May 17, 2008
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Sumocat
The force behind Sumocat's Scribbles, the world's best handwritten ink blog, since July 2005, Sumocat has been blamed for inducing others to join his nefarious cause of spilling ink across the blogosphere. Unafraid to publish his opinions in his own handwriting, he is a dangerous individual. Beware the Sumocat...
Recent comments by this user
$4 Gas Literally Impossible At Some Gas Pumps
This is a good reminder that station owners are getting screwed by the oil companies more than the rest of us. While oil companies score record profits, station owners make nearly nothing selling gas. They gain nothing from higher prices and are actually in danger of losing money from it. posted 05/16/2008 at 12:58:45
Electing Sweetie
"One good thing about Hillary Clinton is that the vast right wing conspiracy has been at her for sixteen years and nothing they came up with has stuck." -- On the flip side, Hillary Clinton claims all this experience and yet can list no accomplishments. Her husband has taken both the heat and the credit for anything she may have done behind-the-scenes. She can't get out of his shadow without also losing him as her shield. posted 05/16/2008 at 13:09:15
Op-Ed: McCain's Global Warming Selective Memory
Grandpa defense. posted 05/15/2008 at 11:05:52
Oil Billionaire T. Boone Pickens Orders 667 Wind Turbines
It's only the upfront cost that's higher, and that's just the dollar amount. Wind power does not consume oxygen. It adds no pollutants to the water we drink or the air we breathe. There are no lives lost in mining or drilling accidents to fuel them. Unlike ethanol or fossil fuels, wind will last as long as the world keeps turning. And let's not forget that oil is subsidized too. posted 05/15/2008 at 09:32:27
A&E Renews Racial Slur Using Duane 'Dog' Chapman
Anyone else find it ironic that the national chairman of the Congress of Racial Equality is named Niger Innis? I wonder how often that guy has to say "it's pronounced NI-jur". posted 05/15/2008 at 09:24:17
GOP Rep. Uses Term 'Tar Baby' In Memo About Obama, Election
The American folk tale of the tar baby was written by a white southern man whose work has been publicly deemed racist for decades, back into the civil rights movement. It's not just "silly P.C. nonsense" (unless, of course, you think the civil rights movement was nonsense too).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncle_Remus posted 05/15/2008 at 09:17:48
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncle_Remus posted 05/15/2008 at 09:17:48
Left Brain, Right Brain
"I'm pretty sure that you can't consciously do anything to choose which way she seems to move." -- Speak for yourself. Clockwise appears to be my default, but I can switch to counter by looking at the animation through my peripheral vision. Stays that way even when I look at it directly and I can switch back by concentrating. posted 05/14/2008 at 21:56:46
Will The Next President Obliterate The Auto Industry?
The problem with pure electric is a lack of convenient energy storage. Batteries take hours to recharge while gasoline tanks can be refilled in minutes. It's a hindrance for long distances and unexpected travel. Then there's the issue of needing an outlet available, which is a hassle for those of us without garages. This is why hydrogen fuel cells are so attractive as a power source since they are as convenient as gasoline... if there were pumps available. Nanotech batteries or capacitors could potentially solve the problem by offering near-instant charging, but they're not close enough to fruition yet. I would love to see pure electric vehicles, but there's a lot that must go into a widespread shift aside from the mechanics of the vehicle itself. posted 05/14/2008 at 16:49:28
Navy Denies Chelsea Clinton To Vieques, Puerto Rico
How the hell does Puerto Rico have 55 delegates? They're not even a state. posted 05/14/2008 at 16:20:37
Dixie Chick Natalie: Jessica Simpson Should "Pick Back" At Bush
Still better than the Bush jinx of endless war, massive debt, and rising food and fuel costs. posted 05/14/2008 at 12:53:48
Inflation Eases Despite Huge Food Price Jump
"Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, showed prices well behaved in April, rising by just 0.1 percent, compared to a 0.2 percent gain in March." -- Good news for those of us who don't eat food or consume energy. posted 05/14/2008 at 09:51:50
Clinton's Appalachia Success
Kansas is not the most accurate measuring stick. Obama's mother's side of the family is from the state and campaigned on his behalf, giving him a "home state" advantage. posted 05/14/2008 at 10:34:23
NRCC Chairman Tells GOP: Change Or Die
Sounds like a credible threat to me. I think that dude could kill people with his eyes. Creepy. posted 05/14/2008 at 09:54:14
Obama Will Crush McCain
You paint a pretty picture, Diane, but I see your points as signs this will be a hard fight.
1. Bush has a 28% approval rating. Sounds low, until you consider the man hasn't done anything worthwhile. With no accomplishments under his belt, the man still has 28% of the populace approving of his non-performance. This is his solid quarter. Considering half of people don't vote, this block should be a big worry.
2. The religious crazies love Bush. McCain doesn't need to win their support; he just needs Bush's. Remember, the crazies are the ones who believe the rapture will come... this year... every year. They will do as Bush does.
3. Bush is a money-making machine. Once Bush steps in, McCain's money woes will be a thing of the past. Plus, I think McCain's wife knows some rich people.
4. Cindy McCain. She's rich, attractive, has access lots of beer, and unlike Kerry's wife, won't scare off blue-collar voters with her accent. I don't think she'll be a detriment when it comes to attracting the NASCAR crowd.
5. John McCain's health and age are problems... that can be fixed with a good running mate. These are literally his biggest weaknesses, but he can offset voters' worries with the right VP. This is the choice that could make or break his campaign and disprove your prediction. I think Obama is capable of steamrolling McCain, but I don't think we've seen enough to assume that yet. posted 05/16/2008 at 19:28:40
1. Bush has a 28% approval rating. Sounds low, until you consider the man hasn't done anything worthwhile. With no accomplishments under his belt, the man still has 28% of the populace approving of his non-performance. This is his solid quarter. Considering half of people don't vote, this block should be a big worry.
