Speculation, more like Kremlinology, on the whereabouts and activities of VP Cheney.
At first, there was just speculation. Earlier in September, Nora Ephron wondered aloud on the Huffington Post why Cheney had been absent from the initial days of the Katrina fiasco. She speculated there was lingering resentment from the incident in May of this year when a private plane strayed too close to the White House: Cheney was rushed to a bunker while a bicycling Bush wasn't informed, even though his wife was in the White House at the time, Ephron compared Cheney to "the dog that did not bark" and wrote:
So I can only suppose that something has gone wrong. Could the President be irritated that Cheney helped con him into Iraq? Oh, all right, probably not. Could Cheney – and not just his aides -- possibly be involved in the Valerie Plame episode? Is Cheney not speaking to Karl Rove? Does the airplane/bicycle incident figure into this in any way?
A few days later, Jeralyn Merritt over at TalkLeft moved the story from the land of speculation into the arena of gossip. Cheney had told a friend that he was tired of Bush's screw-ups:
A few months ago, I heard of a lunch conversation that Cheney had with a political type in Wyoming. I have no idea if it's true or not, but it makes some sense. Here's the tale:
Cheney has been getting tired of being called upon to fix Bush's mistakes. Cheney said Bush is almost incapable of making any decision. He waffles and waffles. Then, once he makes a decision, he refuses to change it. Because of his born-again faith, he says "It's in the hands of G-d now" and washes his hands of it. Then Cheney is called in to repair the damage.
If this story is even remotely true, this may have been the final straw for Cheney, and he decided to let Bush try to wiggle his way out of his Katrina inaction on his own.
Probably not. I can't see Cheney throwing the whole GOP overboard just to make a point, but it is an amusing theory.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
The Queen of Snark
I've decided I finally understand Maureen Dowd. I've been looking at her as a commentator, or a writer or a journalist and she's really not matched my definition of any of those jobs.
I get it now though, she's a comedienne!
Her take on the contents of Harriet's papers, should any be released from the Administration, based on the birthday greetings which have so far been released is at least funny in concept.
August 2001 "Thank you so much for letting me bundle up and drag away the brush that you cut down today. And if I might add, Sir, I've never seen a man wield the nippers so judiciously. It was awesome! You are the best brush cutter ever!!"
September 2001 "I found out today that you handed down a decision for the White House mess to offer three different kinds of jelly with its P.B.&J. sandwiches. Sweet!! As you know, I'm the only member of the staff who eats three meals a day in the mess. Now I get to have a different type of jelly at every meal! The mess is blessed to have a president who cares so much. I know I'm probably just flattering myself, but I like to think that you are thinking of me, also. (Smile.)
"P.S. Can you believe Condi cares more about W.M.D.'s than P.B.&J.'s?"
well, concept, if not execution.
I get it now though, she's a comedienne!
Her take on the contents of Harriet's papers, should any be released from the Administration, based on the birthday greetings which have so far been released is at least funny in concept.
August 2001 "Thank you so much for letting me bundle up and drag away the brush that you cut down today. And if I might add, Sir, I've never seen a man wield the nippers so judiciously. It was awesome! You are the best brush cutter ever!!"
September 2001 "I found out today that you handed down a decision for the White House mess to offer three different kinds of jelly with its P.B.&J. sandwiches. Sweet!! As you know, I'm the only member of the staff who eats three meals a day in the mess. Now I get to have a different type of jelly at every meal! The mess is blessed to have a president who cares so much. I know I'm probably just flattering myself, but I like to think that you are thinking of me, also. (Smile.)
"P.S. Can you believe Condi cares more about W.M.D.'s than P.B.&J.'s?"
well, concept, if not execution.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Plumeria, Keane
Google knows everything. It is the frontal lobes of the emerging planetary conciousness.
Jim and I got a plant 2 years ago in Hawaii. When we got it, it was just a cutting about 7" long. Green, with no distinguishing marks. 2 years later, it's 4 feet tall, has three branches and really unusual, white 5 petal flowers. It's clearly some kind of tree. I'm more than a little worried it wont survive the trip to Redmond, so I wanted to know what it was, in case I have to replace it.
Google: hawaii 5 petal flower tree white
Presto!
Keane Plumeria
Jim and I got a plant 2 years ago in Hawaii. When we got it, it was just a cutting about 7" long. Green, with no distinguishing marks. 2 years later, it's 4 feet tall, has three branches and really unusual, white 5 petal flowers. It's clearly some kind of tree. I'm more than a little worried it wont survive the trip to Redmond, so I wanted to know what it was, in case I have to replace it.
Google: hawaii 5 petal flower tree white
Presto!
Keane Plumeria
Cheap, not-quite to Orbit
Of my friends from grad school, John Spitzak and I am the only ones left without a satellite of our own. :( To be fair, Lori Allen lost her first one (WIRE) into the ocean, but is doing well with SIRTF.
OTOH, we may not be quite out of the running.
(also via boing boing)
"Launching a small satellite carrying a telescope into orbit costs around $100 million," says Boggs, an assistant professor in the Department of Physics. "But for about $1 million, a balloon can get you above 99 percent of the atmosphere. So balloon flights are great for testing out new instruments that may eventually go up in space."
The telescope was built at UC Berkeley's Space Sciences Laboratory where Boggs specializes in gamma ray astronomy. The rays are of such high energy that they can travel incredibly long distances to give us glimpses of phenomena in the deepest regions of space.
"Gamma ray astrophysics is the study of some of the most exotic things our universe has to offer, like matter falling into the edge of a black hole or the surface of neutron stars," Boggs says.
As an undergrad I worked for Gordon Garmire on AXAF. One of the things he had us do was design Wolter type I, X-ray telescopes. I wonder if there is something that could be thrown together with a 5-Mpx CCD, some scrap steel and a car battery?
OTOH, we may not be quite out of the running.
(also via boing boing)
"Launching a small satellite carrying a telescope into orbit costs around $100 million," says Boggs, an assistant professor in the Department of Physics. "But for about $1 million, a balloon can get you above 99 percent of the atmosphere. So balloon flights are great for testing out new instruments that may eventually go up in space."
The telescope was built at UC Berkeley's Space Sciences Laboratory where Boggs specializes in gamma ray astronomy. The rays are of such high energy that they can travel incredibly long distances to give us glimpses of phenomena in the deepest regions of space.
"Gamma ray astrophysics is the study of some of the most exotic things our universe has to offer, like matter falling into the edge of a black hole or the surface of neutron stars," Boggs says.
As an undergrad I worked for Gordon Garmire on AXAF. One of the things he had us do was design Wolter type I, X-ray telescopes. I wonder if there is something that could be thrown together with a 5-Mpx CCD, some scrap steel and a car battery?
UFO Sightings: September 2005
A good use of Google Maps.
(hat tip to boing boing)
NUFORC
I wonder if you could do the same thing with sightings of Jesus.
... or does the existance of one preclude the existance of the other?
(hat tip to boing boing)
NUFORC
I wonder if you could do the same thing with sightings of Jesus.
... or does the existance of one preclude the existance of the other?
Redmond Schedule
Friday: Moving Consultant
Monday 17th: Move to Temp Housing
Friday 28th: Return to Pack
Monday 31st: Movers come and take stuff to redmond Storage
Monday 7th: Week in Lahey Clinic for brain stuff
Monday 15th: Start house shopping!
Monday 17th: Move to Temp Housing
Friday 28th: Return to Pack
Monday 31st: Movers come and take stuff to redmond Storage
Monday 7th: Week in Lahey Clinic for brain stuff
Monday 15th: Start house shopping!
Book Review: Eragon, Eldest /The Runes of the Earth
Eragon/Eldest by Christopher Paolini
Lots of hype about Eragon and later about Eldest, written by first time novelist Christopher Paolini when he was a teen. I didn't have a lot of expectations and he didn't fail to meet them. Eragon starts off pretty rough in terms of writing, but picks up a little as the novel progresses and he finds and falls into a style. Almost all the elements are stolen from other novels but woven into a story of his choosing. I've never read any of the Dragonriders of Pern books but subtracting away the Tolikien, Terry Brooks and Terry Goodkind from Eragon, I can guess from the remains what it's about (People riding Dragons I'm guessing). Don't get me wrong, it's a charming story that has some unique elements of it's own and it's impressive, but it's definitely in the young-adult fantasy camp. Eldest is a more of the same, but a little more complicated, the writing is a little better, plot is slightly more complicated and there is at least one Blazing Saddles joke which I laughed at.
Not bad and I'll probably stick in for the third book as Paolini finds his own voice. Right now I view him as a kind of reverse Goodkind (whose novels get progressively worse as time goes on).
OTOH, I also read Donaldson's The Runes of the Earth, the Last Chronicals of Thomas Covenant. I know, I know, how can Donaldson possibly ride the corpse of the Unbeliever for not just one more, but four more novels? Why would I even look at this, especially after the unreadable "Gap into Mediocrity" series (there are only so many forced rape scenes even I can stomach)? Donaldson can write. Long, ropey sentences which occasionally twist enough to lose their meaning until a paragraph or two later. The man can really write and the book, at least so far, has the least amount of rape and torture I've read in a Donaldson book. I can't say I enjoyed it, but when book 2 comes out next year I will likely have it delivered to my door in it's plain, brown wrapper.
Lots of hype about Eragon and later about Eldest, written by first time novelist Christopher Paolini when he was a teen. I didn't have a lot of expectations and he didn't fail to meet them. Eragon starts off pretty rough in terms of writing, but picks up a little as the novel progresses and he finds and falls into a style. Almost all the elements are stolen from other novels but woven into a story of his choosing. I've never read any of the Dragonriders of Pern books but subtracting away the Tolikien, Terry Brooks and Terry Goodkind from Eragon, I can guess from the remains what it's about (People riding Dragons I'm guessing). Don't get me wrong, it's a charming story that has some unique elements of it's own and it's impressive, but it's definitely in the young-adult fantasy camp. Eldest is a more of the same, but a little more complicated, the writing is a little better, plot is slightly more complicated and there is at least one Blazing Saddles joke which I laughed at.
Not bad and I'll probably stick in for the third book as Paolini finds his own voice. Right now I view him as a kind of reverse Goodkind (whose novels get progressively worse as time goes on).
OTOH, I also read Donaldson's The Runes of the Earth, the Last Chronicals of Thomas Covenant. I know, I know, how can Donaldson possibly ride the corpse of the Unbeliever for not just one more, but four more novels? Why would I even look at this, especially after the unreadable "Gap into Mediocrity" series (there are only so many forced rape scenes even I can stomach)? Donaldson can write. Long, ropey sentences which occasionally twist enough to lose their meaning until a paragraph or two later. The man can really write and the book, at least so far, has the least amount of rape and torture I've read in a Donaldson book. I can't say I enjoyed it, but when book 2 comes out next year I will likely have it delivered to my door in it's plain, brown wrapper.
Good News for Procreators!
It seems the public found it's limit in what it's willing to tolerate from the government-knows-best crowd.
Ind. lawmaker withdraws permission-to-procreate bill
Following a public outcry, an Indiana state legislator has pulled back for further study a piece of proposed legislation that would have sharply limited the use of assisted reproduction medical technologies by married couples, and banned them for everyone else. "State Sen. Patricia Miller, R-Indianapolis, issued a one-sentence statement this afternoon saying: 'The issue has become more complex than anticipated and will be withdrawn from consideration by the Health Finance Commission.' ... Under her proposal, couples who need assistance to become pregnant -- such as through intrauterine insemination; the use of donor eggs, embryos and sperm; in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer or other medical means -- would have to be married to each other. In addition, married couples who needed donor sperm and eggs to become pregnant would be required to go through the same rigorous assessment process of their fitness to be parents as do people who adopt a child." (Mary Beth Schneider, "Legislator drops controversial plan", Indianapolis Star, Oct. 5).
Ind. lawmaker withdraws permission-to-procreate bill
Following a public outcry, an Indiana state legislator has pulled back for further study a piece of proposed legislation that would have sharply limited the use of assisted reproduction medical technologies by married couples, and banned them for everyone else. "State Sen. Patricia Miller, R-Indianapolis, issued a one-sentence statement this afternoon saying: 'The issue has become more complex than anticipated and will be withdrawn from consideration by the Health Finance Commission.' ... Under her proposal, couples who need assistance to become pregnant -- such as through intrauterine insemination; the use of donor eggs, embryos and sperm; in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer or other medical means -- would have to be married to each other. In addition, married couples who needed donor sperm and eggs to become pregnant would be required to go through the same rigorous assessment process of their fitness to be parents as do people who adopt a child." (Mary Beth Schneider, "Legislator drops controversial plan", Indianapolis Star, Oct. 5).
Peter Jackson's "Halo"
Jackson is going to make the Halo movie.
Cool!
Peter Jackson, who directed of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the upcoming remake of King Kong, will serve as executive producer of the upcoming film based on Microsoft's blockbuster Halo video game, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Jackson's wife and partner Fran Walsh, who served as writer and producer on his previous films, will co-executive-produce under the team's WingNut films banner. Jackson's New Zealand-based Weta companies will also provide creatures, miniatures and visual effects for the production.
Universal Pictures and 20th Century Fox, the companies behind the project, hope to be in production in the spring with an eye toward a summer 2007 release, the trade paper reported. Prior to Jackson's involvement, Microsoft hired Alex Garland (28 Days Later) to write the screenplay and will have its own consultants on the production, along with the game's developer, Bungie Studios. An announcement about the film's director is expected soon.
Cool!
Peter Jackson, who directed of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the upcoming remake of King Kong, will serve as executive producer of the upcoming film based on Microsoft's blockbuster Halo video game, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Jackson's wife and partner Fran Walsh, who served as writer and producer on his previous films, will co-executive-produce under the team's WingNut films banner. Jackson's New Zealand-based Weta companies will also provide creatures, miniatures and visual effects for the production.
Universal Pictures and 20th Century Fox, the companies behind the project, hope to be in production in the spring with an eye toward a summer 2007 release, the trade paper reported. Prior to Jackson's involvement, Microsoft hired Alex Garland (28 Days Later) to write the screenplay and will have its own consultants on the production, along with the game's developer, Bungie Studios. An announcement about the film's director is expected soon.
Black-Scholes
One of the sales teams asked this morning about the Black-Scholes algorithm.
"It's just the Heat Transfer Equation applied to options pricing..." and I realized this was another great example of 19th century physics winning a 20th century Nobel Prize in Economics.
As I said, there is a lot of great ideas that transfer over from Physics to Economics.
Update: I should always check Wiki first. They do a version of Heat Transfer which one can simplifiy into Black-Scholes pretty clearly.
"It's just the Heat Transfer Equation applied to options pricing..." and I realized this was another great example of 19th century physics winning a 20th century Nobel Prize in Economics.
As I said, there is a lot of great ideas that transfer over from Physics to Economics.
Update: I should always check Wiki first. They do a version of Heat Transfer which one can simplifiy into Black-Scholes pretty clearly.
How to Liven Up a Party
Tell folks about the actual history of the institution of marriage. This has never failed to start a shouting match at even the most relaxed gathering.
From Reason:
Statistically speaking, Coontz observes, the most "traditional" form of marriage is not "one man, one woman" but "one man, as many women as he can afford." Many Native American groups cared about diversity of gender in marriage rather than of biological sex: A couple had to comprise one person doing "man's work" and one person doing "woman's work," regardless of what their genitals looked like. The unique Na people in southwestern China live not in couples but in sibling clusters, with groups of brothers and sisters collaboratively raising the children conceived by the women during evening rendezvous with visitors.
What's most striking, however, is the panoply of purposes marriage has served at different times and in different places, even when Coontz focuses on the more familiar one-on-one heterosexual union.
