Oh the Irony!

So here is a picture I took while coming back from a football game. The irony is delicious.




Click on the picture. Yes, that is a car pulled over for going the wrong way down a one way street. Licence plate: "OOH NO"

It's been 4 months, time for a fresh motherboard

I love the design of my laptop. It's an HP DV1000. It's light and portable, has media buttons, and is ergonomic set up. The only problem I have with it is the fact that it loves to fry mother boards. Not cool. I was looking at online forums regarding t his issue and it appears to be a known issue. I received the computer last summer in July. Since then, I've gone through 3 motherboards. Not cool. They were under warranty for the first 2 times this happened. Having no choice I sent it in and received it back in about a week. Now it's no longer under warranty. I spoke with the HP tech to get a price for repair. I originally paid about $725 for it. Anyone want to guess how much it would cost to repair? $728!! My laptop is totaled.

Damn.

It's about time

The World Health Organization finally figured out that DDT is the most effective pesticide for fighting malaria.

It only took them three million deaths to figure that one out. Here's a little moral math for you hippies out there:

3 million people > a few bird eggs.

Not to mention when applied properly, DDT has been determined completely safe to the environment too. It's too bad that the knee-jerk reaction to chemicals is to ban them and not export them when mis-use damages the environment.

My take on Doyle

Recently Gov. Doyle has been making the news quite a bit. A few days ago I saw him on WISN 12 News where he stated that he didn't make stems cells political, he is just responding to Mark Green. That is an intersting statement considering this website of his.

"By sharing your personal story about how stem cell research affects your life you will help us spread our message across Wisconsin. Many of your stories will be posted on DoyleLawton.com and others will be shared in future stem cell research discussions."

If you go to doylelawton.com you'll find this as the text:

Keeping Wisconsin the Stem Cell Leader
Since University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor James Thomson first isolated a stem cell line eight years ago, Wisconsin has led the nation in stem cell research.

This critical research offers families the hope that one day diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and juvenile diabetes may be cured.

As Governor, I've set a clear goal: capture 10 percent of the stem cell market. Nationwide, the stem cell market could create 100,000 jobs and generate $10 billion - by 2015. Read the rest of Governor Doyle's letter . . .

Get Informed and Take Action to Keep Wisconsin the Stem Cell Leader


Multimedia: Watch Our New Ad - "Six Times"

Take Action: Sign Our Stem Cell Petition

Tell Your Story: How Has Stem Cell Research Affected Your Life?

Learn More: Read testimonials on stem cell research

Doyle-Lawton Blog: Bush and Green: both waffling on stem cell research

Doyle-Lawton Blog: Governor Doyle supports federal funding for stem cell research, Mark Green disagrees

The Latest News: Editorial: Bush and the Stem Cell Lie

The Latest News: Stem cell debate not over


The Latest News: Doyle visits city family, challenges Bush stem cell veto

It's interesting how he didn't make this issue political but yet all of the main text on his homepage is about stem cells.



Today on WRJN (a local radio station) I heard about Doyle asking the Regents to keep tuition down in the UW system. After allowing tuition to be raised 65% in the past few years he now wants it kept down? The timing is more than suspicious. This is obviously another political stunt and Doyle will forget about keeping tuition down as soon as he is re-elected.

The one thing I'm really mad about is that I pay all the tuition Doyle raised and I still havn't gotten my state contract.

In case you haven't noticed...

I'm not really blogging during the summer. I thought I might, but it seems that after work I just don't wanna. Maybe if I get inspired, I may blog here or there, but don't hold your breath.

This has been a public service announcement from the National Organization of Blogs Of No Importance To Anyone (N.O. B.O.N.I.T.A.)

One con of ethanol that no one seems to know

The vapor phase above the liquid ethanol is such that the vapor in a closed container is explosive.

Now, you are probably thinking..."gas vapor is explosive too!" WRONG. Gasoline is not explosive until you have the proper air:gasoline vapor mixture. Hence the compression stage in the pistons. At normal temperature and pressure, this explosive mixture does not occur.

Ethanol has the proper volitility to create an explosive vapor phase at ambient conditions.

So what does this mean? Well, introduce a spark to a gas tank and it shouldn't explode(it may if it mixes just right). Introduce a spark to a tank of ethanol and you can kiss your ass goodbye.

Mommy? Where do babies...er, I mean where does gas come from?

I've been on a blogging sabbatical due to finals, moving home, and finally getting to not do a darn thing all day long (and it was wonderful). But alas, I start work on Monday.


Anywho, I was reading a while back about where certain gas stations in the US get their gas from. I believe it was a department of energy report, but I could be wrong. From what I gleamed off of it, I figured out two things:

1. Do not buy gas from Citgo. The company is Venezuelan owned and 100% of the gas comes from Venezuela (and they aren't playing nice right now.)

2. Do buy gas from BP/Amoco. I believe they have the highest amount of domestic oil and are a British owned company.


If anyone knows of that document, please send me a link.

Step right up for the Carnival of the Badger!

Hello everyone, welcome to this weeks edition of the Carnival of the Badger! This weeks edition I thought would be a great idea to do in the theme of:

"What I remember from high school world history class, and some things that I don't."

Let's begin where all good world history classes begin, the beginning!

Most would tell you that the big bang pretty much started the whole thing. After a few years people arrived and started making civilizations. The greatest of these was Rome. Probably around 600 BC, Rome was a happening place to be with painters painting, sculptors sculpting, and philosophers philosophing. The greatest philosopher was Plato...or maybe it was Socrates. In any case Jenna from Right off the Shore philosophically tells us that it's our fault for the failure of legislation that would have limited the amount Caesar could take.

Being a scribe in Rome was also an important position. Scribes wrote blogs for those who couldn't write, or for those too lazy to do it themselves. Of course this was before the web, so they probably did it the old fashioned way. Like typewriters. Fred from Real Debate Wisconsin comments on a typewritten letter sent by Iran to President Bush.

Later in Rome or somewhere close, Jesus Christ was born. This occurred at about the same time that they were running out of years when counting down and decided to start counting up again. About 200 years after Christ, the Church was formed. As Mike will tell you, the year after the church formed came the annual tradition of the church festival.

The church held some meetings and cannonized the books that were to become today's Bible. The last book of the Bible is Revelation where one can find signs of the end of the world. 23:31 reads, "...and Conservatives shall agree with thy sworn enemy, Liberals." Which makes me think the world is coming to an end when Sean from The American Mind agrees with Xoff when he questions the results of a poll.

After this I'm pretty sure that nothing important happened until the birth of the United States of America. The Constitution, signed sometime after the Declaration of Independence gave us a system of government that included a bicameral legislature. Kathy from Stepping Right Up tells us that when her legislator says, "No" she says, "Yes!"

