Police Scotland
Please be aware that we will continue to monitor comments on social media & any offensive comments will be investigated.
Is expressing oneself a crime now?
Hey, Scotland Yard:
God, Britain are a bunch of weenies.
2014-12-30
Police Killing Of Civilians Up
The police in the USA are claiming police murders are on the rise mostly, I reckon, to garner public sympathy and support.
But are they accurate?
Out of context - run for the hills!
In proper context - chill.
Police murder rates are roughly on par with civilian casualties, yet we're supposed to somehow feel more sympathy for one group over another?
In fact, as Ron Bailey of Reason notes, police killing of suspects and civilians is the highest on record in 20 years according to the FBI.
I bet killings of dogs are up too.
The report has it pegged at 461. But Killed By Police shows it closer to 1400.
No kidding. Anyone paying even remote attention know SWAT alone and their war on potheads has rendered blood on their hands.
Pay little attention to the pro versus anti cop dichotomy framed in the media and by the police.
The cold hard fact is reform is needed. From the War on Drugs to police tactics and training.
If anything, that's a fair criticism that I see as support for police. By doing so they will maintain good will among the public at large. If they continue on this track, they will lose the hearts and minds of people in the long run.
But are they accurate?
Out of context - run for the hills!
In proper context - chill.
Police murder rates are roughly on par with civilian casualties, yet we're supposed to somehow feel more sympathy for one group over another?
In fact, as Ron Bailey of Reason notes, police killing of suspects and civilians is the highest on record in 20 years according to the FBI.
I bet killings of dogs are up too.
The report has it pegged at 461. But Killed By Police shows it closer to 1400.
No kidding. Anyone paying even remote attention know SWAT alone and their war on potheads has rendered blood on their hands.
Pay little attention to the pro versus anti cop dichotomy framed in the media and by the police.
The cold hard fact is reform is needed. From the War on Drugs to police tactics and training.
If anything, that's a fair criticism that I see as support for police. By doing so they will maintain good will among the public at large. If they continue on this track, they will lose the hearts and minds of people in the long run.
2014-12-29
Garry Trudeau Shrugs Shoulders Before Truth And Facts
So...the mask drops.
“We had some internal discussion about whether the flaws in the [Rolling Stone] reporting mattered here, and we concluded they didn’t,” Trudeau tells The Post’s Comic Riffs of his talks with his syndicate, Universal UClick. “U-Va. is only used as setup to get the reader to consider the larger problem of institutions prioritizing their reputations over the welfare of those they’re charged with safeguarding.
“That issue has remained front and center,” Trudeau continues, “and even U-Va. recognizes that sloppy reporting doesn’t change the fact that they have a huge problem within their culture.”
They 'concluded' BIG PICTURE.
I think it was a little more than 'sloppy reporting'. It was outright lies.
Facts are to be submissive to the narrative.
Sad. Pathetic.
Trudeau, a cultist progressive at this point, doesn't give a whit about truth so long as it fits the narrative. He's worse than Jay Mariotti!
“We had some internal discussion about whether the flaws in the [Rolling Stone] reporting mattered here, and we concluded they didn’t,” Trudeau tells The Post’s Comic Riffs of his talks with his syndicate, Universal UClick. “U-Va. is only used as setup to get the reader to consider the larger problem of institutions prioritizing their reputations over the welfare of those they’re charged with safeguarding.
“That issue has remained front and center,” Trudeau continues, “and even U-Va. recognizes that sloppy reporting doesn’t change the fact that they have a huge problem within their culture.”
They 'concluded' BIG PICTURE.
I think it was a little more than 'sloppy reporting'. It was outright lies.
Facts are to be submissive to the narrative.
Sad. Pathetic.
Trudeau, a cultist progressive at this point, doesn't give a whit about truth so long as it fits the narrative. He's worse than Jay Mariotti!
America's Fight Against ISIS
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the
result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the
enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If
you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every
battle.” - Sun Tzu
From NYT:
From NYT:
"...Trying
to decipher this complex enemy — a hybrid terrorist organization and a
conventional army is such a conundrum that General Nagata assembled an
unofficial brain trust outside the traditional realms of expertise
within the Pentagon, State Department and intelligence agencies, in
search of fresh ideas and inspiration. Business professors, for example,
are examining the Islamic State’s marketing and branding strategies.
“We
do not understand the movement, and until we do, we are not going to
defeat it,” he said, according to the confidential minutes of a
conference call he held with the experts. “We have not defeated the
idea. We do not even understand the idea.”
General
Nagata’s frustration is shared by other American officials. Even as
President Obama and his top civilian and military aides express growing
confidence that Iraqi troops backed by allied airstrikes have blunted
the Islamic State’s momentum on the ground in Iraq and undermined its
base of support in Syria, other officials acknowledge they have barely
made a dent in the larger, longer-term campaign to kill the ideology
that animates the terrorist movement..."
But, recall, Obama is better than Bush on foreign policy.
2014-12-27
Momentary Splash Of Reason For Liberal Writer
Nice article in Slate on the moral panic that is the rape crusade.
Mature and reasonable.
Too bad conservative and libertarian publications already made these points. Robby Soave of Reason in particular. But he doesn't have a Masters at Columbia University as Anna Merlan of Jezebel reminded us.
It's almost as if liberal/progressives are shrill teenagers given too easily to emotions and conservatives and libertarians are calm and collected thinkers. The more responsible among them come around from time to time; that is, they come to the other side.
Via Reason:
"Now, in what may be another sign of turning tides, the accused in another high-profile case is getting his say. The New York Times has previously given ample coverage to Emma Sulkowicz, the Columbia University student famous for carrying around a mattress to protest the school's failure to expel her alleged rapist. Now, it has allowed that man, Paul Nungesser, to tell his story—a story of being ostracized and targeted by mob justice despite being cleared of all charges in a system far less favorable to the accused than criminal courts. No one knows whether Sulkowicz or Nungesser is telling the truth; but the media have at last acknowledged that there is another side to this story. "
Unfortunately this new feminist witch hunt has unfortunately led The Oracle Obama to weigh in. He suggested Kangaroo courts to deal with rape cases.
What can go wrong? Have Scarecrow as acting judge.
This is what it has come to.
*****
It's funny. Growing up I didn't really have an ideology. I just knew what was bull shit and where I stood on most issues. Libertarianism was a pejorative that conjured up negative images of the loner or militia survivalist. I was ignorant of it and just unwittingly accepted the prevailing, mostly liberal view.
Then I discovered The National Review in the late 1990s and a few other conservative publications that opened my eyes to a world of different thoughts and perspectives. They talked classical history, covered interesting topics with fresh ideas, all in a mature tone.The liberal magazines I was reading left me wanting with its immature, smug and stale views; particularly with its growing dependence on government control. In other words, they offered little as I grew.
A little after that in the early 2000s I came across Reason magazine and a short time later Le Quebecois Libre. Suddenly the intellectual journey I was on came full circle and have been part of the Reason community ever since. It's the one place where you can count on its journalists to set records straight with proper and careful handling of facts.
There's little of the tired narratives we see on the liberal side still pimping lies and discredited nonsense in array of issues and topics including their childish, vapid and irresponsible hit pieces (to be fair, it's not just journalists. It includes talking heads on TV like Bill Maher) on libertarian principles. They refuse to offer a counter-point based on the merit of their ideas. Instead, attack the principles and characters behind the movement.
However, it doesn't seem like people are listening. More and more we see individuals identifying with libertarian principles once they take the time to figure out what it's about.
Libertarianism is just a word for classical liberalism basically. And through Reason, I rediscovered all the great philosophers of The Enlightenment including Bastiat and Galiani.
And for this I am grateful.
Mature and reasonable.
Too bad conservative and libertarian publications already made these points. Robby Soave of Reason in particular. But he doesn't have a Masters at Columbia University as Anna Merlan of Jezebel reminded us.
It's almost as if liberal/progressives are shrill teenagers given too easily to emotions and conservatives and libertarians are calm and collected thinkers. The more responsible among them come around from time to time; that is, they come to the other side.
Via Reason:
"Now, in what may be another sign of turning tides, the accused in another high-profile case is getting his say. The New York Times has previously given ample coverage to Emma Sulkowicz, the Columbia University student famous for carrying around a mattress to protest the school's failure to expel her alleged rapist. Now, it has allowed that man, Paul Nungesser, to tell his story—a story of being ostracized and targeted by mob justice despite being cleared of all charges in a system far less favorable to the accused than criminal courts. No one knows whether Sulkowicz or Nungesser is telling the truth; but the media have at last acknowledged that there is another side to this story. "
Unfortunately this new feminist witch hunt has unfortunately led The Oracle Obama to weigh in. He suggested Kangaroo courts to deal with rape cases.
What can go wrong? Have Scarecrow as acting judge.
This is what it has come to.
*****
It's funny. Growing up I didn't really have an ideology. I just knew what was bull shit and where I stood on most issues. Libertarianism was a pejorative that conjured up negative images of the loner or militia survivalist. I was ignorant of it and just unwittingly accepted the prevailing, mostly liberal view.
Then I discovered The National Review in the late 1990s and a few other conservative publications that opened my eyes to a world of different thoughts and perspectives. They talked classical history, covered interesting topics with fresh ideas, all in a mature tone.The liberal magazines I was reading left me wanting with its immature, smug and stale views; particularly with its growing dependence on government control. In other words, they offered little as I grew.
A little after that in the early 2000s I came across Reason magazine and a short time later Le Quebecois Libre. Suddenly the intellectual journey I was on came full circle and have been part of the Reason community ever since. It's the one place where you can count on its journalists to set records straight with proper and careful handling of facts.
There's little of the tired narratives we see on the liberal side still pimping lies and discredited nonsense in array of issues and topics including their childish, vapid and irresponsible hit pieces (to be fair, it's not just journalists. It includes talking heads on TV like Bill Maher) on libertarian principles. They refuse to offer a counter-point based on the merit of their ideas. Instead, attack the principles and characters behind the movement.
However, it doesn't seem like people are listening. More and more we see individuals identifying with libertarian principles once they take the time to figure out what it's about.
Libertarianism is just a word for classical liberalism basically. And through Reason, I rediscovered all the great philosophers of The Enlightenment including Bastiat and Galiani.
And for this I am grateful.
2014-12-26
A Racist Administration
Racist against intellectual thought.
Al Sharpton - a piece of shit, opportunist, tax cheat, anti-semite, race hustler - has been invited to the White House over 60 times.
A man of Thomas Sowell's stature?
ZERO.
That's all you need to know that Obama and his administration are rotten to the core.
It also points to a disturbing reality. They've caved to bullies like Sharpton. In fact, Americans have given him too much power as his invitation to sit on Sony's board attests. People are frightened by his mob tactics.
This is a terrible signal for decency and liberty.
Al Sharpton - a piece of shit, opportunist, tax cheat, anti-semite, race hustler - has been invited to the White House over 60 times.