Among early hunter-gatherer bands, the trading of members to other bands as spouses was, above all, a means of establishing networks of trade and economic cooperation. Once each group had members with loyalties and ties to both, barter became a safer bet. As Claude Lévi-Strauss put it, the "reciprocity which is the basis of marriage is not established between men and women, but between men by means of women, who are merely the occasion of this relationship."
Try it, it's fun. I have put the occasional Mormon into an apoplectic fit with this.
From Reason:
Statistically speaking, Coontz observes, the most "traditional" form of marriage is not "one man, one woman" but "one man, as many women as he can afford." Many Native American groups cared about diversity of gender in marriage rather than of biological sex: A couple had to comprise one person doing "man's work" and one person doing "woman's work," regardless of what their genitals looked like. The unique Na people in southwestern China live not in couples but in sibling clusters, with groups of brothers and sisters collaboratively raising the children conceived by the women during evening rendezvous with visitors.
What's most striking, however, is the panoply of purposes marriage has served at different times and in different places, even when Coontz focuses on the more familiar one-on-one heterosexual union.
Among early hunter-gatherer bands, the trading of members to other bands as spouses was, above all, a means of establishing networks of trade and economic cooperation. Once each group had members with loyalties and ties to both, barter became a safer bet. As Claude Lévi-Strauss put it, the "reciprocity which is the basis of marriage is not established between men and women, but between men by means of women, who are merely the occasion of this relationship."
Try it, it's fun. I have put the occasional Mormon into an apoplectic fit with this.
Separation of School and State
Okay, I'm convinced.
When schools are run by the government, the details of ninth-grade biology classes, the propriety of patriotic rituals, and every other educational issue—ranging from how to teach math and reading to the contents of vending machines—becomes a political issue. Even when the arguments don't end up in court, they generate acrimony and resentment that could be avoided if education were entirely a private matter.
I'm not suggesting that parents would be completely satisfied with their children's schools if the government got out of the education business. No doubt they would always find something to complain about. But if they were not compelled to pay for government-run schools, they would be in a better position to choose schools that reflected their values and preferences, and the compromises they made would be voluntary, instead of terms imposed by the winning side of a political battle.
When schools are run by the government, the details of ninth-grade biology classes, the propriety of patriotic rituals, and every other educational issue—ranging from how to teach math and reading to the contents of vending machines—becomes a political issue. Even when the arguments don't end up in court, they generate acrimony and resentment that could be avoided if education were entirely a private matter.
I'm not suggesting that parents would be completely satisfied with their children's schools if the government got out of the education business. No doubt they would always find something to complain about. But if they were not compelled to pay for government-run schools, they would be in a better position to choose schools that reflected their values and preferences, and the compromises they made would be voluntary, instead of terms imposed by the winning side of a political battle.
Good Advice to the Dems from Karl Rove
Not that they listen to folks like this. One problems the Dems have involves their current leadership and the patronage system that sprung up in the '70s. The DNC has been run like a Union shop for decades, requiring massive amounts of "time served" before candidates can be taken seriously for higher office. This makes itself painfully obvious in their presidential choices, starting with Mondale (remember Fritz?) and continuing to Automaton John Kerry. It's why many in the Dem base fear a Hillary nomination in 2008.
OTOH, they can't say they aren't getting good adivce from the trenches:
Coalition building is not easy, especially if you're used to listening only to special interests with specific points of view (hint). Coalitions worthy of majorities in this country require more than just the ability to placate and patronize (another hint)... they require deep research into understanding what each segment in the coalition wants, and remaining open to a broad set of desires. The key is then to employ deft communication and negotiation skills to prioritize these wants without giving that nasty disenfranchising aftertaste.
OTOH, they can't say they aren't getting good adivce from the trenches:
Coalition building is not easy, especially if you're used to listening only to special interests with specific points of view (hint). Coalitions worthy of majorities in this country require more than just the ability to placate and patronize (another hint)... they require deep research into understanding what each segment in the coalition wants, and remaining open to a broad set of desires. The key is then to employ deft communication and negotiation skills to prioritize these wants without giving that nasty disenfranchising aftertaste.
Monday, October 10, 2005
"Visible from the Moon"
Palm Island Resort, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is featured in this image photographed by Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao from the International Space Station. The resort is under construction on reclaimed land silhouetted against the dark waters of Dubai’s Persian Gulf coast. Advertised as "being visible from the Moon," this man-made palm-shaped structure displays 17 huge fronds framed by a 12-kilometer protective barrier. When completed, the resort will sport 2,000 villas, 40 luxury hotels, shopping centers, cinemas, and other facilities. When completed, the resort is expected to support a population of approximately 500,000 people. Image Credit: NASA
BPD: Yeah, a crime in progress? Take a number...
Jim and I go to the local BPD to report his car stolen. It's 3:50pm. We are the second people there. There is no one at the front desk. A couple of inquiries to passing officers reveal the problem: It's almost 4:00. All the cops are at roll call. Lesson 1: If you are going to commit a crime, do it between 3:50 and 4:20. You'll get a nice head start.
4:20 officer appears at front desk, starts servicing folks at random. There are a dozen people in the queue now, all with some form of stolen car problem.
A middle aged man (not me) walks in and says, "I've just been carjacked! The guy is driving away!"
Officer: "Whoa there. You were what?"
Guy:"Car jacked"
Officer:"Where?"
Guy:"Right on Mass Ave"
O:"Where on Mass Ave?"
G:"1650. He's..."
O:"Oh, okay. That's our jurisdiction"
Mark:WTF? our what???
G:"Here's the license plate #. You can still get him if..."
O:"Sir, we don't stop cars. That's not our job. Unless it's illegally parked, then we could catch him"
G:"WHAT!!!?????!!!!????!!!???"
Mark: "WHAT??"
O:"No. We don't stop cars. So if you'll just get in line, you can get the paperwork and fill it out:
G:"But he's getting away! If you just got on your walkie talkie and ..."
O:"We don't do that sir"
Lesson 2: If you steal a car at gunpoint and the victim is not actually a cop, you have hours to get away. Maybe days.
Lesson 3: We need to start licensing private police forces.
4:20 officer appears at front desk, starts servicing folks at random. There are a dozen people in the queue now, all with some form of stolen car problem.
A middle aged man (not me) walks in and says, "I've just been carjacked! The guy is driving away!"
Officer: "Whoa there. You were what?"
Guy:"Car jacked"
Officer:"Where?"
Guy:"Right on Mass Ave"
O:"Where on Mass Ave?"
G:"1650. He's..."
O:"Oh, okay. That's our jurisdiction"
Mark:
G:"Here's the license plate #. You can still get him if..."
O:"Sir, we don't stop cars. That's not our job. Unless it's illegally parked, then we could catch him"
G:"WHAT!!!?????!!!!????!!!???"
Mark: "WHAT??"
O:"No. We don't stop cars. So if you'll just get in line, you can get the paperwork and fill it out:
G:"But he's getting away! If you just got on your walkie talkie and ..."
O:"We don't do that sir"
Lesson 2: If you steal a car at gunpoint and the victim is not actually a cop, you have hours to get away. Maybe days.
Lesson 3: We need to start licensing private police forces.
Jim's Car Stolen
Yes, Jim's Jeep was stolen this morning. We got up, did our usual routine, Jim went to go get his car and... 30 minutes later I get a call...
"I can't find my car"
"Hmmm... it's 7:30 on the Second Monday.... you should be okay unless you parked in Bay Village."
"Nope, I didn't."
"call the tow lot"
30 minutes later.
"Nope, no tow lot"
"Okay, I'll drive you around"
30 minutes driving later
"It's not here is it?"
"no"
"oh"
60 minutes later, I am at work, Jim s home. I get a call.
"They found my car"
"good, where was it?"
"Wrapped around a utility pole in Roxbury"
"... oh"
"oh"
So we go to the police station (2 of them) fill out reports and ... we wait.
"I can't find my car"
"Hmmm... it's 7:30 on the Second Monday.... you should be okay unless you parked in Bay Village."
"Nope, I didn't."
"call the tow lot"
30 minutes later.
"Nope, no tow lot"
"Okay, I'll drive you around"
30 minutes driving later
"It's not here is it?"
"no"
"oh"
60 minutes later, I am at work, Jim s home. I get a call.
"They found my car"
"good, where was it?"
"Wrapped around a utility pole in Roxbury"
"... oh"
"oh"
So we go to the police station (2 of them) fill out reports and ... we wait.
Also in AIP
I read this and realized how ridiculous it must sound. If I didn't know what the terms meant, I would just assume it was Star Trek technobable. Poorly written technobable.
Gauge independent approach to chiral symmetry breaking in a strong magnetic field. [hep-ph/0510066 CROSS LISTED] The gauge independence of the dynamical fermion mass generated through chiral symmetry breaking in weakly coupled QED in a strong, constant external magnetic field is critically examined. We show that the bare vertex approximation, in which the vertex corrections are ignored, is a consistent truncation of the Schwinger-Dyson equations in the lowest Landau level approximation. The dynamical fermion mass, obtained as the solution of the truncated Schwinger-Dyson equations evaluated on the fermion mass shell, is shown to be manifestly gauge independent. A comparison to the results obtained in the literature is discussed in detail. By establishing a direct correspondence between the truncated Schwinger-Dyson equations and the two-particle-irreducible effective action truncated at the lowest nontrivial order in the loop expansion as well as in the 1/N_f expansion (N_f is the number of fermion flavors), we argue that in a strong magnetic field the dynamical fermion mass can be reliably calculated in the bare vertex approximation. ePrint arXiv http://xxx.arxiv.cornell.org/
10 October 2005
Gauge independent approach to chiral symmetry breaking in a strong magnetic field. [hep-ph/0510066 CROSS LISTED] The gauge independence of the dynamical fermion mass generated through chiral symmetry breaking in weakly coupled QED in a strong, constant external magnetic field is critically examined. We show that the bare vertex approximation, in which the vertex corrections are ignored, is a consistent truncation of the Schwinger-Dyson equations in the lowest Landau level approximation. The dynamical fermion mass, obtained as the solution of the truncated Schwinger-Dyson equations evaluated on the fermion mass shell, is shown to be manifestly gauge independent. A comparison to the results obtained in the literature is discussed in detail. By establishing a direct correspondence between the truncated Schwinger-Dyson equations and the two-particle-irreducible effective action truncated at the lowest nontrivial order in the loop expansion as well as in the 1/N_f expansion (N_f is the number of fermion flavors), we argue that in a strong magnetic field the dynamical fermion mass can be reliably calculated in the bare vertex approximation. ePrint arXiv http://xxx.arxiv.cornell.org/
10 October 2005
When the AIP says Comprehensive, They Mean It!
I was looking for some code to do a numerical simulation of a stellar atmosphere and came across an American Institute of Physics page on Climate Change. It claims to be comprehensive. Skimming through it, I caught a reference that made me believe it:
Young, N.W. (1979). "Responses of Ice Sheets to Environmental Changes." In Sea Level, Ice and Climatic Change. Proceedings of the Symposium... 7-8 December 1979, edited by Ian Allison, pp. 331-60. Washington, DC: International Association of Hydrological Sciences, publication no. 131.
Young, William R. (2000). "The Future of Physical Oceanography." In Fifty Years of Ocean Discovery. National Science Foundation 1950-2000, edited by National Research Council, Ocean Studies Board pp. 165-71. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
Zelazny, Roger (1969). Damnation Alley. New York: Putnam.
Zeng, Ning (2003). "Drought in the Sahel." Science 302: 999-1000.
Zeuner, F.E. (1946 [4th ed., 1958]). Dating the Past. London: Methuen.
Ziman, John, Ed. (2000). Technological Innovation as an Evolutionary Process. Cambridge: Cambridge
Young, N.W. (1979). "Responses of Ice Sheets to Environmental Changes." In Sea Level, Ice and Climatic Change. Proceedings of the Symposium... 7-8 December 1979, edited by Ian Allison, pp. 331-60. Washington, DC: International Association of Hydrological Sciences, publication no. 131.
Young, William R. (2000). "The Future of Physical Oceanography." In Fifty Years of Ocean Discovery. National Science Foundation 1950-2000, edited by National Research Council, Ocean Studies Board pp. 165-71. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
Zelazny, Roger (1969). Damnation Alley. New York: Putnam.
Zeng, Ning (2003). "Drought in the Sahel." Science 302: 999-1000.
Zeuner, F.E. (1946 [4th ed., 1958]). Dating the Past. London: Methuen.
Ziman, John, Ed. (2000). Technological Innovation as an Evolutionary Process. Cambridge: Cambridge
NP in Economics: Welcome to the 19th Century!
The Nobel Prize in economics was awarded today for work done in game theory. WaPo reports:
Asked to describe game theory, he said "it's the study of how people interact when each person's behavior depends on, or is influenced by, the behavior of others."
It departs from conventional applications of economics which traditionally focus on "consumers and producers who take prices for granted and react to them," he said.
In game theory, he said, "everyone's best choice depends on what others are going to do, whether it's going to war or maneuvering in a traffic jam," he said in a phone interview.
Thus, as he wrote in "Micromotives and Macrobehavior," horn honking in traffic may seem related to a single reason but upon further analysis, "drivers in traffic start honking their horns . . . because someone else honked their horn first. Hearing your car horn, I honk mine, thus encouraging you to honk more insistently. . . . People are responding to an environment that consists of other people responding to their environment," Schelling wrote, "which consists of people responding to an environment of people's responses.
"These situations, in which people's behavior or people's choices depend on the behavior or the choices of other people, are the ones that usually don't permit any simple summation or extrapolation to the aggregates. . . . .We usually have to look at the system of interaction."
His admirers have credited him with giving them a "new way of thinking" about any number of situations. One reviewer called his approach "logic applied to patterns that are recognizable in real life."
In physics, we called this "statistical mechanics" and pretty much plumbed the math for it in the 19th century, although mathematical work in magnetohyrodynamics continues to this day. Economics isn't physics and we have the advantage of large numbers of particles vs. relatively small numbers of human inter-actors. Still, I think every economist should take a year or two of basic physics, just to hurry the process along. There's lots of overlap and I think we could shave a couple of decades off the completion of a Grand Unified Theory of Economics if we made science a stronger part of the economics curriculum.
The reverse is also true, but not just for physicists. I think everyone should take a year of economics.
Asked to describe game theory, he said "it's the study of how people interact when each person's behavior depends on, or is influenced by, the behavior of others."
It departs from conventional applications of economics which traditionally focus on "consumers and producers who take prices for granted and react to them," he said.
In game theory, he said, "everyone's best choice depends on what others are going to do, whether it's going to war or maneuvering in a traffic jam," he said in a phone interview.
Thus, as he wrote in "Micromotives and Macrobehavior," horn honking in traffic may seem related to a single reason but upon further analysis, "drivers in traffic start honking their horns . . . because someone else honked their horn first. Hearing your car horn, I honk mine, thus encouraging you to honk more insistently. . . . People are responding to an environment that consists of other people responding to their environment," Schelling wrote, "which consists of people responding to an environment of people's responses.
"These situations, in which people's behavior or people's choices depend on the behavior or the choices of other people, are the ones that usually don't permit any simple summation or extrapolation to the aggregates. . . . .We usually have to look at the system of interaction."
His admirers have credited him with giving them a "new way of thinking" about any number of situations. One reviewer called his approach "logic applied to patterns that are recognizable in real life."
