PETA: About PETA: Frequently Asked Questions has an interesting contradiction. "The animal rights movement is nonviolent. One of the central beliefs shared by most animal rights activists is the belief that we should not harm any animal—human or otherwise. However, all large movements have factions that believe in the use of force."
"Throughout history, some people have felt the need to break the law to fight injustice. The Underground Railroad and the French Resistance are examples of movements in which people broke the law in order to answer to a higher morality. The ALF, which is simply the name adopted by people who act illegally in behalf of animal rights, breaks inanimate objects such as stereotaxic devices and decapitators in order to save lives. ALF members burn empty buildings in which animals are tortured and killed. ALF “raids” have given us proof of horrific cruelty that would not have otherwise been discovered or believed and have resulted in criminal charges’ being filed against laboratories for violations of the Animal Welfare Act. Often, ALF raids have been followed by widespread scientific condemnation of the practices occurring in the targeted labs, and some abusive laboratories have been permanently shut down as a result."
Clear support of acts of violence by animal rights activists (terrorists) altough PETA claims to be non-violent.
Interesting to note that they are violently opposed to use of animals for medical research that saves human lives, but have "no position" on abortion. Looks like animals are much more important than people.
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Best Response to PETA I've Heard Lately
FOXNews.com - Foxlife - PETA Targets J-Lo at Movie Premiere. When asked what she thought about the PETA protest, the reply was "I don't."
Terrorists in Egypt
FOXNews.com - U.S. & World - Family Riddles Egypt With Violence. Interesting to note that suicide murder goes on in Islamic contries also. Very hard to understand the logic.
Education Money Well Spent?
Henrico Schools Switch from Apple to Dell. My daughter is a Henrico County High School student and has had an iBook for 3 years. I've been very disappointed with the program. When it breaks (as it frequently does) she does not have the use of a computer-no loaners. Interesting to note that both Apple and Dell have a 2% "loaner" base included. We've never seen one.
The iBooks cannot be updated with printer drivers so she can print papers at home, without emailing the work to herself and then using one of our computers to rewrite, reformat and print. She usually just uses the home computer from the git-go. I wonder if they are going to include the ability to add printer drivers to the Dells.
Using a computer is probably now necessary for high school students. But in Henrico, I do not see much being gained from the laptop program. Not all classes teach from information based on computer use and networks. When they break, the students don't seem to need one.
All of my kids have had access to computers since the mid 80's. All of them used computers for various things in school. Mostly they used them as typewriters. I'm certain that I would not let one of my kids go to school without home access to a computer, word processing program and the Internet. As cheap as computers are today, I don't think we need to waste scads of bucks on a school-sponsored program. I don't think the value is acheived from this program and our tax money could be better spent.
The iBooks cannot be updated with printer drivers so she can print papers at home, without emailing the work to herself and then using one of our computers to rewrite, reformat and print. She usually just uses the home computer from the git-go. I wonder if they are going to include the ability to add printer drivers to the Dells.
Using a computer is probably now necessary for high school students. But in Henrico, I do not see much being gained from the laptop program. Not all classes teach from information based on computer use and networks. When they break, the students don't seem to need one.
All of my kids have had access to computers since the mid 80's. All of them used computers for various things in school. Mostly they used them as typewriters. I'm certain that I would not let one of my kids go to school without home access to a computer, word processing program and the Internet. As cheap as computers are today, I don't think we need to waste scads of bucks on a school-sponsored program. I don't think the value is acheived from this program and our tax money could be better spent.
Want to Know How Our Elected Leaders Travel?
Political Money Line. Seems like the Democrats who are lambasting DeLay, do a bit more travelling than the Republicans.
Good Site
Good Site
National Geographic has Discovered Global Warming
In the story National Geographic Even Slight Warming Harms Some Species, Experts Say, even with the 0.6°C we've experienced over the last century. Part of the myth that global temperatures can be maintained at some preset, desired levels?
I like the "maybe's" and "some scientists" comments.
I like the "maybe's" and "some scientists" comments.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Voter ID
La Shawn Barber's Corner Voter ID Requirement Reminiscent of 1954, Says Black Politician. Excellent, well-written piece on voter ID's.
Democratic Underground: A litany of Hate Speech and Mindlessness
In today's PC world, we are all against hate speech and we are all for tolerance. Believe that? If you do, follow the link to the Democratic Underground
Just for fun the discussion groups have no sympathy for conservative talk personality Laura Ingraham's problem with breast cancer. Other than a couple of posts removed, the fervent supporters of tolerance, diversity and the milk of human kindness are enjoying the fact that someone has cancer. In my book, that's Hate Speech and the purveyors of such speech ought to be sent to counselling as required by "progressives" for anyone who would dare disagree with them. Guess you have to be one of the herd to have sympathy.
The Democrates are still continuing to "out" and discuss the journalist who was conservative as a "gay hooker." Let anyone say anything about their "gay" community and these morons will be all over you for Hate Speech and being against individual freedom. Let someone have a different view point, and the "progressive" attack machine will "out" them as gay to discredit them. This particular piece of slime comes right from the top: remember the election debates?
The progressiives all all for blacks, as long as they stay on the progressive plantation. References to Dr. Rice now are "Condasleeza." In other words, don't obey "Massa Progressive" and we attack you. I'm absolutely amazed that the blacks haven't caught on to the fact that the difference between the Republicans and Democrats is that the latter want to keep them in voting bondage as long as possible.
If you don't want to legislate from the judicial bench, then you get attacked as some sort of far right evengelical, theoracracatic, religious bigot. Now, just do what the "progressives" want and you are good. to go.
One of the mantra's of the liberals (especially on that bastion of freedom, our colleges) is that anyone who is a conservative is just plain stupid. Attach your brain to your eyes and read what these folks are saying. To believe any of it, you would have to lose enough IQ points to qualify for handicapped status.
Add to that, the Air America, suggestion that Bush be assassinated and the typically bigoted "progressive" view of southerners as stupid. The voice was a terrible southern accent, and then tell me about "Hate Speech" and intelligence. I'd really like to hear why the "progessives" on AA are still walking around free when anyone else who suggested such a thing would be awaiting trial.
I know many Democrats who are great, decent people. I am amazed, however, at how they can still remain in the party when it is being taken over by the likes of those "intellectual" giants such as the Democratic Underground.
"Liberal" became a bad word, so they changed it to "progressive." From all the words spewing forth from sites like this, today's progressivism is nothing more than an attempt to set up a fasciest state that would make Hitler and Stalin envious.
Just for fun the discussion groups have no sympathy for conservative talk personality Laura Ingraham's problem with breast cancer. Other than a couple of posts removed, the fervent supporters of tolerance, diversity and the milk of human kindness are enjoying the fact that someone has cancer. In my book, that's Hate Speech and the purveyors of such speech ought to be sent to counselling as required by "progressives" for anyone who would dare disagree with them. Guess you have to be one of the herd to have sympathy.
The Democrates are still continuing to "out" and discuss the journalist who was conservative as a "gay hooker." Let anyone say anything about their "gay" community and these morons will be all over you for Hate Speech and being against individual freedom. Let someone have a different view point, and the "progressive" attack machine will "out" them as gay to discredit them. This particular piece of slime comes right from the top: remember the election debates?
The progressiives all all for blacks, as long as they stay on the progressive plantation. References to Dr. Rice now are "Condasleeza." In other words, don't obey "Massa Progressive" and we attack you. I'm absolutely amazed that the blacks haven't caught on to the fact that the difference between the Republicans and Democrats is that the latter want to keep them in voting bondage as long as possible.
If you don't want to legislate from the judicial bench, then you get attacked as some sort of far right evengelical, theoracracatic, religious bigot. Now, just do what the "progressives" want and you are good. to go.
One of the mantra's of the liberals (especially on that bastion of freedom, our colleges) is that anyone who is a conservative is just plain stupid. Attach your brain to your eyes and read what these folks are saying. To believe any of it, you would have to lose enough IQ points to qualify for handicapped status.
Add to that, the Air America, suggestion that Bush be assassinated and the typically bigoted "progressive" view of southerners as stupid. The voice was a terrible southern accent, and then tell me about "Hate Speech" and intelligence. I'd really like to hear why the "progessives" on AA are still walking around free when anyone else who suggested such a thing would be awaiting trial.
I know many Democrats who are great, decent people. I am amazed, however, at how they can still remain in the party when it is being taken over by the likes of those "intellectual" giants such as the Democratic Underground.
"Liberal" became a bad word, so they changed it to "progressive." From all the words spewing forth from sites like this, today's progressivism is nothing more than an attempt to set up a fasciest state that would make Hitler and Stalin envious.
Gee, and We Thought We Understood Economics.
Another view of the latest GDP report: Larry Kudlow on First Quarter 2005 GDP on NRO Financial. I haven't a clue about whether he is right or wrong. However, when I drive up Broad Street, I don't see much signs of the next, great depression around the corner. House sales are at an all-time high, personal income is up and people, at least in Richmond, seem to have plenty of spare cash for nice new cars, eating out and other things. Even the 2.03/gallon gas at Sam's doesn't seem to decrease the number of cars in the 5 PM drive down Broad Street.
Ms. Fonda's Apology
Dexter Lehtinen on Jane Fonda & Vietnam on National Review Online just about says it all. I recall that the FTA tour outside Ft. Bragg actually encouraged soldiers to desert. Interesting that our Hollywood "heros" would encourage desertion as a war protest, knowing that any soldiers influenced by them would face severe punishment. Of course, the soldier's punishment could then be used for anti-war propaganda at no personal cost to the FTA touring stars. A very shameless attempt to use gullible 18-20 year-olds. Fonda and the rest have never offered an apology for that.
Phillip on the Global Warming Myth
A Parliament of Things . Professor Stott elegantly drives nails in the myth of global warming. "Here we encounter the first major contradistinction with the 'global warming' myth, in which, classically, the myth harks back to a lost 'Golden Age' of climate stability, or, to employ a more 'modern' sensibility, climate 'sustainability'. Sadly, the idea of a 'sustainable climate' is an oxymoron. The fact that we have re-discovered 'climate change' at the turn of the Millennium tells us more about ourselves, and about our devices and desires, than about climate. Critics of 'global warming' are often snidely referred to as 'climate change deniers'; precisely the opposite is true. Those who question the myth of 'global warming' are passionate believers in climate change. It is the 'global warmers' who deny that climate change is the norm - they are, perhaps, the true 'climate history' deniers."
Recommended reading for those believing in the myth of global climate sustainability, but they won't.
+
Recommended reading for those believing in the myth of global climate sustainability, but they won't.
+
This is How Science Works?
Use of insecticides linked to lasting neurological problems for farmers: "Use of insecticides linked to lasting neurological problems for farmers" is a study by NIH in which questionnaires were sent to farmers eliciting responses on their historical use of pesticides and questioning them about previously undiagnosed neurological problems. It doesn't seem that NIH actually confirm any of the data, just used the responses and claimed that it gave them "great statistical power."
Think about it? Tell me what pesticides you used in your home 25 years ago, how much and how frequently. Tell me how often you used chemicals on your lawn (weed and feed, spray on) to rid it of weeds over the past 25 years. Also, tell me what neurological problems you have. After all, we are all qualified to "self-diagnose" medical problems, especially minor neurological disorders. "I have a headache, it must be from using Sevin dust in my garden in 1984 and 1988". You, betcha.
Who knows if long-term use of pesticides create physical problems. This study certainly does nothing to resolve the information. Wonder if the "researchers" were looking for the results they "found."
If this is an example of "scientific" studies conducted by the government, then I have a good suggestion for reducing the deficit.
Link found on Junk Science
Think about it? Tell me what pesticides you used in your home 25 years ago, how much and how frequently. Tell me how often you used chemicals on your lawn (weed and feed, spray on) to rid it of weeds over the past 25 years. Also, tell me what neurological problems you have. After all, we are all qualified to "self-diagnose" medical problems, especially minor neurological disorders. "I have a headache, it must be from using Sevin dust in my garden in 1984 and 1988". You, betcha.
