Robert Reich wrote a very interesting blog about his "counterpart" on the "right", David Frum, leaving public radio's Marketplace as a commentator for the "right". Frum didn't think he could "represent" the "right" anymore. Reich wrote that such labels don't lead to what's best for America.
See "The Triumph of Dogma", Robert Reich, 2011-10-14.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
The wonders of computers
Many of our computers nowadays will flag spelling and grammar errors. I've found that the Macintosh OS X operating system corrects French and Swedish spelling.
We will have a Russian guest later this month and I sent her a short welcome message, with a little bit of Russian. I was quite surprised to see some of the words underlined in red. For one of the words my computer gave some choices and I selected the one I thought was appropriate. The other I had to look up on Google to get the correct spelling.
Oh, for my Russian readers, the words were русский and извините in Извините! Не понимаю русский язик! (Excuse me! I don't understand the Russian language!) I had an й where I shouldn't and didn't have an й where I should.
We will have a Russian guest later this month and I sent her a short welcome message, with a little bit of Russian. I was quite surprised to see some of the words underlined in red. For one of the words my computer gave some choices and I selected the one I thought was appropriate. The other I had to look up on Google to get the correct spelling.
Oh, for my Russian readers, the words were русский and извините in Извините! Не понимаю русский язик! (Excuse me! I don't understand the Russian language!) I had an й where I shouldn't and didn't have an й where I should.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Some simple steps to end corruption
1. Show up and vote
2. Choose candidates you believe in, ignore what the polls say about the "front runners".
3. If you don't strongly believe in any, rank them according to campaign contributions. The order is up to you among corporate contributions, total contributions, individual contributions, and location of contributors.
4. Show up and vote
5. Choose the candidates who rank most favorably according to step 3.
6. If you find all the choices for an office equally "corrupt", then consider somebody who you think is not corrupt and write that person's name in.
7. Show up and vote
8. If you can't think of anybody in step 6, then consider "Wright In".
9. Show up and vote
10. The only "spoiler" vote is the vote not cast.
11. Show up and vote
12. If you don't like the outcome of the election and you didn't follow steps 1, 4, 7, 9, and 11, don't blame me. I will have showed up and voted.
2. Choose candidates you believe in, ignore what the polls say about the "front runners".
3. If you don't strongly believe in any, rank them according to campaign contributions. The order is up to you among corporate contributions, total contributions, individual contributions, and location of contributors.
4. Show up and vote
5. Choose the candidates who rank most favorably according to step 3.
6. If you find all the choices for an office equally "corrupt", then consider somebody who you think is not corrupt and write that person's name in.
7. Show up and vote
8. If you can't think of anybody in step 6, then consider "Wright In".
9. Show up and vote
10. The only "spoiler" vote is the vote not cast.
11. Show up and vote
12. If you don't like the outcome of the election and you didn't follow steps 1, 4, 7, 9, and 11, don't blame me. I will have showed up and voted.
Quote of the day - campaign contributions
"What's the difference between a bribe and a campaign contribution?"
- Richard Coates, mostly jobless construction worker who demonstrated outside Bank of America in Boston, quoted in "Can 'Occupy Wall Street' really get money out of politics?", Mark Trumbell, Christian Science Monitor, 2011-10-14.
- Richard Coates, mostly jobless construction worker who demonstrated outside Bank of America in Boston, quoted in "Can 'Occupy Wall Street' really get money out of politics?", Mark Trumbell, Christian Science Monitor, 2011-10-14.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Let's start our own mass movement
Here's something you can do to change the politics of the country without much time or any dimes.
Remind at least two people to vote and to be the dēmos in democracy. "dēmos" is Greek for people. Ask them to also remind at least two people to vote. Tell friends, send the link to others, write comments on forums, or send letters to the editor.
We will know that we're successful when others pass this message to us. And we will know that we're really successful when the worst turnout in any precinct, county, or state is 75 percent.
Remind at least two people to vote and to be the dēmos in democracy. "dēmos" is Greek for people. Ask them to also remind at least two people to vote. Tell friends, send the link to others, write comments on forums, or send letters to the editor.
We will know that we're successful when others pass this message to us. And we will know that we're really successful when the worst turnout in any precinct, county, or state is 75 percent.
Attacks against the "sacrilegious"
I never understand why those who profess a theistic religion feel compelled to attack those who they consider "sacrilegious" or "blasphemous". If their God is so all-powerful and all-knowing, cannot He do something about this problem. Cannot this God just boom down from Heaven to these blasphemers to shape up?
I think the attackers themselves are insecure in their own beliefs and are the "sacrilegious" or "blasphemous" ones. They think beliefs different from their own are threat to their beliefs. They have the hubris to think they know better than God.
They also are the greatest threat to their own beliefs. Why would peaceful people follow their beliefs? Or why should peaceful people of any belief respect and tolerate the beliefs of the attackers?