A man of Thomas Sowell's stature?
ZERO.
That's all you need to know that Obama and his administration are rotten to the core.
It also points to a disturbing reality. They've caved to bullies like Sharpton. In fact, Americans have given him too much power as his invitation to sit on Sony's board attests. People are frightened by his mob tactics.
This is a terrible signal for decency and liberty.
Hire This Man!
Just what academia needs.
Another left-wing activist loud mouth'd shnook anti-semitic jack off.
Perfect.
Another left-wing activist loud mouth'd shnook anti-semitic jack off.
Perfect.
Sa-Wing And Miss!
Neil deGrasse Tyson is kinda of a dip shit:
On Christmas morning, Tyson, the director of New York’s Hayden Planetarium, took to Twitter to troll those celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Tyson wrote “On this day long ago, a child was born who, by age 30, would transform the world. Happy Birthday Isaac Newton b. Dec 25, 1642.” The tweet set off an Internet firestorm and was retweeted nearly 15,000 times in less than an hour.
Tyson’s tweet not only plays on the fact that Newton, the inventor of modern physics was believed to be born on December 25 but that Jesus Christ almost certainly wasn’t. The date does not appear in the New Testament and early theologians seemed to think that Jesus was born in the spring.
The winter date for the holiday may have eventually been adopted to coincide with existing pagan festivals as part of an effort to convert non-Christians. The astrophysicist played on this theme in a tweet that followed, writing “Merry Christmas to all. A Pagan holiday (BC) becomes a Religious holiday (AD). Which then becomes a Shopping holiday (USA).”
The attempt to downplay BABY JESUS falls flat on its face considering Newtown spent more time on alchemy and theology than science.
No wonder deGrasse is loved by left-wing liberals who know little of both science and history.
"He makes science so relatable!"
Blech.
On Christmas morning, Tyson, the director of New York’s Hayden Planetarium, took to Twitter to troll those celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Tyson wrote “On this day long ago, a child was born who, by age 30, would transform the world. Happy Birthday Isaac Newton b. Dec 25, 1642.” The tweet set off an Internet firestorm and was retweeted nearly 15,000 times in less than an hour.
Tyson’s tweet not only plays on the fact that Newton, the inventor of modern physics was believed to be born on December 25 but that Jesus Christ almost certainly wasn’t. The date does not appear in the New Testament and early theologians seemed to think that Jesus was born in the spring.
The winter date for the holiday may have eventually been adopted to coincide with existing pagan festivals as part of an effort to convert non-Christians. The astrophysicist played on this theme in a tweet that followed, writing “Merry Christmas to all. A Pagan holiday (BC) becomes a Religious holiday (AD). Which then becomes a Shopping holiday (USA).”
The attempt to downplay BABY JESUS falls flat on its face considering Newtown spent more time on alchemy and theology than science.
No wonder deGrasse is loved by left-wing liberals who know little of both science and history.
"He makes science so relatable!"
Blech.
2014-12-24
Before I Forget...
MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy Holidays to all.
So I don't insult anyone a Happy Festivus too!
Christmas songs as they're meant to be performed:
So I don't insult anyone a Happy Festivus too!
Christmas songs as they're meant to be performed:
2014-12-23
Our Economic Illiteracy Malaise; Saving Bixi
The Montreal
Gazette cheered the decision, dismissing the concerns of naysayers.
If the city were to discontinue the bike-sharing service,
one
editorialist wrote:
Sometimes I wonder if politicians go back and actually read what they say.
It's beyond irresponsible fiscally. It's plain stupid.
"Does Bixi benefit all Montrealers? Not really. In October, the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State University published a detailed report on bike-sharing programs across North America, including Bixi, which clearly demonstrated that the programs cater disproportionately to the rich.
Why is that? The report identifies two major reasons: Fewer bike stations are located in low-income neighbourhoods, and the systems typically require a credit card for rentals.
Supporters tend not to emphasize this aspect of the operation, preferring to focus on its ecological benefits.
Bixi Montreal is currently looking into the feasibility of accepting Opus metro-pass cards (no doubt at a major cost for retrofitting the 461 stations), but Bixi will probably remain a curiosity for low-income Montrealers, who will continue to pay for it regardless."
“the almost $40 million Montreal has pumped into the venture in loans and other bailouts would [be] money down the drain, and those clunky grey bikes and hulking stands would be left to gather cobwebs.”
Whether this fine example of the “sunk costs” fallacy (Exactly. A sunk cost doesn't preclude a rational person from making a proper economic decision. What the Gazette is saying let's continue to spend and waster - derp, derp. It's illogical. Because we irresponsibly pumped and wasted money into the program doesn't equate to us needing to keep it going. Sometimes you have to cut your losses. Who continues to piss money away? Oh I know. Bureaucrats with access to tax payer dollars and dumbasses in the press with no regard for spending in love with stupid green programs with limited appeal and no profit potential) was one of Coderre’s
reasons for keeping the grey-coloured white elephant in the city’s
enormous menagerie, no one can say. The reasons
he expressed were…
typically compelling:
“Bixi is part of the signature of Montreal,” said the mayor. “Our engagement today supports the non-profit organization, because it represents part of our efforts to position Montreal as a leader in public and alternative modes of transit, for the benefit of all Montrealers.”So. That's that. If the idea fits the agenda then, yes, we will operate a loss for the environment.
Sometimes I wonder if politicians go back and actually read what they say.
It's beyond irresponsible fiscally. It's plain stupid.
"Does Bixi benefit all Montrealers? Not really. In October, the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State University published a detailed report on bike-sharing programs across North America, including Bixi, which clearly demonstrated that the programs cater disproportionately to the rich.
Why is that? The report identifies two major reasons: Fewer bike stations are located in low-income neighbourhoods, and the systems typically require a credit card for rentals.
Supporters tend not to emphasize this aspect of the operation, preferring to focus on its ecological benefits.
Bixi Montreal is currently looking into the feasibility of accepting Opus metro-pass cards (no doubt at a major cost for retrofitting the 461 stations), but Bixi will probably remain a curiosity for low-income Montrealers, who will continue to pay for it regardless."
Shallow Thinking: Renaming British Columbia
"Stewart is a historical geographer, who has travelled all over the world. He thinks B.C. needs to have a conversation about other possible names-- names that more accurately reflect the people who live there.
Oh, shut up.
The usual left-wing, anti-white, vapid, racist,Marxist, vapid (yeah, I'm repeating it), pseudo-progressive bull shit. Nothing to see here.
From Exposing Faux Capitalism responding:
Here were my comments:
"If British Honduras and British Guiana and British Somaliland have all managed to find new names in this post-colonial era, it kind of begs the question about why we still have ours."He suggests a name that reflects B.C.'s First Nations, or its non-British immigrant groups. Chinese immigrants, for example, have been in the region for about as long as the British have. One idea is to take "Gold Mountain," the English translation of a Cantonese term for western North America, and translate it into Chinook jargon, a sort of creole language spoken by many cultures in B.C. in the 1800s."
Howard Stewart
Oh, shut up.
The usual left-wing, anti-white, vapid, racist,Marxist, vapid (yeah, I'm repeating it), pseudo-progressive bull shit. Nothing to see here.
From Exposing Faux Capitalism responding:
Here were my comments:
“By that logic, the street names in
Kitchener like Cayuga and Manitou should be changed to reflect the
current demographics of mostly White Europeans. The fact that this
question is even being asked, and by our national taxpayer funded
broadcaster, no less, is a sign of where the founding European culture
of this country is headed [if] multiculturalism and sustained, mass
immigration from around the world is continued.”
“Where things are headed if, not unless.
And what’s with the timing? When lots of Canadians of German, Scot and
Irish background moved to B.C. to retire, there was no call to have it
renamed. It seems the driving force is the movement of non-European
immigrants. While we’re at it, we should also change the name of Canada,
since that was based upon a Native name, which the current demographics
don’t reflect.”
And since they solicited comments, I sent them this email:
“With the recent CBC funding cuts, is an
article and feature on one geographer’s musings about changing the name
of B.C. such an important priority?
Perhaps we should also consider changing
the name of Canada, since it is based on a Native name, which doesn’t
reflect the current demographics.
Please, use your limited financial
resources more wisely in serving the vast majority of Canadians and not
what a particular B.C. academic is proposing.”
and this email to the UBC Professor of Geography, Howard Stewart:
“Dr. Stewart,
I came across the CBC article, Does
British Columbia Need a New Name, in reference to your call for a name
change, based, in part on changing demographics.
By that logic, we should also consider
changing the name of Canada, since it is based upon a Native name, which
doesn’t reflect the demographics of Canada ever since it was founded in
1867, and to this very day.”
Conservatism Is A State Of Mind
Russell Kirk's 'Ten Conservative Principles.
Excerpt:
"...Sixth, conservatives are chastened by their principle of imperfectability. Human nature suffers irremediably from certain grave faults, the conservatives know. Man being imperfect, no perfect social order ever can be created. Because of human restlessness, mankind would grow rebellious under any utopian domination, and would break out once more in violent discontent—or else expire of boredom. To seek for utopia is to end in disaster, the conservative says: we are not made for perfect things. All that we reasonably can expect is a tolerably ordered, just, and free society, in which some evils, maladjustments, and suffering will continue to lurk. By proper attention to prudent reform, we may preserve and improve this tolerable order. But if the old institutional and moral safeguards of a nation are neglected, then the anarchic impulse in humankind breaks loose: “the ceremony of innocence is drowned.” The ideologues who promise the perfection of man and society have converted a great part of the twentieth-century world into a terrestrial hell."
"...Therefore the intelligent conservative endeavors to reconcile the claims of Permanence and the claims of Progression. He thinks that the liberal and the radical, blind to the just claims of Permanence, would endanger the heritage bequeathed to us, in an endeavor to hurry us into some dubious Terrestrial Paradise. The conservative, in short, favors reasoned and temperate progress; he is opposed to the cult of Progress, whose votaries believe that everything new necessarily is superior to everything old."
Excerpt:
"...Sixth, conservatives are chastened by their principle of imperfectability. Human nature suffers irremediably from certain grave faults, the conservatives know. Man being imperfect, no perfect social order ever can be created. Because of human restlessness, mankind would grow rebellious under any utopian domination, and would break out once more in violent discontent—or else expire of boredom. To seek for utopia is to end in disaster, the conservative says: we are not made for perfect things. All that we reasonably can expect is a tolerably ordered, just, and free society, in which some evils, maladjustments, and suffering will continue to lurk. By proper attention to prudent reform, we may preserve and improve this tolerable order. But if the old institutional and moral safeguards of a nation are neglected, then the anarchic impulse in humankind breaks loose: “the ceremony of innocence is drowned.” The ideologues who promise the perfection of man and society have converted a great part of the twentieth-century world into a terrestrial hell."