Who knows if long-term use of pesticides create physical problems. This study certainly does nothing to resolve the information. Wonder if the "researchers" were looking for the results they "found."
If this is an example of "scientific" studies conducted by the government, then I have a good suggestion for reducing the deficit.
Link found on Junk Science
Our Education System at Work?
Found on Tongue TiedRace wrongly blamed for tense time in Sw. Creek. The student was suspended for passing out a flier for an out of school meeting that the school administration decided was racist, but have since decided wasn't. In "separate, unrelated events" the student has been suspended for weapons violations (knife and utility knife from work in his vehicle). Sure doesn't sound like they were out to get the kid, does it? I'm very surprised that Johnny can read, but I'm sure he will have the "correct" world view, according to our leading educational lights.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Liberal Humor?
Reported by DRUDGE an Air America broadcast by Randi Rhodes contained a skit with a southern voice talking about Bush and Social Security refrom and then the sounds of gunshots. Rhodes thought it was funny until the backlash started, then apologized and denied any knowledge of the sketch.
Interesting to note that the piece seemed to advocate presidential assassination, which is illegal and should result in severe penalties. I know that if I were to do that, the Secret Service would be knocking on my door. Also, for the libs, when we need a violent, stupid type, we just give them a southern accent.
The absolute nerve and gall of these folks. Well, a "golly gee, I'm sorry, the devil made me do it, I didn't know about it" apology won't fly.
Interesting to note that the piece seemed to advocate presidential assassination, which is illegal and should result in severe penalties. I know that if I were to do that, the Secret Service would be knocking on my door. Also, for the libs, when we need a violent, stupid type, we just give them a southern accent.
The absolute nerve and gall of these folks. Well, a "golly gee, I'm sorry, the devil made me do it, I didn't know about it" apology won't fly.
Africa Fighting Malaria
Africa Fighting Malaria: "On its website, the conservation organization, WWF, says it has found 'sufficient evidence of hazards to human health and wildlife to justify a global ban on the production and use of DDT'.
WWF says the pesticide could harm human health by damaging the developing brain, causing hypersensitivity, behavioural abnormalities and a suppressed immune system. "
Well, we and the Europeans used DDT for years to eradicate insects that caused diseases like malaria. If the human problems were evident, then we should see all those problems in folks my age. We don't. So, what would a reasonable person make of the WWF's statements? Absolute, hooey.
In a companion piece the UN programs that have failed to even successfully slow down the rate of increase in malaria, need more money. Seems like the enviro's are satisfied at the death rate and the UN just wants more money to keep its people well and uselessly employed.
WWF says the pesticide could harm human health by damaging the developing brain, causing hypersensitivity, behavioural abnormalities and a suppressed immune system. "
Well, we and the Europeans used DDT for years to eradicate insects that caused diseases like malaria. If the human problems were evident, then we should see all those problems in folks my age. We don't. So, what would a reasonable person make of the WWF's statements? Absolute, hooey.
In a companion piece the UN programs that have failed to even successfully slow down the rate of increase in malaria, need more money. Seems like the enviro's are satisfied at the death rate and the UN just wants more money to keep its people well and uselessly employed.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Green Energy
One of the environmental mantras today is green energy. I work for a company that targets the use of green, renewable energy to produce electricity. We use landfill gas to generate electricity. The USEPA is all for it. Just how does this work?
The EPA was concerned over methane emissions from landfills. Since they really couldn't regulate methane, they elected to regulate it by regulating potential components of landfill gas that weren't methane. These components are in a group of organic chemicals known as "nonmethane organic chemicals." The EPA calls them "NMOC's".
As an aside, did you ever notice that to make something more popular, scary or important-sounding, we use acronyms instead of the real name? Look at all the drug ads, they use an acronym. Well the EPA does the same thing. NMOC is a word that sounds much scarier than nonmethane organic chemicals. After all, propane, commonly used for heating, is an NMOC. Really scary stuff. The EPA also decided to use units of measure in "megagrams." Again, use a unit of measurement that the average reader isn't sure of and it sounds bigger and badder. A megagram is a metric ton (~2200 lbs).
It is a good idea to capture methane generated from the decomposition of trash and garbage at a landfill. It makes the landfill safer and reduces odors from the landfill. So, could they just regulate the landfill that way? Apparently not. We have to get into the terrors if "megagrams of NMOC's" The landfill, if it is of a certain size must capture the landfill gas and destroy it. The landfill is not required to measure NMOC's, they just have to estimate them from an approved model. (Actually, this is not a bad idea, since the components of landfill gas can change daily as the waste being deposited changes). The normal way to destroy methane is to burn it in a flare. Some emissions testing is required, but testing an open flare (permitted under the regulations) is very difficult to do. The flare does not have to demonstrate the NMOC destruction required of other "control devices."
If you are going to use landfill gas for renewable, useful energy, then the EPA requires that the gas be either processed or the device used meet very stringent requirements for NMOC destruction. They do not require the flare to meet the same standards, they just assume the flare does. So we have the green energy essentially under a different and more stringent set of requirements than doing nothing with the gas but heating the air.
We are all "100% for green energy". Renewable energy is the buzz word. Since it so important, then why are restrictions placed on the use of a renewable resource that is stricter than doing nothing with it? Well, if it were easy to do, then lots of folks in the regulatory end would have to find useful work or invent a new environmental problem, and more folks would be out there doing what everyone says is a great idea.
Want to use renewable energy to generate electricity that is competitive with other forms? Really tough to do. You get to spend extra tax money for this. In some places you get to pay a premium for it. The regulators want to make sure that it is not easy or inexpensive to do.
No good idea shall go unpunished.
The EPA was concerned over methane emissions from landfills. Since they really couldn't regulate methane, they elected to regulate it by regulating potential components of landfill gas that weren't methane. These components are in a group of organic chemicals known as "nonmethane organic chemicals." The EPA calls them "NMOC's".
As an aside, did you ever notice that to make something more popular, scary or important-sounding, we use acronyms instead of the real name? Look at all the drug ads, they use an acronym. Well the EPA does the same thing. NMOC is a word that sounds much scarier than nonmethane organic chemicals. After all, propane, commonly used for heating, is an NMOC. Really scary stuff. The EPA also decided to use units of measure in "megagrams." Again, use a unit of measurement that the average reader isn't sure of and it sounds bigger and badder. A megagram is a metric ton (~2200 lbs).
It is a good idea to capture methane generated from the decomposition of trash and garbage at a landfill. It makes the landfill safer and reduces odors from the landfill. So, could they just regulate the landfill that way? Apparently not. We have to get into the terrors if "megagrams of NMOC's" The landfill, if it is of a certain size must capture the landfill gas and destroy it. The landfill is not required to measure NMOC's, they just have to estimate them from an approved model. (Actually, this is not a bad idea, since the components of landfill gas can change daily as the waste being deposited changes). The normal way to destroy methane is to burn it in a flare. Some emissions testing is required, but testing an open flare (permitted under the regulations) is very difficult to do. The flare does not have to demonstrate the NMOC destruction required of other "control devices."
If you are going to use landfill gas for renewable, useful energy, then the EPA requires that the gas be either processed or the device used meet very stringent requirements for NMOC destruction. They do not require the flare to meet the same standards, they just assume the flare does. So we have the green energy essentially under a different and more stringent set of requirements than doing nothing with the gas but heating the air.
We are all "100% for green energy". Renewable energy is the buzz word. Since it so important, then why are restrictions placed on the use of a renewable resource that is stricter than doing nothing with it? Well, if it were easy to do, then lots of folks in the regulatory end would have to find useful work or invent a new environmental problem, and more folks would be out there doing what everyone says is a great idea.
Want to use renewable energy to generate electricity that is competitive with other forms? Really tough to do. You get to spend extra tax money for this. In some places you get to pay a premium for it. The regulators want to make sure that it is not easy or inexpensive to do.
No good idea shall go unpunished.
Global Green USA
Global Green USA is an environmental organization dedicated to saving the planet? The main thrust of their web site is to list all the Hollywood stars who support them. Gosh, I certainly feel much better knowing that Hollywood is looking out for me and are much more knowledgeable than anyone, like myself, who has been in the environmental field for 20 years.
The web site doesn't seem to want to deal in facts, just scary statements and warm fuzzies about what we can do to save the planet. I guess facts might get in the way of the movement.
I don't believe I know anyone who is dead set on despoiling the planet or a piece of it. Most of us are all for using less energy, using renewables, where possible, for clean water and air. However, these folks think they have the solution. That solution is that you should have less and live as they say you should.
Gosh, just glad I'm not an environmentalist. I might have to give up a lot of IQ points.
The web site doesn't seem to want to deal in facts, just scary statements and warm fuzzies about what we can do to save the planet. I guess facts might get in the way of the movement.
I don't believe I know anyone who is dead set on despoiling the planet or a piece of it. Most of us are all for using less energy, using renewables, where possible, for clean water and air. However, these folks think they have the solution. That solution is that you should have less and live as they say you should.
Gosh, just glad I'm not an environmentalist. I might have to give up a lot of IQ points.
Ice Crusade
Ice Crusade covers two Hollywood celebs who just jumped into a private Learjet (supplied by enviro organizations) to go off for an (Earth) day event with the Intuit. Junkscience didn't cover this piece of idiocy with their usual flair. Funny thing, the Eskimos didn't really know who these people were, but were glad to get some attention. This is another case of overpaid idiots from Hollywood who want to save the planet and tell us how we should live, as long as they give nothing up. After all, the elite have different needs from the great unwashed.
I'm not sure what is more idiotic: the great, fuel-guzzling junket for another touting of the glories of the primative lifestyle by folks who wouldn't abide having to really live like that for a week, or the fact that the Washington Post covered this as serious news.
Well, I guess there is a sucker born every minute.
I'm not sure what is more idiotic: the great, fuel-guzzling junket for another touting of the glories of the primative lifestyle by folks who wouldn't abide having to really live like that for a week, or the fact that the Washington Post covered this as serious news.
Well, I guess there is a sucker born every minute.
Now I Know Why I Tend to be Conservative
John Nichols puts up a side bar which says "Every day in every city and town across America, progressives get up in the morning and go about the work of fighting racism and homophobia, defending the environment, organizing trade unions and tackling corporate hegemony. Sometimes they win--on the picket line, at the ballot box, in the streets and outside the WTO meetings in Seattle.
The purpose of The Online Beat is to report regularly and with immediacy on the political, social, economic and cultural activism that too often goes unremarked in so much of the mainstream media. The ultimate goal? To reveal the hidden reality that there is a left in America, and that it's active, growing and winning more consistently than the pundits or the politicians want you to know."
Get the idea that this guy believes that America is really a bad place and only "progressives" of his ilk can save us. I like the part about there being a "hidden reality that there is a left in America." Frankly, the guy ought to get over it not being the late 60's and early 70's. Maybe an objective review of history and current events would show him that the socialist agenda failed in Russia and is failing in the Europe they so admire. It's folks like this who confirm my conservatism.
The purpose of The Online Beat is to report regularly and with immediacy on the political, social, economic and cultural activism that too often goes unremarked in so much of the mainstream media. The ultimate goal? To reveal the hidden reality that there is a left in America, and that it's active, growing and winning more consistently than the pundits or the politicians want you to know."
Get the idea that this guy believes that America is really a bad place and only "progressives" of his ilk can save us. I like the part about there being a "hidden reality that there is a left in America." Frankly, the guy ought to get over it not being the late 60's and early 70's. Maybe an objective review of history and current events would show him that the socialist agenda failed in Russia and is failing in the Europe they so admire. It's folks like this who confirm my conservatism.