In physics, we called this "statistical mechanics" and pretty much plumbed the math for it in the 19th century, although mathematical work in magnetohyrodynamics continues to this day. Economics isn't physics and we have the advantage of large numbers of particles vs. relatively small numbers of human inter-actors. Still, I think every economist should take a year or two of basic physics, just to hurry the process along. There's lots of overlap and I think we could shave a couple of decades off the completion of a Grand Unified Theory of Economics if we made science a stronger part of the economics curriculum.
The reverse is also true, but not just for physicists. I think everyone should take a year of economics.
Okay, so What *Doesn't* The Right like to Legislate?
Welcome to the Brave new World of the Right Wing, please have your "Petition for Parentage" ready or your "Gestational Certificate". Failure to have one or the other could could result in a prision term.
Now that's family values!
Republican lawmakers are drafting new legislation that will make marriage a requirement for motherhood in the state of Indiana, including specific criminal penalties for unmarried women who do become pregnant “by means other than sexual intercourse.”
According to a draft of the recommended change in state law, every woman in Indiana seeking to become a mother through assisted reproduction therapy such as in vitro fertilization, sperm donation and egg donation must first file for a “petition for parentage” in their local county probate court.
Only women who are married will be considered for the “gestational certificate” that must be presented to any doctor who facilitates the pregnancy. Further, the “gestational certificate” will only be given to married couples that successfully complete the same screening process currently required by law of adoptive parents.
As the draft of the new law reads now, an intended parent “who knowingly or willingly participates in an artificial reproduction procedure” without court approval, “commits unauthorized reproduction, a Class B misdemeanor.” The criminal charges will be the same for physicians who commit “unauthorized practice of artificial reproduction.”
Wow. This goes in the file for the next time I hear that the Right is all about smaller governement and freedom.
Now that's family values!
Republican lawmakers are drafting new legislation that will make marriage a requirement for motherhood in the state of Indiana, including specific criminal penalties for unmarried women who do become pregnant “by means other than sexual intercourse.”
According to a draft of the recommended change in state law, every woman in Indiana seeking to become a mother through assisted reproduction therapy such as in vitro fertilization, sperm donation and egg donation must first file for a “petition for parentage” in their local county probate court.
Only women who are married will be considered for the “gestational certificate” that must be presented to any doctor who facilitates the pregnancy. Further, the “gestational certificate” will only be given to married couples that successfully complete the same screening process currently required by law of adoptive parents.
As the draft of the new law reads now, an intended parent “who knowingly or willingly participates in an artificial reproduction procedure” without court approval, “commits unauthorized reproduction, a Class B misdemeanor.” The criminal charges will be the same for physicians who commit “unauthorized practice of artificial reproduction.”
Wow. This goes in the file for the next time I hear that the Right is all about smaller governement and freedom.
Well Said
A WaPo editorial on the McCain Amendment to the appropriations bill:
Let's be clear: Mr. Bush is proposing to use the first veto of his presidency on a defense bill needed to fund military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan so that he can preserve the prerogative to subject detainees to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. In effect, he threatens to declare to the world his administration's moral bankruptcy.
If we don't stand for things like this, listening to the better angels of our nature, then really the argument with the islamofacists really is only about what flavor of religion we prefer. If democracy and freedom are worth having, they are worth not compromising our morals. It's been known for centuries that torture is very limited in it's ability to cajole useful information from a prisioner and these days we have better, less morally repugnant means of obtaining information.
I don't understand why the President is so stubborn on this, it seems to go against many of the tenents of his faith. Maybe it's a form of the Sunk Cost Fallacy, i.e. we've been doing this and to turn around now and say it was wrong makes the past look worse. Dunno.
Let's be clear: Mr. Bush is proposing to use the first veto of his presidency on a defense bill needed to fund military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan so that he can preserve the prerogative to subject detainees to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. In effect, he threatens to declare to the world his administration's moral bankruptcy.
If we don't stand for things like this, listening to the better angels of our nature, then really the argument with the islamofacists really is only about what flavor of religion we prefer. If democracy and freedom are worth having, they are worth not compromising our morals. It's been known for centuries that torture is very limited in it's ability to cajole useful information from a prisioner and these days we have better, less morally repugnant means of obtaining information.
I don't understand why the President is so stubborn on this, it seems to go against many of the tenents of his faith. Maybe it's a form of the Sunk Cost Fallacy, i.e. we've been doing this and to turn around now and say it was wrong makes the past look worse. Dunno.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Damn! Faint Praise!
Picked this up on Volokh. Not specific to Harriet, but in that vein.
That should win the Roman Hruska award for 2005. (The most damning endorsement possible, without intending to be.)
"Even if he is mediocre, there are a lot of mediocre judges and people and lawyers. They are entitled to a little representation, aren't they?"
U.S. Senator Roman Hruska (R-NE) in defense of Harold Carswell's SCOTUS nomination on the charges that he was 'mediocre'.
Carswell's nomination was defeated 51-45.
That should win the Roman Hruska award for 2005. (The most damning endorsement possible, without intending to be.)
"Even if he is mediocre, there are a lot of mediocre judges and people and lawyers. They are entitled to a little representation, aren't they?"
U.S. Senator Roman Hruska (R-NE) in defense of Harold Carswell's SCOTUS nomination on the charges that he was 'mediocre'.
Carswell's nomination was defeated 51-45.
A Definition of 'Extraordinary' With Which I Was Unfamiliar
From the LA Times
Luskin said Rove had not received a "target letter" — a notice customarily sent to a grand jury witness about to be indicted. He portrayed Rove's additional trip to the grand jury as another sign of extraordinary cooperation from his client and the White House.
So it's extraordinary to testify before a Grand Jury when you've been subpoenaed to do so? I guess if you're an unelected government official and feel that your actions should place you above the law, then it would be an extraordinary act of noblese oblige to grant the legal system some of your precious time.
What an ass.
Luskin said Rove had not received a "target letter" — a notice customarily sent to a grand jury witness about to be indicted. He portrayed Rove's additional trip to the grand jury as another sign of extraordinary cooperation from his client and the White House.
So it's extraordinary to testify before a Grand Jury when you've been subpoenaed to do so? I guess if you're an unelected government official and feel that your actions should place you above the law, then it would be an extraordinary act of noblese oblige to grant the legal system some of your precious time.
What an ass.
And Also Brooks
Brooks also has a good article today. He does a much better job of expressing his view when he isn't writing within the GOP talking points o making absurd excuses for the administrations often indefensible behavior. Today he has (at least temporarily) thrown off his shackles and written what he believes and, I agree with it.
I believe in the lost tradition of American politics, the tradition of Hamilton, Lincoln and the Bull Moose. In other words, I believe that social mobility is the core of the American experience. I believe that society should be structured so that as many boys and girls as possible can work, and rise the way young Hamilton and Lincoln did.
If something is going to make American society more fluid and dynamic, then I am for that thing. That's why I love globalization, even while I am aware of its costs. I love the fact that American businesses are going to be improved via competition with Chinese and Indian rivals. I love the fact that to compete we are going to have to reform our lobbyist-written tax code into something flatter and fairer. I love the fact we'll have to make health insurance competitive and portable, so workers can move and companies can thrive.
I can't believe people want to shield America behind the walls of "fair trade agreements." I can't believe some people think we're going to be overrun by those hustling Asians. Americans are the hardest-working people on earth and the most mobile. American manufacturing output is twice China's and it's growing at 4 percent a year.
China isn't going to bury us. It's going to make us better and richer; it's going to open more opportunities than it closes.
Like Alexander Hamilton, I love the dynamism of capitalism. And like Alexander Hamilton, that doesn't mean I hate government. I love government when it lifts people up to compete. I hate government only when it stifles competition and coddles. I hated the old welfare system, which pushed its victims away from work. I love welfare reform, which encourages work. I hate government that directs ever more money to the affluent elderly, but I would love a government that gave poor children savings accounts at birth, which would encourage them to think about the future and understand that their destiny is in their own hands.
There's more, go read it.
I believe in the lost tradition of American politics, the tradition of Hamilton, Lincoln and the Bull Moose. In other words, I believe that social mobility is the core of the American experience. I believe that society should be structured so that as many boys and girls as possible can work, and rise the way young Hamilton and Lincoln did.
If something is going to make American society more fluid and dynamic, then I am for that thing. That's why I love globalization, even while I am aware of its costs. I love the fact that American businesses are going to be improved via competition with Chinese and Indian rivals. I love the fact that to compete we are going to have to reform our lobbyist-written tax code into something flatter and fairer. I love the fact we'll have to make health insurance competitive and portable, so workers can move and companies can thrive.
I can't believe people want to shield America behind the walls of "fair trade agreements." I can't believe some people think we're going to be overrun by those hustling Asians. Americans are the hardest-working people on earth and the most mobile. American manufacturing output is twice China's and it's growing at 4 percent a year.
China isn't going to bury us. It's going to make us better and richer; it's going to open more opportunities than it closes.
Like Alexander Hamilton, I love the dynamism of capitalism. And like Alexander Hamilton, that doesn't mean I hate government. I love government when it lifts people up to compete. I hate government only when it stifles competition and coddles. I hated the old welfare system, which pushed its victims away from work. I love welfare reform, which encourages work. I hate government that directs ever more money to the affluent elderly, but I would love a government that gave poor children savings accounts at birth, which would encourage them to think about the future and understand that their destiny is in their own hands.
There's more, go read it.
Good Friedman Article
Friedman does a good job today talking about the Iraq War and putting some of the pieces into context. If you're on the hard Right, you won't like it because it talks about facts on the WMDs. If you're hard Left you won't like it becuase it fails to indict the Administration for going to war based on it's faulty intelligence.
But if you're in the middle and trying to get an honest idea where we went wrong so it doesn't happen again, it's interesting (although not terribly original).
When the definitive history of the Iraq war is written, future historians will surely want to ask Saddam Hussein and George W. Bush each one big question. To Saddam, the question would be: What were you thinking? If you had no weapons of mass destruction, why did you keep acting as though you did?
...
But I think Saddam knew how busted and bankrupt his country and army were. Therefore, he never wanted to completely erase the impression that he had W.M.D. Saddam lived in a den of wolves. The hint of W.M.D. was his only deterrent shield left against his neighbors, his enemies at home and the West. (This was alluded to in the Duelfer W.M.D. report.) So he tried to allow just enough U.N. inspections to clear him on W.M.D., while playing just enough cat and mouse with the U.N. to leave the impression that he still had something dangerous in the closet.
The Bush team, and the C.I.A., not only failed to learn that Saddam had no W.M.D., they failed to appreciate how devastated Iraqi society really was. The Bush team, listening largely to exiles who had not lived in Iraq for years, thought that there were much more of an Iraqi middle class and more institutions than actually existed. So Mr. Bush thought taking over Iraq would be easy. That is the only way I can explain his behavior.
This jives with what I've been told by friends of mine who lived or grew-up in Iraq, but had no vested interest in rebuilding, i.e. none of them has a shot at being a Prime Minister or other offical in a new Iraqi governement.
But if you're in the middle and trying to get an honest idea where we went wrong so it doesn't happen again, it's interesting (although not terribly original).
When the definitive history of the Iraq war is written, future historians will surely want to ask Saddam Hussein and George W. Bush each one big question. To Saddam, the question would be: What were you thinking? If you had no weapons of mass destruction, why did you keep acting as though you did?
...
But I think Saddam knew how busted and bankrupt his country and army were. Therefore, he never wanted to completely erase the impression that he had W.M.D. Saddam lived in a den of wolves. The hint of W.M.D. was his only deterrent shield left against his neighbors, his enemies at home and the West. (This was alluded to in the Duelfer W.M.D. report.) So he tried to allow just enough U.N. inspections to clear him on W.M.D., while playing just enough cat and mouse with the U.N. to leave the impression that he still had something dangerous in the closet.
The Bush team, and the C.I.A., not only failed to learn that Saddam had no W.M.D., they failed to appreciate how devastated Iraqi society really was. The Bush team, listening largely to exiles who had not lived in Iraq for years, thought that there were much more of an Iraqi middle class and more institutions than actually existed. So Mr. Bush thought taking over Iraq would be easy. That is the only way I can explain his behavior.
This jives with what I've been told by friends of mine who lived or grew-up in Iraq, but had no vested interest in rebuilding, i.e. none of them has a shot at being a Prime Minister or other offical in a new Iraqi governement.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Nobel Peace Prize, A Leftist Award?
In a comment to an earlier post Travis opined:
The Nobel Peace Prize has been a left-wing award for decades now.
Now I'm never quite clear on what Travis means when he calls things "left-wing", so I decided to look up the last 20-30 years of NPP winners and see if I could winkle out a definition based on Travis' assertion.
2005: Mohamed ElBaradei : "...efforts to prevent nuclear energy from being used for military purposes and to ensure that nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is used in the safest possible way": No nuclear WMD is, I guess, something only the left likes (does that mean the Right is pro-nuclear WMD?). I thought the left didn't like nuclear power, so I'm confused.
2004:Wangari Muta Maathai : "for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace". Wanting to develop democracy is a left-only attribute. Got it Travis.
2003: Shirin Ebadi : "for her efforts for democracy and human rights. She has focused especially on the struggle for the rights of women and children." The Left favors womens voting rights, the RIght must therefore be against them? The right is for repealing the 19th Amendment. Got it.
2002: Jimmy Carter : Point to Travis
2001: Kofi Annan : "for their work for a better organized and more peaceful world. While I know the Right lothes both the UN and KA, it doesn't follow that the Left must love him. Regardless, another point to Travis.
2000: Kim Dae-jung: "for his work for democracy and human rights in South Korea and in East Asia in general, and for peace and reconciliation with North Korea in particular": Trying to end the tyranny of one of the "Axis of Evil" nations is a Leftist thing?? Okay, so far we have democracy and ending tyrrany in the Leftist column.
1999: Médecins Sans Frontières : "in recognition of the organization's pioneering humanitarian work on several continents": Because Ayn Rand would have called this kind of compassion weak. I'll accept that compassion is an attribute of the Left.
1998: John Hume , 1/2 of the prize: "for their efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Northern Ireland". Again ending war is a leftist thing. I'm starting to see the pattern. As a point to Travis' argument though, one of the winners does have the words "Social Democratic and Labour Party " in his title.
1997: International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) : "for their work for the banning and clearing of anti-personnel mines": The Left is against landmines leftover from wars. Does that mean the Right is in favor of them? No clearity here.
1996: Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, José Ramos-Horta: "for their work towards a just and peaceful solution to the conflict in East Timor". More war-ending do-gooders.
1995: Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs,Joseph Rotblat: "for their efforts to diminish the part played by nuclear arms in international politics and, in the longer run, to eliminate such arms". Again, this establishes that the Left would be anti-nuke WMD in Travis interpretation.
1994: Yasser Arafat, Shimon Peres, Yitzhak Rabin: "for their efforts to create peace in the Middle East". Yes, Rabin is a Leftist.
1993: Nelson Mandela, Frederik Willem de Klerk: "for their work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa". More peacenik do-gooders. I'm starting to see the pattern.
1992: Rigoberta Menchú Tum : "in recognition of her work for social justice and ethno-cultural reconciliation based on respect for the rights of indigenous peoples". Social Justice??? Sounds Leftish to me.
1991: Aung San Suu Kyi : "for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights". Non-violent struggle is obviously a Left-only trait.
1990: Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev: "for his leading role in the peace process which today characterizes important parts of the international community" Communist!!! Wait didn't Reagan.... ???
1989: The 14th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) : Anti-Catholic do gooder.
1988: United Nations Peacekeeping Forces : Because only the Left stands for Peace.
1987: Oscar Arias Sánchez :"for his work for peace in Central America, efforts which led to the accord signed in Guatemala on August 7 this year": Again, peace making, do -gooder.
1986: Elie Wiesel : All your jews are belong to us.
