"To most Americans, you are the health care system. Americans - me included - just do what you recommend."Um, no. No, Mr. President, we don't. Not even close. We don't do the things doctors recommend, we cherry-pick the treatments and we don't comply with prescription instructions.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Nope, not even close.
What was the wrongest part of the President's speech to the AMA? This whopper:
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Right-Wing Extremism
The Department of Homeland Security says right-wing extremism is on the rise throughout the country.
Remember all of the venom being spewed by right-wing pundits about this Homeland Security report? In the past two weeks we have had a doctor who performs abortions gunned down outside of his church (I find it very interesting that someone who claims to be pro-life murdered someone), and a lunatic open fire in the National Holocaust Museum. In no way can these stories be spun any other way. The DHS report was absolutely right. Because there is a liberal black dude in the oval office every idiot who is hateful will now turn ultra-hateful. I cannot understand why there was such fervor over the report when it is pretty obvious that violence from these types of groups was going to occur.
Remember all of the venom being spewed by right-wing pundits about this Homeland Security report? In the past two weeks we have had a doctor who performs abortions gunned down outside of his church (I find it very interesting that someone who claims to be pro-life murdered someone), and a lunatic open fire in the National Holocaust Museum. In no way can these stories be spun any other way. The DHS report was absolutely right. Because there is a liberal black dude in the oval office every idiot who is hateful will now turn ultra-hateful. I cannot understand why there was such fervor over the report when it is pretty obvious that violence from these types of groups was going to occur.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Literally Total Eclipse of the Heart
I'm in a silly mood. My friend sent this to me and I felt like sharing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj-x9ygQEGA
Friday, May 29, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Props to the anonymous North Korean artist
I'm quite a fan of Communist propaganda, especially when it comes in poster form. It's usually bright and cheery and Uncle Sam typically plays a starring role as the villain.
This poster is especially lovely, since it appears that the head-only GI is being attacked by the North Korean version of the Care Bear Stare. Note that the baby nurse is emanating powerful rays from her medical satchel, while the child soldier is administering the (Democratic) People's Elbow. Not quite sure why the toddler sailor nor the baby airman are not attacking on their respective vehicles -- didn't get any heavy fuel oil in recently?
From Tom Ricks, who may interest you.
Monday, May 25, 2009
A bracing reminder of how to deal with life.
Just in case you need a little pep talk after your 3-day weekend.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Wolf T-Shirt
I love the internets! Check out the reviews for this fine product. I think I saw Jack wearing this at some point during his career at ND.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Don't let this happen to you...
This article is by a reporter for the New York Times -- it's long, but worth it. In summary, he's an economics reporter and he makes 120K/yr, but he made a couple of bad financial decisions and now he's up to his eyeballs in debt and he may lose his house. Remarkable.
Friday, May 15, 2009
This is in response to the superfluous cheese tray that was at our happy hour today. You can learn all about the Xzibit internet meme here.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Interesting interview
Those of you politically inclined may have already enjoyed this interview that Obama did with an economics correspondent of the New York Times, David Leonhardt.
Obama on credentialing: "So part of the function of a high-school degree or a community-college degree is credentialing, right? It allows employers in a quick way to sort through who’s got the skills and who doesn’t. But part of the problem that we’ve got right now is that what it means to have graduated from high school, what it means to have graduated from a two-year college or a four-year college is not always as clear as it was several years ago.
And that means that we’ve got to — in our education-reform agenda — we’ve got to focus not just on increasing graduation rates, but we’ve also got to make what’s learned in the high-school and college experience more robust and more effective."
Obama on competitiveness: "That’s why I don’t just want to see more college graduates; I also want to specifically see more math and science graduates, I specifically want to see more folks in engineering. I think part of the postbubble economy that I’m describing is one in which we are restoring a balance between making things and providing services, whether it’s marketing or catering to people or servicing folks in some way. Those are all good jobs, and we’re not going to return to an economy in which manufacturing is as large a percentage as it was back in the 1940s just because of automation and technological advance.
But the broader point is that if you look at who our long-term competition will be in the global economy — China, India, the E.U., Brazil, Korea — the countries that are producing the best-educated work force, whose education system emphasizes the sciences and mathematics, who can translate those technology backgrounds or those science backgrounds into technological applications, they are going to have a significant advantage in the economy. And I think that we’ve got to have enough of that in order to maintain our economic strength."
Obama also made an odd point about "nursing paying better" in context of traditionally male or female fields. Frankly (as the husband of a nurse), I find it difficult to imagine that nurses could get paid more than they are already.
Nevertheless, I found it to be a worthwhile interview and a good insight into the president's thinking.
Obama on credentialing: "So part of the function of a high-school degree or a community-college degree is credentialing, right? It allows employers in a quick way to sort through who’s got the skills and who doesn’t. But part of the problem that we’ve got right now is that what it means to have graduated from high school, what it means to have graduated from a two-year college or a four-year college is not always as clear as it was several years ago.
And that means that we’ve got to — in our education-reform agenda — we’ve got to focus not just on increasing graduation rates, but we’ve also got to make what’s learned in the high-school and college experience more robust and more effective."
Obama on competitiveness: "That’s why I don’t just want to see more college graduates; I also want to specifically see more math and science graduates, I specifically want to see more folks in engineering. I think part of the postbubble economy that I’m describing is one in which we are restoring a balance between making things and providing services, whether it’s marketing or catering to people or servicing folks in some way. Those are all good jobs, and we’re not going to return to an economy in which manufacturing is as large a percentage as it was back in the 1940s just because of automation and technological advance.
But the broader point is that if you look at who our long-term competition will be in the global economy — China, India, the E.U., Brazil, Korea — the countries that are producing the best-educated work force, whose education system emphasizes the sciences and mathematics, who can translate those technology backgrounds or those science backgrounds into technological applications, they are going to have a significant advantage in the economy. And I think that we’ve got to have enough of that in order to maintain our economic strength."
Obama also made an odd point about "nursing paying better" in context of traditionally male or female fields. Frankly (as the husband of a nurse), I find it difficult to imagine that nurses could get paid more than they are already.
