August 16, 2008
New Boyfriend
This is my new boyfriend:
All I need to win his affection is a bottle of chloroform.
All I need to win his affection is a bottle of chloroform.
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August 15, 2008
Crystal Ball Says
Good morning, good evening, and good afternoon, wherever you are and whatever you do. There's a lot of things going on in the world today. Most of 'em far beyond our control you might say.
Russia invaded Georgia and is continuing their aggression. Even though the two have signed a cease fire. The U.S. and Poland finally agreed to a pact and a trade. Poland gets a bunch of nifty boomers. The U.S. gets to build a missile intercept facility in Poland. Russia doesn't like this arrangement one little bit.
Meanwhile, Iraq is behaving quite nicely. Afghanistan is not behaving nicely at all. Pakistan is hell-bent on self-destruction. Or some sort of destruction. Iran is waiting.
more...
Russia invaded Georgia and is continuing their aggression. Even though the two have signed a cease fire. The U.S. and Poland finally agreed to a pact and a trade. Poland gets a bunch of nifty boomers. The U.S. gets to build a missile intercept facility in Poland. Russia doesn't like this arrangement one little bit.
Meanwhile, Iraq is behaving quite nicely. Afghanistan is not behaving nicely at all. Pakistan is hell-bent on self-destruction. Or some sort of destruction. Iran is waiting.
more...
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August 14, 2008
Thanks, Greenies. Love Africa
This is an ugly story.
One wonder if perhaps easing environmental regulations might not make recycling lucrative in the U.S. and Europe. Particularly with the price of metals where they are today.
One wonder if perhaps easing environmental regulations might not make recycling lucrative in the U.S. and Europe. Particularly with the price of metals where they are today.
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August 10, 2008
Still Single
Would you like to know why I'm still single?
I'll tell you why. Tonight I met a very cute fellow. He showed me his tattoo (on his shoulders, perv). I described it as "molecular."
Seriously. If there is a compliment worse than 'punctual', it's 'molecular.'
That was the most accurate, practical thing to say upon viewing the tattoo. And that's why I'm single.
On the other hand, he actually seemed to be attracted to me and wants to hang out soon.
Anyhow. I hope you have a molecular day.
I'll tell you why. Tonight I met a very cute fellow. He showed me his tattoo (on his shoulders, perv). I described it as "molecular."
Seriously. If there is a compliment worse than 'punctual', it's 'molecular.'
That was the most accurate, practical thing to say upon viewing the tattoo. And that's why I'm single.
On the other hand, he actually seemed to be attracted to me and wants to hang out soon.
Anyhow. I hope you have a molecular day.
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July 24, 2008
Batman vs. Superman
I watched 'The Dark Knight' today. It's a fantastic film. I recommend it.
Batman has always been my favorite superhero. Even the travesty of 'Batman and Robin' gets a pass from me. Put Batman in the title of a film and I'll watch it, no questions asked.
I've had the Batman vs. Superman argument a time or two. Superman would win the battle, of course. But he's not that compelling. Superman can only be killed by some chemical, the likes of which doesn't occur on Earth. There's no suspense or question of his success. Superman is effectively a god among insects.
Batman is a human. Bullets and knives are deadly to him. He gets hurt and knows that a bus could run him over at any moment. His utility belt doesn't protect him from RPGs.
The big point people like to make is that Superman wears Clark Kent as a costume. He's actually Superman. Clark Kent is the alter ego. Superman's mythology makes him a secret hero among men as we all wish we were.
I think it's fair to argue that Batman does the same. Only he's actually human. Batman rides the wave of depravity and insanity. Bruce Wayne is a facade. Bruce only exists for Batman's sake. More importantly, Bruce exists for the trust fund's sake.
I think of Batman as the John Wayne of the modern age. He's a slave to the human condition as we all are. The purely altruistic hero doesn't exist. The guy that does the right thing in spite of his desire to drink and smash and shoot is extremely human. Batman would load up his M16 and blast dirty fuckers into oblivion if he thought it would be right, but he doesn't. Batman knows restraint. Batman does separate himself from the beasts.