The Constitution also guarantees a system of federalism. Nick, from The World According to Nick, tells us that liberals only like federalism when it's convenient.

After this the details start to get fuzzy. I'm pretty sure of the other stuff though...

Thanks from coming to the Carnival and thanks to all who submitted posts! If you'd like to partake in the Carnival next week, talk to Nick.

Just a thought

Chicken inside of a duck inside of a turkey = Turducken.
Pig inside of a cow inside of a buffalo = Picowalo?


I really think that this needs to be tried.

Anyone have a really big rotisserie that I can borrow?

Well, now that you mention it...

kids at UW-M must be smart. As you can see, they are well versed in rhetorical strategy and sound logic. Kudos to Brad. It's always fun to see people prove what the set out to disprove. Furthermore, I strongly endorse the poking of Ben.

Put on your best suit, we have guests coming.

The last time an Osama bin Laden tape showed up for our viewing displeasure, the terrorist spoke of a "crusade against Islam." Unfortunately, U.S. polls are showing that Americans misunderstand Islam on such a scale that this bogus claim is allowed more fertile ground to sprout than should be available.

This claim is brought about by Osama manipulating the truth. We are not in a crusade against Islam, if we were there would be no more mosques,and no free Muslims left in this country. We are however fighting the war that Osama started. We are fighting the brand of Islam that is trying to spread Islam throughout the world, leaving no non-believer alive.

MJS editorial wants you to go to the Muslim open house to learn about Islam. Here's the thing. What happens when you invite people over to dinner to introduce them to the family? You clean up the house, make a nice meal, and everyone dresses up and shows their best side.

That's what will happen here. They will not show you what they don't want you to see. I'm not saying that the Muslims in Milwaukee are waging Jihad against others. Not at all. But they probably won't tell you where the others arrive at the conclusion that it is necessary for them to do so.

Someone in Milwaukee, do me a favor. Go to the open house. During the question and answer session ask these questions:

1. What is the meaning of the following passage: "..reckon not those who are killed in Allah's way as dead; nay, they are alive (and) are provided sustenance from their Lord [meaning they are enjoying their 72 virgins in heaven]" Excerpt K 3:169

"...make firm those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them." Excerpt K 8:012
"..Allah loves those who fight in His way in ranks as if they were a firm and compact wall." K 61:004

2. Ask about the Prophet himself ordering stonings. If they don't know where tell them to read the Hadith.

3. Ask about the ambushing of a caravan ordered by the prophet.

4. Ask about the prophets warning against Muslims becoming friends with non-Muslisms.


Then report back.

Fixing the illegal immigration problem

Simple.

Phase 1. Make legal immigration easier. Crack down on those who employ Illegals. Take away the incentive to be here. Call it a crackdown on companies who exploit Illegals so it gets support. Wait a few years, move to phase 2.

Phase 2. Toughen laws on Illegal immigrants.

Follow this plan and everyone who wants to be here can be here legally and quickly enough. Those here illegally will face severe penalties, but have little incentive to do so due to easier legal immigration.

Keep the process transparent and everyone will either 1. Apply to be legal (and most should be approved) or 2. Leave.

Then we have documented workers who are treated fairly, paid fairly, and pay taxes. The cost of bean burritos goes up $0.10 and I don't care.

Was today really a day without Latinos?

...Because I didn't notice. If today was a "Day without Latinos" then tomorrow had better be "The day where Latinos look for new jobs." Go ahead. Call me racist. I'm actually part Latino myself. When you don't show up for work, you get fired. White, black, Latino, or mixed-up mutt, when you don't work...you shouldn't be employed.

My prediction: No one gets fired in Madison. If they do, liberals protest until they get their job back and thus real-world consequences have no effect to those skipping work.

Furthermore, the cause and the name of the day are two completely different things. A day without Illegals is not a day without Latinos. It's just a day with less Latinos.

My computer crapped out...

blogging will be sporadic at best. (Not that that's anything new.)



UPDATE: I got a laptop from Union South Info Labs but with the amount of homework/exams/papers that I have due soon, blogging will be like the gunfire in downtown Racine on a good day: Light and sporadic.

If the Liberals here practiced what they preached...

We'd see signs hanging around campus that looked like this:

Gay? Fine by me.

I saw a lot of t-shirts that bore this saying today. This should be expected however seeing as today is the day of silence supporting LGBT students.

Don't get me wrong, I agree with what the shirts say. But wearing them to UW-Madison is about the equivalent of wearing a shirt that says, "Catholic? Fine by me." to the Vatican.

Everyone, please slow down

I was walking to church at approximately 8:50 (yes, I was late as usual) when I saw the flashing lights of what appeared to be a police car. Actually it was the flashing lights of about 5 police cars and ambulance and a firetruck.

Apparently a biker was struck by a car at the end of the bike path at Mills St. It seems to be very serious as the scene was being taped off when I arrived and the police had not left when I returned from church. In fact, there seemed to be more. And now there are evidence markers on the ground.

My prayers go out to the individual and their family.

Down with seg fees

I think we need to drastically reduce or abolish the segregated fee system. Personally, I don't agree with about 95% of the way MY money is being spent.

I haven't been on the SSFC nor have a looked over budgets for these groups. Nor do I feel the need to. If a cause is worthy enough, then let it compete in the market place of ideas and the free economy where it will find individuals willing to support it. Don't take my money and give it to some group that will squander it on a fish costume and pizza for its members, half of whom are only there for the pizza (and two because they want to wear the fish costume).

I think you should be able to form whatever group you want. Want to save the rainforests? Fine. Want to start a group for people who look, dress, think, and act like you? Fine. Want to start the National Association for the Advancement of Cracker People? Go ahead! But I don't want to pay for it.

Charge your members dues, have a bake sale, or go sell Avon.
If you can't support your group financially, your group doesn't deserve to exist.

The news I've been waiting for

This is good news.

The federal DA will be launching an investigation into the Jude beating. Hopefully this time every single individual who had so much as knowledge of the brutal beating will go to prison.


Something tells me this time it will be different. There are a lot of people eligible for perjury and obstruction charges.

A little more fuel to the metaphorical fire

Suzan Lori-Parks wrote Topdog/Underdog, another piece of literature in the curriculum of my English class.

The play received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2002.

Guess how long it took her to write it.

Hmmm. It won the Pulitzer so it must have been a literary gem. Meticulous planning, endless pondering and writing draft after draft must have taken months or years or decades!

Nope.


3 days.


Here is an excerpt from an interview with Lori-Parks.(emphasis added)

ELIZABETH FARNSWORTH: And then you wrote it very quickly, I understand.

SUZAN-LORI PARKS: I did.