The Nuclear Option
Except for Michael Jackson, a good deal of the news seems to be the posturing on whether or not the Senate wants to vote on Judicial Nominees.
Real Clear Politics has some interesting viewpoints on this. Thomas Sowell's piece distills it down very nicely. The noise is about whether we want judges who make up the law to suit them or "activists" judges who rule on the law. The Senate should vote on these judges. However, the Democrats, knowing they would lose the vote are doing all they can to prevent a vote. John Nichols writing in The Nation, appears to be on the Democrats' case because they "won" and are waivering. Frankly, if the Senate does not do its job, WE lose. The Dems are working hard to ensure that nothing happens during the Bush administration. Voting seems to be something that our representative democracy, at least according to the Democrats, should avoid at all costs.
I, for one, do not want judges who make law. I want judges who rule on our laws. If you don't like the law, then change it in the proper forum.
Real Clear Politics has some interesting viewpoints on this. Thomas Sowell's piece distills it down very nicely. The noise is about whether we want judges who make up the law to suit them or "activists" judges who rule on the law. The Senate should vote on these judges. However, the Democrats, knowing they would lose the vote are doing all they can to prevent a vote. John Nichols writing in The Nation, appears to be on the Democrats' case because they "won" and are waivering. Frankly, if the Senate does not do its job, WE lose. The Dems are working hard to ensure that nothing happens during the Bush administration. Voting seems to be something that our representative democracy, at least according to the Democrats, should avoid at all costs.
I, for one, do not want judges who make law. I want judges who rule on our laws. If you don't like the law, then change it in the proper forum.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Leave it to the Brits
Guardian Unlimited | The Guardian | 'Immigrant' can imply hostility. Migosh, she really must keep up the the PC word for someone who is not a citizen and migrates to your country to become a citizen. My dictionary, like hers is out of date. It just might decide the word really was "immigrant."
Sounds Like Politics as Usual
BBC NEWS | UK | UK Election 2005 | England | Police warn parties on 'race ads'. And what ads were published that were so racist and bad? Why, opposition to England's asylum system. Gosh, just when you think people have no real problems to work on, they go out and find this one. Citizens have fewer rights than non-citizens.
A Redleg's Perspective: USMC General's Apology
A Redleg's Perspective: USMC General's Apology From a site by an active redleg
Another anti-Bolton Testifier
Is Lynne Finney . After a review of her website, one wonders if only the real wacko's are out to get Mr. Bolton. However, Senator Boxer, is using Ms. Finney as an anti-Bolton voice. With this kind of opposition, you ought to vote for him a couple of times.
Thanks to As I Please for finding this bit of humor to lighten my day.
As I said earlier, the UN Ambassadorship is not one of the things I worry about in the wee, dark hours of the night. But considering the folks dragged out of dark, dank places to testify against him, the "for" votes ought to count twice.
Thanks to As I Please for finding this bit of humor to lighten my day.
As I said earlier, the UN Ambassadorship is not one of the things I worry about in the wee, dark hours of the night. But considering the folks dragged out of dark, dank places to testify against him, the "for" votes ought to count twice.
They Want it Spread Around
Daily Kos :: Political Analysis and other daily rants on the state of the nation. has a letter from Melody Townsel explaining the possible Republican attack on her for a history of plagarism. Interesting move, getting it out in the open.
Obviously, Ms. Townsel doesn't like Mr. Bolton. And obviously, the left is willing to forgive her past sins as they are not willing to forgive Mr. Bolton's alledged past sins. Guess you have to be on the right side to overcome your past, even if the past is a history of deceit.
Interesting reading tracking from Powerline and Little Green Footballs. Golly gee, everyone ought to read Ms. Townsel's self-confession so they will know what kind of people are out to get Mr. Bolton.
Not sure if he is the right man for the UN job, but considering his detractors....
Obviously, Ms. Townsel doesn't like Mr. Bolton. And obviously, the left is willing to forgive her past sins as they are not willing to forgive Mr. Bolton's alledged past sins. Guess you have to be on the right side to overcome your past, even if the past is a history of deceit.
Interesting reading tracking from Powerline and Little Green Footballs. Golly gee, everyone ought to read Ms. Townsel's self-confession so they will know what kind of people are out to get Mr. Bolton.
Not sure if he is the right man for the UN job, but considering his detractors....
Environmentalist Laments Introduction of Electricity
Environmentalist Laments Introduction of Electricity -- 08/26/2002. Yet another blast of unreality from the enviros. Moore's comments are right on point. How could anyone think that early death, disease and grinding poverty are good?
Wonder how many of those attending this conference have been without modern conveniences for longer than a camping trip?
Wonder how many of those attending this conference have been without modern conveniences for longer than a camping trip?
Flush Toilets Called 'Environmental Disaster'
Flush Toilets Called 'Environmental Disaster' -- 06/12/2003. Another example of "environmentalists" not being connected to reality. The sanitary sewage systems have been one of the major causes of terrble things like reduced diseases and increased life expectancy. The idea of using the dry toilet contents for fertilizer is dangerous. Federal rules require that manure for composting must be heated to about 180°F and/or have the pH adjusted to >9. All those who want to put up with flies (or an outdoor toilet) then treat the manure so its safe, line up on the right. (I think the line will be very short).
Celebs Ignore Death, Poverty on MTV Enviro Series
Celebs Ignore Death, Poverty on MTV Enviro Series -- 04/22/2005. I didn't see this, but the quotes from celebrities who "know" how we should live are absolutely unbelievable. The excitement about taking a "poo" in the woods "like and animal." Fine for camping trips. I wonder how many of the folks, whose lifestyles they so praised, wouldn't take the convenience of clean water, ample food, electricity and the other modern conveniences in an instant over grinding poverty. Gee, take me back to 69/1000 infant death rates and an average life expectancy of 59 years.
The folks who praise this are not connected to any reality. Wonder if they would take a year (even a month) of the lifestyle if the MTV cameras were not present.
The folks who praise this are not connected to any reality. Wonder if they would take a year (even a month) of the lifestyle if the MTV cameras were not present.
PC from the NCAA
TimesDispatch.com | W&M assesses use of 'Tribe' name. The NCAA is "suggesting" that the College of William and Mary "assess" the use of their team name, "The Tribe." The NCAA, in the name of political correctness would like to rid us of the scourge of possibly offending someone. The reaction from one Virginia Indian tribe about says it all: "You know, sometimes this type of thing can get a little bit ridiculous."
Monday, April 25, 2005
A Jealous God
having no other gods before it. At least that's the way our new-found religion of secularism seems to be. Nominees for judgeships are denied hearings because of their "deep convictions" (read deep Christian faith). The Boy Scouts are villified for expressing some religious belief, although as far as I can see, BSA supports almost every recognized religion.
The attack on religion (particularly Christianity) and any religious symbols or public expression seems to be increasing. Those who make the attacks seem to be intolerant of any religion but theirs. And, yes, I believe secularism has risen to the point of being a religion. The attacks have moved from silly to disgusting.
The buzz-words in our educational system and among the liberal elite are diversity, tolerance and multiculturalism. Yet, how viciously do they attack any display of Christianity. Anyone in a leadership postion who expresses faith brings on discussions of a "theoracy."
If we are truly diverse and tolerant, then we tolerate the views of others with whom we may not agree. The religion of secularism, seems only to want to tolerate itself and attack the rest.
The attack on religion (particularly Christianity) and any religious symbols or public expression seems to be increasing. Those who make the attacks seem to be intolerant of any religion but theirs. And, yes, I believe secularism has risen to the point of being a religion. The attacks have moved from silly to disgusting.
The buzz-words in our educational system and among the liberal elite are diversity, tolerance and multiculturalism. Yet, how viciously do they attack any display of Christianity. Anyone in a leadership postion who expresses faith brings on discussions of a "theoracy."
If we are truly diverse and tolerant, then we tolerate the views of others with whom we may not agree. The religion of secularism, seems only to want to tolerate itself and attack the rest.
Fears? No. The POLs and the Press Just Don't Get It
Yahoo! News - Illegal Immigration Fears Have Spread. I don't think it has anything to do with fear. It has a lot to do with securing the borders and having an orderly immigration process. Round up the illegals and send them home. Secure the borders. THEN implement the guest worker program.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Annapolis
Friday was my first trip to Annapolis. Although it was on business, I had a little time to drive around. Annapolis is a stunning town, which cannot be diminished by a cloudy, rainy day. Well worth returning to when I actually have time to enjoy it.
Paint it Yellow
A sure sign of spring is the pine pollen, which burst forth last week. A car rinse on Wednesday afternoon resulted in yellow cars turning red, but turning back yellow by Thursday morning. At least the rain has washed some of it off. I have a yellow gutter and big yellow spots in the low-lying areas. Think it would be better if I just got the yellow paint out.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Sour Grapes from our Public Servants
Yahoo! News - Border-Watch Group to Stop Patrols. the LA Times article seems to give the Minute Man Project some credit for stopping illegal immigrants over one small piece of the border. The article spends more time quoting their detractors. It appears to me that the Minute Men trod some very sensitive grounds: they embarrassed our paid public servants by doing their job much better than it was being done. How dare mere common citizens point out that the folks we elect and hire are not doing the jobs we paid them to do.
Bolton: Politics as usual
OpinionJournal - The Bolton Mugging.
Never mind that the folks out to get him have agenda's, or the anti-Bush agenda, of their own. The plain fact is that our leaders do not seem to be moved so much by conscience as by noise in the press.
Never mind that the folks out to get him have agenda's, or the anti-Bush agenda, of their own. The plain fact is that our leaders do not seem to be moved so much by conscience as by noise in the press.
PETA and PCRM: anti-human allies?
Attack on medical research - The Washington Times: Editorials/OP-ED - April 21, 2005. Interesting op-ed piece. It's enough to make me go out and have a hamburger for lunch.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Bonobo Sex and Society, or a Study in Anthropomorphism
Bonobo Sex and Society. I never heard of bonobo's until I caught mention of this on Power Line. Following the links I found the site and thought I was reading some kind of fairy tale. It is unbelievable that trained scientists would write such sugary drivel and more unbelievable that Scientific American would print it.
It could be an interesting study of apes that I hadn't heard about, but the overt attempt to use the studies to push political ideology is incredible.
It could be an interesting study of apes that I hadn't heard about, but the overt attempt to use the studies to push political ideology is incredible.
The Times they are Achanging
yaledailynews.com - GESO strikers hold teach-ins on campus: "GESO strikers hold teach-ins on campus". Yale TA's are on strike for some reason and are holding teach-in's. Gee, the 60's and 70's never die. The fun part is that in a show of solidarity, students are skipping such important classes as 'Political Economy of Gender Studies." I think if I had to take a class like that I would find any reason to skip it. I'm sure that, later in life, they will dearly regret missing such important classes.
How much tuition does one pay to attend Yale? And for all that money one gets to take absolute garbage courses. Wonder if you can get a degree in "Gender Studies." I also wonder if such a degree will impress the folks at Burger King.
Back in the stone age, graduate students accepted TA's as a means to fund the primary purpose for being in the school: to get advanced degrees. RA's were better because you got paid to do your research. Since the system was rigged, most of us had to do a TA or so.
How much tuition does one pay to attend Yale? And for all that money one gets to take absolute garbage courses. Wonder if you can get a degree in "Gender Studies." I also wonder if such a degree will impress the folks at Burger King.
Back in the stone age, graduate students accepted TA's as a means to fund the primary purpose for being in the school: to get advanced degrees. RA's were better because you got paid to do your research. Since the system was rigged, most of us had to do a TA or so.
Chemophobia Strikes Again
News from The Roanoke Times -Professor says study not meant to alarm. Chlorine in tap water and a common antibacterial agent, triclosan, can, under certain conditions react to form chloroform. I haven't read the article for how much chloroform and how long one might be in contact. Our media, ever alert for the scare de jour, picked up on this report. You sort of need to know how much and how long. The dose makes the poison.