2. The religious crazies love Bush. McCain doesn't need to win their support; he just needs Bush's. Remember, the crazies are the ones who believe the rapture will come... this year... every year. They will do as Bush does.
3. Bush is a money-making machine. Once Bush steps in, McCain's money woes will be a thing of the past. Plus, I think McCain's wife knows some rich people.
4. Cindy McCain. She's rich, attractive, has access lots of beer, and unlike Kerry's wife, won't scare off blue-collar voters with her accent. I don't think she'll be a detriment when it comes to attracting the NASCAR crowd.
5. John McCain's health and age are problems... that can be fixed with a good running mate. These are literally his biggest weaknesses, but he can offset voters' worries with the right VP. This is the choice that could make or break his campaign and disprove your prediction. I think Obama is capable of steamrolling McCain, but I don't think we've seen enough to assume that yet. posted 05/16/2008 at 19:28:40
Jon Stewart Interviews Douglas Feith
In fairness, he is "the stupidest f***ing guy on the Earth". He probably thought he was talking to Colbert. posted 05/13/2008 at 14:10:28
West Virginia Primary: Good Morning America Meets An Uninformed Voter
Irony: The controversy over Obama's Christian pastor has not yet erased the idea he's a Muslim. posted 05/13/2008 at 15:53:53
Obama Muslim Smear Resurfaces: NYT Op-Ed Tags Obama As Muslim 'Apostate'
What's disturbing to me is not that Obama could be classified as a Muslim according to Islamic law (I often explain my family is Buddhist, while I am not), but that Luttwak plays along with the stereotype that all Muslims are extremists. He twists the truth so as to portray the punishment of apostates as the will of the people, rather than the will of the ruling parties who use strict religious law as a means of maintaining their power. Ironically, our portrayal of the people of Iraq and Afghanistan as wanting to be free of extremism fights against this caricature. If indeed "the jurists of all Sunni and Shiite schools prescribe execution for all adults who leave the faith not under duress", then why on Earth should we help the Sunnis and Shiites of Iraq when they want to execute one of our senators (who could be our President)? On the other hand, Obama did not leave the Muslim faith as an adult, so what's the problem? posted 05/13/2008 at 10:17:55
Obama Wears Flag Pin To West Virginia Rally
So are we just keeping track of when he wears a flag pin now? The article even mentioned he sometimes wears the flag pin. posted 05/12/2008 at 16:00:22
How Obama Blew It : The Campaign That Could Have Been
"He asks that from this point forward he be referred to as White Plus!" -- Awesome. I'll need to remember that for my future kids. posted 05/12/2008 at 15:11:24
Obama Hits McCain Over Webb GI Bill
I wouldn't automatically assume that, but Webb is shaping up to be his best choice. A tough veteran from a southern state would bring much needed strength to Obama's campaign. Plus, I was born and raised in Hawaii and live in Virginia, so it'd be a two-fer for me. posted 05/12/2008 at 15:23:57
Top 10 Reasons Obama Defeated Clinton for the Democratic Nomination
While I appreciate all the "How did Hillary lose?" dissections, I don't see the point of breaking it down into parts when the whole is so revealing - She lost because her theme was "Vote for Hillary because she's Hillary." All of her campaign woes stem from the flaws of that core theme. She rolled in as the presumptive nominee on that theme. Her campaign was loaded with loyalists who believe so fervently in that theme they were unable to look beyond it once Obama rose in the polls. Nothing else her campaign did broke away from the central conceit that "being Hillary" was enough to clinch the nomination. In her defense though, "being Hillary" was nearly enough. That her circular theme was enough to carry her so far, despite the weakness of her campaign, shows how strong she is as a candidate. Ultimately though, I think a strong message is required to win the election. posted 05/12/2008 at 11:52:40
Obama In Kentucky And West Virginia: Why Will He Lose?
"56 percent of interviewed voters said Obama's race was not important" -- So does that mean 44% said his race was important? Ugh. posted 05/12/2008 at 10:49:25
China establishes company to make its own jumbo jets
Good for them. They build just about everything else in China anyway. posted 05/12/2008 at 11:02:12
Nice list. Too bad it does nothing to support your argument. Scrap would not be categorized as such. Instead it would be broken up into such things as plastics, metals, pulp and discarded machinery, which are items on your list. In addition, scrap, relatively speaking, is cheap. Thus, your list by dollar amount does not disprove the possibility that our top export to China, as measured by weight and/or volume, is scrap. posted 05/12/2008 at 11:00:52
Time Magazine Advocates invading Burma
Your definition of "advocate" is questionable. First, the "advocacy" is posed as a question and presented as one of a few options, admittedly in a provocative manner. Second, air dropping food and supplies directly to those in need is a far cry from the action and occupation we took in Iraq and Afghanistan. Per the sentence that follows the invasion consideration statement: "Some observers, including former USAID director Andrew Natsios, have called on the U.S. to unilaterally begin air drops to the Burmese people regardless of what the junta says." True, these supplies would be dropped by military aircraft, but that hardly constitutes the type of military invasion you infer. Furthermore, I fail to see where the "advocacy" of invasion mentions "taking out" the Myanmar junta. War and invasion do not necessarily mean regime change. Circumventing the government to provide relief aid does not necessarily mean we would overthrow it. (For the record, I would not support a unilateral overthrow of the government.) posted 05/12/2008 at 12:37:24
Comic-book Movies Have Ruined Special Effects
"It seems that more and more movies are made like last year's Transformer's, which showcased almost no action scenes that featured real actors, and I'm not impressed." -- Are you kidding me? The humans vs. Transformers scenes dominated that movie. Those were real humans playing the soldiers fighting Skorponok in the desert and shooting up Decepticons in the city, plus the scenes where Autobots and humans fought alongside each other. Real humans dominated the action. Even the final battle was decided by a human. Also, all the major sets were real, not green screen. (And you know Michael Bay made as many real explosions as possible. That dude likes to blow stuff up.) posted 05/13/2008 at 12:53:20
Can City Farmers Stand in for Supermarkets?