I guess, the short version of this post is that Batman understands that people need a rough man to do violence on their behalf so they can sleep easy in their beds. (Yeah, I'm paraphrasing.) He's just the man to do it.
Batman has always been my favorite superhero. Even the travesty of 'Batman and Robin' gets a pass from me. Put Batman in the title of a film and I'll watch it, no questions asked.
I've had the Batman vs. Superman argument a time or two. Superman would win the battle, of course. But he's not that compelling. Superman can only be killed by some chemical, the likes of which doesn't occur on Earth. There's no suspense or question of his success. Superman is effectively a god among insects.
Batman is a human. Bullets and knives are deadly to him. He gets hurt and knows that a bus could run him over at any moment. His utility belt doesn't protect him from RPGs.
The big point people like to make is that Superman wears Clark Kent as a costume. He's actually Superman. Clark Kent is the alter ego. Superman's mythology makes him a secret hero among men as we all wish we were.
I think it's fair to argue that Batman does the same. Only he's actually human. Batman rides the wave of depravity and insanity. Bruce Wayne is a facade. Bruce only exists for Batman's sake. More importantly, Bruce exists for the trust fund's sake.
I think of Batman as the John Wayne of the modern age. He's a slave to the human condition as we all are. The purely altruistic hero doesn't exist. The guy that does the right thing in spite of his desire to drink and smash and shoot is extremely human. Batman would load up his M16 and blast dirty fuckers into oblivion if he thought it would be right, but he doesn't. Batman knows restraint. Batman does separate himself from the beasts.
I guess, the short version of this post is that Batman understands that people need a rough man to do violence on their behalf so they can sleep easy in their beds. (Yeah, I'm paraphrasing.) He's just the man to do it.
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July 16, 2008
The Most Important People
I've thought of compiling a list of the five most important people in history. It's not an easy task. I mostly consider architects and engineers as being the drivers of human development, but one can't discount political and cultural forces either.
I think I might expand on this later, but my list so far would be as follows:
1. Plato and Aristotle. I count them as one because they both contributed significantly to modern thought. Even if Plato was mostly wrong.
2. Constantine. I can't count Jesus because I don't necessarily believe he existed. Regardless, Constantine did embrace the philosophy of Christianity which is enormously important to the history of the world. One could argue that we have him to thank for our modern world.
3. St. Thomas Aquinas. His conclusion was wrong, but appropriately so. Look at Al'Ghazali by comparison.
4. Faraday. He pretty much gave us the modern world of electrical convenience. To this date we haven't completed our understanding of his equations (see the memristor), but I think he may have rivaled Einstein as a creative genius.
5. Not Einstein (yet). I think this spot belongs to Vannevar Bush. He developed the modern practice of commercialized R&D. The military/industrial complex is thanks to him. Xerox, IBM, Raytheon; the largest and most innovative companies in the world develop the technology we use in our daily lives and it's thanks to this visionary.
I think I might expand on this later, but my list so far would be as follows:
1. Plato and Aristotle. I count them as one because they both contributed significantly to modern thought. Even if Plato was mostly wrong.
2. Constantine. I can't count Jesus because I don't necessarily believe he existed. Regardless, Constantine did embrace the philosophy of Christianity which is enormously important to the history of the world. One could argue that we have him to thank for our modern world.
3. St. Thomas Aquinas. His conclusion was wrong, but appropriately so. Look at Al'Ghazali by comparison.
4. Faraday. He pretty much gave us the modern world of electrical convenience. To this date we haven't completed our understanding of his equations (see the memristor), but I think he may have rivaled Einstein as a creative genius.
5. Not Einstein (yet). I think this spot belongs to Vannevar Bush. He developed the modern practice of commercialized R&D. The military/industrial complex is thanks to him. Xerox, IBM, Raytheon; the largest and most innovative companies in the world develop the technology we use in our daily lives and it's thanks to this visionary.
