reducing nuclear waste can only help matters.
Increase the bounties!
It doesn't work in, say, Afghanistan and Iraq, but perhaps securities fraud can be uncovered just by increasing the rewards for those who bring it to the attention of the SEC.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Judge blocks distribution of Salinger "sequel"
Word is that the author & publisher thought Salinger would come around once he read the book. Idiots.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Balance the California budget!
California is so screwed. Mostly because of the ease with which propositions can done and passed, tying the hands of politicians. But hey, maybe you can balance the budget!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Blackberries and meetings
Mind your Blackberry.
I'm sorry, but anyone who uses their Blackberry in a meeting who isn't looking up something for that meeting is a dick.
I'm sorry, but anyone who uses their Blackberry in a meeting who isn't looking up something for that meeting is a dick.
An end to the UBS tax case?
The United States has, for a few years now, been pushing hard against the Swiss bank UBS to disclose the names of accounts where it appears Americans have been stashing money in order to avoid US taxes.
As expected, the Swiss have been pushing back hard on the efforts, but it looks like a settlement might be around the corner.
Frankly, it sounds like the lawsuit already did much of the work in smoking out many of the account holders anyway, plus a fat fine that UBS already paid. Presumably they'll be writing the US Treasury another big check.
As expected, the Swiss have been pushing back hard on the efforts, but it looks like a settlement might be around the corner.
Frankly, it sounds like the lawsuit already did much of the work in smoking out many of the account holders anyway, plus a fat fine that UBS already paid. Presumably they'll be writing the US Treasury another big check.
The GOP's Southern Asshole Philosophy
Sen Bob Corker blows off meeting with hobbling Sotomayor because she was late.
Wonder what the topic of the next meeting was that it was more important that a SCOTUS nominee? Starting the next meeting early is a nice gesture, too. I'm guessing this stunt ends up in a future political ad for his next opponent.
Wonder what the topic of the next meeting was that it was more important that a SCOTUS nominee? Starting the next meeting early is a nice gesture, too. I'm guessing this stunt ends up in a future political ad for his next opponent.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
More far right wing violence
Anti-immigrant ringleader of Arizona murder so wacked, even the San Diego Minutemen didn't want her
And no, I don't think this woman is anti-illegal immigrantion. I think she's the fully monty anti-immigrant.
And no, I don't think this woman is anti-illegal immigrantion. I think she's the fully monty anti-immigrant.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Why the GOP is losing
South Carolina Republican activist kinda apologizes for calling Michelle Obama's ancestor's gorillas. Then blames her for it.
Oh dear. I don't even know where to start with this one.
Oh dear. I don't even know where to start with this one.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Warp drive setback?
Warp drive theoretical, though it might form a black hole.
That would definitely be a bug, not a feature. though perhaps the ending point need not be at the actual destination, but farther away....
That would definitely be a bug, not a feature. though perhaps the ending point need not be at the actual destination, but farther away....
Friday, June 12, 2009
Photoshop follies...
City of Toronto digitally adds black guy to magazine cover to add diversity.
As Andrew Sullivan points out, The Onion got there first.
As Andrew Sullivan points out, The Onion got there first.
PAYGO returns?
Obama urges a return to binding PAYGO rules.
This is great news, particularly if Congress follows through. There was no bigger act of fiscal responsibility than passing PAYGO in 1990, despite its inclusion in the Omnibus Budget of 1990 which cost Bush Republican support (and eventually, the Presidency in 1992).
This is great news, particularly if Congress follows through. There was no bigger act of fiscal responsibility than passing PAYGO in 1990, despite its inclusion in the Omnibus Budget of 1990 which cost Bush Republican support (and eventually, the Presidency in 1992).
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Railroading a college student for murder in Italy?
The "case" against Amanda Knox
Interesting how perspective can change everything about a case.
Sounds to me like a spacey college student, with little understanding of her circumstances, having everything so does and says twisted around.
Interesting how perspective can change everything about a case.
Sounds to me like a spacey college student, with little understanding of her circumstances, having everything so does and says twisted around.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Settlements
Coming late to the party, but not because I haven't read and thought about it. But this Eric Martin post on the settlement question (vis-a-vis Israeli sanctions against the US (!!)) seems spot on.
Holocause Museum
Worth a mention.
When does three far right wacko shootings make a trend? How about accompanied by the level of hatred that continues to spill out on the far right about Obama?
Shep Smith expresses his concern about the base.
Am I saying the GOP is violent? No--no way. Not for a moment. But I think the GOP in general, and some Republicans in particular, find that irresponsibly fanning the flames of citizen anger against their perceived political opponents to be about the only thing they know how to do anymore.
When does three far right wacko shootings make a trend? How about accompanied by the level of hatred that continues to spill out on the far right about Obama?
Shep Smith expresses his concern about the base.
Am I saying the GOP is violent? No--no way. Not for a moment. But I think the GOP in general, and some Republicans in particular, find that irresponsibly fanning the flames of citizen anger against their perceived political opponents to be about the only thing they know how to do anymore.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Train a comin'?
Sounds like it. Maybe some stimulus money can be used? Or gambling revenues? Seems to me a train to Mount Airy would be in their best interest as well.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Save Salt Publishing
The arts are getting hammered in the recession, all over the globe. A publisher I've long admired, Salt Publishing in the UK, typifies what is going on, and is struggling to keep it going. Some of their fans have worked to help save them, through a Just One Book campaign. Vince Gotera has the lowdown.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Another day in the "He's Not George W. Bush" Show
Not enough to quiet the Skull & Crossbones conspiracy theorists, but I'm really digging this.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Obama's Cairo speech
Many on the right are left, as we've seen time and time again after a very good Obama speech, as sputtering obstructionists.