"...Therefore the intelligent conservative endeavors to reconcile the claims of Permanence and the claims of Progression. He thinks that the liberal and the radical, blind to the just claims of Permanence, would endanger the heritage bequeathed to us, in an endeavor to hurry us into some dubious Terrestrial Paradise. The conservative, in short, favors reasoned and temperate progress; he is opposed to the cult of Progress, whose votaries believe that everything new necessarily is superior to everything old."
Vermont Doesn't Want To Be Like Canada
I find the decision of Vermont to scrap single-payer most interesting.
Vermont is as left-wing as they come yet they prudently acted with utmost fiscal responsibility.
"As Vox's Sarah Kliff reports in a long post-mortem on the proposal, which DemocraticGov. Pete Shumlin killed last week in a surprise announcement, thefinal estimates indicated that the plan would have required thestate to raise an extra $2.5 billion in revenue annually. This is in a state that typically only raises about $2.7 billion total each year. In other words, it would have cost nearly the amount that the entire rest of the state government cost—and that's presuming that those estimates were accurate, and that the one-of-a-kind program encountered no unexpected cost overruns.
Raising that kind of money would have required significant tax hikes—a payroll tax increase of 11.5 percent and a 9 percent income tax increase. Even in liberal Vermont, with a governor who campaigned on single payer and who was dedicated to the cause, that was just too much. This was perhaps the best possible environment for single-payer in the United States, and it failed."
Essentially, 11.5% would be added to payroll taxes and 9% on income.
This would bring Vermont payroll and personal income taxes in the neighborhood of 18% each.
This is pretty much what Quebecers pay and Vermont determined it was insane.
Sigh.
I wish.
But as long as Quebecers believe what Premier Couillard proclaimed in an interview on CTV news that Quebec is among the 'best places on earth to live' there won't likely be tax relief because welfare is enlightened compassion.
Vermont is as left-wing as they come yet they prudently acted with utmost fiscal responsibility.
"As Vox's Sarah Kliff reports in a long post-mortem on the proposal, which DemocraticGov. Pete Shumlin killed last week in a surprise announcement, thefinal estimates indicated that the plan would have required thestate to raise an extra $2.5 billion in revenue annually. This is in a state that typically only raises about $2.7 billion total each year. In other words, it would have cost nearly the amount that the entire rest of the state government cost—and that's presuming that those estimates were accurate, and that the one-of-a-kind program encountered no unexpected cost overruns.
Raising that kind of money would have required significant tax hikes—a payroll tax increase of 11.5 percent and a 9 percent income tax increase. Even in liberal Vermont, with a governor who campaigned on single payer and who was dedicated to the cause, that was just too much. This was perhaps the best possible environment for single-payer in the United States, and it failed."
Essentially, 11.5% would be added to payroll taxes and 9% on income.
This would bring Vermont payroll and personal income taxes in the neighborhood of 18% each.
This is pretty much what Quebecers pay and Vermont determined it was insane.
Sigh.
I wish.
But as long as Quebecers believe what Premier Couillard proclaimed in an interview on CTV news that Quebec is among the 'best places on earth to live' there won't likely be tax relief because welfare is enlightened compassion.
Quote Of The Day
“If the natural tendencies of mankind are so bad that it is not
safe to permit people to be free, how is it that the tendencies of
these organizers are always good? Do not the legislators and their
appointed agents also belong to the human race? Or do they believe
that they themselves are made of a finer clay than the rest of
mankind?”
Bastiat. Always Bastiat.
My father in law (may he rest in peace) was a pious man. When we spoke of religion he would simply tell me for him, it was a personal relationship with God. Everyone in between were just mortals and vulnerable to all of man's virtues and vices.
Bastiat. Always Bastiat.
My father in law (may he rest in peace) was a pious man. When we spoke of religion he would simply tell me for him, it was a personal relationship with God. Everyone in between were just mortals and vulnerable to all of man's virtues and vices.
Maryland CPS And Police Are Tyrannical
And so are the people who call the cops on other people.
Snitches can literally go fuck themselves.
"The kids were picked up in a patrol car and brought home. The policewoman asked to see my husband's ID. When he refused, she said she was going to call for back-up. He said he would get his ID and went to go upstairs. She said - in front of the kids - that if he came down with anything else, "shots would be fired."
Maryland's finest.
All for playing alone in the park.
Welcome to the preventative society in all its hideous inglorious retardation.
Snitches can literally go fuck themselves.
"The kids were picked up in a patrol car and brought home. The policewoman asked to see my husband's ID. When he refused, she said she was going to call for back-up. He said he would get his ID and went to go upstairs. She said - in front of the kids - that if he came down with anything else, "shots would be fired."
Maryland's finest.
All for playing alone in the park.
Welcome to the preventative society in all its hideous inglorious retardation.
Video Clip Of The Day
First words that came out of my mouth?
This is so fucking irrationally stupid.
And I'm not the only one to have noticed the absurdity and improper act of a child stealing a gun from a bedroom dresser (further leading us to believe the gun was illegal) and carrying it to school loose in a school bag to be given irresponsibly to a pearl-clutching teacher.
In addition to being your typical appeal to emotion anti-gun nuttery of course.
2014-12-22
Lost Massey Lectures: Paul Goodman
I read 'The Moral Ambiguity of America' by Paul Goodman as part of 'The Lost Massey Lectures' series.
It's quite an interesting read and was struck by the parallels to contemporary America. Goodman seems to have been, in short, prescient. Goodman comes off more as a liberal - even libertarian - as in the classical vain than the current garden liberal variety or progressive. Which explains why his lecture wasn't nauseating.
You can listen to it here at the CBC.
I hope to get into more details later on.
It's quite an interesting read and was struck by the parallels to contemporary America. Goodman seems to have been, in short, prescient. Goodman comes off more as a liberal - even libertarian - as in the classical vain than the current garden liberal variety or progressive. Which explains why his lecture wasn't nauseating.
You can listen to it here at the CBC.
I hope to get into more details later on.
Monday NIght Music
I was reorganizing my record collection and came across 'I can't control myself' on 45.
The Teenbeats were a Mod-revival British band from 1979-81.
'I can't control myself' was originally performed by The Troggs and was covered by bands like Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Ramones and The Teenbeats:
The Teenbeats were a Mod-revival British band from 1979-81.
'I can't control myself' was originally performed by The Troggs and was covered by bands like Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Ramones and The Teenbeats:
2014-12-21
Top Candy Companies
100 of the biggest candy company in the world.
USA dominates the list with Mars Inc. as the largest. Famous names like Nestle, Hershey, Ferrero all make an appearance in the top 10.
Canada's only representative among the 100 is Laura Secord.
Italy has five but two in the top 10.
USA 21
Germany 12
Switzerland 6
Italy 5
4- Spain, Japan, Brazil
3 - Turkey, Mexico, UK, Poland
2 - Austria, South Korea, Finland, Colombia,
1 - France, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Singapore, Ecuador, Philippines, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Russia, Ukraine, Chile, Serbia, Croatia, Greece.
That's a lot of companies contributing to cavities around the world.
USA dominates the list with Mars Inc. as the largest. Famous names like Nestle, Hershey, Ferrero all make an appearance in the top 10.
Canada's only representative among the 100 is Laura Secord.
Italy has five but two in the top 10.
USA 21
Germany 12
Switzerland 6
Italy 5
4- Spain, Japan, Brazil
3 - Turkey, Mexico, UK, Poland
2 - Austria, South Korea, Finland, Colombia,
1 - France, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Singapore, Ecuador, Philippines, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Russia, Ukraine, Chile, Serbia, Croatia, Greece.
That's a lot of companies contributing to cavities around the world.
Death Of The Progressives
Author Brad Thor suggested what ails the black community is liberalism.
"Brad Thor ✔ @BradThor Follow
"Brad Thor ✔ @BradThor Follow
As liberalism collapses and bankrupts
cities, towns, states, and even the nation - racial politics and class
warfare is all they have left."
I submit liberalism has been dead for over a century. What we're probably seeing is the collapse of progressivism which is lumped in with liberalism. Not just a collapse from a financial perspective (we've run out of other people's money; or perhaps people are just fed up of paying for other people under the specious guise of the 'common good') but an intellectual and even moral one as well.
Have you read what passes for progressive intellectualism over at places like Thinkprogress, Jezebel, Daily Kos, Salon, Slate and Huffington? Not pretty.
At all.
And like we saw prior to Fascism and Nazism with the collapse of classical liberalism leaving a vacuum for those ideologies to rise, it's not out of the realm of possibility something will rise from the ashes of progressivism.
Here's hoping for a classical liberal revival.
In the meantime, Thor's point stands.
Stop believing in the progressive agenda and its impractical promises that will only end up hurting your feelings.
Philosophy Of Pasta
In the never ending journey on learning the deep culinary history of Italian food and cooking, one perception we have in North America is Italians eat a lot of pasta. Thus adding to the another erroneous - if not stereotypical - perception that Italians are over weight. Statistics in Europe consistently show that Italians are not just on average healthier that most nations (thanks to the 'Mediterranean' diet often tagged as the healthiest in the world) but are also among the lightest on the continent.
This has something to do with how Italians manage their diet which they have, as we all know, down to an art and science.
The popularity of pasta shouldn't be confused by how it's consumed.
For example, there's a marked difference on how we eat it.
In Italy, pasta is a primo and as such, they eat a small portion of it as a precursor to other parts of the meal (be it soups, meat/fish, whatever). It is rarely eaten for its own sake and as part of its own meal.
It's a philosophical approach to pasta rooted in practicality.
Back in 2006, a Canadian Olympic athlete preparing for Torino was discussing her diet. What she said surprised and reinforced what I mentioned above.
Her explanation was a typical North American concern that Italian cuisine was a 'carb based diet' and therefore she was readying herself to bring food to Torino. How funny is that? Very few nations on the planet have the culinary heritage of Italy and a Canadian was worried about food. The way her comment came off was that Italian cuisine was all pasta based.
Which was ridiculous and ignorant on her part.
Nothing could be further from the truth. She conflated with how we eat it with the way they approach food which is far more sophisticated than we care to admit or realize.
This has something to do with how Italians manage their diet which they have, as we all know, down to an art and science.
The popularity of pasta shouldn't be confused by how it's consumed.
For example, there's a marked difference on how we eat it.
In Italy, pasta is a primo and as such, they eat a small portion of it as a precursor to other parts of the meal (be it soups, meat/fish, whatever). It is rarely eaten for its own sake and as part of its own meal.
It's a philosophical approach to pasta rooted in practicality.
Back in 2006, a Canadian Olympic athlete preparing for Torino was discussing her diet. What she said surprised and reinforced what I mentioned above.
Her explanation was a typical North American concern that Italian cuisine was a 'carb based diet' and therefore she was readying herself to bring food to Torino. How funny is that? Very few nations on the planet have the culinary heritage of Italy and a Canadian was worried about food. The way her comment came off was that Italian cuisine was all pasta based.