ELIZABETH FARNSWORTH: I read that you said some plays are torture, but this one came really quickly.

SUZAN-LORI PARKS: Yes, this one was an easy birth. Some plays take... I've written plays that have taken six, seven, eight years, you know, eight, nine, ten, twelve drafts. And this one was... took three days.

ELIZABETH FARNSWORTH: Can you explain why.

SUZAN-LORI PARKS: Why? I don't know. God was smiling upon me during those three days, that's why. It was sort of like it was just poured right into my head. I was very fortunate.

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I rest my case.

Fluff majors and why I make fun of you.

So, I was all set to write a post on an email I received from my English professor which contained a question and answer session between students and the author of a book we were forced to read. After closer inspection, I noticed a disclaimer specifically forbidding republication of material contained within the email. So while I can't give specific examples of what I wanted to show you, I'll tell you the gist of it. We'll come back to the email a little later.


And this is why I can't take English (and other "fluff" majors) seriously.

What we do in the class is over-analyze everything in an attempt to guess what the author is trying to say. I'm talking about the prof stretching it to extreme. No where in a book will he allow that the author just happened to pick the language that they did, and that every single minute detail means something deep and cryptic.

In this question and answer email, my view, that English is nothing but BS-ing, was vindicated.


The question went something like this:

The book is very profound, with many details hidden deep within, did you fully understand the relationship of the characters when you wrote it? Do you now?

Author's response:

When I started, I really didn't know much about the characters. Slowly, they revealed themselves to me. After talking with many readers, I now know more about them, but I don't know if I fully understand them yet.


So, in review, the acclaimed author had characters reveal themselves to her. She didn't create them, they revealed themselves. (Sounds a little schizo to me.) She only got to really understand the very characters she wrote after the book was published and she talked to readers.
Does anyone else find this odd at all?? She didn't invent all of these "genius" characters on purpose, the way others interpreted the book made it so. The person who wrote this book was learning about it from other people who took no part in its creation.


And of course, we are supposed to be analyzing the text to discern what the author is trying to hint at with subtle details. It's always been clear to me, that analyzing texts to figure out what the author meant, is nothing more than pulling something out of your butt, and English not a real discipline.

Notice that when reading this post I used the word "analyzing" a few times. Notice also that "analyzing starts with "anal" and my conclusion was that English is nothing more than pulling stuff out of your "butt." The author clearly meant for us to see this link. Wait, actually, no. It's just coincidental.

This essay may have changed my life

Bill Whittle over at eject! eject! eject! is amazing. I've read one of his essays, it and may have been the most profound,thought provoking, dead-on accurate, illuminating piece of literature that I have read since The Pokey Little Puppy at age 5.

Bill talks about 9/11, Katrina, Republicans, Democrats, celebrities, criminals, soldiers, and the rest.


Go make yourself a cup of coffee, and get your hemorrhoid cushion (it'll be a while), and read it.

NOW!

Isn't there a pill for that?

UW-Madison has been diagnosed with a severe case of electile dysfunction.



I'm not sure if ASM can please the student body anymore.


It's time to get rid of ASM and get a better system.

Viva la Revolucion!

Desecrating the Sacred

I have no problem with the ubiquitous chalkings and flyer posting on every slab of cement, marquis, and street pole. That is fine.

But for goodness sake, don't write on the pedestrian bridges that span over Park Street and University. These bridges are things of beauty with the proud inscription "UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - MADISON"

This is not a place for your asinine chalkings!! You shouldn't deface these proud symbols of our school with your statements, no matter how worthy you find them.

"you smell like poo." -Anonymous

I've noticed on Jenna's blog and on Freedom Fighter that generally, all comments left anonymously, are not worth reading.

If you are gonna leave a comment, at least get a psuedonym so we can keep track of your arguments and decide if you are worth listening to.

Harvard's Got My Back

A New Harvard Study show that it IS black males getting in the way of black males as I said a few days ago.
Going to School in Racine Unified School District, I've witnessed this. It doesn't take a Harvard sociologist to figure this out. Problem is, everyone is too afraid to hold the victim accountable. The victim is the black community.


Thank you Kanye, 50 cent, et al. Your millions are being made by telling young blacks that it's ok to drop out and be a gangsta.


Turn off the TV and the radio, pick up a book, and drop that masculinity complex that you have.


That's the fix. But how do you get people to actually do it? That might take a Harvard sociologist.

Mad props to my bro Elliot for the link.

Surprising Lunch Attributes

My lunch meat says that it is "PC Hard Salami."

Does that mean that it won't offend liberals?

Oh the Hypocrisy!

Eugene Kane is at it again. I've only started to read this guy, but he never ceases to amaze me. Today it's criticizing a blogger when he decided to call it quits due to too many ad hominem attacks.

"Don't they realize blogging is a contact sport?

STOP whining. I think these folks need to start posting feedback to their blogs and maybe do a web chat now and then where they answer questions. The way they do it now is similar to right-wing radio talk shows that screen callers to prevent any dissenting voice from being heard.

Some of these wimps who are so freaked out by real criticism seem to think their side doesn't also engage in rough-and-tumble rhetoric.

My advice? Get some backbone or get out of the blogosphere."

Here's the great part, Kane doesn't allow comments!!

Talk about no backbone.


H/T to Sean.

The Cause of the Plight of Black Males

Blame the government, blame the cycle, blame the system, blame the culture; it doesn't matter who you blame, it matters what you do. My English teachers put this article up in class the day it came out. Eugene Kane says "it's a real eye-opener." I agree with him, but I don't think I agree on what this made me see.

After reading this article, (and a few reactions to it) I noticed one thing slapping readers in the face that no one seemed to pick up on.

"Dropout rates for Hispanic youths are as bad or worse but are not associated with nearly as much unemployment or crime, the data show."

What does this say? It says that not having an education is not as much of a detriment to Hispanic males. They are also a minority so I doubt racism will work for an explanation here.

If there is one thing I got out of this article it is this: The thing standing in the way of young black males is, well,young black males.

Something Seems Backwards Here

The Airport
-Better scrutinize grandma, she might have a bomb in her walker. You know her radical view on pureed foods in nursing homes.
-Go ahead young Middle-Eastern males,so what if only people in your demographic participated in 9/11. The Great Satan wouldn't want to hurt you feelings with extra screening!

College
-Cracker want a scholarship? Sorry, you're white and therefore must have money. You don't need it.
-Racial Minority? You'll contribute to our diversity! It doesn't matter that you are of a liberal ideology just like everyone else on campus. Nevermind that true diversity arises from people with different ideas, not different skin colors. Furthermore, you are probably poor. Here's a list of scholarships that only people of your skin color can apply for. Pay no attention to the broke whitey over there. Maybe we should look at income to determine financial need. Nah! Skin color is way more indicative of financial need.