While the current form of urban farming is woefully inadequate, I am hopeful they will spur the development of vertical farms (think: hydroponic farms in skyscrapers). They require a fraction of the water use of conventional farms, minimal square footage, and minimal, if any, pesticides. I'm planning a personal system for fresh year-round greens. posted 05/08/2008 at 09:05:44
Paulson: The Worst Is Behind Us
Word. And let's not forget this is the administration that keeps issuing tax rebates to offset rising fuel costs. Why fix the problems when you can just throw borrowed money at them to cover up the effects? posted 05/07/2008 at 09:47:29
Reality Has Well-Known Obama Bias
"This race is way past over." -- All things being equal, I agree. However, the truth is, anything can happen. Obama could slip in the tub and break his neck tomorrow. I don't want that to happen to him, or anyone else for that matter, but people slip in the tub all the time. I personally wouldn't pin all my hopes on a bathing accident, but that's Hillary's prerogative (and it does appear to be her only option left). posted 05/07/2008 at 09:14:53
Frustrated Car Owners Look To Ditch Their Gas-Guzzlers
"He knows it will be tough to unload them because he is one of a growing number of consumers downsizing to smaller, more fuel-efficient cars." -- Hopefully this signals the end of the SUV bubble, much like the disappearance of home-buyers signaled the end of the housing bubble. posted 05/07/2008 at 09:33:23
Study: Obama-Backed Illinois Gas Tax Holiday Actually Worked
Pass-through savings of 60-80% sound pretty good (better than nothing), but reading the analysis, it becomes clear that there are some critical differences between this situation and the one pending.
First, the IL gas tax holiday was done in response to a sudden price hike. Oil companies had already raised prices by a large margin (and, under cover of a tax holiday, jacked up the price further). The proposed national gas tax holiday will be pre-emptive, giving oil companies time to plan and execute matching increases.
Second, the IL holiday lingered past when prices dropped back down to pre-spike levels (allowing oil companies to charge the same price as before the spike, but without the gas tax). The proposed holiday will last during a period of known price increase, allowing oil companies to raise prices over the duration.
Third, this study ignores how oil companies could not completely offset the tax savings. If IL showed no savings compared to its neighbors, it would demonstrate profound price gouging (as opposed to their 20-40% take). If a national holiday were instituted, the price of gas could cover the gap with no reasonable point of comparison (except maybe Canada). The difference could be absorbed and we'd be none the wiser.
Thus, while this study has merit, it cannot be directly related to a national gas tax holiday, nor does it demonstrate the IL gas tax holiday "worked" as desired, unless the goal was 60% passthrough. posted 05/06/2008 at 14:12:03
First, the IL gas tax holiday was done in response to a sudden price hike. Oil companies had already raised prices by a large margin (and, under cover of a tax holiday, jacked up the price further). The proposed national gas tax holiday will be pre-emptive, giving oil companies time to plan and execute matching increases.
Second, the IL holiday lingered past when prices dropped back down to pre-spike levels (allowing oil companies to charge the same price as before the spike, but without the gas tax). The proposed holiday will last during a period of known price increase, allowing oil companies to raise prices over the duration.
Third, this study ignores how oil companies could not completely offset the tax savings. If IL showed no savings compared to its neighbors, it would demonstrate profound price gouging (as opposed to their 20-40% take). If a national holiday were instituted, the price of gas could cover the gap with no reasonable point of comparison (except maybe Canada). The difference could be absorbed and we'd be none the wiser.
Thus, while this study has merit, it cannot be directly related to a national gas tax holiday, nor does it demonstrate the IL gas tax holiday "worked" as desired, unless the goal was 60% passthrough. posted 05/06/2008 at 14:12:03
Yahoo CEO: Microsoft Was Stubborn
"We just feel Yahoo, either standalone or with Microsoft, is worth more than what they put on the table." -- And yet your stock price just fell to a lot less than what they offered, leaving you quite vulnerable to a hostile takeover. Funny how that works out. posted 05/06/2008 at 11:30:16
Gas Tax Holiday? Who's the Real Elitist?
"Middle Class Taxi Drivers and Truck Drivers would enjoy a GAS TAX break." -- if they actually received any of that break, but how much do you trust oil companies to not raise prices to cover the difference? Do you honestly believe dropping the tax would not be followed by a price hike? That's what happened in Illinois when they tried it (which is how Obama knows it doesn't work). It happened when the federal wireless excise tax was dropped, and Verizon added a fee to their charges to cover the difference. It happens every time. But if you think the oil companies haven't been screwing over your brother, go ahead and assume they won't screw him over any further. posted 05/05/2008 at 13:16:28
Greenspan: U.S. In "Awfully Pale Recession"
So my belief the wars are keeping the economy afloat, but not making it stronger, is an either/or situation? I thought it was a good vs. better scenario, but maybe that's because I don't perceive everything in all-or-nothing terms. Perhaps next time you'll put some thought into it your comments before calling someone stupid. Also, you'll notice the items I mentioned, unlike the War on Poverty, are elements critical for maintaining our edge in the global business economy. Conservatives used to care about things like that. posted 05/05/2008 at 10:44:33
"The declines in employment have not been as big as you'd expect to see." -- They're right on track with my expectations. The wars are keeping a lot of soldiers out of the civilian workforce, and keeping the military industrial complex with all its employees humming along. IMO, the massive spending on the war effort is the only thing keeping our economy afloat. On the other hand, if we were spending that money at home on things like infrastructure, health care, security, and education, instead of blowing it all in Iraq, we might not be in a recession at all. posted 05/05/2008 at 09:17:41
Clinton Gas Tax Holiday: Hillary Attacks Economists
"Clinton added that the tax holiday would work 'if we actually did it right.'" -- Unless she's going to force oil companies to not spike the price of gas during the holiday, there is no right way. Oil companies will raise prices to cover the difference. Anyone who does not believe that is living in a fantasy world where oil companies are not earning record profits year after year. posted 05/05/2008 at 09:27:18
A Point of Clarification
A) Try reading the first three words of the second sentence "As an American..."
