Don't you love asshats who are always ranting about how they "don't own (or ever watch) a TV" as if they are somehow better than the rest of us idiots? It reminds me of hostile vegetarians. Not that I advocate planning your life by the TV Guide, but people should be able to do what they want. Here is a snippet from a funny article in Reason on the same topic-
"But we have plenty of reasons to doubt that bill of indictment on television. Children today are watching slightly less television per day than they were a decade ago, even as they continue to pork up. Violent crime rates have been falling in the United States for a decade; and rates of teen sexual activity and pregnancy have fallen dramatically since the mid-1990s. Average IQs have been soaring along with TV viewing for decades.
And it's not as though Americans have been sitting in front of their boob tubes and drooling all day for the past half-century of mass TV viewing. Our real gross domestic product has more than quintupled since 1950.
A lot of anti-TV attitudes are based in mere differences of opinion over what qualifies as a judicious use of one's free time. Critics are constantly hectoring viewers to wrench their eyes away from their flickering screens and get out and do something! Commentator Nina Buck offers a typical anti-TV screed, claiming that television "steals your life." Buck badgers couch potatoes: "Learn Italian! Take up underwater basket weaving, practice your circus act! Call your grandma, make dinner for your sweetheart, go salsa dancing, use pipe cleaners to make your hair look like Pippi Longstocking's!"
The suggestions are amusing (and I appreciate the tip on how to make my hair look like hair look like Pippi Longstocking's), but there is a solemn assumption behind them: that any activity will be less wasteful and more edifying than, for example, watching a good episode of The West Wing. It's not as though two or three generations ago people were sitting around discussing Kierkegaard and Kant with their children over the family dinner table every evening. In fact, most of them were fully engaged in the basic drudgery of earning a living or managing a household. The New York Times recently described a new survey that reported "what many Americans know but don't always admit, especially to social scientists: that watching TV is a very enjoyable way to pass the time, and that taking care of children—bless their young hearts—is often about as much fun as housework."
All of which is not to say that watching TV does not have some bad aspects—one can always get too much of a good thing—but it is hardly the instrument of mental, cultural, and moral degradation it is so often portrayed as. So feel free to wield that remote from time to time and just relax: There are few things more liberating than doing what you want with your time."
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Chuck Norris
Tales of Erotica: Chuck Norris and Me.
BY BRIAN BIEBER
Everyone loves getting turned on. Everyone loves high-kicking martial-arts action.
So I'm going to recount for you the very first heavy-petting session I engaged in with my first girlfriend when I was 16. But because I'm not sure that this girlfriend would appreciate me sharing these events, instead of using her real name, I'm going to refer to her as action star Chuck Norris. Likewise, any personal details about my ex-girlfriend that might implicate her directly will be changed to indicate achievements earned by Mr. Norris.
For example, instead of referring to Madeline as a junior-varsity-basketball cheerleader, I will refer to her as an international karate champion. And when I say "star of TV's Walker: Texas Ranger" I'll really mean "supporting cast member in a 1996 high-school production of Jesus Christ: Superstar."
Any references to sexual activities we engaged in will be disguised as martial-arts maneuvers or maybe wrestling holds. I won't say Maddie was the first girl I ever French-kissed, I'll say something to the effect of, "Chuck Norris kicked me so hard in the mouth I had to have my jaw wired shut."
When mentioning details that still embarrass me, I will go on and on with analogies that—if you really think about them—make sense, but are pretty difficult to follow. I won't sheepishly admit that even at 15 she was more experienced than I was. I'll ask you to imagine a younger Chuck Norris, not yet a master of his art, but perhaps an intermediate student, leading one of the newer karate students in basic "block, step, kick" exercises during the warm-up time before class, while the teacher is stretching. I won't tell you that before that afternoon on my parents' couch I had kissed only one other girl—awkwardly—on the cheek, and was quickly, but gently rebuffed. Instead, I'll casually share an anecdote about the time I sparred with Steven Seagal, who let me take a couple swings at him, but quickly got bored, and didn't even waste the energy it would take to break a few of my bones.
The thing about Chuck Norris is that he is not the least bit pretentious. He is not without moments of gracelessness—sometimes overextending a kick, or putting too much of his upper body behind a punch. His form is not nearly as fun to watch as Jet Li's exhausting acrobatics, and it is not quite as pretty as the phony grace of Jean-Claude Van Damme, whose elegance belies technique that is beautiful to look at but entirely useless in a real combat situation. More than anything, Chuck Norris is effective, and he is not self-conscious. I, on the other hand, was deathly afraid of getting a hickey.
I ran into Chuck three years after we stopped fighting regularly. We were both home from our respective colleges during a holiday break. We went to a movie one night, out to coffee another. Finally, the night before I was to return to school, our mutual animosity got the best of us and a fight broke out in the guest bedroom of my parents' house, where we had been watching Saturday Night Live. We had both trained hard in the previous years and were eager to demonstrate the new moves we had learned. In our eagerness, of course, we disregarded technique and the bout quickly turned into a brawl, our limbs flailing wildly, a mess. In this way, this battle was much like our first, but not nearly as sweet.
Afterward, I walked Chuck out to his car, feeling defeated. I leaned in close to the star of the box-office flop Firewalker and asked if he was sure that this was OK. He smiled at me tenderly, placed a hand on my cheek—a hand that had smashed pine boards and bricks, had shattered giant blocks of ice—and then he leapt into the air and delivered a devastating flying roundhouse kick to my skull.
BY BRIAN BIEBER
Everyone loves getting turned on. Everyone loves high-kicking martial-arts action.
So I'm going to recount for you the very first heavy-petting session I engaged in with my first girlfriend when I was 16. But because I'm not sure that this girlfriend would appreciate me sharing these events, instead of using her real name, I'm going to refer to her as action star Chuck Norris. Likewise, any personal details about my ex-girlfriend that might implicate her directly will be changed to indicate achievements earned by Mr. Norris.
For example, instead of referring to Madeline as a junior-varsity-basketball cheerleader, I will refer to her as an international karate champion. And when I say "star of TV's Walker: Texas Ranger" I'll really mean "supporting cast member in a 1996 high-school production of Jesus Christ: Superstar."
Any references to sexual activities we engaged in will be disguised as martial-arts maneuvers or maybe wrestling holds. I won't say Maddie was the first girl I ever French-kissed, I'll say something to the effect of, "Chuck Norris kicked me so hard in the mouth I had to have my jaw wired shut."
When mentioning details that still embarrass me, I will go on and on with analogies that—if you really think about them—make sense, but are pretty difficult to follow. I won't sheepishly admit that even at 15 she was more experienced than I was. I'll ask you to imagine a younger Chuck Norris, not yet a master of his art, but perhaps an intermediate student, leading one of the newer karate students in basic "block, step, kick" exercises during the warm-up time before class, while the teacher is stretching. I won't tell you that before that afternoon on my parents' couch I had kissed only one other girl—awkwardly—on the cheek, and was quickly, but gently rebuffed. Instead, I'll casually share an anecdote about the time I sparred with Steven Seagal, who let me take a couple swings at him, but quickly got bored, and didn't even waste the energy it would take to break a few of my bones.
The thing about Chuck Norris is that he is not the least bit pretentious. He is not without moments of gracelessness—sometimes overextending a kick, or putting too much of his upper body behind a punch. His form is not nearly as fun to watch as Jet Li's exhausting acrobatics, and it is not quite as pretty as the phony grace of Jean-Claude Van Damme, whose elegance belies technique that is beautiful to look at but entirely useless in a real combat situation. More than anything, Chuck Norris is effective, and he is not self-conscious. I, on the other hand, was deathly afraid of getting a hickey.
I ran into Chuck three years after we stopped fighting regularly. We were both home from our respective colleges during a holiday break. We went to a movie one night, out to coffee another. Finally, the night before I was to return to school, our mutual animosity got the best of us and a fight broke out in the guest bedroom of my parents' house, where we had been watching Saturday Night Live. We had both trained hard in the previous years and were eager to demonstrate the new moves we had learned. In our eagerness, of course, we disregarded technique and the bout quickly turned into a brawl, our limbs flailing wildly, a mess. In this way, this battle was much like our first, but not nearly as sweet.
Afterward, I walked Chuck out to his car, feeling defeated. I leaned in close to the star of the box-office flop Firewalker and asked if he was sure that this was OK. He smiled at me tenderly, placed a hand on my cheek—a hand that had smashed pine boards and bricks, had shattered giant blocks of ice—and then he leapt into the air and delivered a devastating flying roundhouse kick to my skull.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Prosperity is the best defense against a Tsunami
A Great Natural Disaster
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 12:01 a.m. EST
The world's thoughts are with the victims of the tsunamis that swept across South Asia Sunday, killing at least 23,000 and leaving millions homeless. In the coming weeks and months, the priority must be to render the survivors every possible assistance. The response so far has been admirably swift.
One might think that a disaster of this scale would transcend normal national or political considerations. But in the world of environmental zealotry, even an event such as this is seen as an opportunity to press the agenda. Thus, the source of the South Asian tsunami is being located in global warming.
In an interview with the Independent newspaper in Britain, Stephen Tindale, executive director of Greenpeace UK, said: "No one can ignore the relentless increase in extreme weather events and so-called natural disasters, which in reality are no more natural than a plastic Christmas tree." Speaking to the same newspaper, Friends of the Earth Director Tony Juniper pressed the argument home: "Here again are yet more events in the real world that are consistent with climate change predictions." It is perhaps appropriate that the strongest, recent refutation to such feverish assertions may be found in Michael Crichton's new thriller--also about environmental extremists, a tsunami and the myths of global warming.
People prone to hysteria often become further unhinged in the face of a great disaster, and that may explain these remarkable comments on the tsunami disaster. Still, these comments by the movement's leadership may serve as a case study of how such imaginings work their way into public discussion of the environment. That is all the more reason to come to grips with the real causes of calamities such as this.
Geologists say that groups of giant earthquakes hit Sumatra every 230 years or so. The last quakes there were in 1797 and 1833--and surely not even Greenpeace would blame those on greenhouse gases--and so Sunday's latest quake was more or less on schedule.
It is preposterous to blame the inexorable forces of nature on the development of industry and infrastructures of modern society. The more sensible response to natural disasters is to improve forecasting, put in place efficient communications and evacuation procedures and, should the worst arrive, conduct relief efforts and rebuild what nature has destroyed. Those cautionary measures, as is now clear, cost money. The national income necessary to afford them is made possible only by economic growth of the sort too many of environmentalists retard with their policy extremism.
Rich countries suffer fewer fatalities from natural disasters because their prosperity has allowed them to create better protective measures. Consider the 41,000 death toll in last December's earthquake in Iran compared with the 63 who died when a slightly stronger earthquake hit San Francisco in 1989.
The principal victims of the tidal waves in Sri Lanka and elsewhere Sunday were the poor people living in coastal shanty towns. The wealthier countries around the Pacific Rim have an established early-warning system against tsunamis, while none currently exists in South Asia. Developing countries that have resisted the Kyoto climate-change protocols have done so from fear that it will suppress their economic growth. These countries deserve an answer from the proponents of those standards. How are they supposed to pay for such protection amid measures that are suppressing global economic growth?
As we mourn the loss of life and unite to help the survivors rebuild their lives and communities, let's also bear in mind that the best long-term help is an economic environment that allows these nations to put in place better manmade defenses against future depredations from nature.
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 12:01 a.m. EST
The world's thoughts are with the victims of the tsunamis that swept across South Asia Sunday, killing at least 23,000 and leaving millions homeless. In the coming weeks and months, the priority must be to render the survivors every possible assistance. The response so far has been admirably swift.
One might think that a disaster of this scale would transcend normal national or political considerations. But in the world of environmental zealotry, even an event such as this is seen as an opportunity to press the agenda. Thus, the source of the South Asian tsunami is being located in global warming.
In an interview with the Independent newspaper in Britain, Stephen Tindale, executive director of Greenpeace UK, said: "No one can ignore the relentless increase in extreme weather events and so-called natural disasters, which in reality are no more natural than a plastic Christmas tree." Speaking to the same newspaper, Friends of the Earth Director Tony Juniper pressed the argument home: "Here again are yet more events in the real world that are consistent with climate change predictions." It is perhaps appropriate that the strongest, recent refutation to such feverish assertions may be found in Michael Crichton's new thriller--also about environmental extremists, a tsunami and the myths of global warming.
People prone to hysteria often become further unhinged in the face of a great disaster, and that may explain these remarkable comments on the tsunami disaster. Still, these comments by the movement's leadership may serve as a case study of how such imaginings work their way into public discussion of the environment. That is all the more reason to come to grips with the real causes of calamities such as this.
Geologists say that groups of giant earthquakes hit Sumatra every 230 years or so. The last quakes there were in 1797 and 1833--and surely not even Greenpeace would blame those on greenhouse gases--and so Sunday's latest quake was more or less on schedule.
It is preposterous to blame the inexorable forces of nature on the development of industry and infrastructures of modern society. The more sensible response to natural disasters is to improve forecasting, put in place efficient communications and evacuation procedures and, should the worst arrive, conduct relief efforts and rebuild what nature has destroyed. Those cautionary measures, as is now clear, cost money. The national income necessary to afford them is made possible only by economic growth of the sort too many of environmentalists retard with their policy extremism.
Rich countries suffer fewer fatalities from natural disasters because their prosperity has allowed them to create better protective measures. Consider the 41,000 death toll in last December's earthquake in Iran compared with the 63 who died when a slightly stronger earthquake hit San Francisco in 1989.
The principal victims of the tidal waves in Sri Lanka and elsewhere Sunday were the poor people living in coastal shanty towns. The wealthier countries around the Pacific Rim have an established early-warning system against tsunamis, while none currently exists in South Asia. Developing countries that have resisted the Kyoto climate-change protocols have done so from fear that it will suppress their economic growth. These countries deserve an answer from the proponents of those standards. How are they supposed to pay for such protection amid measures that are suppressing global economic growth?
As we mourn the loss of life and unite to help the survivors rebuild their lives and communities, let's also bear in mind that the best long-term help is an economic environment that allows these nations to put in place better manmade defenses against future depredations from nature.
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Web Games
Bored at work? Try some of these web games-
www.sticky.tv/game/cyrkam_airtos/
www.sheppardsoftware.com/web_games_menu.htm
www.sticky.tv/game/cyrkam_airtos/
www.sheppardsoftware.com/web_games_menu.htm
New Years Just Got Dirtier
Wyld Stalyn Chris Haberman's band is playing on New Years at Paola's in PDX- Our own MC is opening too- check it out!