More Cruel than Capital Punishment? The Case for Castration

I left a comment on The Badger Blog Alliance about what to do with violent sexual predators.


That got me thinking, why don't we castrate violent sexual offenders? Cruel and unusual punishment? Capital punishment must be more cruel at the very least.


I can see how we wouldn't want this done if there was the chance of castrating the wrong person. Fine. Require DNA evidence or other conclusive evidence that shows 99.9% certainty that the party is guilty.

Is it the unusual factor that makes it not used? I don't think it's that unusual. Perhaps no one has brought it up since we gained the technology to do DNA testing.


If someone is an expert of sorts on the history of "cruel and unusual punishment" cases, please let me know where this falls as far as precedent.


It seems like the perfect solution, castrated, the individual will be impotent and have no sex drive. While I'm no expert on this, I ask you, why not castrate violent sex offenders?

Iraq Study Released; Hostage Taken

AP- In a study released today by the Institute for Bogus Studies (IBS), data shows that an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq would have many unintended consequences. Some such consequences may include(but are not limited to): civil war, beheadings, Iraqi Dinar devaluation, liberals finding new things to whine about,spontaneous human combustion, insurgent confusion as to who to fight now,tooth decay, gingivitis,male pattern baldness,drowsiness, headaches, upset stomach, nausea,dry mouth and erections lasting longer than 4 hours.



In related news, a humanitarian worker was taken hostage by an Islamic extremist group. The group has announced on their website that it intends to execute the worker unless the U.S. troops are immediately withdrawn. Below is a screen shot of the hostage bound and naked taken from the groups website.

WARNING: GRAPHIC VIOLENCE DEPICTED BELOW






According to the US embassy, the identity of the hostage is one Snuggly T. Bear. Mr. Bear's mission in Iraq was to go door to door and put smiles on Iraqi children's faces. He planned to do this with hugs and by allowing them to pull his cord which causes him to say common phrases for Arabic-speaking people like, "Shalom (a greeting) and "Twenty-five dollars for gas and $1.76 for the Mt. Dew. Thank you, come again."

Poor Misguided Soul

A little while ago I saw my cousin who is a Staff sergeant in the Air Force. I'm proud of his service and figured that he would have the inside scoop on the war with Iraq.

Man was I wrong. He told me that we should be out of there because the Iraqis were trained and ready to defend themselves. He said the motives were all wrong. He said the troops didn't have the proper equipment. He spoke of links between Bush and Bin Laden.

Then he revealed his source to me.


Fahrenheit 9/11.


I just about fell over. A member of the U.S. military and he can't get better information than THAT?!


If he doesn't know any better I am truely disappointed. I think I'll do a public service and help you guys out a little bit. Here is a link to a few documents that reveals how Michael Moore deceives you over and over to fit his agenda. That should be no surprise to anyone, but I'm not going to take that for granted anymore.

Go here.
Or , here, here, or here.

My New Favorite Website

See more science information that you won't normally find in mainstream media.

Since February 16, 2005, the Kyoto Protocol has cost US$ 162,226,547,445 while potentially saving an undetectable 0.001682349 °C by the year 2050.

Malaria cost US$ 142,133,653,958 in lost GDP and 2,920,077 lives over the same period.

Interesting, maybe I should send this to my prof...

Russ Takes His Case to the People

Washington DC- Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Caves of Afghanistan) has found his attempt to censure the president to be a failing endeavor. Democrats are abandoning the Senator faster than Jesse Jackson plays the race card.

Undeterred by his lack of support from moderates and moonbats alike, Russ has decided to appeal to the people. Any people at this point.
It is reported that the senator almost had support from some of Miss Libby's 1st grade class until Timmy Johnson (pictured 2nd left)swayed the class back by reminding everyone that the senator "smells like grandpas."

Russ has yet to find a single supporter of the measure.

Intended Innuendo?

I'm down here at Depauw University doing some hard-hitting investigative journalism. I noticed a flyer in the union/cafeteria/bookstore/administration building (it's a small school.)

I noticed this flyer because it advertised "Free Food!" Anyone who is or has ever been in college knows that free food is the key to attendance. People will go to a Coallision for Nuclear War Now meeting or even an Al Sharpton rally by just being offered free food.

The flyer was attempting to get students to "get acquainted with the Women's Center" by serving tacos.

Get acquainted with the Women's center, eat a taco.

Anyone else find this humorous?

The Intersection of Politics and Science

What is the proper relationship between science and politics when it comes to the classroom? I believe that some science may be taught in a political science classroom to understand the policies that stem from it. I also believe that politics should never be taught in the pure science classroom. Biochemistry I feel is one of those pure sciences.

That is why I was taken aback when a biochem professor decided to show quotes from President Bush, Scott McClellan and others reguarding global warming. What does President Bush's stance on global warming have to do with learning evolutionary biochemistry? I don't know either. I do know that the material seemed to be a pretty strong stance on one side of the issue. The actual comments and google seaches printed on the exam will be posted when I get back to madison.

Here is the actual dialogue that we had over email regarding the matter. The name of the professor has been removed out of respect for the individual.

Sorry about the >>>> crap. I've taken them out where they make it harder to read, otherwise you'll just have to deal with it.

Me, email 1:

Professor xxxxxxx-
I am a student in your biochem xxx (course number) class and I think I speak for the class when I say that you did a> very good job teaching section two of the course.> >> >> >> >That being said, I would like say that I feel> it> >> was >in very poor taste that you decided to take it> upon yourself to make political statements in class> and on the exam.

Politics depends upon science, not the other> way around as I am sure you are aware. Therefore, in teaching science you should never feel> compelled to> >> >refer to politics. I have reviewed your carefully crafted google> >> searches> >> >and realize that this is a thinly veiled excuse> for> >> >pushing your personal political opinions. While I would vociferously defend your right to> >> free> >> >expression of your personal political views in> an> >> >appropriate setting, I feel that we both know> the biochemistry classroom is not such a place. I look forward to your response and any> comments> >> you> >> >may have.
Respectfully,
Scott Mehring

Professor's reply, email 2.