B) Historically, Americans were responsible for the enslavement and slaughter of millions of Africans and genocide of the indigenous people of this country. Generations ago, we detained Americans of Japanese ancestry during WWII, even those who were born here, and enforced segregation by skin color. Currently, we build fences to keep Mexicans out of the half of Mexico we stole. Who couldn't keep a straight face while lecturing us on racism? posted 05/03/2008 at 10:38:26
B) Historically, Americans were responsible for the enslavement and slaughter of millions of Africans and genocide of the indigenous people of this country. Generations ago, we detained Americans of Japanese ancestry during WWII, even those who were born here, and enforced segregation by skin color. Currently, we build fences to keep Mexicans out of the half of Mexico we stole. Who couldn't keep a straight face while lecturing us on racism? posted 05/03/2008 at 10:38:26
Treehugger: Bush Is Right On Farm Subsidies
"The bill Congress is now considering would fail..." -- Doesn't take much to agree with that statement. posted 05/03/2008 at 10:46:04
Obama Compares Clinton To Bush, McCain Over Gas Tax
Maybe you should try reading, or at least skimming, the press release: "At best, this is a plan that would save you pennies a day for the summer months; that is, unless gas prices are raised to fill in the gap, which is just what happened in Illinois, when we tried this a few years ago."
No, this isn't the same Barack Obama who supported the tax holiday in 2000. This is the Barack Obama who learned that oil companies would just raise prices to cover the difference. He backed the wrong side in 2000, and now he knows better. That's not pandering; that's learning from experience. posted 05/02/2008 at 12:21:37
No, this isn't the same Barack Obama who supported the tax holiday in 2000. This is the Barack Obama who learned that oil companies would just raise prices to cover the difference. He backed the wrong side in 2000, and now he knows better. That's not pandering; that's learning from experience. posted 05/02/2008 at 12:21:37
Chevron Has Most Profitable First Quarter In Its History
Anyone else notice the analysts have been consistently overestimating oil company revenues this quarter, yet the oil companies have been showing incredible levels of growth? What the hell are these analysts smoking that record-breaking profits are falling short of their expectations? posted 05/02/2008 at 13:33:53
McCain, Clinton Gas Tax Plans 'May Help Oil Companies'
I find it satisfying to see on the local news a lot of people interviewed recognize that if the tax is dropped, oil companies will just raise prices to cover the gap. Everyone else knows they will, so why don't the "experienced" candidates know it too? posted 05/02/2008 at 10:18:46
Dear Abby Under Attack For Support Of Gay Marriage
"Abby has flown under the radar for years dispensing radical advice on matters of sexual morality while enjoying a reputation for hard-nosed, common-sense advice," -- Common sense tells me that what two consenting adults do with each other is none of my concern. posted 05/02/2008 at 13:42:56
Bummed About $4 Gas? ExxonMobil Isn't. They're Making $1 Billion a Week
Word. My wife and I moved closer to work and carpool in our Prius so we wouldn't have to care about gas prices. Higher gas prices don't bring me down; they increase our return on investment. posted 05/01/2008 at 14:19:45
Nelson Mandela On Terrorist Watch List
So were we wrong for classifying him as a terrorist in the first place, or is this proof that terrorist groups don't always stay terrorist groups? We should take this news as a wake-up call to take a harder look at our hard line on terrorists. Contrary to what some believe, there are more sides than with us or against us. posted 05/01/2008 at 12:02:09
Clinton's Gas Tax Plan Called 'Ineffective', 'Shortsighted'
Didn't McCain actually propose the plan, and Hillary is just jumping on the lower taxes bandwagon? Regardless, Obama is right to point out how dumb it would be to drop the gas tax. Just look at what happened when the wireless phone tax was dropped. Verizon lobbied heavily to drop the federal excise tax on wireless phone service. How did they react when it was finally dropped? They imposed a new fee to cover the gap. They did repeal the fee before it ever took effect due to negative consumer response, but oil companies can raise gas prices in an instant and consumers have no choice but to accept it. If the gas tax is dropped, gas prices will rise to cover the gap, resulting in less money for roads and more money for oil companies. That's a net loss for Americans. posted 05/01/2008 at 08:51:19
Atheism, Religion And Discrimination
Yet neither has been used to justify as many deaths as religion. And that's just in American history. posted 05/02/2008 at 10:37:29
"'faith may not move mountains, but it does a hell of a number on skyscrapers' - I believe you are confusing faith with militant political activism." -- I believe you're missing the point. The Crusades of Europe. The justification of slavery and genocide in the Americas. The "Clash of Civilizations" today. Faith has historically been the driving force behind militant political action. The two are not the same, but the action would not exist without the belief. posted 05/01/2008 at 13:55:51
"'Religions provide an institution where one can study ancient teachings and learn from individuals who have done in-depth study of the inner landscape' - No they don't. Very few 'religious' people actually read anything, especially their own sacred texts. Most (usually ALL) of their so-called beliefs are dictated by self-chosen leaders, who are invariably driven by personal greed." -- Technically, you're both wrong. Religions don't provide the institutions; the institutions form around religions, not from them. These institutions, not the religions, are the engines that produce those self-chosen leaders. Religion in itself is neither inherently good nor evil. It's the people and institutions who use it that create one or the other. Our nation is founded on separation of church and state, not religion and state. Church is a religious institute not a religion, just as a light bulb creates light but is not light. Ironically, that distinction has been muddied by folks on both sides of the religion fence. posted 05/01/2008 at 13:45:08