Which was ridiculous and ignorant on her part.
Nothing could be further from the truth. She conflated with how we eat it with the way they approach food which is far more sophisticated than we care to admit or realize.
2014-12-20
Derpity Derp Derp
https://twitter.com/elisabethgp
Liz Garber-Paul retweeted
Jezebel @Jezebel · Dec 1
"Is the UVA Rape Story a Gigantic Hoax?" asks idiot http://bit.ly/1vZQH5Q
Rolling Stone fact checker doing her part to shame Reason magazine's Robby Soave who had the temerity to, you know, fact check and investigate like a professional in the UVA story.
Keep it up Jezebel. You provide us crazy males with wonderful kooky stories.
Liz Garber-Paul retweeted
Jezebel @Jezebel · Dec 1
"Is the UVA Rape Story a Gigantic Hoax?" asks idiot http://bit.ly/1vZQH5Q
Rolling Stone fact checker doing her part to shame Reason magazine's Robby Soave who had the temerity to, you know, fact check and investigate like a professional in the UVA story.
Keep it up Jezebel. You provide us crazy males with wonderful kooky stories.
Twitty Tweet
This minor inconvenience is brought to you by a major injustice. #dontrehamilton #ShutItDown #BlackLivesMatter
Minor?
Notice the presumptuous, arrogant nature of this statement.
I suppose the possibility of this shut down not being minor to others doesn't enter the minds of protestors.
Perhaps this person needs to ask themselves a simple, basic human questions: What if a child is sick and is in need of care? What if someone is stressed and needs to deliver something on time? What if someone is tight for time for work? What if someone wants to get to their family before a certain time? What if they have a dying loved one?
What if your actions has a negative impact on another person's life? Do you want to willingly take part in obstructing the everyday lives of private citizens?
There are other ways to get a message across and lemme tell you, if I was in traffic it would turn me off to the protests.
And by the way.
ALL LIVES MATTER.
Minor?
Notice the presumptuous, arrogant nature of this statement.
I suppose the possibility of this shut down not being minor to others doesn't enter the minds of protestors.
Perhaps this person needs to ask themselves a simple, basic human questions: What if a child is sick and is in need of care? What if someone is stressed and needs to deliver something on time? What if someone is tight for time for work? What if someone wants to get to their family before a certain time? What if they have a dying loved one?
What if your actions has a negative impact on another person's life? Do you want to willingly take part in obstructing the everyday lives of private citizens?
There are other ways to get a message across and lemme tell you, if I was in traffic it would turn me off to the protests.
And by the way.
ALL LIVES MATTER.
2014-12-19
Quote Of The Day
"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And let me remind
you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue." —Barry
Goldwater
Poem Of The Day
Justice has been rerouted
From present to future tense.
The law is so in love with itself
It’s forgotten common sense.
Ogden Nash
From present to future tense.
The law is so in love with itself
It’s forgotten common sense.
Ogden Nash
Dalhousie University Investigates 'Gentleman's Club'
The thought police will be next
oneperson
@cansail63
Hope you are referencing the thoughts of those who belong to this violence against women 'club'~ because those of us who denounce this type of violent though and gender attacking rot don't need our thoughts policed.
Hope you are referencing the thoughts of those who belong to this violence against women 'club'~ because those of us who denounce this type of violent though and gender attacking rot don't need our thoughts policed.
And it goes right over oneperson's head missing the point. What a miserable take on things.
cansail63 has it right. It is oneperson's side that will create a thought police.
Fall Of The West Reason 495578643
I've kicked around in my head which country was leading the fall of the West. Every country has done its part. From Germany's Nazi regime, to Italy's archaic legal system to Scandinavia's luxurious dependence on the welfare state, to Russia's authoritarian aggressiveness, to its collective disturbing undercurrent of racism to stagnant economic growth and excessive hand outs to France for, well, being France. And so on.
But if I had to pick one it would be the United Kingdom.
The nation that gave us Locke and the idea of providing liberty to all is but a shell of its former self. It no longer adheres to any of its classical liberal heritage. The news out of Britain is not encouraging these days. Rotherdam, for me, was a tipping point.
And then there are the 'we must prevent things for your own good' rules bureaucrats impose on free citizens.
"Brighton and Hove City Council is closing parts of the beach to deter people taking part in the annual dip on December 25.
The decision was made after council officials met with members of Brighton Swimming Club - the
group that has organised the annual swim every year since 1860.
Health and safety chiefs fear a repeat incident of a swimmer who needed to be rescued after getting into difficulty near the pier in October.
They also cite the death of a Hastings woman who died during a Christmas Day dip in 2012.
Margaret Tuppen, president of the swimming club, said: "It is a shame to break tradition.
"I do moan about health and safety sometimes, but the conclusion of the meeting was that it can be quite dangerous - especially when drink is involved."
Ironic, for a nation that clings to tradition I'd say.
And way to go for not fighting for your event Margaret. Alas, she's just a product of a beaten down citizenry at this point. They've got no fight left.
I wonder how far behind North America is because this policy disease has spread here.
Give everyone a helmet, hire every person with the brain of tin foil for the bureaucracy and be done with it already.
But if I had to pick one it would be the United Kingdom.
The nation that gave us Locke and the idea of providing liberty to all is but a shell of its former self. It no longer adheres to any of its classical liberal heritage. The news out of Britain is not encouraging these days. Rotherdam, for me, was a tipping point.
And then there are the 'we must prevent things for your own good' rules bureaucrats impose on free citizens.
"Brighton and Hove City Council is closing parts of the beach to deter people taking part in the annual dip on December 25.
The decision was made after council officials met with members of Brighton Swimming Club - the
group that has organised the annual swim every year since 1860.
Health and safety chiefs fear a repeat incident of a swimmer who needed to be rescued after getting into difficulty near the pier in October.
They also cite the death of a Hastings woman who died during a Christmas Day dip in 2012.
Margaret Tuppen, president of the swimming club, said: "It is a shame to break tradition.
"I do moan about health and safety sometimes, but the conclusion of the meeting was that it can be quite dangerous - especially when drink is involved."
Ironic, for a nation that clings to tradition I'd say.
And way to go for not fighting for your event Margaret. Alas, she's just a product of a beaten down citizenry at this point. They've got no fight left.
I wonder how far behind North America is because this policy disease has spread here.
Give everyone a helmet, hire every person with the brain of tin foil for the bureaucracy and be done with it already.
U.S. Turns Comfyballs Away
Americans are lucky to be so well protected by their masters:
"It is the nation that gave us Baseball, the film Dodgeball and the South Park song Chocolate Salty Balls - but it appears the United States is not ready for a men’s underwear brand called Comfyballs.
"It is the nation that gave us Baseball, the film Dodgeball and the South Park song Chocolate Salty Balls - but it appears the United States is not ready for a men’s underwear brand called Comfyballs.
The Norwegian company Comfyballs applied to release its product into the US
market earlier this year, but the country’s patent office refused to
trademark the term, ruling that the brand name was “vulgar”.
Or SNL's famous 'Sweaty balls' sketch with Alec Baldwin.
Meh.
Land of the free.
Home of the brave now specifically refers to bureaucrats protect Americans through prevention.
Fret not my American friends, same problem up here.
2014-12-18
Let's Not Overthink Cuba
In a previous post I expressed agreement it America's decision to reestablish connection with Cuba.
My basic presumption was provided the United States help Cuba along towards a freer society and economy.
But this is Obama we're talking about here. So enlightened leadership won't be forthcoming. Do you see any signs of enlightenment in their weak stories about racism particularly Michelle?
Still. I think conservatives are spending a lot of time trying to understand his motives (he's a progressive and may very well be helping the destitute Castro brothers out now that their Utopian cousins and Sugar Daddy in Venezuela are economically imploding). Not that they don't make valid points.
Alas, in the grand scheme of things it won't matter.
I bet even Obama himself doesn't get this part.
That is, he just unleashed the power of the invisible hand.
My basic presumption was provided the United States help Cuba along towards a freer society and economy.
But this is Obama we're talking about here. So enlightened leadership won't be forthcoming. Do you see any signs of enlightenment in their weak stories about racism particularly Michelle?
Still. I think conservatives are spending a lot of time trying to understand his motives (he's a progressive and may very well be helping the destitute Castro brothers out now that their Utopian cousins and Sugar Daddy in Venezuela are economically imploding). Not that they don't make valid points.
Alas, in the grand scheme of things it won't matter.
I bet even Obama himself doesn't get this part.
That is, he just unleashed the power of the invisible hand.
Vermont Dumps Single Payer
Say what you want about Vermont - rustically weird, lotsa derp on environmental issues and food labeling for example. On the other hand, taxes are low and they have one of the least restrictive gun laws in the Union - but they're fiscally responsible.
So it didn't really surprise me Governor Shumlin didn't bite on single payer due to 'ballooning costs.'
No shit.
So it didn't really surprise me Governor Shumlin didn't bite on single payer due to 'ballooning costs.'
No shit.
Quotes From Australia
Australian derp is as good as any in North America and the UK:
“Beheadings occur routinely in Game of Thrones. And no complaint has been laid. Why then all the fuss?” – ABC favourite Bob Ellis following the taped slaughter of journalist James Foley.
“In NZ we are very worried about a potential influx of Australians, you know, escaping heat waves and lack of water and infectious diseases.” – University of Otago climate scientist Simon Hales.
“It demonises people.” – Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson would prefer that we do not refer to terrorists as terrorists.
“Do you want death or do you want coal?” – Greens leader Christine Milne.
“They planned their work day around their afternoon yoga class. They wore thongs and shorts to work, occasionally had a snooze on the couch after lunch.” – Louise Evans recalls her time at the ABC.
Boy, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation sound like a remarkably idiotic bunch. We should compare notes with the CBC.
As Red Foreman used to say, dumbasses.
“Beheadings occur routinely in Game of Thrones. And no complaint has been laid. Why then all the fuss?” – ABC favourite Bob Ellis following the taped slaughter of journalist James Foley.
“In NZ we are very worried about a potential influx of Australians, you know, escaping heat waves and lack of water and infectious diseases.” – University of Otago climate scientist Simon Hales.
“It demonises people.” – Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson would prefer that we do not refer to terrorists as terrorists.
“Do you want death or do you want coal?” – Greens leader Christine Milne.
“They planned their work day around their afternoon yoga class. They wore thongs and shorts to work, occasionally had a snooze on the couch after lunch.” – Louise Evans recalls her time at the ABC.
Boy, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation sound like a remarkably idiotic bunch. We should compare notes with the CBC.
As Red Foreman used to say, dumbasses.
Idiot Salon Girl
Instead of feeding people with your bull shit, racial verbal diarrhea in the back drop description of an Apple commercial, how about you take care to not be a selfish little twat taking up space on public transportation?
