Here's an article saying what I've been thinking for at least 10 years: That kids today are pussies.
Its 8 pages, but it is interesting and will probably piss you off ("...In my day we beat each other to death with baseball bats!")
1. College students suffer from anxiety??? Look, that is not a legitimate mental disorder. Of course you should be anxious at certain times in college (writing a big paper, studying for an important test). It is healthy to be able to cope with stress.
2. Parents complaining about their children's grades? I would be mortified if my parents did this to me. But in college?? Embarassing for everyone involved.
3. 40,000 schools have canceled recess?? Permanantly??? How will kids beat the shit out of each other? Learn to avoid the authorities? These are all important skills later in life.
4. Despite finally breaking down and getting a cell phone, I am still fundamentally opposed to them. And they do help children to not break ties with their parents and set out on their own (e.g., my sister).
The whole point of all this is it really made me think of my childhood (and apparently how freakin' great it was compared to these narcs). I had acres of woods to explore without any parental supervision. I could bike almost anywhere I wanted to (and NEVER wore a bike helmet). We never had enough kids in the neighborhood to play a pickup game but we played a crapload of tag and "shoot each other with play guns," which I assume is probably illegal now. We had TWO recesses everyday in elementary school and would play tag on wooden playground equipment. Which was already against the rules. I remember falling off the giant 2-story slide in fourth grade. I think I blacked out. Basically, I am saying that all parents need to do is to make sure kids are doing well enough in school and not killing or committing crimes, etc. Next time I talk to my parents I need to thank them for not doing any of the crap that parents do now.
My basic life philosophy revolves around doing things for myself. If someone else does it I can't really learn from it. I'd rather do things wrong myself than someone else do them right. But I guess self sufficiency isn't too popular anymore.
Monday, July 31, 2006
the administration
Kris, I have to agree, mostly, with what you said about the administration. The president is not a conservative in the political sense. He is socially conservative, and that is about it. But conservatives are pretty unhappy with the president in the last couple of years. He enjoys some support from conservatives because the Democrats are so vehemently against him and because of the war on terror (although many conservatives have bolted).
The Democrats' dislike of Bush is somewhat inexplicable concerning domestic policy. Bush is governing like a Democrat at home. The war (maybe not even the war) and the tax cuts are really all they would, in more sane times, disagree with. The left's pacifisim and libertinism on social issues are in the forefront perhaps because they cannot criticize Bush domestically since he has governed as they would.
It is somewhat silly to hear Democrats complain about spending and No Child Left behind or the prescription drug bill. These are democratic bread and butter. Only conservatives have any legitimate beef here.
The Democrats' dislike of Bush is somewhat inexplicable concerning domestic policy. Bush is governing like a Democrat at home. The war (maybe not even the war) and the tax cuts are really all they would, in more sane times, disagree with. The left's pacifisim and libertinism on social issues are in the forefront perhaps because they cannot criticize Bush domestically since he has governed as they would.
It is somewhat silly to hear Democrats complain about spending and No Child Left behind or the prescription drug bill. These are democratic bread and butter. Only conservatives have any legitimate beef here.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Young Americans
Courtesy of my personal hero, Greg Gutfeld, comes this trailer to the upcoming documentary from Pat Dollard. Don't watch this at work. Lots of swearing and some gory war footage. Powerful stuff. I reccomend the "Video Clip" movie, second down. Others are good too. Like the Iraqi translator that wants to fight Michael Moore. Impressive.
Ann Coulter?
Ann Coulter's only redeeming quality is that she has good taste in music. Sometimes she is kind of funny too I guess. Most of the time she a crazy bitch though.
G.O.B. for President
Bert, I think you are right about the Democrats (and liberals in general) on only wanting to discredit the current administration. However, you cut the Pres. and his admin waaaaay too much slack. I mean, for a supposedly "conservative" administration we've seen gov't grow more than under Clinton. Although, I still argue that the Repub. congress and Dem Pres. couldn't get anything done because they were too busy arguing with each other. With Repubs in power on both branches pretty much anything either side wants gets through. There is a presidential veto for a reason. I mean, COME ON!