Your view on journalism reminds me of most people's view of religion: only one should be followed. Contrary to what you believe, journalism is a blanket term, not a specific form. Essays, perspectives, and even "fluff" qualify as forms of journalism, as does "hard" reporting. Rather than regurgitate what CBS has already presented, Smalley is offering another view. Adding perspective to a story does not trivialize it, rather it enriches the story. As to whether HuffPost should have covered the "hard" story is another matter, but I find your attack on the style of this post rather ironic given its theme of diversity and your narrow view of a broad term. posted 05/01/2008 at 13:28:45
Why Wal-Mart Does Not Strengthen Our Economy
The main problem with Wal-Mart in regards to economic stimulus is that it maintains its own mini-economy. When you go to most stores and spend money, part of that money goes to the employees, who then spend most of that money elsewhere. Same thing happens at Wal-Mart, except a bigger chunk of employee spending goes back to Wal-Mart. A guy who works at a tire place can't spend all his money on tires, but a guy who works at Wal-Mart can buy tires, groceries, clothing, small appliances, etc. before leaving the store to go home. Sure, most of his money goes to housing expenses. But of the remainder, a large percentage gets funneled back into Wal-Mart. By keeping their workers' wages low, they ensure most of them can't afford to shop anywhere but Wal-Mart (not to mention it's already more convenient for them). Wal-Mart employees form a reliable customer base for the retailer, effectively turning much of their employment expenses back into revenue. In this way, Wal-Mart maintains its own mini-economy, which benefits Wal-Mart, but limits its benefits to the surrounding economy. posted 05/02/2008 at 11:09:26
Bush on the Economy: Too Bitter, Too Late
"The real problem, Bush tells us, is that America doesn't drill for enough oil--all just to appease those environmentalists." -- What a load. I moved close to work and carpool with my wife in our Toyota Prius, mostly to save on time and money but cutting our gas usage to a fraction is pretty friendly to the gas supply. The average commuter in our area uses more gas in a day than we use in a week, and that's per person. How are folks like us to blame when we're personally using less gas than we ever did before? That's like blaming the guy who ate one slice of pizza for all the empty pizza boxes. posted 04/30/2008 at 14:06:08
Ethanol Production Forging Costly Link Between Food And Oil
Are we in disagreement? Reading your previous post, it looks like we agree ethanol is fine but the plan is flawed. I'm not sure whether you're just expanding beyond that or think we disagree. posted 05/02/2008 at 14:35:48
Ethanol itself is a fine energy source; we just don't have a workable plan in place. Brazil's ethanol system is 30 years old and profitable because it was intelligently planned. Our system is ramshackle and designed so agri-industry can make a buck. posted 04/30/2008 at 14:18:34
Tipping Ought to be Abolished: Let's Just Pay People More Like the Europeans Do
"Tipping Ought to be Abolished: Let's Just Pay People More Like the Europeans Do" -- But then how will I demonstrate what a generous customer I am? Compliments and brown-nosing? I prefer to let my money do the talking and be able to choose who deserves more money than others. I'm a capitalist that way. posted 04/30/2008 at 14:26:48
Wolfowitz: U.S. Was "Clueless On Counterinsurgency"
Depends on what he means by "no one". If he does in fact mean, "no one in the Bush administration", then he's actually pinning the blame on the morons who deserve it. If he means, no one in the world, then he is pushing that same idiot excuse. Hard to tell which without the full context. Regardless, they are still morons for not realizing the invasion would be swift but the battle would endure. Employing guerrilla tactics is an obvious and effective strategy when facing a superior foe. They should have assumed they'd be employed. posted 04/29/2008 at 11:57:50
Buffett: I Think We're In A Recession
He said the technical definition of recession doesn't matter to the guy feeling the pinch. If people are losing jobs, losing money, and losing homes, there is a recession, regardless of whether the Fed categorizes it as such. That's not arrogance; it's honesty. The "economic experts" are slapping lipstick on a pig, and Buffett is saying "it's still a pig." posted 04/29/2008 at 09:04:38
Thinking is what super-smart people do. Believing is what people like George W. Bush do. posted 04/29/2008 at 08:57:52
McCain May Be Stalling Even With GOP Stage To Himself
On the surface, it appears that McCain has some advantage by securing his nomination early while his opponents are still fighting. But really, it's a disadvantage. McCain is still facing two potential opponents at once, while they face one another. He lacks a single opponent upon which to launch attacks. His potential opponents are getting all the media attention, rightfully so since there's no interest in McCain's uneventful ride to the nomination. He is literally waiting in the wings for his opponent to be chosen, and he can't do much more than that without spending money he needs for the real battle. Strategically, he needs to strengthen his base and build a financial surplus while his foes beat themselves down, then try to take the victor. If he's lucky, he'll face a weakened opponent. If not, he'll face a battle-hardened foe. Either way, there's little more he can do now without squandering his limited funds. posted 04/28/2008 at 13:51:37
Tax Rebate Checks 2008: Refunds Start Going Out Today
"The money is going to help Americans offset the high prices we're seeing at the gas pump, the grocery store, and also give our economy a boost to help us pull out of this economic slowdown," -- In other words, another tax break for oil companies, like the previous rebate he told us to spend on gas, but bigger because all the other stuff we need, like food, costs more too. posted 04/28/2008 at 11:18:57
Chuck Todd Slams Bill Clinton: "Woefully Unprepared For 21st Century Media"
Irony: a champion of the Information Superhighway is riding in the slow lane. posted 04/28/2008 at 11:21:37
Howard Dean: Obama Or Clinton Must Drop Out In June
Irony: in a campaign cycle that started earlier than any other, the nomination process may not end until the last minute.