Some are just making stuff up. Others (like Hewitt) are bemoaning that Obama has abandoned thuggish neo-con foreign policy so publicly. These people confuse the fact of Obama speaking on Muslim issues in a Muslim country with him seemingly agreeing with Islamists--they are looking for the codes, in other words.
His actual speech, however, lays out, to a Muslim audience very solid and non-controversial policies: The case for a two-state solution to the Palestinian/Israeli conflict (while taking a direct shot at Holocaust deniers), telling Muslims that they have a responsibility toward peace (loved this line: "America will align our policies with those who pursue peace"), telling Iran they cannot have nukes, and so on.
The difference Obama brings is the same one that got him elected: The willingness to negotiate through respectful interactions instead of pre-conditions, presidential war authority as a negotiating tactic, and the recognition that diplomacy works, by and large, by getting people to concentrate on the mutual goals rather than on the concessions to get there.
This speech, the latest of a series of speeches of the century by Obama, is one I'm thinking over in light of a fantastic Ambinder column I've been mulling over for the last day or so.
Some are just making stuff up. Others (like Hewitt) are bemoaning that Obama has abandoned thuggish neo-con foreign policy so publicly. These people confuse the fact of Obama speaking on Muslim issues in a Muslim country with him seemingly agreeing with Islamists--they are looking for the codes, in other words.
His actual speech, however, lays out, to a Muslim audience very solid and non-controversial policies: The case for a two-state solution to the Palestinian/Israeli conflict (while taking a direct shot at Holocaust deniers), telling Muslims that they have a responsibility toward peace (loved this line: "America will align our policies with those who pursue peace"), telling Iran they cannot have nukes, and so on.
The difference Obama brings is the same one that got him elected: The willingness to negotiate through respectful interactions instead of pre-conditions, presidential war authority as a negotiating tactic, and the recognition that diplomacy works, by and large, by getting people to concentrate on the mutual goals rather than on the concessions to get there.
This speech, the latest of a series of speeches of the century by Obama, is one I'm thinking over in light of a fantastic Ambinder column I've been mulling over for the last day or so.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Is Sotomayor a "reverse racist?"
Putting aside the linguistic tangling the phrase "reverse racist" brings to mind, the full data set of Sotomayor's rulings on race say "no."
Friday, May 29, 2009
The incredible shrinking economy
5.7% last quarter.
There appear to be some signs of recovery in the medium-term. But 5.7% in one quarter is stunning.
There appear to be some signs of recovery in the medium-term. But 5.7% in one quarter is stunning.
Painless way to save some energy costs?
Painting your roof white.
Won't work for a lot of people who can't paint their roof (!), and renters aren't helped. But I had half my roof replaced last year with much lighter colored shingles and it does seem a bit cooler on that side of the house where before the sun room there would get very, very warm in the summer.
Won't work for a lot of people who can't paint their roof (!), and renters aren't helped. But I had half my roof replaced last year with much lighter colored shingles and it does seem a bit cooler on that side of the house where before the sun room there would get very, very warm in the summer.
Iococca to lose pension and car in Chrysler bankruptcy
Executive plan is unsecured, it seems.
It does kind of suck, even though he's doing fine. One of the few cases of company executives not being first in line, however.
It does kind of suck, even though he's doing fine. One of the few cases of company executives not being first in line, however.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Smacking down the anti-Sotomayor rhetoric
Nate Silver is on the case. The best thing that Democrats are doing is letting the Republicans have a go at it, however.
Given the way many of the base have gone at it, you'd have thought that Obama appointed an outright socialist. Certainly the far-right, who were girding for this fight long before the actual appointment (with their fill-in-the-blanks talking points), are acting like Obama appointed Krugman or something. Most people, so far, realize at least that Obama did not actually nominate a far left wacko. Could he have? Sure, but he didn't.
And God forbid a judge should have empathy! For all the wackiness about empathetic judges, it was Robert Bork, during his nomination hearings, that tried to save himself by acknowledging the necessity for empathy by a judge for the people in the process.
Given the way many of the base have gone at it, you'd have thought that Obama appointed an outright socialist. Certainly the far-right, who were girding for this fight long before the actual appointment (with their fill-in-the-blanks talking points), are acting like Obama appointed Krugman or something. Most people, so far, realize at least that Obama did not actually nominate a far left wacko. Could he have? Sure, but he didn't.
And God forbid a judge should have empathy! For all the wackiness about empathetic judges, it was Robert Bork, during his nomination hearings, that tried to save himself by acknowledging the necessity for empathy by a judge for the people in the process.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Ruth Padel quits, admits to spreading dirt on Derek Walcott
Another day in the life of British academia.
I get the feeling that this was a much bigger (and deadlier) deal in the distant past.
I get the feeling that this was a much bigger (and deadlier) deal in the distant past.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day
As a father, these images still affect me very deeply.
I know it is anecdotal and all. But war always kills innocents. It is worth remembering, even on this memorial day.
I know it is anecdotal and all. But war always kills innocents. It is worth remembering, even on this memorial day.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Overheard in New York
I always laugh out loud (literally) when I read this blog.
This one tickled my "father of a five year old little girl" funny bone.
This one tickled my "father of a five year old little girl" funny bone.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Pelosi! Pelosi! Pelosi!