A joke...
...to interrupt my super-seriousness.
Ann Coulter on treason at the New York Times:
"[The New York Times's] reaction to al-Zarqawi's death was to lower the U.S. flag at the Times building to half-staff. (Ha ha -- just kidding! Everybody knows there aren't any American flags at The New York Times.) "
Ann Coulter on treason at the New York Times:
"[The New York Times's] reaction to al-Zarqawi's death was to lower the U.S. flag at the Times building to half-staff. (Ha ha -- just kidding! Everybody knows there aren't any American flags at The New York Times.) "
BSG
Yo,
If you guys got the yellow fever there's a bitchin' Asian party over at Princeton.
Really though, I am intrigued and am going to start watching with Slaps.
If you guys got the yellow fever there's a bitchin' Asian party over at Princeton.
Really though, I am intrigued and am going to start watching with Slaps.
Democrats cont.
According to the Democrats, Israel has every right to defend itself, but they just shouldn't be allowed to defend themselves with guns.
While Democrats attack the Bush administration for Maliki's Israel criticism, they claim an immediate cease-fire with Hezbollah is a moral imperative.
Warren Christopher, giant of American foreign policy, explains why killing bad guys needs to stop. Apparently former Clinton administration officials deserve our attention concerning the Middle East what with their stellar anti-terrorism and Arab/Muslim-Israeli peace record.
John Kerry explained how simple the solution was...er...sort of. (If only we could go back in time, that is.) He said this wouldn't have happened if he was president. The Arabs and other Muslims presumably would have become friends of Israel upon his inauguration. Either that or Kerry would have ordered Israel to bend over and take it like a Frenchman. And obviously Israel would bow to Kerry's wishes instead of pulling the strings behind the neocon conspiracy.
Look, I'm not terribly happy with the President, but Democrats just can't be trusted. Their only guiding principle is get Bush. They say anything, even this contradictory conspiracy theory/fantasy nonsense, in an attempt to discredit the President. It seems that, to them, Bush is the enemy. This is not the function of a loyal opposition. It's quite disloyal in many respects and dangerous.
While Democrats attack the Bush administration for Maliki's Israel criticism, they claim an immediate cease-fire with Hezbollah is a moral imperative.
Warren Christopher, giant of American foreign policy, explains why killing bad guys needs to stop. Apparently former Clinton administration officials deserve our attention concerning the Middle East what with their stellar anti-terrorism and Arab/Muslim-Israeli peace record.
John Kerry explained how simple the solution was...er...sort of. (If only we could go back in time, that is.) He said this wouldn't have happened if he was president. The Arabs and other Muslims presumably would have become friends of Israel upon his inauguration. Either that or Kerry would have ordered Israel to bend over and take it like a Frenchman. And obviously Israel would bow to Kerry's wishes instead of pulling the strings behind the neocon conspiracy.
Look, I'm not terribly happy with the President, but Democrats just can't be trusted. Their only guiding principle is get Bush. They say anything, even this contradictory conspiracy theory/fantasy nonsense, in an attempt to discredit the President. It seems that, to them, Bush is the enemy. This is not the function of a loyal opposition. It's quite disloyal in many respects and dangerous.
super-serious stuff
Peter Beinart again takes issue with his fellow liberals over their reaction to Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki's visit to the US.
I'm not a fan, and the magazine he edits is not as good as it has been in the past. But Beinart is an independent voice in his party these days. Democrats could do worse than take his advice.
I'm not a fan, and the magazine he edits is not as good as it has been in the past. But Beinart is an independent voice in his party these days. Democrats could do worse than take his advice.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Gas
I agree that gas taxes should not be increased. I think they should be lowered actually.
Demand for gas, however, is relatively inelastic. No doubt many people are changing their driving habits. However, demand for gas and oil is not declining in any similar proportion, if at all, to the increase in cost. Demand does not change as much for gas and oil as it does for other goods with similar percentage price increases.
If the price continues to rise, demand will certainly decline to some extent or at least in certain segments of the market, but it will decrease more slowly than the price increases.