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Goldfish Plant
I bought a gold fish plant this spring. There's a lot of conflicting information regarding these plants. They can be picky or not. Depends on the plant I guess.
Mine is doing quite well. I did have bud blast after bringing it home. That's not unexpected. Most plants are grown in greenhouses with lots of humidity and CO2. My house doesn't have those things, so the buds died. However, it's doing pretty well and seems to be growing new blossoms.
I keep it with the Swedish Ivy (also called a charlie). These are supposed to be tricky to grow, but mine are going great guns. They've both doubled in size since this spring.
Mine is doing quite well. I did have bud blast after bringing it home. That's not unexpected. Most plants are grown in greenhouses with lots of humidity and CO2. My house doesn't have those things, so the buds died. However, it's doing pretty well and seems to be growing new blossoms.
I keep it with the Swedish Ivy (also called a charlie). These are supposed to be tricky to grow, but mine are going great guns. They've both doubled in size since this spring.
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July 15, 2008
An Interesting Day
I rode my bike downtown on Saturday. It's about 8 miles from my house to downtown Boise, so it's a fair ride. Anyhow, I spent the day wandering around the farmer's market and watching people from the bar. On my way home it was really fucking hot, so I stopped at the bar for a couple of beers and ran into some friends when I was walking out the door. My afternoon out turned into a two-day bender and I'm not sure the pants I wore home are mine.
Anyhow, I had a curious conversation with a friend during the coffee and vodka stage of sobering up. The guy is a flaming liberal. You know, the sort that believes if another Republican takes office, we'll see a third-world police state with rioters being gunned down in the street. Nonetheless, we had a civil conversation and even agreed on a few things.
Actually, we agreed on two things. During a four hour conversation.
Immigration policy was the only area where we found commonality. I think amnesty is reasonable. The expense and logistics of hunting down and deporting some 12 million illegals is staggering. Especially when most of these people have friends, family and compatriots willing to help them hide.
But, it needs to stop. The borders need secured, even if it means turning the border into a no-man's land rivaling that between the Koreas.
The conversation demonstrated something I've understood since living in San Francisco, but never experienced quite so directly. After discussing issues for a time we always arrived at the same point. I argued for individual responsibility, while he wanted communal responsibility.
He's an articulate fellow, and pretty well informed. But his position came from one of empathy. Mine from analysis. He accused me of being cold and selfish, I accused him of being a bleeding heart socialist.
I've never had such a candid and civil political conversation with a liberal. I may have to sleep with him now.
Anyhow, I had a curious conversation with a friend during the coffee and vodka stage of sobering up. The guy is a flaming liberal. You know, the sort that believes if another Republican takes office, we'll see a third-world police state with rioters being gunned down in the street. Nonetheless, we had a civil conversation and even agreed on a few things.
Actually, we agreed on two things. During a four hour conversation.
Immigration policy was the only area where we found commonality. I think amnesty is reasonable. The expense and logistics of hunting down and deporting some 12 million illegals is staggering. Especially when most of these people have friends, family and compatriots willing to help them hide.
But, it needs to stop. The borders need secured, even if it means turning the border into a no-man's land rivaling that between the Koreas.
The conversation demonstrated something I've understood since living in San Francisco, but never experienced quite so directly. After discussing issues for a time we always arrived at the same point. I argued for individual responsibility, while he wanted communal responsibility.
He's an articulate fellow, and pretty well informed. But his position came from one of empathy. Mine from analysis. He accused me of being cold and selfish, I accused him of being a bleeding heart socialist.
I've never had such a candid and civil political conversation with a liberal. I may have to sleep with him now.
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July 04, 2008
Happy 4th of July
My brain spent part of this morning thinking about Independence Day and doing some small reflection on America. I found that a line from 'America the Beautiful' touches me deeply and represents what I think of our nation.
