May 18, 2008
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WilliePilgrim
Recent comments by this user
Missouri ID Bill to Block Nuns, Elderly from Voting Defeated
Maybe the folks in MO should join up with the governor of WY and begin a movement to send those jackbooted hamburger flippers in charge of our security back to the bizarro world they cam from. Are we not all sick and tired of having a bunch of fearfull fundamentalist paranoids pushing us around? posted 05/17/2008 at 12:25:02
For Assassination Joke, Huckabee Should Be Off TV
Huckabee IS off TV, isn't he? I mean, whenever I see him, I turn him off pretty much as soon as I get the gist of what he's rambling on about. Or are you suggesting there should be some sort of censorship over which some body of august men and women would preside? And you don't see that as a greater danger? Dude, turn off the TV and read stuff. You feed the fear mongers and merchants of death with your unflinching attention by glueing your eyeballs on the TV. Every commercial that you watch empowers the owners of the media who have one interest only, increased profit, and censorship or free speech, 1st amendment or FCC decency, or whatever, as long as you continue to watch. Ha ha! posted 05/17/2008 at 10:20:37
George Lucas On "Indiana Jones 5" And "Star Wars" Rejection
Great news, Mr Lucas. The rejection by the majors for your further explorations of the Star Wars mythology is in many ways good news as it will free-up the options for where it can travel and take us along for a wonderful and rewarding ride. I don't absolutely love everything, every character, and every story in the continuing saga, but then I realize that there are a number of audiences being addressed and to your credit and the credit of those who work with you, and even to the credit of the audiences, it is never insulting and always encouraging.
Likewise, I have much praise for the Indiana Jones series and look forward to seeing its continuance in whatever form and in whichever direction you take him...and us. Additionally, I see that the History Channel is once again ganging up Young Indiana Jones episodes and you can rest assured I will be watching and enhancing my viewing enjoyment and learning quotient by keeping my laptop connected to wikipedia and searching for more interesting aspects to the subjects glanced upon in the series. In just one example, I was truely gratified by the exposure to which we were treated regarding Krishnamurti and Theosophists of the late Victorian times. Very very interesting and bordering on the enlightened. Thanks for the high level of production and historical values inherent in your works. I could be no prouder of you for your accomplishments in this than if you were myown family. posted 05/16/2008 at 11:54:40
Likewise, I have much praise for the Indiana Jones series and look forward to seeing its continuance in whatever form and in whichever direction you take him...and us. Additionally, I see that the History Channel is once again ganging up Young Indiana Jones episodes and you can rest assured I will be watching and enhancing my viewing enjoyment and learning quotient by keeping my laptop connected to wikipedia and searching for more interesting aspects to the subjects glanced upon in the series. In just one example, I was truely gratified by the exposure to which we were treated regarding Krishnamurti and Theosophists of the late Victorian times. Very very interesting and bordering on the enlightened. Thanks for the high level of production and historical values inherent in your works. I could be no prouder of you for your accomplishments in this than if you were myown family. posted 05/16/2008 at 11:54:40
Reclaiming Conservatism
Some excellent points here. The 2 party system works best when the 2 parties are actually in opposition to one another, providing a dynamic range to its effectiveness while keeping each other in check, as should the 3 parts of our national government. To hear one side demonize the other and call for its obliteration is as if my gas pedal is cursing the brake pedal. I truely want both and am in fear no matter where I'm steering when I loose faith in either's ability to do what they're designed to do...which is where I am now in regards to the 2 party system. I've heard it said that with the 17th amendment Congress became a money trough and paved the way for the system of graft and political favoritism we see now...in which case let's repeal that thing and get back to a system that cannot perpetuate its power by continuously taxing and spending more and more. posted 05/16/2008 at 16:33:39
Do Republicans Believe In Free Markets?
Some do, some don't. What's ironic is that when one finally identifies one who does actually believe in real free markets, they are usually tagged as a radical libertarian and discounted by the very same freedom loving progressives who you'd think would embrace 'em, all over some silly issue like "evolution" or "global warming". In many ways it reflects the inherently misleading view we have regarding the political process by having it reduced to a two party, right versus left, paradigm which is a mere shadow of the complex 3 dimensional landscape that we all inhabit. Perhaps if we took of the blindera and looked at what was going on "outside the cave" instead of staring like slack jawed knuckle dragging mouth breathers at the amusing shadows on the cave's walls. posted 05/15/2008 at 09:39:04
Are Escort Services Poised to Go Mainstream?
Welcome to the brave new world. I know moralists will cringe but one can hardly complain about the honest and frank attitudes that will do much to clarify so many of the issues that are currently clouded by the unspoke and unacknowledged attitudes about sex. Of course, the pendulumn does swing both ways. posted 05/15/2008 at 09:32:22
Small Businesses Create Jobs or $600 Won't Do It, Jobs Will
If you have ever considered starting a small business you would be wise to take a pill and hope to get over it. Without a doubt the most daunting aspect is the paperwork requirements in not just toeing the line for the IRS, Social Security, State, Local and god only kows what else for oneself, but the rest of the mess. Supporting small business is the best of intentions but unless it's backed up by actually tearing down the barriers and complexities of actually starting up and running with only a few employees, it will forever be like starting a race with your shoelaces tied together. So,when I hear a politician promising to help the small business person and doesn't specifically say "I'm going to eliminate the need for small business to fill out forms and submit reports" I just roll my eyes and shrug my shoulders, unless my idea of a small business is to have a professional staff in place within' 6 months time who are paid to do the things that most non-professionals find incomprehensible and intimidating. posted 05/16/2008 at 08:57:05
Spiritual Water: Saving Souls, One Sip At A Time (VIDEO)
Ignorance is bliss...and likely to make the unscrupulous wealthy...same as it's always been. posted 05/14/2008 at 09:58:56
Tax-Free Yachts--Brought to you by the Republican Party
It is a disgracefull example of how the powerfull jigger the laws to favor their own interests. Unfortunately we tend to heap animosity onto the rich as if adding a new tax law would fix things but instead we find the powerfull simply use thier wealth and influence to manipulate the system so more and blammo! We're not stuck with another byzantine law we need a team of experts that we can't afford anyway in order to not get snarled up in it outselves.
It's for this reason I favor eliminating the criteria of wealth as a form of personal taxation and favor the implementation of a consumer tax (the two must be simultaneous or we'll end up with both), because there is certainly one thing the rich do that is taxable that I don't: spend vast sums of money. The complaint th at it is unfair to the poor to tax their basic needs might be true on the surface but in reality the system we have now is very unfair and everything we do to try to even it out makes it even more cumbersome and that really burdens those of us who would like to save and build for a better tomorrow. posted 05/12/2008 at 15:40:53
It's for this reason I favor eliminating the criteria of wealth as a form of personal taxation and favor the implementation of a consumer tax (the two must be simultaneous or we'll end up with both), because there is certainly one thing the rich do that is taxable that I don't: spend vast sums of money. The complaint th at it is unfair to the poor to tax their basic needs might be true on the surface but in reality the system we have now is very unfair and everything we do to try to even it out makes it even more cumbersome and that really burdens those of us who would like to save and build for a better tomorrow. posted 05/12/2008 at 15:40:53
Stamp Prices To Rise On Monday
When will we see the new american peso with a sticky backing so we can just put 'em on the letters we send? I bet you can guess who everyone thinks should have their face printed on it. posted 05/11/2008 at 11:34:59
Being a Mother is the Ultimate Artist: Alexis Weidig
Thanks for bringing this artists work to your readers. I have to admit I was at first un-impressed but without reading your Q&A first, I allowed myself to consider the work again, which is something I almost always do, and I was glad I did. Her sense of composition, the negative spaces and the suggestive natures of objects she's encorporated presented a very interesting response in me.
I have read your interview with the artist as well and find it even more revealing and her work even more valid. I wish her much success and growth...and hope he offspring will grow to appreciate the sensibilites theri mother has and that they probably share on an instinctive level. posted 05/10/2008 at 12:43:22
I have read your interview with the artist as well and find it even more revealing and her work even more valid. I wish her much success and growth...and hope he offspring will grow to appreciate the sensibilites theri mother has and that they probably share on an instinctive level. posted 05/10/2008 at 12:43:22
Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks
Thank you, Mr Harris. Your courageous voice serves the community of realistic rationality as well as any. As to the critics who claim that your perspective serves the right wing, I can only say that ideological adherence on either side is a sign of the kind of decadence society's best serve by leaving behind. posted 05/05/2008 at 19:30:02
Miley Cyrus: The Truth Is Unbearable
You're right on one point, to quote, "None of my interpretation matters." And you're right, what matters is what is our interpretation, and by "our" you must mean, the target audience, and they will think that they'd better go along with their daughter when they go to see Ms C's latest bit of fluff which whithout this bogus controversy of the kind only wahabists and puritans could find in the least bit controversial, would go directly to video following a short and mostly un-noticed release.
