R.I.P. Michael Crichton
Michael Crichton, author of Jurrasic Park and many, many more novels, passed away Tuesday. He died of cancer.
MSN article
MSN article
early voters, what if...
If someone votes early (or absentee), and then dies before election day, should their vote be counted?
two-and-a-half hours...
Can anybody explain to me why many districts have voters popping in and out of the voting booths in 10 minutes or less, but election after election our district has people waiting in line for hours?
We used to vote at a large church down the street, and spent three to four hours in line. Our district was split, and so today we only stood in line for two-and-a-half hours. Most of it outside. With occassional spitting rain. At least it was an autumn chill, not a wintery breeze.
Is there any legitimate reason for this stupidity? (meaning the inadequate resources in some areas, not the standing in line waiting)
We used to vote at a large church down the street, and spent three to four hours in line. Our district was split, and so today we only stood in line for two-and-a-half hours. Most of it outside. With occassional spitting rain. At least it was an autumn chill, not a wintery breeze.
Is there any legitimate reason for this stupidity? (meaning the inadequate resources in some areas, not the standing in line waiting)
From today's Rec.Humor.Funny
Q: What's the hardest thing about eating vegetables?
A: The life support equipment.
A: The life support equipment.
Voting rules
Did you know that in Virginia there are rules on what you can wear at the polling places? Do you know who to contact if you have problems when you vote?
Here's a WTOP article with the rules of voting in Maryland, DC, and Virginia.
Here's a WTOP article with the rules of voting in Maryland, DC, and Virginia.
Better than slots!
Maryland has an option this election season to add an amendment to the state constitution to allow slots in the Old Line State. Even though gambling is seen as such a hideous vice that only state-sanctioned gambling is allowed, it has been suggested that too many Marylanders are going out of state to glut themselves on electronic noisemakers. The racing and lottery industries are not enough! Therefore we must provide slot machines as a means of keeping our people (and their money) in the state.
I think this is the wrong approach. While mimicking Delaware and West Virginia by providing slots machines might stem the flow of cash from our state to our neighbors, we should do even more! Bring their money to us! And we cannot do that by playing catch-up on addictive machines. A better idea would be to focus on a different vice altogether! Since we have, as a society, decided that we ignore sinful and hurtful behaviors and addictions (as long as it benefits education!), we should focus on other, untapped aspects of human nature. We should legalize prostitution! Let sound the cry, "Sluts, not Slots!"
I think this is the wrong approach. While mimicking Delaware and West Virginia by providing slots machines might stem the flow of cash from our state to our neighbors, we should do even more! Bring their money to us! And we cannot do that by playing catch-up on addictive machines. A better idea would be to focus on a different vice altogether! Since we have, as a society, decided that we ignore sinful and hurtful behaviors and addictions (as long as it benefits education!), we should focus on other, untapped aspects of human nature. We should legalize prostitution! Let sound the cry, "Sluts, not Slots!"
Coffee recommendation
Despite the fact that I drink quite a bit of coffee, I find most of what I drink to be fairly mediocre. Occassionally I find a coffee that reminds me of why I drink the stuff.
Seattle's Best Coffee (which is owned by Starbucks, but acts independently) is currently marketing a seasonal blend called Autumn Reserve. It is a bold roast that isn't very bitter like many bold roasts. It's only available in the fall, so they might not have it much longer. But if you like coffee, it's worth checking out. Available at most Borders stores.
Seattle's Best Coffee (which is owned by Starbucks, but acts independently) is currently marketing a seasonal blend called Autumn Reserve. It is a bold roast that isn't very bitter like many bold roasts. It's only available in the fall, so they might not have it much longer. But if you like coffee, it's worth checking out. Available at most Borders stores.
Melamine in candy
It's probably not an issue for M&Ms and Snickers, but be careful of any candy made in China. Cadburry recently issued a recall on candy made in China due to the presense of melamine, a substance which can be fatal in sufficient quantities. Here's more info:
article to read
article to read
a little pre-vote paranoia...
Slashdot report on lost votes in a Finnish election, where no paper trail backed up the electronic machines.
Don't forget to vote on November 4!!! Every vote counts (except those that don't)!
Don't forget to vote on November 4!!! Every vote counts (except those that don't)!
I'm so sorry, everybody!
This is hysterical!
Obama loses, and it's my fault! I'm so sorry!
edit: this was sent to me by my BIL. Watch til the end to modify and send to your friends!
Obama loses, and it's my fault! I'm so sorry!
edit: this was sent to me by my BIL. Watch til the end to modify and send to your friends!
Friday groaner
Q: What goes “Pieces of seven! Pieces of seven!”
A: A parroty error.
(from a humor article in Notices of the AMS, January '05)
EDIT: while humorous on the surface, there is a significant flaw in the logic of this joke! Can you find it?
A: A parroty error.
(from a humor article in Notices of the AMS, January '05)
EDIT: while humorous on the surface, there is a significant flaw in the logic of this joke! Can you find it?
stock market
I feel like I should have a new stock market icon, one that shows Slim Pickens waving his cowboy hat and riding a nuclear bomb.
I know it will get better, I know it may take a while, and I know that by picking good companies, the best answer is to ride through the volatility.
At least that's what I keep telling myself.
Yeeeee-haaawwww!
I know it will get better, I know it may take a while, and I know that by picking good companies, the best answer is to ride through the volatility.
At least that's what I keep telling myself.
Yeeeee-haaawwww!
Blah. Sick
I had a relatively good day at work. Looking forward to getting stuff done at home. Get home. Suddenly, like the blah from hell, sick. Headcold. No warning. General Malaise along with his majors and captains.
Not fair.
blah
Not fair.
blah
Palin to appear on SNL
It appears that Palin is to appear on SNL -- the real Sarah Palin this time.
Maybe she'll do a parody of Tina Fey?
Maybe she'll do a parody of Tina Fey?
Another "W" review
Yesterday (maybe two days ago?) I pointed to Ebert's review of the new Oliver Stone movie, "W" -- a film that explores various aspects of the current president's life. Ebert found it to be a more accurate representation than some of Stone's other movies, and gave it 4 (of 4) stars.
Today, however, I read Ann Hornaday's review from Washington Post's webpage, and her response was not at all similar. She likens the movie to an extended SNL skit, and says "it's a scattershot attempt at stylized portraiture that plays like a half-baked editorial cartoon."
Needless to say, she didn't give it four stars.
Today, however, I read Ann Hornaday's review from Washington Post's webpage, and her response was not at all similar. She likens the movie to an extended SNL skit, and says "it's a scattershot attempt at stylized portraiture that plays like a half-baked editorial cartoon."
Needless to say, she didn't give it four stars.
(no subject)
Ebert has given four stars (out of four) to "W" -- the movie about the current president by Oliver Stone. He notes
Unlike Stone's "JFK" and "Nixon," this film contains no revisionist history.
I have to wonder now whether the movie will appeal to both Bush-detractors and Bush-supporters, each for their own reasons.
Unlike Stone's "JFK" and "Nixon," this film contains no revisionist history.
I have to wonder now whether the movie will appeal to both Bush-detractors and Bush-supporters, each for their own reasons.