Thursday, March 31, 2005
The Filibuster
FactCheck.org A Fictional View of the Filibuster is a good piece to read on the use of the filibuster.
Bad Truck?
Yahoo! News - Study Faults Army Vehicle Transmission problems when they up-armor the supposedly armored vehicle. Same as adding another ton of weight to your car.
Reports from the Stryker Bde seem to be positive, except for the electronics.
"I am a stryker Vehicle Commander, yes the digital stuff in it sucks and is slow. But give me my Strkyer over a up-armor HMMVE any day. I have seen them take hits that would completely destroy a HMMVVE and protect the troops inside. But I agree the army cut some corners on the vehicle, especially with the digital gear and weapons systems"
Wonder what the real story is? Looks like the design was based on European and Russion light armored vehicles.
Reports from the Stryker Bde seem to be positive, except for the electronics.
"I am a stryker Vehicle Commander, yes the digital stuff in it sucks and is slow. But give me my Strkyer over a up-armor HMMVE any day. I have seen them take hits that would completely destroy a HMMVVE and protect the troops inside. But I agree the army cut some corners on the vehicle, especially with the digital gear and weapons systems"
Wonder what the real story is? Looks like the design was based on European and Russion light armored vehicles.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Smile when You say that
Particularly if you say "Environmentalist." At one time, I proudly thought of myself as one, then I started listening to real "environmentalists." They turned out to be among the most anti-people, anti-industry groups I've ever met. I post-doc'd for a prof who was an environmentalist and member of the Sierra Club. The more he talked, the more I became convinced that the "environment" we had back in the '70's was something that only the elite could enjoy and the rank-and-file should be kept away. I looked and listened more, and kept hearing some of the most outrageous things being said.
I've met an exceeding few environmental saviours who have (a) read environmental regulations and (b) have any understanding of them although they will rant for hours about environmental criminals and the EPA. It's a real hoot to have one of the money collectors/petition mongers to come to the door for some cause and ask them a few questions. 99% have absolutely no understanding of the cause they are supporting.
Ever met an enviromental activist who has actually done work to improve the environment? How many tree lovers have planted more than a coupld of trees? Ever planted a thousand long-leaf pine seedlings by hand? Not much fun at all after the first hundred. How many have actually run a remediation job? How many have actually found ways to reduce or eliminate pollution? How many, experts on environmental law, have actually written a permit application and had to abide by the permit and the regulations? I've been at numerous meetings, hearings an on committees and heard the silliest stuff from "environmentalists." I guess the rule is the less you know, the louder and shriller you shout.
I had a couple of "environmental saviors" working for me. Both had degrees in "Environmental Management." Neither could tell me what the acronyms RCRA, CAAA, EPCRA meant. Neither could tell me what section of the Code of Federal Regulations contained environmental regulations. And these were folks educated at a college in "Environmental." I left them as shift operators in the waste water plant, under adult supervision.
When I read junk like that in the Guardian (see previous post), I don't know whether to laugh or cry. When I see groups like the Chesapeak Bay Foundation advertising in support of fixing a problem on TV and coloring all the adds in sepia tones and using very old photograhs to tell you how things are now, I don't know when to stop laughing. I don't laugh when I see some reporter, who probably took his last science class in the 8th grade, pan to lingering shots of cooling towers (water vapor) on a piece about pollution.
Several years ago, I took exception, in writing about a piece done on PBS. The "present danger" covered things that had stopped being done 15 years earlier and there were more shots of water vapor from cooling towers, steam leaks and steam traps when they talked about air pollution. The response from Lehrer was that he knew it, but needed to make a visual point. In other words, the whole cloth of this PBS piece, by a newsman of some supposed repute was an out-and-out fabrication.
I'm pro-environment and like to think that I've done a lot of good things to improve the environment. But don't call me an "enviromentalist." Them's fighting words.
I've met an exceeding few environmental saviours who have (a) read environmental regulations and (b) have any understanding of them although they will rant for hours about environmental criminals and the EPA. It's a real hoot to have one of the money collectors/petition mongers to come to the door for some cause and ask them a few questions. 99% have absolutely no understanding of the cause they are supporting.
Ever met an enviromental activist who has actually done work to improve the environment? How many tree lovers have planted more than a coupld of trees? Ever planted a thousand long-leaf pine seedlings by hand? Not much fun at all after the first hundred. How many have actually run a remediation job? How many have actually found ways to reduce or eliminate pollution? How many, experts on environmental law, have actually written a permit application and had to abide by the permit and the regulations? I've been at numerous meetings, hearings an on committees and heard the silliest stuff from "environmentalists." I guess the rule is the less you know, the louder and shriller you shout.
I had a couple of "environmental saviors" working for me. Both had degrees in "Environmental Management." Neither could tell me what the acronyms RCRA, CAAA, EPCRA meant. Neither could tell me what section of the Code of Federal Regulations contained environmental regulations. And these were folks educated at a college in "Environmental." I left them as shift operators in the waste water plant, under adult supervision.
When I read junk like that in the Guardian (see previous post), I don't know whether to laugh or cry. When I see groups like the Chesapeak Bay Foundation advertising in support of fixing a problem on TV and coloring all the adds in sepia tones and using very old photograhs to tell you how things are now, I don't know when to stop laughing. I don't laugh when I see some reporter, who probably took his last science class in the 8th grade, pan to lingering shots of cooling towers (water vapor) on a piece about pollution.
Several years ago, I took exception, in writing about a piece done on PBS. The "present danger" covered things that had stopped being done 15 years earlier and there were more shots of water vapor from cooling towers, steam leaks and steam traps when they talked about air pollution. The response from Lehrer was that he knew it, but needed to make a visual point. In other words, the whole cloth of this PBS piece, by a newsman of some supposed repute was an out-and-out fabrication.
I'm pro-environment and like to think that I've done a lot of good things to improve the environment. But don't call me an "enviromentalist." Them's fighting words.
MiGosh, the End is Nigh
Two-thirds of world's resources 'used up', at least accoring to the Guardian. Follow the links and find one terror after the other. One if the links is the Environmental Investigation Agency. Government organization? No. International advocacy group. And what can you do to support the EIA? Send them money, of course.
Read on, gentle soul. 20% of British refuse (estimated but not quantified) is illegal household waste. But wait, it's even worse, 70% (estimated) of Europe's waste is being illegally disposed of. Gee, and the Euro's seek to tell us how we should live and do better.
As I read through this, I kept checking dates to see if any of them were labelled "April 1." Sadly, none of them were. I've heard the term "Environmental wacko" before. Now I know.
If you need a laugh. Follow the link.
Read on, gentle soul. 20% of British refuse (estimated but not quantified) is illegal household waste. But wait, it's even worse, 70% (estimated) of Europe's waste is being illegally disposed of. Gee, and the Euro's seek to tell us how we should live and do better.
As I read through this, I kept checking dates to see if any of them were labelled "April 1." Sadly, none of them were. I've heard the term "Environmental wacko" before. Now I know.
If you need a laugh. Follow the link.
The Crafts Start Bickering
CodeBlueBlog: CodeBlueBlog Issues $100,000 Challenge to Terri Schiavo Neurologist Experts. Apparently, he has no takers yet. He is right. Radiologists interperet the CT scans. So, tell me about the army of "experts" in the Schiavo case.
Attorney Speak
The M. Schiavo attorney should be kept on a tight leash. A couple of times he has described T. Schiavo's condition as beautiful, serene, peaceful, etc. Now there is classical music in the background and she has a bunny to hug. I'm willin to bet the hospice room scene is not quite what he tries to picture. It sounds more like the Edwin G. Robinson death scene on "Soylent Green." Hey, Pelos, we saw the movie and didn't believe it then. Don't revive it.
Vote Early, Vote Often
Flat Earth Award | Honoring Climate Change Naysayers contains voting for the leading "flat earthers" or those who deny global warming. My vote is for Singer, who wants to debate the issue. The students refused to have a debate.
Read about the consensus of scientists. Of almost 1,000 papers, none were contrary to the consensus. Makes one wonder if (a) opposing views were accepted, or (b) the deck was otherwise rigged. I can't imagine 0 of 968 having a contrary view unless the conference was rigged.
One who has the contrary view is demonized by being in the thrall of big oil/industry. Those who are "finding" global warming are pure of heart in accepting their share of the fantastic sums of grant money out there for finding global warming. If I were a cynic, I would ask just how much grant money is distributed to the contrarians>
Read about the consensus of scientists. Of almost 1,000 papers, none were contrary to the consensus. Makes one wonder if (a) opposing views were accepted, or (b) the deck was otherwise rigged. I can't imagine 0 of 968 having a contrary view unless the conference was rigged.
One who has the contrary view is demonized by being in the thrall of big oil/industry. Those who are "finding" global warming are pure of heart in accepting their share of the fantastic sums of grant money out there for finding global warming. If I were a cynic, I would ask just how much grant money is distributed to the contrarians>
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Does it Pay Well?
It's hard to go a day without hearing about some person or group being offended by something. There has to be $$ in being offended of so many are being offended and publicaly and loudly stating their offendedness. It probably takes professional. Does it take years of training, special education, special certificates and a special initiation to become a professional. Above all, does it pay well? Can you do it part time? Or must you be full time at being offended. Do you specialize or can you be a generalist? Are you required to serve an apprenticeship before becoming a journey-person? Is the title "Professionl Offendee" or is there something more impressive? So many are being offended by almost everything, that it appears that the Guild ought to set out guidelines for becoming a professional at being offended.
Does it Pay well? If so, where can I sign up?
Does it Pay well? If so, where can I sign up?
Makes one Wonder
Tongue-Tied has two posts that really makes me wonder about our direction. A fellow is fired for sending email Christmas greetings reminding the recipients to keep "Christ in Christmas". The only thing I can think of is that he used a public computer for "personal" email. Do they terminate everyone who does this? I can't decide whether the all out assault on Christianity is more appalling than the fact that we seem to take it. Do we terminate everyone who expresses any religious belief, or do we just terminate certain people who express certain religious beliefs? Seems we attack the latter. I strongly believe in the right to express your beliefs and convictions. I also believe in a certain amount of courtesy in allowing others to express their beliefs. Does tolerance of other beliefs allow some fanatical theoracy to take hold? I doubt it. If we had a theoracy of any kind attempt to take over, I'd be one of the first at the barricades with the molotov's. Maybe it's time. The theocracy that is seeking absolute dominion is secularism, which has a jealous god that will have no other gods before it.
And we have the story about a convicted rapist and murderer getting out of the death penalty for folks on the jury referring to the Bible. The Christmas email is astounding. According to news, none of the jury said that they were influenced by "an eye for an eye." Guess those evil folks who read the Bible should have known that they can't do something as terrible as that to a poor, innocent rapist and murderer. In today' world, even though the juror's swore to uphold their duties on the Bible (unless they had some convictions to the contrary), it's dumb to bring in the Bible as a reference. They may bring in almost anything else, but not the Bible. They should have known.