Migosh, chemical idiocy strikes again.
Migosh, chemical idiocy strikes again.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
CO2 and Diamonds about the same cost
TCS: Tech Central Station - Why Diamonds are Like Greenhouse Gases. At least that is one interpretation of EIA's study on reducing greenhouse gas emissions says. For $125 billion/year we can cut the increase in GHG from 38% to 29%. Think I'll take my carbon purchases in the form of the crystalline stuff. At least it has some value and will do some good when I try to sell it back.
And more in the name of free speech
Ad in UM's student paper called offensive - The Clarion-Ledger from tongue tied. It seems that if you disagree with the ad, it must be banned. Reading through the description, it seems that the ad might even offend a "right-of-Ivan-the-Terrible" type like me. But to ban it because it might "offend" someone and then have "faith in the students that we will not be set back too far" by something they disagree with, again bespeaks of the tyranny of the left.
Also, I wonder what a Director of Diversity Affairs does.
I guess the idea that the campus should be open to all qualified students, without consideration of race, origin, political leaning, religion or anyting else is too radical an idea. If the campus is truly open to ideas and the free interchange, then we have no need of the "diversity" bureaucracy so abundant on campuses today. That thought may well be considered hate speech and cause some of the tender young minds to require conselling.
Also, I wonder what a Director of Diversity Affairs does.
I guess the idea that the campus should be open to all qualified students, without consideration of race, origin, political leaning, religion or anyting else is too radical an idea. If the campus is truly open to ideas and the free interchange, then we have no need of the "diversity" bureaucracy so abundant on campuses today. That thought may well be considered hate speech and cause some of the tender young minds to require conselling.
Wonder if they Had Them Burned in a Bonfire?
Scotsman.com News - Scotland - Students want Bibles removed from rooms 'to avoid offence'
I also wonder if the students, in the name of freedom, wore brown shirts.
It would seem that anyone not wanting the Bible in their room should simply be allowed to move it to a storage area outside the room. Of course, that might be much to simple and certainly not in keeping with the tyranny of the politically correct.
I also wonder if the students, in the name of freedom, wore brown shirts.
It would seem that anyone not wanting the Bible in their room should simply be allowed to move it to a storage area outside the room. Of course, that might be much to simple and certainly not in keeping with the tyranny of the politically correct.
If they stopped and listened to themselves
they would hear just how silly they sound. NPR's never-ending discussion of the audacity of the College of Cardinals (from Sylvia Piggoli) in electing the Prefect of (what once was) the Inquisition and not following their sage advice on how the Catholic Church should be operated, is downright silly. What's even sillier is the "progressives" don't seem to think they are being the least bit silly. The continued emphasis on the fact that he was Prefect of (the Inquisition) indicates that he must be several hundred years older than the 77 they claim.
I'm sure there are many devout Catholics who would like to see the Church adopt more liberal viewpoitns and are disappointed in the fact that the leaders of the Church didn't see it that way. However, if they don't like the way the Church is going, then nothing prevents them from moving to a denomination that better suits their beliefs.
I'm not a Catholic and have little more than historical interest in the inner workings of the Church. I do respect the right of the Church to conduct itself in the way they believe to be right.
It may well be more difficult for a devout Catholic to move on to another demonination that better suits their beliefs than a Protestant to do the same. However, those who are so aghast at this choice should consider doing so.
I'm sure there are many devout Catholics who would like to see the Church adopt more liberal viewpoitns and are disappointed in the fact that the leaders of the Church didn't see it that way. However, if they don't like the way the Church is going, then nothing prevents them from moving to a denomination that better suits their beliefs.
I'm not a Catholic and have little more than historical interest in the inner workings of the Church. I do respect the right of the Church to conduct itself in the way they believe to be right.
It may well be more difficult for a devout Catholic to move on to another demonination that better suits their beliefs than a Protestant to do the same. However, those who are so aghast at this choice should consider doing so.
The New Constitution, or
What Liberals Want. An interesting piece by John Hinderaker of Powerline. Create a wealth tax so that each citizen(?) has the constitutional right to $80,000 in cash? Gee, I like the idea of giving someone else's money away. Endow the new constitution with liberal principles. What happens when those are not just good enough?
I guess one of the differences I have with the leading lights of liberal intelligencia is that I could see that communism didn't work. Anyone who believes that they have too much money and feel guilty about it, has every right to give it away to whomever they please. However, they don' t seem to want to do that, it's someone else they want to tap for their grand ideas.
I guess one of the differences I have with the leading lights of liberal intelligencia is that I could see that communism didn't work. Anyone who believes that they have too much money and feel guilty about it, has every right to give it away to whomever they please. However, they don' t seem to want to do that, it's someone else they want to tap for their grand ideas.
It Didn't Suit Sylvia
Listening to NPR's coverage of the papal election, one could surmise that the new pope is not "progressive" enough for Sylvia Poggioli. As I recall, she mentioned only once or twice that he had headed what used to be the Inquisition, and that he was not a liberal. Too bad the College of Cardinals didn't ask Ms. Poggioli for the correct candidate.
Catchy Title: Failure
Yahoo! News - Cardinals Again Fail to Elect New Pope. From the Associated Press. I believe "Haven't elected new Pope yet," would be a better title for the piece. One would suppose that the College of Cardinals don't view their deliberations as a "failure" if they don't meet the Associated Press deadline.
The article goes on to say that the new Pope "must" heal deep rifts and keep up with John Paul's travelling. My guess is the next Pope will keep up with his own agenda, not the press' agenda.
The article goes on to say that the new Pope "must" heal deep rifts and keep up with John Paul's travelling. My guess is the next Pope will keep up with his own agenda, not the press' agenda.
Big Brother with a Vengeance
TCS: Tech Central Station - We're Watching What You Eat!. Maybe it is a problem with the food. After all, you couldn't be so dumb as to try to regulate choices people make without help.
Wonder how much of the French diet will be banned? Alcohol in wine. Fusals in wine. Rich, creamy fattenening sauces. All this would have to go.
Wonder how much of the French diet will be banned? Alcohol in wine. Fusals in wine. Rich, creamy fattenening sauces. All this would have to go.
Monday, April 18, 2005
A Sure Sign of People Not Having Useful Work
Met's PC Madness. A 4-month (4 months!) debate an how to refer to minorities has resulted in the now "correct" reference for London bobbies. And will cost only a million pounds to implement. And if they decide to change the words next year....
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Denzel Washington: An exceptionally generous man
Received an email a few days ago and just opened it. The email was from a relative who is an Army dentist. The topic of the email was about a visit to Brooks Army Medical Center (Ft. Sam Houston). Brooks, one of the best burn centers in the world, has several houses, called Fisher Houses, where family members of injured soldiers can stay at little or no charge. Washington asked how much one of the houses cost. When told, according to the email, he wrote a check for one.
You don't hear much about Hollywood types doing such exceptional things as this. Mr. Washington certainly earned the gratitude from any member of the military who heard about this. I have a feeling he didn't do it for publicity.
You don't hear much about Hollywood types doing such exceptional things as this. Mr. Washington certainly earned the gratitude from any member of the military who heard about this. I have a feeling he didn't do it for publicity.
Another Glorius Day
Even though the morning temperature was 30°F, I dragged the boat down to the Chickahominy Reservoir. Beautiful sunrise and a gorgeous day on the lake. Caught a few small chain pickeral and played with the ultralight for a few bream, perch and hammer-handle pickeral. Not sure the fish were wortht he expense, but the recreation was well worth it.
Friday, April 15, 2005
Wishful Thinking?
Bioenergy, Key to the Fight Against Hunger. The use of biomass is a good idea up to a point. However, read the article. We are going back to charcole and wood, growing more crops to make biofuel. Let's see, that means that we are going to plant and cut down trees and then use them as fuel, with nastier pollutants than oil. We are going to put more land into crop production to make fuel?
Guess I missed the point where we don't want to use trees for building, paper production and other human-useful things because we cut down forests and harm wildlife, but it is ok to do the same thing to replace oil? We are complaining about the amount of land removed from nature for food production but it is ok to use even more to produce an oil replacement? Guess I'm not mentally facile enough to see the difference.
I also read about a great new environmental idea of using sludge as a fuel for cement production in Baltimore. Seems that every time I hear about burning sludge, it is because the enviros are out protesting it and terrifying me with heavy metal stories. The fuel could be more expensive than the fuel it replaces by the time all the environmental controls are in place.
I'm all for using biomass as an alternate fuel. It has the advantage of reducing the amount of stuff we stick into the ground. It does reduce the amount of petroleum and coal fuels we use. However, biomass will never be the be-all and end-all to traditional fuels.
Guess I missed the point where we don't want to use trees for building, paper production and other human-useful things because we cut down forests and harm wildlife, but it is ok to do the same thing to replace oil? We are complaining about the amount of land removed from nature for food production but it is ok to use even more to produce an oil replacement? Guess I'm not mentally facile enough to see the difference.
I also read about a great new environmental idea of using sludge as a fuel for cement production in Baltimore. Seems that every time I hear about burning sludge, it is because the enviros are out protesting it and terrifying me with heavy metal stories. The fuel could be more expensive than the fuel it replaces by the time all the environmental controls are in place.
I'm all for using biomass as an alternate fuel. It has the advantage of reducing the amount of stuff we stick into the ground. It does reduce the amount of petroleum and coal fuels we use. However, biomass will never be the be-all and end-all to traditional fuels.
CNN.com - MIT students�pull prank on conference - Apr 14, 2005
CNN.com - MIT students�pull prank on conference - Apr 14, 2005. You gotta love the inventiveness of these guys. Most of the gibberish papers I read in the literature was before it could be done by computer.
I did discover long ago, that the guys who were not sure of their data or research made the paper much harder to read. Those who had done really sound scientific work seemed to write with much less jargon and much clearer. I guess that's why I really loved reading papers by Prof. H. O. House.
I did discover long ago, that the guys who were not sure of their data or research made the paper much harder to read. Those who had done really sound scientific work seemed to write with much less jargon and much clearer. I guess that's why I really loved reading papers by Prof. H. O. House.
Scare de jour?
Proposal would ban trio of toxic chemicals used in everyday products covers a proposed ban on fire retardants known as polydibromodiphenyl ethers (PBDE's) that have a nasty habit of showing up in the environment and people. Do they pose a real harm? Reading the internet, no studies have indicated that they do any harm, but the words "growing concern" ae mentioned. I suppose "concern" means that "we can't find any evidence to back up our claims, but we have this evil chemical we want you to get excited about."
What do the data show? The CDC has a very lengthy very technical report on both PBDE and PBB (remember the Michigan exposure 30 years ago?). As a layman, I don't propose to be an expert on the toxicity of the chemical. However, the CDC does not appear to any studies showing human health effects and seems to find only very limited effects in rats. It appears that any effects that may be observed in rats decline with increasing bromine content and industry is manufacturing the decabromo product and not the penta- or octa- congeners.
An interesting note in the CDC report is that the effects on cows attributed to the 1977 Michigan problem couldn't be replicated when cows were fed 100 x the exposure believed to have happened in Michigan. In case you don't remember, a PBB (polybrominated biphenyl) called FireMaster was accidentally mixed with cow food. Over a period of almost a year, problems were reported with the cows and farmers. The problems were traced back to the accidental feed preparation problem. The problems disappeared after the cows were destroyed and the contaminated cattle food was removed.
We keep hearing about "problems" from low concentrations of chemicals. We rarely get any hard data that they cause problems. Humans have been exposed to PBDE's for decades. If there were problems, one supposes that they would have manifested themselves by now. Is this another example of chemophobia or real. No evidence that we have a real problem.
I really wonder why some folks are more willing to work hard to chase possible phantoms than attack real problems. At best, we should fund more studies, but I doubt they would find anything.