The controversy itself tells us just how hyperextended the sex-negative nerve is in certain segments of the population, and little else, except that by stimulating it one can be guaranteed a boost in awareness which translates in this case as in so many others, as a huge increase in profit...and so, it's all good, no? posted 05/07/2008 at 09:40:18
The controversy itself tells us just how hyperextended the sex-negative nerve is in certain segments of the population, and little else, except that by stimulating it one can be guaranteed a boost in awareness which translates in this case as in so many others, as a huge increase in profit...and so, it's all good, no? posted 05/07/2008 at 09:40:18
Dead Kentucky Derby Filly the Elephant in the Room
If the story for the viewer was the inured horse, then the only complaint possible could be that we all weren't forced to watch it over and over, because as far as I could tell there was plenty of coverage of it throughout the media but simply not on the primary coverage which, despite the Ms H's morbid obsession with the inured horse, was the winning of the race by another, uninjured horse.
If the news had shifted over to the injured horse we'd hear equally vocal outcry from those who would criticize the media for focusing on tragedy, making a buck off of a poor animal's pain.
In other words, this entire essay is little more than a whine which says in a nutshell is that no animal should ever suffer in service to humans. OK, fair enough...and now, back to reality. posted 05/07/2008 at 09:53:35
If the news had shifted over to the injured horse we'd hear equally vocal outcry from those who would criticize the media for focusing on tragedy, making a buck off of a poor animal's pain.
In other words, this entire essay is little more than a whine which says in a nutshell is that no animal should ever suffer in service to humans. OK, fair enough...and now, back to reality. posted 05/07/2008 at 09:53:35
Fox News: The "Ins And Outs" Of Shaving Your Pubes
Excellent article and advice from an unsuspected source. As has been asserted by Larry Flynt for many years, the human genetals express a personality much like the human face which relates to fitness and availability, important aspects of human social communcations, long ignored. How we treat display them, much like the hair on our faces, varies with contemporary sensibilities and this is merely an expression of that very human proclivity to modify ourselves to that end. posted 05/03/2008 at 08:23:08
Stephen Colbert: Great Boss, Potentially A Republican?
Gee, wouldn't it be nice if there were liberal Republicans and conservative Democrats just as there have been for so long until the overly simplified calculus of the the moden news media has made everything as easy enough for their viewers to digest in single gulps between sports and sex scandal. posted 05/03/2008 at 08:28:22
Prince Headlines Coachella, Covers Radiohead
Bravo! Encore!!! posted 04/27/2008 at 12:55:28
Buying Our Way to a Better Planet?
"Changing the planet for the better"... that one phrase says why it is that we must be such idiots to think such a thing is possible. Define the work "better". Is there some way to hobble the engines of economy that bring to poor people the very remedy they seek; energy to make us comfortable and healthy and productive. As a matter of fact there is; it's called Kyoto. Oh, with the added benefit of allowing the single greatest emitter of soot and atmospheric heavy metals to continue to emit those with no restraint until they have enough billionaires, skyscrapers and military to feel satisfied.
There is no ideal climate...only the one we're used to, and that unfortunately is not something we can hold on to. Whether the ice caps melt of not, the coastal regions are going to change just as they have...to bad our engineers aren't designing for it, though we could if we didn't waste our efforts on trying to controll by CO2 ppms the climate we happen to have, and which many of us happen to like, right now.
Whether we like it or not the Hadley cells will shift and droughts will happen. Even if CO2 could be controlled by us to with a few ppm, the climate will still change and we'll be fools if we don't plan with an infrastructure and relationship with nature that gives us the ability to use foresight to stop polluting it with soot, mercury and stupidity. posted 04/25/2008 at 17:59:18
There is no ideal climate...only the one we're used to, and that unfortunately is not something we can hold on to. Whether the ice caps melt of not, the coastal regions are going to change just as they have...to bad our engineers aren't designing for it, though we could if we didn't waste our efforts on trying to controll by CO2 ppms the climate we happen to have, and which many of us happen to like, right now.
Whether we like it or not the Hadley cells will shift and droughts will happen. Even if CO2 could be controlled by us to with a few ppm, the climate will still change and we'll be fools if we don't plan with an infrastructure and relationship with nature that gives us the ability to use foresight to stop polluting it with soot, mercury and stupidity. posted 04/25/2008 at 17:59:18
Spitzer Redux: Second Prostitute Tells Feds Of Ex-Gov's Bedroom Habits
This is an excellent opportunity to remember the point in the previous post by Chris Kelly wherein he asks; "why was Spitzer paying for sex?" and the answere was "because there was no corrupt lobbyist willing to buy it for him". In condemning this effective fighter of corporate crime over these irrelevant and for the most part inconsequential crimes we are almost literally shooting ourselves in the foot. The fact that he was so successful is indicated by the degree of schadenfreud being expressed by those who have felt the effectiveness of his office.
Why do men, like Elliot Spitzer want extra-marital sex? Why do women think that only one sex partner is enough? Good questions the answer to which have remained elusive throughout human, and dare I say it, primate history. It's how we're wired, at least many of us. And what is a single man or woman to do for sex? Just do "without"? What a recipe for a screwed up society and one that the traditional churches and their insane notions of sexual conduct perpetuate by their continued meddling in our nation's legal system. Put religion back in the caves where it came from and let sexual understanding open up. posted 04/24/2008 at 11:39:58
Why do men, like Elliot Spitzer want extra-marital sex? Why do women think that only one sex partner is enough? Good questions the answer to which have remained elusive throughout human, and dare I say it, primate history. It's how we're wired, at least many of us. And what is a single man or woman to do for sex? Just do "without"? What a recipe for a screwed up society and one that the traditional churches and their insane notions of sexual conduct perpetuate by their continued meddling in our nation's legal system. Put religion back in the caves where it came from and let sexual understanding open up. posted 04/24/2008 at 11:39:58
Megan Fox Named Sexiest Woman In World
How can this the world's sexiest woman when most of the world, which incidentally is in Asia, probably wasn't asked? If Ms Fox is infact widely appealling it is because she so closely embodies the most exquisite characteristics of genetic fitness so often seen in Asian,African and European women. yummy posted 04/24/2008 at 12:19:25
Google Spends $72 Million On Free Employee Food Per Year
One thing I like about Google, one of many, is that it circumvents the tedious aspect of benefits being computed as "income". Just as Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google.com has subverted the paradigm on what charitable giving is all about. Of course this is not something that every company can do and Google seems to be acutely aware of its rather unique postion in this regards and in my opinion deserves all the more credit for its bold and innovative approach which goes against so many of the models proffered by the so called experts who themselves are subject to the insecurities of a screwed up culture as much as the rest of us.
Thanks Google. Keep up the good work and use your good fortune and sharp insight to help bring about a keener awareness of the old tired models we blindly follow under the worn-out notion that it increases bottom line so it must be good, and instead asks the big question "bottom line for who?".
I remain, your most enduring fan. posted 04/24/2008 at 12:14:24
Thanks Google. Keep up the good work and use your good fortune and sharp insight to help bring about a keener awareness of the old tired models we blindly follow under the worn-out notion that it increases bottom line so it must be good, and instead asks the big question "bottom line for who?".
I remain, your most enduring fan. posted 04/24/2008 at 12:14:24
If only the hungy who are actually able to work will work it would be good for all of us. posted 04/24/2008 at 12:07:13
Why the Feds Should Pay to Protect New Orleans -- And It's Not Me Saying So
If NOLA is to be a permanent city on the American Landscape perhaps we should spend the long-term kind of money on it and move it to a place where the original buildings are placed onto a platform where its ultimate goal in the context of human history is not a perpetual struggle. This is not an unprecedented approach to the survival of cities and may prove to be a more common one as sealevels change due to global warming (regardless the casue) and for human lack of understanding of the dynamics of coastal subsidence which is inevitable once the land is taken out of the natural system that created the land in the first place. It would cost billions, hundreds of billions, and worth every penny when one considers the contribution our cities, especially cultural cities like New Orleans, make to our nation. In the mean time new urban centers need to be designed in new ways that avoid these situations in the future. Plan ahead for a change. posted 04/24/2008 at 11:57:57
Julia Roberts: I Don't Wear Deodorant
Good on you, Julia. I think you (we) might be on to something. I do use occasionally but lightly. Recently I've been reading of the correlation between the epidemic of auto-immune diseases ranging from diabetes to asthma and coliitis and way beyond and the presence (or absence) from our systems of the kinds of pathogens our immune systems were evolved to fight. Since we've eliminated these normally encountered pathogens, the immune system goes to work anyhow, wreaking havoc on many different system, causing inflamation and misdirecting functions due to miscues and erroneous signals from within the complex systems within us. Certainly poor hygeine does us no good but going to far the other direction, obsessing over every little potential for contamination, in this day and age when can actually be effective in essentially eliminating pathoges for which we are designed to host, may very well be counter-productive towards good health and fitness. posted 04/23/2008 at 14:51:39
Flag Pins: Who Wears 'Em?