The woman the Right loves to hate, isn't she? Can't say I like her, but I do like how the Right gets themselves all twisted up trying to show how she's the anti-Christ.
On the "what she knew, when she knew it front" it doesn't appear that her story is straight, which has caused a tizzy among the GOP who sense blood in the water (not realizing, I think, that most of the blood in the water is theirs, and is self-inflicted). As a Democrat I would love to make this torture issue about Pelosi: It means the GOP concedes that torture is bad and is something that should have been confronted years ago.
And the more they go after Pelosi, the more effective the counterpunch will be: What did Bush know? When? And why didn't he do anything?
As it turns out, of all the people involved Pelosi is the only one asking for an independent Truth Commission. Seems hardly the thing a guilty person would call for. And in any case, the CIA records on this very issue isn't altogether trustworthy.
Remember those lost videotapes of torture sessions? Still trust the CIA over Pelosi? For some on the far Right, it is a tough call: Trust a torturing secret government group with a huge (growing) and unaccountable budget, over a San Francisco Democrat. Hmmmm.
On the "what she knew, when she knew it front" it doesn't appear that her story is straight, which has caused a tizzy among the GOP who sense blood in the water (not realizing, I think, that most of the blood in the water is theirs, and is self-inflicted). As a Democrat I would love to make this torture issue about Pelosi: It means the GOP concedes that torture is bad and is something that should have been confronted years ago.
And the more they go after Pelosi, the more effective the counterpunch will be: What did Bush know? When? And why didn't he do anything?
As it turns out, of all the people involved Pelosi is the only one asking for an independent Truth Commission. Seems hardly the thing a guilty person would call for. And in any case, the CIA records on this very issue isn't altogether trustworthy.
Remember those lost videotapes of torture sessions? Still trust the CIA over Pelosi? For some on the far Right, it is a tough call: Trust a torturing secret government group with a huge (growing) and unaccountable budget, over a San Francisco Democrat. Hmmmm.
Showing dinosaurs means you are un-American!
Or something like that. Hard to tell with the mumbling far Right these days.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Michael Steele: A Walking Democratic Ad
Michael Steele at the NRA: "Whenever they can, wherever they can, the Democrats want to take away the rights of law abiding citizens to own and purchase a gun - a right that is guaranteed under the United States Constitution. ..
This is so 2004, Michael "my man."
All the Dems have to do is act, well, human. A tough act at times, I know. But Steele set the bar so low for Democrats he might as well have left it on the floor.
This is so 2004, Michael "my man."
All the Dems have to do is act, well, human. A tough act at times, I know. But Steele set the bar so low for Democrats he might as well have left it on the floor.
Wayman Tisdale passes away of cancer
CBS Sportsline blurb
A very good college player who stuck around in the NBA a long time. But he made a new career for himself as a smooth jazz bassist. A good guy taken far, far too soon.
A very good college player who stuck around in the NBA a long time. But he made a new career for himself as a smooth jazz bassist. A good guy taken far, far too soon.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Misplaced apology
Oprah apologizes for James Frey incident--to James Frey (!!)
"I'm sorry I shamed you" to a guy who was a fraud. Jeez.
"I'm sorry I shamed you" to a guy who was a fraud. Jeez.
Pardon me, but your bias is showing...
Washington Times runs a photo of the Obama kids to accompany a story on murdered Chicago schoolkids
Update: "Wasn't us! It was our photo picking machine!"
Sad. The Washington Times, to get out of a charge of bias, admits it uses no editorial judgement at all in the use of accompanying images.
Update: "Wasn't us! It was our photo picking machine!"
Sad. The Washington Times, to get out of a charge of bias, admits it uses no editorial judgement at all in the use of accompanying images.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Irish student posts fake quote on Wikipedia
Not news, you say? How about the fact that hundreds of blogs and newspapers picked up the quote, most without attribution to Wikipedia, and published it as true?
Kudos to the Guardian, who not only corrected the mistake but owned up to it in the first place.
Kudos to the Guardian, who not only corrected the mistake but owned up to it in the first place.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Crist tosses his hat in
Charlie Crist running for Senate
I hope he gets the nod. Given the sad state of the GOP, the only way I can see to save the party (and allow a range of conservative voices on the national stage) is to hope for the success of the moderate GOP member campaigns.
Nothing breed success like success, as the Democrats found out when a moderate Southern Governor (Clinton) ran, won, and dominated Democratic politics for 10 years.
And no, I'm not of the mind that Charlie Crist is hoping for the evangelical bad speller vote.
I hope he gets the nod. Given the sad state of the GOP, the only way I can see to save the party (and allow a range of conservative voices on the national stage) is to hope for the success of the moderate GOP member campaigns.
Nothing breed success like success, as the Democrats found out when a moderate Southern Governor (Clinton) ran, won, and dominated Democratic politics for 10 years.
And no, I'm not of the mind that Charlie Crist is hoping for the evangelical bad speller vote.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Does the GOP need a little affirmation?
Maybe they need a Therapy Buddy.
I can just see Glen Beck clicking on the "Hear My Voice" link over an over during the course of the day.
I can just see Glen Beck clicking on the "Hear My Voice" link over an over during the course of the day.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Israel and the NPT
I, for one, had no idea that Israel was not a signatory to the Nuclean Non-proliferation Treaty. Well, for two.