Scott,
Thanks for the kind comments on teaching. I wish> >> part two could be at> >> least twice as many lectures so that there was> more> >> time to develop> >> these concepts. Biochem is in most places a two> >> semester course - and> >> we offer a two semester course as well.> >>> >> Re the other comments, the goal of science is of> >> course to understand> >> how the natural world works. As a science major> you> >> will hopefully have an opportunity to contribute to this> endeavor> >> in the future. It> > > is a privilege to be able to do so; a privilege> for> >> which I am deeply grateful. I am not sure what you meant by "Politics> depends> >> upon science."> >> Perhaps you meant that accurate scientific> >> information and an> >> intellectually honest assessment of that> information> >> should> >> contribute to many important decisions that we> need> >> to make as a> >> society, and as members of the world community.> >> Perhaps you also> >> meant that a scientific approach is critical in> >> politics; a> >> scientific approach involves careful analysis of> ALL> >> of the data to> >> derive, in an intellectually honest manner, the> most> >> rational> >> conclusion, as opposed to cherry picking data to> >> support a particular> >> point of view. If so I fully agree.> >>> >> The foundation of a democracy is that people> have> >> access to accurate> >> information, including of course scientific> >> information. I did not> >> view noting the suppression of scientific> >> information as a a personal> >> political opinion, but rather a phenomenon about> >> which I think> >> science majors should be aware. The google> searches> >> have to do with> >> the suppression of scientific information, and> some> >> interesting> >> developments about how some states are at odds> with> >> the federal govt.> >> I did not intend for them to be at all "veiled"> -> >> but rather to give> >> students "hits" to articles that are in the> public> >> domain in a way> >> that does not involve typing a lengthy URL. My> hope> >> is to get people> >> thinking and talking about these issues. > >

Professor again, email 3.

Turns out Scott Mehring is not enrolled in the class (although I
suppose possible he could be sitting in or using a pseudonym for his
blog)

http://scottmehring.blogspot.com/


sent beofre [sic] I knew this.

YAY! Looks like I've got another loyal reader. lol.



Me, email 4.

Professor xxxxxxxxxxx,> >> >I agree it would be nice to have two semesters for> >this course so that materials could be fully> >developed. Unfortunately, most of us are just> trying> >to meet requirements for graduation and don't have> >time for courses that do not contribute to> graduation.> >> >> >To clarify what I meant when I said "politics> depends> >on science" is that politics uses science to> further> >an agenda. Politicians may use some or all of> solid> >data or junk science to do this. I think you said> it> >best when you said,"a> >> scientific approach involves careful analysis of> ALL> >> of the data to> >> derive, in an intellectually honest manner, the> most> >> rational> >> conclusion, as opposed to cherry picking data to> >> support a particular> >> point of view." This is a perfect example of> what> >politics is, "cherry picking data to> >> support a particular> >> point of view." I assume that everyone in class> is> >intellegent enough to understand this about> politics.

Science on the other hand is complely independent> of> >politics. Scientists never need to rely on what> >politicians say to determine the outcome of their> >work. The data collected determines the outcome.

In regards to your stated objective, "noting the> >suppression of scientific information," I do not> >believe that you showed scientific information> being> >suppressed, what you showed was a refusal to accept> >results in a political arena (i.e. politics). Had> the> >information been suppressed it would not be> available> >to the public (which is it) and such supression> would> >be unconstitutional.

>Disemination of scientific information is not the> job> >of the politicians. It is your personal obligation> to> >seek the truth.

To conclude so that my argument may be clear:> >Politicians cherry-pick data to futher agendas. I> >feel all students of your class are intellegent> enough> >to know this. The outcome of science does not> depend> >upon what politician say. Therefore, in teaching> the> >suppression of informaion by politicians, you are> >teaching politics (And a quite one-sided version)> not> >science. Thus, being politics, the topic has no> place> >in the biochemistry classroom as biochem is not> about> >politics.

Also, yes, it is a pseudonym. Of course I would> want> >to stay anonymous if I disagree with you on any> topic> >that involves politics (in this case, the teaching> >of). I don't know what information you were> looking> >for when you checked the class list(or when you googled "scott mehring madison"), but I feel it was> a> >wise decision by the very fact that you did attempt> to> >gain personal information.

Respectfully,

Scott

Professor's reply, email 5.

Thanks for the response. Re "I would want to stay> anonymous if I > disagree with you on any topic" I assure you that> any comments on > class on any topic would never affect a grade, but> of course you have > no assurance of that in advance unless I were to> announce it in > class or note it on the xxx (course number) handout which perhaps we> should do next > time. The only reason I looked up the name was that> our class > assistant handed copy of the grades to me the same> day. I like to > receive comments of any nature by email or in person> - they cause me > to think further about a topic. Most student> comments result in > clarifying something like hydrolysis in the notes> for next time I > teach; your comments have caused me to think more> about the interface > of science and politics. If you ever want to discuss> such issues > further and in person feel free to do so.

My final reply, email 6.

I appreciate your open-mindedness about this. I will consider discussing it after the course has been completed.

I notice that he didn't actually address any of my concerns in his second reply (labeled email 5.)

Also, I don't know if I buy the excuse given for seeking personal information, but I'll give the professor the benefit of the doubt.

Like I said above, I'll post the google key words handed out later.

Until then I would really like your comments.

Global Warming or Junk Science?

Found this link at the Anti-Iditarian Rottweiler.

He's right, you sure won't find this on CNN.

Now I am not against conservation, as I believe in wise use of non-renewable energy sources. However, I’ve had it up to here with the sky-is-falling-global-warming-Chicken-Little crowd. I will concede that it is quite likely that the earth’s climate is warming, as is that of our nearest neighbor, Mars. However, I am totally fed up with the moronic theories that insist the earth is warming because we are living too well.

I do not believe that climate change is due to an increase in so-called "greenhouse gasses". And while the neutered scientists working for the UN are warning us of impending doom if we do not change our lifestyles, there are scientists who challenge their findings. Problem is, because these challenges run counter to the accepted politically correct orthodoxy of climate change, many rebuttals don‚’t often see the light of day and many scientists whose findings challenge those of the conventional climate wisdom are frozen out of research funding.

Climate catastrophics appears to have become a new religion, replacing Marxism and Christianity as the arbiter of acceptable belief. Anyone who questions the accepted climate-change theories currently in favor is considered a heretic.

There are many so-called scientists who claim that Greenland‚’s ice fields are melting. But satellite measurements conducted by the European Space Agency offer evidence to the contrary- the ice fields are actually growing. A report by the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research issued in October 2005 stated that,

"Greenland's ice cap has thickened slightly in recent years despite wide

predictions of a thaw triggered by global warming. Recent growth in the

interior regions of the Greenland Ice Sheet is reported by a Norwegian-

led team of climate scientists. The growth is estimated to be about 6 cm

per year during the study period, 1992-2003. They derive and analyze the

longest continuous dataset of satellite altimeter observations of Greenland

Ice Sheet elevations by combining tens of millions of data points from

European Space Agency (ESA) satellites, called ERS-1 and ERS-2, and NASA."

