Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
My weekend as Slurms McKenzie (without the suicide part)
For those of you who didn't get into the show Futurama, you may not understand this reference without doing some research.
Slurms McKenzie is a parody of Spuds McKenzie of 1980's Bud Light fame. He's the original party worm. In an episode of the show, the gang wins a tour of the Slurm factory (Slurm is some kind of pop). They meet Slurms, and at the end of the episode he says he's just so tired of partying that:
Slurms McKenzie, exhausted from his years of partying, arrives and sacrifices himself to save Fry, Leela, his two super models, and Bender.
Oh man, I'm partied out. Whimmy wham wham wozzle.
Friday, March 7, 2008
The media and Muslims
This was too good of a point to not post, I thought. Here's the whole thing from Jamie Sneider over at The Blog at The Weekly Standard:
One thought about the Jerusalem massacre: the lack of moral outrage about the fact that the gunman disguised himself as a rabbinical student.
Although the media frequently covers protests by outraged Muslims throwing temper tantrums at any perceived disrespect to their religion, Reuters and other news outlets fail to focus on the transparent hypocrisy when writing about terrorist attacks against Jews and Catholics. Not only do the terrorist sympathizers celebrate attacks against other religions with street-parties, prayers, and sweets, they fail to condemn al Qaeda’s bombing of mosques, which presumably contain an abundant supply of oh so sacred Korans.
One thought about the Jerusalem massacre: the lack of moral outrage about the fact that the gunman disguised himself as a rabbinical student.
Although the media frequently covers protests by outraged Muslims throwing temper tantrums at any perceived disrespect to their religion, Reuters and other news outlets fail to focus on the transparent hypocrisy when writing about terrorist attacks against Jews and Catholics. Not only do the terrorist sympathizers celebrate attacks against other religions with street-parties, prayers, and sweets, they fail to condemn al Qaeda’s bombing of mosques, which presumably contain an abundant supply of oh so sacred Korans.
Ronny Turiaf isn't a jerk
I'll give Laker backup power forward (neither scrub nor star, for those who don't know) Ronny Turiaf credit for this. He walks up to a club in LA trying to get in, and he's told that he can't without a reservation.
So what does he do? He turns around and walks away. How many athletes would do that?
Later, though, his buddy goes up and pulls the Laker card and is still denied. The question is whether Turiaf told him to do it or not. I can't figure that out, so I'll give Turiaf the benefit of the doubt.
So what does he do? He turns around and walks away. How many athletes would do that?
Later, though, his buddy goes up and pulls the Laker card and is still denied. The question is whether Turiaf told him to do it or not. I can't figure that out, so I'll give Turiaf the benefit of the doubt.
Chicago's best bartender
AKA Consensus of the fancy people. This list tell you all you need to know about it by reading these two excerpts regarding the bartender at Burton Place:
Like many dive bars before it, Burton Place is dark and brown and always blaring classic rock.
Stop right there. Burton Place is not a dive bar just because it's dark and brown and loud. Dive bars also need a crowd of locals who are not fancy. Also this:
Q. What's your favorite drink to make, and how much does it cost?
A. Probably a Budweiser for $4.50. It's right here, and I can get it to you in less than two seconds.
$4.50 for Bud? NOT A DIVE. Will's sounds like a dive (I've never been there and I don't even know where it is, as it's not in Metromix).
I'm not trying to say that these people aren't good bartenders. I've found that the bartenders at fancy restaurants and such tend to actually be extremely competent in every technical aspect of bartending. Right now, for my money the best bartender in the city is John at Four Shadows. He's a big reason that I always start my week so poorly after bowling on Sunday night.
UPDATE: Commenter "I<3Indiana" (I'm not sure what being less than 3 Indianas is about) points out Seth from Foley's. Yes, I agree, he is the best bartender in Chicago. I need to go back to Foley's sometime soon...
Like many dive bars before it, Burton Place is dark and brown and always blaring classic rock.
Stop right there. Burton Place is not a dive bar just because it's dark and brown and loud. Dive bars also need a crowd of locals who are not fancy. Also this:
Q. What's your favorite drink to make, and how much does it cost?
A. Probably a Budweiser for $4.50. It's right here, and I can get it to you in less than two seconds.
$4.50 for Bud? NOT A DIVE. Will's sounds like a dive (I've never been there and I don't even know where it is, as it's not in Metromix).