If gas prices increase and people do not expect them to decline or expect them to keep increasing, they will begin to change thier habits and maybe even consider fuel costs as a factor in where they live as you explained.
Full disclosure: I'm not an economist.
Demand for gas, however, is relatively inelastic. No doubt many people are changing their driving habits. However, demand for gas and oil is not declining in any similar proportion, if at all, to the increase in cost. Demand does not change as much for gas and oil as it does for other goods with similar percentage price increases.
If the price continues to rise, demand will certainly decline to some extent or at least in certain segments of the market, but it will decrease more slowly than the price increases.
If gas prices increase and people do not expect them to decline or expect them to keep increasing, they will begin to change thier habits and maybe even consider fuel costs as a factor in where they live as you explained.
Full disclosure: I'm not an economist.
BSG
To switch gears (and sort of keep with the StarWars/sci-fi theme of the title) I am going to highly highly reccomend the Sci-Fi channel's Battlestar Galactica. I just finished the first 3 hours of the miniseries last night and was completely rivited. I haven't enjoyed anything as much in a long time. I think even super-serious Bert might like it. It has everything: action, drama, politics, subterfugeLook, I just can't reccomend it enough. Also certain cast members are easy on the eye. My favorite ( to admire for beauty) is Grace Park who plays the pilot "Boomer." However, the coolest character so far is definitely the Chief of the docking bay (I don't know his name). He's pretty bad ass about his job. Here, also, is a picture of the lovely Grace Park to admire. Enjoy.
Gas Prices
I disagree with the idea that gas is an inelastic good. Like John, I drive significantly less due to high gas prices. The claim that people need their car to get to work is not an argument for inelasticity, a person chooses where they live. I choose to live close to my job/school so I can walk or bike in. Sure, both are less convenient than driving but so is paying $35-$40 to fill up my car every other week. I know people who live closer to school than I do yet still drive in every day. I think that the only truly inelastic good is food (and maybe shelter).
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Oil Prices
At current gas prices it costs me over 4% of my monthly income to fill up my gas tank once ($60). That is silly. I'm no rich republican able to foot the burden of gas taxes. I can hardly foot the burden now. I do it mostly by not driving. Because I can't afford to fuel my automobile.
GM Rebound?
GM's sales are up 12%, but it posted a huge 2nd quarter loss. The market reacted well to this news since GM seems to be more successful than expected. The losses are mostly from one-time restructuring and buyout costs. Hopefully, they can turn it around and get out of the hole they and the unions have dug.
Oil Prices
Robert Samuelson considers an oil bubble and the reason for high prices.
As he mentions demand is pretty inelastic, so his suggestion that there should be higher gas taxes is probably not a good idea, but others such as Charles Krauthammer argue for higher gas taxes as well.
As he notes, despite high prices, gas is still only 4% of disposable income. So, while we cringe at a $3 gallon of gas, it is not that bad yet, and there are legitimate reasons for the rise in price. Some of these reasons are remediable by external forces to the market, namely building refineries and more exploration. These are longer-term solutions and they require the government to unleash oil companies which will draw a lot of resistance politically as the ANWR debate did.
As he mentions demand is pretty inelastic, so his suggestion that there should be higher gas taxes is probably not a good idea, but others such as Charles Krauthammer argue for higher gas taxes as well.
As he notes, despite high prices, gas is still only 4% of disposable income. So, while we cringe at a $3 gallon of gas, it is not that bad yet, and there are legitimate reasons for the rise in price. Some of these reasons are remediable by external forces to the market, namely building refineries and more exploration. These are longer-term solutions and they require the government to unleash oil companies which will draw a lot of resistance politically as the ANWR debate did.
Friday, July 21, 2006
RE: Bill Cosby
I like this quote:
"One of those stereotypes is that poor blacks are lazy citizens who victim-monger while bemoaning the "white man." Such a view is undercut by what we know about the black poor: Most of them work, and few are paralyzed by their astute perceptions of persistent racism."