That's the real irony here. That she feels compelled to sprawl her crap in a place she knows other people use along with her.
That, my friends, is the definition of a pseudo-intellectual, whiny narcissistic idiot.
Her name is Britney Cooper and her ilk are taking up too much space. Both on the internet and public transportation.
Salon produces some of the most idiotic stories written by some of the most idiotic people.
It's quite a remarkable study in utter stupidity really.
That's the real irony here. That she feels compelled to sprawl her crap in a place she knows other people use along with her.
That, my friends, is the definition of a pseudo-intellectual, whiny narcissistic idiot.
Her name is Britney Cooper and her ilk are taking up too much space. Both on the internet and public transportation.
Salon produces some of the most idiotic stories written by some of the most idiotic people.
It's quite a remarkable study in utter stupidity really.
Ruble Rubble
Seeking Alpha:
"On the streets, there were signs that Russians had lost faith in their currency after watching how their incomes and savings got decimated. Bid-ask spreads of 20 rubles began appearing at some exchange offices where they offered to sell dollars for 85 rubles but would only buy them for 65 rubles. IKEA furniture stores and other “hard asset” retailers saw a burst in activity as folks were trying to convert their rubles into whatever else they could before these rubles lost their value entirely, and before retailers could catch up with price changes."
"On the streets, there were signs that Russians had lost faith in their currency after watching how their incomes and savings got decimated. Bid-ask spreads of 20 rubles began appearing at some exchange offices where they offered to sell dollars for 85 rubles but would only buy them for 65 rubles. IKEA furniture stores and other “hard asset” retailers saw a burst in activity as folks were trying to convert their rubles into whatever else they could before these rubles lost their value entirely, and before retailers could catch up with price changes."
Profile In Utopia
Whenever you read someone inserting the word 'utopia' in their discussion quietly close down the browser and walk away.
Utopia is one of those code words used by the left and it usually ends up meaning 'Gulag'.
Since utopia is unattainable it's bound those who yearn for it will turn to coercive action to achieve this myth. In the process, it becomes a monstrous exercise in social engineering both benign (e.g. laws for own good and the collective) to the aforementioned grandiose (murderous) schemes of socialism.
Just look at the profile of a 'social justice warrior'. They are neo-jacobins bent on carving their own little piece of utopia; mostly through doxxing*, bullying, censorship, lying and hysteria. They DO NOT tolerate anyone outside the collective tribe.
Utopia.
Fuck yeah!
*Mainstream media has taken to 'outing' someone's personal information. During the height of the hysterical anti-gun campaign, newspapers in New England published the addresses of pro-gun advocates. The NYT also has been known to do so against those who do not support their agenda. Actors have also taken to this disturbing activity. Rosie O'Donnell has done it. Doxxing is mostly used by the authoritarian left.
Utopia is one of those code words used by the left and it usually ends up meaning 'Gulag'.
Since utopia is unattainable it's bound those who yearn for it will turn to coercive action to achieve this myth. In the process, it becomes a monstrous exercise in social engineering both benign (e.g. laws for own good and the collective) to the aforementioned grandiose (murderous) schemes of socialism.
Just look at the profile of a 'social justice warrior'. They are neo-jacobins bent on carving their own little piece of utopia; mostly through doxxing*, bullying, censorship, lying and hysteria. They DO NOT tolerate anyone outside the collective tribe.
Utopia.
Fuck yeah!
*Mainstream media has taken to 'outing' someone's personal information. During the height of the hysterical anti-gun campaign, newspapers in New England published the addresses of pro-gun advocates. The NYT also has been known to do so against those who do not support their agenda. Actors have also taken to this disturbing activity. Rosie O'Donnell has done it. Doxxing is mostly used by the authoritarian left.
Capitalize Cuba And It Will Prosper
Let's quash this in the bud.
Not surprisingly a collection of quarter-twits and dimwits and dumbwats are making the usual subtle anti-capitalist noise about the potential of Coca-Colinization of Cuba in the aftermath of yesterday's to normalize relations between the United States and Cuba.
Case in point Fox's Shep Smith:
Last thing the Cuban people need is a 'Taco Bell' and 'Lowe's?''Ruin' Cuba? Is he shitting me? Cuba is already ruined for all intents and purposes.Smith is channeling his inner Justin Trudeau I see.
Fox is a conservative organization. It goes to show how deep progressive derp runs. Which is why I stand by my belief it's progressive thinking and policies that's currently directing the slow downward slide of the West. I digress.
Communist Cuba is a hell hole. It's only 'beautiful' in the areas designated for tourists and most people don't move from their little all-inclusive paradises to explore what communism has done to the island. And if they do they don't seem to connect dots very well. They just shrug their shoulders and head back to paradise. After all, what do they care? They'll meet and mingle with some locals and declare it's not so bad!
But if you sit and ponder, you realize it is exactly that bad. That Cubans put on a brave face and smile is not proof they're happy. How can you be happy always looking over your shoulders wondering in fear if a friend or neighbor is spying on you waiting to report you to the authorities? How can you be happy rationing food? Literacy? One of the most over played cards in the progressive tactics of turning a blind eye to Communist propaganda. Ditto health care. I went to a pharmacy in Cuba. Hard to be one when you're not stocked properly with medicine. Entering a bank in Cuba is like entering a prison there were so many guards. It's not healthy by any stretch of the imagination.
I don't know why progressive defend Cuba so much except to conclude they're pampered, elitist twits.
Cuba is a segregated island keeping tourists in one hand where they have access to things Cubans don't have and destitute Cubans on the other. While Westeners bask in the glory of the Cuban sun, Cubans hang around...waiting and wasting under the dark clouds of communism.
Yeah, communism bad but...McDonald's!
Idiots.
****
Quick word on the notion the embargo didn't work.
Cuba maintained trading with Canada and the EU. Not exactly poor countries capable of providing Cuba with everything it needed.
So the notion that Cuba is poor because of the American embargo is nonsense. Sort of like how we used to hear America was 'starving' Iraqi children even though Iraq still was trading with the EU. Whatever, the Americans didn't send, the Europeans could easily fill in the demand.
The problem lies elsewhere.
I'll let you guess.
Not surprisingly a collection of quarter-twits and dimwits and dumbwats are making the usual subtle anti-capitalist noise about the potential of Coca-Colinization of Cuba in the aftermath of yesterday's to normalize relations between the United States and Cuba.
Case in point Fox's Shep Smith:
Last thing the Cuban people need is a 'Taco Bell' and 'Lowe's?''Ruin' Cuba? Is he shitting me? Cuba is already ruined for all intents and purposes.Smith is channeling his inner Justin Trudeau I see.
Fox is a conservative organization. It goes to show how deep progressive derp runs. Which is why I stand by my belief it's progressive thinking and policies that's currently directing the slow downward slide of the West. I digress.
Communist Cuba is a hell hole. It's only 'beautiful' in the areas designated for tourists and most people don't move from their little all-inclusive paradises to explore what communism has done to the island. And if they do they don't seem to connect dots very well. They just shrug their shoulders and head back to paradise. After all, what do they care? They'll meet and mingle with some locals and declare it's not so bad!
But if you sit and ponder, you realize it is exactly that bad. That Cubans put on a brave face and smile is not proof they're happy. How can you be happy always looking over your shoulders wondering in fear if a friend or neighbor is spying on you waiting to report you to the authorities? How can you be happy rationing food? Literacy? One of the most over played cards in the progressive tactics of turning a blind eye to Communist propaganda. Ditto health care. I went to a pharmacy in Cuba. Hard to be one when you're not stocked properly with medicine. Entering a bank in Cuba is like entering a prison there were so many guards. It's not healthy by any stretch of the imagination.
I don't know why progressive defend Cuba so much except to conclude they're pampered, elitist twits.
Cuba is a segregated island keeping tourists in one hand where they have access to things Cubans don't have and destitute Cubans on the other. While Westeners bask in the glory of the Cuban sun, Cubans hang around...waiting and wasting under the dark clouds of communism.
Yeah, communism bad but...McDonald's!
Idiots.
****
Quick word on the notion the embargo didn't work.
Cuba maintained trading with Canada and the EU. Not exactly poor countries capable of providing Cuba with everything it needed.
So the notion that Cuba is poor because of the American embargo is nonsense. Sort of like how we used to hear America was 'starving' Iraqi children even though Iraq still was trading with the EU. Whatever, the Americans didn't send, the Europeans could easily fill in the demand.
The problem lies elsewhere.
I'll let you guess.
2014-12-17
Call Mark 1-Plumber
In Syria.
"A local plumber is being flooded with phone calls — and some threats — after a picture of one of his old company vehicles being used by Islamist militants in Syria was posted on Twitter."
Well, the Middle-East sure could use a plumber if you know what I mean.
"A local plumber is being flooded with phone calls — and some threats — after a picture of one of his old company vehicles being used by Islamist militants in Syria was posted on Twitter."
Well, the Middle-East sure could use a plumber if you know what I mean.
New Era In U.S.-Cuba Relations
For once I agree in principle with Obama.
Cuba now has a chance at not being such a regressive shit hole with beautiful people and beaches.
Once it does, maybe we'll be spared stupid articles about Cuba from The Nation and the elitist progressive-derp Katrina vanden Heuvel. The less countries they can profile the better. For the children.
Among the most remarkable suspension of reality effort I've ever read. Truly grating and awful. Cuba will one day rise again and it will be no thanks to people like her.
Imagine being the sort of person who supported or worse admired Castro. Pathetic.
Cuba now has a chance at not being such a regressive shit hole with beautiful people and beaches.
Once it does, maybe we'll be spared stupid articles about Cuba from The Nation and the elitist progressive-derp Katrina vanden Heuvel. The less countries they can profile the better. For the children.
Among the most remarkable suspension of reality effort I've ever read. Truly grating and awful. Cuba will one day rise again and it will be no thanks to people like her.
Imagine being the sort of person who supported or worse admired Castro. Pathetic.
Cleveland Police Union Boss Is Scum
I repeat police union boss Jeffrey Follmer in Cleveland is scum.
"How about this: Listen to police officers' commands. Listen to what we tell you, and just stop," he said. "I think that eliminates a lot of problems."
"I think the nation needs to realize that when we tell you to do something, do it," he added."
If this isn't proof there's a malaise among cops I don't know what is.
Yeah right asshole. A 12 year-old was a threat.
GTFOH.
I don't get the argument 'if you obey they won't kill you'. Even if you disobey it should not result in death.
"How about this: Listen to police officers' commands. Listen to what we tell you, and just stop," he said. "I think that eliminates a lot of problems."
"I think the nation needs to realize that when we tell you to do something, do it," he added."
If this isn't proof there's a malaise among cops I don't know what is.
Yeah right asshole. A 12 year-old was a threat.
GTFOH.
I don't get the argument 'if you obey they won't kill you'. Even if you disobey it should not result in death.