So, if I take Travis at his literal word, the Left stands for democracy, peace making, the enfranchisement of minorities and generally raising the world to a more coopertive place, while eliminating the proliferation of nuclear weapons to thrid world countries.
Got it.
I can live with that.
The Nobel Peace Prize has been a left-wing award for decades now.
Now I'm never quite clear on what Travis means when he calls things "left-wing", so I decided to look up the last 20-30 years of NPP winners and see if I could winkle out a definition based on Travis' assertion.
2005: Mohamed ElBaradei : "...efforts to prevent nuclear energy from being used for military purposes and to ensure that nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is used in the safest possible way": No nuclear WMD is, I guess, something only the left likes (does that mean the Right is pro-nuclear WMD?). I thought the left didn't like nuclear power, so I'm confused.
2004:Wangari Muta Maathai : "for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace". Wanting to develop democracy is a left-only attribute. Got it Travis.
2003: Shirin Ebadi : "for her efforts for democracy and human rights. She has focused especially on the struggle for the rights of women and children." The Left favors womens voting rights, the RIght must therefore be against them? The right is for repealing the 19th Amendment. Got it.
2002: Jimmy Carter : Point to Travis
2001: Kofi Annan : "for their work for a better organized and more peaceful world. While I know the Right lothes both the UN and KA, it doesn't follow that the Left must love him. Regardless, another point to Travis.
2000: Kim Dae-jung: "for his work for democracy and human rights in South Korea and in East Asia in general, and for peace and reconciliation with North Korea in particular": Trying to end the tyranny of one of the "Axis of Evil" nations is a Leftist thing?? Okay, so far we have democracy and ending tyrrany in the Leftist column.
1999: Médecins Sans Frontières : "in recognition of the organization's pioneering humanitarian work on several continents": Because Ayn Rand would have called this kind of compassion weak. I'll accept that compassion is an attribute of the Left.
1998: John Hume , 1/2 of the prize: "for their efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Northern Ireland". Again ending war is a leftist thing. I'm starting to see the pattern. As a point to Travis' argument though, one of the winners does have the words "Social Democratic and Labour Party " in his title.
1997: International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) : "for their work for the banning and clearing of anti-personnel mines": The Left is against landmines leftover from wars. Does that mean the Right is in favor of them? No clearity here.
1996: Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, José Ramos-Horta: "for their work towards a just and peaceful solution to the conflict in East Timor". More war-ending do-gooders.
1995: Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs,Joseph Rotblat: "for their efforts to diminish the part played by nuclear arms in international politics and, in the longer run, to eliminate such arms". Again, this establishes that the Left would be anti-nuke WMD in Travis interpretation.
1994: Yasser Arafat, Shimon Peres, Yitzhak Rabin: "for their efforts to create peace in the Middle East". Yes, Rabin is a Leftist.
1993: Nelson Mandela, Frederik Willem de Klerk: "for their work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa". More peacenik do-gooders. I'm starting to see the pattern.
1992: Rigoberta Menchú Tum : "in recognition of her work for social justice and ethno-cultural reconciliation based on respect for the rights of indigenous peoples". Social Justice??? Sounds Leftish to me.
1991: Aung San Suu Kyi : "for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights". Non-violent struggle is obviously a Left-only trait.
1990: Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev: "for his leading role in the peace process which today characterizes important parts of the international community" Communist!!! Wait didn't Reagan.... ???
1989: The 14th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) : Anti-Catholic do gooder.
1988: United Nations Peacekeeping Forces : Because only the Left stands for Peace.
1987: Oscar Arias Sánchez :"for his work for peace in Central America, efforts which led to the accord signed in Guatemala on August 7 this year": Again, peace making, do -gooder.
1986: Elie Wiesel : All your jews are belong to us.
So, if I take Travis at his literal word, the Left stands for democracy, peace making, the enfranchisement of minorities and generally raising the world to a more coopertive place, while eliminating the proliferation of nuclear weapons to thrid world countries.
Got it.
I can live with that.
Our Karl Rove
I was setting up some RSS feeds over at start.com and was going through the latest dish from Wonkette (more uses of the word "penis" than 3 gay pride parades or a Bob Dole ad). She has a link to a site called Our Karl Rove, If Karl Rove was a Democrat, This is What He'd Say, and took a look.
It's advice worth listening to if I were the Dems. Solid block-and-tackle strategy from a marketing, brand-management POV. And let's face it, that's what Karl does, GOP Brand Management.
At least that's what he does now. After the indictments, who knows.
It's advice worth listening to if I were the Dems. Solid block-and-tackle strategy from a marketing, brand-management POV. And let's face it, that's what Karl does, GOP Brand Management.
At least that's what he does now. After the indictments, who knows.
Geoff Was Right
Geoff often complains that I only blog abou thim when it makes him look foolish or silly. That's not my intent, but I think that might be somewhat true becuase he's often hilarious under pressure.
So in the spirit of Fair and Balanced I want to point out that he told me to buy some AOL stock thinking that this would be true. And it looks like he's right!
The world's largest software maker Microsoft (Quote, Chart) and media titan Time Warner (Quote, Chart) are exploring the possibility of merging the MSN Internet portal with the America Online unit of Time Warner, according to a source familiar with the talks.
Redmond, which is said to have initiated the talks earlier this year, is interested in buying a big stake of the struggling online business, possibly leaving the two companies equal partners in a venture that would make for the world's largest Internet company.
However, they appear to be discussing numerous possibilities, including combining their respective Internet search businesses, instant messaging and online advertising.
So in the spirit of Fair and Balanced I want to point out that he told me to buy some AOL stock thinking that this would be true. And it looks like he's right!
The world's largest software maker Microsoft (Quote, Chart) and media titan Time Warner (Quote, Chart) are exploring the possibility of merging the MSN Internet portal with the America Online unit of Time Warner, according to a source familiar with the talks.
Redmond, which is said to have initiated the talks earlier this year, is interested in buying a big stake of the struggling online business, possibly leaving the two companies equal partners in a venture that would make for the world's largest Internet company.
However, they appear to be discussing numerous possibilities, including combining their respective Internet search businesses, instant messaging and online advertising.
AJAX
Asynchronous JavaScript Technology and XML (AJAX). Very cool technology (in MSFT we call out supporting product ATLAS) being used here at start.com
One cool bit is that the windows are dockable.
One cool bit is that the windows are dockable.
Best Thinking on Harriet
Volokh has the best thinking so far on Harriet Miers. Even I was a little taken aback by her answer to a seemingly softball question.
Qualified or not, she needs presentation training.
Don't forget to scroll down and look at the other links
Earl Warren Burger Is Miers' Favorite Justice?--
Orin quotes from the Washington Post on Harriet Miers' favorite Justice:
In an initial chat with Miers, according to several people with knowledge of the exchange, Leahy asked her to name her favorite Supreme Court justices. Miers responded with "Warren" — which led Leahy to ask her whether she meant former Chief Justice Earl Warren, a liberal icon, or former Chief Justice Warren Burger, a conservative who voted for Roe v. Wade. Miers said she meant Warren Burger, the sources said.
I find this story disturbing on many levels. Perhaps Miers couldn't think of anyone appropriate off the top of her head and thought that Leahy would like it if she said Earl Warren, but then caught herself when she realized that (rightly or wrongly) he was the poster boy for judicial activism. It would be odd to refer to Chief Justice Burger simply as "Warren." So perhaps the question was too difficult for her to answer without stumbling (of course, we all stumble in answering questions some time).
Qualified or not, she needs presentation training.
Don't forget to scroll down and look at the other links
Earl Warren Burger Is Miers' Favorite Justice?--
Orin quotes from the Washington Post on Harriet Miers' favorite Justice:
In an initial chat with Miers, according to several people with knowledge of the exchange, Leahy asked her to name her favorite Supreme Court justices. Miers responded with "Warren" — which led Leahy to ask her whether she meant former Chief Justice Earl Warren, a liberal icon, or former Chief Justice Warren Burger, a conservative who voted for Roe v. Wade. Miers said she meant Warren Burger, the sources said.
I find this story disturbing on many levels. Perhaps Miers couldn't think of anyone appropriate off the top of her head and thought that Leahy would like it if she said Earl Warren, but then caught herself when she realized that (rightly or wrongly) he was the poster boy for judicial activism. It would be odd to refer to Chief Justice Burger simply as "Warren." So perhaps the question was too difficult for her to answer without stumbling (of course, we all stumble in answering questions some time).
Living Well is the Best Revenge
Mohamed ElBaradei, the man who called bullshit on the Bush Adminitration's WMD line has won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Mr. ElBaradei, 63, has championed the peaceful use of nuclear energy while emphasizing quiet diplomacy in trying to dissuade countries from using the technology to develop weapons. He has been at the center of non-proliferation crises involving all three states that President Bush once labeled the axis of evil, Iraq under Saddam Hussein, Iran and North Korea.
He faced intense pressure from Washington in the days before the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, demanding more time for weapons inspectors to search the country for weapons of mass destruction. Those weapons were never found.
Good.
Mr. ElBaradei, 63, has championed the peaceful use of nuclear energy while emphasizing quiet diplomacy in trying to dissuade countries from using the technology to develop weapons. He has been at the center of non-proliferation crises involving all three states that President Bush once labeled the axis of evil, Iraq under Saddam Hussein, Iran and North Korea.
He faced intense pressure from Washington in the days before the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, demanding more time for weapons inspectors to search the country for weapons of mass destruction. Those weapons were never found.
Good.
All is Calm, Keep Doing What You're Doing...
I had a unique experience at the Paris casino the other day. During a break at the Reuter's conference, I hit the tables for about a half an hour. I was doing well but also checking my watch to see when I had to be back into the next session. While I was at the table, something seemed off and gradually I became aware that the fire alarm was going off.
Now, in normal circumstances it's almost impossible to ignore a fire alarm. When I was at CertCo, the building had an alarm so loud and annoying, it cut through your thoughts like a serrated knife. It was impossible to ignore it for more than a few minutes before fleeing the building or going insane. A casino floor is a little different and already has a lot of flashing lights and noise, so it took a while for people to figure this out. It was also, I think, the least intrusive alarm I've ever heard. Quiet, almost like background music or your conscience ("You should probably flee for life... something is wrong... the building is on..hey! Don't split 7's against a 8, are you nuts?? oh, flee the building... idiot..."..). A few minutes later, as people began to notice the well-synchronized strobes, a recorded voice came over the loudspeaker, again just above the din of slot machines, gamblers and prostitutes. It said:
"The Fire Alarm has gone off. The situation is under control. We will advise you if you have to leave the building. The situation is under control. DO not panic. Do not flee the building."
It all but said, "what ever happens, don't stop gambling"
and no one did.
Now, in normal circumstances it's almost impossible to ignore a fire alarm. When I was at CertCo, the building had an alarm so loud and annoying, it cut through your thoughts like a serrated knife. It was impossible to ignore it for more than a few minutes before fleeing the building or going insane. A casino floor is a little different and already has a lot of flashing lights and noise, so it took a while for people to figure this out. It was also, I think, the least intrusive alarm I've ever heard. Quiet, almost like background music or your conscience ("You should probably flee for life... something is wrong... the building is on..hey! Don't split 7's against a 8, are you nuts?? oh, flee the building... idiot..."..). A few minutes later, as people began to notice the well-synchronized strobes, a recorded voice came over the loudspeaker, again just above the din of slot machines, gamblers and prostitutes. It said:
"The Fire Alarm has gone off. The situation is under control. We will advise you if you have to leave the building. The situation is under control. DO not panic. Do not flee the building."
It all but said, "what ever happens, don't stop gambling"
and no one did.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Back from Vegas
I'm heading to bed after being up for 72 hours at the Reuter's Development conference in Vegas. I was one of the keynote speakers, talking mostly about WCF, Vista and Enterprise Service Bus architecture (I'm the architect for the ESB servicing the SWIFT payments network).
Tired, cranky and full of interesting storys I'll add tomorrow.
I also managed to produce a draft of some new art this afternoon when I was supposed to be napping. The working title is Grass. Constructive comments welcome.
Lots of updates tomorrow, I swear, including a story about what happens when a fire starts in a casino when you're on the floor at the blackjack table 150% ahead.
Tired, cranky and full of interesting storys I'll add tomorrow.
I also managed to produce a draft of some new art this afternoon when I was supposed to be napping. The working title is Grass. Constructive comments welcome.
Lots of updates tomorrow, I swear, including a story about what happens when a fire starts in a casino when you're on the floor at the blackjack table 150% ahead.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Meltdown
Maybe because I don't read redStates that often (or little green footballs or instapundit or most of the Right feel-good space. I do read National Review and Weekly Standard sicne the writing and insight are a little better) I don't have a feel for how they normally go. Reading it this morning, I detect a familair tone, although it's one I haven't heard in a long while.
They sound very much like the Dems did on a cold Novemeber evening in 1994 when they began to realize that 40 years of corrupt hegemony was ... over? Naw.... it couldn't be. Things would be okay in '96. This is normal and we'll fix it in 2 years. etc. etc.
Don't get me wrong, 12 years later the Dems are still wandering lost in the desert, and the GOP pulled a magnificent plan together in '94 which isn't the case here.
Still, the tone is the same.
I'm wondering if "the base" has cracked, or at least if the evangeligicals are going to pout for a few elections. Or, if like many an abused spouse, they will cover their bruses, but on a smile and go back because "there isn't any where else to go".
They sound very much like the Dems did on a cold Novemeber evening in 1994 when they began to realize that 40 years of corrupt hegemony was ... over? Naw.... it couldn't be. Things would be okay in '96. This is normal and we'll fix it in 2 years. etc. etc.
Don't get me wrong, 12 years later the Dems are still wandering lost in the desert, and the GOP pulled a magnificent plan together in '94 which isn't the case here.
Still, the tone is the same.
I'm wondering if "the base" has cracked, or at least if the evangeligicals are going to pout for a few elections. Or, if like many an abused spouse, they will cover their bruses, but on a smile and go back because "there isn't any where else to go".
Monday, October 03, 2005
The Soul of Reason
Here's a great quote:
Fact is, we need a new Supreme Court justice, and Bush, as president gets to nominate. The Senate, run by Republicans, gets to confirm. That's a perk of winning elections, and [Dems could ] filibuster, but really, it was in Bush's interest, just like Clinton's, to find a safe candidate. Reid offered up Miers, Bush agreed.
Oh, so genteel! And who is this Socrates? This Thalia inspired sage?
You've probably already guessed.
Fact is, we need a new Supreme Court justice, and Bush, as president gets to nominate. The Senate, run by Republicans, gets to confirm. That's a perk of winning elections, and [Dems could ] filibuster, but really, it was in Bush's interest, just like Clinton's, to find a safe candidate. Reid offered up Miers, Bush agreed.
Oh, so genteel! And who is this Socrates? This Thalia inspired sage?
You've probably already guessed.
My Prediction on Harriet
I just spent a bit of time reading through the conservative blogosphere on Harriet. My Prediction:
1) The Beleivers will believe. If they still beleive that there were WMDs, they will believe Harriet is a "stealth pick", and sing themselves to sleep at night with it.
2) The Loose Teeth will fall out. Many will see this for what it is; Bush rewarding a loyal follower. But the fact that he's doing it with a SC Nomination is just too much. They will recognize that W often makes choices from the gut and, while sometimes admirable and even sometimes correct, it's not a good, long term method for governing. They will start to walk away from the GOP, endangering the '06 elections. There will be a scramble but not to worry, the Dems will snatch defeat from the jaws of victory once again and the balance of power will not shift much.
3) The Dems will have some fun with this. Why not? They've been sucking the wrong end of the septic hose for 8 years now, they deserve a little fun.
