I got a better feel, today, for the content of some of the Wikileaks documents. Reuters has a nice review:
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6AT1I720101130
Despite the sometimes childish nature of the contents, in general, they appear to have what would be considered to be normal internal information (with a few exceptions).
It is interesting, though, that there are numerous examples of unethical behavior, at least according to the yearly ethics training that my employer provides.
We offered money and meetings with the president in exchange for taking prisoners out of Gitmo. This would be an offense that would land you in jail if you did something similar in exchange for business.
There were numerous examples of authors inserting personal opinion in the technical analysis that often bordered on slander. My company has explicit training on what to lay down in print and always says to ask yourself the question: "How would that look and how would I feel if this memo ever got into the media?"
This speaks very poorly of our diplomatic corps, not to leave out our ineptitude to safeguard State Department communications.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Budapest
About 8 weeks ago, I was at a conference in Budapest, Hungary. Each day, there was a two-hour time frame for lunch and one evening there was a group activity. These small windows allowed me to get out for walks and see a bit of this charming city (cities? Buda and Pesht).
My first walkabout was along the Danube river. It was there that I crossed over on an impressive iron bridge.
Crossing from one side to the other, I stumbled onto the Cave Church in Gellert hill, that I had glimpsed on the taxi ride to the hotel.
I did not get a chance to go into this structure, but it's mere construction into the hillside was fascinating.
On day two, I went a different direction and visited the opera house. Unfortunately, it was closed. I must continually remind myself to check times before trying to work a visit into a small time window. Nonetheless, I found the St. Stephens Basilica, which was quite lovely. Interestingly, having read Dan Brown's Angels and Demons, I was chuckling when I found the obelisk just outside the church.
The inside of the church was beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed a quick walk through.
Crossing a beautiful park (which was schizophrenic ... beautiful by day, homeless and drug infested at night), I meandered toward parliament. On the way, there was a last vestige of the cold war (the engraving that said something about the Soviet Union and the star on top were dead give aways) ...
Parliament was a very impressive building:
On day three, I went to the castle at lunch. Quite impressive, but not like other castles I have visited; perhaps the Heidelberg castle in Germany or, more appropriately, the one in Schwetzigen, Germany.
The old city nearby offered beautiful views across the Danube.
You may notice the church steeple in the mid-ground. All across the city the steeples were elaborately tiled ...
That evening, my last before leaving to return home, I visited the Duna Palota to watch Hungarian folk dancers.
Of course, no trip to Europe would be complete without the street guy ...
Budapest was interesting from another standpoint. All I heard all week was English. It must be a popular tourist spot because it was amazing hearing the Swedes, Italians, French (yes French), German, and other visitors all ordering at restaurants in English (as well as out on the street).
Finally, there is the European custom of wearing one's scarf around the neck ...
These guys are clearly European. I often want to ask them if they wear their socks tied around their ankles.
My first walkabout was along the Danube river. It was there that I crossed over on an impressive iron bridge.
Crossing from one side to the other, I stumbled onto the Cave Church in Gellert hill, that I had glimpsed on the taxi ride to the hotel.
I did not get a chance to go into this structure, but it's mere construction into the hillside was fascinating.
On day two, I went a different direction and visited the opera house. Unfortunately, it was closed. I must continually remind myself to check times before trying to work a visit into a small time window. Nonetheless, I found the St. Stephens Basilica, which was quite lovely. Interestingly, having read Dan Brown's Angels and Demons, I was chuckling when I found the obelisk just outside the church.
The inside of the church was beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed a quick walk through.
Crossing a beautiful park (which was schizophrenic ... beautiful by day, homeless and drug infested at night), I meandered toward parliament. On the way, there was a last vestige of the cold war (the engraving that said something about the Soviet Union and the star on top were dead give aways) ...
Parliament was a very impressive building:
On day three, I went to the castle at lunch. Quite impressive, but not like other castles I have visited; perhaps the Heidelberg castle in Germany or, more appropriately, the one in Schwetzigen, Germany.
The old city nearby offered beautiful views across the Danube.
You may notice the church steeple in the mid-ground. All across the city the steeples were elaborately tiled ...
That evening, my last before leaving to return home, I visited the Duna Palota to watch Hungarian folk dancers.
Of course, no trip to Europe would be complete without the street guy ...
Budapest was interesting from another standpoint. All I heard all week was English. It must be a popular tourist spot because it was amazing hearing the Swedes, Italians, French (yes French), German, and other visitors all ordering at restaurants in English (as well as out on the street).
Finally, there is the European custom of wearing one's scarf around the neck ...
These guys are clearly European. I often want to ask them if they wear their socks tied around their ankles.
Can Anyone Say "George Orwell"
George Orwell's 1984 was a bit early in its prediction of an all-seeing government. The recent hoopla about invasive screening at airports is just another example for us. Since 9-11, the government has been particularly adept at removing our personal freedoms in the name of security and safety. I am not saying we should not have security and safety. Anyone who remembers airlines being hijacked to go to Cuba knows that some level of security is required. However, we, as Americans, seem to be all to eager to turn in our freedoms when the government yells safety and security and terror. In fact, our appointed officials, like Janet Napolitano, simply refuse to listen to the brave few who would question the TSA tactics. They just don't "understand why people are so upset".