What do the data show? The CDC has a very lengthy very technical report on both PBDE and PBB (remember the Michigan exposure 30 years ago?). As a layman, I don't propose to be an expert on the toxicity of the chemical. However, the CDC does not appear to any studies showing human health effects and seems to find only very limited effects in rats. It appears that any effects that may be observed in rats decline with increasing bromine content and industry is manufacturing the decabromo product and not the penta- or octa- congeners.
An interesting note in the CDC report is that the effects on cows attributed to the 1977 Michigan problem couldn't be replicated when cows were fed 100 x the exposure believed to have happened in Michigan. In case you don't remember, a PBB (polybrominated biphenyl) called FireMaster was accidentally mixed with cow food. Over a period of almost a year, problems were reported with the cows and farmers. The problems were traced back to the accidental feed preparation problem. The problems disappeared after the cows were destroyed and the contaminated cattle food was removed.
We keep hearing about "problems" from low concentrations of chemicals. We rarely get any hard data that they cause problems. Humans have been exposed to PBDE's for decades. If there were problems, one supposes that they would have manifested themselves by now. Is this another example of chemophobia or real. No evidence that we have a real problem.
I really wonder why some folks are more willing to work hard to chase possible phantoms than attack real problems. At best, we should fund more studies, but I doubt they would find anything.
Good for US
CNN.com - Dragnet�nabs 10,000 fugitives - Apr 14, 2005. I guess I can see how in the daily grind of law enforcement work, other priorities can take over apprehending some of the bad guys. I'm torn between being glad that we put on a special operation to get some bad folks and wondering why we need special operations to do this.
And Someone Gave Him a Doctorate?
Lessons from killing fields of Cambodia - 30 years on (noticed on Power Line . Prof. Hinton seems to argue that the US is (or is becoming, or can be) very much like the Khmer Rouge. The liberal elite believes that they are intelligent and conservatives are not very bright. This article is so full of holes that one wonders about the wattage of the leading lights of academe, or is it simply "tell outrageous lies often enough and the masses will believe?"
Prof Hinton misses a few minor points:
-The Khmer Rouge collectivised the country and moved folks from the cities to work. Is he saying that we are doing that, if so, where?
-The KR abolished religions. I thought the complaint was that the Bush Administration was going to make us into a theoracry.
-The KR committed genocide by outright murder or by starvation, disease and neglect. Over 20% of their own people died. I must have missed mass murder in the US.
-The KR set up torture of its own citizens. He also mentioned Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo. Wonder how many of us are being imprisoned and tortured? It is convenient to forget that months before Abu Ghraib became a media fest, the US Military had an ongoing investigation. As an aside, how does one get a pulitzer for "discovering" something announced in a press conference?
Prof. Hinton really has to strain the bounds of reality to come up with a comparison of the US with the Khmer Rouge that passes any tests of logic and sense. Apparently, Cambodia is his area of academic interest. His classes must really be a trip. I would have to take very careful notes because the "facts" presented in his classes may not bear much resemblence to anything I could find in established texts or other writings. Maybe not, it could just take several pages on how bad the US is, no matter the subject or timeframe covered.
Prof Hinton misses a few minor points:
-The Khmer Rouge collectivised the country and moved folks from the cities to work. Is he saying that we are doing that, if so, where?
-The KR abolished religions. I thought the complaint was that the Bush Administration was going to make us into a theoracry.
-The KR committed genocide by outright murder or by starvation, disease and neglect. Over 20% of their own people died. I must have missed mass murder in the US.
-The KR set up torture of its own citizens. He also mentioned Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo. Wonder how many of us are being imprisoned and tortured? It is convenient to forget that months before Abu Ghraib became a media fest, the US Military had an ongoing investigation. As an aside, how does one get a pulitzer for "discovering" something announced in a press conference?
Prof. Hinton really has to strain the bounds of reality to come up with a comparison of the US with the Khmer Rouge that passes any tests of logic and sense. Apparently, Cambodia is his area of academic interest. His classes must really be a trip. I would have to take very careful notes because the "facts" presented in his classes may not bear much resemblence to anything I could find in established texts or other writings. Maybe not, it could just take several pages on how bad the US is, no matter the subject or timeframe covered.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Coulter's Rant on the Reasoned Liberal Intellectual Response.
FrontPage magazine.com :: It's Only Funny Until Someone Loses a Pie by Ann Coulter. Hard to agree with Ann Coulter at times. She is too harsh and biting for my taste. But in this, she is absolutely right. The liberal response to something they don't like seems to be to avoid reasoned debate and resort to name-calling or attacks.
Disagree with them and it is "hate speech" for which counselling is required. The response is to dig up dirt, or, now, throw food. When does the reasoned response and intellectual debate escalate from throwing food to real physical harm?
Disagree with them and it is "hate speech" for which counselling is required. The response is to dig up dirt, or, now, throw food. When does the reasoned response and intellectual debate escalate from throwing food to real physical harm?
New York Post Online Edition:
Columbia's Bigotry is an article by Charles Millard in the New York Post. (Linked from Power Line concerning Columbia University's refusal to consider, or even debate, the return of ROTC after 36 years, even though 65% of the students would either welcome or accept it. The Law School finds a debate on the issue less productive than a "teach-in." It's obvious that the faculty hasn't purchased new calendars since about 1972. "Teach-in's?" Give me a break.
Columbia is rated as a major, influential university. So, one wonders, what is the school's committement to learning and intellectual diversity? I think you can find it in their Mission Statement , which start's with "In carrying out Columbia's great educational mission, today's faculty must answer many of the same questions that have always confronted outstanding teachers and scholars. What would we have our students know? What bodies of knowledge, what sets of methodologies, what worldviews should our graduates take away with their degrees?" I liked the part about the faculty answering the thorny question of "what worldviews" their graduates take away from the school. Sounds very much like the university's mission is thought police even though "the University is committed to preserving the quest for knowledge as more than simply a practical pursuit. Through its broad range of innovative multidisciplinary programs, and through the earnest exploration of difficult questions, Columbia provides students from the United States and around the world with the depth of understanding and intellectual flexibility they need to respond to the challenges we all will face in the years to come."
The quest for knowledge seems to be limited to a particular worldview dictated by the faculty. I'm sure that if anyone attempted to dictate an alternate worldview on the faculty, the screams about academic freedom would be heard across the country without aid of electronic enhancement.
If it is a matter of choice, I couldn't care less whether someone likes the military or not. I'm not even sure how viable an ROTC program at Columbia would be. However, when the learned scholars refuse to even debate the proposition; stifle free speech; and dictate a certain "worldview," nothing they say can convince me that they are not more dictatorial and totalitarian than the "evil" military they so hate.
I'm willing to bet that the senior military leaders are about as "educated" as the Columbia faculty. Maybe that's what they fear the most.
Columbia is rated as a major, influential university. So, one wonders, what is the school's committement to learning and intellectual diversity? I think you can find it in their Mission Statement , which start's with "In carrying out Columbia's great educational mission, today's faculty must answer many of the same questions that have always confronted outstanding teachers and scholars. What would we have our students know? What bodies of knowledge, what sets of methodologies, what worldviews should our graduates take away with their degrees?" I liked the part about the faculty answering the thorny question of "what worldviews" their graduates take away from the school. Sounds very much like the university's mission is thought police even though "the University is committed to preserving the quest for knowledge as more than simply a practical pursuit. Through its broad range of innovative multidisciplinary programs, and through the earnest exploration of difficult questions, Columbia provides students from the United States and around the world with the depth of understanding and intellectual flexibility they need to respond to the challenges we all will face in the years to come."
The quest for knowledge seems to be limited to a particular worldview dictated by the faculty. I'm sure that if anyone attempted to dictate an alternate worldview on the faculty, the screams about academic freedom would be heard across the country without aid of electronic enhancement.
If it is a matter of choice, I couldn't care less whether someone likes the military or not. I'm not even sure how viable an ROTC program at Columbia would be. However, when the learned scholars refuse to even debate the proposition; stifle free speech; and dictate a certain "worldview," nothing they say can convince me that they are not more dictatorial and totalitarian than the "evil" military they so hate.
I'm willing to bet that the senior military leaders are about as "educated" as the Columbia faculty. Maybe that's what they fear the most.
Are They Making it Safer
News reports today covered the latest anti-terroism move by Homeland Security. Are we working harder to keep the borders safer? No. The latest move was to ban butane lighters on commercial aircraft. We are now safer because a would-be plane hijacker can't terrorize us with nail clippers and, now, butane lighters. It won't be long before we are safe from safety matches at 30,000 feet.
Nothing new on sealing the borders from real threats, but we have time for this. One might question whether our tax dollars are being well spent.
Nothing new on sealing the borders from real threats, but we have time for this. One might question whether our tax dollars are being well spent.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
In Memorium
A good friend passed away yesterday. I met Ted years ago when our kids were in the Boy Scouts. Ted was devoted to Scouting because he had seen the benefits to young men first hand. Ted's story about getting started was when he found a group of kids in Virginia from very poor circumstances who started their own Scout troop without an adult. Ted and a group of Air Force folks supplied the adult leadership.
Ted's favorite show for Scouting events (campouts, campfires) was a reading of the Robert Service Poem "Cremation of Dan McGrew." Ted would deck himself out in full Alaskan regalia, even in the summer, and give a stirring rendition of the poem.
Ted was always available for kids and worked hard to support them. He was not as nice to adults who didn't work as hard for kids as he thought they should.
A very good man just passed away. Not only will his family miss him, but scores of friends and many scores of young men will miss him. When I hear how bad it is to be connected with BSA, I think about Ted and the many men and women like him, who have contributed beyond measure to the development of fine young men.
Ted's favorite show for Scouting events (campouts, campfires) was a reading of the Robert Service Poem "Cremation of Dan McGrew." Ted would deck himself out in full Alaskan regalia, even in the summer, and give a stirring rendition of the poem.
Ted was always available for kids and worked hard to support them. He was not as nice to adults who didn't work as hard for kids as he thought they should.
A very good man just passed away. Not only will his family miss him, but scores of friends and many scores of young men will miss him. When I hear how bad it is to be connected with BSA, I think about Ted and the many men and women like him, who have contributed beyond measure to the development of fine young men.
Detroit Missed the Boat
Yahoo! News - Gas costs fuel hybrid sales as Detroit spins its wheels. Detroit seems to want to wait until there is customer demand despite a billion of our $$$ to develope hybrids. I'm not sure I understand the economics of paying $3,000 more for a used hybrid than you would for a new one. In fact, if the super-gas-efficient cars are that much higher than those with lesser efficiency, then does it make economical sense to buy one. Back in the dark ages, I made a choice to buy a full-size van with lousy gas mileage, rather than pay the extra $5,000 for the, then very, new Caravan. Looking at the gas mileage and mileage driven, I calculated it would take 7 years to make up the difference on gasoline savings. I was wrong, it took 9 years.
If I were in the market for a new car, I would consider the hybrid, but not at an added cost because of high demand. I'm also concerned about the operating cost of the hybrids. I understand replacing the battery pack isn't exactly cheap.
Guess I'll just continue to drive the SUV, which will pull my boat, or pull a trailer and wince when I buy gas. It's still less costly than buying a new car.
If I were in the market for a new car, I would consider the hybrid, but not at an added cost because of high demand. I'm also concerned about the operating cost of the hybrids. I understand replacing the battery pack isn't exactly cheap.
Guess I'll just continue to drive the SUV, which will pull my boat, or pull a trailer and wince when I buy gas. It's still less costly than buying a new car.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
They Just Couldn't Resist the Puns
Yahoo! News - Wisconsin May Take a Shot at Eliminating Stray Cats.
Actually a problem in wildlife management. Feral cats are not cuddly little purring furballs. Shooting them will keep the population down for a while.
Actually a problem in wildlife management. Feral cats are not cuddly little purring furballs. Shooting them will keep the population down for a while.