Nevertheless, I found it to be a worthwhile interview and a good insight into the president's thinking.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Underreported Story...
President Obama's speech at the National Academy of Sciences got lots of press for a teleprompter but his comments about investment in science was missed completely.
I believe it is not in our character, the American character, to follow. It's our character to lead. And it is time for us to lead once again. So I'm here today to set this goal: We will devote more than 3 percent of our GDP to research and development. We will not just meet, but we will exceed the level achieved at the height of the space race, through policies that invest in basic and applied research, create new incentives for private innovation, promote breakthroughs in energy and medicine, and improve education in math and science.
This represents the largest commitment to scientific research and innovation in American history.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter Weekend
I was recently hijacked by the "Glenn Beck Wing" of the Republican Party this weekend, and they assured me that Obama's budget wouldn't allow you to donate to certain charities. Knowing that most of this Wing relies on random, non-factual e-mails, I tried to find the correct information myself. The only thing I could come with is the plan to cap tax write offs for folks making over 200G's a year. This cap would decrease the deductible amount of a charitable donation from 33% to 28%. Nowhere could I find anything about restricting which charitable organization you could donate to. If any other Taylorites can help me find info on this it would be greatly appreciative. Nothing would make me happier than having cited facts to prove that their claim was bogus.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Moving Election Day...
With my son in Florida for a couple of weeks, I got to stay at work particularly late this week, and thus got to enjoy real talk radio on my drive home. I figured 15 minutes of Michael Savage would induce the necessary angiogenesis to see significant growth the Hannity-generated tumor currently reside in my brain.
Savage nicely explained to me that the result of the November presidential election was caused by a protest within the republican party, a protest against the nomination of McCain which was viewed, by the republicans, as four more years of Bush. While we can argue that point, this post asks you to complete the following sentences...
Savage says “If a new election was held today... Obama ______% McCain ____%
I say “If a new election was held today... Obama ______% McCain ____%
Please fill in the blanks. I will provide you with Savage’s numbers as well as mine in a few days.
Echoing this talking point...
Yesterday, Boehner said he wishes the 2010 and 2012 elections were much sooner as the American people are not in synch with the direction Obama has taken the country.
Don't worry the first hundred days are the slowest!
Monday, March 30, 2009
An imagined conversation.
Rick Wagoner, CEO of GM: Hello?
Barack Obama, POTUS: Hello, Rick, this is Barack Obama.
RW: Yes, Mr. President! How are you?
POTUS: Well, Rick, not so good, actually.
RW: Really, Mr. President? Why?
POTUS: Well, Rick -- I'm sorry it's come down to this.
RW: Uh oh...
POTUS: Yup, I'm sorry, Rick. We, as an organization, have decided to move in a different direction...
RW: Yes?
POTUS (hurried): So, we're going to have to let you go.
RW: Well, I think we all knew it was going to happen sometime...
POTUS: But I'm sure that you'll receive a nice severance package. We've worked it out -- 2 weeks pay for every year you've worked at GM, so... that makes it somewhere around $500,000. Hey -- that's not too bad...
RW: Well, I guess I'm not buying that cottage in Maine this summer.
POTUS: Well, no, probably not. Well, Rick, you're a nice guy and I'm sure you can get a job somewhere.
RW: Uh, thanks, Mr. President. I think I'll take a couple of months off, you know, hang out with the kids, breathe a little bit.
POTUS: Hey, Rick?
RW: Yeah?
POTUS: How does it feel to have destroyed 90% of shareholder value in ten years?
RW: (silence)
POTUS: Well, Rick -- there will be a couple of guys to uh, help you pack up in a couple of hours... do leave the keys to the executive washroom in the center drawer of your desk, okay?
RW: (silence)
POTUS: Good luck -- I gotta go talk to Geithner -- that scamp, he's always in deep.
Barack Obama, POTUS: Hello, Rick, this is Barack Obama.
RW: Yes, Mr. President! How are you?
POTUS: Well, Rick, not so good, actually.
RW: Really, Mr. President? Why?
POTUS: Well, Rick -- I'm sorry it's come down to this.
RW: Uh oh...
POTUS: Yup, I'm sorry, Rick. We, as an organization, have decided to move in a different direction...
RW: Yes?
POTUS (hurried): So, we're going to have to let you go.
RW: Well, I think we all knew it was going to happen sometime...
POTUS: But I'm sure that you'll receive a nice severance package. We've worked it out -- 2 weeks pay for every year you've worked at GM, so... that makes it somewhere around $500,000. Hey -- that's not too bad...
RW: Well, I guess I'm not buying that cottage in Maine this summer.
POTUS: Well, no, probably not. Well, Rick, you're a nice guy and I'm sure you can get a job somewhere.
RW: Uh, thanks, Mr. President. I think I'll take a couple of months off, you know, hang out with the kids, breathe a little bit.
POTUS: Hey, Rick?
RW: Yeah?
POTUS: How does it feel to have destroyed 90% of shareholder value in ten years?
RW: (silence)
POTUS: Well, Rick -- there will be a couple of guys to uh, help you pack up in a couple of hours... do leave the keys to the executive washroom in the center drawer of your desk, okay?
RW: (silence)
POTUS: Good luck -- I gotta go talk to Geithner -- that scamp, he's always in deep.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Why the heck not?
From an article in the Politico about Obama's PR troubles:
President Obama, the American people (or at least the voting public) aren't stupid. Try us.
But the aide added that Obama is not going to whip out a PowerPoint presentation for a seminarlike explanation of what went wrong. “That’s not how this president communicates,” the aide said.Why the heck not? Frankly, that's how information-dense summaries get presented in the real world. Is there something undignified and unpresidential about PP? Sure, it's clunky and maybe uncool (use KeyNote? avoid those stupid swishing sounds ?)
President Obama, the American people (or at least the voting public) aren't stupid. Try us.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Enough Politics!
I will break the trend of political banter with a disturbing/hilarious story of an Indiana woman who doesn't know that dropping a file in the recycling bin doesn't permanently delete it!