Thine alabaster cities gleam, Undimmed by human tears.
For all the poverty, crime, and assorted ugliness in America, we remain a beacon of hope. We are a people of ingenuity, generosity, and ambition.
Now it's time to celebrate. Here's to another 200 years of wealth, health, and happiness.
Thine alabaster cities gleam, Undimmed by human tears.
For all the poverty, crime, and assorted ugliness in America, we remain a beacon of hope. We are a people of ingenuity, generosity, and ambition.
Now it's time to celebrate. Here's to another 200 years of wealth, health, and happiness.
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June 26, 2008
Nothing to See Here
I do believe in responsible environmental stewardship, but global
warming is another example of our American excesses. Too many people
believe that if an ounce of something is good then five pounds of the
same must be eleventy times better. If something is bad, we must
eliminate every possible trace.
Everything we eat is fortified with Vitamin C. All of our cleaning products are anti-bacterial. Former industrial real estate must be cleaner than cosmic background radiation would allow.
Global climate change is another battle of excess. If pollution is bad, every bit of it must be erased from production and eventually the planet.
That has as much to do with the NIMBY crowd as anything. Radiation is bad so any amount of radiation is dangerous. It doesn't matter if it's hidden or contained or buried under a mountain in a desert nobody visits. It's bad and must be shunned.
But, some things aren't that bad. Carbon in the atmosphere is a good thing. It means plants have a great source of nutrition. It means greater crop yields. It means healthier, more robust plants. It means more plants.
Don't buy the hype. Use your air conditioner, drive your car, barbecue some ribs. Do what you can to contribute to atmospheric carbon. The crops will thank you, and they will reward your pocketbook.
The climate won't care so much. It has bigger things to worry about.
Everything we eat is fortified with Vitamin C. All of our cleaning products are anti-bacterial. Former industrial real estate must be cleaner than cosmic background radiation would allow.
Global climate change is another battle of excess. If pollution is bad, every bit of it must be erased from production and eventually the planet.
That has as much to do with the NIMBY crowd as anything. Radiation is bad so any amount of radiation is dangerous. It doesn't matter if it's hidden or contained or buried under a mountain in a desert nobody visits. It's bad and must be shunned.
But, some things aren't that bad. Carbon in the atmosphere is a good thing. It means plants have a great source of nutrition. It means greater crop yields. It means healthier, more robust plants. It means more plants.
Don't buy the hype. Use your air conditioner, drive your car, barbecue some ribs. Do what you can to contribute to atmospheric carbon. The crops will thank you, and they will reward your pocketbook.
The climate won't care so much. It has bigger things to worry about.
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June 16, 2008
Some Bad Workings. Some Good.
I spent today (and tomorrow) working my ass off for community service. It was an interesting experience. I realized within moments of my participation that not one person gave one fucking hoot that I was there. I was simply a series of letters and numbers, and a tool to be used to accomplish a number of tasks.
I went to the Pride Festival on Saturday. It was enjoyable. People saw me. I have tunnel vision so I didn't see people.
I need to find resonance. Being an adult is hard. If you have the manual, please comment.
I went to the Pride Festival on Saturday. It was enjoyable. People saw me. I have tunnel vision so I didn't see people.
I need to find resonance. Being an adult is hard. If you have the manual, please comment.
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June 07, 2008
No Strings Attached
So, I'm not normally one for hook-ups, but I met a cute guy and, yeah, we rolled in the hay. It was quite fun, in case you're interested. I don't think he's interested in dating and such which is a shame, because he's sexy and smart and not one of those nelly guys that irritates the hell out of me.
I'm fairly conservative and probably the most shy fellow you're ever likely to meet, but I do like sex. Every now and then I meet some guy that wants to fuck and I'm not retarded, so we take a trip to the bedroom.
I found this guy to be an interesting experience. My hook-ups have typically been one night stands where I've actually hoped there might be a relationship and realized I would rather have a roll in the shattered glass. This was strictly sex.