How about "open the windows"
Indoor Air Quality Is a Top Health Risk (washingtonpost.com). We must have solved outdoor pollution if indoor pollution is now our greatest health risk. Good filters and open the windows may be a possible solution.
Monday, April 11, 2005
The Infamous Hockey Stick
McKitrick's discussion of flaws with the Mann Hockey Stick, which has been the poster child for global warming for the last 7 years. The interesting points are that the series gets it's oomph from the use of a bristlecone pine dataset that "could not be used as temperature proxies" according to the authors; IPCC does not publish plots from thousands of borehole data which show the mideval warm period (Mann's does not); and, the methodology used to generate the hockey stick seems a bit flawed.
Whether you believe or not, this is a good read. It is also a good read for those who may be interested in seeing how far peer review and the scientific method have progressed.
Whether you believe or not, this is a good read. It is also a good read for those who may be interested in seeing how far peer review and the scientific method have progressed.
TCS: Tech Central Station - How the West Was Wet
TCS: Tech Central Station - How the West Was Wet. What we grew up with is "normal." What we see now is abnormal, except that low rainfall in the US west is normal. Add to that the population shift and it is easy to see how water is more than just a problem.
The Endangered Snakehead
From JunkscienceWesterners see poetic justice in saving snakehead - The Washington Times: Nation/Politics - April 11, 2005. It is poetic justice that the best biology seen was in this spoof of the endangered species act and the biology was taken from an internet search. I'm all for protecting truly endangered species, but...
Be careful if asked to role-play in training
State: Law firm runs into new sex, race quips imbroglio article found on Tongue Tied is hard to understand. In the name of political correctness, I guess you cannot mention gender, or role-play and use race. My guess is that somebody needs to find a purpose in life.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Almost Perfect Day
First fishing trip of the year. Absolutely gorgeous sky, temperatures were great. It hasn't rained enough to make the Chickahominy too fast or muddy. I spent a while watching pairs of osprey rebuilding nests. The bite was slow, but I didn't get skunked. One osprey demonstrated who is the better fisherman.
The "almost" part was that I had to end the day.
The "almost" part was that I had to end the day.
I Guess I'm Not the Only One Who Feels That Way
Another link found on Power Line
Hey, Profs, Come Back to Earth (washingtonpost.com)
In a previous post I mentioned that I probably made the right move when I left academia for industry. After reading the Washington Post Article, I'm apparently not the only one. The costs are extraordinary and you get a school that believes being PC is the absolutely correct way to be. The school should be open to a diversity of views and thoughts, but "multicultural" and "diversity" seem to be code words for allowing only one school of thought.
I'm not sure if those on the campuses believe the "outside" world really takes them seriously. I know the media does. However if the arguments you use to push your political viewpoint are as childish as some I've heard, then a good number of people don't take the best and brightest we have seriously. A case in point: Last fall, No. 4 had a chemistry class requirement to attend a "science" lecture. She found a flyer from Virginia Commonwealth University about their "Laureate Symposium." This talk was given by two Nobel Laureates in Chemistry on the government's role in scientific research. As I chemist, I was very excited about attending a talk by two superstars in the field. Turned out to be a Kerry rally. The bad part was that the two geniuses made political argruments that a "leaning to the left" high school junior thought were silly.
Guess it's a case of "best they stick to what they know." As a parent, one wonders what is going on in higher education.
Hey, Profs, Come Back to Earth (washingtonpost.com)
In a previous post I mentioned that I probably made the right move when I left academia for industry. After reading the Washington Post Article, I'm apparently not the only one. The costs are extraordinary and you get a school that believes being PC is the absolutely correct way to be. The school should be open to a diversity of views and thoughts, but "multicultural" and "diversity" seem to be code words for allowing only one school of thought.
I'm not sure if those on the campuses believe the "outside" world really takes them seriously. I know the media does. However if the arguments you use to push your political viewpoint are as childish as some I've heard, then a good number of people don't take the best and brightest we have seriously. A case in point: Last fall, No. 4 had a chemistry class requirement to attend a "science" lecture. She found a flyer from Virginia Commonwealth University about their "Laureate Symposium." This talk was given by two Nobel Laureates in Chemistry on the government's role in scientific research. As I chemist, I was very excited about attending a talk by two superstars in the field. Turned out to be a Kerry rally. The bad part was that the two geniuses made political argruments that a "leaning to the left" high school junior thought were silly.
Guess it's a case of "best they stick to what they know." As a parent, one wonders what is going on in higher education.
When I needed a good laugh, JFK obliges
Found on Found on Powerline
Yahoo! News - Kerry: Trickery Kept Voters From Polls. "I was denied my right to vote because the lines were too long" is the best Kerry gripe. He really can't believe that we are so dumb that we will fall for that. Maybe, just maybe, that's a big reason why he is still Senator Kerry.
Yahoo! News - Kerry: Trickery Kept Voters From Polls. "I was denied my right to vote because the lines were too long" is the best Kerry gripe. He really can't believe that we are so dumb that we will fall for that. Maybe, just maybe, that's a big reason why he is still Senator Kerry.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
It May Have Been a Wise Choice
30 years ago, I gave up my aspirations of teaching at the college level and "sold out" to industry. There has always been the little bit of doubt that I should have stayed in academia. I'm not sure I would have survived.
I haven't been around too many colleges or universities since 1976. Things are different, or I am different. On the great college tour this spring, each school has touted its committement to diversity and multiculturalism. Today, I heard a bit of a lecture on the importance of "Women's Studies." Back in the dark ages, we had diversity, although the cow college was just beginning to see that having women students might be a good thing, and, as a good engineering school, we had students from almost everywhere. The campus was open to different folks and different ideas, but we didn't have to have programs pushing this. It was a natural part of being at a University.
I've never quite figured out the need for socially significant sociology programs such as women's studies. Seems that it's a natural fit into the normal sociology. I can see courses in relevant topics, but a special cirriculum? Why?
The MWC library had, in a display case, a student essay "On being an American" after 9/11. The enshrined letter said basically that the attack was our fault. I know folks have that idea, but enshrining it?
Guess I'm just to un-PC for modern education. Unless tenure was early and quick, I don't think I would have survived today's higher education system.
I haven't been around too many colleges or universities since 1976. Things are different, or I am different. On the great college tour this spring, each school has touted its committement to diversity and multiculturalism. Today, I heard a bit of a lecture on the importance of "Women's Studies." Back in the dark ages, we had diversity, although the cow college was just beginning to see that having women students might be a good thing, and, as a good engineering school, we had students from almost everywhere. The campus was open to different folks and different ideas, but we didn't have to have programs pushing this. It was a natural part of being at a University.
I've never quite figured out the need for socially significant sociology programs such as women's studies. Seems that it's a natural fit into the normal sociology. I can see courses in relevant topics, but a special cirriculum? Why?
The MWC library had, in a display case, a student essay "On being an American" after 9/11. The enshrined letter said basically that the attack was our fault. I know folks have that idea, but enshrining it?
Guess I'm just to un-PC for modern education. Unless tenure was early and quick, I don't think I would have survived today's higher education system.
Rites of Spring
After a visit to Mary Washington College, the day was nice enough to engage in the rites of spring. Boat maintenance followed by zen and the art of lawnmower maintenance, followed by the first grass cutting of the year.
Fertilizer put down Wednesday seems to be working. Herbicide seems to be making the weeds grow faster.
Downside: the lawnmower cranked and worked perfectly. Loads of noise pollution from small engines all over the neighborhood.
Fertilizer put down Wednesday seems to be working. Herbicide seems to be making the weeds grow faster.
Downside: the lawnmower cranked and worked perfectly. Loads of noise pollution from small engines all over the neighborhood.
College Tour: Mary Washington
Either Mary Washington College, or University of Mary Washington. Saw both signs.
Great place to visit in the spring when the cherry blossoms are out. MWC is a small, 4000 student, liberal arts college. Beautiful setting. All buildings are Greek Revival. The tour guides, loved the school. (Of course, they don't get tour guides for prospective students who don't love the school.) MWC made an excellent impression. No. 4 liked it.
Rating: Behind William and Mary, tied with GMU and JMU.
Downside. The school is adjacent to the Fredericksburg Battlefield park (the school is on part of the battlefield). We didn't have time to visit the park.
Great place to visit in the spring when the cherry blossoms are out. MWC is a small, 4000 student, liberal arts college. Beautiful setting. All buildings are Greek Revival. The tour guides, loved the school. (Of course, they don't get tour guides for prospective students who don't love the school.) MWC made an excellent impression. No. 4 liked it.
Rating: Behind William and Mary, tied with GMU and JMU.
Downside. The school is adjacent to the Fredericksburg Battlefield park (the school is on part of the battlefield). We didn't have time to visit the park.
Friday, April 08, 2005
A True Hero of our time
Preview: Nobel Laureate Norman Borlaug to Speak at NC State. Borlaug's research, dedication and drive have done more to save literally billions from starvation. His work resulted in the Nobel Peace prize in 1970. I found this interview in Reason that I find very enlightening. Borlaug discusses his work and his detractors. Environmentalists are against much of his work because feeding people through intensive agriculture just might harm the environment. Of the doomsday scenarios (Erlich, Rifkin, et al) he says: "As a matter of fact, I think this [lack of perspective] is true of our whole food situation. Our elites live in big cities and are far removed from the fields. Whether it's Brown or Ehrlich or the head of the Sierra Club or the head of Greenpeace, they've never been hungry." His work has proven the doomsayers wrong, time and again. Erlich has been predicting doom for 35 years. It hasn't happened, yet he is still credible in the media and the Enviro's. Why, nobody goes back and remembers what he said. Borlaug says that the environmentalists are elitists, well-funded by foundation money. They want to save, the planet, no matter how many die from their efforts.
Borlaug is pro-DDT in places where malaria is prevalent. He says: " I testified about the value of DDT for malaria control, especially throughout Africa and in many parts of Asia. The point I made in my testimony as a witness for the USDA was that if you ban DDT here in the U.S., where you don't have these problems, then OK, you've got other insecticides for agriculture, but when you ban it here and then exert pressures on heads of government in Africa and Asia, that's another matter. They've got serious human and animal diseases, and DDT is important. Of course, they did ban DDT, and the danger is that they will do the same thing with biotech now." Result: millions die from a disease that could be prevented.
Intensive agriculture, done properly, with the best, most resistant strains available, use less land and produce more food. In the end, it is less destructive to the environment than the way some are doing it now and some would have us continue. Who has the credibility: A man whose work has fed billions or those who sit in the big cities, have never been hungry and wring their hands to an adoring media?
Too bad I can't get to Raleigh, it would be a great speech to hear.
Borlaug is pro-DDT in places where malaria is prevalent. He says: " I testified about the value of DDT for malaria control, especially throughout Africa and in many parts of Asia. The point I made in my testimony as a witness for the USDA was that if you ban DDT here in the U.S., where you don't have these problems, then OK, you've got other insecticides for agriculture, but when you ban it here and then exert pressures on heads of government in Africa and Asia, that's another matter. They've got serious human and animal diseases, and DDT is important. Of course, they did ban DDT, and the danger is that they will do the same thing with biotech now." Result: millions die from a disease that could be prevented.
Intensive agriculture, done properly, with the best, most resistant strains available, use less land and produce more food. In the end, it is less destructive to the environment than the way some are doing it now and some would have us continue. Who has the credibility: A man whose work has fed billions or those who sit in the big cities, have never been hungry and wring their hands to an adoring media?
Too bad I can't get to Raleigh, it would be a great speech to hear.
About Time
GI Grenade Defendant Objects to Juror. At least the trial has sort of started. I doubt the Army will buy the diminished capacity argument.
Freedom of Speach?
Democracy Project has an excellent piece on the efforts by the Pew Charitable Trust and others for campaign finance reform. Apparently, these fabulously wealthy trusts believe they should decide who gives what to whom and who can speak. And, they do it by stealth.
