11/11/06
11/1/06
Andrew Sullivan and Bush
I think Rumsfeld was an overall positive, but lately his unwillingness to change is becoming a liability. The strategy isn't working as well as originally hoped (I don't think it's been a total loss). I think that in the long run, the current strategy will work, but it will take longer and bloodier than necessary (the country would have been more stabilized than what I think is happening).
The main problem with the situation is that you can't trust any of the party lines. The media sings it's doom and gloom song, and yet there is still progress (it's like the Japanese propaganda during WW2, if they keep winning victories, why do the battles keep moving closer to Japan?). The White House is much the same, that's total bullshit (it's a political operation so I wouldn't expect the truth anyway). Al Qaeda keeps gloating over 'glorious victories' which make no sense and when thought about rationally aren't really great victories (you killed 2 people this week, I've seen more deadly car accidents). Battlefield reports from bloggers/independent media are snapshots of small areas, and it's hard to expolate (sp?) a small town or section of a large city to the whole country.
The main problem with the situation is that you can't trust any of the party lines. The media sings it's doom and gloom song, and yet there is still progress (it's like the Japanese propaganda during WW2, if they keep winning victories, why do the battles keep moving closer to Japan?). The White House is much the same, that's total bullshit (it's a political operation so I wouldn't expect the truth anyway). Al Qaeda keeps gloating over 'glorious victories' which make no sense and when thought about rationally aren't really great victories (you killed 2 people this week, I've seen more deadly car accidents). Battlefield reports from bloggers/independent media are snapshots of small areas, and it's hard to expolate (sp?) a small town or section of a large city to the whole country.
10/31/06
Progress comes at a price
I hate people who argue that we shouldn't do Embryonic Stem Cell Research because it's unpromising. It's the lamest excuse in the book, because at the start of research, by definition, you won't know what you will come up with at the end. Plus, much truly groundbreaking research is dangerous.
I would compare Embryonic Stem Cell Research to flying at the start. Many early wannabe pilots died when their 'aircraft' crashed. The most famous is Otto Lilienthal, whose famous quote "sacrifices must be made" was all too prophetic of his own death due to a glider accident. The first passenger in an airplane died (Signal Corps Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge). I can't find statistics on early pilots trying to cross the Atlantic, but many died in the attempt before Lindberg successfully made history. And the US Air Mail had a horrendous survival rate during it's first years of operation.
Plus, we learned how flight crews were unable to work together effectively to the Tenerife disaster at the cost of 583 deaths. UAL 232 is a testament to CRM in that 184 people survived on a flight that should have ended up as a smoking hole in some cornfield.
Today, the most dangerous part of aviation is the drive to the airport. The deaths of yesterday make flying very safe because we learned from our mistakes and have improved safety.
I would compare Embryonic Stem Cell Research to flying at the start. Many early wannabe pilots died when their 'aircraft' crashed. The most famous is Otto Lilienthal, whose famous quote "sacrifices must be made" was all too prophetic of his own death due to a glider accident. The first passenger in an airplane died (Signal Corps Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge). I can't find statistics on early pilots trying to cross the Atlantic, but many died in the attempt before Lindberg successfully made history. And the US Air Mail had a horrendous survival rate during it's first years of operation.
Plus, we learned how flight crews were unable to work together effectively to the Tenerife disaster at the cost of 583 deaths. UAL 232 is a testament to CRM in that 184 people survived on a flight that should have ended up as a smoking hole in some cornfield.
Today, the most dangerous part of aviation is the drive to the airport. The deaths of yesterday make flying very safe because we learned from our mistakes and have improved safety.
Republican Closet
I've been there, done that. Since I live in Madison, WI, often times I am assumed to be a Democrat/Green party supporter. This usually manifests itself as someone starts in on how the Iraq war was unnecessary/unjust/illegal/treasonous/etc and Bush/Cheney/etc should be impeached, put on trial, or whatever.