And we have the story about a convicted rapist and murderer getting out of the death penalty for folks on the jury referring to the Bible. The Christmas email is astounding. According to news, none of the jury said that they were influenced by "an eye for an eye." Guess those evil folks who read the Bible should have known that they can't do something as terrible as that to a poor, innocent rapist and murderer. In today' world, even though the juror's swore to uphold their duties on the Bible (unless they had some convictions to the contrary), it's dumb to bring in the Bible as a reference. They may bring in almost anything else, but not the Bible. They should have known.
Fun With Statistics
TCS: Tech Central Station - New England's Hot Flashes has an interesting play on the purported affect of global warming on New England. Interesting to note that the alarmists can't get their stories straight.
Another case that the issue is not resolved scientifically.
Another case that the issue is not resolved scientifically.
Monday, March 28, 2005
To the Rusty Chemist-I Stand Corrected
On March 23 I made a comment that the models predicting global warming didn't include water vapor. The Rusty Chemist called me to task, and I stand corrected. The General Circulation Models (GCM's) do include water vapor. However, when one reads how this is done, one can be (a) very confused and (b) be even more suspect about the models. Most scientists (even the global warming zealots) seem to agree that the models need more work.
Starting with the Third Assessment Report (TAR) here the GCM doesn't include clouds. All forcings in the model appear to be clear sky. Don't know about the UN, but I've lived in places that average 182 days of sunshine/year. That means over half the year is cloudy. (It's a major source of depression in Southwest Michigan). The author of this section seems to be satisfied with the fact that the IPCC assumes that all heating is not disturbed by clouds.
The climate models seem to include water vapor at constant relative humidity. My limited, almost 6 decades of experience, indicates that the relative humidity isn't constant. In addition, I believe that temperature has some effect on the amount of water vapor contained at a given RH. Seem to remember the 100% RH days at almost 0°F in Michigan making for very dry in-house humidity.
The best description in my readings (forced on me by Rusty Chemist) was from Mahlman here indicating that the CO2 increase is additive and enhances the change from water vapor.
Climate models have some
minor problems here Dr. Patrick Michaels, problems with climate models
This was a wildly unscientific response in the face of a clear, quantitative analysis. The real reason for the models’ failure can be found in the USNA itself (Figure 11 in Chapter 1 of the USNA Foundation document). It is reproduced here as our Figure 2. The discrepancies occur because:
1) U.S. temperatures rose rapidly, approximately 1.2°F, from about 1910 to 1930. The GCMs, which base their predictions largely on changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide, miss this warming, as by far the largest amounts of emissions were after 1930.
2) U.S. temperatures fell, about 1.0°F, from 1930 to 1975. This is the period in which the GCMs begin to ramp up their U.S. warming, and
3) U.S. temperatures rose again about 1.0°F from 1975 to 2000, recovering their decline between 1930 and 1975.
It is eminently clear that much of the warming in the U.S. record took place before most of the greenhouse gas changes, and that nearly one-half of the “greenhouse era,” the 20th century, was accompanied by falling temperatures over the U.S. These models were simply too immature to reproduce this behavior because of their crude inputs.
I have no doubt that the climate is warming. I have some doubts about the anthropogenic part. I'll ask a simple question that you can test at home: is CO2 a leading or lagging indicator of warming? Gas solubility in water has an inverse relationship to temperature. That is, the warmer the water, the less soluble the gas. Test 1. If you have tropical fish, turn the heater up 10 degrees. The fish don't die from the warmer water, they begin to die because the warmer water decreases the oxygen content of the water. Test 2. Open a cold bottle of pop and observer the amount of fizz, then open a warm bottle and observe the fizz. The fizz is CO2.
I'm not denying the potential problem of anthropogenc global warming. I simply think the science and the proof is not yet there.
Starting with the Third Assessment Report (TAR) here the GCM doesn't include clouds. All forcings in the model appear to be clear sky. Don't know about the UN, but I've lived in places that average 182 days of sunshine/year. That means over half the year is cloudy. (It's a major source of depression in Southwest Michigan). The author of this section seems to be satisfied with the fact that the IPCC assumes that all heating is not disturbed by clouds.
The climate models seem to include water vapor at constant relative humidity. My limited, almost 6 decades of experience, indicates that the relative humidity isn't constant. In addition, I believe that temperature has some effect on the amount of water vapor contained at a given RH. Seem to remember the 100% RH days at almost 0°F in Michigan making for very dry in-house humidity.
The best description in my readings (forced on me by Rusty Chemist) was from Mahlman here indicating that the CO2 increase is additive and enhances the change from water vapor.
Climate models have some
minor problems here Dr. Patrick Michaels, problems with climate models
This was a wildly unscientific response in the face of a clear, quantitative analysis. The real reason for the models’ failure can be found in the USNA itself (Figure 11 in Chapter 1 of the USNA Foundation document). It is reproduced here as our Figure 2. The discrepancies occur because:
1) U.S. temperatures rose rapidly, approximately 1.2°F, from about 1910 to 1930. The GCMs, which base their predictions largely on changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide, miss this warming, as by far the largest amounts of emissions were after 1930.
2) U.S. temperatures fell, about 1.0°F, from 1930 to 1975. This is the period in which the GCMs begin to ramp up their U.S. warming, and
3) U.S. temperatures rose again about 1.0°F from 1975 to 2000, recovering their decline between 1930 and 1975.
It is eminently clear that much of the warming in the U.S. record took place before most of the greenhouse gas changes, and that nearly one-half of the “greenhouse era,” the 20th century, was accompanied by falling temperatures over the U.S. These models were simply too immature to reproduce this behavior because of their crude inputs.
I have no doubt that the climate is warming. I have some doubts about the anthropogenic part. I'll ask a simple question that you can test at home: is CO2 a leading or lagging indicator of warming? Gas solubility in water has an inverse relationship to temperature. That is, the warmer the water, the less soluble the gas. Test 1. If you have tropical fish, turn the heater up 10 degrees. The fish don't die from the warmer water, they begin to die because the warmer water decreases the oxygen content of the water. Test 2. Open a cold bottle of pop and observer the amount of fizz, then open a warm bottle and observe the fizz. The fizz is CO2.
I'm not denying the potential problem of anthropogenc global warming. I simply think the science and the proof is not yet there.
Terror Threat of the day
Yahoo! News - Storage of Nuclear Spent Fuel Criticized. Since we decided not to reprocess the spent fuel rods, which reduces the amount of nuclear waste, because it might look like we are building bombs and we are moving with glacial slowness toward real, permanent storage, we have this scare story.
Refusing to address the nuke waste storage problem is the real threat, not some hypothetical terrorist plot.
Refusing to address the nuke waste storage problem is the real threat, not some hypothetical terrorist plot.
Joy, and Danger, of Wilderness
Joy, and Danger, of Wilderness discusses a law suit because a biker was killed by a mountain lion. Warning signs at the entrance are, apprently, not enough. I'm sorry that someone was killed, but going into the wild means just that. No one controls the behavior of wild animals. No responsible judge would hear this case. Wonder how many responsible judges we have?
Sunday, March 27, 2005
One of the better NCAA years
Even though the Wolfpack isn't in it, the games in this tournament have been tremendous. One of the better years for March Madness. Let's hope next weekend lives up to the rest of the tournament.
Disgusting
If you watch the news, you cannot get away from news about Terri Schiavo. Frankly, it has become disgusting. There may be a number of people who are truly moved by this. However, the politcal posturing has been nothing short of disgusting. The top disgust was M. Schiavo's attorney who described her as beautiful and peaceful. How, can one describe someone dying of thirst as "beautiful."
Aside from the patient/victim, the only people whom I feel have truly expressed their emotions are her parents, who have frenetically done everything they can to keep their daughter alive.
For the rest, one might ask if they have any shame. They don't, so why ask.
Aside from the patient/victim, the only people whom I feel have truly expressed their emotions are her parents, who have frenetically done everything they can to keep their daughter alive.
For the rest, one might ask if they have any shame. They don't, so why ask.
Mercury: Billions for What Safety?
If you follow the news at all, you probably heard of the President's plan to reduce mercury emissions from power plants and the, expected, response from the enviros that this plan does nothing and we will be faced with impending doom. If you think I'm kidding, go read any enviro web site to get your fill of impending doom from this terrible, evil chemical. Never mind the minor fact, that only about 0.6% of the mercury in the environment comes from power plants and that only about 20% of the mercury in the environment comes from human activities and almost all of that comes from outside the United States. If we have an environmental regulation that will ultimately cost us billions (we pay for the electricity, don't we?), then we must have significant cases of mercury poisoning, right? Wrong: the CDC eight cases of mercury poisoning in the last 16 years and none from methyl mercury. All were from overexposure to elemental mercury in extreme cases. So, why are we spending billions to prevent a hazard that doesn't exist.
Note that all the pronouncements from the EPA and the CDC talk in terms of potential "might", "can", etc. The enviro's are not constrained by letting the honest facts get in the way of their agenda.
Check out the CDC web site for "mercury", "mercury poisoning", and "methyl mercury poisoning." You find that the CDC discusses two cases in Michigan from recovering mercury from dental amalgam in the basement here, one case in North Carolina from occupying a house that had large amounts of elemental mercury stored by a previous occupant here, and, shades of Erin Brockovich, discussion of contamination of ground water in Hinckley, CA, witht the conclusion of "no potential harm" here. We can also find the potential for harm in Chicago from the removal of natural gas meters that contained mercury, but no real harm reported.
There a loads of CDC reports where they responded to finding elemental mercury. Why not just cap it and clean it up as a local hazmat issue? No, we are now so fearful of the chemical that it takes the CDC to respond to the finding of elemental mercury in glass containers. This is all simply environmental hype by the EPA and enviro's that is fed to the media who are either too lazy or stupid to investigate the story, in bed with the enviro's or just simply willing to use any scare to sell more advertising. They believe that the American Public is too dumb to recognize the hype.
One of these days, we are going to have an actual crisis and these yoyo's will have cried wolf enough that we really won't respond. It will be just another scare.
Note that all the pronouncements from the EPA and the CDC talk in terms of potential "might", "can", etc. The enviro's are not constrained by letting the honest facts get in the way of their agenda.
Check out the CDC web site for "mercury", "mercury poisoning", and "methyl mercury poisoning." You find that the CDC discusses two cases in Michigan from recovering mercury from dental amalgam in the basement here, one case in North Carolina from occupying a house that had large amounts of elemental mercury stored by a previous occupant here, and, shades of Erin Brockovich, discussion of contamination of ground water in Hinckley, CA, witht the conclusion of "no potential harm" here. We can also find the potential for harm in Chicago from the removal of natural gas meters that contained mercury, but no real harm reported.