"HELLO Y'ALL:
If you have NOTHING ELSE TO DO...my band (The Red Deadly) is playing at Paola's (Milwaukie Ave. next to the Alladdin Theater) on NEW YEARS EVE....two long sets...strong drinks, estranged locals....and it is absolutely FREE FREE FREE...9
9:30 start up..with warm welcoming acoustic onslaught from the Interstate duo of ME.
Merry Post-Christmas and Happy New Year,Yers in spurs,
Chris Haberman"
"HELLO Y'ALL:
If you have NOTHING ELSE TO DO...my band (The Red Deadly) is playing at Paola's (Milwaukie Ave. next to the Alladdin Theater) on NEW YEARS EVE....two long sets...strong drinks, estranged locals....and it is absolutely FREE FREE FREE...9
9:30 start up..with warm welcoming acoustic onslaught from the Interstate duo of ME.
Merry Post-Christmas and Happy New Year,Yers in spurs,
Chris Haberman"
Monday, December 27, 2004
Threat Database
This site contains an open-source database of information about threat networks, specifically Al Qaeda and its offshoots. Information includes entities, relationships and analysis.
View the current Al Qaeda threat database:
http://www.trackingthethreat.com/
View the current Al Qaeda threat database:
http://www.trackingthethreat.com/
Survey of Islam
"In short, whether Islam, or any religion for that matter, is "peaceful" based on scripture is misguided. Frankly, it doesn't matter. As we know, there are peaceful passages and hateful passages in the holy texts of all the major faiths. There is enough ambiguity in scripture that each of us is free to use--or abuse--the texts as we see fit. Such debates are best left for religious scholars.
Of course, what matters is not whether the Koran, Old Testament, or New Testament is "peaceful," but rather the actions of those who follow the different good books. Whether Islam--or any religion--is peaceful based on underlying scripture is irrelevant. Instead, what is hopefully most relevant are actions.
A touchy subject, Islam -- as judged by actions -- has not proved peaceful lately. Right now, almost all the hot spots on the globe involve militant Muslims on one side. Some of the places are old and familiar like Israel and India. Some of the places are becoming familiar like Chechnya and Bali. And some of the places sport names still largely unfamiliar to us, like Mauritania.
Look at the Sudan, which we don't hear much about. In just the past decade, two million Christians have been literally butchered by militant Islamists proclaiming "convert or die." Or look at the Philippines, where in 2002 an Islamic group beheaded two Jehovah's Witnesses and left their heads in bags with the note, "Those who do not believe in Allah will suffer the same fate."
Peel back the political correctness and take an uncomfortable look around the globe--Algeria, Egypt, Turkey, Philippines, Indonesia, Kenya--the list goes on and in each instance militant Islam is the root cause. As for human rights, suffice to say that there are no human rights abuses in much of the Islamic world because there are no human rights to abuse. In Saudi Arabia there are no churches, no Bibles, no Christian artifacts, no non-Muslim worship of any kind.
In Egypt, Christian Copts have been persecuted to the point of near extinction. Women's rights? Forget about the right to vote--in many Muslim countries women lack the right to drive.
We can address these realities or apologize for them. To be clear, it is not suggested that Islam has a monopoly on genocide, as Bosnia reveals. However, the fact that most conflicts on this globe involve militant Islam is no coincidence either.
Whether terrorism strikes New York, Africa, India, Bali, Pakistani churches or downtown Jerusalem, freedom and democracy everywhere are threatened. Finally, if, as is often suggested, militant Islam is an aberration, then why haven't the moderate Muslims carved out the cancer amongst themselves? Any organization -- whether it is the Girl Scouts or a religion -- has a duty to police itself and guard against extremism. If the majority of Islam's peace loving followers believe the radicals are an aberration, then why do they tolerate, if not support, this murderous minority? The majority's silence is deafening and deadly, as the graves of two million Sudanese Christians reveal."
Of course, what matters is not whether the Koran, Old Testament, or New Testament is "peaceful," but rather the actions of those who follow the different good books. Whether Islam--or any religion--is peaceful based on underlying scripture is irrelevant. Instead, what is hopefully most relevant are actions.
A touchy subject, Islam -- as judged by actions -- has not proved peaceful lately. Right now, almost all the hot spots on the globe involve militant Muslims on one side. Some of the places are old and familiar like Israel and India. Some of the places are becoming familiar like Chechnya and Bali. And some of the places sport names still largely unfamiliar to us, like Mauritania.
Look at the Sudan, which we don't hear much about. In just the past decade, two million Christians have been literally butchered by militant Islamists proclaiming "convert or die." Or look at the Philippines, where in 2002 an Islamic group beheaded two Jehovah's Witnesses and left their heads in bags with the note, "Those who do not believe in Allah will suffer the same fate."
Peel back the political correctness and take an uncomfortable look around the globe--Algeria, Egypt, Turkey, Philippines, Indonesia, Kenya--the list goes on and in each instance militant Islam is the root cause. As for human rights, suffice to say that there are no human rights abuses in much of the Islamic world because there are no human rights to abuse. In Saudi Arabia there are no churches, no Bibles, no Christian artifacts, no non-Muslim worship of any kind.
In Egypt, Christian Copts have been persecuted to the point of near extinction. Women's rights? Forget about the right to vote--in many Muslim countries women lack the right to drive.
We can address these realities or apologize for them. To be clear, it is not suggested that Islam has a monopoly on genocide, as Bosnia reveals. However, the fact that most conflicts on this globe involve militant Islam is no coincidence either.
Whether terrorism strikes New York, Africa, India, Bali, Pakistani churches or downtown Jerusalem, freedom and democracy everywhere are threatened. Finally, if, as is often suggested, militant Islam is an aberration, then why haven't the moderate Muslims carved out the cancer amongst themselves? Any organization -- whether it is the Girl Scouts or a religion -- has a duty to police itself and guard against extremism. If the majority of Islam's peace loving followers believe the radicals are an aberration, then why do they tolerate, if not support, this murderous minority? The majority's silence is deafening and deadly, as the graves of two million Sudanese Christians reveal."
Gunrunners
"Despite being pursued for years by a flinty group of private and government arms investigators, a positive visual ID of this United Arab Emirates-based arms merchant only became available when two Belgian journalists ran into him at an airstrip in remote rebel-held Congo. And it was only recently that his name became familiar in the United States, following press reports of his role in arming the Taliban regime in Afghanistan five years ago. If not for this link to Afghanistan, it is probable that Bout would still be a low-profile character in the clandestine world of illicit arms trading."
VICTOR BOUT
FACT SHEET
BORN:
1967, Dushanbe, U.S.S.R. (now Tajikistan); an ethnic Russian.
PASSPORTS:
At least five, two of which are Russian and one Ukrainian.
ALIASES:
Often referred to in law enforcement circles as "Victor B.," as he is thought to have at least five aliases: Butt, Butov, Badd, Bulakin and others.
EDUCATION:
Graduated from the Military Institute of Foreign Languages, Moscow.
PREVIOUS CAREER:
Until 1991, served as an interpreter in a now-disbanded military transport aviation regiment in Vitsebsk (now Belarus). Translated for U.N. peacekeeping force in Angola, 1987. Left the military as a lieutenant.
LANGUAGES:
Russian (native), Farsi (Persian, also the language of Tajikistan), English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Xhosa, Zulu.
MOST RECENTLY:
Last seen at liberty in Moscow in March, 2002.
CRIMINAL RECORD:
June 2000: Charged with forging documents in the Central African Republic and convicted in absentia. Charges were later dropped; no explanation was given.
February 2002: Belgium issued an arrest warrant for Bout on money laundering charges.
VICTOR BOUT
FACT SHEET
BORN:
1967, Dushanbe, U.S.S.R. (now Tajikistan); an ethnic Russian.
PASSPORTS:
At least five, two of which are Russian and one Ukrainian.
ALIASES:
Often referred to in law enforcement circles as "Victor B.," as he is thought to have at least five aliases: Butt, Butov, Badd, Bulakin and others.
EDUCATION:
Graduated from the Military Institute of Foreign Languages, Moscow.
PREVIOUS CAREER:
Until 1991, served as an interpreter in a now-disbanded military transport aviation regiment in Vitsebsk (now Belarus). Translated for U.N. peacekeeping force in Angola, 1987. Left the military as a lieutenant.
LANGUAGES:
Russian (native), Farsi (Persian, also the language of Tajikistan), English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Xhosa, Zulu.
MOST RECENTLY:
Last seen at liberty in Moscow in March, 2002.
CRIMINAL RECORD:
June 2000: Charged with forging documents in the Central African Republic and convicted in absentia. Charges were later dropped; no explanation was given.
February 2002: Belgium issued an arrest warrant for Bout on money laundering charges.
Final Cut
Van Gogh was riding his bicycle to work when a bearded young man, dressed in a long Middle Eastern-style shirt, shot him several times. Van Gogh begged for mercy, and reportedly said, in a peculiarly Dutch phrase, “Surely we can talk about this.” The young man then pulled out a knife, slit van Gogh’s throat from ear to ear, kicked the dying body, and walked away. Van Gogh, meanwhile, lay on the street with a letter pinned to his stomach by the killer’s knife.
Bounce loans
Has anyone else noticed this shit? They also run checks and charges through from largest to smallest, not chronologically, to increase these fees.
>>
"It used to be that when you went to the ATM, it wouldn't give you more than you had in there," said Gail Hillebrand, senior attorney for the Consumers Union in San Francisco...at the grocery store, "They don't say, 'Sorry ma'am, you're over your limit.' You could overdraw your checking account by 50 cents at the grocery store and get nabbed with a $25 overdraft fee. That's some expensive gum."
Michael Duff of Kent found himself in a similar situation with Washington Mutual, where he was incurring multiple overdraft fees after making several small debit card purchases earlier this year. Duff filed a federal lawsuit last month against the bank, accusing Washington Mutual of using unfair or deceptive practices against him. The suit seeks class-action status. Earlier this year, a U.S. District Court in Southern California dismissed a similar class-action lawsuit against Washington Mutual. The case is on appeal.
According to Duff's lawsuit, "When a WaMu customer withdraws cash from an ATM, nothing advises the customer that the account will be overdrawn and an 'Overdraft Charge' imposed. "It is not until the customer receives a monthly statement that the 'Overdraft Charge' is even disclosed. "Thus, at the time of withdrawal, the customer is effectively deprived of the option of deciding whether to overdraw the account, to use a different account, to use a credit card, to transfer funds or to delay the withdrawal."
>>
"It used to be that when you went to the ATM, it wouldn't give you more than you had in there," said Gail Hillebrand, senior attorney for the Consumers Union in San Francisco...at the grocery store, "They don't say, 'Sorry ma'am, you're over your limit.' You could overdraw your checking account by 50 cents at the grocery store and get nabbed with a $25 overdraft fee. That's some expensive gum."
Michael Duff of Kent found himself in a similar situation with Washington Mutual, where he was incurring multiple overdraft fees after making several small debit card purchases earlier this year. Duff filed a federal lawsuit last month against the bank, accusing Washington Mutual of using unfair or deceptive practices against him. The suit seeks class-action status. Earlier this year, a U.S. District Court in Southern California dismissed a similar class-action lawsuit against Washington Mutual. The case is on appeal.
According to Duff's lawsuit, "When a WaMu customer withdraws cash from an ATM, nothing advises the customer that the account will be overdrawn and an 'Overdraft Charge' imposed. "It is not until the customer receives a monthly statement that the 'Overdraft Charge' is even disclosed. "Thus, at the time of withdrawal, the customer is effectively deprived of the option of deciding whether to overdraw the account, to use a different account, to use a credit card, to transfer funds or to delay the withdrawal."
"At any cost"
BEIJING (Reuters) - Relations between China and Taiwan are grim and the mainland will crush any major moves toward independence by the island no matter what the cost, the government said in a policy paper on national defense on Monday.
The comments came as China's parliament discussed a draft anti-secession law that analysts say may contain clauses that would legally bind Beijing to take military action if the island Beijing claims as a renegade province ever declared independence.
Taiwan split from the mainland at the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949, but Beijing still sees the self-governing island of 23 million as part of China and has pledged to bring it back to the fold, by force if necessary.
The comments came as China's parliament discussed a draft anti-secession law that analysts say may contain clauses that would legally bind Beijing to take military action if the island Beijing claims as a renegade province ever declared independence.
Taiwan split from the mainland at the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949, but Beijing still sees the self-governing island of 23 million as part of China and has pledged to bring it back to the fold, by force if necessary.
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Homicide Bomb Likely in Mosul Attack
This article made me think of something I once heard a Vietnam Vet say...'If you were in front of me, and looked like the enemy, you were dead." Maybe it is time to think that way again.
WASHINGTON — A homicide bomber probably caused the blast that killed 22 people, including 14 American soldiers, at a American base in Mosul Tuesday, a preliminary investigative report has found.
WASHINGTON — A homicide bomber probably caused the blast that killed 22 people, including 14 American soldiers, at a American base in Mosul Tuesday, a preliminary investigative report has found.
Letter From Europe
A Continent Watching Anxiously Over the Melting Pot
December 15, 2004
By RICHARD BERNSTEIN
BERLIN, Dec. 14 - Imagine a former American president
publicly grumbling that it was a mistake for a certain
group to have been allowed to immigrate to the United
States - the Irish, say, or Jews, or Pakistanis. The
outrage would be justifiably loud.
But a former German chancellor, Helmut Schmidt, now 85,
recently declared that Germany should never have invited in
all those Turkish guest workers in the 1950's and 60's,
because, he suggested, multiculturalism can work only in an
authoritarian society.
The comment was not widely regarded as brilliant or wise,
but it caused no uproar; indeed, it was consistent with
many statements coming from German leaders lately on the
subject of ethnic and cultural minorities.
"Multiculturalism has failed, big time," Angela Merkel, the
almost certain conservative candidate for chancellor in the
next national elections, said recently. Many political
figures and commentators have been saying that immigrants
should accept what the Germans call the leitkultur, the
dominant culture, as their own, or they should leave.
December 15, 2004
By RICHARD BERNSTEIN
BERLIN, Dec. 14 - Imagine a former American president
publicly grumbling that it was a mistake for a certain
group to have been allowed to immigrate to the United
States - the Irish, say, or Jews, or Pakistanis. The
outrage would be justifiably loud.