4) Baring major revelations (drug use, cancer, presbiterianism) Harriet will get to sit in the chair for awhile.
5) Surprise, bonus prediction: Harriet will serve less than 5 years. Maybe less than 3.
1) The Beleivers will believe. If they still beleive that there were WMDs, they will believe Harriet is a "stealth pick", and sing themselves to sleep at night with it.
2) The Loose Teeth will fall out. Many will see this for what it is; Bush rewarding a loyal follower. But the fact that he's doing it with a SC Nomination is just too much. They will recognize that W often makes choices from the gut and, while sometimes admirable and even sometimes correct, it's not a good, long term method for governing. They will start to walk away from the GOP, endangering the '06 elections. There will be a scramble but not to worry, the Dems will snatch defeat from the jaws of victory once again and the balance of power will not shift much.
3) The Dems will have some fun with this. Why not? They've been sucking the wrong end of the septic hose for 8 years now, they deserve a little fun.
4) Baring major revelations (drug use, cancer, presbiterianism) Harriet will get to sit in the chair for awhile.
5) Surprise, bonus prediction: Harriet will serve less than 5 years. Maybe less than 3.
A Short, Sharp Shock to the System
An interesting comment over at Red States. I got fed up over there a while back, but thought I'd dip back in today. The context is, of course, Harriet, and the idea that dems and GOPers will come together to oppose her.
You are hoping for a coalition to ensure that qualified folks are put in important positions instead of political cronies?
Where have you been? The viscious polarization that has occurred since 00 in this country has been, IMHO, deliberately engineered to insure that such coalitions can not form as check on the power of a runaway government. They've got us too busy hating each other and being sure that nothing that the other side says or does is ever worthy of support, to even question what they are doing. And anyone who has tried to sound the warning bell or imply that the Emperor has no clothes is branded a RINO or a DINO or a traitor depending on which side you are on. Politics is now more about deriding the other side, and defending your own guy no matter what, than putting forth sound policy arguments or actually governing.
You are hoping for a coalition to ensure that qualified folks are put in important positions instead of political cronies?
Where have you been? The viscious polarization that has occurred since 00 in this country has been, IMHO, deliberately engineered to insure that such coalitions can not form as check on the power of a runaway government. They've got us too busy hating each other and being sure that nothing that the other side says or does is ever worthy of support, to even question what they are doing. And anyone who has tried to sound the warning bell or imply that the Emperor has no clothes is branded a RINO or a DINO or a traitor depending on which side you are on. Politics is now more about deriding the other side, and defending your own guy no matter what, than putting forth sound policy arguments or actually governing.
Harriet Miers
Send by me to Andrew Sullivan today:
She's an unmarried woman of a certain age, who was a staff secretary and got promoted to chief of staff.
Bush nominated Miss Jane for the Supreme Court????
She's an unmarried woman of a certain age, who was a staff secretary and got promoted to chief of staff.
Bush nominated Miss Jane for the Supreme Court????
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Best Onion One-Shot
I was flipping through a book of collected Onion pages and came across this one-shot in the corner:
Like Big Boxes of Shit in Your House?
Get a Cat!
Like Big Boxes of Shit in Your House?
Get a Cat!
Drive-by Memeing
I've been Meme-ed. Travis has sent along his music meme, and I've decided to both answer and pass it along to one or two others.
1. How much music do I have?
I dumped every CD I own into the server at home and rip a copy of every CD I buy. So far I have 4220 songs in the Jukebox for a total of 12.4Gig. Assume 8 songs/CD and that's ~528 CDs. Given that I am largely non-musical, I figure that's a lot.
2. What was the last CD I bought?
I bought a set of songs and guitar solos by Tupahn, an itinerant troubadour I've heard in a few places.
3. What am I listening to right now?
PNN radio webcast. They're having a "70's Flashback". I'm generally listening to something I pick up on live365 where I bought a VIP membership a few years back.
4. Name five songs that mean a lot to me.
This is a tough call for me. I hear little snippets of music all the time, over and over, so almost any piece of music can help me recall just about any life-event. Narrowing it down to 5 is very tough, but here are my choices
The South Side of the Sky - Yes. I don't know why, I just love this song. It does a great job of putting the right visuals in my head when I hear it and I can really imagine myself lost in the mountains, freezing to death. I have been known to replay this song for hours.
Papa was a Rolling Stone - Tempations. I grew up in Detroit so the surprise is not that this is here, the surprise is that all my choices aren't Motown songs. I heard this song a lot and it took me a while to understand what it was really about, and when I did, I realized it was trying to tell me something.
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. When I was working on my fractal turbulence paper in grad school, I would sit up in my room and listen to Mozart over and over to make the task more bearable. Now whenever I hear it, I remember those times vastly more fondly than they actually were.
Bad, Bad Leory Brown - Jim Croce. Okay, more motown. I just remember this as a hell of a lot of fun.
The Letter- The Box Tops. This is the first song I really remember, start to finish. The whole musical score is a part of my cognative development in a weird synaesthesic way. The song for me has a physical shape, a set of colors and other weird properties unlike any other music. And I re-expereince it everytime I hear it, but not as strongly as when I was a kid (I can actually feel the shape of it as I write this, it's indescribable). I must have got it in my head at some critical brain development phase becuase it's lodged in there deeply.
Bonus Song
It's Raining Men - The Weathergirls. I hate this song. It makes me physically ill to hear it. It's the most overplayed, over-hyped, stereotypical bucket of diarrheatic haggis imaginable. Which makes it meaningful, just not in the good way.
I'm now passing this meme onto Geoff, my son.
1. How much music do I have?
I dumped every CD I own into the server at home and rip a copy of every CD I buy. So far I have 4220 songs in the Jukebox for a total of 12.4Gig. Assume 8 songs/CD and that's ~528 CDs. Given that I am largely non-musical, I figure that's a lot.
2. What was the last CD I bought?
I bought a set of songs and guitar solos by Tupahn, an itinerant troubadour I've heard in a few places.
3. What am I listening to right now?
PNN radio webcast. They're having a "70's Flashback". I'm generally listening to something I pick up on live365 where I bought a VIP membership a few years back.
4. Name five songs that mean a lot to me.
This is a tough call for me. I hear little snippets of music all the time, over and over, so almost any piece of music can help me recall just about any life-event. Narrowing it down to 5 is very tough, but here are my choices
The South Side of the Sky - Yes. I don't know why, I just love this song. It does a great job of putting the right visuals in my head when I hear it and I can really imagine myself lost in the mountains, freezing to death. I have been known to replay this song for hours.
Papa was a Rolling Stone - Tempations. I grew up in Detroit so the surprise is not that this is here, the surprise is that all my choices aren't Motown songs. I heard this song a lot and it took me a while to understand what it was really about, and when I did, I realized it was trying to tell me something.
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. When I was working on my fractal turbulence paper in grad school, I would sit up in my room and listen to Mozart over and over to make the task more bearable. Now whenever I hear it, I remember those times vastly more fondly than they actually were.
Bad, Bad Leory Brown - Jim Croce. Okay, more motown. I just remember this as a hell of a lot of fun.
The Letter- The Box Tops. This is the first song I really remember, start to finish. The whole musical score is a part of my cognative development in a weird synaesthesic way. The song for me has a physical shape, a set of colors and other weird properties unlike any other music. And I re-expereince it everytime I hear it, but not as strongly as when I was a kid (I can actually feel the shape of it as I write this, it's indescribable). I must have got it in my head at some critical brain development phase becuase it's lodged in there deeply.
Bonus Song
It's Raining Men - The Weathergirls. I hate this song. It makes me physically ill to hear it. It's the most overplayed, over-hyped, stereotypical bucket of diarrheatic haggis imaginable. Which makes it meaningful, just not in the good way.
I'm now passing this meme onto Geoff, my son.
All the Charm of Michael Moore, Less Estrogen
I thought the graphic here was very amusing (click on the picture).
Saturday, October 01, 2005
The Essense of the Problem
I'm probably one of the few remaining people in the country that doesn't think G.W. Bush is stupid. Truely I don't think that. He might have a lot of faults, but you don't get to be where he is if you're a total fool. That's one of the reasons I don't let him off with the "He's too stupid to know better" line, but also why I watch what he does.
The problem I have with him was highlighed today in this article on Yahoo News. I don't think he's stupid, but he sure seems to think I am.
"I'm encouraged by the increasing size and capability of the Iraqi security forces. Today they have more than 100 battalions operating throughout the country, and our commanders report that the Iraqi forces are serving with increasing effectiveness," Bush said in his weekly radio address.
Okay, fine. But...
One of the few measures the Pentagon has offered the public to judge the capabilities of Iraqi security forces has been the number of battalions that can go into combat with insurgents without the help of the U.S. military.
During congressional testimony on Thursday, Gen. George Casey, top U.S. commander in Iraq, and Gen. John Abizaid, top U.S. commander in the Middle East, said the number of such battalions had dropped since July to one from three, out of the roughly 100 Iraqi battalions.
Knowing we have dropped from 3 to 1, the President says we have 100.
Sigh.
The problem I have with him was highlighed today in this article on Yahoo News. I don't think he's stupid, but he sure seems to think I am.
"I'm encouraged by the increasing size and capability of the Iraqi security forces. Today they have more than 100 battalions operating throughout the country, and our commanders report that the Iraqi forces are serving with increasing effectiveness," Bush said in his weekly radio address.
Okay, fine. But...
One of the few measures the Pentagon has offered the public to judge the capabilities of Iraqi security forces has been the number of battalions that can go into combat with insurgents without the help of the U.S. military.
During congressional testimony on Thursday, Gen. George Casey, top U.S. commander in Iraq, and Gen. John Abizaid, top U.S. commander in the Middle East, said the number of such battalions had dropped since July to one from three, out of the roughly 100 Iraqi battalions.
Knowing we have dropped from 3 to 1, the President says we have 100.
Sigh.
Space Tourist
This is cool.
Abstractly, I'm glad that capitalism is catching up with space. The price tag is very high though, and so I will never fly. I can't see a scenario where I'm going to have $20M in disposable cash.
I expect the pricetag on the life extention technology will be even higher when it arrives in 2119 (even adjusting for inflation).
Abstractly, I'm glad that capitalism is catching up with space. The price tag is very high though, and so I will never fly. I can't see a scenario where I'm going to have $20M in disposable cash.
I expect the pricetag on the life extention technology will be even higher when it arrives in 2119 (even adjusting for inflation).
RIght and Wrong
Outstanding piece by AS here on the use of torture issue and one officer who is doing the right thing.
There isn't much for me to add, although one snippit I will quote:
When did Al Qaeda become any type of standard by which we measure the morality of the United States? We are America, and our actions should be held to a higher standard, the ideals expressed in documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
There isn't much for me to add, although one snippit I will quote:
When did Al Qaeda become any type of standard by which we measure the morality of the United States? We are America, and our actions should be held to a higher standard, the ideals expressed in documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Fight Terror, Fuck Children
the Associated Press reported last week that "President Bush decided Wednesday to waive any financial sanctions on Saudi Arabia, Washington's closest Arab ally in the war on terrorism, for failing to do enough to stop the modern-day slave trade in prostitutes, child sex workers and forced laborers."
The Either/Or Fallacy. Help us, we'll look the other way, rather than, help us and knock that shit off.
Left, Right or Center, I have no tolerance for this shit.
The Either/Or Fallacy. Help us, we'll look the other way, rather than, help us and knock that shit off.
Left, Right or Center, I have no tolerance for this shit.
The Intellectual Integrity of the Right
When you can't win on the power of your ideas... well... cheat! It's what Jesus would do.
Isn't it?
Lara Szent-Gyorgyi said she was returning items Saturday at Wal-Mart in Natick when she noticed someone outside the store gathering names for a separate ballot initiative, one that would allow the sale of wine in supermarkets. Szent-Gyorgyi said she had signed, and had then been asked to sign a few other petitions, but she said she had not been told what they were for. One was the gay-marriage petition.
''It was very misleading," said Szent-Gyorgyi, of Brookline, who contacted The Boston Globe.
Risa Sacks said she experienced something similar at a Price Chopper supermarket in Worcester on Wednesday.
She said that when she signed the wine initiative, a woman who was collecting names told her that she needed to sign somewhere else, too. Only when she pressed, Sacks said, was she told that the second signature was for the gay-marriage question.
''I was so upset about the whole thing," said Sacks, a freelance researcher who lives in Worcester. ''It was completely egregious. It was completely misleading. It was completely incorrect."
I am, of course, making that error where I ascribe the actions of a few to the political philosophy of millions, which is just plain stupid.
But fun, in an intellectually lazy way.
Update: Andrew Sullivan also has something about the this and links to another article.
Well, I signed the Petition to allow alcohol to be sold and asked Mr. Johnson if my name would be made public and was told emphatically, "No, these signatures go directly to the Secretary of State." Interesting... I was then asked if I wanted to sign "the traditional marriage petition." When I said no, He told me that he was being paid $1 a signature and that it would really help him if I could sign!
I thought the point of the bible was that the end didn't justify the means.
Maybe that's why I'm an atheist.
Isn't it?
Lara Szent-Gyorgyi said she was returning items Saturday at Wal-Mart in Natick when she noticed someone outside the store gathering names for a separate ballot initiative, one that would allow the sale of wine in supermarkets. Szent-Gyorgyi said she had signed, and had then been asked to sign a few other petitions, but she said she had not been told what they were for. One was the gay-marriage petition.
''It was very misleading," said Szent-Gyorgyi, of Brookline, who contacted The Boston Globe.
Risa Sacks said she experienced something similar at a Price Chopper supermarket in Worcester on Wednesday.
She said that when she signed the wine initiative, a woman who was collecting names told her that she needed to sign somewhere else, too. Only when she pressed, Sacks said, was she told that the second signature was for the gay-marriage question.
''I was so upset about the whole thing," said Sacks, a freelance researcher who lives in Worcester. ''It was completely egregious. It was completely misleading. It was completely incorrect."
I am, of course, making that error where I ascribe the actions of a few to the political philosophy of millions, which is just plain stupid.
But fun, in an intellectually lazy way.
Update: Andrew Sullivan also has something about the this and links to another article.
Well, I signed the Petition to allow alcohol to be sold and asked Mr. Johnson if my name would be made public and was told emphatically, "No, these signatures go directly to the Secretary of State." Interesting... I was then asked if I wanted to sign "the traditional marriage petition." When I said no, He told me that he was being paid $1 a signature and that it would really help him if I could sign!
I thought the point of the bible was that the end didn't justify the means.
Maybe that's why I'm an atheist.
Projection
When you don't know, or can't deal with, someone else's motivations, people tend to project their own. Thus, I got a chuckle from this remark:
Being called vindictive and partisan by Tom DeLay is like being called ugly by a frog. -- Ronnie Earle
Being called vindictive and partisan by Tom DeLay is like being called ugly by a frog. -- Ronnie Earle
Book Review: Freakonomics
by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner
This was a quick read (about 3 hours on the plane on the way back from Redmond) and, in a word I thought it was: good.
Very little (but some) reasoning by analogy and none of the Correlation/Causation Fallacy I couldn't stomach in the Armchair Economist. There are a few ego, puff pieces in between the pages but in general it's well reasoned, well written and thought provoking. I didn't care much for the article on names but the abortion-crime paper is bound to offend anyone with a pulse.
Although it didn't change my view that economics is in it's early phases as a science, it did a lot to show how statistics can be properly used in building an economic case for things like abolishing gun control laws, or how teachers cheat on standardized testing.
I would recommend this book.