No doubt there are people wh wear flag pins because they are genuinely fond of them, just as there are people who are open about their religion because it permits them to do good deeds, but it should also be kept in mind that the outward symbols of respectibility are a sure-fire magnet for sociopaths who love to hide behind them and at no time is this strategy more effective than in times of fear when we seek the very kinds of enemy these sociopaths exemplify but also use these outward symbols as some kind of litmus test as to trustworthiness. It's the main reason sociopaths are so dificult to weed out; we are so prone to be blinded by the camouflage they choose. Really good camouflage comes in all descriptions: flags, bibles, nice homes, clean clothers and white smiles...and even in the disguise as the environmentalist. It is wisdom to recognize the wolf by seeing beyond the sheeps clothing. posted 04/23/2008 at 14:58:14
Do You Need to "Believe" in Climate Change?
Save your "belief" for your religion. This is science and it calls for understanding, which unfortunately is quite a bit like "heavy lifting" and some people have either an aversion to it or an inability to do it, so instead we believe in those that say they can...unfortunately a lot of those who say they can, either can't or don't. For instance any number of environmental writers who are great writers but are not themselves scientists who then ask scientists who are biologists but who themselves aren't climate modellers who then ask scientists who actually understand modelling and it's predictive abilities...but already we're into the "heavy lifting" area, aren't we, and the polar bears are all gonna drown, no? No. The polar bears are gonna feast like kings when the seals which are on the ice to escape the polar bears so they don't get eaten, now have to give birth on rocky shoals, islands and coastlines accessible to polar bears who will with all the extra calories be giving birth to lots of cubs. But don't worry about the seals, there will be lots of them to spare since the removal of sea ice means more sunlight on water which means more plankton, more fish and so on. Unless you believe polar bears need the ice for something else...what? posted 04/22/2008 at 19:57:47
6 Reasons to Visit the World's Happiest Country
I hitchhiked through Denmark years ago and found it to be the single most appealling country in Europe from the perspective of its people, their friendliness and the sense of contentment with their country. Seeing the country side, small in scale but intricately put together, gave me a feeling that it was if the hobbits had a country all their own and every little community was like Bag End. Ah...and the women....lovely. Perhaps not everone's cup of tea, and a place where if one desires craziness and exhiliration, might be wise to leave for a while, but for a welcome home to which the roadweary could return, there would be no better...except possibly New Zealand. posted 04/22/2008 at 09:45:46
Are Journalists Enabling the Obama Phenomenon?
"We're going to Carberry next Sa'rday, and that's all there is about it."
Sade Gook
Love, Dixon Fella posted 04/23/2008 at 11:04:15
Sade Gook
Love, Dixon Fella posted 04/23/2008 at 11:04:15
eSolar, Google-Backed Startup, Picks Up Steam, $130 Million
Excellent news and it's gratifying to see that philanthropic Google.org is using its considerable wealth to back these ventures. This sort of financial support would not be available to companies that are attempting to establish profit-making and socially responsible endeavors if they were a 501.c tax deductible charitable organization and this approach offers much. I hope it pays off but more importantly I hope it's a foot in the door of an industry that's been closed to smaller startups that are as capital intensive as energy production at a meaningful level. Thanks Mr Page, Mr Brin, Dr Brilliant and your very perceptive associates who are using their techincal saavy and insight for the kind of ventures that bring more than simply profit and for taking the long view. I hope they will also take a serious look at a the emerging technologies in non-radioactive fusion technologies as well. posted 04/22/2008 at 00:13:13
"I Have Some Meth in my Pocket" -- at Least One Cable News Personality Told the Truth Last Week
If the current "drug war a la witch burning" frenzy in this country were a thing of the past, this incident wouldn't have turned into anything more than a comment on a curfew violation, which evidently is all that it was. In a sane society people have the right to be unmolested for their personal behavior provided they are acting responsibly and not disturbing the peace, which evidently Mr Q for all his other characteristics, seems to have been doing. posted 04/22/2008 at 09:13:23
Why Being Pro-McCain is Anti-Israel
What an excellent example of how it can be that even though one might be using a wonderfully clear and powerful lens, the image is a distortion and/or misinterpretation of reality when it is focused on a tiny little bit of the landscape from only one position. When the situation is examined in the light of the full political spectrum, and not constrainied by the framing our leading pundits and opinionators would have us see it, we see that all the mainstream political postions in this country are essentially the same except for a few details, which seem to loom like thunderheads when seen from the self imposed keyhole of American news. posted 04/22/2008 at 09:39:36
New Records Expose Abramoff Ties To Alaska Lawmaker
Putting this Don Young under the withering examination of anti-corruption campaign would be a great thing. There is a truly great replacement for him waiting in the Democratic wings who could use your support. Ethan Berkowitz for congress. Check out his website. Alaskans have been cheated by the party of the oil patch long enough. posted 04/21/2008 at 01:29:04
Keeping Students Awake ... and More Productive ...
The instincts that drive our sleep needs and patterns are complex and individual but all are the result of millions of years of evolutionary pressures. It should be no surprise that teenage primates are active late into the night when mating occurs and crave sleep in the daytime when it's hot and dangerous to be out in the open. Secondly, when school takes a child out of the social structure of it's neighborhood it leaves the structural bonds that give it meaning and so it forms others such as gangs and cliques which are not so involved with the sustainability of its local group, so no surprise they guage themselves by other criteria such as risk and physical domination.
My suggestion: if we're going to spend on education, spend the money on keeping it local & small, recognize the human evolutionary instincts regarding sleep pattern, and wire it for maximum exposure to ideas and concepts to create the virtual campus, recognize and help nurture the bright, be realistic for those with little chance for academic achievment by praising the worth and value of trades and labor, and keep sports in proportion and subservient to basic learning. posted 04/20/2008 at 17:11:19
My suggestion: if we're going to spend on education, spend the money on keeping it local & small, recognize the human evolutionary instincts regarding sleep pattern, and wire it for maximum exposure to ideas and concepts to create the virtual campus, recognize and help nurture the bright, be realistic for those with little chance for academic achievment by praising the worth and value of trades and labor, and keep sports in proportion and subservient to basic learning. posted 04/20/2008 at 17:11:19
Global Warming Legislation: What Matters?
If a doctor just a few years ago said you had a stomach ulcer and needed powerful antacids and mind-altering drugs and extensive therapy for stress but wouldn't give any credance to crackpot notions of ulcers being largely caused by infection of heliobaxter pyloris, would you have sued for malpractice? I submit that the CO2 climate connection while widely accepted by all kinds of scientist does not mean the the connection is in fact the way it really is. And ulcers, by the way had been extensively researched for many years and all that research confirmed that stress was the cause, but the idea of bacterial infection as the cause was not accepted despite evidence accepted by a small minority of researchers who saw clear evidence that h. pyloris was the primary cause.
My point is that consensus is not and should not be the sole reason to accept something that's been researched as facts when other knowledgeable researchers have solid evidence, even if not widely accepted by the majority who form the consensus.
And I do like Al Gore, just wish he'd marshall his considerable powers of persuasion to mobilize a worldwide effort to confront all pollution which I think is a far more realistic cause for concern and not generate the level of alarm on this single issue of CO2 and climate change. posted 04/19/2008 at 02:20:22
My point is that consensus is not and should not be the sole reason to accept something that's been researched as facts when other knowledgeable researchers have solid evidence, even if not widely accepted by the majority who form the consensus.