Similarly, assumptions made concerning the supposed rise in sea levels that will ultimately inundate the worldÂ’s coastal cities with water have been called into question by scientists studying the problem. It’s tough, however to get the liberal news media to cover stories that are at odds with their agenda. A recent article by Dr. Patrick Michaels, a research professor of environmental sciences, University of Virginia Cato Institute Senior Fellow on TCS Daily (TCS Daily article) questioned the findings of a paper written by two climate research scientists who concluded that the Antarctic ice cap was melting and ocean levels were rising. Dr. Michaels wrote, "So, all the‚… results really demonstrate is that there are short term variations in the amount of ice and snow covering the Antarctic continent. Other data indicate that over the course of the past several decades at least, that the ocean-land system of Antarctica has been experiencing a growth in the amount of snow and ice there."

Those are some damn good points. Futhermore, people don't seem to realize that water is a greenhouse gas. So whenever it's humid, rains, is foggy or cloudy, there is an abundance of greenhouse gas.

The most popular greenhouse gas that liberals talk about is carbon dioxide. Volcanos, ocean vents, forest fires and a whole lot of other natural phenomena produce a whole lot of carbon dioxide. But the earth always heals. And dont give me that "we're cutting down the rainforests" B.S. Most of the carbon dioxide is converted back to oxygen from bacteria in the ocean, not the rainforests. When you increase the amount of nutrients (carbon dioxide) for the little guys, you increase the amount of bacteria that convert the carbon dioxide back to oxygen. It's in an equilibrium, and it always shifts back to equilibrium. The earth always heals. After forest fires, floods, and volcanic erruptions, the Earth fixes itself. So whenever someone screams the sky is falling and says global warming will kill us all, I just roll my eyes, and sigh. It's only a theory, and there's evidence against it, let's not treat it as fact.

Some Links You May Enjoy

Here are a couple of links you might enjoy. I sure did.

If you think that PETA should stand for People Eating Tasty Animals, you will enjoy this one.



Found this one while looking at how people got to my blog. TheReligionofPeace.com

I find this particularly interesting:

Who is Killing Iraqis?

The Real 2006
'Iraq Body Count'

Iraqi civilians killed this year by Islamic Terrorists
1,275

Iraqi civilians killed collaterally by Americans
12

The Indian Chemist Threat

I feel that I am unlike many in the cheddarsphere. They taught me in kindergarden that I am, in fact, unique. But it's not that touchy-feely garbage that I am referring to. I am referring to the fact that I am not a journalism/other sort of humanities major. I am a science major, chemistry to be specific.

This is why I think this story was largely ignored by other bloggers.

Friday, February 24, 2006; State Department officials said yesterday that the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has granted a visa to a prominent Indian scientist who said he was accused of deception and potential links to chemical weapons production when he applied to a U.S. consulate.

Goverdhan Mehta said he was told two weeks ago that his visa had been "refused" and that his expertise in chemistry could be a threat to U.S. national security.

The original story said that he was denied because his research while a grad student could have been used to make chemical weapons.

Here's the thing: Any chemist who can read can make chemical weapons! Myself included.



In fact, some of these chemicals can be purchased directly from chemical companies.

The U.S consulate needs to stop checking to see if Indian chemists can make chemical weapons (yes) devote thier time to better more productive things, like playing cricket,watching bollywood and eating samosas.

The only way that Indian chemists are any more of a threat than American chemists is in a Bhangra contest.




Side note: If anyone knows a place to get good cheap samosas in Madison, please pass the information on.

Religion of Peace My Ass

A newspaper editor in Yemen will most likely be put to death for his most serious and heinous of crimes. Rape? Torture? Murder? No, but you are close...Offending Islam. Because his newspaper ran the Danish cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed (May peace be upon those who offend his followers), he may now lose his life.

Evidence entered against him includes a story of Mohammed being insulted by a woman, and then Mohammed praising her murderer. Yep. Sounds like a very tolerant religion to me.

Wanna know what my religion says about people who offend it? Brace yourselves, it's pretty harsh: Try to correct them, if that doesn't work, leave them alone.

Here's another current example of to further illustrate my point.
Want to "Avenge the death of Muslims around the world?" I have just the trick. DRIVE YOUR JEEP INTO COLLEGE STUDENTS! Works like a charm every time.

P.S. Any cultural relativists out there? Wanna tell me why I should tolerate intolerance because its part of their culture?

Madison's Official Snow Removal Procedure

I found this while browsing online. It is Madison's Official Snow Removal Procedure. I have copied it verbatim below.





Standard Operating Procedure for Removal of Snow

1. Let it melt.

In Light of Recent Events...

I feel I need to clarify what i meant in my last post. While I'm all for the hiring of felons in the UW system, I did not mean that we should hire a known embezzler to handle money. That's just assinine. This was published in the Badger Herald today but the only place i can find it is in the image of the printed paper.

Felons employed at UW!!

Gasp! The UW employs 40 some felons according to a new report. That's almost a tenth of one percent of employees, such scandal!

Somehow people believe that employing felons is a bad idea because it poses a public safety risk. Let's stop and think about this for a minute. Whats more dangerous than a felon working for the UW?

An unemployed felon.
Without a job, they'd probably be in the area anyways, this way they at least have something productive to do. Believe it or not, some felons have families and they need to eat too. When it comes down to it, do you really care who cleans the crappers in Van Hise or who cooks the burgers at the union? I certainly don't. Just keep 'em free from enteric dysentary and I'll make cleaning easy for lack of having dysentary and everything will be cool.

You Pay For It!

The Wisconsin Union Directorate wants students to agree to increase the amount that we pay in seg fees so they can 1. build a brand new Union South and 2. remodel Memorial Union. I Frequent the unions and am aware of one thing. They must be making a profit. If you have ever bought anything at the unions you will realize how rediculously priced most of it is.

Furthermore, I don't believe there is anything wrong with either of the union buildings. They serve their purpose and I am totally satisfied with both. If they want you build a new Union South or redo Memorial Union, that's fine. I think we should make one thing clear; if WUD wants new unions, lets WUD pay for them.

Capitalist Pig Stock Tip

If you are a capitalist pig like me, check out PLNI.pk lots of upside potential and right now, very reasonably priced. Soon to be be uplisted to the OTC:BB.

WARNING: Not for the risk adverse. This is a VERY volitile stock. (which is why I own lots!)

Cartoon Debate Session Notes

I attended the Badger Herald debate session tonight. Here are some interesting notes I took while there:

"Cartoons are supposed to be offensive"
-Kemal Karput, Political Cartoon Expert

Multi-Cultural Student coalition Rep believes that the Badger Herald endorses the message that all Muslims are terrorists.

Obviously she didn't read the attached editorial, or conveniently forgot what it said.
She then gave an example of someone being a jerk to people collecting signatures from passersby. The comment made by the aforementioned jerk was anti-Muslim and anti-Christian thereby causing me to wonder, what's your point?