We chatted for five minutes and fucked for an hour. End of story. Guy was comfortable and completely uninhibited. I was significantly less so. We were responsible and safe. And it was a heck of a lot of fun.
It brings up an interesting question. Most every guy likes to have as much sex as he possibly can. Straight guys I've talked to go for months and even years without having sex (with a partner, that is). My dry spells typically last for months, but I can live and work at home, spend all of my time with doggy and computer, and still find guys willing to shag like bare-assed baboons.
Again, I'm not one to get nasty with every (or even most) guys I meet, but is it really that hard for guys to find chicks willing to have sex? If that's the case, I have to admit that being a big flaming homo is fantastic.
Also, what do you do with somebody who doesn't like kissing? What kind of person doesn't like kissing?
I'm fairly conservative and probably the most shy fellow you're ever likely to meet, but I do like sex. Every now and then I meet some guy that wants to fuck and I'm not retarded, so we take a trip to the bedroom.
I found this guy to be an interesting experience. My hook-ups have typically been one night stands where I've actually hoped there might be a relationship and realized I would rather have a roll in the shattered glass. This was strictly sex.
We chatted for five minutes and fucked for an hour. End of story. Guy was comfortable and completely uninhibited. I was significantly less so. We were responsible and safe. And it was a heck of a lot of fun.
It brings up an interesting question. Most every guy likes to have as much sex as he possibly can. Straight guys I've talked to go for months and even years without having sex (with a partner, that is). My dry spells typically last for months, but I can live and work at home, spend all of my time with doggy and computer, and still find guys willing to shag like bare-assed baboons.
Again, I'm not one to get nasty with every (or even most) guys I meet, but is it really that hard for guys to find chicks willing to have sex? If that's the case, I have to admit that being a big flaming homo is fantastic.
Also, what do you do with somebody who doesn't like kissing? What kind of person doesn't like kissing?
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June 06, 2008
Chinese Beef Stuff
I love to cook and the spicier the better. This stuff is inferno hot and insanely tasty. I suppose you could use less of the hot stuff, but I can't imagine why you would.
Anyhow, here it is:
1 each Yellow, Red, Green Bell Pepper
1 large Onion (I prefer the pungent white ones)
1 Habanero Pepper (with seeds)
1.5 cups Chillies de Arbols (the dried red jalapenos)
1 large Sirloin Steak, sliced very thin*
2 tbsp Garlic
Soy Sauce
Fish Sauce
Ginger
Mongolian Fire Oil
Steamed Rice
Prep work takes some effort. You need to chop everything and have it ready to throw in the hot oil at the right time. Chop everything into bitey bits (and make the beef as thin as you have patience for; when I'm doing it right, paper thin beef slices are best, but damn, I don't have that much patience). Heat the oil until it smokes a bit.
And here's the really tricky bit. You have to cook the garlic, habanero, arbols and about 1/4 of the onion first. But if you do it wrong, you'll get maced square in the mug. Seriously, you can trust me and that crumby one-night-stand I needed to get rid of on this one. Toss the onions, etc. into the hot oil and STAND BACK. After a few minutes you can step in and stir and saute. And then you can throw the beef strips into the oil. In just a minute or two hurl the chopped bell peppers into the pan and stir fry everything for a short bit.
Splash a bit of soy sauce, fish sauce, and ginger into the stuff and give it a few minutes to percolate. I recommend using 2:1 soy to fish sauce, but it's a matter of taste.
Honk it down with as much rice as you can stand.
* Chicken, pork, or shrimp work as well. I wouldn't recommend slicing the shrimp.