I am really tired of the media on this one, too, because, until it became scandalous (someone was touched improperly), they did not care. Even now, they seem more than able to find some dolt who says ... "Well, if it makes us safer I am ok with it." Well, I am not ok with it. It is ineffective, looks for the wrong things on people, screens those who don't need screening and costs billions of dollars while we are going broke.
Since I cannot complain without offering alternatives, here is a partial list ...
I am really tired of having my civil rights removed from me and am afraid that we are edging ever closer to a police state, at least when it comes to group travel.
I am really tired of the media on this one, too, because, until it became scandalous (someone was touched improperly), they did not care. Even now, they seem more than able to find some dolt who says ... "Well, if it makes us safer I am ok with it." Well, I am not ok with it. It is ineffective, looks for the wrong things on people, screens those who don't need screening and costs billions of dollars while we are going broke.
Since I cannot complain without offering alternatives, here is a partial list ...
- profile based on criminal background
- profile based on probing questioning
- vigorously x-ray all baggage - cargo and otherwise
- make better use of psychological training for employees
- mine the vast information network that has been built up on every American by our and other's governments
- develop a friend-foe system (the theory is that if one has not been a problem the past years on any number of flights, it is unlikely that they will be a problem)
I am really tired of having my civil rights removed from me and am afraid that we are edging ever closer to a police state, at least when it comes to group travel.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
The Government and Me
I was listening to an interesting program on NPR this afternoon during lunch where the guest was tracing the links between the Tea Party of today with the John Birch Society of the 50's and 60's. As I have supported some of the ideas of the Tea Party and applaud their exercise of their constitutional rights, I thought it might be good to put some thoughts down regarding my own feelings regarding our loveable federal government. I think that there are those in my family that see me as a Tea Party supporter in the worst case and as anti-Obama in the best case. So, for all of you, here are my thoughts on our government (in summary form with extended explanations where needed).
There is clearly an important role for federal government; anarchy is not an option. The federal government should do the following:
- Uphold the Constitution of the United States
- Defend the country from attack (but not by stripping its citizens of their rights)
- Protect the borders
- Guide and regulate monetary policy, especially on a global scale
- Protect the rights of all citizens (by definition, this includes all minorities)
- Guide commerce and protect citizens from fraudulent and toxic buisness practices
- Legislate without the influence of business, special interests, other governments
- Adjudicate according to the Constitution and well-established precidents of English and American law
- Carry out foriegn policy with the best interests of the citizens in mind (not the petty concerns of individual politicians following misguided policies)
- Pursue massive projects that support new knowledge (to be shared with the citizens) and technologies that cannot be pursued by profit-driven entities
- Provide a safety net for the poor and infirm and provide meaningful training to render all capable persons of gaining employment in the private sector
There may be more, but this is a good start. Now for what the government should not do:
- Redistribute wealth
- Become the largest employer in the country
- Withhold the funding of schools that comply with all equal opportunity requirements but do not follow the whims of various government programs that control the environment and content of education
- Dictate health care
- Intrude on the daily lives of citizens with arbitrary legislation that appeals to the latest pseudo-science or mass-driven opinions
- Allow legislators to abdicate the responsibility for writing legislation to hired hands
- Pile up massive debt (I think some debt is ok ... it works well for me, but there has to be a limit)
Sunday, September 26, 2010
The death of English has been exaggerated greatly
I have had a sneaking suspicion that, over the next 10 years, as the Chinese emerge as the number one global economy, that English will disappear as the language of business and travel. After this week, I have had second thoughts.
I was at a trade conference in Budapest, Hungary, a beautiful city with much to offer. I got the impression that it is a vacation destination due to its central European location and numerous natural "baths".
I was struck quickly by how easy it was for me to communicate. Everyone was speaking in English. As I sat at restaurants and visited sites and shops, English was all around. The Italians, French, Germans, Japanese, Swedes, Chinese, and even the Hungarians (and other folks as well) all spoke English, not just to me, but to each other. Italians cannot speak Hungarian, nor can Germans, and so on, so everyone conversed in English. This represents an interesting issue and involves billions of people. Basically, due to the huge influence of Britain and the US after World War II and into the travel and international business age, everyone learned English. Some folks learned other languages, but in Europe, in particular, I think it is clear. Germans know German, and they were taught English, but they do business all over Europe (now the world). Maybe they pick up another language or two, but they cannot cover them all, so English is something they all have in common.
I know now, in retrospect, that this makes sense. But, until I went to a city in a country that was a real tourist destination, I did not realize how pervasive the use of English is. I had an easier time getting around Budapest than any city I have ever visited where English was not a native tongue.