This was a quick read (about 3 hours on the plane on the way back from Redmond) and, in a word I thought it was: good.
Very little (but some) reasoning by analogy and none of the Correlation/Causation Fallacy I couldn't stomach in the Armchair Economist. There are a few ego, puff pieces in between the pages but in general it's well reasoned, well written and thought provoking. I didn't care much for the article on names but the abortion-crime paper is bound to offend anyone with a pulse.
Although it didn't change my view that economics is in it's early phases as a science, it did a lot to show how statistics can be properly used in building an economic case for things like abolishing gun control laws, or how teachers cheat on standardized testing.
I would recommend this book.
Moving to Redmond 17 October
The date is set. They're getting my car on the 13th and then it's into corporate housing.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Also from Media Training 101
Never do this:
"This case is about free inquiry and education, not about a religious agenda," Patrick Gillen, a lawyer for the board said in his opening statement.
I realize this is a lawyer in an opening statement and not, explicitly, a media statement, but I think the rule applies. When in view of the media, it's important to avoid the use of the word "not". It gives airtime us the concept you're trying to kill with only a 3 letter word to negate the whole thing. Best example ever:
Nixon: "I am not a crook"
Public: "Hey! Nixon's a crook!"
On the ID debate, my position is simple. The ID folks are simply disingenuous. They only want "debate" on a few issues which promote their agenda and are not really part of science. ID is a great topic for the forensics club or a religion class or even a philosophy class (do they even have these any more?). Just not science.
e.g.
Mr. Rothschild said that the board's own documents would show that the board members had initially discussed teaching "creationism" - one former member said he wanted the class time evenly split between creationism and evolution - and that they substituted the words "intelligent design" only when they were made aware by lawyers of the constitutional problems involved.
"This case is about free inquiry and education, not about a religious agenda," Patrick Gillen, a lawyer for the board said in his opening statement.
I realize this is a lawyer in an opening statement and not, explicitly, a media statement, but I think the rule applies. When in view of the media, it's important to avoid the use of the word "not". It gives airtime us the concept you're trying to kill with only a 3 letter word to negate the whole thing. Best example ever:
Nixon: "I am not a crook"
Public: "Hey! Nixon's a crook!"
On the ID debate, my position is simple. The ID folks are simply disingenuous. They only want "debate" on a few issues which promote their agenda and are not really part of science. ID is a great topic for the forensics club or a religion class or even a philosophy class (do they even have these any more?). Just not science.
e.g.
Mr. Rothschild said that the board's own documents would show that the board members had initially discussed teaching "creationism" - one former member said he wanted the class time evenly split between creationism and evolution - and that they substituted the words "intelligent design" only when they were made aware by lawyers of the constitutional problems involved.
Innovation Offiste
I'm at the Semiahmoo Resort in Northern Washington State, so close to Canada I can smell it. (It's right there). We've been here for 3 days now, sitting in lectures, labs and exercises in the process of innovation. To my surprise, I've learned shitloads. I was expecting the usual powerpoint comas, dull analysts etc. but it's been very good. This has all been work to get us in shape for Ballmer today and I'm certainly better educated and more thoughful than I was when I walked in.
Interesting bits so far:
1) Innovation can be mapped as a process and learned by almost anyone. Surprising, as I've always viewed it as a dark art and essentially un-teachable.
2) Much of the mathematical formalism I've been working through in the last few months have paid off in spades. Every piece has clicked into place in an amazing way. I was in a lecture yesterday on business and market analysis and I was consistently 3 slides ahead of the presenter based on Gaussian analytics and market analysis. Why is Best-Buy profitable? They got rid of tail-end Gaussian customers that cost them far more than they earned off others. (The math told me this was happening and sure enough, the lecturer told us a few slides what was going on behaviorally with customers).
3) I may have been wrong about some of my pessimism on technology. I have to reluctantly bump up the probabilities of a number of events I thought would take decades. This is good in some ways and bad in others, but it was certainly a surprise.
4) I need to learn to get on the lecture circuit. These folks are making $50,000/hour for these talks. Yes, read that again.
Damn! I gotta get me a slice of that fat money cake.
Very little time for blogging or anything else. I get up at 4:30, work until 7am, meet the group, work with them until 9:00pm, then go catch-up on email and go back to bed.
Still, it's been educational and worth the time.
Interesting bits so far:
1) Innovation can be mapped as a process and learned by almost anyone. Surprising, as I've always viewed it as a dark art and essentially un-teachable.
2) Much of the mathematical formalism I've been working through in the last few months have paid off in spades. Every piece has clicked into place in an amazing way. I was in a lecture yesterday on business and market analysis and I was consistently 3 slides ahead of the presenter based on Gaussian analytics and market analysis. Why is Best-Buy profitable? They got rid of tail-end Gaussian customers that cost them far more than they earned off others. (The math told me this was happening and sure enough, the lecturer told us a few slides what was going on behaviorally with customers).
3) I may have been wrong about some of my pessimism on technology. I have to reluctantly bump up the probabilities of a number of events I thought would take decades. This is good in some ways and bad in others, but it was certainly a surprise.
4) I need to learn to get on the lecture circuit. These folks are making $50,000/hour for these talks. Yes, read that again.
Damn! I gotta get me a slice of that fat money cake.
Very little time for blogging or anything else. I get up at 4:30, work until 7am, meet the group, work with them until 9:00pm, then go catch-up on email and go back to bed.
Still, it's been educational and worth the time.
If He Wears a Sweater and Tells Us to Lower the Thermostat...
The President is telling us to conserve gas.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of conserving resouces, lowering pollution etc.
It just strikes me as ironic that the Right's favorite son is now emulating one of their oldest mockingpoints, democratic strawmen Jimmy Carter.
We're a long way from gas lines, but if they were to form... well... that too would have some interesting karmic consequences.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of conserving resouces, lowering pollution etc.
It just strikes me as ironic that the Right's favorite son is now emulating one of their oldest mockingpoints, democratic strawmen Jimmy Carter.
We're a long way from gas lines, but if they were to form... well... that too would have some interesting karmic consequences.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
HPPD
Interesting article on HPPD in wiki.
The scientist in me thinks HPPD is due to a specific flaw in the edge-detection algorithm in the human visual system. Current models of human vision are strongly informed by results in computer science and the use of neural nets for perception. The human brain is an analog computer, but neural nets do a decent job of modeling how that analog processing works. There is a pretty good article on the 6-layer system, and how it relates to the HPPD hypothesis here.
The unrepentant survivor of a misspent youth is merely glad the yellow hexagons have toned themselves down with age and Klonzapem.
The scientist in me thinks HPPD is due to a specific flaw in the edge-detection algorithm in the human visual system. Current models of human vision are strongly informed by results in computer science and the use of neural nets for perception. The human brain is an analog computer, but neural nets do a decent job of modeling how that analog processing works. There is a pretty good article on the 6-layer system, and how it relates to the HPPD hypothesis here.
The unrepentant survivor of a misspent youth is merely glad the yellow hexagons have toned themselves down with age and Klonzapem.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Can This Fruit Be Saved?
No! Not Ricky Martin.
The Banana!
The banana as we know it is on a crash course toward extinction. For scientists, the battle to resuscitate the world’s favorite fruit has begun—a race against time that just may be too late to win.
...
The Cavendish—as the slogan of Chiquita, the globe’s largest banana producer, declares—is “quite possibly the world’s perfect food.” Bananas are nutritious and convenient; they’re cheap and consistently available. Americans eat more bananas than any other kind of fresh fruit, averaging about 26.2 pounds of them per year, per person (apples are a distant second, at 16.7 pounds). It also turns out that the 100 billion Cavendish bananas consumed annually worldwide are perfect from a genetic standpoint, every single one a duplicate of every other. It doesn’t matter if it comes from Honduras or Thailand, Jamaica or the Canary Islands—each Cavendish is an identical twin to one first found in Southeast Asia, brought to a Caribbean botanic garden in the early part of the 20th century, and put into commercial production about 50 years ago.
That sameness is the banana’s paradox. After 15,000 years of human cultivation, the banana is too perfect, lacking the genetic diversity that is key to species health. What can ail one banana can ail all. A fungus or bacterial disease that infects one plantation could march around the globe and destroy millions of bunches, leaving supermarket shelves empty.
Hat tip to Lee
The Banana!
The banana as we know it is on a crash course toward extinction. For scientists, the battle to resuscitate the world’s favorite fruit has begun—a race against time that just may be too late to win.
...
The Cavendish—as the slogan of Chiquita, the globe’s largest banana producer, declares—is “quite possibly the world’s perfect food.” Bananas are nutritious and convenient; they’re cheap and consistently available. Americans eat more bananas than any other kind of fresh fruit, averaging about 26.2 pounds of them per year, per person (apples are a distant second, at 16.7 pounds). It also turns out that the 100 billion Cavendish bananas consumed annually worldwide are perfect from a genetic standpoint, every single one a duplicate of every other. It doesn’t matter if it comes from Honduras or Thailand, Jamaica or the Canary Islands—each Cavendish is an identical twin to one first found in Southeast Asia, brought to a Caribbean botanic garden in the early part of the 20th century, and put into commercial production about 50 years ago.
That sameness is the banana’s paradox. After 15,000 years of human cultivation, the banana is too perfect, lacking the genetic diversity that is key to species health. What can ail one banana can ail all. A fungus or bacterial disease that infects one plantation could march around the globe and destroy millions of bunches, leaving supermarket shelves empty.
Hat tip to Lee
(dis) Inginuity!
From the TPM. This is a ballsy thing to try to pull off. Make a typo, let people know it's a typo then (wink wink) not fix it.
Oh those Republicans, gosh they sure are clever.
I knew the House Republicans couldn't be trusted managing the federal budget. But I had no idea it was this bad.
To great fanfare a group of House Republicans has announced what they call Operation Offset, an effort to make up for new Katrina spending and save the president's tax cuts by proposing a whole slew of new cuts in the federal budget. As we noted below, a huge amount of the cuts come out of Medicare. And there's also a very timely cut in CDC funding.
But if you go to page 17 of the 'Operation Offset' budget plan they're circulating, you'll see they propose to "eliminate attache positions in the Foreign Agricultural Service." And by this they claim they'll get more than $37 billion of savings just next year. $347 billion over ten years.
Who knew attaches made such high salaries!
If you look down into the explanation section, it notes that the savings are in millions, not billions, on this and the item below on cuts at the Department of Education. Yet, they push this transcription error through the whole document. So about half a trillion dollars worth of savings they claim doesn't even exist.
(ed.note: Special thanks to sharp-eyed TPM Reader TW.)
Oh those Republicans, gosh they sure are clever.
I knew the House Republicans couldn't be trusted managing the federal budget. But I had no idea it was this bad.
To great fanfare a group of House Republicans has announced what they call Operation Offset, an effort to make up for new Katrina spending and save the president's tax cuts by proposing a whole slew of new cuts in the federal budget. As we noted below, a huge amount of the cuts come out of Medicare. And there's also a very timely cut in CDC funding.
But if you go to page 17 of the 'Operation Offset' budget plan they're circulating, you'll see they propose to "eliminate attache positions in the Foreign Agricultural Service." And by this they claim they'll get more than $37 billion of savings just next year. $347 billion over ten years.
Who knew attaches made such high salaries!
If you look down into the explanation section, it notes that the savings are in millions, not billions, on this and the item below on cuts at the Department of Education. Yet, they push this transcription error through the whole document. So about half a trillion dollars worth of savings they claim doesn't even exist.
(ed.note: Special thanks to sharp-eyed TPM Reader TW.)
The Wig is Free, but the Nylons and Lipstick Will Cost A Little Extra
A cynical and ungenerous interpretation of this would be, the White House is still trying to juice the pitch.
From Wonkette:
MIA: Bianca
President Bush reads from the script:
THE PRESIDENT: Bianca. Nobody named Bianca? Well, sorry Bianca's not here. I'll be glad to answer her question.
Q I'll follow up.
THE PRESIDENT: No, that's fine. (Laughter.) Thank you though, appreciate it. Just trying to spread around the joy of asking a question.
[snip]
Q Mr. President, could we talk more about --
THE PRESIDENT: Are you Bianca?
Q No, I'm not. Anita -- Fox News.
THE PRESIDENT: Okay.
Q Just a quick question --
THE PRESIDENT: Okay. I was looking for Bianca.
I'm sorry.She sounds like a ringer... anyone know what Jeff Gannon looks like in a wig?
President Discusses War on Terror and Hurricane Preparation [Whitehouse.gov]
READ MORE: ""george , White House , bianca , bush" , press conferences , w.
From Wonkette:
MIA: Bianca
President Bush reads from the script:
THE PRESIDENT: Bianca. Nobody named Bianca? Well, sorry Bianca's not here. I'll be glad to answer her question.
Q I'll follow up.
THE PRESIDENT: No, that's fine. (Laughter.) Thank you though, appreciate it. Just trying to spread around the joy of asking a question.
[snip]
Q Mr. President, could we talk more about --
THE PRESIDENT: Are you Bianca?
Q No, I'm not. Anita -- Fox News.
THE PRESIDENT: Okay.
Q Just a quick question --
THE PRESIDENT: Okay. I was looking for Bianca.
I'm sorry.She sounds like a ringer... anyone know what Jeff Gannon looks like in a wig?
President Discusses War on Terror and Hurricane Preparation [Whitehouse.gov]
READ MORE: ""george , White House , bianca , bush" , press conferences , w.
Looking Backwards Update
Speaking of my project, here's a quick update:
I've had to re-write a lot of the first couple of years because events have overtaken them but I think it's back on track. I also re-wrote a bunch of events in 2010, same outcome, different rationale.
2010-2020 still needs a little work to establish the events in 2020-2024, but the outline is there.
I'm still looking for a good name for the American Catholic Chruch, suggestions welcome.
I worked out the physics of the Chinese cis-lunar station and it works fine. I'm going to do a design soon for the paper.
2020-2030 is still rough but taking shape.
2030-2040 now has some newsworthy events
2040-2090 is still light, although I think I see where to take it
2095-2155 is surprisingly solid. Since I know the ending, I've put a lot of work into it. I got to invent a new term, nanokinesis, and I have a character in the 22nd century around which I can build the story. I've settled on a name: Geronimo Collins
I spent a little time on the graphics and formatting, which is now better, but I still need to engage a professional. I'll probably be ready for that in October.
I've had to re-write a lot of the first couple of years because events have overtaken them but I think it's back on track. I also re-wrote a bunch of events in 2010, same outcome, different rationale.
2010-2020 still needs a little work to establish the events in 2020-2024, but the outline is there.
I'm still looking for a good name for the American Catholic Chruch, suggestions welcome.
I worked out the physics of the Chinese cis-lunar station and it works fine. I'm going to do a design soon for the paper.
2020-2030 is still rough but taking shape.
2030-2040 now has some newsworthy events
2040-2090 is still light, although I think I see where to take it
2095-2155 is surprisingly solid. Since I know the ending, I've put a lot of work into it. I got to invent a new term, nanokinesis, and I have a character in the 22nd century around which I can build the story. I've settled on a name: Geronimo Collins
I spent a little time on the graphics and formatting, which is now better, but I still need to engage a professional. I'll probably be ready for that in October.
Ann Coulter at 14m 30s of Her 15 Minutes
As 5th year Bush-fatigue sets in, many folks who have made their money sucking at his popularity, are unsure what to do. Ann has a unique approach, bash Bush!
Bush has already fulfilled all his campaign promises to liberals — and then some! He said he'd be a "compassionate conservative," which liberals interpreted to mean that he would bend to their will, enact massive spending programs, and be nice to liberals. When Bush won the election, that sealed the deal. It meant the Democrats won.