Philadelphia Stings Democrats
Interesting how it's usually Democrats caught and arrested.
"A former Philadelphia Traffic Court judge surrendered Thursday on bribery and other charges in what prosecutors described as the "first, but not last, results" in a revived state government corruption investigation.
Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams, who took over the
investigation this summer after Attorney General Kathleen Kane opted not
to prosecute for a variety of reasons, also strongly suggested there
will be more cases to come.
"This investigation was not dead on arrival. It is definitely not over. And it is most certainly moving ahead with a full head of steam," Williams said during an 11 a.m. press conference from his Center City office.
The former judge, Thomasine Tynes, was one of five elected officials - including four sitting legislators - who were caught on tape between 2010 and 2012 taking cash payments from a confidential informant posing as a lobbyist."
"A former Philadelphia Traffic Court judge surrendered Thursday on bribery and other charges in what prosecutors described as the "first, but not last, results" in a revived state government corruption investigation.
"This investigation was not dead on arrival. It is definitely not over. And it is most certainly moving ahead with a full head of steam," Williams said during an 11 a.m. press conference from his Center City office.
The former judge, Thomasine Tynes, was one of five elected officials - including four sitting legislators - who were caught on tape between 2010 and 2012 taking cash payments from a confidential informant posing as a lobbyist."
Sony Shamelessly Appeases North Korea
Sony has decided to go Neville Chamberlain - no word if they waved a note scribbled with 'peace in our time' on it. Reports are suggesting 'we have no balls' - and pull The Interview from being released.
Disgrace.
All for a backward, malignant entity ruled by a dictator calling itself North Korea.
Disgrace.
All for a backward, malignant entity ruled by a dictator calling itself North Korea.
2014-12-16
No Delay Exams For Thin-Skinned Precious Snowflakey Law Students
Seriously. This is getting stupid and the students on campuses across North America are on their way to jumping the shark. If this is the future of intellectualism just pull the curtain down on the West.
Thankfully, progressive Oberlin College (not exactly a conservative/libertarian bastion) is having none of it. If only Colombia had the same set of mature balls.
Read Della's derpy, childish, letter. And then she contends the professors response is 'violent'.
Some piece of work.
Thankfully, progressive Oberlin College (not exactly a conservative/libertarian bastion) is having none of it. If only Colombia had the same set of mature balls.
Read Della's derpy, childish, letter. And then she contends the professors response is 'violent'.
Some piece of work.
Prince George Succumbs To Scientific Quackery
Humans are weird.
One one end, they fear creationism and global warming skeptics are example of anti-science. Yet, they seem to accept anti-vaccine and fluoride pseudo-science.
Take the town of Prince George, British Colombia.
They voted 10 000 to 8000 (roughly) to remove fluoride from their drinking water.
Democracy over reason and scientific fact!
That's not democracy. It's just plain stupidity rooted in baseless science.
I guess they did it to defeat the communists and Nazis.
One one end, they fear creationism and global warming skeptics are example of anti-science. Yet, they seem to accept anti-vaccine and fluoride pseudo-science.
Take the town of Prince George, British Colombia.
They voted 10 000 to 8000 (roughly) to remove fluoride from their drinking water.
Democracy over reason and scientific fact!
That's not democracy. It's just plain stupidity rooted in baseless science.
I guess they did it to defeat the communists and Nazis.
Quote Of The Day
"“The 1980s are now calling to ask for their foreign policy back
because the Cold War’s been over for 20 years.”"
Obama, 2012 responding to Romney in 2012 debates after the latter asserted Russia was a geo-political threat.
Smartest man in the room.
Obama, 2012 responding to Romney in 2012 debates after the latter asserted Russia was a geo-political threat.
Smartest man in the room.
Life Of Conundrum
Honored with some free time and perusing through my PVR listings, my wife (I think) recorded Life of Pi - or as I've come to call it 'How the fuck do I get these fucking animals out of my dingy' - and so took the plunge - excuse the pun.
Oh, I'm sorry. Were you waiting for a review?
None is forthcoming.
Oh, I'm sorry. Were you waiting for a review?
None is forthcoming.
Taliban Find Way To Be More Depraved
126 people - mostly children - murdered in a school.
It is time to Pakistan to take out the garbage.
***
Remember when the media and the left laughed at Romney about Russia during the debate?
And remember his stance on the Taliban during the debates when he pretty much eviscerated The Oracle?
****
'Smart power' is asking people to 'empathize' with the Taliban as Hilary did.
And she's fit to run a nation?
It is time to Pakistan to take out the garbage.
***
Remember when the media and the left laughed at Romney about Russia during the debate?
And remember his stance on the Taliban during the debates when he pretty much eviscerated The Oracle?
****
'Smart power' is asking people to 'empathize' with the Taliban as Hilary did.
And she's fit to run a nation?
2014-12-15
Mike Lupica Is A Liar
And his pants are on fire.
I'm stunned that he decided to go full blown asshole liar in this article.
To purposely deceive his readers about the difference of semi-automatics and fully automatics to push his anti-gun zealotry is nothing short of astounding.
I know. Standard MO for liberals. Take a subject other progs are ignorant about and further cloud it to confuse their minds.
This is what assholes do.
And for the record. Adam Lanza used a standard fucking semi-automatic (read a RIFLE) that has been for sale in North America for 100 years. It's your standard hunting rifle. Let's not get into shot guns as they're another type of long-gun. Let's keep things simple and slow for the ignorant liars.
Notice, moreover, the shameless tactic of appealing to emotions by posting pictures of some of the children killed.
Not only is Lupica and his editors (and they're far from the only ones perpetuating a lie and myth about guns) liars they're shameless jerkoffs with no honor.
The ends justify the means trumps facts and truths.
Yes. I will call out anyone like him for what they are whenever they keep up this lie.
Just go on youtube. There are no shortage of videos explaining the differences in guns.
***
Unfortunately, it doesn't begin and end with Lupica.
Some parents of the children killed at Sandy Hook want to sue the manufacturer as well as the distributor of the gun for "negligent entrustment".
I let you read and stew on that for a moment.
One can only hope a judge throws this and the lawyers out on their sorry asses for attempting such a stupid shtick.
Let's fuck with a person's livelihood despite not breaking any laws.
.
I'm stunned that he decided to go full blown asshole liar in this article.
To purposely deceive his readers about the difference of semi-automatics and fully automatics to push his anti-gun zealotry is nothing short of astounding.
I know. Standard MO for liberals. Take a subject other progs are ignorant about and further cloud it to confuse their minds.
This is what assholes do.
And for the record. Adam Lanza used a standard fucking semi-automatic (read a RIFLE) that has been for sale in North America for 100 years. It's your standard hunting rifle. Let's not get into shot guns as they're another type of long-gun. Let's keep things simple and slow for the ignorant liars.
Notice, moreover, the shameless tactic of appealing to emotions by posting pictures of some of the children killed.
Not only is Lupica and his editors (and they're far from the only ones perpetuating a lie and myth about guns) liars they're shameless jerkoffs with no honor.
The ends justify the means trumps facts and truths.
Yes. I will call out anyone like him for what they are whenever they keep up this lie.
Just go on youtube. There are no shortage of videos explaining the differences in guns.
***
Unfortunately, it doesn't begin and end with Lupica.
Some parents of the children killed at Sandy Hook want to sue the manufacturer as well as the distributor of the gun for "negligent entrustment".
I let you read and stew on that for a moment.
One can only hope a judge throws this and the lawyers out on their sorry asses for attempting such a stupid shtick.
Let's fuck with a person's livelihood despite not breaking any laws.
.
Warren Smokes Big Pipe
Elizabeth Warren - not surprisingly - is a heroine to the progressive left.
Why not? She's a shady woman with dubious claims mixed in with a mediocre background who says all the right populist bull shit derp. She pumps her fist, she uses the word 'hammered' a lot and promises to unrig the rigged system.
She essentially is fabricating her own myth and they can't get enough of it like a porn star a load of cum.
Why not? She's a shady woman with dubious claims mixed in with a mediocre background who says all the right populist bull shit derp. She pumps her fist, she uses the word 'hammered' a lot and promises to unrig the rigged system.
She essentially is fabricating her own myth and they can't get enough of it like a porn star a load of cum.
Castro Wins An Award
“Mr. Castro, during his leadership of Cuba, didn’t use
force or violence when resolving conflicts and problems in
international relations and Cuba’s ties with the U.S.,” said the
Chinese state-run Global Times, citing a member of the Confucius
prize jury."
Ha, ha. What a bunch of shitstained cunts this state run Chinese Global News outfit is.
Ha, ha. What a bunch of shitstained cunts this state run Chinese Global News outfit is.
Tax Collection Schemes In Philly Remind Of Mob Tactics
Notice what this poor shmuck is going through.
If they're allowed to do crap like this and then turn around tell citizens 'too bad you fucked up now pay up even though you don't ow it' woe to the citizens indeed. Fine. He didn't follow procedures properly but how does two wrongs make a right here?
Tax collection is a gigantic confiscatory ring we'd call organized crime if it weren't a branch of the government.
If they're allowed to do crap like this and then turn around tell citizens 'too bad you fucked up now pay up even though you don't ow it' woe to the citizens indeed. Fine. He didn't follow procedures properly but how does two wrongs make a right here?
Tax collection is a gigantic confiscatory ring we'd call organized crime if it weren't a branch of the government.
2014-12-14
Banner Year For Liberal Lies
Liberals really had a good year lying.
Of course, the piece de resistance was 'if you like your plan you can keep it.'
Of course, the piece de resistance was 'if you like your plan you can keep it.'
Could Vesuvius Destroy Naples?
"Long before Mount Vesuvius buried Pompeii in rock and ash, the volcano
erupted in an even more powerful explosion that affected the area
occupied by present-day Naples. It left the region a desert wasteland
for centuries afterwards, a new study reports.
The so-called Avellino eruption occurred about 3,780 years ago during the Bronze Age and was at least twice as powerful as the one that smothered Pompeii and the nearby town of Herculaneum in 79 AD."
More here.
The so-called Avellino eruption occurred about 3,780 years ago during the Bronze Age and was at least twice as powerful as the one that smothered Pompeii and the nearby town of Herculaneum in 79 AD."
More here.
Not The Same
Cleveland, Staten Island and Ferguson not the same.
Again, these people couldn't care less about justice for all or else we'd see the names of Hooks, Thomas and Guerena (the Marine killed by a SWAT team) alongside those others.
Personally, Brown and Martin don't deserve to be martyred like this. The kid in Cleveland and Garner are far more disturbing. But to racists like Sharpton and Jackson and that ilk, they don't count.
And if these people are preventing other citizens from getting on with their lives. Arrest them.
They no right to disrupt the lives of others.
Again, these people couldn't care less about justice for all or else we'd see the names of Hooks, Thomas and Guerena (the Marine killed by a SWAT team) alongside those others.