Usually I just sit there and tune out the conversation or walk away. The only real defense mechanism I can use if I want to argue is to claim I'm a libertarian (and I am, but I don't vote that way usually). And lord forbid that I actually say I'm for Bush, because I will get a hearing to from the people there for the rest of the day.
Usually I just sit there and tune out the conversation or walk away. The only real defense mechanism I can use if I want to argue is to claim I'm a libertarian (and I am, but I don't vote that way usually). And lord forbid that I actually say I'm for Bush, because I will get a hearing to from the people there for the rest of the day.
10/24/06
8/3/06
Enjoying Time Off
Got to love my decision to relax this summer. I looked for a job half-heartedly this summer, but not it's time to find employeement.
I've been working on one of my friend's game. Card design, mechanics, board design, ect all have been interesting. The most fun to work with have been the mechanics, because coming up with ways to break the game have been extremely fun :)
I've been working on one of my friend's game. Card design, mechanics, board design, ect all have been interesting. The most fun to work with have been the mechanics, because coming up with ways to break the game have been extremely fun :)
3/14/06
3/6/06
States I've Visited
create your own visited states map
Hope to fill in the East Coast sometime soon. I figure I can do the origional 13 in a week or two of traveling someday and hit all the sights.
3/2/06
What American City am I?
| You Are Austin |
 A little bit country, a little bit rock and roll. You're totally weird and very proud of it. Artistic and freaky, you still seem to fit in... in your own strange way. Famous Austin residents: Lance Armstrong, Sandra Bullock, Andy Roddick |
2/20/06
The beginning of the end
About halfway throught he semester, I start getting dedicated to school (or regret not showing up more often). I guess today was that day.
I spent about 10 hours at school today. Only reason I didn't spent 12 hours is that the Polysci prof needed to get out early and I was more than happy to make my escape for freedom. About the only redeeming part of today is that I got a smoothie and made noticeable progress on my table.
I spent about 10 hours at school today. Only reason I didn't spent 12 hours is that the Polysci prof needed to get out early and I was more than happy to make my escape for freedom. About the only redeeming part of today is that I got a smoothie and made noticeable progress on my table.
Changes
You will have to excuse the changes now happening. I'm revamping the posts and the site, and thus it will be under construction and have little consistancy at the moment. I appreciate your forbearance :)
Riot time!
Penny Arcade breaks out the hate on Our Lord and Savior Jesus! I feel jihad coming on...or maybe lunch...
2/18/06
Vodkapundit puts the challenge to do your top 10 songs:
1) Everytime We Touch - Cascada
2) You're Not Alone - Olive
3) Wake Me When September Ends - Green Day
4) Attack - 30 Seconds to Mars
5) He's a Pirate (track 13 remix) - Pirates of the Caribbean Soundtrack
6) Shivers (Rising Star Mix) - Armin Van Buuren
7) Beautiful Things (Gabriel & Dresden Remix) - DJ Tiesto
8) Take Me - Popa Roach
9) The Melody - Ray Burton
10) Africa - E-Type feat. Nana
I've got a respectable list IMHO. You can't go wrong with that list :)
1) Everytime We Touch - Cascada
2) You're Not Alone - Olive
3) Wake Me When September Ends - Green Day
4) Attack - 30 Seconds to Mars
5) He's a Pirate (track 13 remix) - Pirates of the Caribbean Soundtrack
6) Shivers (Rising Star Mix) - Armin Van Buuren
7) Beautiful Things (Gabriel & Dresden Remix) - DJ Tiesto
8) Take Me - Popa Roach
9) The Melody - Ray Burton
10) Africa - E-Type feat. Nana
I've got a respectable list IMHO. You can't go wrong with that list :)
1/25/06
You've got it all. Power, passion, precision, and style. You're sensuous, exotic, and temperamental. Sure, you're expensive and high-maintenance, but you're worth it.
Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.
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