Apparently the fact that Israel is a country with nukes is a wink-wink kind of thing--for years! From the Andrew Sullivan reader:
There is a very simple reason why we have to pretend that Israel does not possess nuclear weapons- the Non Proliferation Treaty. Under the treaty and US law, a non-signatory to the treaty (such as Israel) who acquires nuclear weapons is prohibited from receiving any foreign aid or military aid (the last estimates I saw were that Israel receives about a quarter of the US's entire foreign aid budget, and half of our foreign military aid budget). So there you go.
Damn, who knew?
I predict Israel's signing the NPT will be a precondition for negotations very, very soon. After all, if they won't sign, what incentive would other nations in the Middle East have to sign?
Apparently the fact that Israel is a country with nukes is a wink-wink kind of thing--for years! From the Andrew Sullivan reader:
There is a very simple reason why we have to pretend that Israel does not possess nuclear weapons- the Non Proliferation Treaty. Under the treaty and US law, a non-signatory to the treaty (such as Israel) who acquires nuclear weapons is prohibited from receiving any foreign aid or military aid (the last estimates I saw were that Israel receives about a quarter of the US's entire foreign aid budget, and half of our foreign military aid budget). So there you go.
Damn, who knew?
I predict Israel's signing the NPT will be a precondition for negotations very, very soon. After all, if they won't sign, what incentive would other nations in the Middle East have to sign?
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Monday, May 04, 2009
What's wrong with the GOP, part 5000
Anonymous Liberal with a nice piece.
[T]he problem is not the ideas, but the attitude. Republicans are coming across as a bunch of obnoxious, unreasonable a-holes
[T]he problem is not the ideas, but the attitude. Republicans are coming across as a bunch of obnoxious, unreasonable a-holes
Friday, May 01, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
New music notation helping special needs students
In Finland, a teacher develops a new notation system to help musically gifted special needs students.
Anything which unlocks the doors in the minds of these kids is a good thing. And this, in particular, is a great thing.
Anything which unlocks the doors in the minds of these kids is a good thing. And this, in particular, is a great thing.
Local view, swine flu
Mount Pocono is making some money off this, anyway
And down the road a few miles,
Sanofi is ready to get to work on a vaccine when they get the OK from the WHO and the viral strain itself.
Makes my blog title a little ironic, this thing does.
And down the road a few miles,
Sanofi is ready to get to work on a vaccine when they get the OK from the WHO and the viral strain itself.
Makes my blog title a little ironic, this thing does.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Arlen Specter, D-PA
Some responses from the De-Nile:
Jim DeMint: The GOP Lost PA Because of "Forced Unionization" (Rebuttal: Union membership in PA is flat or has dropped the last few years)
Losing is Winning!: Bill Kristol and Jim Inhofe, among others. (Rebuttal: None needed here, really. Let's make it a party of say, 25 dudes, then. Now that's winning!)
Michael Steele: Specter is ungrateful--his mamma would be embarrased. (Rebuttal: I guess the GOP thought Specter was their bitch forever.)
My own belief is that Specter looks out first for Specter, and he saw the writing on the wall. But the GOP made his switch awfully easy. Ths blocked quotes from Specter at this post about his press conference about sums it up. The far right GOP members worked very hard and were very up-front about getting rid of Specter. For them to be whining now about his switch just shows how amateur they all are.
Jim DeMint: The GOP Lost PA Because of "Forced Unionization" (Rebuttal: Union membership in PA is flat or has dropped the last few years)
Losing is Winning!: Bill Kristol and Jim Inhofe, among others. (Rebuttal: None needed here, really. Let's make it a party of say, 25 dudes, then. Now that's winning!)
Michael Steele: Specter is ungrateful--his mamma would be embarrased. (Rebuttal: I guess the GOP thought Specter was their bitch forever.)
My own belief is that Specter looks out first for Specter, and he saw the writing on the wall. But the GOP made his switch awfully easy. Ths blocked quotes from Specter at this post about his press conference about sums it up. The far right GOP members worked very hard and were very up-front about getting rid of Specter. For them to be whining now about his switch just shows how amateur they all are.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
How it should work when questioning people
First, no blood splatter, yes? That photo Andrew Sullivan uses all the time is just crazy gross.
How it should work.
How it should work.
Alec Baldwin writes!
Daniel Adel review:
“I never wanted to write this book,” he tells us at the outset, in a hangdog advisory that we shouldn’t expect too much. It was also a book I never wanted to read, but here we are, Alec and I, making the best of a bad situation.
HT: The Millions
“I never wanted to write this book,” he tells us at the outset, in a hangdog advisory that we shouldn’t expect too much. It was also a book I never wanted to read, but here we are, Alec and I, making the best of a bad situation.
HT: The Millions
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Barcelona!
Spent half my honeymoon there (one week). Beautiful town--one of the prettiest cities in the world. Nice piece in the NYT on it.
Time, dammit
Running for Mayor has sucked up nearly all my blogging time, sorry. Will work harder at it!
Friday, April 17, 2009
The story, from El Paso
The border city weighs in on the drug war, "border warriors," and media breathlessness.
I've always thought that we need to be listening to those who actually live on the border when developing border strategies. You know, kinda like listening the the Iraqis when developing Iraqi strategy, the economy when developing economic strategy, or science when developing climate strategy.
Silly me.
One would have thought giving local viewpoints a bigger voice in this issue would be right up the GOP alley, particularly coupled with obvious-to-point-out media overreach. Heh. Philosophical consistency isn't a GOP strongpoint, it seems.
I've always thought that we need to be listening to those who actually live on the border when developing border strategies. You know, kinda like listening the the Iraqis when developing Iraqi strategy, the economy when developing economic strategy, or science when developing climate strategy.