And I do like Al Gore, just wish he'd marshall his considerable powers of persuasion to mobilize a worldwide effort to confront all pollution which I think is a far more realistic cause for concern and not generate the level of alarm on this single issue of CO2 and climate change. posted 04/19/2008 at 02:20:22
Katie Couric Memoir Rumors Surface Amid Ratings Free Fall
Well, this IS, after all, what it is all about, isn't it? Money, celebrity, the cult of personality. Ah, what I wouldn't pay for an evening when the nightly news is announced with the familiar refrains of Beethoven's 9th and followed by non-descript presenters who used the skills of objectivism instead of big hair and rolling eyeballs, vocal intonations and grimaces, to communicate the essence of the news about world and national events; leaving chit chat about sex scandal and run away teenage girls to talk shows later-on.
It seems that the line blurred when the FCC no longer required license holder to present journalistic public affairs and instead we see "news" departement become profit centers for their corporate owners. Fortunately we have the internet and if one uses it wisely one can actually find some fairly good reporting and investigation. Of course one has to put away one's natural monkey inclination towards self gratification and interest in other monkey business to dig into issues that transcend immediate gratification all the time...at least long enough to read a few dissenting opinions and positions, but HA! that would only take my mind off of Britany's beaver, March Madness and a desire to see my neighbor as inferior. Cheers.
Can hardly wait to hear how much Couric will get for an advance on her sure to be upcoming book..that should take up a few more minutes in the glitter self-reflecting world of modern broadcast journalism..ha! posted 04/18/2008 at 09:36:35
It seems that the line blurred when the FCC no longer required license holder to present journalistic public affairs and instead we see "news" departement become profit centers for their corporate owners. Fortunately we have the internet and if one uses it wisely one can actually find some fairly good reporting and investigation. Of course one has to put away one's natural monkey inclination towards self gratification and interest in other monkey business to dig into issues that transcend immediate gratification all the time...at least long enough to read a few dissenting opinions and positions, but HA! that would only take my mind off of Britany's beaver, March Madness and a desire to see my neighbor as inferior. Cheers.
Can hardly wait to hear how much Couric will get for an advance on her sure to be upcoming book..that should take up a few more minutes in the glitter self-reflecting world of modern broadcast journalism..ha! posted 04/18/2008 at 09:36:35
He Blinded Me Without Science
Hey Hey! Tonight is the AAAS sponsored science debate. Which candidate is going to go to that? If you guessed zero, you're smarter than Ben Stein and might just have touched the nail on the head even if we've yet to even discuss hammers.
Why should the population be smart enough to see through Ben Stein's BS when the people who are attempting to lead us have themselves done nothing to really get a handle on the tough scientific and technological issues that face our modern society? posted 04/18/2008 at 09:21:04
Why should the population be smart enough to see through Ben Stein's BS when the people who are attempting to lead us have themselves done nothing to really get a handle on the tough scientific and technological issues that face our modern society? posted 04/18/2008 at 09:21:04
An Open Letter to Senator Lamar Alexander
Ha ha! It's insistance on the progressive income tax that makes certain the rich will never pay a fair share. Why? Well, because the definition of "income" will always mean "all that you make" but "only a small portion of what the rich make". Ha ha...whenever we create a special wrinkle in the simplest of things such as paying a fair share of ones wealth, we don't just achive what we want which in this case is increased burdens on the rich, we also create shelters and loopholes which are not accessible to regualr wage earners and in the mean time create a system so convoluted that we b ecome ensnared by it all the time while the rich simply hire the best minds of our generation to find ways around it, while they use their wealth to help guide the upcoming round of tax legislation that is ostensibly crafted to plug those holes..by creating others....D'oh!!! posted 04/18/2008 at 10:00:17
Vladimir Putin, Alina Kabaeva: Russian President Denies He Will Marry Ex-Gymnast
Very much in keeping with our primate imperitives. She seeks a successful and powerful, prestigeous male with whom to mate and he seeks a young, fit and fertile mate, both wish to see their genes projected into the future. We, of course, use totally bogus moral outrage to mask our jealousy and dissatisfaction with our own envious lives. Ludmilla? Well, she will go to some disadvantaged place like Jamaica and have lots of sex with men who will find her corpulence attractive as an anecdotal fetish against starvation and an excellent opportunity to have theirown presige raised so that they can achieve reproductive success with younger and more fit, fertile women who will at last find them suitable as mates...simple, isn't it? posted 04/18/2008 at 09:50:20
Kathie Lee: I'm Keeping My Private Life More Private On "Today"
Way too little; Waaay tooo late. posted 04/18/2008 at 09:40:35
Hugo Chavez's Very Excellent Windfall Oil Profit Tax
For once the "enemy of my enemy" logic makes some sense to me. posted 04/17/2008 at 09:57:46
The ABC Debate: A Shameful Night for the U.S. Media
The title of this piece was obviously cut-off, as I'm sure you wished to begin with the two words: "yet another" or "as usual". posted 04/18/2008 at 10:01:54
Sex In The Workplace: Never A Good Deal
Never? Oh, common...be realistic. Certainly there are great relationships that come about once in a while. Why spoil it for those few just because the rest of us are irresponsible, immature and un-realistic and well...just basically monkeys. posted 04/17/2008 at 10:00:14
Condi Must Go!
Oh yeah...she's gonna go alright...right back to where she came from; the Exxon boardroom, where she'll be handsomely rewarded for the fine job she helped with. Quintupling the price of crude while only halving the value of the US dollar..Hey! Not bad. When Bush was suggesting we invest in the private sector for our social security, I wish I'd known he meant that we should invest it in companys the way he and Cheney did...Why, we'd all be feasting like kings now! Or maybe more like vampires. posted 04/17/2008 at 09:48:17
Barack and Bruce: What Impact Will Springsteen's Endorsement Have?
Just the idea that a rock star's endorsement could effect the way people vote is good enough reason for our legislators to consider some kind of literacy at the polls. I know they were deemed unconstitutional but that was due to the way they were administered. If a system that attempted to weed out the mental incompetents, those who would cast their vote based on the endorsement of a rock star or religious leader for that matter, or movie star or used car dealer...that their vote weighs in the same as someone who at least is current on what's happening and can locate countries on a map and knows something about science and history...is that too much to ask? I like ideals, but really when the ideal is wrapped around an anvil and the row boat is going down, I say, toss it. posted 04/17/2008 at 09:30:09
I am a Papal Party Pooper
What do you think about the Dalai Lama's thoughts on gay sex in that community of faith? Do you know what he's said on this? it is compassionate but it's not what you might think. posted 04/17/2008 at 09:43:59
Con Games: Mamet, Miller, And The Ole Hitcheroo Switcheroo
It's easy to become disaffected with the titles "conservative" and "liberal" and their permutations since they are based on peculiar criteria as defined. Trying to wedge and contort one's allegiances onto the constricted one dimensional line of right and left is confusing, contradictory and illogical. It leads to a kind of disonance that makes us crazy. Examine the more expansive landscape portrayed by any number of other political spectra such as the Nolan or Pournelle axes and a sense of depth and latitude is revealed which removes a lot of the rhetorical posturing necessary for independent minds to know where they stand with their own perspectives in relation to existing political philosophies, making the current debate over "what exactly is a liberal or conservative" sound like just so much ranting and raving. Taking the expanded view enlightens the individual as to the whys and wherefores of complex world where choices are not simply yes or no, right or left. Google the term "political compass", take the quiz. Whether you agree with the accuracy of the model or not (it is just a model afterall), you will leave with a more realistic understanding of where it is that we stand in relationship to the reality we wish our ideologies represented and how we arrived there. In the mean time I find no contradicitons in someone who feels the need to abandon their allegiance either "side" when it no longer makes sense to them. posted 04/21/2008 at 01:18:53
My Spiritual Journey: The Pope, His Relevance, And Those Sexual Molestation Cases
The fact that humans create churches is a refelction of our instinctive monkey ancestry in which our group secutity and our postion within that structure is all important...so important that we create a magical imaginery overlord, dominance figure, who we look to for protection. The fact that it doesn't exists is irrelevant...as irrelevant as the idea that territorial borders don't exist.. They don't have to exist in order for them to be effective in keeping our behaviors in line with unthinking adherence to rules for survival. The downside is that these rules conflict with our instinctive interests, in particular sexual interests, and so we re-interpret them in light our our belief in what the imaginary dominant monkey in the sky would like, or what the genuine dominant monkey in our life tells us the imaginary sky monkey thinks we must do...or die. Ha...I like to study the monkeys. Want to become enlightened? Recognize you monkey mind first. posted 04/16/2008 at 09:59:13
Religion in Politics: Does Anyone Really Believe Obama, Clinton and McCain Are Particularly Devout?