Anyhow, here it is:
1 each Yellow, Red, Green Bell Pepper
1 large Onion (I prefer the pungent white ones)
1 Habanero Pepper (with seeds)
1.5 cups Chillies de Arbols (the dried red jalapenos)
1 large Sirloin Steak, sliced very thin*
2 tbsp Garlic
Soy Sauce
Fish Sauce
Ginger
Mongolian Fire Oil
Steamed Rice
Prep work takes some effort. You need to chop everything and have it ready to throw in the hot oil at the right time. Chop everything into bitey bits (and make the beef as thin as you have patience for; when I'm doing it right, paper thin beef slices are best, but damn, I don't have that much patience). Heat the oil until it smokes a bit.
And here's the really tricky bit. You have to cook the garlic, habanero, arbols and about 1/4 of the onion first. But if you do it wrong, you'll get maced square in the mug. Seriously, you can trust me and that crumby one-night-stand I needed to get rid of on this one. Toss the onions, etc. into the hot oil and STAND BACK. After a few minutes you can step in and stir and saute. And then you can throw the beef strips into the oil. In just a minute or two hurl the chopped bell peppers into the pan and stir fry everything for a short bit.
Splash a bit of soy sauce, fish sauce, and ginger into the stuff and give it a few minutes to percolate. I recommend using 2:1 soy to fish sauce, but it's a matter of taste.
Honk it down with as much rice as you can stand.
* Chicken, pork, or shrimp work as well. I wouldn't recommend slicing the shrimp.
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June 04, 2008
Umm. DUH!
This article makes me a little angry. Mostly because it gets me to thinking about two topics that would seem to have blindingly obvious solutions.
First, is germophobia. The human body is pretty well designed to handle bugs. In fact, we're supremely equipped to fight off most infections, it's actually a big part of why our species exists at all.
You see, we have several defense mechanisms against infection. We have preventative measure like the mucous membranes, sneezing, coughing, and runny eyes. Our bodies cough and snort and honk when something foreign enters our bodies (like ground pepper, or pet dander). Over time our biology figures out that these things are not harmful and ignores them. Sometimes we don't figure that out and end up with an allergy.
There is a genetic influence to having allergies (I have them myself, along with eczema), but genetics doesn't explain the increase in reported allergies. If I could find them, I would link some studies I read a few years ago that suggested environmental sterility was a cause of allergic reactions later in life. You shouldn't doubt my veracity though, since I've admitted I'm willing to kiss Pete Doherty. I clearly have no concept of falsification.
Anywho, besides our prevention mechanisms, we have cells and proteins floating around in our bodies that protect us against bacteria and viruses. Until fairly recent recently, we've maintained a pretty good balance between fighting off innocuous bugs and suffering from the bad ones. Today, medical science has given us the tools we need to fight off the bad ones as well.
But we've abused medical science in this regard, especially in the last three decades. I'm think just old enough to remember how this situation has changed. I recall a very specific push towards cleanliness and hygiene and public health throughout and since my childhood.
While a few of these ideas make good sense, most of them are just flat out stupid. If you have sniffles, get a box of tissues and a bottle of bourbon. It will pass. Should you have a hairy purple infection growing on your foot? See a doctor. How hard is that? You do not need to sterilize every surface in your house, car, restaurant, grocery store, day care center, school, or church.
If fact (if you promise not to tell), one of my guilty pleasures is encouraging youngsters to eat dirt and stick things up their nose. I find it to be amusing and a community service.
Superbugs are more dangerous than their normal cousins and they are becoming more prevalent. Be responsible and rational. I know we're talking about your health and your childrens' health, but please. I don't want to die of meningitis because your brat had a bit of a cough. Your grandma's technique of soap and water is good enough. You will not die and neither will your kid.
Hospitals? Stop it with the wipes. Use a bucket of soapy water.
more...
First, is germophobia. The human body is pretty well designed to handle bugs. In fact, we're supremely equipped to fight off most infections, it's actually a big part of why our species exists at all.
You see, we have several defense mechanisms against infection. We have preventative measure like the mucous membranes, sneezing, coughing, and runny eyes. Our bodies cough and snort and honk when something foreign enters our bodies (like ground pepper, or pet dander). Over time our biology figures out that these things are not harmful and ignores them. Sometimes we don't figure that out and end up with an allergy.