Not much charity here, they should register as a taxable orgainization.
Not much charity here, they should register as a taxable orgainization.
It's a Kid's Game
Yahoo! News - Coach Shot at Texas High School, by angry parent. I've seen too many parents who live their lives through the child's athletics. I enjoyed the heck out of my son's football and wrestling. He worked hard, but was not the top athlete because he was in for the enjoyment. Too bad some parents can't just enjoy the game and let their kids have fun.
How much is 1°C Worth
FOXNews.com - Views - Junk Science - Global Warming Tax. Corporate social responsibility, or is Duke just looking at a green way to increase profits?
Athens' Double Barrel Cannon
Athens' Double Barrel Cannon. When I saw the picture, I wondered about timing the fire of two tubes to get two chained cannon balls out at the same time. Very difficult given the state of the art at the time. They apparently tried it once. No one was killed but the spectators scattered quickly.
Hydrogen as a Fuel: Pipedream?
EnergyBulletin.net | Hydrogen economy: energy and economic black hole summarizes some of the efficiencies of going to hydrogen as a fuel. Since we have been making hydrogen for industrial purposes we know how to make it. The efficiencies:
72% efficiency if made from natural gas; 20% efficiency if made from water by hydrolysis using conventional electrical production; 25% efficiency from wind turbines.
So, we go to the hydrogen economy to reduce our dependence on oil and to reduce pollution. To do it, we need to reduce the efficiency of energy from natural gas by about 28%. Have you seen the price of natural gas lately, it isn't going down because there is no demand for it. We can produce hydrogen from electricity by using four times the energy we obtain from the product to produce it. We don't like coal because it produces CO2 and mercury. We don't like nuclear. That leaves (how many square miles) of wind turbines.
No one seems to mention that hydrogen is much more difficult to handle than petroleum-based fuels, is inherently less safe (see the warnings for recharging batteries) and would require extensive infrastructure additions to use. I'm not sure how we reduce our dependence on petroleum imports and reduce pollution by using something that requires more energy and fuel to produce.
72% efficiency if made from natural gas; 20% efficiency if made from water by hydrolysis using conventional electrical production; 25% efficiency from wind turbines.
So, we go to the hydrogen economy to reduce our dependence on oil and to reduce pollution. To do it, we need to reduce the efficiency of energy from natural gas by about 28%. Have you seen the price of natural gas lately, it isn't going down because there is no demand for it. We can produce hydrogen from electricity by using four times the energy we obtain from the product to produce it. We don't like coal because it produces CO2 and mercury. We don't like nuclear. That leaves (how many square miles) of wind turbines.
No one seems to mention that hydrogen is much more difficult to handle than petroleum-based fuels, is inherently less safe (see the warnings for recharging batteries) and would require extensive infrastructure additions to use. I'm not sure how we reduce our dependence on petroleum imports and reduce pollution by using something that requires more energy and fuel to produce.
Wired Campus Blog
Wired Campus Blog seems to be a pretty good blog on the use of computers in higher education.
Freedom of Speech?
brightMystery covers two recent pie throwing incidents on college campuses. It seems the way to engage in productive discourse is to throw food at conservative speakers. The same folks would scream if anything similar happened to liberal speakers. What's next for these defenders of freedom: brown shirts, kristalnacht?
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Cup of Hydrogen, Anyone
Estimates of the electrical power required for converting Britain to hydrogen-fueled vehicles. Just circle the British Isles with a 10-km deep windfarm. Sounds like a few minor engineering details still need to be worked out.
I haven't seen an encapsulated efficiency estimate, or cost estimate, of producing hydrogen to replace gasoline and diesel fuel currently used. Seems to be sort of a shell game. The pieces are all there, but no one seems to be putting them together.
I haven't seen an encapsulated efficiency estimate, or cost estimate, of producing hydrogen to replace gasoline and diesel fuel currently used. Seems to be sort of a shell game. The pieces are all there, but no one seems to be putting them together.
Global Warming: What are we measuring?
NASA GISS: Surface Temperature Analysis is a Q&A on absolute surface air temperature, which indicates that it is definitely not absolute, if there is no clear consensus on what is being measured, how often it is being measured and how it is being measured. If data measurement is uncertain, how can we say anything positive either way?
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Academic Integrity
Whitewash at Columbia covers the grievance, and apparent cover-up, of Jewish students claiming discrimination by the University, particularly, the Arab Studies Department. One might question why Columbia feels the need to create an ad hoc committee to investigate the grievances. After all, find a university that doesn't prominently display and celebrate its committment to diversity and scream at any potential attack on academic freedom. If the school truly embraces diversity and academic freedom, then there would be no need to investigate any allegations of descrimination, for there would be none.
It seems that Columbia decided that the committee to investigate the alledged grievances was made up of at least 3 of 5 persons who were either in the Arab Studies Department, or had very close ties to the faculty. This certainly gives the impression of a stacked deck, whether in reality it was or was not. Columbia certainly did itself no favors in its committee selection.
My advice to my children has long been to regurgitate the Professor's viewpoint if you want to get good grades. If you want to fail, then study the question, get the facts and openly disagree. The advice is cynical, but I became convinced years ago, when I was in academia, that integrity and honesty could very often be very rare virtues.
It seems that Columbia decided that the committee to investigate the alledged grievances was made up of at least 3 of 5 persons who were either in the Arab Studies Department, or had very close ties to the faculty. This certainly gives the impression of a stacked deck, whether in reality it was or was not. Columbia certainly did itself no favors in its committee selection.
My advice to my children has long been to regurgitate the Professor's viewpoint if you want to get good grades. If you want to fail, then study the question, get the facts and openly disagree. The advice is cynical, but I became convinced years ago, when I was in academia, that integrity and honesty could very often be very rare virtues.
Never Underestimate the Power of Human Stupidity: Part III
Red is a big no-no for grading papers, so say some educators. We should use "softer, less abrasive" colors. What happens if your errors are marked with purple, does that become an "abrasive" color. Homework is about learning through repitition and study. Testing is about seeing how well the student and the educational system work together to learn and teach. Using red is traditional, but it does stand out so it can be easily seen by both the student and the grader.
Well, one way to reduce the abrasiveness is not to require homework or testing, that way the student will never be faced with something ego shattering as a wrong answer. They learn little and can't survive after they graduate.
It's amazing that people actually go to college and get (multiple) degrees in education and style themselves as professional educators, only to come up with new, more "sensitive" ways to dumb down education and the American students. Wonder if that's the way the pro's in Japan, China and India (or competitors) do it? I don't think so.
Well, one way to reduce the abrasiveness is not to require homework or testing, that way the student will never be faced with something ego shattering as a wrong answer. They learn little and can't survive after they graduate.
It's amazing that people actually go to college and get (multiple) degrees in education and style themselves as professional educators, only to come up with new, more "sensitive" ways to dumb down education and the American students. Wonder if that's the way the pro's in Japan, China and India (or competitors) do it? I don't think so.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Tightening the Borders
But, the tightening appears to be that FOXNews.com - Politics - U.S. Re-Entry to Get Tougher for Americans and not illegals. We need to ensure that folks with US ID are really who they are, but where are the efforts to prevent illegals from crossing? Apparently the Minuteman Project is succeeding where the official preventions have failed. No crossings in their area on Monday. All it takes is a concentrated effort. However, 200 people per 23 linear miles means all we need is 150,000-200,000 new border patrol agents.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Technology in Education-Longwood Laptop
Specifications for Longwood Dell laptop are not bad. Niether is the price ($2,071). Although having a computer and printer is a "must" for college students, the laptop the university supports and really pushes prospective students to buy is a bit steep. Add a $2,000+ hit to the price of a year in college and feel the pain. Looks like they could have cut a better deal if they really cared about incoming student finances.
Never Underestimate the Power of Human Stupidity-Part II
The Britt Hume show on Fox had a panel discussion on the Sandy Berger-classified documents fiasco. Two of the panelists seemed to believe that they could excuse him by saying he panicked and destroyed at least 3 of the documents to lessen the seriousness of the crime.
I find it hard to believe that (a) these two respected journalists and pundits would believe arguments as dumb as they were putting out and, (b) could believe anyone listening to them would be dumb enough to believe them. I guess if you say it often enough and with a straight face, you may expect some to believe stuff like that.
Handling classified documents is a serious business with very strict rules and protocols. There are fairly serious penalties for mishandling them. Surely Berger, as a former National Security Advisor, knew the rules and the penalties. You cannot "accidently" remove them, then lie about it, and then later admit you done it as "accidental". His punishment was awfully light. Berger's belief that he could do something like this with relative impunity seems to be the only thing that he was right about. Let someone not in the power elite do this, and they would spend years of hard time.
Berger purposely stole, then destroyed classified documents. He didn't accidentally put them in with other papers, he hid them in his clothes. The actions could have had no other intent than to affect the findings of the 911 Commission. How could anyone believe the tripe these two folks wanted us to believe?
I find it hard to believe that (a) these two respected journalists and pundits would believe arguments as dumb as they were putting out and, (b) could believe anyone listening to them would be dumb enough to believe them. I guess if you say it often enough and with a straight face, you may expect some to believe stuff like that.
Handling classified documents is a serious business with very strict rules and protocols. There are fairly serious penalties for mishandling them. Surely Berger, as a former National Security Advisor, knew the rules and the penalties. You cannot "accidently" remove them, then lie about it, and then later admit you done it as "accidental". His punishment was awfully light. Berger's belief that he could do something like this with relative impunity seems to be the only thing that he was right about. Let someone not in the power elite do this, and they would spend years of hard time.
Berger purposely stole, then destroyed classified documents. He didn't accidentally put them in with other papers, he hid them in his clothes. The actions could have had no other intent than to affect the findings of the 911 Commission. How could anyone believe the tripe these two folks wanted us to believe?
Never Underestimate the Power of Human Stupidity
Switched to Lou Dobbs on CNN tonight. It's hard not to catch something about border security. His guests tonight were obviously opposed to any serious effort by the US to tighten border security. One of the guest, who holds dual citizenship (US-Mexico) was all for having one big happy North Americal with no borders. The other, was all for controlling the border, as long as we made sure that all the rights of the illegals were protected. Neither wanted to see real security on the border and neither would admit to any potential problems with our porous border.
I guess I'm not smart enough to realize that we need to protect the right of non-citizens to come into our country without any resistance or their rights as citizens under the Constitution. I also find it hard to believe that they could convince anyone that their point of view is correct with the ducking and dodging very simple, straightforeward questions by Dobbs.
I guess I'm not smart enough to realize that we need to protect the right of non-citizens to come into our country without any resistance or their rights as citizens under the Constitution. I also find it hard to believe that they could convince anyone that their point of view is correct with the ducking and dodging very simple, straightforeward questions by Dobbs.
Big 10-ACC Challenge
By my calculations, it's Big-10 4, ACC 10. Tonight's game was worth watching all the way to the end. As a born and bred ACC fanatic, I'm glad the trophy came to the ACC, even if it had to go to that place in Orange County.
The question UNC fans ought to ask, is do they also get the Big 10 Championship trophy. Tonight's win capped beating the top 3 teams in the Big 10.
Great tournament, start to finish.
The question UNC fans ought to ask, is do they also get the Big 10 Championship trophy. Tonight's win capped beating the top 3 teams in the Big 10.
Great tournament, start to finish.
The Big Business of Climate Change Research
TCS: Tech Central Station - The Big Business of Climate Change Research. Billions for finding anthropogenic global warming, significantly less for not finding it.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Technology in Education
Today's tour was Longwood University. The school requires all students to have laptops and has a deal with Dell to provide (at a cost to the student) laptops. The school has a support center which, naturally, gives more support to "Longwood Dells" than other computers. The campus is wired for computers everywhere, like all other schools we've seen.