Also, if anyone wants to hear Bill-O read excerpts from his gripping mystery novel, Those Who Trespass, just click the link.
Also, if anyone wants to hear Bill-O read excerpts from his gripping mystery novel, Those Who Trespass, just click the link.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Obama: Future Rating.
Bush approval history.
Obama approval history, not really a history....
Assuming the economy turns around Obama may keep his high numbers, but my guess is he like Bush will slide over the next 8 years.
My prediction is he will fall to 38% by the end of his term. This economy isn't going to help him.
Your thoughts?
Obama approval history, not really a history....
Assuming the economy turns around Obama may keep his high numbers, but my guess is he like Bush will slide over the next 8 years.
My prediction is he will fall to 38% by the end of his term. This economy isn't going to help him.
Your thoughts?
Monday, March 9, 2009
When will it END?
So we're 15-months into a recession... My question to everyone is when do you think we will emerge from this "crisis" (Two straight quarters of GDP growth) and which industry is going to be the leader in the recovery? I will post my thoughts tomorrow.
Oh Snap...(no not synaptosome-associated protein)
This Order is an important step in advancing the cause of science in America. But let’s be clear: promoting science isn’t just about providing resources – it is also about protecting free and open inquiry. It is about letting scientists like those here today do their jobs, free from manipulation or coercion, and listening to what they tell us, even when it’s inconvenient – especially when it’s inconvenient. It is about ensuring that scientific data is never distorted or concealed to serve a political agenda – and that we make scientific decisions based on facts, not ideology.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
pl pll pir pscale ppf page
As a part of my new job, we (some of my colleagues and I) were sent over to the University of Illinois to train on their NMRs as backup instruments. You all will be pleased to know that we were asked to 1) describe the effect of line-broadening on signal-to-noise ratios, 2) talk about resolution, 3) perform a simulated homodecoupling experiment and 4) discuss d1 time as it related to finding the 13C frequency of quaternary carbons.*
They also do their own shimming, which is something I haven't done in 2 years. All Varian instruments, as opposed to the Bruker robotland that was my previous place of employment.
* I still remember Conrad's mini-lecture on d1 time clear as day.
They also do their own shimming, which is something I haven't done in 2 years. All Varian instruments, as opposed to the Bruker robotland that was my previous place of employment.
* I still remember Conrad's mini-lecture on d1 time clear as day.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Dear Joe: please do not smoke while pumping gas.
Jim's desire for Biden in August: "I would like to see Biden, because he is most likely to provide the best quips and gaffes. The man is a walking mouth w/o ears -- that would be awesome."
Joe Biden, this past week: "If we do everything right, if we do it with absolute certainty, there’s still a 30 percent chance we’ll get it wrong."
Good God! Biden's mouth will walk him outside of the inner circle, I'll bet.
Joe Biden, this past week: "If we do everything right, if we do it with absolute certainty, there’s still a 30 percent chance we’ll get it wrong."
Good God! Biden's mouth will walk him outside of the inner circle, I'll bet.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Signs you may be near a golf tournament.
Multiple huge yellow and black placards, on Torrey Pines Road near the Buick Invitational:
"TOMMY BAHAMA SAMPLE SALE"
"TOMMY BAHAMA SAMPLE SALE"
Now that's change I can believe in!
President Obama should crisscross the country atop a magical redistributionist ponycorn that will crap infrastructure projects here, there, and everywhere, while rejiggering the tax code by whinnying its sweet ponycorn breath on recalcitrant legislators. The president and his ponycorn’s every move should be documented by a team of the nation’s finest photographers and memorialized by collectives of state-sponsored folk singers and playwrights. And in their wake should come a phalanx of America’s youth, scattering seeds for grand forests that will provide shade for future generations of Democratic voters. Also, beer should be free.
original quote here.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
WTF is wrong with these people?
As one leading Democrat put it: "Make no mistake, tax cheaters cheat us all, and the IRS should enforce our laws to the letter."
That Democrat was then-Sen. Tom Daschle in 1998. The same Tom Daschle, we've since learned, who failed to pay more than $100,000 in back taxes for perks he received as one of Washington's most relentless influence-peddlers -- that is, until he realized he might receive a job in the Obama administration spending the money most Americans conscientiously send to Washington.
Article
That Democrat was then-Sen. Tom Daschle in 1998. The same Tom Daschle, we've since learned, who failed to pay more than $100,000 in back taxes for perks he received as one of Washington's most relentless influence-peddlers -- that is, until he realized he might receive a job in the Obama administration spending the money most Americans conscientiously send to Washington.
Article
Monday, February 2, 2009
Needed debate topic.
Resolved: Barack Obama is no better in verbally dealing with the press than George W. Bush.
Discuss.
Discuss.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Superbowl
Predictions in the comments. No predictions on the number of references to the Steelers 6 (!!!!one!OMG!) Superbowl appearances, please.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Thanks, Mr. President!
Thanks, Mr. President!
Tomorrow, I will post my responses to two questions -- I encourage all of you to do the same, if so interested.
1. What do you want President Obama to accomplish?
2. What do you think President Obama will be able to accomplish?
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Change you can believe in.
Well, I don't know if I believe it, but I like what I'm hearing.
"Science -- $3 billion for the National Science Foundation, $2 billion more for the NIH, hundreds of millions for high energy physics, satellite development, construction grants, the U.S. geological survey, NASA climate change programs and more."
More for NSF than NIH -- someone recognizes that the funding priorities haven't been quite right for a while.
"Science -- $3 billion for the National Science Foundation, $2 billion more for the NIH, hundreds of millions for high energy physics, satellite development, construction grants, the U.S. geological survey, NASA climate change programs and more."
More for NSF than NIH -- someone recognizes that the funding priorities haven't been quite right for a while.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Tebow, Country, Notre Dame
The incessant media fawning over Tim Tebow of Gainsville actually has me hating a guy who I should root for. I am just curious to see everyone's thoughts on Tim Tebow.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Test yourself!