Even though I sympathize with Dean (it's his job to keep the party focused, not splintered), I find this contest only highlights the contrast between the Dems and Reps. I assumed McCain secured the nomination back in '04 in a deal with Bush. And now, despite the weakness of his campaign and fundraising, he's the presumptive nominee. Meanwhile, there's a clear contest among the Dems, with the once presumptive nominee trailing. posted 04/28/2008 at 10:51:53
Even though I sympathize with Dean (it's his job to keep the party focused, not splintered), I find this contest only highlights the contrast between the Dems and Reps. I assumed McCain secured the nomination back in '04 in a deal with Bush. And now, despite the weakness of his campaign and fundraising, he's the presumptive nominee. Meanwhile, there's a clear contest among the Dems, with the once presumptive nominee trailing. posted 04/28/2008 at 10:51:53
Miley Cyrus Bare In Vanity Fair: Tells Fans She's "Embarrassed"
First, teenagers are always doing things that seem cool at the time, but later embarrass them. Second, I don't think being wrapped in a sheet that covers your top counts as topless. There are plenty of bathing suits and even dresses that cover less than that and they're not considered topless. posted 04/28/2008 at 11:53:45
DNC Iraq McCain Ad Sparks Controversy: Watch Video
In fairness, 100 years is still a lot less than the Bush estimate of "forever". And just to add some perspective, the Mexican-American War ended 160 years ago, and we're still fighting to keep Mexicans from invading "our" land. posted 04/27/2008 at 10:00:07
Why You Shouldn't Spend Your Stimulus Check
Irony: anyone who can afford not to cash the checks could potentially sell them for far greater than face value. Interesting idea though. Maybe celebrities should donate theirs for a big charity auction. posted 04/28/2008 at 11:31:21
"Scud Stud" Arthur Kent Sues Over "Charlie Wilson's War" Footage
The question is: who owns the footage, Kent or NBC? Since NBC published the footage, they hold the copyright and should be able to use it freely. Universal Studios is part of NBC Universal so they too can use NBC-owned material freely. Kent's claim to the footage is contingent on the terms of his contract with NBC and whether he retains any ownership of the footage. posted 04/25/2008 at 20:02:25
Soaring Heat Costs Leave Record Number Facing Potential Energy Shut-Offs
And yet you seem to think we can continue to release prehistoric carbon and energy into the atmosphere and not see the atmosphere revert to prehistoric conditions. Where do you think that energy is going? Is it violating the laws of thermodynamics and evaporating in the atmosphere, or is it powering weather patterns that are unusual to us? What about the oxygen we're trapping in CO2? How's that being replenished? With the trees we clear cut or the kelp we shred with fishing nets? Either I can believe in the laws of thermodynamics, or I can believe that energy can be destroyed and the oxygen we burn is being magically replenished. Can't have it both ways, right? posted 04/25/2008 at 22:10:06
Cheney's Compulsive Obsession with Iraq WMDs & Syrian Nukes
Maybe Cheney has more evidence than we do, like the seller's copy of a bill of sale. posted 04/24/2008 at 10:57:53
Sam's Club, Costco Limit Rice Purchases
Yeah, sucks for the rest of the world, but I live in the United States of America. Worldwide food shortages affect us last because we're the ones taking everyone else's food. It's been happening for years in the fishing industry; poor countries go without fish because we take their share. At most, our prices will increase, but everyone else will run out of food before the shortage hits us. When you starve with a tiger, the tiger starves last. posted 04/24/2008 at 11:07:27
Is This The End Of Cheap Food?
First, neither vegetarian nor vegan necessarily means going organic. Second, organic meat is more expensive than organic veggies. In a comparison of equal quality, dropping meat is more cost-effective. posted 04/23/2008 at 21:54:31
Flag Pins: Who Wears 'Em?
Exactly right. posted 04/23/2008 at 12:43:44
"Flag Pins: Who Wears 'Em?" -- Aside from those who are officially sanctioned, flag pins are worn by people who violate the U.S. Flag Code: "The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, firefighters, police officers, and members of patriotic organizations. Flag lapel pins may also be worn." Unless done in an act of protest, violating the flag code is a poor way to show one's patriotism. posted 04/23/2008 at 12:42:58
Clinton, McCain Back Gas Tax Holiday, Obama Opposes
Dropping the gas tax for the day that gas prices spike is ridiculous. Remember when the wireless excise tax was repealed after incessant lobbying by Verizon? How did Verizon celebrate? By adding a fee to cover the difference. They dropped the fee before it took effect, but that's because people had advanced warning and struck at it publicly. There is no such window for gas prices. If the gas tax is eliminated for one day, the price of gas will jump up to cover that gap and then some. Net effect will be more money out of your pocket going to the oil companies. It's similar to the first Bush tax rebate, which he *encouraged* people to use to cover high gas prices. Tax breaks to offset fuel costs is just more revenue for oil companies. posted 04/22/2008 at 15:48:48
Obama and "I'm Just Like You" Politics
Ironically, the more I see of Obama, the higher he rises on my "just like me" scale. Probably why he ranks lower on most other people's scale. posted 04/21/2008 at 13:22:53
Obama Praises McCain, Clinton Responds
And yet Obama used the "low bar" argument to dismiss Clinton's criticism. Funny how that worked out. posted 04/22/2008 at 15:54:44
Note to Hillary: Claiming that McCain will be better than the worst President in history (as judged in a poll of historians - twice) is not praise. Criticizing it as praise, however, looks rather desperate. A more appropriate response would have been to point out how low that bar is. For example, "That's not much of a statement. Anyone competent or even mediocre could do a better job than Bush." posted 04/21/2008 at 13:29:01
Karl Rove Offers Mind-Bending Take On 'Flag Lapel Pin' Issue
On topic: I personally feel that wearing a flag is actually a violation of the flag code. Wearing the flag should be a *privilege* reserved for the uniforms of service personnel (soldiers, police, firefighters) and members of patriotic organizations. Per the U.S. flag code: "The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, firefighters, police officers, and members of patriotic organizations. Flag lapel pins may also be worn." Unless someone is making a statement of protest, violating the flag code is a poor way to show one's patriotism. posted 04/21/2008 at 10:04:31
"You know, as an architect of the Bush presidency, Karl Rove's never impressed me much." -- Are you kidding me? He put a bigger moron than Dan Quayle in the President's seat -- twice. Whether Bush truly earned the position (I don't think he did) is irrelevant. The fact is, Rove turned an unqualified, undeserving idiot into the President of the United States. That's like turning lead into gold. To me, that's a lot more impressive than putting an articulate, intelligent person in the seat. posted 04/21/2008 at 09:53:43
Comcast: Worst. Company. Ever.