Silly me.
One would have thought giving local viewpoints a bigger voice in this issue would be right up the GOP alley, particularly coupled with obvious-to-point-out media overreach. Heh. Philosophical consistency isn't a GOP strongpoint, it seems.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Mall operator files for bankruptcy
Operates over 200 malls in the US.
This is all needed, but I'm hopeful we'll come out of all this with a change in how we view success in the economic sphere. No longer should success be defined by continuous and overexcited growth, but rather by steady returns and profits.
This is all needed, but I'm hopeful we'll come out of all this with a change in how we view success in the economic sphere. No longer should success be defined by continuous and overexcited growth, but rather by steady returns and profits.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Some counterintuitive information on trade deficits from PPI
Trade deficits are down (way down)--that's a good thing, right? Maybe not.
"Higher imports (and usually, therefore, higher trade deficits) have usually been indicators of falling unemployment, while lower imports and trade deficits [as in 1982, 1991 and 2001] go hand-in-hand with rising unemployment."
"Higher imports (and usually, therefore, higher trade deficits) have usually been indicators of falling unemployment, while lower imports and trade deficits [as in 1982, 1991 and 2001] go hand-in-hand with rising unemployment."
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Obama derangement syndrome
At least Democrats were behind Bush before they turned on him. The Republicans seem to have no trouble turning on a dime when a Democrat gets elected:
Jonah Goldberg taking some heat for mentioning Obama but not accompanying it by making a devil-warding sign and spitting.
Meanwhile, conservative media has already shot its wad over doomsday predictions.
Jonah Goldberg taking some heat for mentioning Obama but not accompanying it by making a devil-warding sign and spitting.
Meanwhile, conservative media has already shot its wad over doomsday predictions.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Future Glenn Beck quote: "I had no idea they'd take me seriously"
Glenn Beck has found his niche: Professional GOP Alarmist.
That whole "journalist" thing was a drag. Too much reading.
That whole "journalist" thing was a drag. Too much reading.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Monday, April 06, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Irony?
Netanyahu interview: Obama's top foreign priority should be to keep Iran from getting nukes.
Why: "You don't want a messianic apocalyptic cult controlling atomic bombs. When the wide-eyed believer gets hold of the reins of power and the weapons of mass death, then the entire world should start worrying, and that is what is happening in [ ]."
Hmmm.... Sound familiar?
Why: "You don't want a messianic apocalyptic cult controlling atomic bombs. When the wide-eyed believer gets hold of the reins of power and the weapons of mass death, then the entire world should start worrying, and that is what is happening in [ ]."
Hmmm.... Sound familiar?
Sounds about right
The number of Americans who believe that the nation is headed in the right direction has roughly tripled since Barack Obama's election, and the public overwhelmingly blames the excesses of the financial industry, rather than the new president, for turmoil in the economy, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Jim Webb's prison reform push
Seems to me a gutsy move by Webb. The most obvious reason is that it is so easy for him to lose, politically, on this issue and few obvious ways to gain.
Some links:
Marc Ambinder note
Webb floor speech (pdf)
Long Glenn Greenwald post on Webb's gambit.
Some links:
Marc Ambinder note
Webb floor speech (pdf)
Long Glenn Greenwald post on Webb's gambit.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Putting blame where it belongs
A very good piece by Simon Johnson (formerly of the IMF) about the politics of economic crises.
His point is that while there is plenty of blame, the problem boils down to changes in policy, time and time again, which benefited the financial industry.
...[B]ut these various policies—lightweight regulation, cheap money, the unwritten Chinese-American economic alliance, the promotion of homeownership—had something in common. Even though some are traditionally associated with Democrats and some with Republicans, they all benefited the financial sector. Policy changes that might have forestalled the crisis but would have limited the financial sector’s profits—such as Brooksley Born’s now-famous attempts to regulate credit-default swaps at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, in 1998—were ignored or swept aside.
His point is that while there is plenty of blame, the problem boils down to changes in policy, time and time again, which benefited the financial industry.
...[B]ut these various policies—lightweight regulation, cheap money, the unwritten Chinese-American economic alliance, the promotion of homeownership—had something in common. Even though some are traditionally associated with Democrats and some with Republicans, they all benefited the financial sector. Policy changes that might have forestalled the crisis but would have limited the financial sector’s profits—such as Brooksley Born’s now-famous attempts to regulate credit-default swaps at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, in 1998—were ignored or swept aside.
Out-of-network insurance fees to get a long look
About damn time.
It's a scam how insurance companies determine how much they will pay of a bill, for a customer who pays their premiums but suddenly wants to use the insurance they've been paying for. The gall!
It's a scam how insurance companies determine how much they will pay of a bill, for a customer who pays their premiums but suddenly wants to use the insurance they've been paying for. The gall!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Israeli aggression
Just typing that title probably prevents me from holding a government job with any oversight or analysis on Middle Easter affairs, eh?
Andrew Sullivan today, picking up on Hitchens, hones in on the troubles that fundamentalism in Israel might cause.
Andrew Sullivan today, picking up on Hitchens, hones in on the troubles that fundamentalism in Israel might cause.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Eliot Spitzer comeback
I noticed this a few days ago, as the AIG bonuses stories took hold. But appearenly Eliot Spitzer is back out from underneath the blankets and hard at work.
Couldn't resist the snark.
Still, though, this is good news. Now, if only Obama would tap Jon Corzine for Treasury this would be a good week...
Couldn't resist the snark.