Okay...I never ever post anything, but I thought this was fun. See if you'd make it as a copy editor for the Cincinnati Enquirer. There is no answer key...figure it out yourself!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Porn Bailout
I once jokingly stated to my brother that when the porno industry needs a bailout this country is really in trouble. This article states that one champion of free speech, and a douchebag are indeed asking for government assistance. Hopefully this will not be foreshadowing of greater financial trouble for the nation, but rather a nation that has embraced free internet pornography.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Bill O'Reilly is....
Needed something to laugh at after getting punched in the stomach by a man named Colt.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Saturday, December 27, 2008
My favorite wrestler / Week 17
Growing up, my favorite wrestler was 'Hacksaw' Jim Duggan, who I'm pleased to read is the oldest active wrestler in WWE. Wow.
In other news, NFL Week 17 is in the comments. Rich is taking Duggan's trademark 2X4 to my chances to win this year.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to all. Hope that you are spending time with your family and friends.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Week 16 (cont.)
CIN @ CLE
PIT @ TEN
SF @ STL
SD @ TB
NO @ DET
MIA @ KC
ARI @ NE
BUF @ DEN
NYJ @ SEA
HOU @ OAK
ATL @ MIN
PHI @ WAS
CAR @ NYG
Mon, Dec 22
GB @ CHI
PIT @ TEN
SF @ STL
SD @ TB
NO @ DET
MIA @ KC
ARI @ NE
BUF @ DEN
NYJ @ SEA
HOU @ OAK
ATL @ MIN
PHI @ WAS
CAR @ NYG
Mon, Dec 22
GB @ CHI
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Maybe I was wrong.
The incoming Obama administration has appointed Arne Duncan to be the Secretary of Education. He apparently is a data-driven reformer and a merit pay supporter, but not a complete enemy of the unions. We shall see -- ObamaEducationReformAbandonment Watch rolls on.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
A (sad) prediction.
A prediction, for the record: Governor Blagojevich will not go to prison for his alleged crimes. He will either settle or be acquitted.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
NFL Week 15 (cont.)
Sun, Dec 14
TEN @ HOU
SEA @ STL
DET @ IND
GB @ JAC
TB @ ATL
BUF @ NYJ
SF @ MIA
SD @ KC
WAS @ CIN
MIN @ ARI
PIT @ BAL
NE @ OAK
DEN @ CAR
NYG @ DAL
Mon, Dec 15
CLE @ PHI
TEN @ HOU
SEA @ STL
DET @ IND
GB @ JAC
TB @ ATL
BUF @ NYJ
SF @ MIA
SD @ KC
WAS @ CIN
MIN @ ARI
PIT @ BAL
NE @ OAK
DEN @ CAR
NYG @ DAL
Mon, Dec 15
CLE @ PHI
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
"The Late Shift 2"
If no one gets my obscure HBO movie reference, "The Late Shift" is a movie about the tumultuous time after the retirement of Johnny Carson and who would take over the Tonight Show; Jay Leno or David Letterman? The movie goes on to show how NBC and Leno joined forces to oust Letterman from the Tonight Show post. It would appear that NBC and Leno are at it again with this recent NYT article. Leno was supposed to retire at the end of this year giving he post to Conan O'Brien while Jimmy Fallon would take over Conan's show. But it appears that Leno will still be doing his show on NBC, only one hour earlier. Maybe Conan should start looking at some offers from other networks.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Bad chemistry naming contest!
Enjoy the picture, which (I kid you not) is from an article highlighting Hollywood's newfound accuracy in TV science. Get this, from the pictured TV producer: "In some ways, it's much easier to make shit up. When you have to make it real, you're holding yourself to a much higher standard."
Well, that IS a much higher standard. Hoooooly crap that thing is a disaster. Personally, I like the seeming hypervalent iodine carbene.
So what should you name a structure like this? The term "Texas carbon" or "Nobel-prize winning structure" doesn't exactly cover it. I suggest "WTF structure", but I'm open to suggestions.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Only You Can Prevent Forest Fire (ing of hand guns)...
The Bush administration on Friday struck down federal regulations banning loaded guns in most national forests, a move that was widely seen as a parting shot on behalf of the National Rifle Association. The decision shoots down a 1981 wildlife refuge and a 1983 national park regulation signed by President Ronald Reagan requiring firearms to be unloaded and placed somewhere not easily accessible, such as in a car trunk, when visiting federal parks.
"We are pleased that the Interior Department recognizes the right of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and their families while enjoying America's national parks and wildlife refuges," said Chris Cox, the National Rifle Association's chief lobbyist.
Thank God. I haven't taken Hayden to any National Parks yet because I just haven't felt safe.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Week 14 (cont.)
JAC @ CHI
MIN @ DET
CIN @ IND
PHI @ NYG
CLE @ TEN
ATL @ NO
HOU @ GB
MIA @ BUF
NYJ @ SF
NE @ SEA
KC @ DEN
STL @ ARI
DAL @ PIT
WAS @ BAL
Mon, Dec 08
TB @ CAR
MIN @ DET
CIN @ IND
PHI @ NYG
CLE @ TEN
ATL @ NO
HOU @ GB
MIA @ BUF
NYJ @ SF
NE @ SEA
KC @ DEN
STL @ ARI
DAL @ PIT
WAS @ BAL
Mon, Dec 08
TB @ CAR
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Hopes dashed.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
NFL Week 13 (cont.)
SF @ BUF
BAL @ CIN
NO @ TB
NYG @ WAS
MIA @ STL
IND @ CLE
CAR @ GB
ATL @ SD
DEN @ NYJ
PIT @ NE
KC @ OAK
CHI @ MIN
Mon, Dec 01
JAC @ HOU
BAL @ CIN
NO @ TB
NYG @ WAS
MIA @ STL
IND @ CLE
CAR @ GB
ATL @ SD
DEN @ NYJ
PIT @ NE
KC @ OAK
CHI @ MIN
Mon, Dec 01
JAC @ HOU
Friday, November 28, 2008
Black Friday
I sincerely hope that this is not true:
"A male worker at a New York Wal-Mart was killed Friday when anxious shoppers trampled him in their rush for Black Friday bargains, witnesses say."