Mac Verstandig says "CNN offended your religion, ABC offended your religion, The New York Times offended your religion." This is because they hold Islam to an unequal standard. He recounted images of intense anti-Semitic and anti-Christian images, illustrations and cartoons being published. But they won't publish the cartoons no matter how news-worthy.
This has been my point all along.

Multi-Cultural Student rep. says don't publish anything that harms a group.
Then there is nothing that can be published. Be realistic here.

Professor of Journalism basically contradicts Multi-Cultural student rep. I chuckle to myself.

Muslim Student Association rep says "Freedom of expression is a noble myth."
What?

Mac says: We think it is a repugnant and disgusting cartoon.
Despite this he still gets accused of being anti-Muslim. Ridiculous.

Lori Berquam asks: How have you been professionally or personally affected by the republishing of the cartoon?
I find it interesting there are no responses claiming any personal affect whatsoever other than anger.



Brad furiously typed on his steno machine to take dictation throughout the session. It's a little choppy, but he did a pretty good job. You can view that here.

You Can't Say That!

Letters in Bottles picked up this from Blogger Beer. I like it.

Chancellor Wiley Way off the Mark

Today the Badger Herald printed this statement from Chancellor Wiley.

"On Monday, Feb. 13, the Badger Herald reprinted one of the Danish newspaper cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad as a terrorist figure, one of several such cartoons that have provoked worldwide, often violent unrest among Muslims. In association with this cartoon, the Badger Herald Editorial Board authored an opinion piece entitled 'Sacred Images, Sacred Rights,' explaining its perception of the newsworthy quality of the cartoon in view of the reactions that have followed its initial publication."

"Worldwide, often violent unrest among Muslims?" Is that how we are characterizing it now? Now, I could be wrong here, but I'm pretty sure it was violence by Muslims against non-Islamic businesses and embassies.

"Predictably, this action has brought home to Madison, Wisconsin, and to the university community, the same visceral, emotional response reported by the international media during the past several days. People that we all know, work with and study with are hurt, scarred by what they believe to be a senseless prolongation of an intentionally insensitive, racist and distorted commentary on the very foundation of one of the world's great religions. Understandably, those offended desire redress - apologies, retractions and, perhaps most importantly, a sense of communal condemnation. They see no justification for speech they perceive to have been hateful in character, injurious not only to their sense of place in the broader fabric of society, but to their spiritual selves."

"Intentionally insensitive, racist and distorted?" Does anyone else find it ironic that a cartoon depicting Muslims as violent sparked violence from Muslims? I believe the response received about the cartoons verifies the very nature of message of them.

I'll believe they are unfounded and insensitive next time I see a heavily armed, masked mob of Christians firing shots in the air screaming "Jesus is Great!"

Political cartoons anger people. It's what they do. I dare say if a political cartoon did not get someone emotional then it is probably a worthless cartoon. I've been offended at plenty of them, some taking aim at my religious beliefs. I didn't burn down any buildings.

Muslims are not special. They are people like everyone else and should be treated as equals, no better no worse. This includes in the media.

White House Press Corps Outraged, Cries "Foul!"

WASHINGTON DC-
White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan was relentlessly berated by reporters today at the daily press conference over information that was witheld from the media regarding Vice President Dick Cheney. "We have a right to know what the Vice President has been up to," claimed one disgruntled reporter.

Clearly upset about hearing the news second-hand from another media outlet, reporters took out thier anger on McClellan alledging a cover-up. Picked up from a small media outlet, reporters discovered that Vice President Cheney dropped a metaphorical bomb Tuesday evening.

First reported by the Highlights magazine, Vice President Cheney traversed the 21 foot journey to his private bathroom and proceeded to take a dump.

An anonymous White House janitor who saw the vice president en route, later informed him that he would have to alert the press to such an incident as the bathroom was in his cleaning jurisdiction. Cheney is reported to have replied by stating, "I don't give a Sh**" which is notably milder language than customarily heard from Cheney.

When speaking to reporters at Highlights, the unidentified janitor is quoted as saying "I saw [the vice president] walk into the bathroom. He had a newspaper under his arm and was whistling. He came out about 15 minutes later, which is when I entered the restroom. That's when I had confirmation: He had laid a stinky."

McClellan was stuck defending the vice president's decision not to personally inform the press of the incident. Many questions were raised by reporters and a sample of the exchange reprinted below

Reporter: When did the president know about this?
McClellan: He was informed shortly after the incident.

Reporter: Why did the vice president not call a press conference to discuss with reporters?
McClellan: In hindsight, things could have been handled better.

Reporter: Is it true the the vice president did not spray after he had finished?
McClellan: From what I have gathered, it would appear not. He simply forgot and has taken the proper steps to rectify the situation.

Reporter: Was there not time between when he flushed and washed his hands to call the press?
McClellan: It was his personal decision, I'm sure he replays the situation in his head over and over wondering if he made the right call.

Reporter: Why didn't you tell us about this earlier?
McClellan: Dude, he was just dropping the kids off at the pool, what's the big deal?

Reporter: Is Vice President Cheney worried about impeachment after all of this?
McClellan: You're an idiot.

When asked for comment, the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee Howard Dean had this to say: "It's just like Republicans to cover up such a thing. I think we need full disclosure of such actions and will be looking to subpoena all sewer records. There is something foul about this scandal; it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Once we get the records we will see if Cheney has been doing his duty, and how often. The shit hasn't begun to hit the fan. I don't know what we'll find, but I'm disappointed in him. It's just a really crappy thing to do."

Dean ended the phone interview with " YEEEEE AAAAHHH!!!! and promptly hung up.




My job is done here. I think thats enough poop jokes.

I want to do what?!?

Just watched this video that I got from a friend. Wow. I never knew that I wanted to kill black people. Nor was I ever informed the white race is trying to kill all blacks electromagnetically. I'm really only 75% white, so is that why I wasn't included in the secret meetings?

What is truly outrageous is that this guy calls for the extermination of all white people...and people applaud him!! Maybe they aren't aware that that is a racist idea...

The arguments are some of the most unsound and baseless, and the logic erroneous beyond recognition. I encourage you to check it out.



P.S. It's guys like this that keep racial issues alive and well.

Bush Halts Worldwide Military Action

Madison, WI-
President Bush today announced the cessation of all hostile actions in Iraq and all over the globe effective immediately. During a press conference held in the White House, Bush explained, "Well, there was this little group in Madison, Wisconsin called Stop the War. They made me realize that, well, we should bring everyone home. When people are violent about peace, you realize that they really know what they are doing."