I think, too, that there are other barriers to Chinese becoming a global language:
I was at a trade conference in Budapest, Hungary, a beautiful city with much to offer. I got the impression that it is a vacation destination due to its central European location and numerous natural "baths".
I was struck quickly by how easy it was for me to communicate. Everyone was speaking in English. As I sat at restaurants and visited sites and shops, English was all around. The Italians, French, Germans, Japanese, Swedes, Chinese, and even the Hungarians (and other folks as well) all spoke English, not just to me, but to each other. Italians cannot speak Hungarian, nor can Germans, and so on, so everyone conversed in English. This represents an interesting issue and involves billions of people. Basically, due to the huge influence of Britain and the US after World War II and into the travel and international business age, everyone learned English. Some folks learned other languages, but in Europe, in particular, I think it is clear. Germans know German, and they were taught English, but they do business all over Europe (now the world). Maybe they pick up another language or two, but they cannot cover them all, so English is something they all have in common.
I know now, in retrospect, that this makes sense. But, until I went to a city in a country that was a real tourist destination, I did not realize how pervasive the use of English is. I had an easier time getting around Budapest than any city I have ever visited where English was not a native tongue.
I think, too, that there are other barriers to Chinese becoming a global language:
- It is a difficult language, foreign in structure and tone to most of the business and travel world.
- Which dialect should you learn? (I don't know, perhaps one is dominant enough in China to suffice.)
- There is not yet a global driver to teach it in European, North or South American schools. Kids in these regions that do not already speak English, normally have the option to learn it in school.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
This is not your Caesar's Latin
I was walking through Budapest today and stumbled onto the basilica. There was an inscription on it that made me think back to my Latin studies in junior high and high school ...
"Ego sum via, veritas, et vitas."
I was pleased that it hit me immediately that this was messed up. Latin always has the verb at the end and there is no special word for I. Clearly, someone, versed in English, was trying to say:
I am the way, the truth, and the life.
Seems odd to have this carved into 75 year old stone, though; especially at the top of the entrance to the basilica.
"Ego sum via, veritas, et vitas."
I was pleased that it hit me immediately that this was messed up. Latin always has the verb at the end and there is no special word for I. Clearly, someone, versed in English, was trying to say:
I am the way, the truth, and the life.
Seems odd to have this carved into 75 year old stone, though; especially at the top of the entrance to the basilica.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Faulty Logic
I was listening to NPR yesterday on the way home from the airport. I got a bit furious over one of the commentators who stated that the Tea Party and the Republicans are arguing two sides of the same coin. According to the commentator, the groups want smaller government with less deficit spending yet they both want tax cuts to remain in place for all people (yes, including the "rich"). She said that this makes no sense and is mutually incompatible.
Talk about faulty logic. Is it not easy to see that you can hold both of these tenets (as I do) by reducing government spending? Spend less, much less (enough to cover continuing the tax relief) and deficits will go down. Tax cuts (continued ... not new ones) and deficit reduction. What is incompatible about this?
Talk about faulty logic. Is it not easy to see that you can hold both of these tenets (as I do) by reducing government spending? Spend less, much less (enough to cover continuing the tax relief) and deficits will go down. Tax cuts (continued ... not new ones) and deficit reduction. What is incompatible about this?
Monday, July 19, 2010
Freedom of the Press
Sorry for the absence, but life is busy. Nonetheless, today I heard a news program on NPR that got me to thinking.
The program was on the Diane Rehm show and was about "Not for Profit Journalism" and featured such guests as representatives from The Center for Public Integrity, ProPublica, and the Texas Tribune. One caller was upset with the slanted version of the news that we get everywhere and also intimated that the groups on the show were just as guilty of one-sidedness (including NPR) as radio shows like Limbaugh's and Hannity's or the New York Times. He wanted news to stick to the 4 w's and an h (where, when, why, what, how).
All of this made me remember learning about news reporting in school. I was taught that reporters were supposed to be non-biased and report the facts (see the w's above). I took that at face value and it stayed with me for years. Upon listening to this report, though, I began to question this. When did this really happen? Why was I taught this? At what point did it get introduced into journalism classes and schools? The reason for this question is that newspapers have always been biased. Perhaps more so in the past than now. In reading the books about John Adams, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and other early colonial politicians, the newspapers were clear propagandist arms of the prevailing political schools of thought of the time. I doubt seriously that it was any different going back to the time of Gutenberg.
So I ask again, where did this idea come from that journalism should be unbiased?
By the way, check out ProPublica; it is a neat non-profit news outlet.
The program was on the Diane Rehm show and was about "Not for Profit Journalism" and featured such guests as representatives from The Center for Public Integrity, ProPublica, and the Texas Tribune. One caller was upset with the slanted version of the news that we get everywhere and also intimated that the groups on the show were just as guilty of one-sidedness (including NPR) as radio shows like Limbaugh's and Hannity's or the New York Times. He wanted news to stick to the 4 w's and an h (where, when, why, what, how).