There a loads of CDC reports where they responded to finding elemental mercury. Why not just cap it and clean it up as a local hazmat issue? No, we are now so fearful of the chemical that it takes the CDC to respond to the finding of elemental mercury in glass containers. This is all simply environmental hype by the EPA and enviro's that is fed to the media who are either too lazy or stupid to investigate the story, in bed with the enviro's or just simply willing to use any scare to sell more advertising. They believe that the American Public is too dumb to recognize the hype.
One of these days, we are going to have an actual crisis and these yoyo's will have cried wolf enough that we really won't respond. It will be just another scare.
Selling something we already have
Device lets you out-Fox your TV is an add-on for the cable line. I guess you could make one for any program. Why? When there is something I object to on TV, I have a device available at no extra charge, a channel changer. I keep handy incase I can't change the channel, or the objectionable material keeps reappearing a power switch on both the channel changer and TV. I also have the option of leaving the room. I'm prepared for any contingency incase I'm forced to stay in the room and the channel won't remain changed and the power won't stay off. I can unplug the TV, disconnec the cable, cut the cable wire, cut the power wire, disconnect electricity at the main breaker, throw the TV out the door and a car to assist in my escape.
In other words, no one or no thing can force me to watch something I don't want to see.
In other words, no one or no thing can force me to watch something I don't want to see.
Saturday, March 26, 2005
College Tours Continued
Today was the College of William and Mary. A plus was that we got to see only one cafeteria. The tour guides were better prepared and more knowledgeable about the school than the others we have been to. Our guide did very well, but it is obvious that he is a liberal arts major at a liberal arts school. He mentioned that they had a "big magnet" that moved some sort of particles but didn't know what it was (cyclotron?) and had actually been in the chemistry department. I particularly liked his description of the physics course he took "Physics for Poets." Sure beats the heck out of NC State's general chemistry course in the University Studies ciriculum, it was just called general chemistry, but guaranteed you that you wouldn't know anymore chemistry when the class ended than you did when the class started.
The campus was nice and would have been much nicer if the tour had been done in 3 weeks. No. 4 is now plotting her course to become a student at the College of W&M. Not a bad choice if she can make it and we can afford it.
The campus was nice and would have been much nicer if the tour had been done in 3 weeks. No. 4 is now plotting her course to become a student at the College of W&M. Not a bad choice if she can make it and we can afford it.
Polar Bears and Global Warming
I keep hearing that polar bear populations are being reduced by global warming. However,
NWT Wildlife and Fisheries - Polar Bear says that the main limitations on polar bear populations are human predation. Wonder who has the facts?
NWT Wildlife and Fisheries - Polar Bear says that the main limitations on polar bear populations are human predation. Wonder who has the facts?
Black Friday
Not only did Channel 6 show the Duke-MSU game, the Wolfpack lost. Knew Wisconsin could make you look bad. Well, now, we have to root for $%^^& Carolina.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Where's the Beef?
The Belmont Club : Mal Aire contains an interesting discussion on the DDT ban. When I was a kid, way back in the dark ages of the 1950's, the mosquito control trucks would routinely come down the street with a DDT fog. The whole town was sprayed that way. Us kids would run along behind the fogger will into the the no-visibility zone of the mist. DDT was widely used in the US, particularly the south for vector control and disease control for years. If there was over-exposure, I'm certainly among a large group.
Question: If, as told by the UN, EU and USEPA, DDT is such a terrible persistant organic pollutant (POP) and is a death-dealing chemical, then show me the data meeting real criteria for epidemilogical significance that exposure to DDT increases disease and death rates.
To quote that great American Thinker, Clara: "Where's the Beef?"
Question: If, as told by the UN, EU and USEPA, DDT is such a terrible persistant organic pollutant (POP) and is a death-dealing chemical, then show me the data meeting real criteria for epidemilogical significance that exposure to DDT increases disease and death rates.
To quote that great American Thinker, Clara: "Where's the Beef?"
"Evolving Standards of Decency"
"Evolving Standards of Decency". Kristol has a point. We care more about an intentional murderer than we do about a helpless person who never committed a crime. We will not even afford her the same consideration in execution that we do mass murderers. It would be better to let them die by starvation and dehydration. After all, we are told that it is painless and one simply drifts off into a euphoric state.
We care more about whales, dolphins, alligators and other animals than we do about humans. We will bend heaven and earth to save a whale that beaches itself. On evidence to the contrary, we push for a ban on DDT, which could save the lives of millions of children, women and men from death by malaria, based on phony evidence that we might save animals. Our unelected masters (the judiciary), our hired masters (the buraucracy) and our elected masters see to that.
Maybe it's time, as M. Schiavo's attorney said, to reflect. Our priorities seem to be a bit skewed.
We care more about whales, dolphins, alligators and other animals than we do about humans. We will bend heaven and earth to save a whale that beaches itself. On evidence to the contrary, we push for a ban on DDT, which could save the lives of millions of children, women and men from death by malaria, based on phony evidence that we might save animals. Our unelected masters (the judiciary), our hired masters (the buraucracy) and our elected masters see to that.
Maybe it's time, as M. Schiavo's attorney said, to reflect. Our priorities seem to be a bit skewed.
Politics as Usual
FOXNews.com - Politics - Parties Put Aside Fights for Schiavo. The story confirms my opinions all along that Terri Schiavo's tragic condition, and apparent approaching demise, has turned into nothing more than media hype and a political circus. The media is hyping the affair because it attracks viewers. The pols are involved for political advantage.
Some people who seem to believe in right-to-life may be doing their best to prevent her end. But mostly, you can see the usual group of characters lined up on the left and right of the issue, saying the usual things. The major response has been to seel ad time or gain political advantage. Doctor Cheshire says he believes she is not in a PVS. The response from other emminent medica authorities is a personal attack on Cheshire, not a debate on the medical facts. Cheshire, according to the attacks, is nothing more than an unqualified right-wing religious extremist, therefore nothing he has to say is of value. A response to a medical difference of opinion in this matter makes one suspect the responder's case is weak.
Had this not gotten media attention, I'm willing to bet that no one in the Schiavo family would have gotten a condolence card from this. We seem to have no sense of shame.
Some people who seem to believe in right-to-life may be doing their best to prevent her end. But mostly, you can see the usual group of characters lined up on the left and right of the issue, saying the usual things. The major response has been to seel ad time or gain political advantage. Doctor Cheshire says he believes she is not in a PVS. The response from other emminent medica authorities is a personal attack on Cheshire, not a debate on the medical facts. Cheshire, according to the attacks, is nothing more than an unqualified right-wing religious extremist, therefore nothing he has to say is of value. A response to a medical difference of opinion in this matter makes one suspect the responder's case is weak.
Had this not gotten media attention, I'm willing to bet that no one in the Schiavo family would have gotten a condolence card from this. We seem to have no sense of shame.
From 16 to 12
For the most part, tonight's games were excellent, exciting college basketball, even if I slept through part of it. WVU-TT and Arizona-OK State, particularly the latter, were great games. Still the best time of the year.
Now for the opportunity to put a whoopin on the Heels on Sunday. Time will tell.
Now for the opportunity to put a whoopin on the Heels on Sunday. Time will tell.
And I didn't Stay in this Racket
Michelle Malkin: PRESS CONFERENCE ON WARD CHURCHILL covers numbers of allegations regarding the academic and intellectual honesty of Mr. Churchill. A faculty position in chemistry at any major school requires a doctorate, several years of post-doctoral studies, publications, recommendations and luck. Apparently, it doesn't take much to get a position in one of the made-up circcula like "ethnic studies." It doesn't seem to take much to become a department chair and a major name in the field. Us chemists aren't too bright. Instead of spending all that time and effort getting the doctorate and then deciding after post-doctoral work that industry looked better, I should have tried something like "ethnic chemical studies," claimed I was of some ethnicity I was not, then plagarize other work. Sure beats working for a living.
Gonna send my kid to U of Colorado, you betcha. Of course, bet I could find similar mess here in Virginny.
Gonna send my kid to U of Colorado, you betcha. Of course, bet I could find similar mess here in Virginny.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Payment for Services
When you pay someone to do a job, you expect him to do it, and are upset when he doesn't do the job or does it poorly. The exceptions seem to be the medical profession and our elected representatives. The attitudes of doctors toward their patients has long been one of my pet peeves. I pay them for a service and they expect me to treat them like demi-gods and be thankful for conceit and very poor service.
The other peeve is our elected representatives. Unlike doctors, they are not demi-gods, they are full-fledged royalty. Our elected representatives have allowed the courts to usurp their jobs and become the real makers of laws in this country. As seen in the Schiavo mess, congress may direct, but the courts believe they have no power to so direct. Congress also seems to be willing to allow a flood of illegal immagrants into the country and not lift a finger to ensure that our laws are passed.
Usually, if we hire someone to do a job and they don't do it, we don't pay them and/or don't hire them again. Not so with doctors and our elected leaders. We keep right on treating them like royalty.
The other peeve is our elected representatives. Unlike doctors, they are not demi-gods, they are full-fledged royalty. Our elected representatives have allowed the courts to usurp their jobs and become the real makers of laws in this country. As seen in the Schiavo mess, congress may direct, but the courts believe they have no power to so direct. Congress also seems to be willing to allow a flood of illegal immagrants into the country and not lift a finger to ensure that our laws are passed.
Usually, if we hire someone to do a job and they don't do it, we don't pay them and/or don't hire them again. Not so with doctors and our elected leaders. We keep right on treating them like royalty.
Freedom of Speech and the FEC
My opinion has long been that campaign finance reform is an assault on freedom of speech. I doubt that we are too stupid to fall for the big buy. It now seems that the FEC is going one step farther to limit such expressions of freedom of speech as internet blogging. When will we stop buying the tripe put out by political groups who seek only to limit our freedom of expression? Not just dumb blogs like this, but limiting freedom of political speech. If moveon.org wants to continue to say such idiotic things, let them. Those who would believe the idiocy would believe it without limitations on their speech. McCain and Feingold should be ashamed of having their names on a bill that would limit one of our fundemental freedoms.
Write your representatives!
Write your representatives!
A Day of News
Today was my quarterly trek of 250 miles to collect samples required for environmental permits. This gave me loads of time to listen to the radio and Sirius. Since I couldn't find any music of interest when I started on Sirius, I tuned into the news and talk. I became transfixed. Other than the NRA, the only thing available was Terri Schiavo, either on the news or the talk. Depending on whom, or what you listened to, it was very hard to distinguish truth from fiction. It all comes back to, if the husband no longer could bear (or put up with) her condition, why not arrange a legal way to divest himself of all interest and allow her parents to maintain her? This seems the simplest way.
Noticed that the Dems are enjoying the Republican, pro-life, obey the law dilemma.