"It was the demonstration they staged at the ROTC recruiting center that made me change my mind. Hell, they made me see that recruiting on campus is a bad idea. Whenever you have the deadliest military in the world, certainly you wouldn't want to have the best and the brightest leading it."

Wisconsin Governor Doyle applauded the decision because he believes it will make everyone safer. "Safety is my main concern, let's get the educated out of the millitary where it'll be safer for everyone. Safety is the reason I signed AB 618 requiring childing up to the age of 23 to sit in booster seats. You'll thank me when you survive the impact from an intoxicated driver like my very own son. If he doesn't get ya, I'm sure my good friend Peggy will."

Why does the far left hate free speech??

Can someone please answer this? It seems to me there is nothing more hypocritical than liberals who stifle free speech. I was just reading Jenna's blog. Her car was vandalized by someone or a group of people just don't agree with her ideology. Honestly? Does this justify vandalism in your mind? What is wrong with you people? I can only assume that it was the same type of person who stole all the copies of the Beacon from 2 locations. And the same type of person who did this. And the same type of person who told me they were taking a "poll" at the place where I was registering to vote and when I responded I intended to vote for Bush, mysteriously my registration never got turned in. My liberal girlfriend at the time had hers turned in just fine and she was next to me registering. (I don't wonder why that didn't work out.) And the kind that knocked all of the pages out of my hand when I was handing out information about Micheal Moore when he came to the UW. Does a well thought out, rational voice scare you?

Can't we all just get along? I guess singing Kumbaya is out...

Eat a PETA??

I know this is a little late, however I still found it to be noteworthy. A while ago the Daily Cardinal published a story about a Michelle Cho who got nude on State Street wearing only body paint, labeling parts of herself with words like"shoulder" or "loin." I'm pretty sure this was an attempt to show that we are like animals somehow cuz we share the same edible parts.

It didn't really make me not want to eat animals so much as it made me contemplate eating Michelle Cho. However, I'm pretty sure she would have been tough, low quality meat, given her poor diet and all.

Capital Punishment, fun for everyone!

Recently I read Dennis York's post on the death penalty. Reading this made me realize that people state that it is capital punishment is wrong, but never have I seen an arguement laid out for why this is. Allow me to do so.

Captial punishment is based on the principle of lex talionis (the law of the claw) meaning eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, life for a life, etc. Now, this priciple would say, whatever I do wrong, I should have it done to me. Prima facie, this appears logical. However, if you consider petty cases like stealing $1, I believe the thief needs more than $1 in penalties for the crime. Also take kidnapping for example. If i kidnap you for 3 days, do I only deserve to be detained 3 days? And what about if i take 3 peoples eyes, how can you take 3 of mine? This principle does not work.

Also, I would like to dispel another common argument I hear regarding the death penalty. "Innocent people die, therefore we should abolish the death penalty." This is falacious reasoning. Innocent people go to jail, but we do need jails. In fact, innocent people die building office buildings and houses, but still we continue with these activities. This is just a bad argument on the topic.

The death penalty is wrong. The principle of lex talionis does not translate to the real world. No one has the right to deny another human being the right to life. Furthermore for you economists out there, the death penalty ends up costing more money than life in prison; it just doesn't make sense.

As always I readily welcome comments.

Pardon the spelling and grammatical errors. I'm tired but the nightclub next door won't let me sleep. And the band sucks too.

GUNS GUNS EVERYWHERE!

Some people in Wisconsin want to make carrying a concealed weapon legal. You know what that means, there will be guns everywhere. Children will find them on the playground, there'll will be western-style shootouts in the streets and the crime rate will skyrocket due to the availability of firearms. Do we really want to be one of the first states that is not Texas that allows its citizenry to be armed?

Actually, if the state government passed the conceal carry bill, we would be 46th. Now for those you keeping count we have 50 states in this nation and 46 out of 50 seems like quite a few to me. Over the past decade many states have enacted similar laws and guess what? The crime rate has been declining. Yep, that's right, overall crime is down and while I'm not saying that concealed carry directly correlates to less crime, I am saying that the lefties screaming bloody murder have no basis for their doomsday predictions for if Wisconsin ever becomes armed.

For those of you who don't understand words so well, here's a picture. The red ones are the ones where you can't have a gun.

But then we'll give licences to criminals to carry guns?? Known offenders will not be elegible for a licence. Criminals can't get a licence but they already have them, get this, illegally. GASP! Criminals are not going to stop carrying guns. Criminals have power because they do have guns and they know the average person (i.e. you) does not. When they realize that any given person may be armed, they will think twice about engaging them in violent crime. Going to jail doesnt scare these people, knowing that any one of their potential victims may be armed does.

Welcome to Wal-mart

I was sitting around chatting with the family the other day when we somehow got onto the topic of High School and how it was awful that some students in my (thankfully) former school district just do not want to be in school. I knew a kid who went to high school for a year without earning a single credit. The graduation rate in my high school was under 50%. Pathetic. My brother informed us that he believed that students like this should be allowed to sign away thier right to an education and kick them out of school and allow the students who'd want to learn to stay uninterrupted.
Obviously this would have unintended consequences. First, Wal-mart stock would soar! The number of Wal-mart shoppers would skyrocket, and they would have an unlimited pool of workers to staff the stores once all the "baby daddies" were ordered to get a job and pay child support. The increased supply of workers would also increase the number of unemployed elderly leaving them with too much time on their hands and too few bingo halls on Thursday nights.
Secondly, the number of really really bad aspiring rappers would explode. You know the type, 16 year-old, 110 pound boys wearing a white t-shirt sized XXXXXXXL banging on everything in reach to get a "beat" so they can pretend they are in 8 Mile. They'd be more ubiquitous than adipose tissue in Michael Moore.
In sooth, ignorant poverty breeds crime. Obtaining an education is not only a right, it is an obligation. A better plan would be to chain these kids to their desk until all work assigned was completed. A sort of "force-feeding education." The reason why this would be necessary is a Catch-22. For many, an education is needed to see the importance of being educated. When faced with no other option but doing assigned work, eventually, the work will become bearable and the education will no longer be a forced thing.
Some are too dumb to get out of thier own way, let's not make them pound out beats in Wal-mart. I don't own any stock yet.

I wonder if anyone will read this...You are.

In any case, Hello and welcome. My name is Scott and I will be your tour guide for the remainder of your time here. Why I started this...I dont know, but now that I did, I hope I can be of assistance. If nothing else, hopefully you can use this blog as something to read while you pass the time between lunch and your 3 o clock date with the vending machine while trying all the while to not let your boss catch you slacking off on your oh-so-important busywork. Slacker. In short, feel free to comment on anything and enjoy. If you are looking for something actually worth reading, check out Dennis York's blog.