Personally, Brown and Martin don't deserve to be martyred like this. The kid in Cleveland and Garner are far more disturbing. But to racists like Sharpton and Jackson and that ilk, they don't count.
And if these people are preventing other citizens from getting on with their lives. Arrest them.
They no right to disrupt the lives of others.
Nip This In The Bud
The perverse notion that Obamacare equals more freedom has infiltrated and poisoned minds.
If you're performing intellectual gymnastics to somehow make this triangle fit into a square, then I submit you're in need of a refresher course on negative and positive rights. It's astonishing at the depraved ignorance on full display especially on the left with regards to what liberty is.
I'll let the Tweets speak in response to the obscene and absurd White House claim, 'To me health insurance is like freedom'.
So who was stopping you from buying insurance? It was a product on the market available to all. Instead, you traded this freedom for a paternalistic option where the government dictates what you will be covered for and how much you need. You know, one size fits all.
Other than that, to me, this thinking is straight out of the communist playbook.
If you're performing intellectual gymnastics to somehow make this triangle fit into a square, then I submit you're in need of a refresher course on negative and positive rights. It's astonishing at the depraved ignorance on full display especially on the left with regards to what liberty is.
I'll let the Tweets speak in response to the obscene and absurd White House claim, 'To me health insurance is like freedom'.
So who was stopping you from buying insurance? It was a product on the market available to all. Instead, you traded this freedom for a paternalistic option where the government dictates what you will be covered for and how much you need. You know, one size fits all.
Other than that, to me, this thinking is straight out of the communist playbook.
2014-12-13
GMO: Not Enough Information?
GM food science is the most analyzed subjects in science.
"A popular weapon used by those critical of agricultural biotechnology is to claim that there has been little to no evaluation of the safety of GM crops and there is no scientific consensus on this issue.
Those claims are simply not true. Every major international science body in the world has reviewed multiple independent studies—in some cases numbering in the hundreds—in coming to the consensus conclusion that GMO crops are as safe or safer than conventional or organic foods, but the magnitude of the research has never been evaluated or documented."
"...The researchers couldn’t find a single credible example demonstrating that GM foods pose any harm to humans or animals. “The scientific research conducted so far has not detected any significant hazards directly connected with the use of genetically engineered crops,” the scientists concluded.
The research review, published in Critical Reviews in Biotechnology in September, spanned only the last decade—from 2002 to 2012—which represents only about a third of the lifetime of GM technology."
"Our goal was to create a single document where interested people of all levels of expertise can get an overview on what has been done by scientists regarding GE crop safety,” lead researcher Alessandro Nicolia, applied biologist at the University of Perugia, told Real Clear Science. “We tried to give a balanced view informing about what has been debated, the conclusions reached so far, and emerging issues.”
Do you understand Vermont?
"A popular weapon used by those critical of agricultural biotechnology is to claim that there has been little to no evaluation of the safety of GM crops and there is no scientific consensus on this issue.
Those claims are simply not true. Every major international science body in the world has reviewed multiple independent studies—in some cases numbering in the hundreds—in coming to the consensus conclusion that GMO crops are as safe or safer than conventional or organic foods, but the magnitude of the research has never been evaluated or documented."
"...The researchers couldn’t find a single credible example demonstrating that GM foods pose any harm to humans or animals. “The scientific research conducted so far has not detected any significant hazards directly connected with the use of genetically engineered crops,” the scientists concluded.
The research review, published in Critical Reviews in Biotechnology in September, spanned only the last decade—from 2002 to 2012—which represents only about a third of the lifetime of GM technology."
"Our goal was to create a single document where interested people of all levels of expertise can get an overview on what has been done by scientists regarding GE crop safety,” lead researcher Alessandro Nicolia, applied biologist at the University of Perugia, told Real Clear Science. “We tried to give a balanced view informing about what has been debated, the conclusions reached so far, and emerging issues.”
Do you understand Vermont?
2014-12-12
Fall Of The West 48585866: Princeton's Precious Snowflakes
Sad.
From comments: Sounds like a couple of spoiled, pissy little children arguing in the back seat of the car. "mommy, Suzy won't stop blinking at me".
Yep.
"Micro-aggressions are nothing more than someone saying something that conflicts with another's preferences. Gone are the days of tolerance and free speech; in are the days of narcissistic, self-indulgent victimhood in which no one is allowed to say or think anything that another might find offensive. The sanctimony of these people is immeasurable. Also underlying these complaints is the idea that perspectives different from my own are unworthy of consideration--an attitude antithetical to the purposes of higher education."
Bingo.
From comments: Sounds like a couple of spoiled, pissy little children arguing in the back seat of the car. "mommy, Suzy won't stop blinking at me".
Yep.
"Micro-aggressions are nothing more than someone saying something that conflicts with another's preferences. Gone are the days of tolerance and free speech; in are the days of narcissistic, self-indulgent victimhood in which no one is allowed to say or think anything that another might find offensive. The sanctimony of these people is immeasurable. Also underlying these complaints is the idea that perspectives different from my own are unworthy of consideration--an attitude antithetical to the purposes of higher education."
Bingo.
The Sad Saga Of Brian Sinclair
The family of a man who died during a 34-hour wait in a hospital emergency room is asking Manitoba's highest court to rule his charter rights were violated.
Lower court judges have previously struck down the heart of the family's lawsuit by ruling that Brian Sinclair's charter rights died with him.
But lawyers for the family argue it's "cruelly ironic" that a man who died because he didn't receive the care due to him under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms isn't allowed to sue because he is dead.
They are asking the Court of Appeal to overturn the lower court rulings and allow the crux of the lawsuit to proceed.
Many of us have waited 10, 15 even 24 hours in Canadian hospitals.
Hey, at least we're not American!
Lower court judges have previously struck down the heart of the family's lawsuit by ruling that Brian Sinclair's charter rights died with him.
But lawyers for the family argue it's "cruelly ironic" that a man who died because he didn't receive the care due to him under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms isn't allowed to sue because he is dead.
They are asking the Court of Appeal to overturn the lower court rulings and allow the crux of the lawsuit to proceed.
Many of us have waited 10, 15 even 24 hours in Canadian hospitals.
Hey, at least we're not American!
Not So Happy Hour
Happy Hour laws in the States.
How happy is your state?
Massachusetts has stayed true to its Puritan roots I see.
How happy is your state?
Massachusetts has stayed true to its Puritan roots I see.
It's All In A Name
Obamacare's branding is terrible. So perhaps the solution is to change the name according to Kathleen Sebelius?
Naturally.
Yes. A name change will magically rebrand it.
Maude: My premiums have gone up under Obamacare?
Sebelius: Maybe you should call it something else?
/grin.
The other day Harry Reid blamed Obamacare's disaster on the roll-out.
Ah.
Of course.
Naturally.
Yes. A name change will magically rebrand it.
Maude: My premiums have gone up under Obamacare?
Sebelius: Maybe you should call it something else?
/grin.
The other day Harry Reid blamed Obamacare's disaster on the roll-out.
Ah.
Of course.
Peak Oil Never Comes
'Peak oil' bad predictions all in one article.
It's okay. They'll be right...one day.
I've already moved on to 'Peak Derp'.
It's okay. They'll be right...one day.
I've already moved on to 'Peak Derp'.
Veteran Affairs Under Fantino A Messy Affair
The U.S. isn't the only country with problems serving and caring for their veterans in a proper, humane and timely manner. Canada has been rocked with its own VA problems:
Ottawa Citizen:
"Some see Fantino’s performance at Veterans Affairs as spectacularly disastrous. Footage of a nasty exchange with veterans in January, where the minister took issue with a finger-jabbing soldier before storming out, went viral. So did video of Fantino being chased down a hallway by the wife of a vet suffering from PTSD in May. Both incidents shadow him to this day.
Those who have worked with Fantino say those examples don’t do him justice. Even opposition critics and veterans groups who have been critical of the government concede the minister’s genuine desire to help veterans. And they say he has helped in some ways.
But four years after arriving in Parliament, Fantino’s political weaknesses have been exposed and the government is on the defensive when it comes to its treatment of veterans. It could be only a matter of time until he is replaced."
Ottawa Citizen:
"Some see Fantino’s performance at Veterans Affairs as spectacularly disastrous. Footage of a nasty exchange with veterans in January, where the minister took issue with a finger-jabbing soldier before storming out, went viral. So did video of Fantino being chased down a hallway by the wife of a vet suffering from PTSD in May. Both incidents shadow him to this day.
Those who have worked with Fantino say those examples don’t do him justice. Even opposition critics and veterans groups who have been critical of the government concede the minister’s genuine desire to help veterans. And they say he has helped in some ways.
But four years after arriving in Parliament, Fantino’s political weaknesses have been exposed and the government is on the defensive when it comes to its treatment of veterans. It could be only a matter of time until he is replaced."
SWAT Execute Georgia Man
SWAT killed David Hooks while he was face down in the back of the head. They acted on a tip - which turned out to be false - from a meth addict and entered and killed an innocent man.
Let's stop the bull shit and call it for what it is: Murder.
Let's stop the bull shit and call it for what it is: Murder.
2014-12-11
Climate Change: The Triumph Of Fear, Emotion And Style
When you punch in 'climate related deaths' on the Internet you get all sorts of outrageous doomsday figures. Go ahead. Punch it up. Never mind I linked it for you.
Of course, the contradiction in listening to environmentalists worry over the loss of human life is that simultaneously they advocate for a reduction in population as a means to save earth.
Anyway. Is Mother Nature going Ed Gein on us?
Not so fast there, Francis.
The 30-year moving average actually shows a dramatic decline in climate related deaths with a peak of just over a million in the 1930s.
Of course, the contradiction in listening to environmentalists worry over the loss of human life is that simultaneously they advocate for a reduction in population as a means to save earth.
Anyway. Is Mother Nature going Ed Gein on us?
Not so fast there, Francis.
The 30-year moving average actually shows a dramatic decline in climate related deaths with a peak of just over a million in the 1930s.
Human Nature
I recently watched Stalingrad and was reminded at how utterly evil the Nazis were. The age old question I've heard over the years is how can a civilized nation become so utterly barbaric and destructive?
Well, the short (stereotypical) end of it is Germans (and Northern Europeans as a whole) tend to submit to authority quite willingly. Indeed, I recall many a discussion about the differences of Hilter's command of Germany and Mussolini's of Italy. Many of the people and professors came to the simple conclusion that Germans were willing to die for Hitler while Italians weren't so prepared to give their lives to Mussolini thus pointing to the Italian reputation of being aloof and anti-authoritarian if not outright anarchists.
Anyway, Stalingrad is one of the great and dark moments in world history. Its battle was the bloodiest in world history and it basically started the decline of German power in the Second World War.
After the war, psychologist Stanley Milgram wanted to know how people could become so evil so easily under authority.