Noticed that the Dems are enjoying the Republican, pro-life, obey the law dilemma.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
T. Schiavo Revisited
For anyone mildly interested in the news, you cannot watch, read or listen for more than 5 minutes without commentary or a minute-by-minute update. The joys of being a reader is you can escape the consistent updates by choosing not to read them or by just reading slowly. The facts seem to indicate that over a decade ago, board certified neurologists supported by scientific testing concluded she was in a persistent vegetative state and there was not hope of improvement. Now, it seems, that everyone is jumping on this bandwagon or the one that says that the proper testing was not done and that she is not in a persistent vegetative state. It is almost impossible for a layman and one not intimately familiar with all the facts in the case to come to any conclusion. Are the pictures we see , as have been explained by some typical of someone in a PVS, or are we seeing the responses of a person with some cognition? What ever we are seeing, the video footage paints a haunting picture of someone who now is being killed by thirst and starvation. However, some experts say this is not painful. Who knows? It is almost as puzzling as why the husband simply does not divorce T. Schiavo and relinquish all decisions to her parents. Only a cynic would observe that there might be other motives behind this refusal.
Exclude for a minute the fact, that if the experts are wrong or performed incorrect medical analysis and testing, a defensless person is being killed in a terrible way. What does the flap around this mean for someone who has prepared in writing a statement indicating that they have no desire to continue living under the circumstances of disease or injury that totally incapacitates then and leaves them in either an excruciatingly painful state with no hope of return or in a coma, supported only by advanced life support. Will they be prevented from ending their unwanted existance because of a right-to-life cause or by congressional intervention? Will a living will remain a valid document? The furor aroused by media coverage of this may well have unintended (or intended) consequences for those of us who have prepared, in writing, their wishes.
A cynic might also observe that the furor is based on media ratings and income as well as the thought of political gain. All this and little real consideration for a woman who has had a terrible, tragic existance for 15 years.
Exclude for a minute the fact, that if the experts are wrong or performed incorrect medical analysis and testing, a defensless person is being killed in a terrible way. What does the flap around this mean for someone who has prepared in writing a statement indicating that they have no desire to continue living under the circumstances of disease or injury that totally incapacitates then and leaves them in either an excruciatingly painful state with no hope of return or in a coma, supported only by advanced life support. Will they be prevented from ending their unwanted existance because of a right-to-life cause or by congressional intervention? Will a living will remain a valid document? The furor aroused by media coverage of this may well have unintended (or intended) consequences for those of us who have prepared, in writing, their wishes.
A cynic might also observe that the furor is based on media ratings and income as well as the thought of political gain. All this and little real consideration for a woman who has had a terrible, tragic existance for 15 years.
The Harvard Affair
Prof. Wisse writing in Commentary, discusses the flap about Larry Summers. This is a very powerfully written, albeit totally against conventional views of "truth" about Harvard, the intellectual elite and the feminist movement. Women, like anyone, should be given equal treatment. But, it seems, "equal treatment" means special, prefreential treatment which has not attained the desired goals of the elite. One also wonders about the intellectual ability of the supposed intellectual elite. If the Harvard affair shows the mindset and intellectual ability of the school's faculity, then why would one want to spend a quarter million at a place so devoid of intellectual honesty educating one's child? Is a female professor at Harvard there because of ability or just there by social promotion?
Link found on Power Line
Link found on Power Line
Heavy Reading
Scaremonger's Manual is heavy reading, but says it all about how poor research and statistics are being used to terrify us of anything and everything.
Flat Earth Award
Challenge Issued and Refused. Interesting to note that a group of students are having a vote on "Flat Earth Awards" for people who don't agree on anthroprogenic global warming. Fred Singer offered a debate for the finalists and offered to accept the award in person. The offer was refused because they apparently don't want to hear opposing views. It's hard to deny that we have been in a period of global warming for about 10,000 years (since the last ice age). Some thought is that we are moving toward the next ice age. The real debate is whether man-made emissions of "greenhouse" gasses are causing increases in temperature. The global warming activists are absolutely sure, even if none of the models do not include the most potent greenhouse gas, water vapor.
I'm not absolutely sure of anything on the subject. I am absolutely sure that when the activists attack anyone who opposes their views, they can't be entirely correct.
I'm not absolutely sure of anything on the subject. I am absolutely sure that when the activists attack anyone who opposes their views, they can't be entirely correct.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Never Tell an Engineer
A chemist can rarely suggest to an engineer that he may know something they don't. We purchased an analyzer to measure landfill gas concentrations continuously. I thought that the meter would only work well if the sampel inlet and outlets had pressure regulators since the meter operated under the Beer-Lambert law and constant pressure was essential. After months of trying to get the darned things to work accurately and reproducibly, we just discovered that the pressure makes a difference. It's nice to see engineers reinvent a wheel that was built well before I had to regurgitate the Beer-Lambertlaw in freshman chemistry 30 years ago.
Make Her Happy
No. 4 has wanted an iPOD for months and months. Her mean old father refused to pony up the $400 at Christmans and told her that she would have to earn the money. The price didn't go down and no other make met her stringent requirements. Today was the big day and mean old dad came up with a third. She's happy and will be listening to the results of tons of groceries and miles of cart-pushing. I'm pretty proud of the kid.
The iPOD sounds great and is easy to operate. Even I could figure it out. Downloading a zillion songs didn't take long.
The iPOD sounds great and is easy to operate. Even I could figure it out. Downloading a zillion songs didn't take long.
Success!
I've never been beaten by an analytical instrument, but the total hydrocarbon meter we just rented came close. It came with no instruction manual, but two manuals for similar instruments. The company that rented it, really didn't know how to operate the new instrument. After 9 days, with great help from the rental company and the manufacturer, I finally managed to get it going. Success is great. Now if only it would give us the results we want.
Monday, March 21, 2005
How to Tell Real ACC Fan(atics)
Post from relative (Carolina grad) started out is "life is good" since the Heels had another win in the ACC, but it did have a dark side since "Dook won." Real Carolina fans want no success whatsoever for Duke. Never mind that it is the ACC battling the barbaric hordes from the outside, especially the big bad Big East, life is only good when Carolina wins and Dook loses.
Now real NC State fans have a victory cheer of "Go to hell, Carolina." Life is good only when State wins and Carolina loses. I'm certain that in the stands after the wonderful victory over Uconn, the real State fans were chanting "Go to hell, Carolina." Heck, I've heard the fight chant when we were playing the terrible turpins from Maryland. go figure.
Dook fans hate anything in light blue, and would show only condesencion to us lowly Wolfpackers, if they would deign to notice us.
We all sort of like, or dislike, Wake Forest, depending on whether they or us won the last one. I'm sure, having to live in North Carolina, they look at the rivalries with bemused tolerance and (almost) understanding.
Well, life is good. 3 of 5 ACC teams advanced. And a begrudging tip of the hat to the boys in blues. (one of the reasons to keep my name confidential is that my real Wolfpacker friends would have me committed for mortal sins). Well, life will be better if both State and Carolina win the next one and we have a real reaon to chant the State fight chant.
Now real NC State fans have a victory cheer of "Go to hell, Carolina." Life is good only when State wins and Carolina loses. I'm certain that in the stands after the wonderful victory over Uconn, the real State fans were chanting "Go to hell, Carolina." Heck, I've heard the fight chant when we were playing the terrible turpins from Maryland. go figure.
Dook fans hate anything in light blue, and would show only condesencion to us lowly Wolfpackers, if they would deign to notice us.
We all sort of like, or dislike, Wake Forest, depending on whether they or us won the last one. I'm sure, having to live in North Carolina, they look at the rivalries with bemused tolerance and (almost) understanding.
Well, life is good. 3 of 5 ACC teams advanced. And a begrudging tip of the hat to the boys in blues. (one of the reasons to keep my name confidential is that my real Wolfpacker friends would have me committed for mortal sins). Well, life will be better if both State and Carolina win the next one and we have a real reaon to chant the State fight chant.
A Little Reading on T. Schiavo
Found in abstractappeal.com are several reviews of the Terri Schiavo furor. Like almost everyone, I believe the removal of food and water is not "letting her die." It seems more like murder. And if it is finally decided that she is to die, then afford her the same consideration we afford mass murderer's, a quick painless death by drug overdose.
You don't hear much about the facts in the news, as the news never allows the facts to stand in the way of a selling story. However a bit of reading as cited above clearly indicates that Terri Schiavo is in a persistant vegetative state that she will never recover from. There is no evidence that she responds to any stimuli. Medical evidence is that her cerberal cortex is essentially totally destroyed from anoxia, is withered and degenerated. In other words, she has not had, nor will she have any ability of cognition. She cannot swallow (and indication of cognition). All the actitivities we see on news film is what one would see from anyone in that particular condition. The surprising thing is that she has lived much longer than others in that condition.
Her family must be going through absolute hell with this. Like almost any parents, they are willing to do almost anything to see their child survive. The Guardian ad litem review indicates they are willing to take any and all steps to see that she survives. (Read the attached for particularly gruesome details).
There is no evidence that the husband is doing this for gain. In fact, the evidence is that he spent 4 years doing everything he could, inculding "innovative" approaches to recovery before becoming convinced that the situation was hopeless. Note: in the hearings 7 years ago, the husbands's neurosurgeons and one appointed by the court presented overwhelming scientific evidence of the hopeless persistant vegetative state, while the parent's doctors presented anecdotal evidince of the opposite.
Of great interest are comments from Sen (Dr.) Frist, who believes, contrary seemingly overwhelming medical evidence, that there is hope. His comment that there were "scores" of doctors who dispute the findings is of interest. Have any of the "scores" volunteered any of their time to prove this belief?
This is a case where there are no winners. It seemingly is one that our pols are using to grab loads of attention.
We may never know all the facts. It has convinced me that I need a living will.
You don't hear much about the facts in the news, as the news never allows the facts to stand in the way of a selling story. However a bit of reading as cited above clearly indicates that Terri Schiavo is in a persistant vegetative state that she will never recover from. There is no evidence that she responds to any stimuli. Medical evidence is that her cerberal cortex is essentially totally destroyed from anoxia, is withered and degenerated. In other words, she has not had, nor will she have any ability of cognition. She cannot swallow (and indication of cognition). All the actitivities we see on news film is what one would see from anyone in that particular condition. The surprising thing is that she has lived much longer than others in that condition.
Her family must be going through absolute hell with this. Like almost any parents, they are willing to do almost anything to see their child survive. The Guardian ad litem review indicates they are willing to take any and all steps to see that she survives. (Read the attached for particularly gruesome details).
There is no evidence that the husband is doing this for gain. In fact, the evidence is that he spent 4 years doing everything he could, inculding "innovative" approaches to recovery before becoming convinced that the situation was hopeless. Note: in the hearings 7 years ago, the husbands's neurosurgeons and one appointed by the court presented overwhelming scientific evidence of the hopeless persistant vegetative state, while the parent's doctors presented anecdotal evidince of the opposite.