I think the attackers themselves are insecure in their own beliefs and are the "sacrilegious" or "blasphemous" ones. They think beliefs different from their own are threat to their beliefs. They have the hubris to think they know better than God.
They also are the greatest threat to their own beliefs. Why would peaceful people follow their beliefs? Or why should peaceful people of any belief respect and tolerate the beliefs of the attackers?
The suit with the cigar, an update
This morning's Duluth News Tribune had pictures of the Occupy Twin Ports demonstration. The guy with the suit and the cigar sign was "I support Wall Street!" And you can see the cigar in his mouth.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Occupy Twin Ports, 12 Oct. 2011
I spent about a half hour today at the Occupy Twin Ports in Duluth. My guess is that about a hundred people showed up, several with home-made signs. I knew about a dozen of the people attending. As far as "the media" ignoring it, there were several reporter/photographers and at least one TV crew. Many people beeped their horns as the drove by and some passengers hollered out encouraging remarks.
When I walked by before the official start, I think there was one police officer. When I participated I never saw a police officer.
There was a Tea Party demonstration on an opposite corner, but I couldn't read their signs.
On our side a suit was smoking a cigar right next to other people. I don't remember the sign he was holding, but if he was an anti-demonstrator, his smoking a cigar in a crowd was indicative of the disdain Wall St. holds for us 99%.
A downpour started about fifteen minutes after the start. Umbrellas came out and then the person with the bullhorn announced a Plan B and marched off toward the banks. After the rain dwindled they came marching back.
When I walked by before the official start, I think there was one police officer. When I participated I never saw a police officer.
There was a Tea Party demonstration on an opposite corner, but I couldn't read their signs.
On our side a suit was smoking a cigar right next to other people. I don't remember the sign he was holding, but if he was an anti-demonstrator, his smoking a cigar in a crowd was indicative of the disdain Wall St. holds for us 99%.
A downpour started about fifteen minutes after the start. Umbrellas came out and then the person with the bullhorn announced a Plan B and marched off toward the banks. After the rain dwindled they came marching back.
Efficiency vs. effectiveness, a simile
Many "limited government" or "low tax" proponents are calling for more efficiency in governments. Unfortunately, efficiency is not a poor metric for any job.
Consider that even with long lines at the post office, the clerks, at least in Minnesota, ask, "Anything else?" The "efficiency" proponents would demand quicker processing of each customer, but the effective clerks give better service to each customer and may sell more stamps and other things.
The "efficiency" proponents would probably buy a heating system that gave the lowest cost per Btu. However, that heating system may not put out enough Btus to effectively heat the building. And if that low cost heating system was in an office building, the office workers may be so uncomfortable that they are neither efficient nor effective.
Consider that even with long lines at the post office, the clerks, at least in Minnesota, ask, "Anything else?" The "efficiency" proponents would demand quicker processing of each customer, but the effective clerks give better service to each customer and may sell more stamps and other things.
The "efficiency" proponents would probably buy a heating system that gave the lowest cost per Btu. However, that heating system may not put out enough Btus to effectively heat the building. And if that low cost heating system was in an office building, the office workers may be so uncomfortable that they are neither efficient nor effective.
High and low tax states: All things considered, which is better?
Yahoo Finance often has articles about the taxation as a gauge of where to live, whether a place to work or a place to retire to. The latest was "The Most and Least Taxing States to Live and Retire In", Joel Stonington, Bloomberg, 2011-10-09.
http://finance.yahoo.com/retirement/article/113611/most-least-taxing-states-bloomberg
Many early commenters said they'd much rather live in the high tax states than the low tax states because the quality of life was better.
Articles like these never tout up the benefits received, better educated work force, better roads, better fire service, better police, better courts,… In other words, you get what you pay for.
Would you choose a hotel strictly on price? Gosh, for $10/night, you can get a tiny room with bedbugs, dirty sheets, broken springs, noisy neighbors, and no heat or air-conditioning. Or for $100/night you could get a spacious room with clean sheets, quiet neighbors, heat or air conditioning, and a "free" all-you-can eat breakfast.
http://finance.yahoo.com/retirement/article/113611/most-least-taxing-states-bloomberg
Many early commenters said they'd much rather live in the high tax states than the low tax states because the quality of life was better.
Articles like these never tout up the benefits received, better educated work force, better roads, better fire service, better police, better courts,… In other words, you get what you pay for.
Would you choose a hotel strictly on price? Gosh, for $10/night, you can get a tiny room with bedbugs, dirty sheets, broken springs, noisy neighbors, and no heat or air-conditioning. Or for $100/night you could get a spacious room with clean sheets, quiet neighbors, heat or air conditioning, and a "free" all-you-can eat breakfast.