I'm the last to say much negative about computers being a big plus for students and would have made all kinds of deals involving my soul to get a terrible computer by today's standards when I was in college. When No. 4 goes to school, she will have a computer, I can't see how she could do without one in today's world. The big "however" is the school seems to be more enamored with having the technology than with education. Yup, it's nice t be able to hit the internet with the laptop during class, but does this detract from the class. Also, I seem to remember that the effort of writing it down reinforces learning.
No. 4 is part of an "every student with a laptop" program in high school. I'm not convinced that this program is as much a plus to learning as it is thought to be. Are we more enamored with being "high tech" than enamored with how much you learn? There is a difference.
I'm the last to say much negative about computers being a big plus for students and would have made all kinds of deals involving my soul to get a terrible computer by today's standards when I was in college. When No. 4 goes to school, she will have a computer, I can't see how she could do without one in today's world. The big "however" is the school seems to be more enamored with having the technology than with education. Yup, it's nice t be able to hit the internet with the laptop during class, but does this detract from the class. Also, I seem to remember that the effort of writing it down reinforces learning.
No. 4 is part of an "every student with a laptop" program in high school. I'm not convinced that this program is as much a plus to learning as it is thought to be. Are we more enamored with being "high tech" than enamored with how much you learn? There is a difference.
College Tours-Longwood University
In the continuing search for the perfect school, today we visited Longwood University. Not sure that No. 4 was as impressed as with other schools (William & Mary, James Madison), but she was not turned off. The school did an excellent job of presenting itself. The Dean of Admissions and President were present and addressed the prospective parents and students, something none of the other schools did. Parents and students had separate information sessions, a definite plus in explainig the school. They even did a pretty good job of being proud of the school's decision to move to Division I in the varsity sports in which they compete. Men's basketball was discussed with some pride (although they didn't mention their 1-30 record and setting an NCAA record for the number of consecutive losses). Still moving from Div II to Div I is not without difficulty.
The tour was carried out very well, although seeing every building on campus got a bit long. Our tour guide did an excellent job of explaining, from the student's view point, life on campus. No. 4 is now over the shock of seeing how small dorm rooms can be, and is thinking about adjusting to having to share, for the first time in memory, a room.
No. 4 saw the required internship as a plus and saw no negatives. I think a small school may have certain advantages over a large school.
The tour was carried out very well, although seeing every building on campus got a bit long. Our tour guide did an excellent job of explaining, from the student's view point, life on campus. No. 4 is now over the shock of seeing how small dorm rooms can be, and is thinking about adjusting to having to share, for the first time in memory, a room.
No. 4 saw the required internship as a plus and saw no negatives. I think a small school may have certain advantages over a large school.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Illegal Immigration
Anyone who watches more than a few minutes of CNN's Lou Dobbs show gets a repeated litany of the evils of illegal immigration. Although I don't care for a steady diet of Mr. Dobbs, I do agree with him on this issue. We should not have porous borders, open to anyone who chooses to cross them. We should not be held hostage to Mexico's Vicente Fox and serve as a source of cash and a site for "excess" poor population of Mexico. A sample of Mr. Dobbs views can be found here .
In an interesting note the Arizona ACLU has decided that the Minuteman project and, seemingly is a violation of the First Amendment Rights of illegal immigrants. The First Amendment says "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." It is even a stretch for the ACLU to explain how non-citizens have the "right" assemble and peacefully petition the government for redress of grievances by crossing the boarder illegally and remaining anonymous, except for sucking down our tax dollars.
Many sectors of the US economy depends on immigrant labor. We can't get out of that. Our borders ought to be open to legal immigrants, who come through by legal means. We ought to have the right to determine who comes in, for what purposes, and how long they can stay. It works that way when Americans go to other countries. As it is, we don't know who is coming in, for what purposes or where they are. It is quite a stretch to confer the rights of citizenship on these folks. Round them up, send them home, don't let them sneak back in. Then allow legal, controlled immigration.
Too bad most of those we elect to serve us, don't see it that way.
In an interesting note the Arizona ACLU has decided that the Minuteman project and, seemingly is a violation of the First Amendment Rights of illegal immigrants. The First Amendment says "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." It is even a stretch for the ACLU to explain how non-citizens have the "right" assemble and peacefully petition the government for redress of grievances by crossing the boarder illegally and remaining anonymous, except for sucking down our tax dollars.
Many sectors of the US economy depends on immigrant labor. We can't get out of that. Our borders ought to be open to legal immigrants, who come through by legal means. We ought to have the right to determine who comes in, for what purposes, and how long they can stay. It works that way when Americans go to other countries. As it is, we don't know who is coming in, for what purposes or where they are. It is quite a stretch to confer the rights of citizenship on these folks. Round them up, send them home, don't let them sneak back in. Then allow legal, controlled immigration.
Too bad most of those we elect to serve us, don't see it that way.
Jumping to Conclusions that Suit Your Agenda?
Chesapeake Bay Foundation - High Concentrations of Pfiesteria Underscore Need to Reduce Pollution is a piece about recently discovered pfiesteria in Taskinas Creek. According to the EPA pfiesteria outbreaks are not fully understood. Pfiesteria goes to its toxic form in the presence of large quantities of fish. Pfiesteria exists along the Southeastern seaboard and outbreaks may occur if there is a high density of fish, warm, brackish, poorly flushed waters and high levels of nutrients. This report by the Virginia DEQ was prompted by finding large numbers of dead menhaden in the creek. The deaths were attributed to gill nets used to catch other fish.
The CBF's response was “It is lamentable but perhaps not surprising that high concentrations of Pfiesteria continue to be found in Virginia waterways,” said Jeff Corbin, CBF Virginia Deputy Director. “Past outbreaks of Pfiesteria in the Chesapeake Bay region, including incidents that killed fish and sickened watermen, have occurred in waters heavily polluted by nitrogen and phosphorus.”
While not an untrue statement, it may not fit the case of this outbreak. Fish were not killed by pfiesteria, no one was sickened and no one has reported that the creek was "heavily polluted by nitrogen and phosphorus." The Creek has been reported in the past to be impaired from an unknown source of fecal coliform. Might be more productive to do the hard work and find out if this impairment is due to human activities.
The CBF's response was “It is lamentable but perhaps not surprising that high concentrations of Pfiesteria continue to be found in Virginia waterways,” said Jeff Corbin, CBF Virginia Deputy Director. “Past outbreaks of Pfiesteria in the Chesapeake Bay region, including incidents that killed fish and sickened watermen, have occurred in waters heavily polluted by nitrogen and phosphorus.”
While not an untrue statement, it may not fit the case of this outbreak. Fish were not killed by pfiesteria, no one was sickened and no one has reported that the creek was "heavily polluted by nitrogen and phosphorus." The Creek has been reported in the past to be impaired from an unknown source of fecal coliform. Might be more productive to do the hard work and find out if this impairment is due to human activities.
Friday, April 01, 2005
The Perils of Green Energy
I work for a company that uses renewable energy sources (landfill gas) to generate electricity. This company goes against every principle for renewable resources. We do it without relying on tax incentives (we just ain't smart enough to get them, I suppose). We actually, sometimes make money generating electricity from a renewable resource. Guess that's why they appealed to me. I like going against the grain and doing it "wrong."
The EPA has an office (LMOP-Landfill Methane Outreach Program) that actively supports ventures using renewable resources. The EPA has much larger, better staffed offices to put every imaginable roadblock, as well as some no rational human could imagine, in place to prevent it's use. The EPA's compliance and permitting folks do a much better job at preventing beneficial use of this sustainable, renewable energy source.
Most "green" energy projects like ours cost more than conventional electrical generation. In some places, like Seattle, consumers are given the option of using green energy and indicate their willingness to pay more for "green" electricity. It is unsurprising that the enviros don't get as many takers as they would like. I don't know many folks who want to pay more for their electricity.
We are all for green energy except when we have to pay a premium to get it or put the project in our back yard. Notice that the wind turbine boom suddenly went into steep decline when the tax subsidies ran out?
The EPA has an office (LMOP-Landfill Methane Outreach Program) that actively supports ventures using renewable resources. The EPA has much larger, better staffed offices to put every imaginable roadblock, as well as some no rational human could imagine, in place to prevent it's use. The EPA's compliance and permitting folks do a much better job at preventing beneficial use of this sustainable, renewable energy source.
Most "green" energy projects like ours cost more than conventional electrical generation. In some places, like Seattle, consumers are given the option of using green energy and indicate their willingness to pay more for "green" electricity. It is unsurprising that the enviros don't get as many takers as they would like. I don't know many folks who want to pay more for their electricity.
We are all for green energy except when we have to pay a premium to get it or put the project in our back yard. Notice that the wind turbine boom suddenly went into steep decline when the tax subsidies ran out?
Stolen-2000 Election
I really got tired of hearing how Bush "stole" the 2000 election and thought, for sure, that it would disappear after the 2004 elections. I don't know whether to laugh or cry, but yesterday I heard some idiot on Fox News saying it again. I've heard it so often, it must be true. I now believe:
(a) Bush steathily engineered butterfly ballots in a county run by democrats;
(b) Bush created confusing ballots in two other counties run by democrats;
(c) Bush caused the confusing ballots to be published in newspapers before the election just to confuse the voters;
(d) Although I used punch-card ballots for 20 years (and still do in Henrico County), I now know that I am not responsible for making sure that I punch the candidates I want to vote for and not just random punch the ballot;
(e) I thought the signs in the polling place and in the voting booth saying that I could get help if needed and to check my ballot; but I was wrong, they said I couldn't get help;
(f) I'm not responsible for making sure I did it correctly;
(g) You can divine the voter's intent by holding the ballot to a light; it's more effective than candling eggs;
(h) The Florida Surpreme Court had every right to rewrite the election law, without the legislature, and after the votes were cast;
(i) It must be so, because the news covered the Florida recount endlessly as though it were a serious matter;
(j) Every vote cast should count, no matter if the ballot is improperly marked or the voter was registered illegally.
Where do you think I got the prime swampland I offered for sale in the previous post.
(a) Bush steathily engineered butterfly ballots in a county run by democrats;
(b) Bush created confusing ballots in two other counties run by democrats;
(c) Bush caused the confusing ballots to be published in newspapers before the election just to confuse the voters;
(d) Although I used punch-card ballots for 20 years (and still do in Henrico County), I now know that I am not responsible for making sure that I punch the candidates I want to vote for and not just random punch the ballot;
(e) I thought the signs in the polling place and in the voting booth saying that I could get help if needed and to check my ballot; but I was wrong, they said I couldn't get help;
(f) I'm not responsible for making sure I did it correctly;
(g) You can divine the voter's intent by holding the ballot to a light; it's more effective than candling eggs;
(h) The Florida Surpreme Court had every right to rewrite the election law, without the legislature, and after the votes were cast;
(i) It must be so, because the news covered the Florida recount endlessly as though it were a serious matter;
(j) Every vote cast should count, no matter if the ballot is improperly marked or the voter was registered illegally.
Where do you think I got the prime swampland I offered for sale in the previous post.
How I Kept the N. Korean Army at Bay
I was a classified document custodian for my reserve unit for a while. I believed what they said about the penalties for mishandling classified documents, even the one on the North Korean army uniforms. My steadfast work probably kept them from knowing how to dress. We had others that were a bit more serious. The Sandy Berger affair indicates that maybe "state secrets" aren't all that serious a matter. Apparently, our government doesn't think so. I've got a really good deal on some prime swamp land for anyone who believes that he "accidentally" took the documents and "accidentally" destroyed them.
Himalayan snow job
Himalayan snow job - The Washington Times: Commentary - April 01, 2005. The glacier is retreating because anthropogenic global warming caused a decrease in temperature. Oops.
The Daily Demarche: An open letter to the world:
The Daily Demarche: An open letter to the world:. A letter for the "America is Wrong" crowd over there.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)