All of this made me remember learning about news reporting in school. I was taught that reporters were supposed to be non-biased and report the facts (see the w's above). I took that at face value and it stayed with me for years. Upon listening to this report, though, I began to question this. When did this really happen? Why was I taught this? At what point did it get introduced into journalism classes and schools? The reason for this question is that newspapers have always been biased. Perhaps more so in the past than now. In reading the books about John Adams, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and other early colonial politicians, the newspapers were clear propagandist arms of the prevailing political schools of thought of the time. I doubt seriously that it was any different going back to the time of Gutenberg.
So I ask again, where did this idea come from that journalism should be unbiased?
By the way, check out ProPublica; it is a neat non-profit news outlet.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Zucchini & Summer Squash - bland no more!
I have stumbled onto a great way to use zucchini and summer squash (do not think this will be so good with winter squash). They are normally pretty bland vegetables and my other favorite way to make them, pan fried with salt, pepper, cayenne and turmeric, is not the MOST healthy and I get tired of cooking things one way.
So, this simple way to cook the squash is really great!
Cut the zucchini/squash in half, lengthwise (quarters if they are large), and then into 1/2-inch (1 cm) chunks. Toss all this in a large bowl. Dice up a bunch of onion (the amount should be one part of onion to 4-5 parts of squash). Toss this in the bowl. Add diced jalapeno peppers to your liking. Add salt, pepper and cumin to taste. Add about 1/2 cup (about 150 ml) of shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Toss well. Transfer the contents to a 9-inch (25 cm) baking dish and place in a pre-heated 350-degree F (175 deg C) oven and bake for about 30 min. Remove the pan and sprinkle another 3/4 cup (about 200 ml) of shredded cheddar cheese on the top of the squash along with a generous portion of dried bread crumbs. Cook another 15-25 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
To save some calories, I use cheese with only 2% milk fat.
So, this simple way to cook the squash is really great!
Cut the zucchini/squash in half, lengthwise (quarters if they are large), and then into 1/2-inch (1 cm) chunks. Toss all this in a large bowl. Dice up a bunch of onion (the amount should be one part of onion to 4-5 parts of squash). Toss this in the bowl. Add diced jalapeno peppers to your liking. Add salt, pepper and cumin to taste. Add about 1/2 cup (about 150 ml) of shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Toss well. Transfer the contents to a 9-inch (25 cm) baking dish and place in a pre-heated 350-degree F (175 deg C) oven and bake for about 30 min. Remove the pan and sprinkle another 3/4 cup (about 200 ml) of shredded cheddar cheese on the top of the squash along with a generous portion of dried bread crumbs. Cook another 15-25 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
To save some calories, I use cheese with only 2% milk fat.
Friday, April 16, 2010
The "Eyes" Have It (or a trip to the DMV)
Well, it has been awhile since I last posted. Life just seemed to pass by too quickly. Yesterday, though, I went to renew my driver's license - an ideal activity to post about.
In NC, you either make an appointment with the DMV 2 months in advance or take your chances to be one of the many in line for the walk up and "take a number" approach. I chose the latter, so I arrived at the DMV office one hour before it opened to be the first in line. It turns out that the line really does not get long until about 1/2 hour before opening.
It was very chilly, so my hands shook a bit as I read a book while waiting. Finally, the uniformed agent came over and opened the door for the orderly entrance of about 50 people. I think the downturn in the economy has hit the DMV as I remember there being many more people in the past. I got my number and just as I sat down, I was called back to the room with 9 license agents at the ready.
I sat down across from a very nice female agent (another change from the grumpy agents I have encountered in the past). She took my old, decrepit license and found my information in the vast labyrinth of government data on its constituents. Next she asked a rapid-fire series of questions ... any history of seizures, heart problems, mental illness, and so on. At first I was going to toy with her and say that my wife thinks I am insane, but I thought the better of it. Just don't want to tick off anyone that holds your fate in their hands.
With that behind me, next was my dreaded eye test. I have astigmatism, fairly strongly in my left eye and to a lesser extent in the right eye. However, I see pretty well. I can spot hawks in trees at a half mile and have no trouble recognizing constellations. The two eyes TOGETHER work pretty well. Anyway, I pressed my forehead against the little machine and it lit up the eye exam. This is a combination of letters and highway signage. The lady says "Read the first line please."
"D" .... "O" ... what is the next letter? My astigmatic eyes have a bit of an issue with letters having similar shape when they are small - B, E, R, P, S. I was having a lot of trouble with the next letter. I said "B" and went on to V ... "Stop sir, please reread the line." OK. First one really looked like a D. "D" ... "O" ... "E" ... "Stop sir, please reread the line. Maybe cup your hands around your eyes to block out any glare."
OK. So I cupped my hands and looked. I knew now it was the third letter. Geesh - B, E, R, P, S. Well at least I knew it wasn't B or E. Sometimes, if I close one eye, small letters can be better distinguished. So, I closed the left eye and, to my surprise, the entire first column of letters went away! Dang, so that was it. Sneaky ba....rds were checking the vision in the left eye with the first column. A quick check by closing only the right eye showed the far right of the four columns disappear. So, four columns of letters and only the center two were available to both eyes. OK. "S". Nothing from the lady. "V" and then on through the next 12 letters with no problems at all.