It's not a question of spirituality, but a question as to who's the most hypocritical when it comes to their private versus public beliefs. None of 'em are any good so the best we can hope to do is comparative shopping...and the "fresh" fish special smells the worst. posted 04/17/2008 at 15:40:29
The Man Who Would Be Bush
Great observations, Mr Sheer. I would point out, however that whenever we empower the federal government to rectify a situation we simultaneously empower the following adminstrations to use that same power to dismantle that which we thought was inalienable.
Therein lies the appeal of a "less government" approach to a problem...though in fact a higher level of enforcement for corporate and government corruption would be a good and noble thing and probably be a better deterence to future corruption, provided we flogged 'em in public and them prohibited them from going to a federal jail and insisted corporate and government corruption be payable by high profile public toilet cleaning for several years to life. posted 04/17/2008 at 09:53:39
Therein lies the appeal of a "less government" approach to a problem...though in fact a higher level of enforcement for corporate and government corruption would be a good and noble thing and probably be a better deterence to future corruption, provided we flogged 'em in public and them prohibited them from going to a federal jail and insisted corporate and government corruption be payable by high profile public toilet cleaning for several years to life. posted 04/17/2008 at 09:53:39
Pope Should Start "Spiritual Renewal" with Bisexual God
If the pope were an enlightened individual he would pull a "krishnamurti" and announce to the world that the entire body of teaching as espoused by the church is a fraud...a complete goof designed to keep us in ignorance about the only thing that really matters; seeing the world for what it is; truth. and reveal that all these concepts of church law and the way to heaven are cheap constructs designed to trick us into a form of slavery that empowers a select group of selfish paranoids. But of course, that would be silly. posted 04/16/2008 at 09:48:41
Obama, The Rookie
Well maybe the Dems are trying to emulate the very first Republican president, the Republican Party's second candidate ever, following John C. Fremont's unsuccessful run as a 3rd party candidate, Abraham Lincoln. I mean, if you're gonna bring up history, it's good to go to the foundation and not just criticize the latest coat of whitewash. I rather with the Republicans themselves would go back to their roots too. posted 04/15/2008 at 10:52:25
Marilyn Monroe Sex Tape Shows Oral Sex, Is Sold For $1.5M, Report Says
Ah, the infinite manifestations of love among the monkeys. We never tire of it. posted 04/14/2008 at 08:53:34
Wesley Clark for VP!
Clark was a fine campaigner in 2004. What he wasn't however was a senator and the press deigned that the experience of the upper house, and the prominence of his wife and her wealth was more worthy of the political spotlight. Clearly Clark would have been a superior choice then particularly in retrospect. He could have slammed the Bush campaign on every level, exposing it for the sham it was.
He will likewise make a superb VP or Sect'y of Defense posted 04/13/2008 at 16:26:47
He will likewise make a superb VP or Sect'y of Defense posted 04/13/2008 at 16:26:47
Release 0.9: Steve, to Your Health!
Thanks for sharing that interesting perspective. Those are very good points. Health care is due for a revolution as health care, in the sense of its being information, is ideally suited to being made ubiquitous. How? Volume. And while I see you've invited a bit of criticism for characterising Microsoft as reliable and trustworthy, I think you correct on that also if we mean trust, not in the sense of being altruistic, but rather in the sense of being "there" for the long term, and not likely to be bought up by General Electric or tomorrow's big idea.
As far as the security of the information,our medical records being so private because their misuse can lead to such misery for the individual, I really wish that our laws were re-designed so that abuse was subject to an inordinate amount or retribution favoring the individual instead of, as it seems, where the individual simply can't be expected to marshall the legal means to go after those corporate concerns that have abused or even jsimply eopardized the privacy of the individual, and that should be for all areas of privacy and public trust. Forget fairness; as if the corporate entity needed protection from individuals who would hoodwink them when clearly the threat is in the opposite direction as we see our rights to privacy and protection eroded both forces within both governement and business world. Prove that trustworthiness begins with the santity of the individuals right to privacy above all else. posted 04/14/2008 at 01:45:37
As far as the security of the information,our medical records being so private because their misuse can lead to such misery for the individual, I really wish that our laws were re-designed so that abuse was subject to an inordinate amount or retribution favoring the individual instead of, as it seems, where the individual simply can't be expected to marshall the legal means to go after those corporate concerns that have abused or even jsimply eopardized the privacy of the individual, and that should be for all areas of privacy and public trust. Forget fairness; as if the corporate entity needed protection from individuals who would hoodwink them when clearly the threat is in the opposite direction as we see our rights to privacy and protection eroded both forces within both governement and business world. Prove that trustworthiness begins with the santity of the individuals right to privacy above all else. posted 04/14/2008 at 01:45:37
Bush Unlikely to Boycott Olympics
I guess I have to side with Bush and the Dalai Lama on this one. Strange bedfellows but drawing attention ot Tibet is a good idea and turning people off of it as an annoyance is not. If I were capable of going to Beijing to watch the games personally, I think I would use it as an opportunity to draw attention to the plight of the people when all eyes are already in my direction...I don't think the authoritatian leaders of china are going to find that they'll get the sort of results they're anticipating, which is of course the lesson to be learned here. Big authoritarian governements are an embarrassment and will change when they realize it when they try to pretend that they arent. posted 04/12/2008 at 16:23:22
Regarding The Tom Joyner Morning Show
I loose respect for the presenter when the presenter becomes the news. As with Oprah, or Dan Rather or Katie Couric...If a journalist and commentator whishes to have credibility I need to know and believe that there opinion isn't a manifestation of their own corporate bottom line. So, when Oprah gives away cars, I know where it's commin' from and I don't loose respect for her, but whe Dan Rather takes umbrage over his paycheck of postition at the company for which he works, it overshadows the news which is the substance of his presence and I hold his opinion as being more than just a little suspect....so, the Tavis Smiley Group. What exactly is that? A media powerhouse? Great idea, but why stop there? Why not start giving away cars to your audience and next time interview yourself on your upcoming book or new programs your group is going to be producing for Rupert Murdoch or Disney..what a great way to "reach the public", particularly where it is felt...the pocketbook.
I know, I know...without economic power there is no real justice. I'm sure that's why our president's favorite philosopher was a wealthy man. Does Obama go to Davos yet? posted 04/12/2008 at 11:30:11
I know, I know...without economic power there is no real justice. I'm sure that's why our president's favorite philosopher was a wealthy man. Does Obama go to Davos yet? posted 04/12/2008 at 11:30:11
Erica Jong Rolls Out Every Liberal Cliche in Existence
I guess this shows that no matter who one is, or what the issues are, whether one is Rush Limbaugh or Noam Chomsky, once one has sunk to employing physical description of ones' opponent(s), disparaging or otherwise, one has already sunk so low that no matter how lofty the ideals, one will carry the odor.
Of course, there are exceptional writers who manage to make redolence seem to be roses, but there are very few Mark Twains living today, and none, as far as I can tell, on this or any other blog. posted 04/12/2008 at 12:06:38
Of course, there are exceptional writers who manage to make redolence seem to be roses, but there are very few Mark Twains living today, and none, as far as I can tell, on this or any other blog. posted 04/12/2008 at 12:06:38
Who Killed Katie Couric?
Hmmm..Anchor. That's a good title. It describes what that person's role is when it comes to the journalistic endeavor to prepare and bring us the news. In no way does it imply that they're the captain, or the navigator or the bosun or even an able bodies seaman. They are an achor. Why the networks pay them so much is because they need them as a draw to bring in advertising dollars. So why not get an attractive or high profile one since what the audience want to know is more about sex scandals and sports celebrities. There is no obligation to do public affairs anymore... I find the notion of an achor doing journalism as comforting as if I were on a boat and instead of having the captain or navigator to guide the boat, the crew went up to the bow of the boat and asked the great mute weight designed to keep the boat from going anywhere, where it is that the boat should go. Oh, sure an anchor is a journalist sometimes, but why expect an anchor to do any news reporting? What we have here, to borrow the old Strother Martin line from Cool Hand Luke, is "a failure to communicate". They pose, posture and pretend but communicate? What exactly? The roll of the eyeballs, the smirk? Really? The idea of replacing Couric with Chris Matthews strikes me as yet another attempt to get ratings and not integrity. So, really, who cares? posted 04/13/2008 at 16:13:52
Is Content Worthless?
Well, isn't "fluff" a kind of content? posted 04/11/2008 at 10:32:47
Ouch! The Daily Show's Eviscerating "Documentary" About Fox News
Loved Oliver's piece last night. Very funny and sharp...unfortunately it will never be watched by anyone who is a Fox News viewer. They wouldn't get it anyway...such is the way with religion. posted 04/11/2008 at 10:21:39
Katie Couric: The Anachronistic Anchor
Anachronistic? I wish. To my minds eye, an anachronism literally would be a news presenter who did their job without the implied emotional loading that accompanies the current crop of self-celebrating de-facto celebrities masquerading as journalists.