I think the best place for proof of this claim (outside of New Orleans) is the McDonalds on Euclid. All of the black people there seem really happy to have jobs and take pride in their work. I also like that if one of the two white people employed there is on duty, I have to wait for one of them to get my food. No bowing to the white man here. And also the guy who shows up riding in his friend's new cadillac listening to some song about hustling and proceeds to walk around the dining area all day asking people for money. You know, cuz he's so hungry. And then I see him dancing at bars on coventry at night. I suppose my persistent racism prevents me from giving my money to a hustling black man, but I'm not sure what else he expects from an insufferable white bigot like me.
On a related note, I watched an awards show for the best pimp job on cars last night. It was hosted by Shaq and some other people. There were no white contestants, but that's probably because white people can't think of things like having an interior of a hummer be made entirely of alligator and ostrich skin or driving your "Snoop DeVille" with a chandelier or even having a paint job that cost more than I make in a year. From what I could tell, black people seem pretty well off. I don't know what they're complaining about.
"One of those stereotypes is that poor blacks are lazy citizens who victim-monger while bemoaning the "white man." Such a view is undercut by what we know about the black poor: Most of them work, and few are paralyzed by their astute perceptions of persistent racism."
I think the best place for proof of this claim (outside of New Orleans) is the McDonalds on Euclid. All of the black people there seem really happy to have jobs and take pride in their work. I also like that if one of the two white people employed there is on duty, I have to wait for one of them to get my food. No bowing to the white man here. And also the guy who shows up riding in his friend's new cadillac listening to some song about hustling and proceeds to walk around the dining area all day asking people for money. You know, cuz he's so hungry. And then I see him dancing at bars on coventry at night. I suppose my persistent racism prevents me from giving my money to a hustling black man, but I'm not sure what else he expects from an insufferable white bigot like me.
On a related note, I watched an awards show for the best pimp job on cars last night. It was hosted by Shaq and some other people. There were no white contestants, but that's probably because white people can't think of things like having an interior of a hummer be made entirely of alligator and ostrich skin or driving your "Snoop DeVille" with a chandelier or even having a paint job that cost more than I make in a year. From what I could tell, black people seem pretty well off. I don't know what they're complaining about.
The bad kind of pork
I know you didn't think such a thing existed. If this bill in the Senate passes, the fight against the bad kinda pork might be underway. The bill proposes an easy-to-search website that lists all recipients of federal grants, contracts, etc.
Let's hope it passes and we are restored to a world where pork is better known as a delicious treat and not excessive government spending.
Let's hope it passes and we are restored to a world where pork is better known as a delicious treat and not excessive government spending.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Nick vs. Nick
As promised, here is the comparison. There is no question. I totally asked the Chinese kids in my lab. Same person.
Why are they blue? I don't know. But I need to finish work so I can get out of here before 9.
Look:
Clearly, Nick is going to go completely Libertarian, invent a time machine in the future, travel back to now and move back to Oxford. These recent pictures of Nick Gillespie don't lie folks. So, since I've figured this all out can I have a free subscription to Reason? I'm going to work on a side-by-side picture in case you're still unsure (you shouldn't be).
Back on "The Internets"
Back from Alaska. And Bert apparently had lots to say. My meager contribution is this: The anarcho-capitalistic economics of the A-Team. Awesome.
Also, Ted Stevens, illustrious Republican Alaskan Senator (read "moron") had some amazingly idiotic things to say about the internet. Although not a big fan of the Daily Show, their mocking of him for this is all that needed to be done.
And the Strongbad-esque "dance remix" is here.
Bless you, YouTube.
Now to catch up on Bert's required reading.
Also, Ted Stevens, illustrious Republican Alaskan Senator (read "moron") had some amazingly idiotic things to say about the internet. Although not a big fan of the Daily Show, their mocking of him for this is all that needed to be done.
And the Strongbad-esque "dance remix" is here.
Bless you, YouTube.
Now to catch up on Bert's required reading.
Friday, July 14, 2006
No Shame
Valerie Plame is now suing Dick Cheney and Karl Rove. Here is the complaint.
If you don't know anything about the legal process, take a look at it. Notice how vague you can be in pleading your causes of action to get into court (the claims are in the last few pages). The problem here is Plame can just harass the defendants without any evidence and draw the discovery process out to create a headache and large legal bill for the defendants.