Of great interest are comments from Sen (Dr.) Frist, who believes, contrary seemingly overwhelming medical evidence, that there is hope. His comment that there were "scores" of doctors who dispute the findings is of interest. Have any of the "scores" volunteered any of their time to prove this belief?
This is a case where there are no winners. It seemingly is one that our pols are using to grab loads of attention.
We may never know all the facts. It has convinced me that I need a living will.
Sunday, March 20, 2005
A Great Game
Julius the Great scores the winning bucket. If they go no farther, the kid, who could have turned pro but decided to hang around for another year, was sensational today.
Three ACC-teams still alive and some stunning upsets. Great tournament so far.
Three ACC-teams still alive and some stunning upsets. Great tournament so far.
Civil Rights Commission. Problems with Unaccountable Government Agencies
Walter Redenbaugh's resgination miniflap was interesting. He charges that the Civil Rights Commission is unaccountable to anyone, is slow to make needed reforms and does not have any mechanism to account for its budget. Others disagree. Looking at the more recent publications of the Commission here it is obvious that the commission doesn't really do much. I'm not sure how health care to native americans is a Civil Rights issue. The report on the treatment of Koreans may be of some value, but is it something we need a sitting committee to ponder? My last exposure to the Civil Rights commission was after the 2000 vote. My conclusion was that Ms. Berry was hateful and racist.
Maybe its time to get rid of this commission. I'm sure that the DOJ and other agencies are doing the same thing.
Maybe its time to get rid of this commission. I'm sure that the DOJ and other agencies are doing the same thing.
Great Day of Upsets
March Madness continues with some of the little guys showing up the big guys. UWM and Utah had notable days. Too bad I decided that Wake was beating West Virginia and could doze off. Did get to see the overtimes. Great game. Sorry I missed it.
Multicultural
An aside from campus visits. Both George Mason and James Madison Universities referenced "multicultural" in our visits. JMU had better propsective student information and our tour highlighted the "multicultural" building.
Guess having a multicultural interest as an official, named campus program is de riguer in academe these days. Back in the stone age, we just had students of different races, genders, ethnic origin, religions and countries of origin. We had student organizations (clubs) for any that chose to do so. (The "Arab Night" bash was worth attending at least once)
I'm not sure we needed any official program to emphasis "multicultrualism." We just accepted the fact that those folks were there, and if the spirit so moved us, learned about their different culture by attending any programs the clubs may have given, or just by association with those folks. We did not need, nor would most of us welcome, some official program with learned drones telling us how important it was and just how we should officially study and accept it.
Well, now we are in the age if enlightenment. Are things better? Or are we just finding ways to create a need and then fill it with folks who ought to be looking for something useful to do with their lives?
Guess having a multicultural interest as an official, named campus program is de riguer in academe these days. Back in the stone age, we just had students of different races, genders, ethnic origin, religions and countries of origin. We had student organizations (clubs) for any that chose to do so. (The "Arab Night" bash was worth attending at least once)
I'm not sure we needed any official program to emphasis "multicultrualism." We just accepted the fact that those folks were there, and if the spirit so moved us, learned about their different culture by attending any programs the clubs may have given, or just by association with those folks. We did not need, nor would most of us welcome, some official program with learned drones telling us how important it was and just how we should officially study and accept it.
Well, now we are in the age if enlightenment. Are things better? Or are we just finding ways to create a need and then fill it with folks who ought to be looking for something useful to do with their lives?
College Visits: James Madison University
The next stop on the tour to see where I will pour cash into the education of Number 4 child was JMU. The drive would have been better in later spring or the fall, but it was pleasant. Very nice campus and the tour guide was very enthusiastic about being there. The admissions folks did a fine job of providing information. Just when I was going to start groaning about a 45-minute presentation, I discovered that these folks had put together a rather impressive list of questions of interest to parents and prospective students.
Number 4 gives JMU a big plus and is talking about Marching Band.
Number 4 gives JMU a big plus and is talking about Marching Band.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Made In America?
Now the list of imports seems to have grown. Instead of our laws made in the US, could they beMade in Jamaica?. I'm opposed to the death penality in most cases. I can make exceptions for perpetrators of particularly heinous crimes like the DC Sniper, child molesters, mass murderers and treason. I may even agree with the ruling in Roper v Simmons, however, the law used by the Courts must be US law, the US Constitution. I'm editing this a bit. After presuming that the esteemed justices took an oath to defend the constitution, I looked up their oath. Apparently they don't swear to abide by the very constitution that placed them in office:
"I, [NAME], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as [TITLE] under the Constitution and laws of the United States. So help me God.''
So, none of them swore to look at US Law. We can be adjudicated by the law of Ghana if it suits the judges.
"I, [NAME], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as [TITLE] under the Constitution and laws of the United States. So help me God.''
So, none of them swore to look at US Law. We can be adjudicated by the law of Ghana if it suits the judges.
Friday, March 18, 2005
Political Correctness Run Amok
Interesting to read Tongue Tied from time to time just to see how far we are moving into the tyranny of political correctness. At a time when we hear constantly about freedom of speech, some of actually seem to be going the other way in the name of diversity, multiculturalism and freedom. I'm not offended by religious holidays for religions that are not mine. I accept and respect the holidays and the rights of those who choose to believe, to celebrate them. I fail to understand the tyranny of the secular, anti-christian element. Deciding to make Easter a non-secular holiday and dropping all references to "Easter" in the name of multiculturalism is a direct assault of freedom of speech and worship (or not to worship). The very laughable accusations of racism in a community development film because it had white developers and black community leaders is a sign of low intelligence. At least the NAACP Chapter found it OK. I am absolutely amazed by the total intolerance by those who are preaching tolerance.
The Claremont Institute: What Happened to "We the People"?
The Claremont Institute: What Happened to "We the People"? says it all. US judges decide cases on US law, not international law, un-signed treaties, and their own proclivities. If you want to adjudicate based on international law, try the World Court.
Still the Best time of the Year for Sports
The NCAA did something that usually takes a governor and and act of Congress to effect. They scheduled UNC-Charlotte and NC State in the opening round. The big schools usually don't want to schedule in-state smaller schools because, as UNC-C did in 2000, the big school (NCSU) might get a whipping. Bad for recruiting to give the little guys exposure, and heaven forebid, a win. Figured UNC-C would bring on the AA game. The first 10 minutes looked that way. Great game and now we get to see if UConn is as sluggish as they looked in the first game.
Great basketball win or lose, so far.
Great basketball win or lose, so far.
Life and Death Decisions
I've paid very little attention to the Terry Shaivo happenings. Such decisions are best left up to the person and the family. However, the histrionics by the Senate and media really makes me wonder. Thirty years ago my father made me promise several times that I wouldn't allow "them" to use any special life support. He was dying from cancer and the pain was unbearable. We didn't insist that the hospital take any extroadinary measures. We just made sure that the pain medication was adequate. Recently, my mother underwent surgery for cancer. She wanted the same promise: if anything bad happens, no extroadinary efforts to keep her alive. At 85, the decision should be hers. The Shaivo affair is not quite as cut-and-dried. But with the reaction to this, would I have been able to keep the word my mother made me give? Would the Congress interfere with that, very personal, decision made by my mother?
Portent of things to Come?
Back in the dark ages when the Alaskan North Slope was opened, the cry was that we would destroy the area. But according to the DOI Central Caribou Herd Grows to Record Numbers on Alaska's North Slope. We are now hearing that opening ANWAR will do the same. Wonder if the prognosticators will be as right this time?
Thursday, March 17, 2005
NY Post-Buying Reform
New York Post Online Edition: postopinion gives a rather fascinating account of the way we ended up with campaign finance reform. No matter which side of the last election you were on, the reform seems to have created more annoyance and problems than it solved.
Not only did the result mean the hideous ads from 521's, it also means that if I "buy" my favorite candidate by giving $1 more than the limit, we got problems. This is the small frye. The big fish found ways and ways and ways around the law. I can't use my political "speech" to support my favorite candidate above $2000, but George Soros can spend millions of his pocket change to support his favorite? Hmm..
Not only did the result mean the hideous ads from 521's, it also means that if I "buy" my favorite candidate by giving $1 more than the limit, we got problems. This is the small frye. The big fish found ways and ways and ways around the law. I can't use my political "speech" to support my favorite candidate above $2000, but George Soros can spend millions of his pocket change to support his favorite? Hmm..
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
The Causes and Prevention of Cancer
The Causes and Prevention of Cancer A good thing to remember when you hear about all the evil chemicals.
Academic Freedom Again
Don't Worry Your Pretty Little Head - The pseudo-feminist show trial of Larry Summers. By William�Saletan has resulted in a faculty vote of "no confidence." This will probably result in Summers' resignation. His sin? Speaking his mind at a conference. In the name of academic freedom, they jumped on him for daring to hypothesize (with facts, no less) on why there are fewer women in high academic science and engineering postions than men. The response from these highly educated, trained researchers was an all-out attack. Summers wasn't attacked by presentation of facts that disputed his claims, it was just personal. His discussion was also in terms of recognizing a "problem" and finding "solutions." These highly educated, trained research folks simply turned on him like a pack of dogs for saying something unpopular and contrary to their prevaling wishes.
Compare and contrast the Summers saga with that of Ward Churchill. Mr. Churchill gets emphatic defense from academe. Guess academic freedom means the freedom not to stray an inch from the left's social agenda.
Compare and contrast the Summers saga with that of Ward Churchill. Mr. Churchill gets emphatic defense from academe. Guess academic freedom means the freedom not to stray an inch from the left's social agenda.
Not Sure I Understand
The New York Times > Washington > U.S. Military Says 26 Inmate Deaths May Be Homicide covers an announcement by DOD concerning investigations closed and recommended for trial or pending. Being the NYT Abu Ghraib is mentioned three times. The article has standard quotes from Human Rights groups deploring systematic American human rights abuses. Makes one wonder if the Times is looking for another award for "uncovering" a story announced by DOD. This was the case with the Abu Ghraib mess. The Times had award-winning reports (constantly) that uncovered something the military had announced months before. Any deaths or abuse should be thoroughly investigated, as they appear to be. Commanders at all levels should be held accountable for putting command emphasis on prisoner treatment to ensure it doesn't happen. But it does seem that the military is doing the right thing by investigating all instances and preferring charges where appropriate. Doesn't look like any coverup of systematic abuse to me. If it was, I wouldn't be writing this.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Semper Fi
Marines snub UAW olive branch - 03/15/05
I've nothing against the UAW and have looked hard at American cars when I was in the market. However, the UAW went overboard on this one. The leadership allowed politics (not even reflecting that of a good part of their membership) outweigh common sense in this one. According to the article, after a rash of criticism, the UAW backed down. But I really like the Marines' response "You either support us or you don't" and then find another place to park. Imagine letting your short-sighted political beliefs cause you to take it out on a group of folks who have, or probably will, spend some time in Iraq or Afghanistan. Worse yet, if a goodly number of them have done that.