An anachoronism would be a return to the days when news departments were a part of the public affairs programing that FCC license holders did in return for their licenses to broadcast on the public's airwaves...or as it was frequently acknowledged, their license "to print money"....now, news is just a lead-in to the evenings "must see TV" and "or-else" profit center for the corporate owners of the broadcasters themselves.
Ah...for the good old days. posted 04/11/2008 at 17:53:27
An anachoronism would be a return to the days when news departments were a part of the public affairs programing that FCC license holders did in return for their licenses to broadcast on the public's airwaves...or as it was frequently acknowledged, their license "to print money"....now, news is just a lead-in to the evenings "must see TV" and "or-else" profit center for the corporate owners of the broadcasters themselves.
Ah...for the good old days. posted 04/11/2008 at 17:53:27
Bush: General Petraeus "Will Have All The Time He Needs"
You just know he's the kind of guy who will "pee in the soup". posted 04/10/2008 at 10:00:35
Why Progressives Should Support the Draft and Why Aren't People Protesting McCain's Lack of Patriotism?
The draft? Are you nuts? A system we dumped years ago because it is inherently bad. I am in favor of a program of national service which would encompass but not be limited to military service and which would be tied to a nationalized system for education, health care and other benefits including the obligation to serve in a legislative capacity thus denying the exclusivity of the professional politician that has crippled the system we now have. Imagine that throughout a citizens life the would be subject to serving their country in a protected capacity, their jobs and careers preserved, aside from jury duty. Make citizenship a two way street and we'll see that the real patriot doesn't need a shoulder patch of a flag on his shirt but needs to be willing do do the right thing, including answering the periodic call for service throughout ones life.
But really, bringing back the military draft. You must be crazy. posted 04/10/2008 at 10:08:11
But really, bringing back the military draft. You must be crazy. posted 04/10/2008 at 10:08:11
The Daily Szep: Income Tax and the IRS
Great panel...and very poignant. It underscores all that's wrong with paying taxes in the fashion we do. There are alternatives, but just like alternatives to American democracy, we act like it's either the US way or the highway forgetting that there is an infinite universe and much of it is working far better that the hamstrunk corruption we call the american way. posted 04/14/2008 at 17:57:21
Patrick McHenry (R-NC): Timeline of a Young Chickenhawk
No worries...I'm sure he'll still be able to squeeze through the solid platinumn revolving door that congress has become. One thing, instead of looking like a regular revolving door, platinum covered and jewelled encrusted evidently, perhaps instead of a standard rectangular doorway it should resemble an anus thereby let our soon-to-transition professional elector class feel more at home. posted 04/10/2008 at 10:36:40
As Oil Touches All-Time Highs, Our Deparment of Energy Takes Us For Fools
I thought it was the "department of energy", not the "department of fossil fuels". Check out the pitance they spend on developing alternative fuels and those that they do spend typically are indentured to big centralized energy schemes. Via alternate (DOD channels) it does look at last as if some funding is going into alternate fusion research while the Tokomak (a promising but conformingly centralized type of alternate energy) rests on the patient shoulders of Europe's research community. Imagine where our energy infrastructure would be in we'd spent 1/100th of what we spent on war, instead on research into alternate small scale energy production..instead, what? Ethanol, orignally thought of as a way to process waste and surplus into some small local energy independence has become a huge government boondogle for ADM and a few other farmers who are cashing in with subsidized high prices resulting in higher food prices and taking conservation lands out of their fallow state and subjecting them to the plow where we find increased erosion of topsoil, decreased CO2 sequestering, methane production from over-fertized exposed soils and increased energy consumption to put those fields into "production"...Can the beaurocracy fo government do anything right? Name 3 things. posted 04/10/2008 at 10:51:07
John Cleese Offers To Write For Obama
Excellent idea...nothing will deflate the "full of themselves" neo conservatives than a bit of lampooning from the masters of the language. I'd look forward to seeing some truly sharp barbs. Go for it. posted 04/10/2008 at 10:11:19
Green Jobs Not Jails
Getting rid of the old idea that jail and/or prison is a good, fair and civilized way to address law-breaking would be a great idea. I'd love to see it replaced with something known to work from our past, updated to reflect our modern sensibilities; public administration of corporal punishment. The administration of pain via the resounding slap on the naked backsides in public insures that the punishment(under a doctor's supervision) will feel the same for rich and poor alike and the humiliation will doubly insure that nobody feels imune (except the sociopaths who are a special case) or unsure as to what we as communities feel about upholding the law.
As for green jobs...also a good idea and I'd include in that the cleaning of public restrooms using environmentally safe methods; elbow grease. I'd particularly like to see some of the high and mighty who now go to "country club prisons" instead be issued orange jumpsuits and ordered to appear daily for the duration of their sentences where they'd clean a much improved system for public sanitation and hygiene, becoming part of the solution at long last. posted 04/09/2008 at 09:13:27
As for green jobs...also a good idea and I'd include in that the cleaning of public restrooms using environmentally safe methods; elbow grease. I'd particularly like to see some of the high and mighty who now go to "country club prisons" instead be issued orange jumpsuits and ordered to appear daily for the duration of their sentences where they'd clean a much improved system for public sanitation and hygiene, becoming part of the solution at long last. posted 04/09/2008 at 09:13:27
Cash-Strapped Farmers Say Screw Conservation
This story brings to mind a number of things but the old saying "the road to hell is paved with good intentions comes to mind". Taking land out of conservation, increased top soil erosion,increased carbon footprint, increased toxicity spread on the land...and all to fuel our cars, it would seem while keeping the price of food high.
I encourage anyone who finds this ridiculous situation to be a reflection of the general level of screwed-up management when done by large organizations to consider what would happen if we were to institute large scale no-till agriculture...and bear in mind it's ability to sequester more carbon than all the smoke stacks and tailpipes can produce while enriching our topsoil.
Yeah, I know it doesn't involve a huge beaurocracy run by a group of international managers who are proposing some kind of subidized carbon trading program, but, then maybe that's why we haven't heard of it.
Pull the wool away from your own eyes and see the current scheme of things for what it is. Try not to weep. posted 04/09/2008 at 15:24:44
I encourage anyone who finds this ridiculous situation to be a reflection of the general level of screwed-up management when done by large organizations to consider what would happen if we were to institute large scale no-till agriculture...and bear in mind it's ability to sequester more carbon than all the smoke stacks and tailpipes can produce while enriching our topsoil.
Yeah, I know it doesn't involve a huge beaurocracy run by a group of international managers who are proposing some kind of subidized carbon trading program, but, then maybe that's why we haven't heard of it.
Pull the wool away from your own eyes and see the current scheme of things for what it is. Try not to weep. posted 04/09/2008 at 15:24:44
Obama's Dukakis Moment: Bowling Blunders Matter
Forget bowling...I prefer to have a president who can play billiards and knows a bit of english. posted 04/10/2008 at 10:38:15
Top 5 Sexiest Spiritual Icons
This is a great article. For those who don't get it, what can I say? I'm not sure I get all of it but for me, I think the sexiest Icon is your little picture at the top of the page. Mouth open, looking back over your bared shoulder. Are you hitting on me? posted 04/09/2008 at 15:42:34
How Mystical, Metaphysical Or Intuitive Experiences Fit In A Rational World
Awkwardly...and just as likely to blow-up in your face as not. Just look at Bush. Gimme reality. posted 04/10/2008 at 10:40:23
Tax Time Deliberation: Married or Not?
Just another reason why we should find another way to fund our government. No doubt to an organizational obsessive the IRS's tax code seems like a great way to do it, but in the practical sense it requires a beaurocracy to determine every citizen to report and conform, which most of us find disgusting. At first it was made palatable by being relatively innocuous but as we can all see it's inculcated itself into our culture and the baseline of freedom and liberty has slid considerably into the direction of tyrany. So, is there a solution? There are those who will say that there is no fairer system. Those are typically either tax accountants or those who hire them. As for the rest of us? Take the wool away from your eyes and try not to weep. posted 04/09/2008 at 15:36:01
Gore Shows New Evidence That Climate Change May Be Worse Than Predicted
The cascading effect of opinion which is still, in my opinion, far outpacing the actual science has reaced a stage where, if tomorrow a meteor struck the earth unleashing catastrophe followed by unprecedented eruptions of flood basalts across the globe, our well intentioned former Vice President would point to it and say "see, all the more reason to believe that global warming is the result of CO2 emissions which need to be addressed with an international cap and trade system for carbon off-sets."