Still, though, this is good news. Now, if only Obama would tap Jon Corzine for Treasury this would be a good week...
SCOTUS to examine strip search of high school student
Schools have been rights-free bubbles for some time now, mostly because conservatives can't stand the idea of students actually standing up for their rights.
But no probable cause for the strip search of this high school girl (over ibuprofen) might rock their world.
Apparently, even being good is irrelevant. Money quote, from the school district's brief:
“Her assertion should not be misread to infer that she never broke school rules,” the district said of Ms. Redding in a brief, “only that she was never caught.”
But no probable cause for the strip search of this high school girl (over ibuprofen) might rock their world.
Apparently, even being good is irrelevant. Money quote, from the school district's brief:
“Her assertion should not be misread to infer that she never broke school rules,” the district said of Ms. Redding in a brief, “only that she was never caught.”
Monday, March 23, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Serendipity?
Actor saves man who fell on subway tracks.
The 33-year-old actor appears in a show called "Kasper Hauser" in a role that requires him to repeatedly lift a character who cannot walk.
The 33-year-old actor appears in a show called "Kasper Hauser" in a role that requires him to repeatedly lift a character who cannot walk.
AIG-Gate
Turns out, 11 of the employees getting a "retention bonus" aren't even with the company anymore.
Manzi, quoted by Andrew Sullivan, tries to put it into perspective. Manzi misses the point, however, that small things do matter, particularly in the financial markets which run equally on money and emotion.
Manzi, quoted by Andrew Sullivan, tries to put it into perspective. Manzi misses the point, however, that small things do matter, particularly in the financial markets which run equally on money and emotion.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Same story, three headlines
In a fantasy sports thread about "liberal media bias," one poster linked to the following FOX news story:
Leftist Ex-CNN Reporter Wins El Salvador Presidency
Here's the story on the Associated Press site:
Salvadoran leftist president promises moderation
For "balance," here's the story as posted on the left-leaning Talking Points Memo: Salvadoran leftist president promises moderation: El Salvador's new lefist president promises to unite country, maintain strong US relations
Leftist Ex-CNN Reporter Wins El Salvador Presidency
Here's the story on the Associated Press site:
Salvadoran leftist president promises moderation
For "balance," here's the story as posted on the left-leaning Talking Points Memo:
Friday, March 13, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Puncturing the balloon
James Poniewozik tells it like it is. Money quote:
CNBC's reaction is colored by its stressed-out day trader's focus on the short term. When ordinary people think about the economy, they think about jobs, college, retirement. Sure, the stock market affects them in the long run — but so do job security and the threat of getting wiped out by health-care bills. When CNBC considers the economy, it means Wall Street's numbers that day, that hour, that minute. CNBC may pay lip service to the long term, but it has the time horizon of a fruit fly.
The daily change in the various stock markets are hugely overemphasized as a thermometer of the economy. And CNBC rides that wave all day, every day. They know no other beach, in fact.
CNBC's reaction is colored by its stressed-out day trader's focus on the short term. When ordinary people think about the economy, they think about jobs, college, retirement. Sure, the stock market affects them in the long run — but so do job security and the threat of getting wiped out by health-care bills. When CNBC considers the economy, it means Wall Street's numbers that day, that hour, that minute. CNBC may pay lip service to the long term, but it has the time horizon of a fruit fly.
The daily change in the various stock markets are hugely overemphasized as a thermometer of the economy. And CNBC rides that wave all day, every day. They know no other beach, in fact.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Mr. Big?
Today I filed papers and petitions to be on the ballot for Mayor of Mount Pocono. A high prestige, low power position, I don't believe there is any other Democrat for the primary and only one Republican will be filing that I know of (who is also running for borough council again I believe).
More later.... I'm a little nervous about the whole thing, but excited as well.
More later.... I'm a little nervous about the whole thing, but excited as well.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Might as well exhale
There's no reason to hold our breaths anymore, hoping yahoos like Jim Cramer will own up to their part in the current financial collapse. He's too busy peddling an "Obama-proof" portfolio.
Obama administration struggling with whitehouse.gov
Maybe they are still using TRS 80 computers?
I suspect that the Obama campaign is now realizing the drawbacks of the results of competitive bidding.
I suspect that the Obama campaign is now realizing the drawbacks of the results of competitive bidding.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The Zombie Party
How to Marginalize a National Party, Part I: Keep insisting Obama is not a citizen, to loud applause.
Republicans have enjoyed very strong party cohension for many years--it is a hallmark of the GOP. But right now it is binding up a zombie, with yahoos as the mouthpieces for a once-great national party. Until the GOP can get back on its feet (with something more than being against everything Obama proposes), we're stuck with this sideshow from the Right.
Republicans have enjoyed very strong party cohension for many years--it is a hallmark of the GOP. But right now it is binding up a zombie, with yahoos as the mouthpieces for a once-great national party. Until the GOP can get back on its feet (with something more than being against everything Obama proposes), we're stuck with this sideshow from the Right.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
How to we solve problems?
Good blog post by Andrew Sullivan about the stimulus and how we approach problems Megan's quote to open the post really nails it, and follows up on some other recent posts by Andrew along the same theme. The GOP seems hellbent on solving the wrong problem.
Partisan religious hack getting called on it.
P O'Neill with a refreshing piece, telling it like it is.
Unfortunately it will get worse, much worse, for the Catholic Church before it gets better.
Unfortunately it will get worse, much worse, for the Catholic Church before it gets better.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Careful what you write...
Apparently you can't go to a writer's festival in Dubai if you have a character who is gay.