Overblown as an issue of who the UAW allows to use their property. It is their right to decide who and what to allow on it. However, the blatant political stance does them no good at all.
Well done, Marines, for sticking to your guns. Instead of the Dakota I was looking at, the next one may well say "Toyota," "Nissan," or "Honda" on the back.
I've nothing against the UAW and have looked hard at American cars when I was in the market. However, the UAW went overboard on this one. The leadership allowed politics (not even reflecting that of a good part of their membership) outweigh common sense in this one. According to the article, after a rash of criticism, the UAW backed down. But I really like the Marines' response "You either support us or you don't" and then find another place to park. Imagine letting your short-sighted political beliefs cause you to take it out on a group of folks who have, or probably will, spend some time in Iraq or Afghanistan. Worse yet, if a goodly number of them have done that.
Overblown as an issue of who the UAW allows to use their property. It is their right to decide who and what to allow on it. However, the blatant political stance does them no good at all.
Well done, Marines, for sticking to your guns. Instead of the Dakota I was looking at, the next one may well say "Toyota," "Nissan," or "Honda" on the back.
Microsoft Strikes Again
Tonight was a family affair in computer learning. My daughter spent hours Sunday transcribing 3x5 card notes into an outline for an English paper. She used the iMACs graciously provided by Henrico County. Problem with the iMACs is that the county schools do not allow addition of printer drivers for printers one might have at home. Printing is accomplished by copying the text into an email, sending the email and copying the text into a word processor on a Windows-based machine. This time, Word wouldn't allow selective indents in an outline format. You couln't even copy text and paste it into Word Perfect. It turned into a family (me, wife, daughter) trying all kinds reformatting to get it to work. Just before retyping the thing we found a solution: MS word saved as ASCII DOS, open in Word Perfect, selectively indent each line (not quite as long as retyping).
I switched to Word because everyone else had. I've cussed every version because it does what it wants today no matter what you tell it to do. Hours are spent doing useless work on formats or just fixing problems. If it weren't for sending stuff to others and the need of doing it in Word, I would have never left Word Perfect. (Still keep it around for real work).
Microsoft isn't bashful when it comes to charging a bundle for its products. It looks like with that cost they could add a little value for folks who want to do more than write a memo and do it easily.
Double cannister and double grape to the coders of Word. Here's hoping they have to use their product for years of non-productive no fixes.
I switched to Word because everyone else had. I've cussed every version because it does what it wants today no matter what you tell it to do. Hours are spent doing useless work on formats or just fixing problems. If it weren't for sending stuff to others and the need of doing it in Word, I would have never left Word Perfect. (Still keep it around for real work).
Microsoft isn't bashful when it comes to charging a bundle for its products. It looks like with that cost they could add a little value for folks who want to do more than write a memo and do it easily.
Double cannister and double grape to the coders of Word. Here's hoping they have to use their product for years of non-productive no fixes.
Electric Cars
NPR had an interesting "green" piece on the demise of the last of GM's EV1 electric cars. According to the piece, folks who worked on the project and were electric car fanatics weren't allowed on the lot as the last fifty cars were being packed up to be crushed. Lots of heart-wrenching stuff about how they don't pollute and how popular they are and how wonderful for the environment. The piece ended with the last car into the gate was (gasp) a HUMMER.
GM (according to NPR) spent a billion developing the cars. The cars have 2000(?) unique parts. The cars went about 140 miles on a charge. If kept on the road, GM would be responsible for keeping up a supply of spare parts for 50 of these cars. Seven makers jumped onto the electric car bandwagon and all have jumped off.
Electric cars may reduce pollution from automobiles, but, for me, the jury is out on whether there is an overall pollution reduction. The electriciy has to be made somewhere, using fuels that would otherwise go to the cars. We've heard a great deal lately about how ghastly bad the power plants are. Hybrids seem to be better for those who want to reduce cost of fuel and save the planet. The electric car didn't fail because of some diabolical scheme by GM, Ford and the others. It failed because of the inconvenience, expense and the plain fact that people just didn't want them. I'm willing to bet a bunch that if there was a real demand for the beasts, GM and the others would be making them. It's ECON 101.
GM (according to NPR) spent a billion developing the cars. The cars have 2000(?) unique parts. The cars went about 140 miles on a charge. If kept on the road, GM would be responsible for keeping up a supply of spare parts for 50 of these cars. Seven makers jumped onto the electric car bandwagon and all have jumped off.
Electric cars may reduce pollution from automobiles, but, for me, the jury is out on whether there is an overall pollution reduction. The electriciy has to be made somewhere, using fuels that would otherwise go to the cars. We've heard a great deal lately about how ghastly bad the power plants are. Hybrids seem to be better for those who want to reduce cost of fuel and save the planet. The electric car didn't fail because of some diabolical scheme by GM, Ford and the others. It failed because of the inconvenience, expense and the plain fact that people just didn't want them. I'm willing to bet a bunch that if there was a real demand for the beasts, GM and the others would be making them. It's ECON 101.
The Malaria Clock -- A Geen Legacy Of Death
The Malaria Clock -- A Geen Legacy Of Death. Again from Junkscience.com. Ban DDT? Why not, the ban has resulted in millions of deaths.
The cost of no Results
JunkScience.com -- Kyoto Count Up! Check in on Junkscience.com's Kyoto clock. Another case of a real need to save the planet from the enviro-elitists.
Saving the Planet?
Application of the Wetlands Law is at best confusing. At worst, it is a nightmare for anyone trying to live and use "logic" to comply. As can be seen in the article, your ability to comply is based on how the Corps of Engineers elects to apply the rule, who in the Corps looks at it, when they look at it and which office looks at it. Application of the "interstate molecule" ruling is not only outrageously rediculous but can make criminals of us all. After all, my backyard has a thin layer of topsoil over clay. Except during the drought of a couple of years ago, it is wet and sloppy most of the year. It drains to the storm drain. Should I be worried about may actions in this "wetland?" The only positive part is I can tell my wife that fixing the problem (a couple of loads of topsoil) would violate environmental laws.
We need saving from the environmental zealots more than the environment needs saving from some farmer who is 64 miles from the nearest navigible water.
A bit more of the grape to the Corps of Engineers.
We need saving from the environmental zealots more than the environment needs saving from some farmer who is 64 miles from the nearest navigible water.
A bit more of the grape to the Corps of Engineers.
How to Keep a Story in the Headlines
Sgrena's Demand for answers from the Italian government makes one wonder. No one was notified that this "journalist" was being "released." The car didn't stop at a checkpoint.
Go outside during the day and then during the night. Look at oncoming cars and see how many faces you can clearly identify as they come toward you. Now, put yourself into the position of troops at a roadblock on a road known for IED's and suicide drivers with orders to fire on any vehicle that tries to run the roadblock.
The answers that should be demanded are why she thought she was above simply stopping at the checkpoint.
Go outside during the day and then during the night. Look at oncoming cars and see how many faces you can clearly identify as they come toward you. Now, put yourself into the position of troops at a roadblock on a road known for IED's and suicide drivers with orders to fire on any vehicle that tries to run the roadblock.
The answers that should be demanded are why she thought she was above simply stopping at the checkpoint.
Monday, March 14, 2005
The Precautionary Principle and Chemophobia
The Great Experiment is a cute article on perfluorooctane sulfate (PFOS) and perfluorooctane acetate (PFOA), flame retardents that show up in blood samples almost everywhere. Although there is no proof that these do any harm, the author of this scary, chemophobic piece woud like us to believe that we should be worried about these. According to this article, there is no scientific evidence, even among workers who make these chemicals, that there is any recognized harm. This terrify-you piece is based on the precautionary principle which says you must prove zero harm, which is impossible so we can ban the chemicals we decide we don't like. Which is worse: the chemical that no one has proof of any harm or the deaths, disfigurement and suffer that would be caused by the removal of the flame retardants from use?
UAW vs. USMC
According to the Detroit News (found on Michelle Malkin) the UAW didn't want Marine Reservists parking in their parking lot, next door to the reserve center, if they drove foreign cars or had pro-Bush stickers on them. The active component commander decided that no Marines would park there, even after the President of the UAW (a former Marine) reversed the decision. I'm glad the Marines stick to their guns.
The UAW wants to play politics with a group of volunteers who have, or probably soon will be in the Iraq combat zone. The leftists running that particular segment of the UAW mistakenly want to make some political point with a group of folks who, at best, give up time with their families, get a lot of heat on the job for being "military" and, at worst, get to vacation for a year in Iraq. I know some UAW folks and they are not like the leadership. Maybe it's about time they look for leadership that respects the values of the membership.
The bit about "foreign cars" is a political point made by those who believe that the public can't read the stickers on their cars. My Chevy Impala (the quintessential American car) is a foreign car. It's made in Canada. The Toyota Camry was made in the US. My Isuzu was made in Indiana. So, tell me what makes a car foreign.
Double cannister to the UAW. Semper Fi, Marines.
The UAW wants to play politics with a group of volunteers who have, or probably soon will be in the Iraq combat zone. The leftists running that particular segment of the UAW mistakenly want to make some political point with a group of folks who, at best, give up time with their families, get a lot of heat on the job for being "military" and, at worst, get to vacation for a year in Iraq. I know some UAW folks and they are not like the leadership. Maybe it's about time they look for leadership that respects the values of the membership.
The bit about "foreign cars" is a political point made by those who believe that the public can't read the stickers on their cars. My Chevy Impala (the quintessential American car) is a foreign car. It's made in Canada. The Toyota Camry was made in the US. My Isuzu was made in Indiana. So, tell me what makes a car foreign.
Double cannister to the UAW. Semper Fi, Marines.
Richmond Potholes
According to the WRVA afternoon talk show, the Richmond City Council will propose a policy of fixing potholes within 48 hours of notice that one exists. A caller said that it couldn't be done because of available manpower and other work the crews have to do. I have no real good idea of how long it takes to patch a pothole. However, it would seem that 48 hours is awfully ambitious given that you have to schedule the work, ensure that materials are available and actually fix the darned things. The illustrious host of afternoon talk went off with great sarcasm about the callers response. For a simpleton like me, it would seem that the City would be better off setting a realistic goal, ensuring that resources are committed and then trying to improve on their performance rather than setting an unrealistic goal. A bit more of the grape to the City Council for announcing an impossible goal and a charge of double cannister followed by a bit more of the grape to our talk show host who can't seem to walk through a simple process.
Five ACC teams
Five teams in the dance. Frankly, it should have been seven. The Wolfpack made it. Hopefully, UNC-Charlotte will not come out with it's AA+ game to show up the elder brethren of the State. Gonna be a fun month. Sit back and enjoy.