He may insist that those of us who don't interpret the IPCC's accepted climate model (a well understood but ultimately non-predictive tool) the same way the IPCC does as not thinking the sun is the center of the solar system, but in fact we do, we just happen to not believe that the planets follow circular and predictable paths, as he and the IPCC would have us think we must. Instead we would prefer that enlightened scientists consider the fact that the paths of the planets are following eliptical paths subject to the perturbations and a degree of uncertainty that invalidates the circular model as a predictive tool. Complex, I know, but that's why it's so like the reality of climate change and so unlike the model that the IPCC would want us to believe for simplicity's sake. posted 04/09/2008 at 09:05:03
He may insist that those of us who don't interpret the IPCC's accepted climate model (a well understood but ultimately non-predictive tool) the same way the IPCC does as not thinking the sun is the center of the solar system, but in fact we do, we just happen to not believe that the planets follow circular and predictable paths, as he and the IPCC would have us think we must. Instead we would prefer that enlightened scientists consider the fact that the paths of the planets are following eliptical paths subject to the perturbations and a degree of uncertainty that invalidates the circular model as a predictive tool. Complex, I know, but that's why it's so like the reality of climate change and so unlike the model that the IPCC would want us to believe for simplicity's sake. posted 04/09/2008 at 09:05:03
Why Our Feith-Based Iraqi Policy Failed
Idealogues such as Feit are also quite commonly so convinced of their correctness that when confronted with reality they fail to recognize it or own up to it. So, while not exactly a liar his nose as long as a telephone wire. It'd be nice to see if it could be contained withing the confines of a grand jury investigation. posted 04/07/2008 at 15:29:33
George Clooney In Depth: Defending His Girlfriend, Advice From Spielberg
Y'know if some of those who are unhappy that Clooney is dating someone half his age were to do the same regarless of their sexes, we'd see a situation that reflects human behavior over most of human and presumably pre-human history. Older ladies...the teenage guy down the street has the same sex drive as you do and can't find a girl his age to save his life because the girls his age are inexorably and instinctively drawn to the very kind of power that only comes with age.
Don't look to the earyl church fathers, nor to the standard sociological model for advice on human pairings.
If you want to understand humans, just watch the monkeys, and get jiggy with some evolutionary psychology. posted 04/07/2008 at 15:37:24
Don't look to the earyl church fathers, nor to the standard sociological model for advice on human pairings.
If you want to understand humans, just watch the monkeys, and get jiggy with some evolutionary psychology. posted 04/07/2008 at 15:37:24
Andrew Sullivan: Bush Administration Officials Will Be 'Indicted For War Crimes'
Shouldn't we revoke the FCC licenses of the networks (the cable "news-porn" producers are another story) and give them to organizations that are willing to do some kind of public affairs in which objectivity and fairness are integral? It used to be that way back when we recognized that broadcasters were using a public resource (the air waves) and for that licesnse we expected something from them aside from their making an even larger profit for their investors. Ah, were is Newton Minnow when we need him? posted 04/07/2008 at 12:06:20
Hillary Clinton Tax Returns: See Full Details
Seems like a lot of money at first until you remember it's in George W. Bush's US Pesos. posted 04/04/2008 at 20:47:37
Tom Brokaw: Evening News Today Is "A Struggle"
When news and public affairs, instead of being a tacit acknowledgement of the media's use of the public's airwaves and its implied license to print money, as they say, there seemed to be a germ of legitimacy in the process, but when the process become focused on creating profits for the network's owners and investors is when the news became just another freakshow on the midway. While I'm not a huge fan of tax dollars supporting public TV for a number of reasons, I recognize the reality of the situation and see that as the closest we have to a news source on TV where the information is only minimally, maybe not minimally enough in my opinion, controlled by corporate interests.
So, in the mean time, the internet comes along and now we can examine issues from many perspective and if the struggle means the networks no longer can overpay and overproduce "infotainment" as it seems the news has become...well, Tom, write a few more books..but don't think that we have much sympathy for the sad state in which so called broadcast journalists find themselves. Maybe your next book should actually address this travesty called "the news". posted 04/04/2008 at 12:56:00
So, in the mean time, the internet comes along and now we can examine issues from many perspective and if the struggle means the networks no longer can overpay and overproduce "infotainment" as it seems the news has become...well, Tom, write a few more books..but don't think that we have much sympathy for the sad state in which so called broadcast journalists find themselves. Maybe your next book should actually address this travesty called "the news". posted 04/04/2008 at 12:56:00
Tibet Isn't a Buddhist Litmus Test
Consider this; doing nothing can refer to any effort to go to China to vacation, see the Olympics and buy their stuff. IN which case "doing nothing" is actually "doing something". I plan on doing a lot of nothing when it comes to the olympics. posted 04/02/2008 at 18:32:05
Roger Ebert Promises Return To Movie Reviewing This Month
Ebert: Best Movie Critic EVER!!! posted 04/02/2008 at 11:03:16
John "McNasty" McCain Revisits His Former High School
Exactly the kind of guy I probably wouldn't have had much contact with in highschool or the military. The product of a political family, helped along at private country club fundraisers and VFWs (never the twain shall meet). I don't disparage his military service or sacrifice,but it's not a criteria for leadership, though in our current political environment where winning offices is equal to winning a lottery AND a "get outta jail free" card, I can see how others think that's what it's all about.
Oddly, there are genuine conservatives who warrant respect due to their understanding of history that while it differs from mine is the product of that much loathed process called "scholarship" or as they like to pronounce it, "elitist nonsense". McCain is not exactly a phoney but the product of what our system has become, a contest of idealogues and not ideologies.
If there were any better argument for the occasional dis-banding of our union so that we can form if not a more perfect one, at least a less corrupt and misguided one, I don't know of a better example than some of the most prominent political figures who crowd the stage for unearned laurels in the arena of public adoration which has become the hallmark of the modern process. Ick. posted 04/02/2008 at 11:41:24
Oddly, there are genuine conservatives who warrant respect due to their understanding of history that while it differs from mine is the product of that much loathed process called "scholarship" or as they like to pronounce it, "elitist nonsense". McCain is not exactly a phoney but the product of what our system has become, a contest of idealogues and not ideologies.
If there were any better argument for the occasional dis-banding of our union so that we can form if not a more perfect one, at least a less corrupt and misguided one, I don't know of a better example than some of the most prominent political figures who crowd the stage for unearned laurels in the arena of public adoration which has become the hallmark of the modern process. Ick. posted 04/02/2008 at 11:41:24
British Sex Scandal: The Obvious Hillary Connection
If we ever get down to the reality of just what the actual history of the role of America's actual elite, y'know the ones with all the money, not as Goldberg would say; the ones who majored in english and history, we will be agog, but that's neither here nor there when it comes to Goldberg's level of psychotic pseudo-history...oh, and the black plague? Liberals put germs in his boogers...it's true! posted 04/01/2008 at 16:50:54
Bring on the Best and the Brightest
Does anyone else get the presumably unintended irony in the choice of this piece's title?
I'd guess not. posted 04/01/2008 at 11:41:05
I'd guess not. posted 04/01/2008 at 11:41:05
DVDs: Is Tim Burton Any Good?