I'm not trying to say that these people aren't good bartenders. I've found that the bartenders at fancy restaurants and such tend to actually be extremely competent in every technical aspect of bartending. Right now, for my money the best bartender in the city is John at Four Shadows. He's a big reason that I always start my week so poorly after bowling on Sunday night.
UPDATE: Commenter "I<3Indiana" (I'm not sure what being less than 3 Indianas is about) points out Seth from Foley's. Yes, I agree, he is the best bartender in Chicago. I need to go back to Foley's sometime soon...
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Sex discrimination in the sciences
This (very long) article describes the movement afoot to do to college science departments what Title IX has done to athletic programs.
There is too much good stuff to quote, so I recommend reading the whole thing if you have the time and interest.
There is too much good stuff to quote, so I recommend reading the whole thing if you have the time and interest.
Reaction to the county sales tax hike
Here is a great wrap-up of some of the reaction to last week's vote to increase the Cook County sales tax. (Note: the link may be subscriber-only, in which case I'm not sure how I got through and saw it.)
I agree with the first part. When Cook County government is dominated by (basically) the city political machine, why should the suburbs have to go along with it? I would want to secede too, because it just doesn't make sense to pound the residents of Palatine or Schaumburg with taxes to support the county hospital system, which almost no one out there uses. It's just for all the poor people and illegals in the city to get free medical care. A commenter nails it:
At least I’m lucky enought to have health insurance. Many “middle class” families just can’t afford it, yet they have to pay for health services to Chicago’s poor that they themselves have to do without. And, in this era, I really don’t see the link between Chicago and the suburbs … other than going to a sports event, most suburbanites just don’t go to the city any more. The jobs (what’s left of them) are in the burbs. So, why are we saddled with subsidizing Chicago’s squalor???
I think that the suburbs should split into 2 or 3 additional counties. There are more people in the suburbs than in the city, yet the county seems to operate primarily for the city’s benefit and at the expense of the burbs. But, we all know that this will never happen, since Daley and company will never let their cash cow be led off to another pasture.
I agree with the first part. When Cook County government is dominated by (basically) the city political machine, why should the suburbs have to go along with it? I would want to secede too, because it just doesn't make sense to pound the residents of Palatine or Schaumburg with taxes to support the county hospital system, which almost no one out there uses. It's just for all the poor people and illegals in the city to get free medical care. A commenter nails it:
At least I’m lucky enought to have health insurance. Many “middle class” families just can’t afford it, yet they have to pay for health services to Chicago’s poor that they themselves have to do without. And, in this era, I really don’t see the link between Chicago and the suburbs … other than going to a sports event, most suburbanites just don’t go to the city any more. The jobs (what’s left of them) are in the burbs. So, why are we saddled with subsidizing Chicago’s squalor???
I think that the suburbs should split into 2 or 3 additional counties. There are more people in the suburbs than in the city, yet the county seems to operate primarily for the city’s benefit and at the expense of the burbs. But, we all know that this will never happen, since Daley and company will never let their cash cow be led off to another pasture.
Newsflash: Old people don't like change
Well gee, if some old guy who is going to die soon doesn't want the name of Wrigley Field to change, I guess to the press he's got absolute moral authority to reject it:
At 99, Johnson has a hard time summoning some long-buried memories. But he's certain about this: He doesn't want Cubs owner Sam Zell to sell the Wrigley Field name to the highest bidder.
"I don't like the idea," Johnson says during a bedside chat this week. "It's been Wrigley all these years. Why change it? It would be a terrible mistake."
In other news, he then complained about these damn kids today.
At 99, Johnson has a hard time summoning some long-buried memories. But he's certain about this: He doesn't want Cubs owner Sam Zell to sell the Wrigley Field name to the highest bidder.
"I don't like the idea," Johnson says during a bedside chat this week. "It's been Wrigley all these years. Why change it? It would be a terrible mistake."
In other news, he then complained about these damn kids today.