There's a woman saying she miscarried because she was pushed down in the crowd. I'm guessing that this will be tops on the evening news, competing with the Mumbai attacks -- I'll reserve judgment until tonight.
UPDATE: This is why I really, really, really dislike the media. No sooner than I posted this, WABC has a report that the guy died of an apparent heart attack (no trampling, I guess) and the lady's baby is fine. Way to go, NY Daily News!
"A male worker at a New York Wal-Mart was killed Friday when anxious shoppers trampled him in their rush for Black Friday bargains, witnesses say."
There's a woman saying she miscarried because she was pushed down in the crowd. I'm guessing that this will be tops on the evening news, competing with the Mumbai attacks -- I'll reserve judgment until tonight.
UPDATE: This is why I really, really, really dislike the media. No sooner than I posted this, WABC has a report that the guy died of an apparent heart attack (no trampling, I guess) and the lady's baby is fine. Way to go, NY Daily News!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Engagement
Ok, so as most of you probably know, my girlfriend and I got engaged this past weekend. And while this is a rather transparent attempt to notify people, it is also a way for me to get a head count of Taylorites that may want to attend the wedding. It is likely going to be in South Bend in Spring of 2010.
Leave congratulations and "RSVP's" in the comments! Thanks!
Leave congratulations and "RSVP's" in the comments! Thanks!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
NFL Week 12 (cont.)
PHI @ BAL
NE @ MIA
NYJ @ TEN
CHI @ STL
BUF @ KC
HOU @ CLE
SF @ DAL
MIN @ JAC
TB @ DET
OAK @ DEN
CAR @ ATL
NYG @ ARI
WAS @ SEA
IND @ SD
Mon, Nov 24
GB @ NO
NE @ MIA
NYJ @ TEN
CHI @ STL
BUF @ KC
HOU @ CLE
SF @ DAL
MIN @ JAC
TB @ DET
OAK @ DEN
CAR @ ATL
NYG @ ARI
WAS @ SEA
IND @ SD
Mon, Nov 24
GB @ NO
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Open Thread: Bailout Edition
Just want to hear everyone's thoughts on the proposed auto industry bailout.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
I think I got this one right.
From my Obama analysis post of August 31:
"Prediction: his calls for teacher pay/education reform will be the first to get traded away."
From today's appointment of Obama's education policy chief: "The appointment of Darling-Hammond, a teacher quality expert who opposes merit pay and is more critical than supportive of NCLB, signals that Obama wishes to avoid a fight with the unions."
I love being a pessimist: you're either pleasantly surprised or being proven correct.
"Prediction: his calls for teacher pay/education reform will be the first to get traded away."
From today's appointment of Obama's education policy chief: "The appointment of Darling-Hammond, a teacher quality expert who opposes merit pay and is more critical than supportive of NCLB, signals that Obama wishes to avoid a fight with the unions."
I love being a pessimist: you're either pleasantly surprised or being proven correct.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Week 11 (cont.)
Sun, Nov 16
PHI @ CIN
BAL @ NYG
DEN @ ATL
OAK @ MIA
HOU @ IND
NO @ KC
CHI @ GB
MIN @ TB
DET @ CAR
STL @ SF
ARI @ SEA
TEN @ JAC
SD @ PIT
DAL @ WAS
Mon, Nov 17
CLE @ BUF
PHI @ CIN
BAL @ NYG
DEN @ ATL
OAK @ MIA
HOU @ IND
NO @ KC
CHI @ GB
MIN @ TB
DET @ CAR
STL @ SF
ARI @ SEA
TEN @ JAC
SD @ PIT
DAL @ WAS
Mon, Nov 17
CLE @ BUF
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Economists versus scientists
Scientists often get a bad rap for being socially inept. One economist (and former Secretary of the Treasury) is much, much more socially inept than any scientist than I've ever met. Enjoy the following on Larry Summers, former President of Harvard and possible future SecTreas:
Summers was doing a meeting with a friend of mine at a hedge fund where they both worked, and he was drinking a diet Coke as he talked. I mean that literally: as he talked. Coke was pouring out of his mouth and onto his shirt, and Summers showed no outward recognition that this was happening. Needless to say, to my friend this was fascinating to the point of seriously distracting from the substance of the meeting.
After the meeting, my friend emailed a colleague to say: I just finished a meeting with Larry, and he left with his shirt covered in diet Coke. The colleague emailed back: the last time I had a meeting with Larry, he left with cheese in his nose.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
NFL Week 10 (cont.)
Sun, Nov 09
NO @ ATL
TEN @ CHI
JAC @ DET
BAL @ HOU
SEA @ MIA
GB @ MIN
BUF @ NE
STL @ NYJ
CAR @ OAK
IND @ PIT
KC @ SD
NYG @ PHI
Mon, Nov 10
SF @ ARI
NO @ ATL
TEN @ CHI
JAC @ DET
BAL @ HOU
SEA @ MIA
GB @ MIN
BUF @ NE
STL @ NYJ
CAR @ OAK
IND @ PIT
KC @ SD
NYG @ PHI
Mon, Nov 10
SF @ ARI
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I Didn't Vote For Obama Today
From TPMBlog November 4 2008...
I have a confession to make.
I did not vote for Barack Obama today.
I've openly supported Obama since March. But I didn't vote for him today.
I wanted to vote for Ronald Woods. He was my algebra teacher at Clark Junior High in East St. Louis, IL. He died 15 years ago when his truck skidded head-first into a utility pole. He spent many a day teaching us many things besides the Pythagorean Theorem. He taught us about Medgar Evers, Ralph Abernathy, John Lewis and many other civil rights figures who get lost in the shadow cast by Martin Luther King, Jr.
But I didn't vote for Mr. Woods.
I wanted to vote for Willie Mae Cross. She owned and operated Crossroads Preparatory Academy for almost 30 years, educating and empowering thousands of kids before her death in 2003. I was her first student. She gave me my first job, teaching chess and math concepts to kids in grades K-4 in her summer program. She was always there for advice, cheer and consolation. Ms. Cross, in her own way, taught me more about walking in faith than anyone else I ever knew.