Democrats control Bush.
Just let the roll around in your brain for a moment. Her thesis is that liberal democrats control G.W. Bush.
Wow. If that's not the bottom of the conservative pundit barrell, I don't want to see what comes out next.
Speaking of Ann, I've been thinking about writing her into the Looking Backwards project, maybe in 2008 or so. She's the subject of a best selling on the NYTimes list: How to Fuck Ann Coulter in the Ass, (If You Must).
Bush has already fulfilled all his campaign promises to liberals — and then some! He said he'd be a "compassionate conservative," which liberals interpreted to mean that he would bend to their will, enact massive spending programs, and be nice to liberals. When Bush won the election, that sealed the deal. It meant the Democrats won.
Democrats control Bush.
Just let the roll around in your brain for a moment. Her thesis is that liberal democrats control G.W. Bush.
Wow. If that's not the bottom of the conservative pundit barrell, I don't want to see what comes out next.
Speaking of Ann, I've been thinking about writing her into the Looking Backwards project, maybe in 2008 or so. She's the subject of a best selling on the NYTimes list: How to Fuck Ann Coulter in the Ass, (If You Must).
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Geoff's Stock Picks or How I Stopped Worrying And Learned to Love the Markets
A real conversation:
Dad:So what should I buy?
Geo: Well, I think you guys are in a bidding war to buy AOL. Buy some of that...
Dad: [typing heard] Really? I didn't know that.
Geo: Oh Yeah, it's all over the place.
Dad:[typing heard] Really?
Geo:Yeah!
Dad:What else?
Geo:Google. You should buy some Google.
Dad: [typing heard] I'm not sure I'm allowed.
Geo:Well, it's going through the roof.
Dad: [typing heard] Okay.
Geo:Well, actually it's gone to 311 today
Geo:Shit. I could have bought it the other day at 303.
Geo:Actually, it's down from 318.
Dad:Oh, well, we're in for 15 now.
Geo: and it's... what???? what did you do??!!!???
Dad:We're in for 15. And 200 AOL.
Geo:WHAT!!!?????
Dad:You said to buy them, so I did.
Geo:Why?
Dad:You said to.
Geo: And you choose to listen to me NOW?!!??
Dad:Well, yeah.
Geo:Your making this up.
Dad: No, here's the order (send copy of order)
Geo:Dad! Are you crazy?
Dad: Possibly.
Geo: That's a lot of money.
Dad:Not really. And I'll give you half the profits.
Geo:Buy me an X-box 360
Dad:No.
Geo: You'll invest in the markets but not your son?
Dad: As soon as there is a professional Halo team, you've got my backing. Until then....
And so AOL/TWX and GOOG get added to the Horvath Money Bin.
Dad:So what should I buy?
Geo: Well, I think you guys are in a bidding war to buy AOL. Buy some of that...
Dad
Geo: Oh Yeah, it's all over the place.
Dad
Geo:Yeah!
Dad:What else?
Geo:Google. You should buy some Google.
Dad
Geo:Well, it's going through the roof.
Dad
Geo:Well, actually it's gone to 311 today
Geo:Shit. I could have bought it the other day at 303.
Geo:Actually, it's down from 318.
Dad:Oh, well, we're in for 15 now.
Geo: and it's... what???? what did you do??!!!???
Dad:We're in for 15. And 200 AOL.
Geo:WHAT!!!?????
Dad:You said to buy them, so I did.
Geo:Why?
Dad:You said to.
Geo: And you choose to listen to me NOW?!!??
Dad:Well, yeah.
Geo:Your making this up.
Dad: No, here's the order (send copy of order)
Geo:Dad! Are you crazy?
Dad: Possibly.
Geo: That's a lot of money.
Dad:Not really. And I'll give you half the profits.
Geo:Buy me an X-box 360
Dad:No.
Geo: You'll invest in the markets but not your son?
Dad: As soon as there is a professional Halo team, you've got my backing. Until then....
And so AOL/TWX and GOOG get added to the Horvath Money Bin.
Just Because it's Cool
I'm adding this picture, also from BAGnews, just because it's cool. When I dream(1) of the ocean, it looks a lot like this.
(1) "The quickest way to keep people from listening to you is to say 'Let me tell you about this dream I had...'." - Albert Musial
Monkey See, Monkey Do
Noted by the ever watchful BAGnews. This is John Roberts with Senator Leahy sitting right behind him. It's more than a little errie how she apes him, although I am guessing that whatever is being said is driving two similar but indepenent reactions as opposed to actual telepathy or remote psychic control from Karl Rove [I think his range is actually limited to line of sight unless he is present in either wolf, bat or gaseous forms].
The link is here, but be warned! There is a lot of "Leftist (1,2)" commentary.
1) Consistent with guidelines defined by Travis, Politbureau Chief of the Vast and Bountiful Free Cities Technoanarchy of TJICistan.
2) UL approved
The link is here, but be warned! There is a lot of "Leftist (1,2)" commentary.
1) Consistent with guidelines defined by Travis, Politbureau Chief of the Vast and Bountiful Free Cities Technoanarchy of TJICistan.
2) UL approved
The Half-Blood Prince
I was talking to Geoff about this today and he suggested I blog it.
Travis:
Since when did Satan have his own ice hockey team?
http://ruthlessreviews.com/top10/10blackmetal.html
Nick:
Dude, I've met him, and he does.
Mark:
I do not.
Nick:
PRINCE OF LIES!!!
Travis:
Since when did Satan have his own ice hockey team?
http://ruthlessreviews.com/top10/10blackmetal.html
Nick:
Dude, I've met him, and he does.
Mark:
I do not.
Nick:
PRINCE OF LIES!!!
Adding Anonymous Comments
I got a note today from one of the folks I talked to yesterday about climate change. He noted that he couldn't add a comment to my post without starting a blog of his own. I went in and flipped a switch in the settings that allows "anyone" to post. I didn't know that wasn't possible before today.
I'm reserving the right to turn this off if I get a lot of spam though.
Thanks Sam for pointing this out.
I'm reserving the right to turn this off if I get a lot of spam though.
Thanks Sam for pointing this out.
The Green Flash
I got this link from APOD on the phenomenon of the Green Flash. I've only ever seen it once, in Ptown at Sunset. Cape Cod is the only place on the East coast of the US where you can watch the sun set over water. Last fall during Labor Day, we took a sun set cruise and I got to see it. Simply amazing.
Photo credit: Andrew Young
No More JKF Catholics
Catching up on a few things, I got to read this article by Amy Sullivan on Romney, Mormonism and electability. One thing struck me as true and having some interesting consequences.
All of this leaves Romney in a real pickle. Thus far, he's tried to follow in the tradition of other Massachusetts politicians and "pull a John Kennedy," declaring personal faith irrelevant to his qualifications for office. This is a nonstarter. We live in a political era in which, thanks largely to Republicans, candidates are virtually required to talk openly about their religious views. There is no way a Republican, especially in a GOP primary, can avoid the issue—if for no other reason than the press won't let them.
It's nice to know the spirit of the First Amendment is alive and well on the Right.
Personally I would never vote for or against someone based solely on their religion and never have. They all seem equally foolish to me and a sign that the candidate is subject to the will and judgment of priests, clerics and other ghost chasers.
It does highlight the problem of the Big Tent GOP though. Sullivan says that 30% of the GOP is made up of evangelicals to whom Mormonism isn't even a branch of Christianity. Given Bush fatigue, and other factors at play (the usual corruption, incompetence and spendthriftiness of whatever party is in power), it seems like the Right might have a harder struggle in 2006 and 2008 than they've had the past decade or so. There may be a crop of moderate candidates on the way in the near future, and if the other 70% of the GOP doesn't pick up the pace, those moderates might not be majority Republican.
All of this leaves Romney in a real pickle. Thus far, he's tried to follow in the tradition of other Massachusetts politicians and "pull a John Kennedy," declaring personal faith irrelevant to his qualifications for office. This is a nonstarter. We live in a political era in which, thanks largely to Republicans, candidates are virtually required to talk openly about their religious views. There is no way a Republican, especially in a GOP primary, can avoid the issue—if for no other reason than the press won't let them.
It's nice to know the spirit of the First Amendment is alive and well on the Right.
Personally I would never vote for or against someone based solely on their religion and never have. They all seem equally foolish to me and a sign that the candidate is subject to the will and judgment of priests, clerics and other ghost chasers.
It does highlight the problem of the Big Tent GOP though. Sullivan says that 30% of the GOP is made up of evangelicals to whom Mormonism isn't even a branch of Christianity. Given Bush fatigue, and other factors at play (the usual corruption, incompetence and spendthriftiness of whatever party is in power), it seems like the Right might have a harder struggle in 2006 and 2008 than they've had the past decade or so. There may be a crop of moderate candidates on the way in the near future, and if the other 70% of the GOP doesn't pick up the pace, those moderates might not be majority Republican.
ThingsThat Begin with the Letter R
As everyone probably knows by now, it's very unusual (but still within the Gaussian) to get to named storms with the letter R in September.
I was talking to some folks in London yesterday and they asked if I thought it was climate change (or global warming, take your pick). I said I'm post a short piece with some references to explain what I was saying in the cab.
The terms climate change and global warming have become fungible in their common use although they do have different meanings. Global warming is a sub-set of the larger term climate change, and the outcome of global warming (what it causes) may be some other area of climate change (e.g. glaciers, "water world" etc.)
The current spate of hurricanes may or may not be a result of climate change (I know that's not real helpful). It turns out that the current models don't predict statistically more named storms, but do predict that that the storms occur will be stronger and more violent. Hurricanes are powered by the temperature of the surface water over which they travel. The warmer the water, the more evaporation, the stronger the storm (the contrapositive of this also appears to be true). If the ocean temperature is increasing due to surface warming, then storms will be stronger.
You won't get more storms because the forces that cause the storms are correlated with a lot of conditions besides ocean temps (wind patterns, weather in the Sahara, the jet stream and the deep ocean circulation pattern). Climate change may or may not cause more storms, it's not clear. The data so far though only suggest a high Gaussian season so far in the Atlantic, the Pacific and Indian areas seem to be closer to the norm, although there too the intensity is up.
Bill Gray does a good job of making the black art of hurricane prediction more approachable. Back in the day I met Dr. Gray at a AAS conference and have been a fan ever since. He's one of the folks that got me thinking about climate change in the first place.
A Note on Climate Change: The Earth's climate is very complex. The entire discipline of Chaos Theory was founded while trying to tease apart the complex, interacting systems of Earth's energy balance and turn it into a set of simple rules. It's not simple by any means and any conclusions based on simple cause and effect are more likely to be wrong than right and if, right, it's almost always by coincidence. It's roughly equivalent to taking digital computer operating systems and applying them to the analog human brain. Conceptually attractive, but denying the basic physics and certainly the wrong approach.
Real climate models predict strange things in response to surface temperature increases, in part based on the cause of those changes. It’s a complex set of interlocked differential equations, with sometimes odd answers. There are also a lot of factors invloved beyond just the surface temperature which could act as "force multipliers" to amplify some effects out of proportion. These amplified effects feed into other systems and the whole climate moves to a new state vector.
There seems to be two stable attractors in the equations; the current Warm Solution which humanity has mostly evolved in and the White Earth Solution. Neither are fully stable and it seems like the Earth lips back-and-forth between at least these two attractors (they may be more).
The point here is this: It’s a hard problem we don’t understand and, the Earth is not guarantee to be, at all times, habitable. At least not to humans. My advice (since I was asked yesterday), be suspicious of simple cause and effect explanations for or against climate change and, keep in mind the stakes are surprisingly high. In the end, there may be nothing at all we can do about it, except adapt.
Update: In the cab I mentioned some reference to the Martian Climate runaway. References here here and here
I was talking to some folks in London yesterday and they asked if I thought it was climate change (or global warming, take your pick). I said I'm post a short piece with some references to explain what I was saying in the cab.
The terms climate change and global warming have become fungible in their common use although they do have different meanings. Global warming is a sub-set of the larger term climate change, and the outcome of global warming (what it causes) may be some other area of climate change (e.g. glaciers, "water world" etc.)
The current spate of hurricanes may or may not be a result of climate change (I know that's not real helpful). It turns out that the current models don't predict statistically more named storms, but do predict that that the storms occur will be stronger and more violent. Hurricanes are powered by the temperature of the surface water over which they travel. The warmer the water, the more evaporation, the stronger the storm (the contrapositive of this also appears to be true). If the ocean temperature is increasing due to surface warming, then storms will be stronger.
You won't get more storms because the forces that cause the storms are correlated with a lot of conditions besides ocean temps (wind patterns, weather in the Sahara, the jet stream and the deep ocean circulation pattern). Climate change may or may not cause more storms, it's not clear. The data so far though only suggest a high Gaussian season so far in the Atlantic, the Pacific and Indian areas seem to be closer to the norm, although there too the intensity is up.
Bill Gray does a good job of making the black art of hurricane prediction more approachable. Back in the day I met Dr. Gray at a AAS conference and have been a fan ever since. He's one of the folks that got me thinking about climate change in the first place.
A Note on Climate Change: The Earth's climate is very complex. The entire discipline of Chaos Theory was founded while trying to tease apart the complex, interacting systems of Earth's energy balance and turn it into a set of simple rules. It's not simple by any means and any conclusions based on simple cause and effect are more likely to be wrong than right and if, right, it's almost always by coincidence. It's roughly equivalent to taking digital computer operating systems and applying them to the analog human brain. Conceptually attractive, but denying the basic physics and certainly the wrong approach.
Real climate models predict strange things in response to surface temperature increases, in part based on the cause of those changes. It’s a complex set of interlocked differential equations, with sometimes odd answers. There are also a lot of factors invloved beyond just the surface temperature which could act as "force multipliers" to amplify some effects out of proportion. These amplified effects feed into other systems and the whole climate moves to a new state vector.
There seems to be two stable attractors in the equations; the current Warm Solution which humanity has mostly evolved in and the White Earth Solution. Neither are fully stable and it seems like the Earth lips back-and-forth between at least these two attractors (they may be more).
The point here is this: It’s a hard problem we don’t understand and, the Earth is not guarantee to be, at all times, habitable. At least not to humans. My advice (since I was asked yesterday), be suspicious of simple cause and effect explanations for or against climate change and, keep in mind the stakes are surprisingly high. In the end, there may be nothing at all we can do about it, except adapt.
Update: In the cab I mentioned some reference to the Martian Climate runaway. References here here and here
A Very Unique Pet Peeve
I can't stand it when people use the phrase "very unique" when they really mean "very unusual". Unique means "one of a kind" and therefore cannot take a modifier like very.
I was just listening to NPR and a teacher, a teacher for Christ's sake, talked about her "very unique students" who had gone to Iraq. A teacher!
Someone should wash her mouth out with soap, talking to students like that.
I was just listening to NPR and a teacher, a teacher for Christ's sake, talked about her "very unique students" who had gone to Iraq. A teacher!
Someone should wash her mouth out with soap, talking to students like that.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
The McKeithen's
I'm tired and jet lagged, so this struck me as hilariously funny.
I'm pretty sure this was done over at Lileks at some point, but I'm tired enough that I think I need sleep more than closure.
Love the hair on Aunt Bea there...
I'm pretty sure this was done over at Lileks at some point, but I'm tired enough that I think I need sleep more than closure.
Love the hair on Aunt Bea there...
All the President's Notes
A bit was made last week of a photo from Rueters which caught the President seeming to ask Condi Rice for permission to go tot he bathroom. It was a non-story but provided some relief from the Roberts non-story and used up some column inches while they prepare the death tolls from Rita.