After that it was a snap. Identifying or reading off of about 12 highway signs, remembering to read even the smallest letters on them (No Parking ... (much smaller) on pavement during the hours of 7 to 4). Then there were the obligatory 4 signs where the words were removed. OK. "Stop" - easy. The next was just a round circle. I thought this was RR crossing, but I seemed to remember that sign having some ends of crossed rectangles poking out. I should have just said "railroad crossing" but I confessed some uncertainty. The lady says "Railroad crossing." Glad I could not see her face while my head was submerged in this machine. Then "School Crossing" and "Do Not Pass". That was it.
Within a minute, a paper pops out of a printer - no endorsements and no restrictions (no eye glasses required!). I am good until I am 60!
A quick picture and the nice lady told me - the paper license is good for 20 days, keep the old license for a photo ID (although it is not valid any more - if I get pulled over, the paper license rules) and your new license will arrive in the mail in 8 - to - 10 days.
That was it. In and out in 20 minutes. I even made it to work on time.
In NC, you either make an appointment with the DMV 2 months in advance or take your chances to be one of the many in line for the walk up and "take a number" approach. I chose the latter, so I arrived at the DMV office one hour before it opened to be the first in line. It turns out that the line really does not get long until about 1/2 hour before opening.
It was very chilly, so my hands shook a bit as I read a book while waiting. Finally, the uniformed agent came over and opened the door for the orderly entrance of about 50 people. I think the downturn in the economy has hit the DMV as I remember there being many more people in the past. I got my number and just as I sat down, I was called back to the room with 9 license agents at the ready.
I sat down across from a very nice female agent (another change from the grumpy agents I have encountered in the past). She took my old, decrepit license and found my information in the vast labyrinth of government data on its constituents. Next she asked a rapid-fire series of questions ... any history of seizures, heart problems, mental illness, and so on. At first I was going to toy with her and say that my wife thinks I am insane, but I thought the better of it. Just don't want to tick off anyone that holds your fate in their hands.
With that behind me, next was my dreaded eye test. I have astigmatism, fairly strongly in my left eye and to a lesser extent in the right eye. However, I see pretty well. I can spot hawks in trees at a half mile and have no trouble recognizing constellations. The two eyes TOGETHER work pretty well. Anyway, I pressed my forehead against the little machine and it lit up the eye exam. This is a combination of letters and highway signage. The lady says "Read the first line please."
"D" .... "O" ... what is the next letter? My astigmatic eyes have a bit of an issue with letters having similar shape when they are small - B, E, R, P, S. I was having a lot of trouble with the next letter. I said "B" and went on to V ... "Stop sir, please reread the line." OK. First one really looked like a D. "D" ... "O" ... "E" ... "Stop sir, please reread the line. Maybe cup your hands around your eyes to block out any glare."
OK. So I cupped my hands and looked. I knew now it was the third letter. Geesh - B, E, R, P, S. Well at least I knew it wasn't B or E. Sometimes, if I close one eye, small letters can be better distinguished. So, I closed the left eye and, to my surprise, the entire first column of letters went away! Dang, so that was it. Sneaky ba....rds were checking the vision in the left eye with the first column. A quick check by closing only the right eye showed the far right of the four columns disappear. So, four columns of letters and only the center two were available to both eyes. OK. "S". Nothing from the lady. "V" and then on through the next 12 letters with no problems at all.
After that it was a snap. Identifying or reading off of about 12 highway signs, remembering to read even the smallest letters on them (No Parking ... (much smaller) on pavement during the hours of 7 to 4). Then there were the obligatory 4 signs where the words were removed. OK. "Stop" - easy. The next was just a round circle. I thought this was RR crossing, but I seemed to remember that sign having some ends of crossed rectangles poking out. I should have just said "railroad crossing" but I confessed some uncertainty. The lady says "Railroad crossing." Glad I could not see her face while my head was submerged in this machine. Then "School Crossing" and "Do Not Pass". That was it.
Within a minute, a paper pops out of a printer - no endorsements and no restrictions (no eye glasses required!). I am good until I am 60!
A quick picture and the nice lady told me - the paper license is good for 20 days, keep the old license for a photo ID (although it is not valid any more - if I get pulled over, the paper license rules) and your new license will arrive in the mail in 8 - to - 10 days.
That was it. In and out in 20 minutes. I even made it to work on time.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Americans without science
The perfect example of the lack of any true understanding of science by the rank and file in America ...