But I didn't vote for Ms. Cross.
I wanted to vote for Arthur Mells Jackson, Sr. and Jr. Jackson Senior was a Latin professor. He has a gifted school named for him in my hometown. Jackson Junior was the pre-eminent physician in my hometown for over 30 years. He has a heliport named for him at a hospital in my hometown. They were my great-grandfather and great-uncle, respectively.
But I didn't vote for Prof. Jackson or Dr. Jackson.
I wanted to vote for A.B. Palmer. She was a leading civil rights figure in Shreveport, Louisiana, where my mother grew up and where I still have dozens of family members. She was a strong-willed woman who earned the grudging respect of the town's leaders because she never, ever backed down from anyone and always gave better than she got. She lived to the ripe old age of 99, and has a community center named for her in Shreveport.
But I didn't vote for Mrs. Palmer.
I wanted to vote for these people, who did not live to see a day where a Black man would appear on their ballots on a crisp November morning.
In the end, though, I realized that I could not vote for them any more than I could vote for Obama himself.
So who did I vote for?
No one.
I didn't vote. Not for President, anyway.
Oh, I went to the voting booth. I signed, was given my stub, and was walked over to a voting machine. I cast votes for statewide races and a state referendum on water and sewer improvements.
I stood there, and I thought about all of these people, who influenced my life so greatly. But I didn't vote for who would be the 44th President of the United States.
When my ballot was complete, except for the top line, I finally decided who I was going to vote for - and then decided to let him vote for me. I reached down, picked him up, and told him to find Obama's name on the screen and touch it.
And so it came to pass that Alexander Reed, age 5, read the voting screen, found the right candidate, touched his name, and actually cast a vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
Oh, the vote will be recorded as mine. But I didn't cast it.
Then again, the person who actually pressed the Obama box and the red "vote" button was the person I was really voting for all along.
It made the months of donating, phonebanking, canvassing, door hanger distributing, sign posting, blogging, arguing and persuading so much sweeter.
So, no, I didn't vote for Barack Obama. I voted for a boy who now has every reason to believe he, too, can grow up to be anything he wants...even President.
Hayden joined me this morning, I didn't think of giving him the pen, but I showed him my vote, put it in the machine, and told him, "Today is a great day!"
I have a confession to make.
I did not vote for Barack Obama today.
I've openly supported Obama since March. But I didn't vote for him today.
I wanted to vote for Ronald Woods. He was my algebra teacher at Clark Junior High in East St. Louis, IL. He died 15 years ago when his truck skidded head-first into a utility pole. He spent many a day teaching us many things besides the Pythagorean Theorem. He taught us about Medgar Evers, Ralph Abernathy, John Lewis and many other civil rights figures who get lost in the shadow cast by Martin Luther King, Jr.
But I didn't vote for Mr. Woods.
I wanted to vote for Willie Mae Cross. She owned and operated Crossroads Preparatory Academy for almost 30 years, educating and empowering thousands of kids before her death in 2003. I was her first student. She gave me my first job, teaching chess and math concepts to kids in grades K-4 in her summer program. She was always there for advice, cheer and consolation. Ms. Cross, in her own way, taught me more about walking in faith than anyone else I ever knew.
But I didn't vote for Ms. Cross.
I wanted to vote for Arthur Mells Jackson, Sr. and Jr. Jackson Senior was a Latin professor. He has a gifted school named for him in my hometown. Jackson Junior was the pre-eminent physician in my hometown for over 30 years. He has a heliport named for him at a hospital in my hometown. They were my great-grandfather and great-uncle, respectively.
But I didn't vote for Prof. Jackson or Dr. Jackson.
I wanted to vote for A.B. Palmer. She was a leading civil rights figure in Shreveport, Louisiana, where my mother grew up and where I still have dozens of family members. She was a strong-willed woman who earned the grudging respect of the town's leaders because she never, ever backed down from anyone and always gave better than she got. She lived to the ripe old age of 99, and has a community center named for her in Shreveport.
But I didn't vote for Mrs. Palmer.
I wanted to vote for these people, who did not live to see a day where a Black man would appear on their ballots on a crisp November morning.
In the end, though, I realized that I could not vote for them any more than I could vote for Obama himself.
So who did I vote for?
No one.
I didn't vote. Not for President, anyway.
Oh, I went to the voting booth. I signed, was given my stub, and was walked over to a voting machine. I cast votes for statewide races and a state referendum on water and sewer improvements.
I stood there, and I thought about all of these people, who influenced my life so greatly. But I didn't vote for who would be the 44th President of the United States.
When my ballot was complete, except for the top line, I finally decided who I was going to vote for - and then decided to let him vote for me. I reached down, picked him up, and told him to find Obama's name on the screen and touch it.
And so it came to pass that Alexander Reed, age 5, read the voting screen, found the right candidate, touched his name, and actually cast a vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
Oh, the vote will be recorded as mine. But I didn't cast it.
Then again, the person who actually pressed the Obama box and the red "vote" button was the person I was really voting for all along.
It made the months of donating, phonebanking, canvassing, door hanger distributing, sign posting, blogging, arguing and persuading so much sweeter.
So, no, I didn't vote for Barack Obama. I voted for a boy who now has every reason to believe he, too, can grow up to be anything he wants...even President.
Hayden joined me this morning, I didn't think of giving him the pen, but I showed him my vote, put it in the machine, and told him, "Today is a great day!"
Monday, November 3, 2008
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream
I'm 40 pages into "The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream" and I'm impressed with his ability to write. The book is well written.
I've not got really into the meat of the book, but my first impressions are mixed.
On one hand I see his concern for the average American, and his disgust with the political machine. On the other, I see his philosphy of government intervention and where he wants to take the nation....
More to come.....
P.S. Thanks for the book, Rich.
I've not got really into the meat of the book, but my first impressions are mixed.