But a former German chancellor, Helmut Schmidt, now 85,
recently declared that Germany should never have invited in
all those Turkish guest workers in the 1950's and 60's,
because, he suggested, multiculturalism can work only in an
authoritarian society.
The comment was not widely regarded as brilliant or wise,
but it caused no uproar; indeed, it was consistent with
many statements coming from German leaders lately on the
subject of ethnic and cultural minorities.
"Multiculturalism has failed, big time," Angela Merkel, the
almost certain conservative candidate for chancellor in the
next national elections, said recently. Many political
figures and commentators have been saying that immigrants
should accept what the Germans call the leitkultur, the
dominant culture, as their own, or they should leave.
The Serpent Bearer
NASA spacecraft are monitoring an interstellar wind coming from the constellation Ophiuchus.
Science@NASA -- Every year in early December, something happens that can throw your horoscope out of whack. The sun enters Ophiuchus, the little-known 13th house of the zodiac.
You've probably heard of Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius. The sun passes through these constellations, one by one, throughout the year. They're the ancient signs of the zodiac.
But Ophiuchus?
Modern astronomers don't divide the sky the same way ancient astronomers did. According to modern star maps, the sun cuts through a 13th constellation, Ophiuchus the Serpent Bearer, between Nov. 30th and Dec. 17th. Astrologically speaking, if you were born between those dates you're no longer a Sagittarian, you're an Ophiuchi! But that's another story....
Science@NASA -- Every year in early December, something happens that can throw your horoscope out of whack. The sun enters Ophiuchus, the little-known 13th house of the zodiac.
You've probably heard of Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius. The sun passes through these constellations, one by one, throughout the year. They're the ancient signs of the zodiac.
But Ophiuchus?
Modern astronomers don't divide the sky the same way ancient astronomers did. According to modern star maps, the sun cuts through a 13th constellation, Ophiuchus the Serpent Bearer, between Nov. 30th and Dec. 17th. Astrologically speaking, if you were born between those dates you're no longer a Sagittarian, you're an Ophiuchi! But that's another story....
Abbot Pass Hut
This delightful stone cabin is certainly the most unique of the ACC huts, both for its location and design. Sitting astride the wind-swept crest of Abbot Pass at the impressive height of 9,598 feet, it is second only to the Neil Colgan hut as the highest permanent structure in Canada. Built in 1922 and earning a rich history ever since, this hut makes a perfect base for mountaineering attempts on Mts. Victoria and Lefroy or as an objective for strong hikers and scramblers.
There are three approaches to Abbot Pass in the summer, two of which require technical skills and experience. The easiest and most logical way is to approach from the Lake O'Hara side, hiking the scenic trail to Lake Oesa then following the interesting and strenuous route up the wide scree gully which drops directly from the pass. Hikers may opt to take the scheduled bus to Lake O'Hara. Link to bus schedule.
This hut is visited very rarely in winter, and only by extremely experienced mountaineers. One must spend considerable time in avalanche terrain; not recommended.
The hut has room for 24 people and has a propane system for cooking and lighting. An efficient wood stove provides the heat.
There are three approaches to Abbot Pass in the summer, two of which require technical skills and experience. The easiest and most logical way is to approach from the Lake O'Hara side, hiking the scenic trail to Lake Oesa then following the interesting and strenuous route up the wide scree gully which drops directly from the pass. Hikers may opt to take the scheduled bus to Lake O'Hara. Link to bus schedule.
This hut is visited very rarely in winter, and only by extremely experienced mountaineers. One must spend considerable time in avalanche terrain; not recommended.
The hut has room for 24 people and has a propane system for cooking and lighting. An efficient wood stove provides the heat.
Ukraine gets to revote. Why can't Washington state?
Monday, December 20, 2004 12:01 a.m. EST
If President Bush's margin of victory in Ohio had been 1,190 votes instead of 119,000 votes, it's a safe bet that state's 20 decisive electoral votes would still be locked in a bitter legal battle. In fact, the battle would likely resemble the one going on right now over who won Washington state's bizarrely close race for governor. The state is now concluding its third count of the 2.9 million ballots, and Republican Dino Rossi clings to a 50 vote lead over Democrat Christine Gregoire. King County, which includes liberal Seattle, is the only county left to report.
Amid all the wrangling over this election, almost all semblance of a fair system has been lost. It now looks like Washington's election will be decided by lawyers and a court, rather than by the voters. The result probably hinges on whether 723 King County absentee ballots that were rejected during the first two vote counts will be counted after all. A local judge has ruled that it is too late to inject the 723 ballots into the recount and that if they were valid votes they should have been counted in the first or second recounts. Democrats respond that the fault lies with King County clerks, who failed to take extra steps to verify the ballots, and not with the voters.
The state Supreme Court will in all likelihood settle the argument and thus determine who the winner is this coming week. Regardless of the outcome, there's now a growing number of people who believe the counting process in King County has been compromised. King County, after all, has a long history of incompetence in handling its elections and has now discovered "new" uncounted ballots nine times since Nov. 2--and there's still time for another surprise or two.
If President Bush's margin of victory in Ohio had been 1,190 votes instead of 119,000 votes, it's a safe bet that state's 20 decisive electoral votes would still be locked in a bitter legal battle. In fact, the battle would likely resemble the one going on right now over who won Washington state's bizarrely close race for governor. The state is now concluding its third count of the 2.9 million ballots, and Republican Dino Rossi clings to a 50 vote lead over Democrat Christine Gregoire. King County, which includes liberal Seattle, is the only county left to report.
Amid all the wrangling over this election, almost all semblance of a fair system has been lost. It now looks like Washington's election will be decided by lawyers and a court, rather than by the voters. The result probably hinges on whether 723 King County absentee ballots that were rejected during the first two vote counts will be counted after all. A local judge has ruled that it is too late to inject the 723 ballots into the recount and that if they were valid votes they should have been counted in the first or second recounts. Democrats respond that the fault lies with King County clerks, who failed to take extra steps to verify the ballots, and not with the voters.
The state Supreme Court will in all likelihood settle the argument and thus determine who the winner is this coming week. Regardless of the outcome, there's now a growing number of people who believe the counting process in King County has been compromised. King County, after all, has a long history of incompetence in handling its elections and has now discovered "new" uncounted ballots nine times since Nov. 2--and there's still time for another surprise or two.
Sneaker Culture
In search of the world's coolest sneakers
Freshnessmag.com may or may not meet Kalle Lasn's definition of "grass-roots capitalism." But the project by two young New Yorkers, Yu-Ming Wu and Danny Hwang, certainly comes straight from the grass roots -- and offers an interesting take on how a passion can turn a consumer into an entrepreneur.
Hwang grew up in Queens, Wu in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn. The two met at Parsons School of Design in Manhattan, but really bonded while exploring the nearby Lower East Side. A lot of what they did there was shop -- or as Wu puts it, "collect." Hwang was interested in urban art and graffiti; Wu had a very intense interest in sneakers. "Sneakers are huge in the urban market," he says. "Some of the artists who do graffiti art have done sneakers."
Because it's not easy to figure out where to find the coolest stuff, Hwang and Wu started Freshnessmag.com a year ago to share the information they gathered about their obsessions -- from art openings around the world to exclusive photographs of prerelease sneakers -- and to build an audience around it.
Wu is a kind of superconsumer; he calls himself a "hunter" and loves seeking out limited-edition Nikes, gathering information on new offerings and where and when they'll "drop." I went with him one day when a rare model called the Nike Laser -- a series of shoes decorated with an unusual laser-etching technique -- was set to be released. There is never a formal announcement for these events, let alone an advertisement; word just gets around. We met on the Lower East Side, outside a store called Alife Rivington Club, which has no sign and requires customers to press a button and get buzzed in.
As we dashed from one shop to another -- mostly obscure stores I'd never heard of, although the fashion store Barneys has started getting some limited-edition Nikes -- Wu kept bumping into fellow travelers through the world of exclusive sneakers, trading information here and there.
In a sense, the hunt is what Freshnessmag.com is about. The site has helped Hwang and Wu pick up invaluable contacts around the world. Wu has even been hired to design a Nike website, and in July Hwang moved to Taipei to work as a design director at an electronics company -- although that's not the end of Freshnessmag. In fact, the pair recently made their first moves toward converting their passions into profits. They are using their connections to launch a line of T-shirts under the name Acquired, and they collaborated with a Singapore-based artist and "sneaker customizer" called SBTG, who made a set of custom Nike sneakers that went on sale exclusively through the website at $350 each. All 18 pairs sold out in 10 minutes.
Freshnessmag.com may or may not meet Kalle Lasn's definition of "grass-roots capitalism." But the project by two young New Yorkers, Yu-Ming Wu and Danny Hwang, certainly comes straight from the grass roots -- and offers an interesting take on how a passion can turn a consumer into an entrepreneur.
Hwang grew up in Queens, Wu in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn. The two met at Parsons School of Design in Manhattan, but really bonded while exploring the nearby Lower East Side. A lot of what they did there was shop -- or as Wu puts it, "collect." Hwang was interested in urban art and graffiti; Wu had a very intense interest in sneakers. "Sneakers are huge in the urban market," he says. "Some of the artists who do graffiti art have done sneakers."
Because it's not easy to figure out where to find the coolest stuff, Hwang and Wu started Freshnessmag.com a year ago to share the information they gathered about their obsessions -- from art openings around the world to exclusive photographs of prerelease sneakers -- and to build an audience around it.
Wu is a kind of superconsumer; he calls himself a "hunter" and loves seeking out limited-edition Nikes, gathering information on new offerings and where and when they'll "drop." I went with him one day when a rare model called the Nike Laser -- a series of shoes decorated with an unusual laser-etching technique -- was set to be released. There is never a formal announcement for these events, let alone an advertisement; word just gets around. We met on the Lower East Side, outside a store called Alife Rivington Club, which has no sign and requires customers to press a button and get buzzed in.
As we dashed from one shop to another -- mostly obscure stores I'd never heard of, although the fashion store Barneys has started getting some limited-edition Nikes -- Wu kept bumping into fellow travelers through the world of exclusive sneakers, trading information here and there.
In a sense, the hunt is what Freshnessmag.com is about. The site has helped Hwang and Wu pick up invaluable contacts around the world. Wu has even been hired to design a Nike website, and in July Hwang moved to Taipei to work as a design director at an electronics company -- although that's not the end of Freshnessmag. In fact, the pair recently made their first moves toward converting their passions into profits. They are using their connections to launch a line of T-shirts under the name Acquired, and they collaborated with a Singapore-based artist and "sneaker customizer" called SBTG, who made a set of custom Nike sneakers that went on sale exclusively through the website at $350 each. All 18 pairs sold out in 10 minutes.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
United Nations: The Biggest Scam in the World
Kofi and Kojo Annan and their cronies make Ivan Boesky and Ken Lay look like shoplifters. The whole Oil for Food Program was just a big slush fund for many European aristocrats, Russian mobsters, weapons dealers of all nationalities, and Clinton pardoned Marc Rich. I wonder if one dime from the oil sales acually bought one lamb kabob or pepcid for the resulting heeartburn for an Iraqi? Russia, Germany, and espesially France wanted the status quo more than anybody so the millions made in off-the -books transactions kept flowing. Jaques Chirac, the fomer 20 year mayor of Paris, is no stranger to bribes and kickbacks. The Paris mayor's office and it's political machine is famous for graft and glad-handing during Chirac's reign. Socialism at it's finest. 30% unemployment and 32 hour work weeks.
The only country that can be counted on for military support is Britain and only because of Tony Blair. The EU is in shambles militarily and stratigically. As Americans, I don't think we need to build a coalition and act on it's wishes. We are the only country that matters.
The only country that can be counted on for military support is Britain and only because of Tony Blair. The EU is in shambles militarily and stratigically. As Americans, I don't think we need to build a coalition and act on it's wishes. We are the only country that matters.
First Tiger Meat, now this?
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Chislic is preparation of cubed red meat, fried or grilled, relatively unknown outside of South Dakota. The term, while non-specific to any particular meat or seasoning, generally describes wild game, mutton, or beef, deep-fried and served hot on a skewer or toothpick.
The word and food history is somewhat obscure. Chislic is seldom found, at least in a fashion described as chislic, outside of homes and restaurants in South Dakota. Etymologically, the word bears similarity to schaschlik, a fried dish of German origin, which can be made from beef or liver with peppers and onions. The Russian dish shashlik, made from simmered lamb, has similar pronunciation and ingredients. Chislic may have originated as a derivative of shish kebab, as the pronunciation of the word bears a close resemblance to other items in the same food family. A typical chislic preparation can be rather simple:
Cube meat into small squares, generally no bigger than a half-inch. This may include any of the following: Lamb, Beef, Venison , Goose into a deep-fryer, drop the cubed chunks of meat and cook to desired degree of doneness. Generally, chislic is not overcooked, and served medium rare to medium -- e.g. warm pink inside. After cooking, place the meat on a paper towel and allow to cool slightly. While the meat is cooling, sprinkle with Lowry's Seasoned Salt or garlic salt. Insert toothpicks into the cubes of meat and serve hot.
Chislic is preparation of cubed red meat, fried or grilled, relatively unknown outside of South Dakota. The term, while non-specific to any particular meat or seasoning, generally describes wild game, mutton, or beef, deep-fried and served hot on a skewer or toothpick.
The word and food history is somewhat obscure. Chislic is seldom found, at least in a fashion described as chislic, outside of homes and restaurants in South Dakota. Etymologically, the word bears similarity to schaschlik, a fried dish of German origin, which can be made from beef or liver with peppers and onions. The Russian dish shashlik, made from simmered lamb, has similar pronunciation and ingredients. Chislic may have originated as a derivative of shish kebab, as the pronunciation of the word bears a close resemblance to other items in the same food family. A typical chislic preparation can be rather simple:
Cube meat into small squares, generally no bigger than a half-inch. This may include any of the following: Lamb, Beef, Venison , Goose into a deep-fryer, drop the cubed chunks of meat and cook to desired degree of doneness. Generally, chislic is not overcooked, and served medium rare to medium -- e.g. warm pink inside. After cooking, place the meat on a paper towel and allow to cool slightly. While the meat is cooling, sprinkle with Lowry's Seasoned Salt or garlic salt. Insert toothpicks into the cubes of meat and serve hot.