There is a genetic influence to having allergies (I have them myself, along with eczema), but genetics doesn't explain the increase in reported allergies. If I could find them, I would link some studies I read a few years ago that suggested environmental sterility was a cause of allergic reactions later in life. You shouldn't doubt my veracity though, since I've admitted I'm willing to kiss Pete Doherty. I clearly have no concept of falsification.
Anywho, besides our prevention mechanisms, we have cells and proteins floating around in our bodies that protect us against bacteria and viruses. Until fairly recent recently, we've maintained a pretty good balance between fighting off innocuous bugs and suffering from the bad ones. Today, medical science has given us the tools we need to fight off the bad ones as well.
But we've abused medical science in this regard, especially in the last three decades. I'm think just old enough to remember how this situation has changed. I recall a very specific push towards cleanliness and hygiene and public health throughout and since my childhood.
While a few of these ideas make good sense, most of them are just flat out stupid. If you have sniffles, get a box of tissues and a bottle of bourbon. It will pass. Should you have a hairy purple infection growing on your foot? See a doctor. How hard is that? You do not need to sterilize every surface in your house, car, restaurant, grocery store, day care center, school, or church.
If fact (if you promise not to tell), one of my guilty pleasures is encouraging youngsters to eat dirt and stick things up their nose. I find it to be amusing and a community service.
Superbugs are more dangerous than their normal cousins and they are becoming more prevalent. Be responsible and rational. I know we're talking about your health and your childrens' health, but please. I don't want to die of meningitis because your brat had a bit of a cough. Your grandma's technique of soap and water is good enough. You will not die and neither will your kid.
Hospitals? Stop it with the wipes. Use a bucket of soapy water.
more...
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May 28, 2008
Wow!
Just. . . wow!
Tarja Turunen is wow!
Perhaps one more after the fold:
more...
Tarja Turunen is wow!
Perhaps one more after the fold:
more...
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May 24, 2008
A Bit of a Drive
Oil prices are a big deal right now. Perhaps, more immediately, gasoline prices. I mentioned I have to pay over $4.50 for diesel fuel these days (except I don't because I pretty much stopped driving).
Americans have enjoyed a culture of driving convenience. We can go to the grocery store, the McDonald's, the hardware store, the bookstore, the day care center, the court house, work, the video rental store, the smoothie shop, the coffee shop, and the liquor store all in one day. Each in a separate trip. On Saturday we drive to the theatre, the farmer's market, the coffee shop, the lawn and garden nursery, the rental place, the mountains for a picnic, and maybe the bar. Sunday it's church, garage sales, groceries (again), and twice to the hardware store (honey-dos).
I've become vaguely disgusted with Americans. All I hear is how much a tank of gas costs, and how much oil companies make in revenue and profit, and how somebody should do something. Maybe that should be you. America has always been characterized by innovative and creative people (pioneers, if you will). People who do what has to be done to make things better.
Except for now. We're characterized by whiners and complainers who can't run to the McDonalds for supper when their whiny, complaining kids are hungry.
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Americans have enjoyed a culture of driving convenience. We can go to the grocery store, the McDonald's, the hardware store, the bookstore, the day care center, the court house, work, the video rental store, the smoothie shop, the coffee shop, and the liquor store all in one day. Each in a separate trip. On Saturday we drive to the theatre, the farmer's market, the coffee shop, the lawn and garden nursery, the rental place, the mountains for a picnic, and maybe the bar. Sunday it's church, garage sales, groceries (again), and twice to the hardware store (honey-dos).
I've become vaguely disgusted with Americans. All I hear is how much a tank of gas costs, and how much oil companies make in revenue and profit, and how somebody should do something. Maybe that should be you. America has always been characterized by innovative and creative people (pioneers, if you will). People who do what has to be done to make things better.