Monday, October 10, 2011
A great tribute to Steve Jobs
Guy Kawasaki, one of the original Apple Evangelists, wrote a great tribute to Steve Jobs, "What I learned from Steve Jobs".
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Bear season: two shots missed
As I returned to Duluth from our cabin in Brimson, I saw a bear cross the road in front of me. I slowed down, tried to get my camera off my hip, and take a picture. I was too late, the bear had already disappeared into the brush.
A couple hundred yards farther along the road at an intersection, I saw a whole bunch of people on ATVs, some in blaze orange, some not. I don't know if they were a hunting group or just a social group. If the former, I wonder if they knew how close they had been to a bear.
A couple hundred yards farther along the road at an intersection, I saw a whole bunch of people on ATVs, some in blaze orange, some not. I don't know if they were a hunting group or just a social group. If the former, I wonder if they knew how close they had been to a bear.
Just what are high-rate balances
One of AT&T Universal Card account holders pages has a little ad: "'I'm finished with high-rate balances.' Consolidate you high-rate credit cards into one monthly payment and save money on interest."
My rate is now 20.030% APY. Gosh, what kind of "high-rates" are they talking of?
I wonder if I'm better off taking money out of a mutual fund to pay this high-rate balance and paying myself instead. But then I'll have to figure out the capital gains and report it on next year's taxes. And the price per share could go up getting me fewer shares when I put the money back. Or the reverse. Decisions, decisions!
My rate is now 20.030% APY. Gosh, what kind of "high-rates" are they talking of?
I wonder if I'm better off taking money out of a mutual fund to pay this high-rate balance and paying myself instead. But then I'll have to figure out the capital gains and report it on next year's taxes. And the price per share could go up getting me fewer shares when I put the money back. Or the reverse. Decisions, decisions!
Friday, October 07, 2011
"The media" and Occupy Wall St.
I was at a meeting about politics earlier this week, and some people who can be counted on to take a "strong left" opinion complained bitterly that "the media" had not covered the Occupy Wall St. demonstrations.
From the Coffee Party http://www.coffeepartyusa.com I knew that it was in the planning stages, and I knew when it began, and I knew when major newspapers started covering it.
But is every large newspaper or news network supposed to cover every demonstration anywhere in the U. S. when only a dozen or so people show up. It's sort of like people complaining that their event wasn't covered in the local newspaper. Did any of the event organizers let the newspaper know? What competing stories were covered at that time?
Now the Occupy Wall St. movement has gained critical mass and even editorials are being written about it. As opposed to the Tea Party complaint about "an excessively powerful federal government","an active and angry band of citizens is insisting that the concentrated power most Americans need to fear exists on Wall Street and in the financial system." - E. J. Dionne, Jr., Washington Post, reprinted in the Star Tribune as "The conservative tide ebbs, the progressive tide flows", 2011-10-06.
From the Coffee Party http://www.coffeepartyusa.com I knew that it was in the planning stages, and I knew when it began, and I knew when major newspapers started covering it.
But is every large newspaper or news network supposed to cover every demonstration anywhere in the U. S. when only a dozen or so people show up. It's sort of like people complaining that their event wasn't covered in the local newspaper. Did any of the event organizers let the newspaper know? What competing stories were covered at that time?
Now the Occupy Wall St. movement has gained critical mass and even editorials are being written about it. As opposed to the Tea Party complaint about "an excessively powerful federal government","an active and angry band of citizens is insisting that the concentrated power most Americans need to fear exists on Wall Street and in the financial system." - E. J. Dionne, Jr., Washington Post, reprinted in the Star Tribune as "The conservative tide ebbs, the progressive tide flows", 2011-10-06.
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Reagan, Gorbachev, and the Berlin Wall
Many credit Ronald Reagan with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the fall of the Berlin Wall, citing Reagan's "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down the wall!" and other actions.
First, Gorbachev was no absolute dictator like Stalin. He had many constituencies to please, both hard-line and open-minded. Gorbachev knew the Soviet Union was not working, but he could not like Stalin or Mao simply declare a change of course. He had to move politically rather than autocratically.
Second, Gorbachev's predecessors had put the Soviet Union in a precarious financial position with an overabundance of subsidies. The only thing that propped up the finances of the Soviet Union was the export of oil at $70/barrel.
Then the price of oil collapsed to $10/barrel, and with it the Soviet Union.
The severe drop in the price of oil was caused by millions of consumers saving energy, something Reagan was not enthusiastic about.
Unfortunately, things have turned around and consumption has gone up, the price of oil has gone up, and petro-dictators have been propped up. But blame Americans only indirectly. Many people in the world want to live like us and now they are - in China, India, South America, and many other places. And to live like Americans, they drive cars, air-condition their houses, and power their proliferating gadgets.