There are thousands of kids not getting vaccinated against common illnesses and the problem has become so large that some diseases, thought to be eradicated, have returned. Many of these are debilitating and some can be fatal. Why has this occurred? It has been traced to an overwhelming fear of autism due to the vaccination process. One study, out of thousands, linked the two events. Since that study, which has been withdrawn by the authors, a combination of things has happened to perpetuate the myth. First, there is a distrust of health-related organizations (government, hospitals, insurance companies) that leads to speculation that the paper had somehow been suppressed or that the withdrawal was coerced. Further, this mis-reporting of scientific studies adds to the lack of faith in scientific reports. The scientific process, that most folks do not understand, allows a back and forth understanding of the problem being studied. Experiments are reproduced or not. Theories are amended with new information. If one does not understand the process they say things like "It used to be that eggs were bad for you. Now they say they are good. Who should I believe?" Add to that the soapbox of various celebrities that preach no vaccines, such as Jenny McCarthy and Suzanne Sommers. These folks have no clue about science and no understanding of the issues or history of studying and trying to be lay experts. They use their celebrity status to preach in a way not too different from the old snake oil salesmen.
Many of these diseases carry real risks that can be quantified in terms of deaths per thousand cases or paralysis per thousand cases, etc. Since there is no statistical link between autism and vaccines, a similar risk cannot be quantified. That is science. What we do know is that the rate of autism in the general population does not even warrant such decisions not to vaccinate because if all autism was due to vaccines, the risk of having autism would still be lower by taking a vaccine than the risk of getting the preventable disease.
Finally, the "preachers" preach about mercury in the vaccines. With only a few exceptions, mercury has been removed from vaccines since the turn of the century. The few that have it, do have it at very low levels.
Is it really worth the risk to listen to non-scientists on this one?
There are thousands of kids not getting vaccinated against common illnesses and the problem has become so large that some diseases, thought to be eradicated, have returned. Many of these are debilitating and some can be fatal. Why has this occurred? It has been traced to an overwhelming fear of autism due to the vaccination process. One study, out of thousands, linked the two events. Since that study, which has been withdrawn by the authors, a combination of things has happened to perpetuate the myth. First, there is a distrust of health-related organizations (government, hospitals, insurance companies) that leads to speculation that the paper had somehow been suppressed or that the withdrawal was coerced. Further, this mis-reporting of scientific studies adds to the lack of faith in scientific reports. The scientific process, that most folks do not understand, allows a back and forth understanding of the problem being studied. Experiments are reproduced or not. Theories are amended with new information. If one does not understand the process they say things like "It used to be that eggs were bad for you. Now they say they are good. Who should I believe?" Add to that the soapbox of various celebrities that preach no vaccines, such as Jenny McCarthy and Suzanne Sommers. These folks have no clue about science and no understanding of the issues or history of studying and trying to be lay experts. They use their celebrity status to preach in a way not too different from the old snake oil salesmen.
Many of these diseases carry real risks that can be quantified in terms of deaths per thousand cases or paralysis per thousand cases, etc. Since there is no statistical link between autism and vaccines, a similar risk cannot be quantified. That is science. What we do know is that the rate of autism in the general population does not even warrant such decisions not to vaccinate because if all autism was due to vaccines, the risk of having autism would still be lower by taking a vaccine than the risk of getting the preventable disease.
Finally, the "preachers" preach about mercury in the vaccines. With only a few exceptions, mercury has been removed from vaccines since the turn of the century. The few that have it, do have it at very low levels.
Is it really worth the risk to listen to non-scientists on this one?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Bizarroworld
So, I heard on NPR yesterday that North Carolina will be delaying tax refunds to its citizens in order to manage cash flow.
Let me get this right ...
The state will keep money from people who overpaid taxes. They will keep someone else's money, interest free, until they feel like they can pay it.
Bizarre
Let me get this right ...
The state will keep money from people who overpaid taxes. They will keep someone else's money, interest free, until they feel like they can pay it.
Bizarre
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Hippocracy
I am really ticked at the dems right now about one issue, the recent Supreme Court decision to allow groups (business, unions, ngo's, etc) to spend as much as they want on political commercials. The dems are screaming that this was a bad decision and that it gives unfair advantage to big business (whenever the word "big" comes out, look out - big oil, big wall street firms, big energy, big business, etc). Now they want it all turned over and want a law to fix this poor decision. Now, I would be fully in support of these "gentlemen" and their cause if they would be willing to put the kabash on lobbiests. My guess is that lobbiers have more influence on Congress (probably less on elections) and hurt the American citizens more than any political advertisement by any group - big business included. No more lobbying. That hurts all of us and makes our elected officials beholden to some special interest. Adverts, well, most folks see through them. In this case, I think the big 9 got it right, no one should be able to restrain any group from voicing their opinions in a legitimate way.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Random Walk
A lot has gone on this week. I thought I would just light on a few subjects like a butterfly and then fly away. Here are "Cheers", "Hmm's" and "Jeers" for this busy week ...
JEERS to Mr Obama for his comments at a "town hall" meeting in the midwest. There he stated that he couldn't figure out all the fuss about health care. He said, in his usual mocking tone, 'Let's see, should I want health care that is comprehensive and free or something that is no change? Huh.' I don't think Mr. Obama helps his cause by either being condescending or by misleading the public. No way that his health care is free under any plan.