"I'll admit that we can't (yet) connect Comcast to child labor, environmental destruction or Dick Cheney..." -- Reminds me of a blog entry I wrote to Comcast in which I addressed them with a Dick Cheney quote.
http://sumocat.blogspot.com/2007/09/dear-comcast-go-f-yourself.html
Only took six months and five service tickets to settle. posted 04/21/2008 at 13:42:15
http://sumocat.blogspot.com/2007/09/dear-comcast-go-f-yourself.html
Only took six months and five service tickets to settle. posted 04/21/2008 at 13:42:15
Emma Watson Replaces Scarlett "Too Old" Johansson In Film
All the knowledge of the world at our fingertips and no one else bothered to look up the age of the role?
"The exiled emperor and a 14-year-old English girl: now it's a Hollywood affair"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2006/apr/02/film.filmnews
Yeah, in real life, the girl met Napoleon when she was 14. Nothing controversial about wanting someone under 20 to play that role. posted 04/18/2008 at 19:45:50
"The exiled emperor and a 14-year-old English girl: now it's a Hollywood affair"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2006/apr/02/film.filmnews
Yeah, in real life, the girl met Napoleon when she was 14. Nothing controversial about wanting someone under 20 to play that role. posted 04/18/2008 at 19:45:50
Madonna's $50M Concert Windfall: $165,00 A Minute, Says Report
Irony: while President Bush fights a war to "bring democracy to the Middle East", Madonna, a woman who epitomizes the opposite of the exemplary woman of Muslim extremism, is set to perform in the United Arab Emirates, a union of Arab nations where democracy is developing on its own. posted 04/18/2008 at 11:14:08
Apple Mac Sales Soar
Sadder -- Even Microsoft hasn't finished writing drivers for Vista. The print driver for MS OneNote is incompatible with the 64-bit version of Vista. posted 04/18/2008 at 10:26:40
He Blinded Me Without Science
Intelligent design is a misnomer. The core assertion of ID is life and the operation of the universe are too complex to have arisen through undirected means. At most, that assertion promotes the belief of "intentional" design, but intent does not denote intelligence. Plants grow towards the sun. That's clearly intentional, but are plants intelligent? Furthermore, the many flaws in human design, such as the tailbone and appendix, indicate our "designer" suffers from either a lack of intelligence or a flawed intelligence. Thus, intelligent design theory disproves the existence of a perfect creator. We are perhaps the creation of one of the many other gods worshiped throughout history, but not the perfect being proponents of ID believe in. posted 04/18/2008 at 10:41:49
Dean: I Need Superdelegates To Make A Decision "Now"
If the voters didn't matter, then our deadlock wouldn't mean anything. The people have spoken and the vote is closely split. Thus, it's up to the superdelegates to get their act together and decide, and it's Dean's job to get them to do that. This is a democracy and this is what happens when the majority is uncertain. posted 04/18/2008 at 10:17:36
Bush On Iraq: "My Measure Of Success Is Victory - And Success"
My measure of stupidity is George W. Bush. posted 04/18/2008 at 10:11:53
Jamie Dimon: The Worst Is Over
In the battle to overcome the economic downturn, JPMorgan Chase and its allies are victorious. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! posted 04/17/2008 at 13:18:23
Vladimir Putin, Alina Kabaeva: Russian President Denies He Will Marry Ex-Gymnast
Don't believe the rumors about Putin. I looked the man in the eye. I found him to be very straightforward and trustworthy. Oh wait, that was someone else. I never met the guy, but if I was him and I was linked to a hot 24-year old gymnast... I've never had the opportunity to resist that temptation, so I'm not about to throw stones. posted 04/17/2008 at 14:03:47
Azariah Southworth, Popular Christian TV Host, Announces He Is Gay
Oh please. Do you know how many people go out for breakfast after church each Sunday, thereby making people do work on the holy day? That's an explicit violation of one of the Ten Commandments performed right after attending church. By contrast, homosexuality is neither a violation of the commandments, nor listed as one of the Seven Deadly Sins. In fact, the Tenth Commandment leaves open the possibility. Can't covet thy neighbor's wife or anything else that "belongs" to him, but you're not forbidden from coveting thy neighbor. Assuming the Commandments are the highest law, it seems to me the bigger sin is the one being performed at the IHOP each Sunday. But that's just my "distorted view" that the rules carved in stone are more important than the ones hidden in arcane text. posted 04/17/2008 at 11:10:16
100% Of Clinton's Current Pennsylvania Ads Are Negative
"This is on top of Hillary's own ad campaign, which we've shown to be 100% negative at this point in most of the state." -- WTF? Isn't that like a wireless phone company claiming their network is always working most of the time?