See "Hot, Flat, and Crowded" by Thomas Friedman
First, Gorbachev was no absolute dictator like Stalin. He had many constituencies to please, both hard-line and open-minded. Gorbachev knew the Soviet Union was not working, but he could not like Stalin or Mao simply declare a change of course. He had to move politically rather than autocratically.
Second, Gorbachev's predecessors had put the Soviet Union in a precarious financial position with an overabundance of subsidies. The only thing that propped up the finances of the Soviet Union was the export of oil at $70/barrel.
Then the price of oil collapsed to $10/barrel, and with it the Soviet Union.
The severe drop in the price of oil was caused by millions of consumers saving energy, something Reagan was not enthusiastic about.
Unfortunately, things have turned around and consumption has gone up, the price of oil has gone up, and petro-dictators have been propped up. But blame Americans only indirectly. Many people in the world want to live like us and now they are - in China, India, South America, and many other places. And to live like Americans, they drive cars, air-condition their houses, and power their proliferating gadgets.
See "Hot, Flat, and Crowded" by Thomas Friedman
Some simple lessons about climate change
One of the many things that climate change deniers don't understand is the non-linearity of climate. That is, as you change some of the factors that make climate warmer or colder, suddenly one factor has such influence on the other factors that the rate of change of the other factors suddenly increases or decreases.
Put some water in a pan with a lid. Turn the heat on high. As the water heats, vapor starts to come up around the lid. Nothing to worry about. Go into another room and forget about it. Suddenly you hear water splashing and hissing in the kitchen. The formation of steam within the water has gotten to the point where the water volume has increased beyond the volume of the pan. Oh, yes, your going into another room had nothing to do with the water boiling over. The water would have boiled over if you had stood daydreaming at the stove.
What will happen to our climate if the amount of CO2 released from the warming oceans reaches a "boiling point"?
Blow up a balloon so that the surface is very tight. Carefully and slowly push a nail against the surface of the balloon. The surface of the balloon will deform. Then you sneeze and push harder on the nail. Bang! Oh, yes, I forgot to remind you to wear safety glasses. Sorry! I originally thought of suggesting a pin, but depending on how full you blew up the balloon, the pin might burst the balloon as soon as you touch the balloon's surface.
At what point will we melt so many glaciers that the sun will heat ground that has not been heated in eons.
Put some water in a pan with a lid. Turn the heat on high. As the water heats, vapor starts to come up around the lid. Nothing to worry about. Go into another room and forget about it. Suddenly you hear water splashing and hissing in the kitchen. The formation of steam within the water has gotten to the point where the water volume has increased beyond the volume of the pan. Oh, yes, your going into another room had nothing to do with the water boiling over. The water would have boiled over if you had stood daydreaming at the stove.
What will happen to our climate if the amount of CO2 released from the warming oceans reaches a "boiling point"?
Blow up a balloon so that the surface is very tight. Carefully and slowly push a nail against the surface of the balloon. The surface of the balloon will deform. Then you sneeze and push harder on the nail. Bang! Oh, yes, I forgot to remind you to wear safety glasses. Sorry! I originally thought of suggesting a pin, but depending on how full you blew up the balloon, the pin might burst the balloon as soon as you touch the balloon's surface.
At what point will we melt so many glaciers that the sun will heat ground that has not been heated in eons.
Monday, October 03, 2011
The perfect political candidate
I have a perfect candidate for you to vote for.
He doesn't make long-winded speeches.
He tells no lies about himself or his opponents.
He makes no promises that he can't keep.
He solicits no campaign funds from corporations, PACs, or others that can't vote for him.
His name:
Wright In
He doesn't make long-winded speeches.
He tells no lies about himself or his opponents.
He makes no promises that he can't keep.
He solicits no campaign funds from corporations, PACs, or others that can't vote for him.
His name:
Wright In
Sunday, October 02, 2011
How do you pronounce two, too, and to?
If you say that all three are pronounced the same, you aren't listening.
More often than not, to is pronounced tuh. I've heard radio announcers, politicians, and ordinary people of all kinds pronounce to with a schwa (an unaccented vowel) rather than with the oo sound. I've even heard English people use tuh.
It sort of proves my point that there is no "correct" language, only "current" language that people actually speak.
More often than not, to is pronounced tuh. I've heard radio announcers, politicians, and ordinary people of all kinds pronounce to with a schwa (an unaccented vowel) rather than with the oo sound. I've even heard English people use tuh.
It sort of proves my point that there is no "correct" language, only "current" language that people actually speak.
On the consistency of English pronunciation
I ponder as I wander
That ponder rhymes not with wonder.
As through the path I wound
I noticed a tree with a wound.
I shed a tear
For it was a pear.
And, there was no damage to the aged garage after the rummage sale.
That ponder rhymes not with wonder.
As through the path I wound
I noticed a tree with a wound.
I shed a tear
For it was a pear.
And, there was no damage to the aged garage after the rummage sale.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)