Tragedy in Atlanta
I'm beginning to hear some voices that blame gun violence, not a violent person who happened to have a gun as the problem. In this crazy PC-world we somehow don't believe it "good" for the accused to show up in court wearing restraints. So, we allow a person who, alledgedly, has demonstrated violence toward women to be guarded by a 5' , 51-year-old female. We also make it safer by ensuring that deputies' firearms are not easy for the deputies to get out of the holster. This maniac then kills four people and it's due to "gun violence" because the deputies shouldn't have firearms. This is an incredible attempt by the anti-gun forces to turn a tragedy to their political advantage.
The real problem is that we should never allow prisoners like this to be transferred without restraints; we should never allow the prisoner to be transported by one deputy (especially one half his size); and we should make sure that the armed guardians of the court can easily get to there firearms to protect folks in the court. This is not "gun violence" it is violence with a gun under a series of errors, some of those in the name of polictical correctness. The perpetrators of this fraud never seem to be held accountable.
I have several firearms. None of them are violent.
The real problem is that we should never allow prisoners like this to be transferred without restraints; we should never allow the prisoner to be transported by one deputy (especially one half his size); and we should make sure that the armed guardians of the court can easily get to there firearms to protect folks in the court. This is not "gun violence" it is violence with a gun under a series of errors, some of those in the name of polictical correctness. The perpetrators of this fraud never seem to be held accountable.
I have several firearms. None of them are violent.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Counter Recruitment Movement
I ran across websites for several counter recruitment movements. The American Friends Service Committee is typical and one of the better sites. Their good advice is that anyone considering joining the military should carefully consider the decision. The AFSC, better than others, still goes off the deep end. Allowing recruiters into schools is somehow
militarizing our schools. They seem to want to place joining the military on the same level as joining McDonalds. The things for a young person to consider are in the forms of whines: "You can't quit when you want to" "You might be sent to war" "They can make you work long hours" "many people join the Guard and Reserves expecting only to serve their state and discover that they can be sent off ot war ad nauseum
Some of this is frankly a
well, duh Joining the military is not like any other job. It is a commitment. Your drill sergeant will not talk nice to you, tuck you in and make sure that you have milk and cookies each night. Your platoon sergeant will demand that you do certain things to standard. Training is hard, it often takes long hours. The military is a very disciplined environment and is very demanding. It is not for everyone, but, frankly, some time in the service would benefit almost everyone. Yes, golly gee, they might send you to war. Last time I looked, that was the purpose of the military and that is what your training is for. If you join the Guard or Reserves, you are joining to be part of the military effort. Hopefully, your unit will not be activated, but when you join, there is always the possibility that it will.
That is why the unit exists
These groups want to make the military seem bad because it is not like other jobs. I've even hear the phrase "other consumer choices" being used. Since when is a job a "consumer choice?" Are we consumers of jobs the same way we are consumers of milk and soft drinks?
The military option should always be the option of last resort. However, just wanting the peaceful solution and allowing the really bad people to know that, no matter what, we will pursue only that option is an outright guarantee that, eventually, we will be forced to use the military. We need, and will continue to need, a strong, well-trained military. It is my hope that the we continue to have high enlistment rates. Those that choose to serve do things well that those who do not choose to serve can't even imagine.
militarizing our schools. They seem to want to place joining the military on the same level as joining McDonalds. The things for a young person to consider are in the forms of whines: "You can't quit when you want to" "You might be sent to war" "They can make you work long hours" "many people join the Guard and Reserves expecting only to serve their state and discover that they can be sent off ot war ad nauseum
Some of this is frankly a
well, duh Joining the military is not like any other job. It is a commitment. Your drill sergeant will not talk nice to you, tuck you in and make sure that you have milk and cookies each night. Your platoon sergeant will demand that you do certain things to standard. Training is hard, it often takes long hours. The military is a very disciplined environment and is very demanding. It is not for everyone, but, frankly, some time in the service would benefit almost everyone. Yes, golly gee, they might send you to war. Last time I looked, that was the purpose of the military and that is what your training is for. If you join the Guard or Reserves, you are joining to be part of the military effort. Hopefully, your unit will not be activated, but when you join, there is always the possibility that it will.
That is why the unit exists
These groups want to make the military seem bad because it is not like other jobs. I've even hear the phrase "other consumer choices" being used. Since when is a job a "consumer choice?" Are we consumers of jobs the same way we are consumers of milk and soft drinks?
The military option should always be the option of last resort. However, just wanting the peaceful solution and allowing the really bad people to know that, no matter what, we will pursue only that option is an outright guarantee that, eventually, we will be forced to use the military. We need, and will continue to need, a strong, well-trained military. It is my hope that the we continue to have high enlistment rates. Those that choose to serve do things well that those who do not choose to serve can't even imagine.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
The Home Un-Handy Man
Today was a typical day of fun in home repairs. A simple trip to Lowe's to get the parts to fix a dripping tub faucet turned into a great idea to fix the faucet, replace the showerhead and finally get around to getting four doors keyed identically. Any fumble fingers can replace springs and gaskets in a shower. I proved that I'm not just any fumble fingers and there was a second trip to Lowe's to replace the washers that went down the drain. While there, they had a showerhead on the clearance rack, which was just a few aisles from the door locks. After the second attempt the faucet doesn't drip and the shower head works with no leaks. Of course there was the third trip to get the hole saw since the deadbolts I bought didn't fit the holes in the doors. My wife asked if Lowe's had had a parking place with my name on it. Didn't tell her what they charged to entertain me.
I hope I'm not the only person around that can turn a $4, 20 minute repair into an all day affair costing $120.
I hope I'm not the only person around that can turn a $4, 20 minute repair into an all day affair costing $120.
Still Going Great
As a lifelong ACC fan, this is the best part of the year, even if Duke, once again, humbled the Wolfpack. It's hard to remember an ACC team that went to the tournament and laid down. UNC may b one of the teams (in my opinion) with a strong shot at the Final Four, but G. Tech didn't lay down and let them walk through the tournament. J. J. Redick, by law, ought to have t play in ankle-weights, one eye blindfolded and with legal goal-tending. It would probably hold him to 30 points.
Go Pack
Go Pack
Still the Best Sports Season
Especially after NC State beats Wake Forest 81-65. This is a great weekend for sports. Just need more TV's to keep up.
Friday, March 11, 2005
This Tops It
Today the Senate voted on legistlation that tightens up the rules on declaring bankruptcy. It will be harder to run up huge credit card debt and then declare bankruptcy. Read the comments. The web site and it's commenters seem to think that this bill is another shot at the poor and middle class by the Republicans and turn-coat Democrats, all of whom are bought and paid for by big financial corporations. They seem to forget that people have an obligation to pay back money that is borrowed. I am amazed by the number of commenters who seem to believe that people have some "rights" to use credit cards and then not pay back the money they owe. They seem to believe that credit cards are some form of necessary redistribution of wealth from the rich and the poor.
Plastic certainly adds conveniences and makes things easier. We seem to be moving into a society that is doing away with checks and cash. I love my plastic because it means that I don't have to carry wads of cash, reduces trips to the bank to get cash, makes it a darned sight easier and less hassle than writing checks, makes travel a lot simpler and all those other things that add to the convenience. Ever try to rent a car without plastic? Almost impossible. Certainly would make buying stuff over the internet much tougher. In Virginia, and most other states we can log on to DMV, and perform all sorts of stuff that would otherwise require driving to an office and standing in line, if you have plastic. However, at the end of the monthly billing cycle the piper lets you know his due. If you are living within your means, you simply write them a check. That's one check, not dozens and no driving from place to place. However, each of these wonderful transactions mean that I'm borrowing money and need to pay it back, unless I'm a democrat. Then, it's simply my right to steal from some faceless business.
I think I'm converting to the progressive view of things. Up until today, I wasn't aware that my bank simply owed me this money.
Plastic certainly adds conveniences and makes things easier. We seem to be moving into a society that is doing away with checks and cash. I love my plastic because it means that I don't have to carry wads of cash, reduces trips to the bank to get cash, makes it a darned sight easier and less hassle than writing checks, makes travel a lot simpler and all those other things that add to the convenience. Ever try to rent a car without plastic? Almost impossible. Certainly would make buying stuff over the internet much tougher. In Virginia, and most other states we can log on to DMV, and perform all sorts of stuff that would otherwise require driving to an office and standing in line, if you have plastic. However, at the end of the monthly billing cycle the piper lets you know his due. If you are living within your means, you simply write them a check. That's one check, not dozens and no driving from place to place. However, each of these wonderful transactions mean that I'm borrowing money and need to pay it back, unless I'm a democrat. Then, it's simply my right to steal from some faceless business.
I think I'm converting to the progressive view of things. Up until today, I wasn't aware that my bank simply owed me this money.
Counter-Recruitment
Thumbing through channels during times out in basketball games I came across a segment on O'reilly that was almost hilarious. Two people who were activists against military recruitment were on. They never said that they were against enlistment in the service but kept using words like "other consumer alternatives." Honest speech struck only once when one of them said that he wouldn't recommend that his son enlist because his son had better things to do. If you are anti-military, say you are anti-military. One of them said that they had former soldiers that had been lied to by the military. The lie: the college money wasn't as good as she thought. The college money now "given" to soldiers is plainly described and has been for a long time. If it didn't meet your expectations, tough.
Both of the anti-enlistment people were in their 50's-60's. Another group of folks who miss the Viet Nam protesting days.
All young people should consider enlisting. The military experience will make them much more mature when they begin pursuing careers and education. I've never been convinced that going straight from high school to college or a first job is the best thing to do. Give an enlistment in the military a look. If you decide it is not for you, then so be it. Talk to as many people as you can who have been in. Anyone who is an expert on the military and hasn't been in has very little of value to add to your decision.
Both of the anti-enlistment people were in their 50's-60's. Another group of folks who miss the Viet Nam protesting days.
All young people should consider enlisting. The military experience will make them much more mature when they begin pursuing careers and education. I've never been convinced that going straight from high school to college or a first job is the best thing to do. Give an enlistment in the military a look. If you decide it is not for you, then so be it. Talk to as many people as you can who have been in. Anyone who is an expert on the military and hasn't been in has very little of value to add to your decision.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Best Sports Season
March Madness is the best sports season. Tons of basketball with the premier tournament starting today. Grew up the the ACC tournament. Listened to it instead of attending classes in high school. The ACC tournament has the honor of hosting the best college game ever played: NC State-Maryland 1974. The top two teams in the nation played a breathless game. Unfortunately (or fortunately for us Wolfpackers) the number two team didn't play in the NCAA. Don't think we could have beaten them 4 times in one season. It's going again. The Pack won and it's on to the grudge match with Wake Forest.
Loads of fun. Watching ACC, Big 10, CAA, etc, etc. Just need more television connections and need to find a way to call in sick a few days each week. After the big dance, all that is left until the fall is chasing fish up and down the James and Chickahominy. Life ain't bad, come to think of it.