I think a writer of Atwood's stature pulling out will hurt them. Image is everything in the Middle East, and the UAE has been presenting themselves as very moderate.
I think a writer of Atwood's stature pulling out will hurt them. Image is everything in the Middle East, and the UAE has been presenting themselves as very moderate.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Salman Rushdie named one of New York's "hottest bachelor"
I have to admit to knowing nothing, really, about Page Six, but the fact that they named Rushdie as one of New York's "hottest bachelor" makes me think that there must be, like, 50 single guys in New York anymore. Maybe they are confused by the fact that he had a hot wife.
Go at it, ladies:
Go at it, ladies:
Limbaugh still rooting for failure
Without anything to add to the discourse, the Right has been reduced to hoping that the economy collapses under the Obama Administration.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Can a switch to Gallons per Mile make a difference?
Sure, it is measuring the same thing. But since we think of MPG as a measure of efficiency, a better measuring tool might bring that out.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Roman Catholic Church moving even farther away from Vatican II reforms
As if VII never existed. Indulgences!
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Monday, February 02, 2009
WTF? News
Why is it when I have so little time I continue to run across these time-wasting, tasty, web sites like Pantagraph.com?
Their latest headlines:
Their latest headlines:
- Snowmobilers want to ride to high school
- Disc jockey to part with Jenny's number after 30-40 calls a day
- Police stumble across marijuana field on Google Earth
- University student graduated against her will, kicked out of dorm
- Cop reaches into foamy sewage tank to rescue dog
- Police arrest man driving boom lift at 3 a.m.
- Man accused of riding a horse drunk in snowstorm
- Man busted twice within hours on marijuana charges
- Man allegedly rams police chief's truck 3 times
- Cops: Sister beats up bride at wedding reception
- Police: Snow footprints foil 2 burglary suspects
- Man accused of dealing drugs in police station restroom
- Police chief agrees to be stunned for charity
- Police: Boy dressed as girl to cheat on exam
- Cold weather helps catch escaped inmate
- Police: Man delivered stolen newspapers for years
- Restaurant workers tell boss: It's on the house
- Police: Man stages own arrest to join brother in jail
- Police: Man stole $20,000 work computer, then its replacement
- Police find over 100 feral animals at mobile home
- One for the books: Baby born in Denver library
- Woman arrested after teaching kids how to shoplift
- Employees, patron subdue robber with serving spoon
- Mistrial after defendant smears feces on lawyer's face
- Firefighter suspended from band over nod to Obama
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Second Obama appointee with tax problems
Can't blame this one on Obama, however. Daschle hid his tax problem during the vetting process.
Typically I'd say the tax problem is no big deal. But the hiding it from the Obama team is a big deal. If he were hiding it from those on his side, who is to say he won't do the same (or worse) to his perceived political opponents?
Make an example of him and cut him loose.
Typically I'd say the tax problem is no big deal. But the hiding it from the Obama team is a big deal. If he were hiding it from those on his side, who is to say he won't do the same (or worse) to his perceived political opponents?
Make an example of him and cut him loose.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Since when are Republicans against tax cuts?
When they are proposed by Democrats.
This is going to bite them in the ass, in the end. The last two elections have seen the GOP going the wrong way against what the voters want (2005: "The cutting taxes and ballooning the budget will force the government into fiscal responsibility! 2009: Deficit spending is bad bad bad!")
This does have echoes of 1993, but really: Not a single Republican could vote their political conscience over party unity?
This is going to bite them in the ass, in the end. The last two elections have seen the GOP going the wrong way against what the voters want (2005: "The cutting taxes and ballooning the budget will force the government into fiscal responsibility! 2009: Deficit spending is bad bad bad!")
This does have echoes of 1993, but really: Not a single Republican could vote their political conscience over party unity?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
GOP to vote "no" on stimulus package anyway
Despite Obama outreach, it looks like the GOP will vote down the stimulus bill no matter what.
They'll nitpick it to death, then vote "no" in the end. Doesn't sound like a good reason for Dems to compromise if the GOP members aren't willing to vote for it in the end. Essentially, they want Obama to own the stimulus bill and hang it on him.
I'm not so sure that the GOP really has any political courage anymore, but I can't blame them too much on this. They simply can't bring themselves to work on a bill with which they disagree, and are doubling down on a long-lasting economic downturn in the hopes of blaming it all on the Dems and riding that to political victory.
Hmmm. Maybe I can blame them after all.
They'll nitpick it to death, then vote "no" in the end. Doesn't sound like a good reason for Dems to compromise if the GOP members aren't willing to vote for it in the end. Essentially, they want Obama to own the stimulus bill and hang it on him.
I'm not so sure that the GOP really has any political courage anymore, but I can't blame them too much on this. They simply can't bring themselves to work on a bill with which they disagree, and are doubling down on a long-lasting economic downturn in the hopes of blaming it all on the Dems and riding that to political victory.
Hmmm. Maybe I can blame them after all.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Pope brings back ultra conservative bishops, including a Holocaust denier
Is this the kind of leadership the Church needs?
Benedict acts as though Vatican II never existed--a Vatican II denier, as it were.
Benedict acts as though Vatican II never existed--a Vatican II denier, as it were.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wall Street Smarts, or Let's Stop Enabling Them
Merrill Lynch: Greedy and Dumb
Get rid of all bonuses, on any executive at any level, for the next two years. You give bonuses to either (1) Reward extraordinary service or (2) to retain talent.
Neither of these apply anymore.