$48 Million Dollar Bank Heist
Record $48M robbed from N. Ireland bank
A gang cleared the vaults of a Belfast bank headquarters of about $48 million Cdn. after taking bank executives and their families hostage -- the biggest robbery heist in the history of Northern Ireland. Authorities said the gang made off with the money from the Northern Bank Belfast headquarters after taking at least two senior executives' families hostage in their homes on Sunday. They forced the employees to help them access the safe Monday after the offices closed for the night.
A gang cleared the vaults of a Belfast bank headquarters of about $48 million Cdn. after taking bank executives and their families hostage -- the biggest robbery heist in the history of Northern Ireland. Authorities said the gang made off with the money from the Northern Bank Belfast headquarters after taking at least two senior executives' families hostage in their homes on Sunday. They forced the employees to help them access the safe Monday after the offices closed for the night.
Monday, December 20, 2004
Gross!
Scott was the victim of a mobile home fire at the age of 15 and was burned over 85% of his body. To re-grow skin on his legs they, "Used skin from his chest in a skin graft," as Scott tells it. Hence when the skin grew, "A nipple grew too and I thought it was cool to pierce it," explains Scott. Scott also claims that just like a real one, it gets hard to colder temps and "rubbing".
Iraq analysis from the WSJournal
Moammar Speaks for More than Moammar
John Kerry may have had French support, but it's now becoming clear that a few international leaders recognized a big stake in George W. Bush's success. Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi went so far as to tell an Italian TV station that his decision to give up his nuclear program helped Mr. Bush win re-election. "America was very worried that Libya might get a mass destruction weapon, so they were very happy about our decision," he said. "It was Mr. Bush who promised to reward Libya if we got rid of this program. The withdrawal of this program was pro-Mr. Bush." There's a "global test" at work here, all right, but not the one Mr. Kerry spoke of during the campaign. Rather, Gadhafi applied his own version of the test: Is he better off standing with or against the American president in a post-Sept. 11 world? With Mr. Bush then planning to insert a major chunk of U.S. military power into the heart of the Mideast, the answer became obvious. Gadhafi quickly handed over his nuclear components and ratted out A.Q. Khan, father of the Pakistani bomb, as a nexus of proliferation. Gadhafi isn't alone. Pakistani President Musharraf was caught between Al Qaeda and the U.S., and wisely chose the U.S. -- which is why several major Al Qaeda leaders are in custody, including Khalid Sheik Mohammed, planner of the 9/11 attacks. Meanwhile, terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and elsewhere upped the pressure on reluctant leaders to join the war on terror, significantly advancing the U.S. cause. This may come as a surprise to liberal American politicians, but the president is succeeding in reorienting the world by forcing "frontline" states to abandon a tolerant or worse policy toward Islamic terrorists and get right with the U.S.
--Brendan Miniter
John Kerry may have had French support, but it's now becoming clear that a few international leaders recognized a big stake in George W. Bush's success. Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi went so far as to tell an Italian TV station that his decision to give up his nuclear program helped Mr. Bush win re-election. "America was very worried that Libya might get a mass destruction weapon, so they were very happy about our decision," he said. "It was Mr. Bush who promised to reward Libya if we got rid of this program. The withdrawal of this program was pro-Mr. Bush." There's a "global test" at work here, all right, but not the one Mr. Kerry spoke of during the campaign. Rather, Gadhafi applied his own version of the test: Is he better off standing with or against the American president in a post-Sept. 11 world? With Mr. Bush then planning to insert a major chunk of U.S. military power into the heart of the Mideast, the answer became obvious. Gadhafi quickly handed over his nuclear components and ratted out A.Q. Khan, father of the Pakistani bomb, as a nexus of proliferation. Gadhafi isn't alone. Pakistani President Musharraf was caught between Al Qaeda and the U.S., and wisely chose the U.S. -- which is why several major Al Qaeda leaders are in custody, including Khalid Sheik Mohammed, planner of the 9/11 attacks. Meanwhile, terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and elsewhere upped the pressure on reluctant leaders to join the war on terror, significantly advancing the U.S. cause. This may come as a surprise to liberal American politicians, but the president is succeeding in reorienting the world by forcing "frontline" states to abandon a tolerant or worse policy toward Islamic terrorists and get right with the U.S.
--Brendan Miniter
More on the War
In Iraq, the most notable upshot of the weekend bombings was a call for restraint from across Iraq's Shiite leadership, from Grand Ayatollah Sistani to the punk cleric Al Sadr, all of whose eyes are now firmly fixed on the prize of next month's elections. This has produced some confused griping that the coming of majority rule in Iraq (a good thing) means the coming of Shiite rule (a bad thing: see the Friday Washington Post column by David Ignatius entitled "How Iran Is Winning the War").
Mr. Ignatius should calm down, or at least attempt coherence. Of course Iran has been keen to make sure Shiite leaders come out on top in Iraq's democratic power scramble, rather than seeing the creation of a Saddam redux. But so what? There's no need or interest on the part of Iraq's incipient Shiite leadership to become Iranian puppets. Au contraire: Iraq has the region's second biggest oil reserves, the strategic geography and the powerful middle class. Remarkably convenient, it also enjoys the advantages of a military alliance with the world's superpower, with enough U.S. muscle stationed in Iraq itself to do serious damage to any neighbor. No, a Shiite condominium over the entire region controlled from Tehran is not in the cards. A far more realistic worry is that Tehran will play footsie with Iraq's Sunni insurgency as a way to keep the new government off balance and gain bargaining leverage with Baghdad and Washington while discouraging the export of any pesky democratic notions to Iran. That would be completely in character with how the cretinous, antisocial Iranian "revolutionary" regime has conducted itself for the past 25 years.
--Holman W. Jenkins Jr.
Nasty Macho Gesture
The latest left-wing p.c. campaign in Europe: against men who relieve themselves while standing up. A newspaper called The Australian quoted a young woman named Jessica, a biologist, from the Swedish city of Uppsala:
"All my friends demand that their husbands or boyfriends sit down," said Jessica."I think it shows respect for the women who clean. "My brother, for example, would not dream of standing up. Among the young, leftish intelligentsia, there is also a view that to stand up is a nasty macho gesture."
"All my friends demand that their husbands or boyfriends sit down," said Jessica."I think it shows respect for the women who clean. "My brother, for example, would not dream of standing up. Among the young, leftish intelligentsia, there is also a view that to stand up is a nasty macho gesture."
Chicago economist links abortion to falling crime rates
There is a better article in the December 04 issue of Esquire in regard to this study. This is all I could find on the web without having to pay for the content.
Presented at seminars at the University, Stanford and Harvard but not yet published, “Legalized Abortion and Crime,” Chicago economist Steven Levitt’s recent study that links the legalization of abortion to the country’s falling crime rate in the 1990s, already is receiving national attention.
The study, co-authored by Levitt, Professor in Economics at Chicago, and Stanford University’s John Donohue III, suggests legalized abortion may be responsible for approximately half of the crime rate’s recent fall.
According to the researchers, the decline of the U.S. crime rate may be the result of two mechanisms related to legalized abortion. First, following the Roe vs. Wade decision in 1973, more women at risk of having children who could later engage in criminal activity––teen-agers, those living in poverty or those with unwanted pregnancies, for example––opted for abortion. And second, improved maternal, familial or fetal circumstances may have led to better environments for raising children.
Levitt and Donohue stress that their findings do not carry an endorsement of abortion. “We do not take a position on abortion, and the study was not undertaken as a study of abortion, but crime,” said Levitt. “Neither is the study about race or class. Many studies have shown that children who are born unwanted have unsatisfactory outcomes, including involvement in crime.”
As evidence for their findings, the researchers point to data regarding the timing of the crime drop: the first generation of pregnancies terminated under legalized abortion would have otherwise resulted in children who reached the peak ages for criminal activity, 18 to 24, in the early 1990s. Increases in 1970s abortions by high-risk mothers may have lowered the number of potential criminals coming of age in the 1990s.
The study also reports that states such as California and New York, which legalized abortion before 1973, experienced a drop in their crime rates before the rest of the nation. Furthermore, empirical evidence suggests states with higher abortion rates have seen more dramatic decreases in crime since 1985, and those drops in crime have been concentrated among individuals under age 25 in 1997––precisely the group possibly affected by abortion legalization in 1973.
While many explanations have been given for the dramatic decline of crime during this past decade, the authors maintain in a study abstract that “each of them has difficulty explaining the timing, large magnitude, persistence and widespread nature of the drop.” The researchers also predict crime rates will continue to fall slowly for 15 to 20 more years as the full effects of legalized abortion continue.
“A better understanding of the reasons for declines in crime helps policymakers as they formulate programs to reduce crime. For instance, with lower future crime rates, there may be less need to build prisons,” Levitt said.
Presented at seminars at the University, Stanford and Harvard but not yet published, “Legalized Abortion and Crime,” Chicago economist Steven Levitt’s recent study that links the legalization of abortion to the country’s falling crime rate in the 1990s, already is receiving national attention.
The study, co-authored by Levitt, Professor in Economics at Chicago, and Stanford University’s John Donohue III, suggests legalized abortion may be responsible for approximately half of the crime rate’s recent fall.
According to the researchers, the decline of the U.S. crime rate may be the result of two mechanisms related to legalized abortion. First, following the Roe vs. Wade decision in 1973, more women at risk of having children who could later engage in criminal activity––teen-agers, those living in poverty or those with unwanted pregnancies, for example––opted for abortion. And second, improved maternal, familial or fetal circumstances may have led to better environments for raising children.
Levitt and Donohue stress that their findings do not carry an endorsement of abortion. “We do not take a position on abortion, and the study was not undertaken as a study of abortion, but crime,” said Levitt. “Neither is the study about race or class. Many studies have shown that children who are born unwanted have unsatisfactory outcomes, including involvement in crime.”
As evidence for their findings, the researchers point to data regarding the timing of the crime drop: the first generation of pregnancies terminated under legalized abortion would have otherwise resulted in children who reached the peak ages for criminal activity, 18 to 24, in the early 1990s. Increases in 1970s abortions by high-risk mothers may have lowered the number of potential criminals coming of age in the 1990s.
The study also reports that states such as California and New York, which legalized abortion before 1973, experienced a drop in their crime rates before the rest of the nation. Furthermore, empirical evidence suggests states with higher abortion rates have seen more dramatic decreases in crime since 1985, and those drops in crime have been concentrated among individuals under age 25 in 1997––precisely the group possibly affected by abortion legalization in 1973.
While many explanations have been given for the dramatic decline of crime during this past decade, the authors maintain in a study abstract that “each of them has difficulty explaining the timing, large magnitude, persistence and widespread nature of the drop.” The researchers also predict crime rates will continue to fall slowly for 15 to 20 more years as the full effects of legalized abortion continue.
“A better understanding of the reasons for declines in crime helps policymakers as they formulate programs to reduce crime. For instance, with lower future crime rates, there may be less need to build prisons,” Levitt said.
Friday, December 17, 2004
Johnny's Quote of the Day
"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."
Mario Andretti.
Mario Andretti.
Don't hate the player, hate the game
Nobel physicist, 82, to wed student, 28
An 82-year-old Chinese Nobel physicist plans to marry a 28-year-old graduate student, whom he has described as his "last gift" from God.
Chen Ning Yang, who returned to China last year following the death of his first wife, plans to marry next month.
His fiancée, Weng Fan, is studying for a masters at Guangdong University.
Mr Yang now teaches at Tsinghua University in Beijing, and an official there told Xinhua news agency that the marriage was a private matter.
As marriage is a private matter, the [Tsinghua University] official hopes people in all social sectors will respect Yang's choice
Xinhua news agency Mr Yang went to study in the US in 1945. He shared the 1957 Nobel Prize in Physics with his friend and colleague Tsung-dao Lee for their joint work on so-called parity laws which led to important discoveries regarding elementary particles.
An 82-year-old Chinese Nobel physicist plans to marry a 28-year-old graduate student, whom he has described as his "last gift" from God.
Chen Ning Yang, who returned to China last year following the death of his first wife, plans to marry next month.
His fiancée, Weng Fan, is studying for a masters at Guangdong University.
Mr Yang now teaches at Tsinghua University in Beijing, and an official there told Xinhua news agency that the marriage was a private matter.
As marriage is a private matter, the [Tsinghua University] official hopes people in all social sectors will respect Yang's choice
Xinhua news agency Mr Yang went to study in the US in 1945. He shared the 1957 Nobel Prize in Physics with his friend and colleague Tsung-dao Lee for their joint work on so-called parity laws which led to important discoveries regarding elementary particles.
700 Vs 17
The Germans threw some 700 men, in three waves, at Lyle Bouck and 17 other Americans.
The GIs had their orders. "They were told to hold at all costs. Basically that meant 'until you get killed or taken prisoner,'" says Alex Kershaw, whose new book, "The Longest Winter," recounts the story of Bouck's platoon.
The GIs had their orders. "They were told to hold at all costs. Basically that meant 'until you get killed or taken prisoner,'" says Alex Kershaw, whose new book, "The Longest Winter," recounts the story of Bouck's platoon.
What could go wrong?
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. -- A couple of guys in Oregon who started drinking early in the morning thought it would be funny to stage a murder scene.
But by the end of the day, they weren't laughing. They were jailed and so was their friend, the subject of the prank.
An alarmed Daniel Maerz told police he walked into the house and found 31-year-old Adam Vickers dead from a gunshot wound. He believed his friend had been killed by his roommate, Kyle Wisdom. After his emergency call, police rushed to the scene, ordering a lockdown of a nearby elementary school on their way.
But after realizing their house was surrounded by police, Vickers and the roommate decided they'd better go outside and explain it was all a joke intended to scare Maerz.
Vickers and Wisdom were jailed on charges including initiating a false report.
Maerz was also arrested, on a charge of methamphetamine possession. But police said he was happy to learn his friend wasn't dead, even though he was upset with his friends for pulling the prank.
But by the end of the day, they weren't laughing. They were jailed and so was their friend, the subject of the prank.
An alarmed Daniel Maerz told police he walked into the house and found 31-year-old Adam Vickers dead from a gunshot wound. He believed his friend had been killed by his roommate, Kyle Wisdom. After his emergency call, police rushed to the scene, ordering a lockdown of a nearby elementary school on their way.
But after realizing their house was surrounded by police, Vickers and the roommate decided they'd better go outside and explain it was all a joke intended to scare Maerz.
Vickers and Wisdom were jailed on charges including initiating a false report.
Maerz was also arrested, on a charge of methamphetamine possession. But police said he was happy to learn his friend wasn't dead, even though he was upset with his friends for pulling the prank.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Eddie Would Go
Kauai's Bruce Irons, younger brother of current three-time world champion Andy Irons, got to enjoy the rare gift most of all, as he won "the Eddie" in his first time participating in the event.