Regardless, considering Hillary's campaign seems to be focused around the theme of "Hillary for President", it's little wonder they're heavily loaded with negative ads. Seriously, what's Hillary's message? Near as I can tell, it's "Vote for Hillary Clinton because she's Hillary Clinton". You can't run a whole campaign on that. It's sufficient for her base, but everyone else would like to hear an actual theme. You know, like the theme of hope and change your husband used in '92 (and your opponent is using now). posted 04/17/2008 at 09:39:27
Regardless, considering Hillary's campaign seems to be focused around the theme of "Hillary for President", it's little wonder they're heavily loaded with negative ads. Seriously, what's Hillary's message? Near as I can tell, it's "Vote for Hillary Clinton because she's Hillary Clinton". You can't run a whole campaign on that. It's sufficient for her base, but everyone else would like to hear an actual theme. You know, like the theme of hope and change your husband used in '92 (and your opponent is using now). posted 04/17/2008 at 09:39:27
Murtha says McCain too old to be president
The years of Reagan, the temper of Bush Sr., the wisdom of Bush Jr., John McCain has all the makings of a fine President. posted 04/16/2008 at 14:19:59
USA Today: Obama Is Surrounded By Lawyers From Lobbying Firms
I believe I specified "$100M+". The "+" sign means more. posted 04/16/2008 at 14:22:03
So Obama, who is a lawyer, taught law, and was president of the Harvard Law Review, is surrounded by lawyers. And they've pledged to raise $3.5M, which is a big chunk of change, unless you compare it to the $100M+ his campaign has already raised. So basically, assuming he continues to raise money, *almost* none of Obama's campaign funds could come from lawyers from lobbying firms. That is quite scandalous. posted 04/16/2008 at 11:10:15
Man In Clinton's 'Bitter' Ad Isn't Registered To Vote
How sad is Hillary's campaign when they can't even make sure all the "locals" in their Pennsylvania ad are from Pennsylvania? Seriously, if you're going to run an ad highlighting the values of locals, the least you can do is make sure all the people in it are locals. posted 04/16/2008 at 14:13:17
The Boss Picks A Boss: Bruce Springsteen Endorses Obama
I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with "saracasm". Is it similar to sarcasm? posted 04/16/2008 at 16:11:53
Springsteen is the most elitist, bitter guy out there. No wonder he's endorsing Obama. Oh wait, no, he's a beloved everyman who creates inspiring music. Well, that is a well-timed endorsement for Obama. posted 04/16/2008 at 13:55:54
Why Should We Care About Iraq?
No one wants to admit that a U.S. victory means permanent occupation. We beat Saddam Hussein (end of war with Iraq, not end of fighting in Iraq), which means permanent bases. We still have bases in Germany and Japan, sixty years after the end of WWII. And good luck to the Iraqis if they want to boot us out -- we still have a base in Cuba. Unless Iraq runs out of oil, we are there for the long haul. posted 04/16/2008 at 10:57:04
Sticker Shock: Bread Prices Up 14.7 Percent, Milk Prices Up 13.3 Percent
"Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, posted a 0.2 percent rise last month." -- Why the hell is it called *core* inflation when it excludes the stuff we actually need? Shouldn't vital goods form the "core"? Regardless, I'm pretty sure core inflation would only rise minimally when food and fuel go up. How are people supposed to spend money on other crap when they're spending it all on the stuff they need to survive? posted 04/16/2008 at 15:00:13
Bill Clinton Suggests Young Voters Too Easily Fooled
So basically, Bill Clinton, who met with young people on MTV (back when it was cool) and campaigned on a promise of change that swept in young voters, is admitting he suckered us. Or should I say, once you've reached a certain age, you won't sit there and listen to somebody tell you there's really no difference between what happened in the '92 Clinton campaign and now in the '08 Obama campaign. posted 04/16/2008 at 08:45:46
Shock Jocks Woody And Wilcox Suspended For Slur Against Native Alaskan Women
Since when is it simply politically incorrect to talk about urinating on a woman? I'm pretty sure most people would consider that offensive even without the fact that they specified an ethnicity. posted 04/16/2008 at 09:18:28
Tax Internet Sales -- Just Like Local Stores
Right idea, wrong direction. Instead of trying (and failing) to enforce a tax on all good and services delivered across state lines, they should instead eliminate the tax on all good and services delivered within the state. Eliminating sales tax, not expanding it, ensures a fair system with no expenditures on enforcement. The loss of sales tax revenue can be balanced by an increase in income and/or property taxes.
Of course, given the flatness of incomes, the decline in property values, and the rise in the cost of goods, you'll need to increase those other taxes by a good margin in order to offset the loss of the tax that rises with inflation. And they'll also have to balance the lost income from tourists, who buy stuff but don't live or work in the state. But then again, no sales tax means more money goes to local businesses (and that's supposedly the goal), so it works out. posted 04/17/2008 at 13:46:05
Of course, given the flatness of incomes, the decline in property values, and the rise in the cost of goods, you'll need to increase those other taxes by a good margin in order to offset the loss of the tax that rises with inflation. And they'll also have to balance the lost income from tourists, who buy stuff but don't live or work in the state. But then again, no sales tax means more money goes to local businesses (and that's supposedly the goal), so it works out. posted 04/17/2008 at 13:46:05
Obama Outraises Clinton Among Small Town Pennsylvanians
Fact: Hillary is outraising Obama among wealthy Americans, but Obama is outraising her among everyone else. Based on dollars, not rhetoric, it's hard to peg Obama as the elitist in this race. posted 04/16/2008 at 09:01:50
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