Get rid of all bonuses, on any executive at any level, for the next two years. You give bonuses to either (1) Reward extraordinary service or (2) to retain talent.
Neither of these apply anymore.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Let the hate begin!
Scott Martin hoping (pretty please!) for economic destruction in order to prove a political point. The phrase "un-American" has been beat to death by conservatives, but if conservatives think of themselves as being the only true Americans, Scott's sentiment seems rather unconservative.
Others are hoping that if their fake argument about Obama's citizenship didn't work, that their fake argument about the oath will.
If only some of these people had raised a finger during the last 8 years while Bush beat the drums for a bigger government (in all areas: number of programs, employees, budget, and scope) they might have at least some dignity. They'd still be wrong, but they would have some philosophical leg to stand on. As it is, they just all sound cynical and petty, preaching louder and louder to smaller and smaller choirs.
Others are hoping that if their fake argument about Obama's citizenship didn't work, that their fake argument about the oath will.
If only some of these people had raised a finger during the last 8 years while Bush beat the drums for a bigger government (in all areas: number of programs, employees, budget, and scope) they might have at least some dignity. They'd still be wrong, but they would have some philosophical leg to stand on. As it is, they just all sound cynical and petty, preaching louder and louder to smaller and smaller choirs.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Beautiful Day in Washington
I don't hate the man, but "Former President George W. Bush" has a nice ring to it.
Great ceremony, great speech by Obama. Too bad Chief Justice Roberts screwed up the oath. A small mar on an otherwise great day.
Great ceremony, great speech by Obama. Too bad Chief Justice Roberts screwed up the oath. A small mar on an otherwise great day.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
W. D. Snodgrass, 1926-2009
First Hayden Carruth, then De. What's the "Middle of Nowhere, NY" going to do for resident poets now?
:)
The Poetry Foundation has a bunch of his poems up, plus an audio of part of his classic Heart's Needle.
:)
The Poetry Foundation has a bunch of his poems up, plus an audio of part of his classic Heart's Needle.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Henderson, Rice elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
I was glad to see Rice make it. Rickey Henderson was a lock. From the Yahoo article:
"Rickey Henderson's first-ballot election into Hall of Fame today is only fitting for the greatest leadoff hitter in baseball history," Oakland Athletics owner Lew Wolff said. "We are proud that much of Rickey's career was spent here in his hometown of Oakland, where he provided Bay Area fans with so many thrills as perhaps the most exciting player of his generation."
Just for fun, mentally substitute "Rickey Henderson" for "Oakland Athletics owner Lew Wolff." It works!
"Rickey Henderson's first-ballot election into Hall of Fame today is only fitting for the greatest leadoff hitter in baseball history," Oakland Athletics owner Lew Wolff said. "We are proud that much of Rickey's career was spent here in his hometown of Oakland, where he provided Bay Area fans with so many thrills as perhaps the most exciting player of his generation."
Just for fun, mentally substitute "Rickey Henderson" for "Oakland Athletics owner Lew Wolff." It works!
Friday, January 09, 2009
People who deserve it
What a find! They are all here: Express checkout cheater, Inaccurate Wikipedia contributor--many more.
Written in style which (oddly) reminds me of those Bud Light, Real Men of Genius/American Heroes campaign, the comments have just the right amount of outrage/intelligent bitchiness to be truthfully called righteous snarking.
Written in style which (oddly) reminds me of those Bud Light, Real Men of Genius/American Heroes campaign, the comments have just the right amount of outrage/intelligent bitchiness to be truthfully called righteous snarking.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Rare baseball card found
Rare baseball card found in Fresno.
The descriptions of these "collectors" are pretty good.
Ah, to have seen it and put up a bid on Ebay...
The descriptions of these "collectors" are pretty good.
Ah, to have seen it and put up a bid on Ebay...
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Fisking the Vatican on Plan B
Just wanted to park this here (and get feedback) while I think this through.
I'm not sure I agree with the last paragraph (that Catholics may take contraception in "good conscience"), since I believe this is directly against John Paul II's "Theology of the Body." But I want to root around a bit on it.
Overall, it is hard to follow the moral teachings of anyone (or anything) when they don't appear to be getting the science right. It smacks of an already-decided mentality that doesn't sit right.
Comments welcome, of course, particularly from Catholics.
I'm not sure I agree with the last paragraph (that Catholics may take contraception in "good conscience"), since I believe this is directly against John Paul II's "Theology of the Body." But I want to root around a bit on it.
Overall, it is hard to follow the moral teachings of anyone (or anything) when they don't appear to be getting the science right. It smacks of an already-decided mentality that doesn't sit right.
Comments welcome, of course, particularly from Catholics.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Forcing the children to suffer for religion
No, I'm not talking about the assholes at Westboro Baptist Church.
I'm referring to Christian Scientists who force their children into sickness and death from treatable illnesses on account of their (the parents') beliefs. Interesting letter to Andrew Sullivan on the point today bringing it home.
I couldn't help but muse, as Andrew is doing, about the possibility of John Travolta withholding medication from his son because of his own Scientology beliefs.
I'm referring to Christian Scientists who force their children into sickness and death from treatable illnesses on account of their (the parents') beliefs. Interesting letter to Andrew Sullivan on the point today bringing it home.
I couldn't help but muse, as Andrew is doing, about the possibility of John Travolta withholding medication from his son because of his own Scientology beliefs.
Back!
Back from vacation--I can't say enough about Castaway Bay. A cheap family waterpark, despite the lack of wireless access (which might have been a good thing).
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