"Today doesn't seem real," said 25-year-old Bruce, who earned $55,000 with the victory. "I caught the biggest waves of my life. To win the Eddie Aikau -- I can't believe it."
The first Eddie experience "was everything I expected and more," he added. "The vibe ... there's so much energy, it's such a heavy feeling. ... I'll go to my grave happy that I won the Eddie Aikau." Several thousand spectators lined the beach and both cliff sides of the bay to watch the surfers paddle into quality waves that were averaging 30 to 50 feet in face value in the morning.
"Today doesn't seem real," said 25-year-old Bruce, who earned $55,000 with the victory. "I caught the biggest waves of my life. To win the Eddie Aikau -- I can't believe it."
The first Eddie experience "was everything I expected and more," he added. "The vibe ... there's so much energy, it's such a heavy feeling. ... I'll go to my grave happy that I won the Eddie Aikau." Several thousand spectators lined the beach and both cliff sides of the bay to watch the surfers paddle into quality waves that were averaging 30 to 50 feet in face value in the morning.
Think of all the times he didn't get caught...
"Mr. DWI" in trouble again
12/15/2004 5:11:26 PM
Bill Sutton
The man nicknamed “Mister DWI” is in trouble again.
63–year–old Jerry Zeller was arrested Saturday by police for failure to appear in court for an October drunk driving charge. This is Zeller's 34th DWI arrest. Prosecutors have not been able to charge Zeller as an habitual offender in the past, since a former state law would restart the DWI conviction count after five years. Zeller's last DWI conviction was in June of 1997, therefore Zeller only faces a misdemeanor for his recent arrest with a maximum sentence of one year in jail. The state law was changed in July of 2001 to extend the time frame to ten years, instead of five.
12/15/2004 5:11:26 PM
Bill Sutton
The man nicknamed “Mister DWI” is in trouble again.
63–year–old Jerry Zeller was arrested Saturday by police for failure to appear in court for an October drunk driving charge. This is Zeller's 34th DWI arrest. Prosecutors have not been able to charge Zeller as an habitual offender in the past, since a former state law would restart the DWI conviction count after five years. Zeller's last DWI conviction was in June of 1997, therefore Zeller only faces a misdemeanor for his recent arrest with a maximum sentence of one year in jail. The state law was changed in July of 2001 to extend the time frame to ten years, instead of five.
Express Yourself!
"Back to the parallels between blogging and computer music making: they should be rather obvious now in the process as well as the result. Samples parallel news stories, which the blogger then comments or elaborates upon, or simply passes on whole. You always have the option of creating all-new material, but the structure of the softwares make it easier to borrow from others and then manipulate and combine this "borrowed" material in both blogging and music-making. I imagine it is these parallels that make the activities somewhat interchangeable...They are similar but not identical activities providing similar but not identical rewards.
If you can blog, you can make electronic music and vice versa. I am not trying to create competition for myself in either field, but I don't mind removing the mystique from either activity either. Have fun - express yourself."
If you can blog, you can make electronic music and vice versa. I am not trying to create competition for myself in either field, but I don't mind removing the mystique from either activity either. Have fun - express yourself."
PRESIDENT PROCLAIMS A NATIONAL EMERGENCY; AUTO PRICES ROLLED BACK; RAIL STRIKE ENDS; ALLIES GIVE UP HAMHUNG; WU REJECTS TRUCE
This Headline appeared in the NY Times on this day in, 1950
President Truman proclaimed a state of emergency this morning and delegated many of his own war powers to Charles E. Wilson, the new Mobilization Director. Soon afterward the defense program moved into higher gear.
President Truman proclaimed a state of emergency this morning and delegated many of his own war powers to Charles E. Wilson, the new Mobilization Director. Soon afterward the defense program moved into higher gear.
Open Note to our leaders:... WATCH YOUR OWN KIDS!
Caught in a Web of Scandal, Important Ally Quits Blair's Cabinet
David Blunkett, Britain's home secretary and its chief law-and-order official, resigned Wednesday, after acknowledging that his department had speeded the visa application for his former lover's nanny. But Mr. Blunkett said he had done nothing wrong and predicted he would be cleared by an inquiry into the matter.
David Blunkett, Britain's home secretary and its chief law-and-order official, resigned Wednesday, after acknowledging that his department had speeded the visa application for his former lover's nanny. But Mr. Blunkett said he had done nothing wrong and predicted he would be cleared by an inquiry into the matter.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Gift auction
There are some great gifts up for grabs at the Mercury site- please feel free to get your favorite Package a gift. Not the Gay Grab Bag. Not that there is anything wrong with that...the bear is actually kind of funny.
http://www.portlandmercury.com/specials/holidaygifts/
http://www.portlandmercury.com/specials/holidaygifts/
Ozzy Skips Out on Prince Charles
Rocker Ozzy Osbourne skipped an appointment with Prince Charles to keep an appointment with his doctor.
Osbourne had been scheduled to perform at the Royal Variety Performance Tuesday, with Prince Charles topping the guest list, but pulled out because he had an operation to adjust a metal plate in his shoulder, his wife, Sharon Osbourne, said.
He injured the shoulder when he crashed a quad bike last year, and then damaged the plate when he tried to tackle a burglar at his home last month.
"After his quad bike accident Ozzy had a plate put in his neck held by screws. Some of the screws were dislodged during his fight with the man who broke into our house and it made him very uncomfortable," Sharon Osbourne said.
"It sounds worse than it is and he only needed a day visit but unfortunately because he is recovering he couldn't perform," she said. "Ozzy is really sad to have missed it."
Copyright 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Osbourne had been scheduled to perform at the Royal Variety Performance Tuesday, with Prince Charles topping the guest list, but pulled out because he had an operation to adjust a metal plate in his shoulder, his wife, Sharon Osbourne, said.
He injured the shoulder when he crashed a quad bike last year, and then damaged the plate when he tried to tackle a burglar at his home last month.
"After his quad bike accident Ozzy had a plate put in his neck held by screws. Some of the screws were dislodged during his fight with the man who broke into our house and it made him very uncomfortable," Sharon Osbourne said.
"It sounds worse than it is and he only needed a day visit but unfortunately because he is recovering he couldn't perform," she said. "Ozzy is really sad to have missed it."
Copyright 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The Most Shocking News of the Day
Autopsy: Rapper O.D.B. Overdosed on Drugs
The death of rapper O.D.B. was deemed an accident by the medical examiner, who said Wednesday that he died from the combined effects of cocaine and a prescription painkiller.
The death of rapper O.D.B. was deemed an accident by the medical examiner, who said Wednesday that he died from the combined effects of cocaine and a prescription painkiller.
Some definitions
Dhimmitude: the Islamic system of governing populations conquered by jihad wars, encompassing all of the demographic, ethnic, and religious aspects of the political system. The word "dhimmitude" comes from dhimmi, an Arabic word meaning "protected". Dhimmi was the name applied by the Arab-Muslim conquerors to indigenous non-Muslim populations who surrendered by a treaty (dhimma) to Muslim domination. Islamic conquests expanded over vast territories in Africa, Europe and Asia, for over a millennium (638-1683). The Muslim empire incorporated numerous varied peoples which had their own religion, culture, language and civilization. For centuries, these indigenous, pre-Islamic peoples constituted the great majority of the population of the Islamic lands. Although these populations differed, they were ruled by the same type of laws, based on the shari'a.
Wahhabism: (sometimes spelled Wahabbism or Wahabism) is a movement of Islam named after Muhammad ibn Abd al Wahhab (1703–1792). It is a fundamentalist movement of the Sunni form of Islam and has become an object of increased interest because it is the major sect of the government and society of oil-rich Saudi Arabia, and claimed to be followed by Osama bin Laden, who was raised in Saudi Arabia. Wahhabism is an offending synonym for Salafism.
The spread of Wahhabi Islam has been facilitated by Saudi oil revenues; Saudi laypeople, government officials and clerics have donated many tens of millions of dollars to create Wahhabi-oriented religious schools, newspapers and outreach organizations.
http://groups.colgate.edu/aarislam/wiktorow.htm
Wahhabism: (sometimes spelled Wahabbism or Wahabism) is a movement of Islam named after Muhammad ibn Abd al Wahhab (1703–1792). It is a fundamentalist movement of the Sunni form of Islam and has become an object of increased interest because it is the major sect of the government and society of oil-rich Saudi Arabia, and claimed to be followed by Osama bin Laden, who was raised in Saudi Arabia. Wahhabism is an offending synonym for Salafism.
The spread of Wahhabi Islam has been facilitated by Saudi oil revenues; Saudi laypeople, government officials and clerics have donated many tens of millions of dollars to create Wahhabi-oriented religious schools, newspapers and outreach organizations.
http://groups.colgate.edu/aarislam/wiktorow.htm
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Scott Peterson Still May Never Be Executed
For Scott Peterson, ultimately there may be little difference between a death sentence and life in prison. In California, the chances are greater that a condemned inmate will die in prison than be executed by lethal injection.
California is home to the nation's most clogged death row, housing 641 condemned men and women, but the state has executed just 10 inmates since it resumed capital punishment in 1978. In that same period, 38 death row inmates have died of other causes: Three were killed by other prisoners, a dozen committed suicide, and the rest died of natural causes.
California is home to the nation's most clogged death row, housing 641 condemned men and women, but the state has executed just 10 inmates since it resumed capital punishment in 1978. In that same period, 38 death row inmates have died of other causes: Three were killed by other prisoners, a dozen committed suicide, and the rest died of natural causes.
America’s Three-Ring Circus
One of the bigger misunderstandings about the American electorate is that it is divided into two parties, Democrats and Republicans, and that neither of these parties provides enough choice for voters. This isn’t accurate.
The American electorate is not really two parties, but three, and they divide as follows.
The American electorate is not really two parties, but three, and they divide as follows.
Homeland Security
An interesting perspective on Bernard Kerik's appointment to the HSA, and the threat of terror in general. This was posted on Reason prior to him withdrawing from the appointment-
"Absolute security is impossible, of course, at any price. But cost-benefit analyses have been noticeably absent from the public and political discussion about how to handle domestic defense against terrorism. For that, perhaps it would be better to tap for Homeland Security head someone who had a more nuanced sense of his own job's capabilities and significance, someone who did not have to attend the funerals of many of his own boys as a result of the one—and so far only—successful example of mass-murderous international terrorism on our shores."
Another perspective from BAR in S.D.-
"How about Bernie Kerik? Stud. 3 Women at once and one is a publishing magnate. She not only published his book but polished his knob. He made 5 mil from Taser with no initial investment and his bro worked for the mob in the construction biz. Guliani wecomed him back to his company with open arms. He didn't pay taxes for his Mexican nanny. Who does? What a joke. We need an outspoken, nationalistic, xenophobic ass-kicker for the head of Homeland. Tom Ridge was a pussy. I want vicious rhetoric about terrorists and where their families sleep from the director, not unsubstantiated warnings earmarked in color. We need more threats and less reactionary speeches about terrorists. "I love America and our way of life and it is my job to bring the wood to those who would attempt to be/aid/befriend terrorists or suspected terrorists."
I love it!
"Absolute security is impossible, of course, at any price. But cost-benefit analyses have been noticeably absent from the public and political discussion about how to handle domestic defense against terrorism. For that, perhaps it would be better to tap for Homeland Security head someone who had a more nuanced sense of his own job's capabilities and significance, someone who did not have to attend the funerals of many of his own boys as a result of the one—and so far only—successful example of mass-murderous international terrorism on our shores."
Another perspective from BAR in S.D.-
"How about Bernie Kerik? Stud. 3 Women at once and one is a publishing magnate. She not only published his book but polished his knob. He made 5 mil from Taser with no initial investment and his bro worked for the mob in the construction biz. Guliani wecomed him back to his company with open arms. He didn't pay taxes for his Mexican nanny. Who does? What a joke. We need an outspoken, nationalistic, xenophobic ass-kicker for the head of Homeland. Tom Ridge was a pussy. I want vicious rhetoric about terrorists and where their families sleep from the director, not unsubstantiated warnings earmarked in color. We need more threats and less reactionary speeches about terrorists. "I love America and our way of life and it is my job to bring the wood to those who would attempt to be/aid/befriend terrorists or suspected terrorists."
I love it!
Muslims and the West
Do They Hate Us for What We Do, or What We Are?:
An important basic question, one that divides the camps neatly. The new Economist comes out strongly for the latter interpretation: Militant Islam despises the West not for what it does but for what it is. If American “imperialism” were the principal bone of contention, why should the United States be so much more despised than the Soviet Union ever was, or than Russia still is, despite the fact that Russia rules over millions of Muslims who would rather not be its subjects? Europe, not America, you might argue, had “imperial” ambitions in the Middle East even after independent states had been created in the region: America crushed those ideas by humiliating Britain and France during the Suez crisis of 1956. Israel notwithstanding, America's supposed crimes of foreign policy in the region are utterly incommensurate with the hatred directed against it. The truth is, America is despised mainly for its success; for the appealing and, critics would say, corrupting alternative it presents to a traditional Islamic way of life; and for the humiliation which many Muslims feel when they consider the comparative failure, in material terms, of their once-mighty civilisation. It helps Arab governments no doubt to blame that failure on outsiders. Plenty of western intellectuals are happy to agree that the economic plight of North Africa and the Middle East is more to do with American oppression than with its real, domestic, causes.
An important basic question, one that divides the camps neatly. The new Economist comes out strongly for the latter interpretation: Militant Islam despises the West not for what it does but for what it is. If American “imperialism” were the principal bone of contention, why should the United States be so much more despised than the Soviet Union ever was, or than Russia still is, despite the fact that Russia rules over millions of Muslims who would rather not be its subjects? Europe, not America, you might argue, had “imperial” ambitions in the Middle East even after independent states had been created in the region: America crushed those ideas by humiliating Britain and France during the Suez crisis of 1956. Israel notwithstanding, America's supposed crimes of foreign policy in the region are utterly incommensurate with the hatred directed against it. The truth is, America is despised mainly for its success; for the appealing and, critics would say, corrupting alternative it presents to a traditional Islamic way of life; and for the humiliation which many Muslims feel when they consider the comparative failure, in material terms, of their once-mighty civilisation. It helps Arab governments no doubt to blame that failure on outsiders. Plenty of western intellectuals are happy to agree that the economic plight of North Africa and the Middle East is more to do with American oppression than with its real, domestic, causes.