Well I hope Mr Burton reads this critique of his work and really takes it to heart so he'll stop being such a looser and who knows, maybe one day he too will be a pop-culture critic on Huffington Post...he can always dream, can't he? posted 04/02/2008 at 15:40:08
Trusting Teenage Girls: What America Can Learn from HBO's Dr. Paul Weston
Trusting teenage girls ideas about themselves couldn't possibly be more "off-base" than the ideas proposed by those psychologists using the standard sociological model to analyse teenage girls. Things become pretty obvious once they are observed for being the monkeys we all are. posted 04/03/2008 at 10:07:36
When I Think of Tibet
Tragic as this is, two thousand years of cultural developement, introspection and contemplation could not do what the Chinese have done in only a few; spread awareness of the buddhist philosophy to begin shining into the murk that surrounds it. The material culture of modern materialistic China is the tool and when it has become worn and useless, the enlightenment will still be there, as will be, I suspect, the Tibetan people, if they resist the violence that is being visited on them. posted 03/31/2008 at 22:32:18
Soccer Moms Are Natural History's Enemy, Says Prominent Biologist
Whoa! I just realized that this is supposed to be something of a "science" section for Huffington...? And this is how you begin by displaying the collective ignorance of the editiors? Wow...the point that the readership could use some enlightening on science has never been better made that this article, but it's hard to imagine the same stupid and lazy editors doing so much as stumbling over their own crippling ineptitude...but good luck on that. posted 04/03/2008 at 17:35:25
This is an example of the media taking a rhetorical point and reinterpreting it in the literal sense in order to generate controversy and readership. Sadly, it is being used to defame one of the world's greatest advocates of education and protection of the environment to do little more than generate buzz for some pathetic and decidedly less capable writer. When this technique is used, whether by the left or right, it only brings down the level of discussion and makes us all stupid, which in a nutshell, is very much like what we see in our national debate on everything from climate to the presidency. It's disappointing to find it here in the Huffington Post. It does a disservice to the editors and their readership. posted 04/03/2008 at 17:29:40
Carville, Coulter and the Others
One might wish to keep in mind when applying any of one's vast but still finite intellect towards issues that matter, the following: These two creatures, and others like them are largely the creation of our apparent demand to be simultaneously enraged and outraged over style and superficialities. I don't live in a cave, but I do turn-off the TV to read books on issues other than what and how the electronic media would tell you is imprtant, and there is very little of either of these two most egregious charaters out here away from pundit land. Keep in mind, the news outlets don't make money by informing you, but by delivering the pliable minds of the public to the screens on which they cultivate a lucrative craving for the crap that makes america's elite wealthy beyond the wildest dreams of Croesus, and yet still we complain. Evidently we love it more than the solutions, probably becuase it's easier. posted 03/31/2008 at 11:21:29
Super Sweet Fraud? MTV Show Helps S.E.C. Target Oilman
I've read this article twice now trying to see if the accusations hold up and becasue the law and regulations are so complex, I don't think anyone can tell. Those who claim they've been bilked seemed just as greedy and stupid as our princess's daddy sawbucks seemed..well, oily,but the truth can hardly be denied that he did plug away at small pickets of oil in what were consicdered unprofitably oil fields in western Kentucky when other sought big bucks in cyberspace and elsewhere. Now his ships come in, he has money and surprise, he has legal problems. His daughter is dazzled by diamonds but then that's not illegal, and is downright expected in our culture of cash and glory. I do however think, following any number of cases where the feds put thier sights on the wrong character, likeable or not, that the fact that a greasy fat guy has drawn their bead is in and of itself no crime and I'b posted 03/30/2008 at 20:24:22
A Night At The Palomino With Rosson Crow
Awesome I wanna go clubbin with you all who know how to luxuriate in the glistening ambiance and come out better for it. Count me in. Can't wait to see the show in person. posted 03/29/2008 at 16:31:51
Tibet, Beijing and Olympic Sponsors: To Boycott or Not
Well, an advertising professional working in China AND an official torch bearer...how much "salt of the good earth" can we get? Well, you're a brave man for presenting your side of the story, ludicrous on the face of it as it might be.
Anyhow...I can only say I really hope the Chinese have a very successfull Olympic celebration...and that they do it all alone, and without any international support of visitation, because that way more of the 1.3 Billion people you are so concerned about will be able to get seats to the events and then actually be within handshaking distance to their rulers...I almost said representatives,but then, that would imply they were elected in a representational system, which I perhaps should tell you, since you're so in tuned with them you might not have heard, they aren't.
No hard feelings...OK? It does seem like they are living in interesting times. posted 03/28/2008 at 19:59:34
Anyhow...I can only say I really hope the Chinese have a very successfull Olympic celebration...and that they do it all alone, and without any international support of visitation, because that way more of the 1.3 Billion people you are so concerned about will be able to get seats to the events and then actually be within handshaking distance to their rulers...I almost said representatives,but then, that would imply they were elected in a representational system, which I perhaps should tell you, since you're so in tuned with them you might not have heard, they aren't.
No hard feelings...OK? It does seem like they are living in interesting times. posted 03/28/2008 at 19:59:34
Dear Kate Hudson: Please Stop Wearing Wigs
Well, they're like high heels, they aren't actually meant to do anything except act like a kind of tinsel or mistletoe on the tree during uh..you know..sex. A good wig, meaning one that doesn't look like a wig is not a good wig if what you're wearing a wig for is to somehow do what a wid does to women, i.e: allow them to be costumed...if that's not it, just wear a hat or something. posted 03/28/2008 at 15:20:00
Gandalf Hopes For Role In "Hobbit"
It's a rare day when such universally acclaimed news crosses our much troubled world but this qualifies. My thanks to all involved...can I send in my money for a couple of ticket subscription now so I won't have to pay in Euros by the time it's released? With the price of movies I'm not sure I'll be able to afford 'em in a few more years and I'm sure there could be no better investement that buying a piece of the action now. posted 03/28/2008 at 15:12:59
Woman Says TSA Forced Piercings Removal
So which of our candidates has addressed this aspect of our lives that virtually everyone, regardless of political affiliation, finds to be an affront to our sense of freedom. These abuses by the TSA and the other Bush created security apparatus are as much a threat to our freedoms as the problems they propose to address...badly.
The fact that it resembles political theater more than actual security needs to be brought out into the public forum...or have the terrorists won and our actions are now fundamentally guided by fear...fear of our own govermnets power to get up into our faces and make us regret we ever questioned them. posted 03/28/2008 at 10:45:14
The fact that it resembles political theater more than actual security needs to be brought out into the public forum...or have the terrorists won and our actions are now fundamentally guided by fear...fear of our own govermnets power to get up into our faces and make us regret we ever questioned them. posted 03/28/2008 at 10:45:14
Gore To Skeptics: Doubting Global Warming Is Man-Made Like Believing Earth Is Flat
I'm a heretic on this. I don't deny that human impacts are causing warming but to use Gore's metaphore, I believe the earth is round but I don't believe that the orbits must be circles, and instead I believe they are complex elipses influenced by a number of only partially understood reasons and therefor making decisions based on the IPCCs insistence that the path is predictable is why ideologues and passionate believers childishly confuse me and other heretics with being "deniers". Superior intelligence, something much needed in this fourm, would agree that the ability to hold diverse opinions and perspectives is a strenth not a stumbling block...unless the agenda is simply to the political agenda, which I think is at least partly true in this case, the heretical view should be considered seriously while further and much increased science continues as we address the problems that population, pollution and bad planning are continuing to cause. posted 03/28/2008 at 10:52:05
Chris Wallace Regrets Speaking Out On Obama Bashing: "I'm Not Sure I'd Do It Again"
Another example why nepotism is wrong. posted 03/26/2008 at 12:26:49
My Dual Citizenship: Why Did the Media Get It So Wrong?
Well, y'know Martina, most Americans, if they've been subjected to American education system, are about as good at understanding history as understanding geography or foreign languages, so you see now? We have no concept of the origins of things, except maybe the thanksgiving fairytale we adhere to with religious fervor,and sports, which I understand is something at which you excell and for which you deserve all credit you've recieved. Bravo. But watching sports vicarously is all that most of us do 'cept watchin' for things that excite our sexual curiousity..ooops,I guess that's you too. Anyway,citizenship is special for us here in America, a civic religion which is why we are interested in seeing our religions, and only ours, up there with the flag...and the idea of people having more than one religion is crazy to us, despite most of the world being perfectly fine with having multiple religions.. I know it's crazy but Americans have a hard time believing that but then it's said that a sign of superior intelligence is the ability to hold two different points of view without going into meltdown...and now look at our president...see? We cant comprehend that if you added up Chinese, Hindus, and others for whom religion is not some mutually exclusive thingee (which is why we probably think of ourselves as so superior.. we're actually a minority in the world...a world that we think should be fair to us..but evidently not fair to anyone else.. posted 03/25/2008 at 17:55:05
Western Antarctic Ice Chunk Collapses
Panic and alarm are excellent devices with which a large powerful entity might control a population too fixated on sports scores and sex scandals to take the time to think about realistic solutions to the problems we face which might very well include unprecedented warming (though I still consider myself a heretic on this...in other words I do believe in human impacts really screwing up our environment but I would emphasise a number of other more immediate and serious problems such as bioaccumulation of heavy metals (mercury from china's Kyoto approved 300+ coal burnig plants for instance, coastal destruction for aquaculture, humans hunger for improved material cultures, among them). Scientists do get things wrong from time to time in history...sometime in a big way..and sometimes simply in interpretation...it IS a very complex problem and not very well subject to specific prediction. I suggest reading Freeman Dyson's excellent take on the problem. posted 03/26/2008 at 00:11:27
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