Loads of fun. Watching ACC, Big 10, CAA, etc, etc. Just need more television connections and need to find a way to call in sick a few days each week. After the big dance, all that is left until the fall is chasing fish up and down the James and Chickahominy. Life ain't bad, come to think of it.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Hard to Believe
According to a report from a marine involved in the capture of Saddam (Drudge http://www.drudgereport.com/), the capture pictures were faked. Hard to believe that that that secret could be kept for a week. The fact that the Marine was of Lebanese descent and the report was from Lebanon would tend to make the average reader a bit cynical.
Professional Journalism
I've read quite a bit of huffing and puffing by the MSM about bloggers, particularly those of the conservative persuasion. The attack started with "they aren't professional journalists" and thus can't be trusted. It has now moved on to name calling. Other than someone who gets paid to write, record or speak in a journalistic media, I'm not sure what qualifies one to be a professional journalists. To become a professional journalist are you required to:
1. Take post graduate work designed to provide you with a knowledge set and Take a certification/licensing test after finishing that post graduate work?
2. Serve as an apprentice, then be tested an certified to become a journeyman with further certification to become a Master Journalist.
3. Have training by a licensed school and then pass both written and performance examinations to obtain a professional journalist license?
4. Have some level of education, experience before being allowed to take a State-administered certification exam?
5. Have some required level of education and then be ordained?
The answer is no. To become a professional journalist you simply must be paid to be one. Having a degree in Journalism is certainly helpful, but not required. We place great faith in the prouncements of professional journalists, a group of folks who do not have the education, testing or training that is required to be a doctor, lawyer, dentist, nurse, medical technologist, plumber, electrician, EMT, policeman, aircraft pilot, truck driver, professional engineer, certified industrial hygenist, wastewater operator, teachers or many other professions and jobs.
Everytime I hear some "journalist" speaking of the job as though it were holy orders, I can't help but smile. As a society we place fewer requirements on those who seek to mold our thoughts and beliefs than the guy who sprays your house for cockroaches.
1. Take post graduate work designed to provide you with a knowledge set and Take a certification/licensing test after finishing that post graduate work?
2. Serve as an apprentice, then be tested an certified to become a journeyman with further certification to become a Master Journalist.
3. Have training by a licensed school and then pass both written and performance examinations to obtain a professional journalist license?
4. Have some level of education, experience before being allowed to take a State-administered certification exam?
5. Have some required level of education and then be ordained?
The answer is no. To become a professional journalist you simply must be paid to be one. Having a degree in Journalism is certainly helpful, but not required. We place great faith in the prouncements of professional journalists, a group of folks who do not have the education, testing or training that is required to be a doctor, lawyer, dentist, nurse, medical technologist, plumber, electrician, EMT, policeman, aircraft pilot, truck driver, professional engineer, certified industrial hygenist, wastewater operator, teachers or many other professions and jobs.
Everytime I hear some "journalist" speaking of the job as though it were holy orders, I can't help but smile. As a society we place fewer requirements on those who seek to mold our thoughts and beliefs than the guy who sprays your house for cockroaches.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
They Just Don't Get It
Fox News about 12:45 had a "discussion" on the battle for supremecy in the Democratic Party. Mr. Riegle (formally representing the State of Michigan) was on the party hard line. "Bush is out to dismantle Social Security and make his buddies on Wall Street rich." Riegle's answer to any question was this line. While there can be an honest debate over what needs, if anything, be done to Social Security, only a party ideologue would make such idiotic statements and then expect anyone but a cogenital idiot to believe his idiotic statements. They seem to forget that the federal empolyees have a private savings account that costs about $0.65/$10,000 in managment fees. Hard to believe that the plan Mr. Riegle supports and is more extensive than the Bush suggestion, will wreck social security and, probably, civilization was we know it. I'm tired of listening to politicians who just don't get the fact that a large number of us, if presented with the facts, can figure out things without all the idiotic claims. However, that may be the way these yahoo's got and stayed elected.
Monday, March 07, 2005
The Real Military
The next time I hear some blasting the military, I'll send them this. A story about a soldier who went beyond his assignment and performed a dangerous duty and, in my mind, a real commander. We are there, like it or not, and never should be pinched into a corner by doing the politically correct soldiering. A sulute to both of them.
Terrible Chemicals and a bit of Truth
Review of a book on DDT, PCB's and dioxins. Interesting to note that earlier one of the "reasons" for banning DDT was to prevent overpopulation. Not the politically correct thing to say now, but the ban is simply murder. Millions die each year because we refuse to use a chemical (for which Nobel prizes were given because it saved lives) that could easily and cheaply be used to reduce malaria. In the name of saving the earth, some environmentalists engage in a form of mass murder that would make Hitler and Stalin jealous.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Spice up the Tired Screen Background
After a continuing game of change the computer screen background with my youngest, I happened on Screen Calendar, which automatically changes the background. I suppose any background changer will do, but downloading some really nice photos (National Geographic, Astronomy Photo of the day) and using photos we've taken along with screen calendar makes a nice way to change the windows background. Using a 5-minute automatic change.
If one of the things that makes your day is something to write about, I might need to look for a life, but it does give you something other than the famous blue background or the photos Mr. Gates lets you have.
Of courst the war is now to see who can overload the hard disk with whose favorites.
If one of the things that makes your day is something to write about, I might need to look for a life, but it does give you something other than the famous blue background or the photos Mr. Gates lets you have.
Of courst the war is now to see who can overload the hard disk with whose favorites.
Campus Visits
The youngest is trying to decide which college her parents should donate large sums of money to. Today's venture was George Mason University. I'm not sure you learn much by such visits, but seeing the campus on a dreary day left a favorable impression. I don't think she would have considered the school at all had it not been for the visit.
Will note that the tour spent little time talking about classes (we did see one class room). Most of the tour consisted of seeing the (3) student unions, a dorm and discussions about food. I guess this is most interests High School Juniors.
Will note that the tour spent little time talking about classes (we did see one class room). Most of the tour consisted of seeing the (3) student unions, a dorm and discussions about food. I guess this is most interests High School Juniors.
Friday, March 04, 2005
Freedom of Speech
Captain Ed's letter is a must-read. Campaign finance reform is an assault on freedom of speech and the FEC is now using the law to continue that assault. The past election is a clear example of a failed idea. Somewhere we ought to require that that the first test of legislative action is "first do no harm." Instead, we get the "law of unintended consequences."
Will Rogers was absolutely right: "Every time Congress makes a law it's a joke. Everytime Congress makes a joke, it's a law."
Why should I, or anyone, be prevented from donating $2001 to any federal campaign, or, now, commenting on politics and politicians over the internet? It is clearly an attempt to limit freedom of political speech.
Will Rogers was absolutely right: "Every time Congress makes a law it's a joke. Everytime Congress makes a joke, it's a law."
Why should I, or anyone, be prevented from donating $2001 to any federal campaign, or, now, commenting on politics and politicians over the internet? It is clearly an attempt to limit freedom of political speech.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
The Supremes
The more I hear and read about the Supreme Court decision on banning capital punishment of minors, the more amazed I am. The defendant, Simmons, and a partner committed buglary and were observed. They tied, hooded and threw the woman off a bridge to drown because "the bitch saw my face." The deciding members of the court spent quite a bit of time citing other countries law and used "international opinion" in the arguments. I checked the Constitution and it doesn't mention the laws of England, France or any other place as superceding US law. Of course, if I were an attorney, I could understand that the words I read really don't mean that. If capital punishment is abhorrent, then vote in state lawmakers to get rid of the law. It is not the place of any court to decide to establish laws in lieu of decisions by legislatures. Five members of the Supreme Court should be deeply ashamed of abusing the trust placed in them.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
But They are Just Kids
I'm generally opposed to capital punishment because I'm not sure that it has much deterrent value and it costs several times more to try the case, manage the appeals and do the execution. Not that some of the under-18's who commit heinous crimes don't need killing, but I don't believe that it is a good way to spend my tax dollars. Lock the up in a terrible place and don't let them out.
It is, howeve, outrageous, that some members of the Supreme Court decided in today's decision not to look at US law, but to look at laws from other countries and unsigned treaties to decide what is legal in the US. I need to go back to basic civics and see when they changed the constitution such that it said that we are bound by laws of other countries when members of the court need something to support their particular beliefs. If the Supreme Court, and other courts decide that it is their duty to write laws, then we need to save the expense of the other two branches and start electing, not appointing all judges. I believe that, today, the court has done quite a disservice to the country, our legal system and the constitution.
It is, howeve, outrageous, that some members of the Supreme Court decided in today's decision not to look at US law, but to look at laws from other countries and unsigned treaties to decide what is legal in the US. I need to go back to basic civics and see when they changed the constitution such that it said that we are bound by laws of other countries when members of the court need something to support their particular beliefs. If the Supreme Court, and other courts decide that it is their duty to write laws, then we need to save the expense of the other two branches and start electing, not appointing all judges. I believe that, today, the court has done quite a disservice to the country, our legal system and the constitution.
Real Environmental Work
Discussion with one of my favorite regulators
"Want to talk about the test report, it was above the limits you have proposed"
-We were testing a change in the system and the storm caused power failures and an upset"
"Yes but the VOC's were high"
-Yes, the fact that the tests were done in upset conditions and testing was stopped because we couldn't get a stable system. That was covered in the letter attached to the report."
"Yes but you were higher than the proposed permit limits."
-Well, we can propose higher limits, since this is new
"You've demonstrated that you can acheive those limits at another facility"
-Well, that was run under normal conditions and not in an upset, and we know that one facility is pretty much like another...
"I know you've tested at other facilities, but each one is site-specific"
-Well, if you are concerned, we can request an increase in the limits"
"You can't, you've shown you can make them at another facility, you either need to retest before the permit or retest after the permit is issued"
-What if retest in stable conditions shows slightly higher than at the other facility, since the results are site-specific, can we then change the limits?
"You can't, you've shown that you can do it at another facility"
Makes one feel a bit dense, and trapped in some circular logic. This is real environmental work at it's finest.
"Want to talk about the test report, it was above the limits you have proposed"
-We were testing a change in the system and the storm caused power failures and an upset"
"Yes but the VOC's were high"
-Yes, the fact that the tests were done in upset conditions and testing was stopped because we couldn't get a stable system. That was covered in the letter attached to the report."
"Yes but you were higher than the proposed permit limits."
-Well, we can propose higher limits, since this is new
"You've demonstrated that you can acheive those limits at another facility"
-Well, that was run under normal conditions and not in an upset, and we know that one facility is pretty much like another...
"I know you've tested at other facilities, but each one is site-specific"
-Well, if you are concerned, we can request an increase in the limits"
"You can't, you've shown you can make them at another facility, you either need to retest before the permit or retest after the permit is issued"
-What if retest in stable conditions shows slightly higher than at the other facility, since the results are site-specific, can we then change the limits?
"You can't, you've shown that you can do it at another facility"
Makes one feel a bit dense, and trapped in some circular logic. This is real environmental work at it's finest.
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