Latest Jihadist Video
The striking thing about this piece of video propaganda for the insurgency in Iraq is how Western-left it appears. From the British accent narrating the talking points to the weird challenge to "use the euro!", it's an interesting mesh of the anti-globalist, anti-American ideology in Europe and the murderous, Jihadist creed. The merger of the anti-globalist left and the anti-Semitic Jihadist right was always possible. Maybe this tape is evidence of its progress.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article7468.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article7468.htm
Just over half...
They hate us! They really hate us! Polls: Europe Negative on Bush Re-Election.
WASHINGTON - International resentment of the Bush administration has spilled over to include bad feelings for the American people, too — at least in three European countries that opposed U.S. policies in Iraq.
People in France, Germany and Spain are more likely to have an unfavorable than favorable view of Americans, Associated Press polling found.
Just over half in France and Germany said they viewed Americans unfavorably. Almost half in Spain felt that way, while a third of Spaniards viewed Americans favorably.
WASHINGTON - International resentment of the Bush administration has spilled over to include bad feelings for the American people, too — at least in three European countries that opposed U.S. policies in Iraq.
People in France, Germany and Spain are more likely to have an unfavorable than favorable view of Americans, Associated Press polling found.
Just over half in France and Germany said they viewed Americans unfavorably. Almost half in Spain felt that way, while a third of Spaniards viewed Americans favorably.
Be a hero!
A friend here at work has a neighbor who is really sick with Leukemia- I am told this guy is really nice and he is only 38 with 2 young daughters. I am planning on going Saturday morning, if anyone else is interested, we can go together. Here is a copy of the flyer-
Dean Christensen, the wonderful guy we all know and love, is currently undergoing treatment at OHSU for AML (acute myelogenous leukemia) and will need a life-saving bone marrow transplant in the next several months. To increase his odds of finding a matching donor in this short time frame, we are calling upon all eligible donors to come to the drive on December 18th!
Donating at the drive is a simple process, involving some paperwork and giving a small sample of blood. Samples will then be tested to determine potential matchability for Dean and results will be coordinated directly with his physicians to expedite the process. All potential donors must be under the age of 60 and able to donate marrow within a month if you are determined to be a match. While this drive is specifically for Dean, you may have your results sent into the National Bone Marrow Registry upon request. We will have follow-up information on the registry process available at the drive.
Lab and testing fees are approximately $65 per person (made payable by check to American Red Cross) and are tax-deductible. Any contributions in addition to this amount would help to sponsor individuals who would like to participate in the drive but are not able to cover the costs of the tests. Since the primary goal of this drive is to encourage as large a turnout as possible, we welcome anyone and everyone regardless of their financial situation.
Being a donor is a small act with huge impact and as one of his closest friends so aptly stated, it takes a village to give Dean every chance at beating this disease!
For more information, please call Gill Williams (503.231.6002)
Multnomah Athletic Club
1849 SW Salmon St
Portland OR 97205
Saturday, December 18, 2004
9:00am - 12:00pm
(Parking available in MAC garage - just let attendant know you are there for the
Dean Christensen Donor Drive)
Dean Christensen, the wonderful guy we all know and love, is currently undergoing treatment at OHSU for AML (acute myelogenous leukemia) and will need a life-saving bone marrow transplant in the next several months. To increase his odds of finding a matching donor in this short time frame, we are calling upon all eligible donors to come to the drive on December 18th!
Donating at the drive is a simple process, involving some paperwork and giving a small sample of blood. Samples will then be tested to determine potential matchability for Dean and results will be coordinated directly with his physicians to expedite the process. All potential donors must be under the age of 60 and able to donate marrow within a month if you are determined to be a match. While this drive is specifically for Dean, you may have your results sent into the National Bone Marrow Registry upon request. We will have follow-up information on the registry process available at the drive.
Lab and testing fees are approximately $65 per person (made payable by check to American Red Cross) and are tax-deductible. Any contributions in addition to this amount would help to sponsor individuals who would like to participate in the drive but are not able to cover the costs of the tests. Since the primary goal of this drive is to encourage as large a turnout as possible, we welcome anyone and everyone regardless of their financial situation.
Being a donor is a small act with huge impact and as one of his closest friends so aptly stated, it takes a village to give Dean every chance at beating this disease!
For more information, please call Gill Williams (503.231.6002)
Multnomah Athletic Club
1849 SW Salmon St
Portland OR 97205
Saturday, December 18, 2004
9:00am - 12:00pm
(Parking available in MAC garage - just let attendant know you are there for the
Dean Christensen Donor Drive)
Friday, December 10, 2004
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Where do I see myself when? In five years? Well, I suppose I see myself in a big room somewhere. Light filters in through the bulletproof glass of the skylights. I'm wearing a cape and a mask. Women in leotards are kneeling at my feet and making purring noises. A dwarf with a lute prances around the room playing "Greensleeves" over and over. Two donkeys stand sullenly in the corner. On shelves along the wall are rows and rows of jars. In the jars are the ashes of everyone that has ever crossed me. Every hour on the hour, an albino in a leather jumpsuit enters the room, walks over to the shelves, and picks out a jar. Next, he empties the ashes from the jar into a bowl of donkey chow, stirs the two together, and then feeds the mixture to the donkeys. Every time the donkeys move their bowels, I shout, "Ha! Look at you now. You crossed me and now you're donkey crap! You're freaking donkey crap! How does it feel, huh? HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE A BIG, STEAMING PILE OF DONKEY CRAP?" Yeah. On reflection, I suppose that's where I see myself in five years.
Sandwich Rage! (Johnny, please take note)
Dec 10, 9:38 AM (ET)
HOUSTON (AP) - Road rage? Try restaurant rage. A 34-year-old man apparently angry that his $6 steak and cheese sandwich was too cold was arrested on a charge of threatening to kill the restaurant manager Wednesday. Police said the manager offered to reheat Devlin B. Nelson's sandwich or make him a new one when he complained. Authorities allege he instead demanded a refund, threw the sandwich at the manager, then threatened to kill her and blow up the restaurant. Nelson, a Houston public works employee, has been relieved of his duties pending the outcome of the investigation. He remained in custody Thursday.
HOUSTON (AP) - Road rage? Try restaurant rage. A 34-year-old man apparently angry that his $6 steak and cheese sandwich was too cold was arrested on a charge of threatening to kill the restaurant manager Wednesday. Police said the manager offered to reheat Devlin B. Nelson's sandwich or make him a new one when he complained. Authorities allege he instead demanded a refund, threw the sandwich at the manager, then threatened to kill her and blow up the restaurant. Nelson, a Houston public works employee, has been relieved of his duties pending the outcome of the investigation. He remained in custody Thursday.
The Afghan Miracle
Charles Krauthammer wonders why mainstream media seems so unimpressed with The Afghan Miracle.
“Miracle begets yawn” has been the American reaction to the inauguration of Hamid Karzai as president of Afghanistan. Before our astonishing success in Afghanistan goes completely down the memory hole, let’s recall some very recent history.
For almost a decade before Sept. 11, we did absolutely nothing about Afghanistan. A few cruise missiles hurled into empty tents, followed by expressions of satisfaction about the “message” we had sent. It was, in fact, a message of utter passivity and unseriousness.
Then comes our Pearl Harbor, and the sleeping giant awakens. Within 100 days, al Qaeda is routed and the Taliban overthrown. Then the first election in Afghanistan’s history. Now the inauguration of a deeply respected democrat who, upon being sworn in as the legitimate president of his country, thanks America for its liberation.
This in Afghanistan, which only three years ago was not just hostile but untouchable. What do liberals have to say about this singular achievement by the Bush administration? That Afghanistan is growing poppies.
“Miracle begets yawn” has been the American reaction to the inauguration of Hamid Karzai as president of Afghanistan. Before our astonishing success in Afghanistan goes completely down the memory hole, let’s recall some very recent history.
For almost a decade before Sept. 11, we did absolutely nothing about Afghanistan. A few cruise missiles hurled into empty tents, followed by expressions of satisfaction about the “message” we had sent. It was, in fact, a message of utter passivity and unseriousness.
Then comes our Pearl Harbor, and the sleeping giant awakens. Within 100 days, al Qaeda is routed and the Taliban overthrown. Then the first election in Afghanistan’s history. Now the inauguration of a deeply respected democrat who, upon being sworn in as the legitimate president of his country, thanks America for its liberation.
This in Afghanistan, which only three years ago was not just hostile but untouchable. What do liberals have to say about this singular achievement by the Bush administration? That Afghanistan is growing poppies.
"Pre-Obese"
Got my BMI checked at the gym last night. Things did not go well. I wanted to explore the BMI, the "fat crisis," and see who stands to benefit from the latest public health trend. Wait for it.....lawyers!
"Until a few years ago, government agencies generally agreed that concern about weight begins when a man's BMI hits 28 and a woman's 27. That's 152 pounds for a 5-foot-3 female. But in 1997, the World Health Organization adopted a new standard. BMIs between 25 and 29.9 were now "preobese."
The next year, an expert committee of the U.S. National Institutes of Health came to the same conclusion and called the new category "overweight." Suddenly an extra 35 million Americans were judged to have weight problems."
Another good link:
www.consumerfreedom.com
"Until a few years ago, government agencies generally agreed that concern about weight begins when a man's BMI hits 28 and a woman's 27. That's 152 pounds for a 5-foot-3 female. But in 1997, the World Health Organization adopted a new standard. BMIs between 25 and 29.9 were now "preobese."
The next year, an expert committee of the U.S. National Institutes of Health came to the same conclusion and called the new category "overweight." Suddenly an extra 35 million Americans were judged to have weight problems."
Another good link:
www.consumerfreedom.com
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Kid Rock and crew party at random house party-
The site has some good pics-
"After the charity contest, Rock, Reid, Higginson and some of the NHL stars (including the 42-year-old Chris Chelios!) piled into a limo and headed to a random University of Michigan houseparty - hosted by a bevy of UM coeds."
"After the charity contest, Rock, Reid, Higginson and some of the NHL stars (including the 42-year-old Chris Chelios!) piled into a limo and headed to a random University of Michigan houseparty - hosted by a bevy of UM coeds."
Famous Atheist Now Believes in God
NEW YORK Dec 9, 2004 — A British philosophy professor who has been a leading champion of atheism for more than a half-century has changed his mind. He now believes in God more or less based on scientific evidence, and says so on a video released Thursday.
At age 81, after decades of insisting belief is a mistake, Antony Flew has concluded that some sort of intelligence or first cause must have created the universe. A super-intelligence is the only good explanation for the origin of life and the complexity of nature, Flew said in a telephone interview from England.
Flew said he's best labeled a deist like Thomas Jefferson, whose God was not actively involved in people's lives.
At age 81, after decades of insisting belief is a mistake, Antony Flew has concluded that some sort of intelligence or first cause must have created the universe. A super-intelligence is the only good explanation for the origin of life and the complexity of nature, Flew said in a telephone interview from England.
Flew said he's best labeled a deist like Thomas Jefferson, whose God was not actively involved in people's lives.
Killed by a white man with a black dog...
On May 13, 1978, 49-year-old [Bob] Denard landed with 46 men in a converted trawler named the Massiwa. He had sailed from Europe with his black uniformed crew to claim ownership of this tiny but idyllic group of islands.
Denard had been here before to train the soldiers of Marxist ruler Ali Soilih. Soilih was busy kicking out Ahmed Abdallah. Abdallah fled to Paris and later, short on funds but high on ambition, offered to cut Denard in on the deal if he would return him to power. The deal was rumored to be worth $6 million. Denard enjoyed his new role as "man who would be king."
Soilih was a young despot who appointed a 15 year old to run the police department, burnt all government records, and after a witch doctor told him he would be killed by a white man with a black dog, he killed every black dog on the island. Abdallah took all the political heat as his puppet. Denard, a former vacuum cleaner salesman and policeman, had seen what a few trained soldiers could do in his various adventures as a mercenary in Katanga, Yemen and Benin. This time he was in charge.
He landed quietly at night and proceeded to the palace to find Soilih in bed with three girls watching a pornographic movie. He shot him, and the next morning drove through town with Soilih's body draped over the hood. Denard had with him a black Alsatian. The crowds cheered and Denard became an able leader of the Comoros for 11 years with 12 other white mercenaries.
Denard had been here before to train the soldiers of Marxist ruler Ali Soilih. Soilih was busy kicking out Ahmed Abdallah. Abdallah fled to Paris and later, short on funds but high on ambition, offered to cut Denard in on the deal if he would return him to power. The deal was rumored to be worth $6 million. Denard enjoyed his new role as "man who would be king."
Soilih was a young despot who appointed a 15 year old to run the police department, burnt all government records, and after a witch doctor told him he would be killed by a white man with a black dog, he killed every black dog on the island. Abdallah took all the political heat as his puppet. Denard, a former vacuum cleaner salesman and policeman, had seen what a few trained soldiers could do in his various adventures as a mercenary in Katanga, Yemen and Benin. This time he was in charge.
He landed quietly at night and proceeded to the palace to find Soilih in bed with three girls watching a pornographic movie. He shot him, and the next morning drove through town with Soilih's body draped over the hood. Denard had with him a black Alsatian. The crowds cheered and Denard became an able leader of the Comoros for 11 years with 12 other white mercenaries.
New Hangout
Sloans Tavern 36 N Russell St Portland, OR 97227(503) 287-2262
Open: Mon-Thurs 11 am-11pm, Fri 11 am-Midnight
Slightly hung over after having 6 beers at Sloans last night. This place is hilarious. Food was mediocre, and there is no ATM, which is good for Video Poker avoidance. They also have the coolest jukebox in PDX. Here is another description of the place.
"Brown, running the carpet and climbing the walls, from heavy darks to beige to the golden specs glittering in the ceiling panels, this quiet joint out of time is its own comforting realm of brown, with high-backed booths lit by squat ceramic table lamps, the cab of a Freightliner truck erupting out of the street side wall and short stretch of bar segmented into a series of odd two-fer booths. Wait… booths at a bar?
What about the mirrors on the ceiling over the bar? And those three-dimensional diorama like thatch-and-blue wall hanging of owls perching on flowery branches? Oh, yeah, and that gold truck face overlooking the sidewalk, an effect courtesy of the Sloan-run auto body shop next door. From inside, the front booth in the restaurant looks out through the windows of the cab, a bit of simulated flame quivers in one windshield-eye. That's the table where the owners son's and daughter's sit, where they've probably sat, for a very long-time. Everything in Sloan's feels preserved."