The city's bicycle beaurocracy
I agree with the point of the city in this article (that cyclists ride around like maniacs when they are supposed to follow the rules of the road), but do we need another layer of beaurocracy to fix the problem?
The city’s Bike 2015 Plan calls for new regulations against the city’s 300 bicycle messengers, who make 1.1 million deliveries each year.
They would be required to wear helmets and complete a city training session. Companies would be advised when messengers get tickets.
“I may have the pleasure of coming back to this committee again with an ordinance specifically related” to bike messengers, said Ben Gomberg, bike program coordinator for the Department of Transportation.
Gomberg said bicycle licensing has been studied and rejected in other cities as “administratively too difficult.” But, he promised a summer crackdown to create a “level playing field.”
The city’s Bike 2015 Plan calls for new regulations against the city’s 300 bicycle messengers, who make 1.1 million deliveries each year.
They would be required to wear helmets and complete a city training session. Companies would be advised when messengers get tickets.
“I may have the pleasure of coming back to this committee again with an ordinance specifically related” to bike messengers, said Ben Gomberg, bike program coordinator for the Department of Transportation.
Gomberg said bicycle licensing has been studied and rejected in other cities as “administratively too difficult.” But, he promised a summer crackdown to create a “level playing field.”
Cost of illegal immigration on Arizona border counties
It's always easy for people who don't live near the border to love open immigration, as the direct costs aren't terribly huge (not to say that costs aren't big, but they are more indirect). But what about for counties along the border?
PHOENIX (AP) - A new study concludes that law enforcement and criminal prosecutions linked to illegal immigration is costing Arizona border counties millions of dollars a year.
The study says the battle over illegal immigration is also diverting money from parks, libraries and other law-enforcement efforts.
University of Arizona and San Diego State University researchers say in the four border counties in Arizona, costs increased 39% to $26.6 million in fiscal 2006.
Do you want to reimburse them? How about just building a wall and cutting off the jobs magnet instead?
PHOENIX (AP) - A new study concludes that law enforcement and criminal prosecutions linked to illegal immigration is costing Arizona border counties millions of dollars a year.
The study says the battle over illegal immigration is also diverting money from parks, libraries and other law-enforcement efforts.
University of Arizona and San Diego State University researchers say in the four border counties in Arizona, costs increased 39% to $26.6 million in fiscal 2006.
Do you want to reimburse them? How about just building a wall and cutting off the jobs magnet instead?
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
A McCain speech on the dollar
Not a bad idea. Here is what the author thinks would happen if he gave it (and I agree):
If McCain does that, two things can happen: Either the president and the Fed can agree, in which case we'll all be lucky because the economy will be saved; or the president and Fed can ignore McCain, in which case there would be no way for the Democrats to blame the economy on McCain if things continue to get worse.
After all, McCain, could say, "I tried to warn them but they just wouldn't listen."
If McCain does that, two things can happen: Either the president and the Fed can agree, in which case we'll all be lucky because the economy will be saved; or the president and Fed can ignore McCain, in which case there would be no way for the Democrats to blame the economy on McCain if things continue to get worse.
After all, McCain, could say, "I tried to warn them but they just wouldn't listen."
Just in case you thought ethanol was a good idea
Think again:
You may have read about the high energy inputs necessary to squeeze corn and other materials and brew the mash into alcohol for biofuels; that it takes more energy to make the stuff than you end up with; and that the energy it takes to make it is mostly generated by burning petroleum.
And you've probably heard about the way increasing demand for alcohol fuels like E85 is driving up the cost of food. More and more land and crops formerly devoted to production of stuff to fill our gullets is turned over to production of stuff to fill our tanks, all to line the pockets of politically connected agri-business combines like Archer Daniels Midland.
But here's a new one for you: Alcohol fuels may constitute a new type of fire hazard because they are harder to extinguish than gasoline fires and require new types of fire-extinguishing equipment and training.
The problem is especially acute when a railroad tanker carrying pure alcohol is involved. The foam flame suppressants currently in use are reportedly ineffective; the fires just burn through. According to news accounts, many fire departments are either not trained to fight these alcohol fires, or inadequately equipped to do so.