I got home from London a hour or so ago, caught this, and it made me laugh (mostly becuase it reminded me of this). Your milage may vary.
I got home from London a hour or so ago, caught this, and it made me laugh (mostly becuase it reminded me of this). Your milage may vary.
Grasping at Straws 1 in a suspected series
I didn't quite know what to make of this at first. I thought it might be a joke of some kind:
Recruits Sought for Porn Squad
Let's see; Hunt for OBL?, no luck, theWar on Drugs?, Drugs plentiful, rights compromised, the War on Terror? Budget blasted, world not safe... why would the FBI ...??? The I read this paragraph:
Applicants for the porn squad should therefore have a stomach for the kind of material that tends to be most offensive to local juries. Community standards -- along with a prurient purpose and absence of artistic merit -- define criminal obscenity under current Supreme Court doctrine.
Ah. The President' spoll numbers are down and his looking to increase his popularity among republicans before the mid-term elections.
Here's a suggestion: Find OBL!! You'll be popular with everyone!
Recruits Sought for Porn Squad
Let's see; Hunt for OBL?, no luck, theWar on Drugs?, Drugs plentiful, rights compromised, the War on Terror? Budget blasted, world not safe... why would the FBI ...??? The I read this paragraph:
Applicants for the porn squad should therefore have a stomach for the kind of material that tends to be most offensive to local juries. Community standards -- along with a prurient purpose and absence of artistic merit -- define criminal obscenity under current Supreme Court doctrine.
Ah. The President' spoll numbers are down and his looking to increase his popularity among republicans before the mid-term elections.
Here's a suggestion: Find OBL!! You'll be popular with everyone!
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
I Am Not a MacArthur Genius
I can honestly stay I would never have thought of this:
David Plotz crunched the numbers to find out who is most likely to get the unexpected call announcing the fellowship. The verdict? "All the rules suggest that the perfect MacArthur genius is still out there: a one-named Berkeley professor who choreographs interpretative jazz dances about how genetically modified food will destroy humanity."
I once invented a way to do surface integrals on a Mobius strip, worked out how to keep the North Koreans from cheating on the NTBT using crypto, invented my own non-Euclidean geometry, co-authored a paper on (so-called these days) Horvath-Arabadjis Polynomials and worked with gas-phase fractal chemistry. I have a measured IQ almost a sigma above Weschler genius level. However, I am clearly barking up the wrong trees.
Maybe I could invent a crime-solving cheese-based dessert, or a theory of economics based on the consumption of prunes... ... wait... that's Reagenomics. shit.
David Plotz crunched the numbers to find out who is most likely to get the unexpected call announcing the fellowship. The verdict? "All the rules suggest that the perfect MacArthur genius is still out there: a one-named Berkeley professor who choreographs interpretative jazz dances about how genetically modified food will destroy humanity."
I once invented a way to do surface integrals on a Mobius strip, worked out how to keep the North Koreans from cheating on the NTBT using crypto, invented my own non-Euclidean geometry, co-authored a paper on (so-called these days) Horvath-Arabadjis Polynomials and worked with gas-phase fractal chemistry. I have a measured IQ almost a sigma above Weschler genius level. However, I am clearly barking up the wrong trees.
Maybe I could invent a crime-solving cheese-based dessert, or a theory of economics based on the consumption of prunes... ... wait... that's Reagenomics. shit.
A Good Idea
Andrew Sullivan has a good idea that I fully support, noting folk who exhibit some modicom of judgement and recognize that occasioanlly recognizing the flaws on your side of the political spectrum, makes you a more credible advocate, not less. He call it the Yglesias Award. Here's a good example:
"For the crime of noting that the president's speech didn't help his poll numbers, I'm getting battered by e-mailers who suggest, among other things, that I am somehow unmanly because I'm not "supporting" the president enough. I never thought a day would come when I -- the author of a book entitled 'Bush Country: How Dubya Became the First Great Leader of the 21st Century While Driving Liberals Insane' -- would be accused of being a fair-weather supporter of GWB. Let me just try to explain something to my e-mailers. The president gave his speech Thursday night in an effort to reverse the decline in his political fortunes... It appears his effort was unsuccessful, in part (I think) because he sounded like a Big Spender and alienated more Republicans without winning over more Democrats... Bush supporters don't help him or themselves any by pretending his troubles are all due to the MSM. He has, for the moment, lost the country's confidence." - John Podhoretz, National Review Online.
Way to go, Sully. I knew there was a reason to very occasionally look at the National Review.
"For the crime of noting that the president's speech didn't help his poll numbers, I'm getting battered by e-mailers who suggest, among other things, that I am somehow unmanly because I'm not "supporting" the president enough. I never thought a day would come when I -- the author of a book entitled 'Bush Country: How Dubya Became the First Great Leader of the 21st Century While Driving Liberals Insane' -- would be accused of being a fair-weather supporter of GWB. Let me just try to explain something to my e-mailers. The president gave his speech Thursday night in an effort to reverse the decline in his political fortunes... It appears his effort was unsuccessful, in part (I think) because he sounded like a Big Spender and alienated more Republicans without winning over more Democrats... Bush supporters don't help him or themselves any by pretending his troubles are all due to the MSM. He has, for the moment, lost the country's confidence." - John Podhoretz, National Review Online.
Way to go, Sully. I knew there was a reason to very occasionally look at the National Review.
Speaking of Madonna
Speak the devil's name and she will appear. I am coming back to my hotel tonight and there is a huge crown in Leicester Square. Paparazzi, cameras, fenced off areas, the whole nine yards. I realize with each step that it seems to be centered on my hotel. Not Good. Further, as I pass the theatre nearby I realize they are celebrating the opening of a new movie (on a Tuesday?????). A Guy Ritche movie. Ut-oh. I wave my hotel card, get through security and into the lobby and who is there but… Madonna. Giving a press conference of some kind in the bar where I was planning on having a snack, reading my book and relaxing. Ugh.
I wish that bitch would stop following me around.
I wish that bitch would stop following me around.
The Last Exorcism of Mary Poppins
Last week Travis had a contest for bad cross-over movie/book/comic deals. I put in a few but one of my favorites was (the Nick-amended title) The Last Exorcism of Mary Poppins. I chucked a lot when I wrote it and thought it was my second best attempt (The best, in my mind, being Harry Potter and the Prisoners of Oz [Penitentiary] )
I didn’t realize I would be in London this week when I wrote that and here Mary Poppins is beyond a pop icon and almost a secular saint. As a result, her image is everywhere, even more than Madonna’s. The idea of her being possessed makes a kind of sense given the movie (sliding up banisters, flying, making objects move, speaking in tongues, fucking the devil). So I was so surprised I laughed out loud and have been giggling all morning by something I saw today; A large cut-out of MP in the sidewalk (maybe advertising cell phones or something) with a bishop (or some other dressed up cleric type) standing next to her. I instantly imagined him turning to her, spraying her with Holy Water and saying “The power of Christ compels you! The power of Christ compels you!”.
Well… *I* thought it was funny.
I didn’t realize I would be in London this week when I wrote that and here Mary Poppins is beyond a pop icon and almost a secular saint. As a result, her image is everywhere, even more than Madonna’s. The idea of her being possessed makes a kind of sense given the movie (sliding up banisters, flying, making objects move, speaking in tongues, fucking the devil). So I was so surprised I laughed out loud and have been giggling all morning by something I saw today; A large cut-out of MP in the sidewalk (maybe advertising cell phones or something) with a bishop (or some other dressed up cleric type) standing next to her. I instantly imagined him turning to her, spraying her with Holy Water and saying “The power of Christ compels you! The power of Christ compels you!”.
Well… *I* thought it was funny.
With a Name like Methlabs.org ...
I'm not sure what else I would have expected:
The majority of the Methlabs.org administration and development team have been forced out of their web site following a series of threats and incidents. The member of the group that had been trusted to handle the finances and servers slowly managed to take over each individual part of the web site's assets, eventually claiming control over the entire group and locking out the majority of staff.
The organisation's founders, Tim Leonard and Ken McKelland, as well as the majority of the organisation's staff and developers (including the main developer of the PeerGuardian2 application, Cory Nelson and the staff members responsible for auditing the PeerGuardian Blocklists) have all been forcibly removed from the servers that were funded from donations given to the organisation by happy users, and from text advertising placed on the web sites forum and project pages.
The money, which was to have been used to help fund the development and hosting costs of the group is now unavailable, stolen by the one who was trusted to keep it.
Just a reminder, 80% of financial attacks against an IT organization are insider jobs.
The majority of the Methlabs.org administration and development team have been forced out of their web site following a series of threats and incidents. The member of the group that had been trusted to handle the finances and servers slowly managed to take over each individual part of the web site's assets, eventually claiming control over the entire group and locking out the majority of staff.
The organisation's founders, Tim Leonard and Ken McKelland, as well as the majority of the organisation's staff and developers (including the main developer of the PeerGuardian2 application, Cory Nelson and the staff members responsible for auditing the PeerGuardian Blocklists) have all been forcibly removed from the servers that were funded from donations given to the organisation by happy users, and from text advertising placed on the web sites forum and project pages.
The money, which was to have been used to help fund the development and hosting costs of the group is now unavailable, stolen by the one who was trusted to keep it.
...
Here's where I snickered a little:
Adam Hoier, Cory Nelson, Eric Mayuk, Fox Lowe, James Shanelec, Joseph Farthing, Ken McKelland, Steffen Tuzar, Tim Leonard
aka
braindancer, D3F, fox, FuRiOuS1, JFM, KuKIE, method, phrosty, r00ted
r00ted!
Just a reminder, 80% of financial attacks against an IT organization are insider jobs.
"A Great White Canvas
... on which we write all our hopes and all our fears." - Description of the act of reviewing movies I hard once.
Andrew Sullivan has a reasonably sane take on those folks projecting all sorts of their hopes and fears onto "The March of the Penguins"
I want to see it because, well, I havea soft spot for penguins.
Andrew Sullivan has a reasonably sane take on those folks projecting all sorts of their hopes and fears onto "The March of the Penguins"
I want to see it because, well, I havea soft spot for penguins.
Monday, September 19, 2005
London
I got here late Sunday night, unsuccessfully tried to sleep, got up at 5:30 and hauled my bippy out to Reading for my meeting with HSBC. Sleepless and jet-lagged I still managed to talk to them for more than 3 hours straight on Payment systems, rt market data feeds and web-service based enterprise service buses. Not shabby. The rest of the day was taken up the same meeting although I was not critical to it. Then back here, a light dinner a few calls and then bed.
Today is much less hectic, so I'm hoping I'll get a chance to walk around town and do a few things. London is second only to Amsterdam in my ranking of cities and very easy for an American to along in, despite recent tensions. Some people know have compared visiting the UK to visiting a 52nd state. I completely disagree. I think it's like visiting a foreign country where folks happen to be good at English (if not always understandable). If you treat London as a version of America, well you sort of miss the point altogether.
I'm staying at the St. Martin's Lane hotel, which is right off Trafalgar Square. Convenient to a lot of places, including the office, near theatres and, in general, a great place. I was in London a lot in 2001 when we were raising our C round for Certco and I stayed in this same area. Therefore, falsely confident, I took the Tube back from Paddington yesterday instead of a cab, got off at the wrong stop (Piccadilly Circus) which I thought must be nearby, then wandered around with a full computer bag for an hour seeing lots of things that were familiar, but not near my hotel. oh well. I know I get lost easily and make time for that in most of my plans. Despite the heavy pack, it was fun and I often forget just how beautiful London really is.
Today all my appointments are in the afternoon so I'm going to spend some time this morning wandering around on my way to the office. I should be done by 6:30pm and, barring a last-minute client dinner, I've resolved to go spend some time in a pub tonight.
Home tomorrow evening after another trip to Reading and a speech at some conference.
Today is much less hectic, so I'm hoping I'll get a chance to walk around town and do a few things. London is second only to Amsterdam in my ranking of cities and very easy for an American to along in, despite recent tensions. Some people know have compared visiting the UK to visiting a 52nd state. I completely disagree. I think it's like visiting a foreign country where folks happen to be good at English (if not always understandable). If you treat London as a version of America, well you sort of miss the point altogether.
I'm staying at the St. Martin's Lane hotel, which is right off Trafalgar Square. Convenient to a lot of places, including the office, near theatres and, in general, a great place. I was in London a lot in 2001 when we were raising our C round for Certco and I stayed in this same area. Therefore, falsely confident, I took the Tube back from Paddington yesterday instead of a cab, got off at the wrong stop (Piccadilly Circus) which I thought must be nearby, then wandered around with a full computer bag for an hour seeing lots of things that were familiar, but not near my hotel. oh well. I know I get lost easily and make time for that in most of my plans. Despite the heavy pack, it was fun and I often forget just how beautiful London really is.
Today all my appointments are in the afternoon so I'm going to spend some time this morning wandering around on my way to the office. I should be done by 6:30pm and, barring a last-minute client dinner, I've resolved to go spend some time in a pub tonight.
Home tomorrow evening after another trip to Reading and a speech at some conference.
Note from England
I was reading the Independent and came across an interesting article:
What has happened to Iraq's missing $1bn?
Interesting Bits:
The money, intended to train and equip an Iraqi army capable of bringing security to a country shattered by the US-led invasion and prolonged rebellion, was instead siphoned abroad in cash and has disappeared.
...
Most of the money was supposedly spent buying arms from Poland and Pakistan. The contracts were peculiar in four ways. According to Mr Allawi, they were awarded without bidding, and were signed with a Baghdad-based company, and not directly with the foreign supplier. The money was paid up front, and, surprisingly for Iraq, it was paid at great speed out of the ministry's account with the Central Bank. Military equipment purchased in Poland included 28-year-old Soviet-made helicopters.
...
I can start to see why it's taking so long to get a security force in order there.
Illogical Bit:
The writer makes this sort of illogical leap:
The sum missing over an eight-month period in 2004 and 2005 is the equivalent of the $1.8bn that Saddam allegedly received in kick- backs under the UN's oil-for-food programme between 1997 and 2003. The UN was pilloried for not stopping this corruption. The US military is likely to be criticised over the latest scandal because it was far better placed than the UN to monitor corruption.
Actually, the $1.8B isn't illogical (the writer justifies the total), but comparing these two things is highly illogical. The UN program was a bad apple. This is a bad orange. They are not comparable in their badness, only in some coincidental details.
Apart from that its worth a read.
What has happened to Iraq's missing $1bn?
Interesting Bits:
The money, intended to train and equip an Iraqi army capable of bringing security to a country shattered by the US-led invasion and prolonged rebellion, was instead siphoned abroad in cash and has disappeared.
...
Most of the money was supposedly spent buying arms from Poland and Pakistan. The contracts were peculiar in four ways. According to Mr Allawi, they were awarded without bidding, and were signed with a Baghdad-based company, and not directly with the foreign supplier. The money was paid up front, and, surprisingly for Iraq, it was paid at great speed out of the ministry's account with the Central Bank. Military equipment purchased in Poland included 28-year-old Soviet-made helicopters.
...
I can start to see why it's taking so long to get a security force in order there.
Illogical Bit:
The writer makes this sort of illogical leap:
The sum missing over an eight-month period in 2004 and 2005 is the equivalent of the $1.8bn that Saddam allegedly received in kick- backs under the UN's oil-for-food programme between 1997 and 2003. The UN was pilloried for not stopping this corruption. The US military is likely to be criticised over the latest scandal because it was far better placed than the UN to monitor corruption.
Actually, the $1.8B isn't illogical (the writer justifies the total), but comparing these two things is highly illogical. The UN program was a bad apple. This is a bad orange. They are not comparable in their badness, only in some coincidental details.
Apart from that its worth a read.
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