On one hand I see his concern for the average American, and his disgust with the political machine. On the other, I see his philosphy of government intervention and where he wants to take the nation....
More to come.....
P.S. Thanks for the book, Rich.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Obligatory pre-election night post.
JCT: Obama: 374, McCain: 164. Obama: 55%, McCain: 43%.
RET: Obama: 337, McCain: 200.
MJS: Obama: 311, McCain: 227.
BJM: Obama: 353, McCain: 185, Obama winning IN, VA, NC
E-mail me your (UPDATED) electoral maps at jimtung -at- gmail dot com and I'll put them up.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
NFL Week 9
NYJ @ BUF
DET @ CHI
JAC @ CIN
BAL @ CLE
TB @ KC
HOU @ MIN
ARI @ STL
GB @ TEN
MIA @ DEN
DAL @ NYG
ATL @ OAK
PHI @ SEA
NE @ IND
Mon, Nov 03
PIT @ WAS
DET @ CHI
JAC @ CIN
BAL @ CLE
TB @ KC
HOU @ MIN
ARI @ STL
GB @ TEN
MIA @ DEN
DAL @ NYG
ATL @ OAK
PHI @ SEA
NE @ IND
Mon, Nov 03
PIT @ WAS
Friday, October 31, 2008
FAIL FAIL.
Doubtless, there will be many political posts in the next week or so. Topics include 1) how big the Obama win will be 2) what will Obama's executive team look like and 3) who is the early frontrunner for GOP 2012. But first...
Look, folks: failblog is hilarious. And yes, it says a lot in just four letters. However, I'm calling a fail bubble and predicting overconsumption in the fail market. It's going to go away and be a marker of the late oughts, just like Sarah Palin, cream-colored Cadillac Escalades and huge Bluetooth earpieces that make you look like an uncool Lt. Uhura. Get it out now while it lasts.
That is all.
Look, folks: failblog is hilarious. And yes, it says a lot in just four letters. However, I'm calling a fail bubble and predicting overconsumption in the fail market. It's going to go away and be a marker of the late oughts, just like Sarah Palin, cream-colored Cadillac Escalades and huge Bluetooth earpieces that make you look like an uncool Lt. Uhura. Get it out now while it lasts.
That is all.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Favorite Horror Movies
Thought I would open a discussion about everyone's favorite horror films. Some of you might not be as big of a fan of the genre as I am, but I am curious to hear your favorites....
p.s. I watched "John Carpenter's The Thing" last night on hulu and forgot that it is a damn good movie.
p.s. I watched "John Carpenter's The Thing" last night on hulu and forgot that it is a damn good movie.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Disappointing, I know.
Chris, Vince and Bruce will be disappointed to learn about someone's forgetfulness. Mike and myself, on the other hand, may not be so sad.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Contempt for Science
Here is a nice article by Slate's Christopher Hitchens on the growing contempt for science within extreme right/religious circles (i.e. Sarah Palin and her "witchdoctor" church folk).
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
NFL Week 8
OAK @ BAL
ARI @ CAR
TB @ DAL
WAS @ DET
BUF @ MIA
STL @ NE
SD @ NO
KC @ NYJ
ATL @ PHI
CLE @ JAC
CIN @ HOU
NYG @ PIT
SEA @ SF
Mon, Oct 27
IND @ TEN
ARI @ CAR
TB @ DAL
WAS @ DET
BUF @ MIA
STL @ NE
SD @ NO
KC @ NYJ
ATL @ PHI
CLE @ JAC
CIN @ HOU
NYG @ PIT
SEA @ SF
Mon, Oct 27
IND @ TEN
Friday, October 24, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Breakfast sandwiches.
I'm a little frustrated these days with politics, so let's talk about something that I like: fast-food breakfast sandwiches (hereafter abbreviated as FFBS).
In particular, I would like to praise the chefs at Jack-in-the-Box, who have developed the Sausage Croissant Combo. It consists of a croissant sandwich with sausage, egg and cheese (hold the cheese, please), hash brown sticks and a cup of coffee. All of this can be yours for the low, low price of $3.65. While this is not necessarily a great culinary experience, I have found the my local JinB consistently delivers a tasty (and what appears to be hand-fried) egg and the hash brown sticks range from acceptable to sublime.
I submit to you that this is the best deal in FFBS. McDonald's has the McGriddle, which is a fantastic sandwich, but far too pricey at > $5.90 for the combo meal. Burger King's Croissan'Wich is better priced, but still rather mundane. Starbucks' foray into FFBS were tasty, but far too high priced and the ingredients poorly selected.
I try not to buy these very often, but they're quite good when I can get them. It may be my favorite fast food discovery in southern California. In-and-Out Burger is quite good, but overrated, especially when compared to the fine burger that you can get at Culver's. There -- now I'm ready for a healthy ( believe it or not) dinner.
In particular, I would like to praise the chefs at Jack-in-the-Box, who have developed the Sausage Croissant Combo. It consists of a croissant sandwich with sausage, egg and cheese (hold the cheese, please), hash brown sticks and a cup of coffee. All of this can be yours for the low, low price of $3.65. While this is not necessarily a great culinary experience, I have found the my local JinB consistently delivers a tasty (and what appears to be hand-fried) egg and the hash brown sticks range from acceptable to sublime.
I submit to you that this is the best deal in FFBS. McDonald's has the McGriddle, which is a fantastic sandwich, but far too pricey at > $5.90 for the combo meal. Burger King's Croissan'Wich is better priced, but still rather mundane. Starbucks' foray into FFBS were tasty, but far too high priced and the ingredients poorly selected.
I try not to buy these very often, but they're quite good when I can get them. It may be my favorite fast food discovery in southern California. In-and-Out Burger is quite good, but overrated, especially when compared to the fine burger that you can get at Culver's. There -- now I'm ready for a healthy ( believe it or not) dinner.
Dressing on a budget
As someone who never buys anything that isn't on clearance, the $150,000 Sarah Palin spending spree astonishes me. I know she is in the spotlight, but seriously.John Edwards got ripped on for his $400 hair cuts, but she gets to spend $15,000 a month on a make-up artist? I have embedded a video of the supposed "uppity" candidate and his family talking about dressing on a budget. But I guess he can't relate to the Joe ______s of the country.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Can Obama really help us with more Central Planning?