You may have read about the high energy inputs necessary to squeeze corn and other materials and brew the mash into alcohol for biofuels; that it takes more energy to make the stuff than you end up with; and that the energy it takes to make it is mostly generated by burning petroleum.
And you've probably heard about the way increasing demand for alcohol fuels like E85 is driving up the cost of food. More and more land and crops formerly devoted to production of stuff to fill our gullets is turned over to production of stuff to fill our tanks, all to line the pockets of politically connected agri-business combines like Archer Daniels Midland.
But here's a new one for you: Alcohol fuels may constitute a new type of fire hazard because they are harder to extinguish than gasoline fires and require new types of fire-extinguishing equipment and training.
The problem is especially acute when a railroad tanker carrying pure alcohol is involved. The foam flame suppressants currently in use are reportedly ineffective; the fires just burn through. According to news accounts, many fire departments are either not trained to fight these alcohol fires, or inadequately equipped to do so.
Now everyone knows we are taxed up the heinie
The Wall Street Journal has an editorial today railing against Chicago's new nationwide high sales tax of 10.25%. Here's the kicker, where they point their fire toward Cook County:
Not so coincidentally, the $426 million that the county optimistically expects to collect each year will also fund somewhere between 700 or 800 new patronage jobs, and maybe more, which were lobbied for by the public-employees unions. A scathing report from a federal court monitor, released Friday, depicts rampant abuse in county hiring practices. Laurence Msall, president of the nonpartisan Chicago Civic Federation, argues that the county already spends its $3 billion budget irresponsibly, pointing to more than $100 million in possible reforms.
Mr. Msall notes dryly that the county is "not only refusing to tighten its belt, it's acting as if it doesn't have to wear a belt." Then again, it'd be business as unusual if patronage were somehow extracted from Chicago's machine politics. Too bad for the city's actual businesses and residents.
Not so coincidentally, the $426 million that the county optimistically expects to collect each year will also fund somewhere between 700 or 800 new patronage jobs, and maybe more, which were lobbied for by the public-employees unions. A scathing report from a federal court monitor, released Friday, depicts rampant abuse in county hiring practices. Laurence Msall, president of the nonpartisan Chicago Civic Federation, argues that the county already spends its $3 billion budget irresponsibly, pointing to more than $100 million in possible reforms.
Mr. Msall notes dryly that the county is "not only refusing to tighten its belt, it's acting as if it doesn't have to wear a belt." Then again, it'd be business as unusual if patronage were somehow extracted from Chicago's machine politics. Too bad for the city's actual businesses and residents.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Brett Favre retires
Brett Favre retired today.
I always thought that in his prime he was the best football player I've ever seen. Kudos to him and his great career.
I always thought that in his prime he was the best football player I've ever seen. Kudos to him and his great career.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Sunday, March 2, 2008
$608
Not a full review of The Legend of Billie Jean because I have to bowl shortly, so this is more of a reminder to me to write one up. Suffice to say that it's fantastic on many levels. Fubar really nailed it.
Anyway, don't go looking for it on DVD because it's not out yet (it's on DirecTV channel 524, EXTR or something). Maybe in time for Fubar's 30th birthday...
Anyway, don't go looking for it on DVD because it's not out yet (it's on DirecTV channel 524, EXTR or something). Maybe in time for Fubar's 30th birthday...
Christian Slater is short
I ran across this picture on IMDB. I know Peyton Manning is 6'5", but jeepers. He's like Danny DeVito.
Here comes your tax increase
There is just too much to write about the ridiculous 1% sales tax increase passed by the Cook County Board. Needless to say, I find it incredibly wasteful and expensive, just like the whole Cook County government.
Here's a quote from the guy who provided the crucial 9th vote for the tax increase (Larry Suffredin). Be aware of the economic illiteracy in a statement like this:
"Chicago now has the unfortunate notoriety of having the highest sales tax in the country, and our region will now be a more expensive place to visit, live, work and operate a business," said Jerry Roper, head of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. "The people of our region should be outraged."
Suffredin scoffed at that.
"I've heard them say that for 30 years," he said. "I look downtown and only see cranes."