What he found was, to me anyway, disturbing.
Under the direction of an 'authority' figure (someone who really didn't have any control over them) as much 65% of people willing to inflict pain cruelly through electric shocks to other people who gave wrong answers.
That's 7 in 10 people if you round up.
You people should be glad I'm a 'fuck you, up yours' kinds of guy. I would not make a good soldier or corporate worker. I don't function well in groups or associations.
Too much pressure from people attempting to force you into their 'social context'.
I am skeptical of such people; if not hold a downright disdain for them. The audacity to try and control or influence me.
Machiavelli was right. We're 'wretched little creatures.'
Well, the short (stereotypical) end of it is Germans (and Northern Europeans as a whole) tend to submit to authority quite willingly. Indeed, I recall many a discussion about the differences of Hilter's command of Germany and Mussolini's of Italy. Many of the people and professors came to the simple conclusion that Germans were willing to die for Hitler while Italians weren't so prepared to give their lives to Mussolini thus pointing to the Italian reputation of being aloof and anti-authoritarian if not outright anarchists.
Anyway, Stalingrad is one of the great and dark moments in world history. Its battle was the bloodiest in world history and it basically started the decline of German power in the Second World War.
After the war, psychologist Stanley Milgram wanted to know how people could become so evil so easily under authority.
What he found was, to me anyway, disturbing.
Under the direction of an 'authority' figure (someone who really didn't have any control over them) as much 65% of people willing to inflict pain cruelly through electric shocks to other people who gave wrong answers.
That's 7 in 10 people if you round up.
You people should be glad I'm a 'fuck you, up yours' kinds of guy. I would not make a good soldier or corporate worker. I don't function well in groups or associations.
Too much pressure from people attempting to force you into their 'social context'.
I am skeptical of such people; if not hold a downright disdain for them. The audacity to try and control or influence me.
Machiavelli was right. We're 'wretched little creatures.'
Peru Sues Greenpeace
Peru sues Greenpeace for criminally vandalizing and probably permanently damaging Nezca.
This is the hubris and arrogance of environmentalists. Ironic to get their fricken message across they destroy Peruvian land.
No one listens to Greenpeace.
And no one should.
Before.
After.
This is the hubris and arrogance of environmentalists. Ironic to get their fricken message across they destroy Peruvian land.
No one listens to Greenpeace.
And no one should.
Before.
After.
Google Nuclears Spain
I absolutely love when government tries to pull stupid shit only to get smacked down and reminded they can't rule so simply and easily anymore.
They want to tax humans into oblivion. That's their solution to everything. Worse, they actually think it's smart policy.
Spain pulled a really dumb move leaving Google but to pull out.
And as is usually the case with idiotic government intervention, the people feel the pinch of their stupidity.
"Back in October, we noted that Spain had passed a ridiculously bad Google News tax, in which it required any news aggregator to pay for snippets and actually went so far as to make it an "inalienable right" to be paid for snippets -- meaning that no one could choose to let any aggregator post snippets for free. Publishers have to charge any aggregator. This is ridiculous and dangerous on many levels. As we noted, it would be deathly for digital commons projects or any sort of open access project, which thrive on making content reusable and encouraging the widespread sharing of such content.
Apparently, it's also deathly for Google News in Spain. A few hours ago, Google announced that due to this law, it was shutting down Google News in Spain, and further that it would be removing all Spanish publications from the rest of Google News. In short, Google went for the nuclear option in the face of a ridiculously bad law...
They want to tax humans into oblivion. That's their solution to everything. Worse, they actually think it's smart policy.
Spain pulled a really dumb move leaving Google but to pull out.
And as is usually the case with idiotic government intervention, the people feel the pinch of their stupidity.
"Back in October, we noted that Spain had passed a ridiculously bad Google News tax, in which it required any news aggregator to pay for snippets and actually went so far as to make it an "inalienable right" to be paid for snippets -- meaning that no one could choose to let any aggregator post snippets for free. Publishers have to charge any aggregator. This is ridiculous and dangerous on many levels. As we noted, it would be deathly for digital commons projects or any sort of open access project, which thrive on making content reusable and encouraging the widespread sharing of such content.
Apparently, it's also deathly for Google News in Spain. A few hours ago, Google announced that due to this law, it was shutting down Google News in Spain, and further that it would be removing all Spanish publications from the rest of Google News. In short, Google went for the nuclear option in the face of a ridiculously bad law...
But sadly, as a result of a new Spanish law, we’ll shortly have to close Google News in Spain. Let me explain why. This new legislation requires every Spanish publication to charge services like Google News for showing even the smallest snippet from their publications, whether they want to or not. As Google News itself makes no money (we do not show any advertising on the site) this new approach is simply not sustainable. So it’s with real sadness that on 16 December (before the new law comes into effect in January) we’ll remove Spanish publishers from Google News, and close Google News in Spain."Stronzos.
Lame Britain Protest
Britain is sunk. We know this.
But I hadn't realized it has no sense of perspective of moral compass.
They'll protest the death of Garner. Yet, they won't take to the streets over Rotherdam?
A morally depraved and politically correct systematic breakdown of common decency and the law where people from police to prosecutors to social services turned a blind eye to the rape and sexual abuse of young girls in immigrant communities.
No. That they won't protest. Just like idiot left-wingers here have no qualms about Obama killing American citizens with drones without due process.
Narcissistic ignorant twats. Dangerous minds. How they've come to be able to so willingly and easily suspend rational thought is impossible to detect or explain.
It's like those clowns in Berkeley burning down Whole Foods demanding 'extensions for exams.'
This people aren't principled nor do they care about justice or whatever they claim to be fighting for.
They're just whiny, pampered idiots with not sense of anything. Like the protestors here in Quebec not too long ago.
They want it all. And they want you to pay for it.
But I hadn't realized it has no sense of perspective of moral compass.
They'll protest the death of Garner. Yet, they won't take to the streets over Rotherdam?
A morally depraved and politically correct systematic breakdown of common decency and the law where people from police to prosecutors to social services turned a blind eye to the rape and sexual abuse of young girls in immigrant communities.
No. That they won't protest. Just like idiot left-wingers here have no qualms about Obama killing American citizens with drones without due process.
Narcissistic ignorant twats. Dangerous minds. How they've come to be able to so willingly and easily suspend rational thought is impossible to detect or explain.
It's like those clowns in Berkeley burning down Whole Foods demanding 'extensions for exams.'
This people aren't principled nor do they care about justice or whatever they claim to be fighting for.
They're just whiny, pampered idiots with not sense of anything. Like the protestors here in Quebec not too long ago.
They want it all. And they want you to pay for it.
B.C. Sikhs Leave Liberals
How anyone could consider voting for a Liberal party under Trudeau is beyond me to comprehend or even explain.
Well, people easily swayed by empty rhetoric and style over profound thought and substance. That's who.
Or the NDP for that matter.
It leaves the Conservatives by default but to a sober, practical mind, they're the lesser of all the evils.
I've notice over the last little while the CBC shuts down the comments section whenever their Prince is in trouble. Meh. Just another day in Progland in North America.
Well, people easily swayed by empty rhetoric and style over profound thought and substance. That's who.
Or the NDP for that matter.
It leaves the Conservatives by default but to a sober, practical mind, they're the lesser of all the evils.
I've notice over the last little while the CBC shuts down the comments section whenever their Prince is in trouble. Meh. Just another day in Progland in North America.
2014-12-10
Perspective And Context
I believe you Lena! You too Susan! Hands up Michael! I can't breathe with all this stupidity around me.
Uberevolution
The thing I like most about Uber - other than providing a service customers actually want and like - is that it reveals how utterly useless licensing and permits are. Yeah, sure. That they operate outside the bull shit racket of permits makes them 'dangerous'. Right.
Of course taxi driver unions have a problem with them. Taxis are part of an antiquated model. They're forced to comply with all sorts of bureaucratic crap and so argue to have other players to do the same under 'fairness.'
It's a perverse form of fairness but one in which there's a valid point.
The only true equilibrium on 'fairness' is in a competitive model. Get rid of the bureaucratic nonsense and compete freely in the market place.
The same for the communications industry in Canada. We're so tightly regulated we're a laggard on the international stage in terms of customer satisfaction and innovation.
Of course taxi driver unions have a problem with them. Taxis are part of an antiquated model. They're forced to comply with all sorts of bureaucratic crap and so argue to have other players to do the same under 'fairness.'
It's a perverse form of fairness but one in which there's a valid point.
The only true equilibrium on 'fairness' is in a competitive model. Get rid of the bureaucratic nonsense and compete freely in the market place.
The same for the communications industry in Canada. We're so tightly regulated we're a laggard on the international stage in terms of customer satisfaction and innovation.
Romamerica
The five marks of the Roman decaying culture according to Edward
Gibbon:
-Concern with displaying affluence instead of building wealth;
-Obsession with sex and perversions of sex;
-Art becomes freakish and sensationalistic instead of creative and original;
-Widening disparity between very rich and very poor;
-Increased demand to live off the state.
I would add to 'concern with displaying affluence' this: Obsession over another person's affluence and calls for soaking their wealth. This inevitably leads to laws and rules of taxation that hurt or prevent people from achieving wealth. Think capital gains and dividend taxes.
The second and third is pretty self-explanatory. Plenty of crap passes off as art now.
The fourth should be handled with care and caution. This is just a guess on my part but in Gibbons time the poor didn't have all the opportunities and protections they have today. What we define as poor today is probably not the same as back in his day. That there's a gap today doesn't mean, moreover, people aren't succeeding. By all accounts, we've never been healthier and wealthier in North America or in this case, the USA. We tend to view things from a pie chart set in cement rather than realize the pie chart isn't part of a zero-sum game but an ever-expanding pie to which a cut is available to people.
I don't think a case can be made against the fifth part. Just observe and that much becomes painfully evident.
-Concern with displaying affluence instead of building wealth;
-Obsession with sex and perversions of sex;
-Art becomes freakish and sensationalistic instead of creative and original;
-Widening disparity between very rich and very poor;
-Increased demand to live off the state.
I would add to 'concern with displaying affluence' this: Obsession over another person's affluence and calls for soaking their wealth. This inevitably leads to laws and rules of taxation that hurt or prevent people from achieving wealth. Think capital gains and dividend taxes.
The second and third is pretty self-explanatory. Plenty of crap passes off as art now.
The fourth should be handled with care and caution. This is just a guess on my part but in Gibbons time the poor didn't have all the opportunities and protections they have today. What we define as poor today is probably not the same as back in his day. That there's a gap today doesn't mean, moreover, people aren't succeeding. By all accounts, we've never been healthier and wealthier in North America or in this case, the USA. We tend to view things from a pie chart set in cement rather than realize the pie chart isn't part of a zero-sum game but an ever-expanding pie to which a cut is available to people.
I don't think a case can be made against the fifth part. Just observe and that much becomes painfully evident.
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