CHEERS to Mr Obama for proposing the elimination of the military "don't ask, don't tell" policy. It is about time. I don't understand why we cannot do it sooner than one year, though. It is a policy that goes against everything that is the real American ideal.
HMM to Mr Obama for killing the Aries/Orion manned space program. At first I thought that this was just the continuing destruction of what was once a great space-faring nation. But I thought some more. Currently, NASA selects from one or two contractors to build their concept. Under the new proposal, bids will go out along with seed money to have private enterprise build the equipment. Not all that different, but the design will be from the outside and it does privatize the activity. It also, through the use of the seed money, will guarantee that the goals of the program will not be purely commercial (space tourism for example). We will have to wait and see.
JEERS to Mr Obama for his comments at a "town hall" meeting in the midwest. There he stated that he couldn't figure out all the fuss about health care. He said, in his usual mocking tone, 'Let's see, should I want health care that is comprehensive and free or something that is no change? Huh.' I don't think Mr. Obama helps his cause by either being condescending or by misleading the public. No way that his health care is free under any plan.
CHEERS to Mr Obama for proposing the elimination of the military "don't ask, don't tell" policy. It is about time. I don't understand why we cannot do it sooner than one year, though. It is a policy that goes against everything that is the real American ideal.
HMM to Mr Obama for killing the Aries/Orion manned space program. At first I thought that this was just the continuing destruction of what was once a great space-faring nation. But I thought some more. Currently, NASA selects from one or two contractors to build their concept. Under the new proposal, bids will go out along with seed money to have private enterprise build the equipment. Not all that different, but the design will be from the outside and it does privatize the activity. It also, through the use of the seed money, will guarantee that the goals of the program will not be purely commercial (space tourism for example). We will have to wait and see.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Econ 101
This is just the greatest explanation of managed and free economies that I have EVER heard:
Click here
Enjoy and become educated!
Click here
Enjoy and become educated!
English Grammar's Slow Death
I was listening to NPR this evening on my ride home and, in the span of 5 minutes, heard three examples of an unclear antecedent. This particular problem caused me many lost points on English compositions in high school. Here is one of the quotes:
From "Marketplace" ...
Continuing with the theme here, you remember the phrase toxic assets from the good old days of the credit crisis? They are still around, and every time the government seizes a failed bank, we taxpayers own more of them.
So, do we own more toxic assets or more banks?
I don't expect perfect grammar in everyday use of the language, but one might expect that journalists, trained in writing, would spot such a simple error that can cause confusion and diminish the impact of the story by having listeners, such as I, focused on the structure of the phrase and not the content of the phrase.
From "Marketplace" ...
Continuing with the theme here, you remember the phrase toxic assets from the good old days of the credit crisis? They are still around, and every time the government seizes a failed bank, we taxpayers own more of them.
So, do we own more toxic assets or more banks?
I don't expect perfect grammar in everyday use of the language, but one might expect that journalists, trained in writing, would spot such a simple error that can cause confusion and diminish the impact of the story by having listeners, such as I, focused on the structure of the phrase and not the content of the phrase.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Natural Chickens
I read the following earlier this week:
We do not seem able to satisfy ourselves with the qualities which nature has given to the roosterish clan; art has stepped in; and with the pretext of bettering them we have made them into martyrs. Not only do we deprive them of their means of reproduction, but we condemn them to solitary confinement and darkness, we force them to eat, and by doing so we make them much heavier than they were ever meant to be.
I think this is a rather accurate picture of how we handle chickens now as the ones we find in stores are "unnaturally" fat.
Interestingly, this passage is a quote from The Physiology of Taste, written by Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin in1825. Is there anything really new?
We do not seem able to satisfy ourselves with the qualities which nature has given to the roosterish clan; art has stepped in; and with the pretext of bettering them we have made them into martyrs. Not only do we deprive them of their means of reproduction, but we condemn them to solitary confinement and darkness, we force them to eat, and by doing so we make them much heavier than they were ever meant to be.
I think this is a rather accurate picture of how we handle chickens now as the ones we find in stores are "unnaturally" fat.
Interestingly, this passage is a quote from The Physiology of Taste, written by Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin in1825. Is there anything really new?
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
A Republican in Massachusetts?
I have been following the reaction of both talking heads and politicians following last night's election of a Repulican to the Senate to represent Massachusetts. Almost to a person, the republicans seem to think this is a referendum on President Obama. On the other side, the democrats just seem to think that all they need to do is to do a better job of explaining to the American people why legislation is good for them (poor dumb Americans just don't understand). Is there any wonder we can't get anything useful done?
They are all wrong. This was NOT a referendum on Obama. He is a liberal and, even in a heavily independent state like Massachusetts, there is plenty of liberal thought and, in general, I would say that most of the people there support Obama (his poll numbers are still around 50% - not bad given that he has accomplished so little ... not that this is unusual, Presidents are in the executive branch and action must come from the legislative branch, so, unless the party in power is unified or can work across the aisles or unless the President has enough personal charm to sway the electorate, there is little that can get done by a given President).