That's the guy whose vote gives us the highest sales tax in the country at 10.25%. Here's the list of votes for you to remember for the next Cook County elections:
In favor (9)
William Beavers
Jerry Butler
Earlean Collins
John Daley
Joseph Mario Moreno
Joan Murphy
Deborah Sims
Robert Steele
Larry Suffredin
Against (8)
Forrest Claypool
Liz Gorman
Gregg Goslin
Roberto Maldonado
Tony Peraica
Mike Quigley
Tim Schneider
Peter Silvestri
Basically, the Republicans are all against it, along with some Democrats. The liberal Democrat wing of the Board voted for it.
I am going to do my damndest to make as many of my purchases as possible outside Cook County, either via the internet or in Indiana (only 6% sales tax). That way they don't get my money, even if it costs me extra time or extra money for gas. I realize I'm supposed to report those pruchases on my tax return, but Todd Stroger and the Cook County government can, in the words of Eric Cartman, suck my balls.
Here's a quote from the guy who provided the crucial 9th vote for the tax increase (Larry Suffredin). Be aware of the economic illiteracy in a statement like this:
"Chicago now has the unfortunate notoriety of having the highest sales tax in the country, and our region will now be a more expensive place to visit, live, work and operate a business," said Jerry Roper, head of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. "The people of our region should be outraged."
Suffredin scoffed at that.
"I've heard them say that for 30 years," he said. "I look downtown and only see cranes."
That's the guy whose vote gives us the highest sales tax in the country at 10.25%. Here's the list of votes for you to remember for the next Cook County elections:
In favor (9)
William Beavers
Jerry Butler
Earlean Collins
John Daley
Joseph Mario Moreno
Joan Murphy
Deborah Sims
Robert Steele
Larry Suffredin
Against (8)
Forrest Claypool
Liz Gorman
Gregg Goslin
Roberto Maldonado
Tony Peraica
Mike Quigley
Tim Schneider
Peter Silvestri
Basically, the Republicans are all against it, along with some Democrats. The liberal Democrat wing of the Board voted for it.
I am going to do my damndest to make as many of my purchases as possible outside Cook County, either via the internet or in Indiana (only 6% sales tax). That way they don't get my money, even if it costs me extra time or extra money for gas. I realize I'm supposed to report those pruchases on my tax return, but Todd Stroger and the Cook County government can, in the words of Eric Cartman, suck my balls.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Lame studying
Exam season is upon me once again, and I am starting extra early this time. If I pass it's the last one I ever take, so postimg will be light around here for the next couple of months.
Anyway, I found some time to watch sports today, too. The highlights:
In EPL action, Arsenal scored with a minutes left in injury time to get out with a 1-1 tie against Aston Villa.
Wright State pushed Valpo into OT, but the Crusaders eked out the win.
Georgetown also went into overtime in Milwaukee against Marquette, but the Hoyas won.
Texas Tech knocked off #5 Texas in Lubbock for Pat Knight's biggest win yet.
Anyway, I found some time to watch sports today, too. The highlights:
In EPL action, Arsenal scored with a minutes left in injury time to get out with a 1-1 tie against Aston Villa.
Wright State pushed Valpo into OT, but the Crusaders eked out the win.
Georgetown also went into overtime in Milwaukee against Marquette, but the Hoyas won.
Texas Tech knocked off #5 Texas in Lubbock for Pat Knight's biggest win yet.
Welcome to the party, pal!
A Hillary supporter is complaining about the media bias toward Obama. Gee not so much fun when it doesn't help your gal for once, is it?
"There is too much on the line for the media to ignore important issues while they obsess about Hillary's hairdo or Barack's baritone," Shorenstein continued. "Is it in the country's best interest that voters received far more information about Hillary's laugh than Obama's legislative record? Is it good for our nation that more attention is paid to the differences in their speaking style than their health care plans?"
Welcome to the world of being a conservative!
"There is too much on the line for the media to ignore important issues while they obsess about Hillary's hairdo or Barack's baritone," Shorenstein continued. "Is it in the country's best interest that voters received far more information about Hillary's laugh than Obama's legislative record? Is it good for our nation that more attention is paid to the differences in their speaking style than their health care plans?"
Welcome to the world of being a conservative!
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