I hope Plame's attorneys get smacked with some sanctions for filing this.
This story keeps getting more absurd every day. It is shameful that she and her husband were ever entrusted with anything to do with our country's foreign relations and national security.
If you don't know anything about the legal process, take a look at it. Notice how vague you can be in pleading your causes of action to get into court (the claims are in the last few pages). The problem here is Plame can just harass the defendants without any evidence and draw the discovery process out to create a headache and large legal bill for the defendants.
I hope Plame's attorneys get smacked with some sanctions for filing this.
This story keeps getting more absurd every day. It is shameful that she and her husband were ever entrusted with anything to do with our country's foreign relations and national security.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Today Is Cost of Government Day
Today is the day in which the average American worker has earned his share of the burdens of government spending. Grover Norquist points out that this is one day later than last year and 12 days later than in 2000.
Federal spending growth has been greater than national income growth in five of the last six years. This cannot continue, but who is going to reign it in?
Federal spending growth has been greater than national income growth in five of the last six years. This cannot continue, but who is going to reign it in?
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Why is TR on Rushmore?
Thomas Sowell takes Teddy down a notch.
Here is some more analysis of TR in the wake of Time's TR issue.
I know Jarrod is a fan, but I certainly am not. There is no doubt TR was a progressive although he did recognize America should wield a big stick and had a much more realistic foreign policy than the too-influential Wilson. According to a Mt. Rushmore tourist site, TR stands for the 20th century role of the United States in world affairs. This is, perhaps, fitting considering the century that followed TR.
TR certainly wielded the presidency like a big stick. TR was the first modern president, expanding the role of the office in many ways for better or worse. He infused the office with his personality. This is likely why he is remembered so fondly.
Here is some more analysis of TR in the wake of Time's TR issue.
I know Jarrod is a fan, but I certainly am not. There is no doubt TR was a progressive although he did recognize America should wield a big stick and had a much more realistic foreign policy than the too-influential Wilson. According to a Mt. Rushmore tourist site, TR stands for the 20th century role of the United States in world affairs. This is, perhaps, fitting considering the century that followed TR.
TR certainly wielded the presidency like a big stick. TR was the first modern president, expanding the role of the office in many ways for better or worse. He infused the office with his personality. This is likely why he is remembered so fondly.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Movie Recommendations
Pirates of the Carribean, the second installment, was terrible. Another Jerry Bruckheimer masterpiece. Shame on Johnny Depp. Don't go see it.
If you want to see a good movie, I recommend Andy Garcia's The Lost City. (movie site)
I saw it a little over a week ago but our blog has not been cooperative with my publishing attempts lately. A super-gorgeous leading lady breaks your heart, but despite this and the inevitable bad ending for Cuba and its people, it is well worth your time.
Best of all, Castro and Guevara are bad guys. Hollywood forbid! However, the movie is not very political. I guess Garcia did not want to offend the in crowd too much.
If you want to see a good movie, I recommend Andy Garcia's The Lost City. (movie site)
I saw it a little over a week ago but our blog has not been cooperative with my publishing attempts lately. A super-gorgeous leading lady breaks your heart, but despite this and the inevitable bad ending for Cuba and its people, it is well worth your time.
Best of all, Castro and Guevara are bad guys. Hollywood forbid! However, the movie is not very political. I guess Garcia did not want to offend the in crowd too much.
Supreme Court Intrigue
An interesting tale of Supreme Court intrigue. I have always been suspicious of Brandeis.
The author makes a good point about the exclusionary rule. It really should be used to exclude bad evidence not as a mechanism to get the guilty off on procedural grounds.
My favorite line: "But if a man can’t sort his crack and firearms without police barging into the house on such short notice, then none of us are free."
The author makes a good point about the exclusionary rule. It really should be used to exclude bad evidence not as a mechanism to get the guilty off on procedural grounds.
My favorite line: "But if a man can’t sort his crack and firearms without police barging into the house on such short notice, then none of us are free."
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