This is a good article on the problem I have with Central Planning. It basically recaps a 20/20 episode about the ability of the government to solve our problems.
I've said it all along, more Govt. is not the answer.
Obama's philosophy is BS!!
I've said it all along, more Govt. is not the answer.
Obama's philosophy is BS!!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
What do you think?
Blog housekeeping:
1. Added "recent comments" feature.
2. Changed template -- I think it is a better use of space.
If people object, I'll change it back without question. Comment away.
1. Added "recent comments" feature.
2. Changed template -- I think it is a better use of space.
If people object, I'll change it back without question. Comment away.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
NFL Week 7
BAL @ MIA
PIT @ CIN
NO @ CAR
SF @ NYG
MIN @ CHI
TEN @ KC
SD @ BUF
DAL @ STL
DET @ HOU
IND @ GB
CLE @ WAS
NYJ @ OAK
SEA @ TB
Mon, Oct 20
DEN @ NE
PIT @ CIN
NO @ CAR
SF @ NYG
MIN @ CHI
TEN @ KC
SD @ BUF
DAL @ STL
DET @ HOU
IND @ GB
CLE @ WAS
NYJ @ OAK
SEA @ TB
Mon, Oct 20
DEN @ NE
Friday, October 17, 2008
I thought we (USA) were a republic, and for good reason.
All this tax policy talk has got me asking the age old question, "Do average people really know what is best for the country?"
“Democracy arises out of the notion that those who are equal in any respect are equal in all respects; because men are equally free, they claim to be absolutely equal.” Aristotle
“Democracy is when the indigent, and not the men of property, are the rulers.” Aritotle
I always thought it was quintessential for our success as a nation that we stick to our republic roots.
When I turn on the TV and find reports on the registration of new voters I shutter in fear. Are these the people that get to determine the rules of the game? The simple fact is that the uneducated outnumber the educated. The lazy outnumber the hardworking. The freeloaders outnumber the earners.
So do we really think it is wise to give the “under”class so much power?
Should the majority (since more that 50% of people pay little to none of Federal Income Tax) have the right to raise taxes on the minority?
Maybe we need to find a balance here, but the system we have…which every day is becoming a democracy (poll first, think second)…seems to be broken.
I think the Taylor Group could make better decisions than the system we currently have!!
“Democracy arises out of the notion that those who are equal in any respect are equal in all respects; because men are equally free, they claim to be absolutely equal.” Aristotle
“Democracy is when the indigent, and not the men of property, are the rulers.” Aritotle
I always thought it was quintessential for our success as a nation that we stick to our republic roots.
When I turn on the TV and find reports on the registration of new voters I shutter in fear. Are these the people that get to determine the rules of the game? The simple fact is that the uneducated outnumber the educated. The lazy outnumber the hardworking. The freeloaders outnumber the earners.
So do we really think it is wise to give the “under”class so much power?
Should the majority (since more that 50% of people pay little to none of Federal Income Tax) have the right to raise taxes on the minority?
Maybe we need to find a balance here, but the system we have…which every day is becoming a democracy (poll first, think second)…seems to be broken.
I think the Taylor Group could make better decisions than the system we currently have!!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Joe The Douchebag
Turns out Joe The Plumber isn't even a licensed plumber! Also, he is not even close to making $250,000 a year. Maybe he shouldn't discuss tax increases when he owes the state of Ohio $1,000 (edited for Jim) in back taxes.
Middleclassness, i.e. "Don't raise my taxes!"
Just picking nits here:
I think it's terribly funny, all this fuss about "Joe the Plumber". McCain was certainly right to jump on this, but it's this same damn debate about whether or not we should have taxes, who should pay them, race and class. Don't forget competence in government, wasteful spending, socialism, etc.
1) To Obama: You blew it from the beginning of your campaign. By accepting Hillary Clinton's definition of "middle class" (that is, $250,000), you've defined "middle class", "working families" and the like at 250K. That's the top 5% of income earning households! What the hell were you thinking?
2) To "Joe The Plumber": First, thanks for getting Obama to admit that he wants to "spread the wealth around." Redistribution is something Democrats don't really want to talk about. Second, guess what? If you're pulling down 250K in income (in Ohio!), you're definitely at the top 5% of income earners. Sorry, buddy, you're going to see your taxes go up.
Here's my point: I am not an economist, but I get the feeling that the US government's going to need a little cash in the next few years. I don't really know the area under the income distribution curve for the top 5%, but I get the feeling it's not enough. It's a crap sandwich, but better higher taxes on the "middle class" than government defaulting on its obligations, etc. I'd like to think it went to pay for debt service and tanks to scare 3rd world countries, but that's an argument for another time.
I think it's terribly funny, all this fuss about "Joe the Plumber". McCain was certainly right to jump on this, but it's this same damn debate about whether or not we should have taxes, who should pay them, race and class. Don't forget competence in government, wasteful spending, socialism, etc.
1) To Obama: You blew it from the beginning of your campaign. By accepting Hillary Clinton's definition of "middle class" (that is, $250,000), you've defined "middle class", "working families" and the like at 250K. That's the top 5% of income earning households! What the hell were you thinking?
2) To "Joe The Plumber": First, thanks for getting Obama to admit that he wants to "spread the wealth around." Redistribution is something Democrats don't really want to talk about. Second, guess what? If you're pulling down 250K in income (in Ohio!), you're definitely at the top 5% of income earners. Sorry, buddy, you're going to see your taxes go up.
Here's my point: I am not an economist, but I get the feeling that the US government's going to need a little cash in the next few years. I don't really know the area under the income distribution curve for the top 5%, but I get the feeling it's not enough. It's a crap sandwich, but better higher taxes on the "middle class" than government defaulting on its obligations, etc. I'd like to think it went to pay for debt service and tanks to scare 3rd world countries, but that's an argument for another time.
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