Open: Mon-Thurs 11 am-11pm, Fri 11 am-Midnight
Slightly hung over after having 6 beers at Sloans last night. This place is hilarious. Food was mediocre, and there is no ATM, which is good for Video Poker avoidance. They also have the coolest jukebox in PDX. Here is another description of the place.
"Brown, running the carpet and climbing the walls, from heavy darks to beige to the golden specs glittering in the ceiling panels, this quiet joint out of time is its own comforting realm of brown, with high-backed booths lit by squat ceramic table lamps, the cab of a Freightliner truck erupting out of the street side wall and short stretch of bar segmented into a series of odd two-fer booths. Wait… booths at a bar?
What about the mirrors on the ceiling over the bar? And those three-dimensional diorama like thatch-and-blue wall hanging of owls perching on flowery branches? Oh, yeah, and that gold truck face overlooking the sidewalk, an effect courtesy of the Sloan-run auto body shop next door. From inside, the front booth in the restaurant looks out through the windows of the cab, a bit of simulated flame quivers in one windshield-eye. That's the table where the owners son's and daughter's sit, where they've probably sat, for a very long-time. Everything in Sloan's feels preserved."
Portland Police Shooting
Official report from Portland Police Bureau on December 2nd shooting in SE Portland.
It took Tasers, 32 Bean Bags, and finally 13 Bullets before he complied.
It took Tasers, 32 Bean Bags, and finally 13 Bullets before he complied.
Putnam Student Makes the News
by KATU Web Staff MILWAUKIE, Ore. - More than one month ago Rex Putnam High received bomb threats that shut down the school.
Clackamas County detectives believe a 16-year-old Rex Putnam student is behind those threats and have charged him with three counts of Disorderly Conduct.
Alfonso Felix Evans is currently being held at the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Center on unrelated charges.
Investigators say that tips from the community, sheriff's surveillance and interviews led to the charges against Evans.
The school received the threats Oct. 25, 27 and Nov. 1.
The school said they are expecting a recommendation for expulsion for Evans from Putnam High.
Clackamas County detectives believe a 16-year-old Rex Putnam student is behind those threats and have charged him with three counts of Disorderly Conduct.
Alfonso Felix Evans is currently being held at the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Center on unrelated charges.
Investigators say that tips from the community, sheriff's surveillance and interviews led to the charges against Evans.
The school received the threats Oct. 25, 27 and Nov. 1.
The school said they are expecting a recommendation for expulsion for Evans from Putnam High.
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Arrest warrants issued for Indiana players
5 Pacers, 7 Fans Charged in Detroit Brawl
PONTIAC, Mich. - Five Indiana Pacers and seven fans were charged Wednesday in the melee that broke out at the end of a nationally televised game against the Detroit Pistons last month, one of the worst brawls in U.S. sports history.
PONTIAC, Mich. - Five Indiana Pacers and seven fans were charged Wednesday in the melee that broke out at the end of a nationally televised game against the Detroit Pistons last month, one of the worst brawls in U.S. sports history.
Uh Oh
Fresh Yarn has a hilarious essay about sleep apnea- check it out. Here is a money quote-
"This wasn't your run-of-the-mill, fat-guy snore -- this was an atonal symphony of snorts, gasps and wheezes, punctuated by what can only be described as the sound of an asthmatic dragon trying to snort cocaine out of an uncooperative elephant's asshole."
"This wasn't your run-of-the-mill, fat-guy snore -- this was an atonal symphony of snorts, gasps and wheezes, punctuated by what can only be described as the sound of an asthmatic dragon trying to snort cocaine out of an uncooperative elephant's asshole."
Steroid acceptance?
Here is an interesting take on the steroid debate from Andrew Sullivan-
"We just learned that some 40 percent of Americans are on some kind of constant medication - many designed to ease the ups and downs of mild depression, or heartburn, or obesity, and so on. We have drugs for hard-ons; and we have elaborate plastic surgery for anyone feeling ugly or fat. We have fat-burning pills and hair-growing treatments. We have pills to send us to sleep; we have medical contraptions to give us better sleep (yay!); we have addictive drugs, like caffeine, to wake us up and keep us awake. The line between pharmaceuticals that actually cure illness and those that enhance our quality of life, or extend it to lengths once thought inimaginable, is getting blurrier all the time. What is health, after all, if not somewhat relative? Am I sick now that my apnea is untreated? Or am I just living with something that humans have lived through for centuries? Do our zoloft prescriptions always treat serious depression - or are they often a means to maximize our social interaction, prevent unsettling bouts of inertia or sadness? I ask all these questions because the brouhaha over steroids in sports strikes me as somewhat off-key. Our cultural norm is that drugs that do not harm you are perfectly legit in increasing your enjoyment of life, or enhancing your ability to perform certain tasks. Why, then, are steroids so illegitimate in sports? Yes, they can harm a body, but only if taken in excess and outside a doctor's supervision. Yes, it's unfair when some players use them and others don't. But the answer to that might just as well be universal steroid use as a universal ban. I think trying to stop this is almost certainly futile (the steroid technology almost always out-strips the testing technology) and not obviously virtuous. The notion that there is some "pure" human being out there - unaffected by the technology that now enhances our lives in so many ways - is fiction. Why are sports the only arena in which this fiction is maintained? And why would it be so bad to aknowledge reality and celebrate the new frontiers that human science and human performance can now breach? I'm not that comfortable with that idea; but I'm having a hard time coming up with good arguments as to why I shouldn't be."
"We just learned that some 40 percent of Americans are on some kind of constant medication - many designed to ease the ups and downs of mild depression, or heartburn, or obesity, and so on. We have drugs for hard-ons; and we have elaborate plastic surgery for anyone feeling ugly or fat. We have fat-burning pills and hair-growing treatments. We have pills to send us to sleep; we have medical contraptions to give us better sleep (yay!); we have addictive drugs, like caffeine, to wake us up and keep us awake. The line between pharmaceuticals that actually cure illness and those that enhance our quality of life, or extend it to lengths once thought inimaginable, is getting blurrier all the time. What is health, after all, if not somewhat relative? Am I sick now that my apnea is untreated? Or am I just living with something that humans have lived through for centuries? Do our zoloft prescriptions always treat serious depression - or are they often a means to maximize our social interaction, prevent unsettling bouts of inertia or sadness? I ask all these questions because the brouhaha over steroids in sports strikes me as somewhat off-key. Our cultural norm is that drugs that do not harm you are perfectly legit in increasing your enjoyment of life, or enhancing your ability to perform certain tasks. Why, then, are steroids so illegitimate in sports? Yes, they can harm a body, but only if taken in excess and outside a doctor's supervision. Yes, it's unfair when some players use them and others don't. But the answer to that might just as well be universal steroid use as a universal ban. I think trying to stop this is almost certainly futile (the steroid technology almost always out-strips the testing technology) and not obviously virtuous. The notion that there is some "pure" human being out there - unaffected by the technology that now enhances our lives in so many ways - is fiction. Why are sports the only arena in which this fiction is maintained? And why would it be so bad to aknowledge reality and celebrate the new frontiers that human science and human performance can now breach? I'm not that comfortable with that idea; but I'm having a hard time coming up with good arguments as to why I shouldn't be."
Quote for the day-
"To the extent that the left is still vibrant, I am suggesting that it has mutated into something else. If what used to be known as the Communist International has any rough contemporary equivalent, it is the global media. The global media’s demand for peace and justice, which flows subliminally like an intravenous solution through its reporting, is — much like the Communist International’s rousing demand for workers’ rights — moralistic rather than moral. Peace and justice are such general and self-evident principles that it is enough merely to invoke them. Any and all toxic substances can flourish within them, or manipulate them, provided that the proper rhetoric is adopted. For moralizers these principles are a question of manners, not of substance. To wit, Kofi Annan can never be wrong."
- Robert Kaplan, "The Media and Medievalism," Policy Review.
- Robert Kaplan, "The Media and Medievalism," Policy Review.
Nintendo NES is back
I had Nesticle on my old work computer, and just downloaded it on my new one. Bad for productivity, but great for stress relief.
I only have a few games, Punch Out, Joust, Marble Madness-but they are great.
Check out the above link to join the fun.
I only have a few games, Punch Out, Joust, Marble Madness-but they are great.
Check out the above link to join the fun.
Who poisoned Yushchenko?
Check out these pictures of Ukranian presidential candidate Viktor Yuschenko after someone tried to poison him. This is what I call a dirty campaign!
Did you mean: I love Jesus?
Check out what happens when you Google "I Love Jews" -
pretty funny stuff.
Results 1 - 10 of about 2,170,000 for I love jews. (0.09 seconds)
Did you mean: I love jesus
pretty funny stuff.
Results 1 - 10 of about 2,170,000 for I love jews. (0.09 seconds)
Did you mean: I love jesus
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
"Moral satisfaction"
Have you heard the shrill panic from the far left about (dumb) Evangelical conservatives taking over America?
Andrew Kohut from the Pew Research Center was on NPR today and discussed why this is a distortion. Here is a choice quote-
"John Kerry carried the moderates but he carried them only by nine points. Bill Clinton carried self-described moderates by a much larger margin. What that tells me is a couple of things. One is, this is not a right-wing country. At the moment it's basically a centrist country that in this election tilted slightly to the right, but that there is an alternative majority out there. And I think liberals have been, in some ways, excessively eager, for reasons that are in some ways beyond me, to say this was all about religious conservatives in the middle of the country voting a certain way. I guess there may be some moral satisfaction that some people get out of asserting that that's the reason the election came out the way it did, although I don't particularly share that either. It seems to me if you are not on the conservative side it is much more heartening that this election was decided in the middle and not at the extremes because that suggests that this is a country in flux and with a good deal of give in the electorate. People are open to arguments."
Andrew Kohut from the Pew Research Center was on NPR today and discussed why this is a distortion. Here is a choice quote-
"John Kerry carried the moderates but he carried them only by nine points. Bill Clinton carried self-described moderates by a much larger margin. What that tells me is a couple of things. One is, this is not a right-wing country. At the moment it's basically a centrist country that in this election tilted slightly to the right, but that there is an alternative majority out there. And I think liberals have been, in some ways, excessively eager, for reasons that are in some ways beyond me, to say this was all about religious conservatives in the middle of the country voting a certain way. I guess there may be some moral satisfaction that some people get out of asserting that that's the reason the election came out the way it did, although I don't particularly share that either. It seems to me if you are not on the conservative side it is much more heartening that this election was decided in the middle and not at the extremes because that suggests that this is a country in flux and with a good deal of give in the electorate. People are open to arguments."
Have an IPod? Check this out!
"Podcasting is similar to time-shifted video software and devices like TiVo, which let you watch what you want when you want by recording and storing video, except that podcasting is used for audio and is currently free of charge. Note, however, that this technology can be used to pull any kind of file, including software updates, pictures, and videos."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcasting
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcasting
Cash those "fake" checks!
Guy gets fake check for 93,000 bucks in some junk mail. He deposits it. It cashes!
Awesome story.
Awesome story.
"People in America tend to sue companies...."
"That option, and other features available in Europe and Japan, make auto executives in the United States shudder. They say they must worry about lawsuits rather than whether their customers can order from Amazon while driving.
"In the United States, driver distraction is a bigger thing than in Europe," said Norbert Seitner, head of product planning for Audi North America. "People in America tend to sue companies very easily," he added, if something goes wrong with the technology."
"In the United States, driver distraction is a bigger thing than in Europe," said Norbert Seitner, head of product planning for Audi North America. "People in America tend to sue companies very easily," he added, if something goes wrong with the technology."
Monday, December 06, 2004
Way to use your noodle TT
Tommy Thompson announced Friday that he's leaving his post as secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Associated Press reports he made this comment:
"For the life of me, I cannot understand why the terrorists have not attacked our food supply because it is so easy to do."
Uh, maybe it's because until Friday, no one had suggested it to them?
"For the life of me, I cannot understand why the terrorists have not attacked our food supply because it is so easy to do."
Uh, maybe it's because until Friday, no one had suggested it to them?
Rise of the Machines
Wired News has a delightful story of Yankee ingenuity on the battlefield:
The Army is prepping its squad of robotic vehicles for a new set of assignments. And this time, they'll be carrying guns. As early as March or April, 18 units of the Talon--a model armed with automatic weapons--are scheduled to report for duty in Iraq. . . .
Four cameras and a pair of night-vision binoculars allow the robot to operate at all times of the day. It has a range of about a half-mile in urban areas, more in the open desert. And with the ability to carry four 66-mm rockets or six 40-mm grenades, as well as an M240 or M249 machine gun, the robots can take on additional duties fast, said GlobalSecurity.org director John Pike.
"It's a premonition of things to come," Pike said. "It makes sense. These things have no family to write home to. They're fearless. You can put them places you'd have a hard time putting a soldier in."
The Army is prepping its squad of robotic vehicles for a new set of assignments. And this time, they'll be carrying guns. As early as March or April, 18 units of the Talon--a model armed with automatic weapons--are scheduled to report for duty in Iraq. . . .
Four cameras and a pair of night-vision binoculars allow the robot to operate at all times of the day. It has a range of about a half-mile in urban areas, more in the open desert. And with the ability to carry four 66-mm rockets or six 40-mm grenades, as well as an M240 or M249 machine gun, the robots can take on additional duties fast, said GlobalSecurity.org director John Pike.
"It's a premonition of things to come," Pike said. "It makes sense. These things have no family to write home to. They're fearless. You can put them places you'd have a hard time putting a soldier in."