Except for now. We're characterized by whiners and complainers who can't run to the McDonalds for supper when their whiny, complaining kids are hungry.
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May 22, 2008
HIV Vaccine
Here's an article about the failure of HIV vaccines.
I think the most interesting bit is this:
That's why an HIV vaccine isn't likely to be successful. People will still be infected with HIV, their immune systems compromised by default. And the danger remains that HIV replicates poorly and thus, mutates easily. I think the traditional vaccine makes a poor avenue of research into HIV.
I think the most interesting bit is this:
"While scientists hoped the Merck vaccine might prevent some infections,
its chief purpose was to stimulate "cell-mediated" immunity to produce
a less severe illness. Specifically, the vaccine was expected to lower
the "viral load" of HIV in the bloodstream, which in turn would both
prolong survival and lessen the chance the person would infect others."
Vaccines work by teaching your immune system to recognize viruses and produce anti-bodies to prevent them from replicating excessively. Vaccines don't actually keep you from getting the disease. Some of the 24 hour bugs you've had may have been bugs you've caught many times before. The symptoms don't last long because your body recognizes the virus and quickly starts producing the right anti-bodies to get rid of them.That's why an HIV vaccine isn't likely to be successful. People will still be infected with HIV, their immune systems compromised by default. And the danger remains that HIV replicates poorly and thus, mutates easily. I think the traditional vaccine makes a poor avenue of research into HIV.
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May 20, 2008
The Numbers Game
This may be a tactic worth trying. The best way to get a someone to call you is for you and your friends to chase after their car
waving a cardboard sign with your phone number on it. Preferably at
high speed. Nothing says 'I want to be with you' like leering through somebody's car window while attempting vehicular manslaughter.
Here's an excerpt and the link:
"Saudi society is strictly segregated along gender lines, and after several weeks spent interviewing Saudi teenage girls, I'd become very curious about life on the other side of the gender divide. I'd seen groups of young Saudi men out "numbering" - chasing cars containing young girls and trying to give the girls their phone numbers via Bluetooth, or by holding written phone numbers up to their car windows."
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/13/out-with-the-boys-for-a-night-of-numbering/
Here's an excerpt and the link:
"Saudi society is strictly segregated along gender lines, and after several weeks spent interviewing Saudi teenage girls, I'd become very curious about life on the other side of the gender divide. I'd seen groups of young Saudi men out "numbering" - chasing cars containing young girls and trying to give the girls their phone numbers via Bluetooth, or by holding written phone numbers up to their car windows."
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes
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May 15, 2008
Dirt Stuff
It's finally time to plant the garden here at the manor. It's been a long winter, but I'm finally getting spring fever just in time for summer misery.
In any case, the garden goes in today. Some tomatoes, some peppers. Some herbs. I won't have a big garden, but I will have tomatoes.
Tomatoes give me happy.
In any case, the garden goes in today. Some tomatoes, some peppers. Some herbs. I won't have a big garden, but I will have tomatoes.
Tomatoes give me happy.
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May 14, 2008
Immortality
British super-skanks, Pete Doherty and Amy Winehouse have swapped scabies.
I believe this is an important advance in immunology and is key to my plan to live forever (mu-ha). By fusing their respective scabies they have created super-bugs that will be capable of demolishing any potential infectious agent.
Unfortunately, I must fly to London and kiss Pete Doherty. Thoroughly.
Immortality is not cheap. Thankfully, vodka is.
Thanks to Seriously? OMG!
See the horrifying price of immortality below:
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I believe this is an important advance in immunology and is key to my plan to live forever (mu-ha). By fusing their respective scabies they have created super-bugs that will be capable of demolishing any potential infectious agent.
Unfortunately, I must fly to London and kiss Pete Doherty. Thoroughly.
Immortality is not cheap. Thankfully, vodka is.
Thanks to Seriously? OMG!
See the horrifying price of immortality below:
more...
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