It is also not a situation where us poor dumb Americans (PDA's) don't understand the legislation. I think we do understand it and that is part of the reason for the outcome of the election.
Our legislators are the ones who don't get it. Us PDA's don't like:
They are all wrong. This was NOT a referendum on Obama. He is a liberal and, even in a heavily independent state like Massachusetts, there is plenty of liberal thought and, in general, I would say that most of the people there support Obama (his poll numbers are still around 50% - not bad given that he has accomplished so little ... not that this is unusual, Presidents are in the executive branch and action must come from the legislative branch, so, unless the party in power is unified or can work across the aisles or unless the President has enough personal charm to sway the electorate, there is little that can get done by a given President).
It is also not a situation where us poor dumb Americans (PDA's) don't understand the legislation. I think we do understand it and that is part of the reason for the outcome of the election.
Our legislators are the ones who don't get it. Us PDA's don't like:
- having legislation rammed through by one party with no input from the other
- outrageous deficit spending that lowers the value of the dollar, will lead to future inflation, and will bankrupt our children and grandchildren
- more and more taxes (especially when so many people are out of work or have not seen raises in a couple of years)
- politicians who talk down to us and take us for granted
- childish posturing and narrow-minded approaches to legislating
- inability for our politicians to practice give-and-take (neither side gives)
I could go on, but this was really a referendum on our Congress. My question to ponder is what will us PDA's do next when nothing changes?
Sunday, January 10, 2010
cajun pasta
I thoroughly enjoy cooking. I especially like unique foods from different cultures ... although some of it has been surprising and some has been unpalatable. I don't fill up this blog with recipes, but occassionally I have to make an exception. Such is the case for cajun pasta. Follow along!
Starting with one pound of peeled shrimp (or I think scallops would work well, too). Season liberally with Old Bay or Emeril's "essence". Next, cook one pound of pasta (penne, farfalle, etc - no spaghetti-like stuff) to JUST AL DENTE, as you will cook it more later. Next, lightly cook the shrimp in a pan, no more than one minute per side, just enough to make the shrimp pink and opaque. This should be done in just a bit of olive oil or olive oil and butter. Remove the shrimp and lay out in a single layer to help stop the cooking. Now, add diced bell pepper and diced onion to the pan along with diced andoille sausage (one is enough, two would be really great). Stir fry these until the onion is well caramelized and the sausage is browned. Add garlic (1 - 3 cloves, minced) and stir for another minute or so. Deglaze the pan with a half cup of chicken stock (I used 98% fat free). Add one can of petite diced tomatoes (freshly diced when available, but canned works well, too) and stir. Add another good 3/4 tablespoon of Old Bay or essence. Add half a cup of non-fat evaporated milk (or half-and-half or heavy cream if the calories are not a concern) and stir well. Keep the heat around medium or slightly above for all of this. Add a tablespoon or so of tomato paste and season to taste with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Add the pasta and shrimp back into the pot and stir. Lower the temperature to below medium and allow the sauce to thicken. Spoon it up and enjoy!
Starting with one pound of peeled shrimp (or I think scallops would work well, too). Season liberally with Old Bay or Emeril's "essence". Next, cook one pound of pasta (penne, farfalle, etc - no spaghetti-like stuff) to JUST AL DENTE, as you will cook it more later. Next, lightly cook the shrimp in a pan, no more than one minute per side, just enough to make the shrimp pink and opaque. This should be done in just a bit of olive oil or olive oil and butter. Remove the shrimp and lay out in a single layer to help stop the cooking. Now, add diced bell pepper and diced onion to the pan along with diced andoille sausage (one is enough, two would be really great). Stir fry these until the onion is well caramelized and the sausage is browned. Add garlic (1 - 3 cloves, minced) and stir for another minute or so. Deglaze the pan with a half cup of chicken stock (I used 98% fat free). Add one can of petite diced tomatoes (freshly diced when available, but canned works well, too) and stir. Add another good 3/4 tablespoon of Old Bay or essence. Add half a cup of non-fat evaporated milk (or half-and-half or heavy cream if the calories are not a concern) and stir well. Keep the heat around medium or slightly above for all of this. Add a tablespoon or so of tomato paste and season to taste with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Add the pasta and shrimp back into the pot and stir. Lower the temperature to below medium and allow the sauce to thicken. Spoon it up and enjoy!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Technology and aging
I am 54 years old. I keep passwords for so many different activities ... banking, weblogs, e-mail (personal and work), twitter, linkedin, a half a dozen or so work applications, American Express, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, insurance companies, public library, etc, etc, ad nauseum. My greatest concern for myself and all Americans growing up now -
What will happen as we age?
We will forget passwords. Alzheimers will remove us from reality. We are told not to keep lists of passwords. How will we survive in another 20 years when everything is password controlled and our aging population is at the mercy of failing memories?
What will happen as we age?
We will forget passwords. Alzheimers will remove us from reality. We are told not to keep lists of passwords. How will we survive in another 20 years when everything is password controlled and our aging population is at the mercy of failing memories?
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