Walker's Magnum Review
"I was awakened this morning by a re-run of Magnum on the WGN. Frank Sinatra played a retired hard boiled NYPD detective who had come to the land of paradise (Gaugin) to track down a duo of rich white boys who had "raped, beaten in the face of, and left in the alley like trash" a little girl (Leoplod & Loeb). We come to find out the girl was in fact his very own grandaughter (Deathwish 1,2,3,4,5). I have a feeling this episode was written and directed in response to the ultra suave, yet existentially tortured partnership of Sonny Crocket and Ricardo Tubbs (MIami Vice). The episode climaxed with a Phil Collins montage. Which confirms Chris Haberman's suspicion that Phil Collins is a whore. It made me ponder the power of Phil Collins in the mid to late 80's. The song that was played while the geriatric Sinatra beat up young, muscular, fully haired men, was "Tonight, Tonight." Unless I am mistaken which is totally possible ("Rock It Man"), the song begins with "I am going down, going down like a monkey". Which makes me wonder what in the hell is Phil talking about, losing membership in the bi-pedal association? I think this may have been a inside jab at Peter Gabriel ("Shock the Monkey"). What am I saying, Phil Collins whole career was God's practical joke on Peter Gabriel if not the whole industrialized world. Sinatra gets the remaining sodmite on the roof (presumably of the tallest building on Hawaii or possibly a building built upon the tallest volcanic peak of the latter day state) as he pushes the young, tall, atheletic, vibrant, knife wielding, man off the roof, the scream of justice is heard half way through Magnum's vouching for the vigilante Sinatra to the police chief whose name escapes me. The descending scream is comically long. I could just imagine Sinatra telling some Michael Mann wannabe "The scream is too short" "When the Chairman pushes you off the roof you scream longer and louder than ever before" -"Enough said get out of my trailer". I like to imagine Sinatra interacting with humans, it may be my new hobby. Needless to say this episode was a winner, Sinatra in floral prints on the small screen is magical."
Please see picture below.
Please see picture below.
Affirmative Action study
I heard this guy being interviewed on NPR this a.m.-
Dr. Richard H. Sander, a UCLA law professor who describes himself as a lifelong Democrat sympathetic to the goals of affirmative action, is publishing this month in the Stanford Law Review a important article which concludes that affirmative action in law-school admissions has actually been harmful to African Americans.
He summarizes: “In the case of blacks, at least, the objective costs of preferential admissions appear to substantially outweigh the benefits. The basic theory driving many of these findings is known as the ‘academic mismatch’ mechanism; attending an advanced school where one’s credentials are far below those of one’s peers has a variety of negative effects on learning, motivation, and goals that harm the beneficiary of the preference."
Needless to say, the implications of this are many. If affirmative action hurts its supposed beneficiaries, then it is even more untenable than it already is.
Dr. Richard H. Sander, a UCLA law professor who describes himself as a lifelong Democrat sympathetic to the goals of affirmative action, is publishing this month in the Stanford Law Review a important article which concludes that affirmative action in law-school admissions has actually been harmful to African Americans.
He summarizes: “In the case of blacks, at least, the objective costs of preferential admissions appear to substantially outweigh the benefits. The basic theory driving many of these findings is known as the ‘academic mismatch’ mechanism; attending an advanced school where one’s credentials are far below those of one’s peers has a variety of negative effects on learning, motivation, and goals that harm the beneficiary of the preference."
Needless to say, the implications of this are many. If affirmative action hurts its supposed beneficiaries, then it is even more untenable than it already is.
Sunday, December 05, 2004
The best Medical news of the week
Masturbation has been found to reduce prostrate cancer. This is actually true, not just some delusory rationalization.
Friday, December 03, 2004
Islamization of Europe
Commentary Magazine has an essential piece by David Pryce-Jones on The Islamization of Europe.
"It is true that most Muslim immigrants to Europe come simply with hopes for a better life, and that these hopes are more important to them than any apprehensions they might entertain about living in a society ruled by non-Muslims—something historically prohibited in Islam. Indeed, large numbers have assimilated with greater or lesser strain, and, in the manner of other minorities, have become “hyphenated” as British-Muslim, French-Muslim, Italian-Muslim, and the like. Religious life flourishes: if, a half-century ago, there were but a handful of mosques throughout Europe, today every leading country has over a thousand, and France and Germany each have somewhere between five and six thousand. Muslim pressure groups, lobbies, and charities operate effectively everywhere; in Britain alone there are 350 Muslim bodies of one kind or another.
Among these various organizations, however, a number function as Islamist fronts. Inspired by Saudi Arabia or Khomeinist Iran, by the Muslim Brotherhood or al Qaeda, they work to undermine democracy in whatever ways they can, just as Soviet front organizations once did. They push immigrants to repudiate both the process and the very idea of integration, challenging them as a matter of religious belief and identity to take up an oppositional stance to the societies in which they live. Issues of Islamic concern have been skillfully magnified into scandals in the attempt to foment animosity on all sides and thus further deter or prevent the integration of Muslims into mainstream European life.
The notorious 1989 fatwa condemning the novelist Salman Rushdie to death for exercising his right to free speech as a British citizen was an early example of this tactic of disruption and agitation. Another has been the attempt in Britain to set up a Muslim “parliament” that will recognize only Islamic law (shari’a) as binding, and not the law of the land. Still another has been the insistence, in France, on the wearing of the hijab by girls in public schools, a practice that clearly contradicts the ideals of French republicanism and is in any case not an Islamic requirement. The tactical thinking behind such incitements was well articulated by an al-Qaeda leader who, calling upon British Muslims to “bring the West to its knees,” added that they, “the locals, and not foreigners,” have the advantage since they understand “the language, culture, area, and common practices of the enemy whom they coexist among.”
Still another phenomenon familiar from the Soviet era has lately made a repeat appearance in the West, and that is voluntary accommodation, or fellow-traveling, among non-Muslims. Leftist fellow-travelers once helped to create a climate of opinion favorable to Communism. Many knew exactly what they were doing. Others merely meant well; they were what Lenin called “useful idiots.” In like manner, Islamist fellow-travelers and useful idiots are weaving a climate of opinion today that advances the purposes of radical Islam and is deeply damaging to the prospects of reconciliation. "
"It is true that most Muslim immigrants to Europe come simply with hopes for a better life, and that these hopes are more important to them than any apprehensions they might entertain about living in a society ruled by non-Muslims—something historically prohibited in Islam. Indeed, large numbers have assimilated with greater or lesser strain, and, in the manner of other minorities, have become “hyphenated” as British-Muslim, French-Muslim, Italian-Muslim, and the like. Religious life flourishes: if, a half-century ago, there were but a handful of mosques throughout Europe, today every leading country has over a thousand, and France and Germany each have somewhere between five and six thousand. Muslim pressure groups, lobbies, and charities operate effectively everywhere; in Britain alone there are 350 Muslim bodies of one kind or another.
Among these various organizations, however, a number function as Islamist fronts. Inspired by Saudi Arabia or Khomeinist Iran, by the Muslim Brotherhood or al Qaeda, they work to undermine democracy in whatever ways they can, just as Soviet front organizations once did. They push immigrants to repudiate both the process and the very idea of integration, challenging them as a matter of religious belief and identity to take up an oppositional stance to the societies in which they live. Issues of Islamic concern have been skillfully magnified into scandals in the attempt to foment animosity on all sides and thus further deter or prevent the integration of Muslims into mainstream European life.
The notorious 1989 fatwa condemning the novelist Salman Rushdie to death for exercising his right to free speech as a British citizen was an early example of this tactic of disruption and agitation. Another has been the attempt in Britain to set up a Muslim “parliament” that will recognize only Islamic law (shari’a) as binding, and not the law of the land. Still another has been the insistence, in France, on the wearing of the hijab by girls in public schools, a practice that clearly contradicts the ideals of French republicanism and is in any case not an Islamic requirement. The tactical thinking behind such incitements was well articulated by an al-Qaeda leader who, calling upon British Muslims to “bring the West to its knees,” added that they, “the locals, and not foreigners,” have the advantage since they understand “the language, culture, area, and common practices of the enemy whom they coexist among.”
Still another phenomenon familiar from the Soviet era has lately made a repeat appearance in the West, and that is voluntary accommodation, or fellow-traveling, among non-Muslims. Leftist fellow-travelers once helped to create a climate of opinion favorable to Communism. Many knew exactly what they were doing. Others merely meant well; they were what Lenin called “useful idiots.” In like manner, Islamist fellow-travelers and useful idiots are weaving a climate of opinion today that advances the purposes of radical Islam and is deeply damaging to the prospects of reconciliation. "
The Futile Pursuit of Happiness
Check out this article from the New York Times Magazine about recent studies of happiness-
"You are wrong to believe that a new car will make you as happy as you imagine. You are wrong to believe that a new kitchen will make you happy for as long as you imagine. You are wrong to think that you will be more unhappy with a big single setback (a broken wrist, a broken heart) than with a lesser chronic one (a trick knee, a tense marriage). You are wrong to assume that job failure will be crushing. You are wrong to expect that a death in the family will leave you bereft for year upon year, forever and ever. You are even wrong to reckon that a cheeseburger you order in a restaurant -- this week, next week, a year from now, it doesn't really matter when -- will definitely hit the spot. That's because when it comes to predicting exactly how you will feel in the future, you are most likely wrong."
"You are wrong to believe that a new car will make you as happy as you imagine. You are wrong to believe that a new kitchen will make you happy for as long as you imagine. You are wrong to think that you will be more unhappy with a big single setback (a broken wrist, a broken heart) than with a lesser chronic one (a trick knee, a tense marriage). You are wrong to assume that job failure will be crushing. You are wrong to expect that a death in the family will leave you bereft for year upon year, forever and ever. You are even wrong to reckon that a cheeseburger you order in a restaurant -- this week, next week, a year from now, it doesn't really matter when -- will definitely hit the spot. That's because when it comes to predicting exactly how you will feel in the future, you are most likely wrong."
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Republicans Outnumbered In Academia, Studies Find
This quote from a recent George Will column reminds me of the current Portland political climate, the link above takes you to the whole article-
"They do indeed cultivate diversity — in race, skin color, ethnicity, sexual preference. In everything but thought."
"They do indeed cultivate diversity — in race, skin color, ethnicity, sexual preference. In everything but thought."
Lincoln's State of the Union, 12/1/1862
It was on this day in 1862 that Abraham Lincoln gave the state of the union address at one of the lowest points of his presidency. An end to the Civil War was nowhere in sight. Just ten weeks before, Lincoln had issued his emancipation proclamation, turning the war into a war about slavery rather than just states rights. But in the recent election, anti-Lincoln Democrats had made big gains in the Congress. Many people saw that as a sign that the North didn't want to fight to free the slaves. People wondered if the war could ever be won, if the Union had been lost forever. Instead of expressing doubts in his speech, Lincoln argued that freeing the slaves was necessary to ensure that America live up to its own ideals. In his speech, Lincoln said:
"The fiery trial through which we pass will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation. We say we are for the Union. The world will not forget that we say this. We know how to save the Union...In giving freedom to the slave, we ensure freedom to the free—honorable alike in what we give, and what we preserve. We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last, best hope of earth."
"The fiery trial through which we pass will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation. We say we are for the Union. The world will not forget that we say this. We know how to save the Union...In giving freedom to the slave, we ensure freedom to the free—honorable alike in what we give, and what we preserve. We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last, best hope of earth."
WP Best Blogs 2004
Here are some Blog links to the Washington Posts "Best Blogs of 2004"- I paticularly enjoy littlegreenfootballs.com-let's do what we can to get PD up there some day- spread the word!
Best International
Winner Little Green Footballs littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/
Best Rant
Winner National Review - The Corner www.nationalreview.com/thecorner/corner.asp
Honorable Mention Lileks.com www.lileks.com/
Best International
Winner Little Green Footballs littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/
Best Rant
Winner National Review - The Corner www.nationalreview.com/thecorner/corner.asp
Honorable Mention Lileks.com www.lileks.com/
NBA Crisis!
Slate has a funny column about the Pistons/Pacers brawl- here is a choice quote-
"I haven't met, nor can I even imagine, someone who actually feels harmed by what happened. ...That we're thrilled by the occasional flash of violence in sports doesn't mean we're one step away from prime-time cockfights. Bill Conlin of the Philadelphia Daily News wrote that the fight showed that "America in general and American sports in particular" are at the same stage as Rome when it was overrun by the "lean and hungry subjects of the Empire." If this is the first sign of the apocalypse, then the ride to hell will be pretty smooth."
"I haven't met, nor can I even imagine, someone who actually feels harmed by what happened. ...That we're thrilled by the occasional flash of violence in sports doesn't mean we're one step away from prime-time cockfights. Bill Conlin of the Philadelphia Daily News wrote that the fight showed that "America in general and American sports in particular" are at the same stage as Rome when it was overrun by the "lean and hungry subjects of the Empire." If this is the first sign of the apocalypse, then the ride to hell will be pretty smooth."
Online shopping tips!
BrainstormNW.com has some great suggestions for gifts from local companies- here are some highlights...
-Rock n’ Bowl Where do vinyl records get a new life? Christine Claringbold’s studio. The beautifully crafted, hand painted bowls ($52–60) offer a unique and decorative touch to anyone’s home or office. Natural Spaces, 6401 SW Macadam Ave., Portland, 503-892-2373.
-Holiday Spirits Only in the Oregon will you find vodka made from—of all things—potatoes. Northwest potatoes and glacier-fed water from Mt. Hood make this a Gold Award winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. With a smooth, slightly sweet taste, Spudka ($15.95–17.95) is a great choice for those looking for a little twist in their martini. Hood River Distillers. www.hoodriverdistillers.com
Geronimo! Inspired by an original Pendleton robe worn by Geronimo in an early 1900s photograph, the enduring design of the Geronimo blanket ($165) has been sprung from Pendleton’s archives and reintroduced. The blanket’s (64” X 80”) rounded corners and unnapped finish are reminiscent of Pendleton blankets made through 1909. Pendleton stores, www.pendleton-usa.com
-Rock n’ Bowl Where do vinyl records get a new life? Christine Claringbold’s studio. The beautifully crafted, hand painted bowls ($52–60) offer a unique and decorative touch to anyone’s home or office. Natural Spaces, 6401 SW Macadam Ave., Portland, 503-892-2373.
-Holiday Spirits Only in the Oregon will you find vodka made from—of all things—potatoes. Northwest potatoes and glacier-fed water from Mt. Hood make this a Gold Award winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. With a smooth, slightly sweet taste, Spudka ($15.95–17.95) is a great choice for those looking for a little twist in their martini. Hood River Distillers. www.hoodriverdistillers.com
Geronimo! Inspired by an original Pendleton robe worn by Geronimo in an early 1900s photograph, the enduring design of the Geronimo blanket ($165) has been sprung from Pendleton’s archives and reintroduced. The blanket’s (64” X 80”) rounded corners and unnapped finish are reminiscent of Pendleton blankets made through 1909. Pendleton stores, www.pendleton-usa.com
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On Francisco Franco
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"From our perspective this is an issue between Colombia and Ecuador," he said. "I'm not sure what this has to do with Ven...
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OK, Grandma ... put your hands in the air ... slowly ... step away from the bingo machine ... put down the knitting needles...